Woman's Hour - TopPodcast.com

Kemi Badenoch becomes Tory leader, Athlete Julien Alfred, Author Eliza Clark Nov 04, 2024

Kemi Badenoch is the first woman of colour to lead a major political party in the UK, after being elected as leader of the Conservative Party at the weekend. What do we know about her as a woman, and as a politician? What does this mean for women in the Tory party? Clare McDonnell speaks to Katy Balls, political editor of the Spectator, Ella Robertson McKay, former head of Conservative Young Women, and Tory peer Baroness Kate Fall.

The Women's 100 metre Olympic champion Julien Alfred joins Clare in the studio. Her gold medal in Paris was the first time St Lucia had won an Olympic medal. She discusses what it took to become a champion and also having a national day named after her.

The author Eliza Clark is publishing a new collection of short stories: She’s Always Hungry. She joins Clare to talk about why she wanted to cover topics from matriarchal societies to body image, and how she thinks female authors deserve more respect.

Natalie Hewit spent two months in Antarctica directing and producing on the documentary film Endurance, about Ernest Shackleton’s expedition. It was a labour of love, and features restored footage and AI-recreated voices of the original crew in 1914, as well as chronicling the discovery in 2022 of Shackleton’s ship, 3000 metres down in the icy waters of the Weddell Sea.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Lottie Garton

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Hunger strike, Anna Maxwell Martin, US Election and women, Joeli Brearley, Mary McCall Jr Nov 02, 2024

British-Egyptian activist and Maths professor Laila Soueif has been on hunger strike for the past month to protest her son Alaa’s incarceration in Egypt. He is the country’s most high profile political prisoner. Laila and her daughter Sanaa – who has faced arrest and imprisonment herself – joined Anita Rani to talk about why they won’t stop fighting for Alaa’s release.

The BAFTA-winning actress Anna Maxwell Martin stars as Delia in the new ITV series Until I Kill You. It tells the true story of Delia Balmer, who was the girlfriend of serial killer John Sweeney. Anna joined Nuala McGovern to talk about why she wanted to tell Delia’s story, as well as her personal experiences of grief and struggles with the special educational needs system.

The United States goes to the polls next week and presidential candidates are campaigning furiously, with the two frontrunners being the Democratic nominee and current Vice President, Kamala Harris and the Republican nominee and former President, Donald Trump. As a programme, we’re taking a look at whether there’s such a thing as the ‘the woman’s vote'. How are different groups of women likely to vote and why? Nuala spoke to Kathy Frankovic, Consultant to YouGov America and former director of surveys for CBS News and Debbie Walsh, Director of the Centre for Women and American Politics at Rutgers University.

Sacked from her job by voicemail the day after she informed her employer she was pregnant Joeli Brearley set up Pregnant Then Screwed to end pregnancy and maternity discrimination. The charity has helped to influence new flexible working and redundancy protection laws, providing advice to hundreds of thousands of women when they face discrimination and challenging employers and government in high profile cases. After ten years Joeli is stepping down as CEO. She joined Nuala in the Woman's Hour studio.

Film historian Jennifer Smyth talked to Nuala about the life and legacy of the pioneering American screenwriter, Mary McCall Jr. The first woman president of the Screen Writers Guild in 1942, Mary was a key negotiator ensuring better rights and wages for all screenwriters in the film industry. But after years of standing up to male studio heads, she would be blacklisted and go from being one of the biggest earners in Hollywood to living on nickels and dimes.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Emma Pearce

Saoirse Ronan’s viral moment, Mother on hunger strike, Donna Ockendon and her daughter Phoebe Nov 01, 2024

Saoirse Ronan’s comments on the Graham Norton Show last week when she interjected in a conversation about self-defence and highlighted the issue of women’s safety are continuing to make headlines. She was applauded by the audience, but how much courage does it take to call something out like this? Joining Anita Rani to discuss are the journalist Ash Sarkar and counselling psychologist Dr Elaine Kasket.

