Dr Mercy Masta is a Research Fellow with the Department of Pacific Affairs at ANU. She currently works part-time as a GEDSI and Safeguards Specialist for the Australia Awards Women Leading and Influencing program and a Learning and Research Associate with Conciliation Resources Australia, a peace-building organisation that works in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Mercy has worked on a range of DFAT programs in the Pacific, including in the areas of health and HIV, gender equality, women’s empowerment, and youth development.