Hilary is a sociologist and Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University, Chicago (living in London).  Much of her work now focuses on the health and safety of children and vulnerable adults, gendered violence, and, particularly, female genital mutilation (about which she has researched and written two books). Other aspects of Hilary’s work concern economic influences and environmental challenges in these and wider matters.

In the 1970s Hilary was the first person in the U.K. to initiate research on women university teachers of natural science. Then as a college teacher she insisted on proper provision (eg creches) for ‘returning’ adults who wanted to study. She also researched teenage pregnancy and later provided consultancy on services such as Sure Start. Her work in the Millennium year saw her make a presentation on community engagement and regeneration to the Millennium Commissioners. Later, she collaborated with The Guardian on their #EndFGM campaign; and she continues to advise the Global Media Campaign to that end. (One particular focus for Hilary re FGM is economics.) Hilary has also taken forward her enduring concerns around environmental issues and sustainability, including as a member of the DEFRA Science Advisory Council.  These are issues not unrelated to the disadvantages faced by many women globally. Over the past decade-plus Hilary has developed her concept of patriarchy incarnate as it impinges on, and shapes, the lives of many ‘ordinary’ women, men and children in a wide range of health / well-being, community and economic contexts.

Further information about Hilary’s books and other publications, and her work and experiences (not least navigating decades of personal and social change in the UK!) can be found HERE.

NB Many of my papers, chapters and books have been reviewed and published by major academic publishers. Sometimes however I prefer to share my work (at no further cost to any of us, and NB at no personal financial benefit to myself) more quickly and openly, on this website – where you, the reader, are invited to comment and critique it directly, via the Comment facility at the bottom of the page.