British-Egyptian activist and maths professor Laila Soueif has been on hunger strike for the past month to protest her son Alaa’s incarceration in Egypt. He is the country’s most high profile political prisoner. Laila and her daughter Sanaa – who has faced arrest and imprisonment herself – join Anita to talk about why they won’t stop fighting for Alaa’s release.

Donna Ockenden, the midwife best known for leading independent investigations into shocking maternity scandals says she's 'disgusted' at the experience her disabled daughter, Phoebe, had in A&E recently. Phoebe and Donna join Anita for their first broadcast interview to explain what went wrong and what they want to change.

It’s not uncommon to see young children using a tablet or a video game, but how much time on these devices is too much? A new UK study has explored how children under three engage with digital technology at home. The research reveals the significant extent of toddlers’ access to various devices, and highlights how these devices can support their early language and literacy development. Anita is joined by Professor Rosie Flewitt who led the study.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Maryam Maruf Editor: Sarah Crawley Studio Manager: Sue Maillot

The impact of the Budget on women, Nuzo Onoh, The Remarkable Life of Ibelin Oct 31, 2024

Following the announcement of Labour’s first budget in fourteen years – and the first Budget announced by a woman Chancellor – we hear how women across the country will be affected. Anita Rani speaks to Mehreen Khan, the economics editor of The Times, Sara Reis, deputy director and head of research at Women’s Budget Group and Jo, a participant in the Changing Realities project, a collaboration of parents and carers on a low income and researchers from the University of York and Child Poverty Action.

With Halloween upon us, Queen of African Horror Nuzo Onoh joins Anita to talk about her new novel Where the Dead Brides Gather, her journey to getting published and spooky celebrations in Nigeria.

How many of us have grown up with parts of our lives unknown to our parents? Born with a degenerative muscular disease, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Mats Steen was in a wheelchair by the age of 8, and was in an out of hospital right up until he died at the age of 25. As his family mourned his loss, it emerged that Mats had an online life that his parents knew nothing about. In a new Netflix documentary, his mother Trude, his father Robert and his sister Mia describe what it was like to discover Mats' secret world. Trude joins Anita to discuss.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Laura Northedge

Online scams, US election, Mary McCall Jr Oct 30, 2024

The business owner Martha Keith found her products being sold fraudulently online. She tells Nuala how she set about trying to take control of the situation. Last month Lloyds Bank warned of a huge rise in rogue retailers using fake websites to trick people into buying items that are never dispatched. To discuss Nuala is also joined by Katherine Hart, Lead Officer for Scams for the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation.

With less than a week to go until the US Presidential election next Tuesday, how are the campaigns trying to appeal to male and female voters? Nuala speaks to Jill Lepore, Professor of American History at Harvard University, and Edward Luce, US National Editor at the Financial Times.

The Taliban has announced new restrictions on women in Afghanistan, which mean women are not allowed to pray out loud or sing together. We hear more from the BBC's Shazia Haya and Fawzia Koofi, the former deputy speaker of parliament in Afghanistan, who was a member of the peace negotiations with the Taliban.

Film historian Jennifer Smyth talks to Nuala about the life and legacy of the pioneering American screenwriter, Mary McCall Jr. The first woman president of the Screen Writers Guild in 1942, Mary was a key negotiator ensuring better rights and wages for all screenwriters in the film industry. But after years of standing up to male studio heads, she would be blacklisted and go from being one of the biggest earners in Hollywood to living on nickels and dimes.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Joeli Brearley, US elections and women, Ballon d'Or Feminin winners Oct 29, 2024

Sacked from her job by voicemail the day after she informed her employer she was pregnant Joeli Brearley set up Pregnant Then Screwed to end pregnancy and maternity discrimination. The charity has helped to influence new flexible working and redundancy protection laws, providing advice to hundreds of thousands of women when they face discrimination and challenging employers and government in high profile cases. After ten years Joeli is stepping down as CEO. She joins Nuala McGovern in the Woman's Hour studio.

The United States goes to the polls one week today and presidential candidates are campaigning furiously, with the two frontrunners being the Democratic nominee and current Vice President, Kamala Harris and the Republican nominee and former President, Donald Trump. As a programme, we’re taking a look at whether there’s such a thing as the ‘the woman’s vote'. How are different groups of women likely to vote and why? Nuala speaks to Kathy Frankovic, Consultant to YouGov America and former director of surveys for CBS News and Debbie Walsh, Director of the Centre for Women and American Politics at Rutgers University.

Last night’s 2024 Ballon d’Or Awards in Paris saw the Ballon d’Or Feminin award go to Aitana Bonmati for the second year in a row, and former Chelsea coach Emma Hayes win Women’s Coach of the Year. We hear from BBC Women’s Football reporter Emma Sanders for a round-up.

Rae Mainwaring was only 23 when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Since then she's gone on to be a successful writer and theatre maker, and a mother of two children, and now her play Bright Places, about growing up in the shadow of a chronic illness is being staged at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. She joins us in the Woman's Hour studio.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Is the Women's Equality Party disbanding? Anna Maxwell Martin, Sexual Assault Referral Centres Oct 28, 2024

The Women’s Equality Party is urging members to vote to close down the party next month, just under 10 years after it began. The founders say financial challenges and a changed political landscape mean their campaigning model no longer works. Nuala McGovern is joined by the Guardian’s Emma Graham-Harrison and Jemima Olchawski from the Fawcett Society to discuss.

The BAFTA-winning actress Anna Maxwell Martin stars as Delia in the new ITV series Until I Kill You. It tells the true story of Delia Balmer, who was the girlfriend of serial killer John Sweeney. Anna joins Nuala to talk about why she wanted to tell Delia’s story, as well as her personal experiences of grief and struggles with the special educational needs system.

A new study has evaluated the effectiveness of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), which offer specialist support to survivors of sexual violence. According to the research led by Coventry University, the majority of survivors surveyed reported a positive experience. To discuss the findings, we speak to the project lead Lorna O’Doherty, Professor of Trauma and Mental Health at Coventry University; and a woman we're calling Lauren who has accessed the services of a SARC.

The Colombian artist Alejandra Aristizabal creates 3D artwork using a native Colombian plant called the Fique. Her art helps to give a voice to indigenous women and raise awareness of the work they do. She is currently part of a residency programme at Christie's of London supporting artists who are using their work to bring about change. Alejandra joins Nuala to tell us more.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lottie Garton

Vanessa Feltz, SEND best practice: what is working?, Rivals Oct 26, 2024

Vanessa Feltz has been a fixture on TV and radio for three decades. Now she has written a memoir, Vanessa Bares All, which charts the many ups and downs of her personal and professional life. She joins Anita Rani.

Listeners share with Nuala McGovern what they think works when it comes to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision in educational settings.

In the late 1970s, in the toilets at Euston Station, Dr Sheila Reith, while trying to administer insulin to her daughter, thought there must be an easier way. She envisioned a pen-like device that could be used simply with just one hand. A few years later, the first insulin pen came to market, revolutionizing care for people with diabetes. Dr. Reith has since devoted her life to diabetes care, improving and saving the lives of millions. She joins Anita to discuss winning a Pride of Britain Lifetime Achievement Award.

Best known for her sketches on Saturday Night Live and her role as Weird Barbie, comedian Kate McKinnon has now turned her attention to books. The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science is her first children’s book. Kate discusses the story and embracing her 'weirdness.'

What does the TV adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s 80s classic Rivals tell us about sex in 2024? Nuala hears from Dayna McAlpine, a sex and relationships writer and lifestyle editor at HuffPost UK, and Rowan Pelling, co-editor at Perspective and former editor of the Erotic Review.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Vanessa Feltz, Saudi Arabia, Medieval women Oct 25, 2024

Vanessa Feltz has been a fixture on our TV screens and radio stations – not to mention tabloid headlines – for three decades. Now she has written a memoir, Vanessa Bares All, which charts the many ups and downs of her personal and professional life, from the Big Breakfast Bed to the Big Brother house, via Madonna and Miss Piggy.

If farming can seem to be a man’s world, then ploughing is especially male. So who are the women taking part in ploughing competitions like the one in The Archers this week? Sarah Williams, a competitive plougher, joins Anita, as does Sarah Hehir, a writer on The Archers.

A new documentary called Kingdom Uncovered: Inside Saudi Arabia follows an undercover journalist attempting to record what life is really like in the country. The current government say they have improved the situation for women, but is this really the case? Human rights activist Lina Al-Hathloul, whose sister Loujain was imprisoned for defending women’s rights, joins Anita alongside Dr Maryam Aldossari, a Senior Lecturer at the University of London.

From 15th century birth girdles to 13th century make-up tutorials, a new exhibition at the British Library reveals what life was like for medieval women. Curator Eleanor Jackson and writer Bee Rowlatt, who both work at the Library, talk about challenging our ideas of women in the Middle Ages.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Emma Pearce

Actor Emily Watson, Comedian Kate McKinnon, Gisèle Pelicot Oct 24, 2024

Two-time Oscar-nominated actor Emily Watson is a face that has graced the screen and stage – her work of course in Breaking the Waves in 1996 earned her one of those nominations. She joins Anita Rani to talk about her new role in the upcoming film, Small Things Like These. Based on the bestselling book by Claire Keegan, the story focuses on a convent – which is in fact running a Magdalene laundry and Emily plays the role of Sister Mary, the Mother Superior of the convent.

Gisèle Pelicot has become something of a feminist icon in France. Her husband is on trial along with dozens of other men accused of raping her and she has promised to try to change society for victims of sexual assault. The trial in Avignon began at the beginning of September and Gisèle Pelicot took the stand yesterday for the second time. BBC correspondent Andrew Harding was in court. He and author and journalist Joan Smith discuss the impact of her testimony.

In the toilets at Euston station in the late 1970s, while trying to administer insulin to her daughter, Dr Sheila Reith thought there must be an easier way. She had an idea for a pen-like device that could be used simply and with just one hand. A few years later, the first insulin pen came to the market and revolutionised care for people living with diabetes. Dr Reith has since devoted her life to diabetes care, improving and saving the lives of millions of people. She joins Anita to talk about winning a Pride of Britain Award.

Best known for her sketches on Saturday Night Live and playing Weird Barbie the comedian Kate McKinnon has now turned her attention to books. ‘The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science’ is her first children’s book. Kate discusses the story and her broader career.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

SEND Best Practice: What is working? Oct 23, 2024

In a phone-in programme focusing on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, Nuala McGovern talks to listeners about SEND provision in educational settings with a focus on what is working. Mums of children with SEND share examples of what they personally think of as good practice in their schools and nurseries and SEND educational professionals and workers suggest potential solutions and innovative concepts that could potentially be passed on, scaled up and rolled out in versions across the UK.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Cush Jumbo, Author Kate Mosse, Sue Gray quits, Women in business Oct 22, 2024

The Prime Minister's chief of staff Sue Gray has left her post and has been replaced by Morgan McSweeney. It's led some papers to claim "the lads have won this round". To discuss, Nuala McGovern is joined by Caroline Slocock, former civil servant and author of Margaret Thatcher and Me, which reflects on women and power.

Actor Cush Jumbo has reprised the role of Lady Macbeth alongside David Tennant in Macbeth which has just transferred to the Harold Pinter theatre in London. She joins Nuala to discuss how she is approaching one of Shakespeare’s most famous female characters.

A recent government survey showed a sharp decline in the number of female-led businesses. Last year, only 15% of businesses employing fewer than 250 people were owned or led by women, down from 18% in 2022. Debbie Wosskow, serial entrepreneur and co-chair of the Invest in Women Taskforce, joins Nuala.

Kate Mosse is soon to release The Map of Bones, the fourth and final instalment in her series of novels The Joubert Family Chronicles, which begin in 1562 and follow a persecuted Huguenot family, charting generations of courageous and resilient women.

Adventurer Elise Wortley is following in the footsteps of forgotten female explorers… all whilst wearing the same, historically accurate clothing. She joins Nuala to tell her more about her mission.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Rivals, J Smith Cameron, Lucy Letby case Oct 22, 2024

Former nurse Lucy Letby became one of the UK’s most notorious child killers after she was convicted in 2023 of harming and murdering babies in her care. The nurse was found guilty by two juries after lengthy trials, but now there's been speculation over whether some evidence in the Letby trial was reliable. BBC Special Correspondent Judith Moritz is the co-author of the book Unmasking Lucy Letby: The untold story of the killer nurse. She joins Nuala McGovern to discuss what she has discovered since the trial ended.

The actor J. Smith Cameron is currently on stage in London’s West End alongside Mark Rylance in Juno and the Paycock. It’s a play about a working class family in Dublin during the1922 Irish Civil War. J joins Nuala to discuss this, as well as her starring role in Succession where she played Gerri Kellman.

Last weekend, the adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s classic 1980s bonkbuster Rivals landed on Disney+. The eight-part series is set in a fictional upper-class Cotswolds community and features media, politics and lots and lots of sex. So what does this moment of steamy nostalgia tell us about sex in 2024? Nuala talks to Dayna McAlpine, a sex and relationships writer and lifestyle editor at HuffPost UK, and Rowan Pelling, co-editor at Perspective and former editor of the Erotic Review.

New Zealand have won, against the odds, the Women’s T20 World Cup – an achievement that may mark a turning point for women’s cricket, so often dominated by Australia. Nuala is joined by batting all-rounder and a stalwart of the White Ferns, Suzie Bates.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Maryam Maruf Editor: Karen Dalziel Studio Manager: Gayl Gordon

Kelly Macdonald, Ovarian cancer vaccine breakthrough, Violence against women in Turkey Oct 21, 2024

It’s nearly thirty years since Kelly Macdonald made her acting debut as the sharp-witted 15 year old schoolgirl Diane in the classic film Trainspotting. Since then, the award winning actress has starred in critically acclaimed films like No Country for Old Men, Gosford Park, as well as Harry Potter franchise, and voiced the fearless Princess Merida in Pixar’s Brave. Now, she’s taking on a new role in the vampire comedy thriller, The Radleys.

Scientists at the University of Oxford are creating OvarianVax, a vaccine which teaches the immune system to recognise and attack the earliest stages of ovarian cancer. The hope is that the jab could be given to women preventatively on the NHS with the aim of eliminating the disease. We talk to Professor Ahmed Ahmed from the university of Oxford, who is leading the research into the jab, and Cary Wakefield CEO of Ovarian Cancer Action, to find out when exactly we might see this becoming available.

Hundreds of women have recently been protesting in Turkish cities after the killing of two young women in Istanbul – followed by protests every day for a week across the country, notably on university campuses. Recently the "We Will Stop Femicide Platform" reported that in Turkey, 34 women were murdered by men and 20 more died under suspicious circumstances in September alone. We hear from Elif Shafak - award-winning British-Turkish novelist and storyteller, and Times Turkey Correspondent Hannah Lucinda Smith.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Laura Northedge

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Lesley Manville, Breast cancer drug, Blessing scams, The Kill List, Elkie Brooks Oct 19, 2024

Why has a drug that can extend life for advanced breast cancer patients not been made available on the NHS? NICE have made the decision that Enhertu, a drug that can give around an extra six months to live on average, is too expensive. BBC Health Correspondent Cath Burns joined Anita Rani alongside Kate Wills, who has stage 4 cancer and has been campaigning for the drug to be made available.

The actor Lesley Manville is currently starring alongside Mark Strong in Robert Icke’s adaptation of Oedipus. She plays Jocasta, Oedipus’ wife. Lesley joined Nuala McGovern to tell us more about the play, what it’s like being back on stage for the first time since 2020, and why she thinks women's stories are being featured more.

New podcast The Kill List follows a group of journalists who discovered a page on the dark web detailing requests to have people killed, with women most likely to be the ones targeted. The investigation led to a major international police operation over four years and, at the heart of it are the real people whose lives were seemingly at huge risk. Nuala was joined by the programme's producer Caroline Thornham and Jennifer whose former husband posted a 'hit' for her on this website.

Blessing scams are targeting Chinese communities in the UK. They're usually carried out by women in groups of three, approaching people asking for help in Cantonese. Tuyet van Huynh's mother was one of these victims. After she was targeted, Tuyet set out to expose this practice on social media and has since heard from other victims. She speaks to Anita about the impact the crime has had on their family.

Death is a subject many people still shy away from, but one woman is determined to change that. Funeral director Inez Capps is on a mission to challenge the taboos around death and demystify an industry often shrouded in mystery. Inez talks to Nuala about how, since the age of 19, she’s been working with the deceased, and she’s using social media to give people a glimpse behind the scenes — from the care a loved one receives, to tours of the hearse and the embalming suite.

Elkie Brooks is the renowned British rock, jazz and blues singer. In a career spanning six decades, she was the biggest selling female British artist and still holds the accolade of the most Top 75 albums among female artists. She began singing professionally aged 15, shared a bill with The Beatles and went on to front the group Vinegar Joe with Robert Palmer, before going solo. She’s currently on her Long Farewell Tour and joined Anita in the studio to talk about her career and turning 80 next year.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

Elkie Brooks, 'Emotional vampires', Breast cancer drug Oct 18, 2024

Why has a drug that can extend life for advanced breast cancer patients not been made available on the NHS? NICE have made the decision that Enhertu, a drug that can give around an extra six months to live on average, is too expensive. BBC Health Correspondent Cath Burns joins Anita Rani alongside Kate Wills, who has stage 4 cancer and has been campaigning for the drug to be made available.

Do you have an 'emotional vampire' in your life? It’s that person who can make you feel drained with their negativity, who isn’t taking your own emotions into account. It can make for tricky relationships – so how do you identify an emotional vampire, and how do you handle that person? Chartered psychologist and author Suzy Reading joins Anita to discuss, alongside journalist and author Radhika Sanghani.

Elkie Brooks is the renowned British rock, jazz and blues singer. In a career spanning six decades, she was the biggest selling female British artist and still holds the accolade of the most Top 75 albums among female artists. She began singing professionally aged 15, shared a bill with The Beatles and went on to front the group Vinegar Joe with Robert Palmer, before going solo. She’s currently on her Long Farewell Tour and joins Anita in the studio to talk about her career and turning 80 next year.

In the latest in our series on special educational needs and disabilities we speak to the comedian Josephine Lacey. Today, we are looking at a very personal issue which will resonate for some mothers of boys with SEND. Josephine joins Anita in the studio.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Emma Pearce

Midlife marriage and money, Sara Sharif, Blessing scams, Maddalena Vaglio Tanet Oct 17, 2024

What are the economic implications of getting married in your midlife? Anita Rani is joined by the Financial Times’ Claer Barrett, writer and couples counsellor Lucy Cavendish and journalist and author Flic Everett to share their thoughts and experiences.

The murder trial of Sara Sharif, a 10-year-old girl found dead in Woking in August 2023, is at the Old Bailey in London. Sara's father Urfan Sharif, stepmother Beinash Batool, and uncle, Faisal Malik, have denied murder. BBC correspondent Helena Wilkinson talks to Anita about what the jury has been told so far.

Are Women's Super League football clubs overlooking female English coaches? The Football Association has an aim of 75% female coaches in this league, but the season started with four out of 12 female coaches, two of whom are English. The BBC’s senior women’s football reporter Emma Sanders joins Anita to discuss why this might be.

Blessing scams are targeting Chinese communities in the UK. They're usually carried out by women in groups of three, approaching people asking for help in Cantonese. Tuyet van Huynh's mother was one of these victims. After she was targeted, Tuyet set out to expose this practice on social media and has since heard from other victims. She speaks to Anita about the impact the crime has had on their family.

Italian author Maddalena Vaglio Tanet’s acclaimed debut novel Untold Lessons is a story she was born to write. Based on events that took place in her own family decades ago, Untold Lessons explores how a tragic event prompts the disappearance of a much-loved teacher, and what the double mystery tells us about the lives and attitudes of the people living her local community at the time.

Isabelle Huppert, NHS Whistleblower line, The Kill List, author Cecelia Ahern Oct 16, 2024

French actress Isabelle Huppert is renowned for her portrayal of dark, complex characters. She's also been hailed by many as one of the greatest actors of modern cinema. Since the 1970, she's starred in more than 120 films, including The Lacemaker, The Piano Teacher, and Elle for which she was Oscar nominated. She joins Nuala to discuss her latest role in a new comedic film The Crime is Mine, directed by François Ozon.

From today NHS staff in England will be able to whisteblow on colleagues for sexual harassment, as part of plans to improve safety for staff across the health service. Almost three-quarters (74%) of NHS England staff are female and in this year's NHS Staff Survey, almost 58,000 staff said they'd been the victim of assault, touching, sexualised or inappropriate conversation or jokes from their colleagues. To discuss the plans Nuala speaks to reporter, Melanie Abbott and Dr Chelcie Jewitt co-founder of Surviving in Scrubs set up to raise awareness of the sexist and misogynistic culture within health care.

New podcast The Kill List follows a group of journalists who discovered a page on the dark web detailing requests to have people killed, with women most likely to be the ones targetted. The investigation led to a major international police operation over four years and, at the heart of it are the real people whose lives were seemingly at huge risk. Nuala is joined by the programme's producer Caroline Thornham and Jennifer whose former husband posted a 'hit' for her on this website.

Cecelia Ahern is the bestselling author of an incredible twenty books. She first found success at a remarkably young age. She was only 21 when her novel PS I Love You became an international bestseller and then a Hollywood film. She tells Nuala McGovern how Celtic mythology and a return to nature inspired her latest novel.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Dr Hilary Cass, Meera Syal & Tanika Gupta, SEND teacher training, Sophie Kinsella, Contraception Oct 16, 2024

Dr Hilary Cass, now Baroness Cass, led a four year review into children’s gender identity services in England. Her final report concluded that children had been let down by a lack of research and "remarkably weak" evidence on medical interventions, and called for gender services for young people to match the standards of other NHS care. In an exclusive interview Nuala McGovern gets Dr Hilary Cass’s reflections six months on from releasing her landmark report.

A Tupperware of Ashes is a play which follows an ambitious Michelin-Star chef, Queenie, played by Meera Syal. It's a family drama about life, immigration and the Indian spiritual cycle of death and rebirth written by playwright Tanika Gupta. Both women joined Anita Rani to talk about the play which is currently on at the National Theatre.

Mums say that the UK’s system for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is broken. An opinion poll from Opinium commissioned by Woman's Hour for a programme on SEND last month revealed that only half of mothers believe their child with SEND is well supported in school, and those in Scotland are the least likely to feel this way. Krupa Padhy takes a look at what is going on behind the scenes with Julie Allan, Professor of Equity and Inclusion at the University of Birmingham; Bev Alderson, National Executive Member of the teaching union NASUWT and Jo Van Herwegen. Professor of Developmental Psychology and Education at University College London.

Bestselling author Sophie Kinsella, known for the hugely popular Shopaholic series and many other bestsellers, talks to Nuala about her latest novel, What Does It Feel Like? It is her most autobiographical yet and tells the story of a novelist who wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there and learns she’s had surgery to remove a large tumour growing in her brain. She must re-learn how to walk, talk, and write. Six months ago, Sophie shared with her readers on social media that in 2022, she had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, a type of aggressive brain cancer. It is known for its poor prognosis with only 25% of people surviving more than one year, and only 5% survive more than five years.

A new report from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, BPAS, looks into what women want from contraception, the innovations in non-hormonal contraception, and the contraceptive options available to men. Anita was joined by CEO of BPAS Heidi Stewart and 28-year-old Charlotte whose contraceptive pill gave her severe migraines for more than two years before the connection was made.

The Northumbrian electro-folk musician Frankie Archer has performed at Glastonbury and The BBC Proms, been featured on ‘Later... With Jools Holland’, and named as One To Watch! She has released a new EP 'Pressure and Persuasion’, through which she tells the stories of four women and girls from centuries past who navigate the same expectations that are put on women today. Frankie joined Nuala to talk about womanhood, tradfolk and to perform her current single, Elsie Marley.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

Lesley Manville, Brain injuries in childbirth, Strictly Come Dancing Oct 15, 2024

The actress Lesley Manville is currently starring alongside Mark Strong in Robert Icke’s adaptation of Oedipus. She plays Jocasta, Oedipus’ wife. Lesley joins Nuala McGovern to tell us more about the play, what it’s like being back on stage for the first time since 2020, and why she thinks women's stories are being featured more.

Every year thousands of babies need care for a brain injury sustained during birth. Now, highly focused training is being piloted in nine hospitals across England, aiming to standardise the approach and ensure staff know the best way to deal with an emergency that could lead to brain injury. Nuala is joined by Mary Dixon-Woods from the Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute and Gemma Barber from Liverpool Women’s Hospital to discuss how the training will work and what difference it could make.

Strictly Come Dancing pair Katya Jones and Wynne Evans have faced criticism over an incident on Saturday's show where Evans appeared to put his hand around Jones' waist and on her stomach. Both have apologised for any misunderstanding over the moment, saying it was part of an 'inside joke', but there has been an outcry from fans and the press. Nuala speaks to the Independent's Claire Cohen to discuss more.

Kendall Alaimo is an artist, activist and survivor of child sex trafficking. She joins Nuala live from a UN conference in Vienna to talk about her advocacy and the importance of giving survivors a seat at the table.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lottie Garton

Women's magazines, Dawn Sturgess, Female funeral directors Oct 14, 2024

For generations of women and girls, glossy magazines have been a guide to clothes, lifestyles, relationships and, of course, sex. Titles like Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Own and Sugar were pored over by thousands of us and now there is a podcast that celebrates those beloved back issues. Every week the hosts of Mag Hags, Lucy Douglas and Franki Cookney, read a different issue of a magazine from the 70s, 80s or 90s. As well as revelling in the 20th Century fashions, features and lifestyle advice, Lucy and Franki join Nuala McGovern to uncover a fascinating insight into the way we lived then, and the way we live now.

A public inquiry begins today which will explore the circumstances of the death of Dawn Sturgess, the woman from Wiltshire killed by a 2018 poisoning blamed on Russian agents. Her death came four months after Sergei and Yulia Skripal were found unconscious on a bench in Salisbury. At the time Prime Minister Theresa May said the Skripals were poisoned with the military grade nerve agent, Novichok and that it was "highly likely" that Russia was responsible - a claim Russia denies. Dawn Sturgess died after coming in to contact with the nerve agent which had been hidden inside a perfume bottle. Nuala is joined by BBC Wiltshire's Marie Lennon, one of the voices behind the new BBC Podcast, Salisbury Poisonings.

Black Box Diaries is a feature-length documentary that follows the director Shiori Itō’s investigation into her own alleged sexual assault in an attempt to prosecute her high-profile offender. Opening up questions around the #MeToo movement in Japan, Shiori explains how her quest became a landmark case exposing the country’s outdated judicial and societal systems.

Death is a subject many people still shy away from, but one woman is determined to change that. Funeral director Inez Capps is on a mission to challenge the taboos around death and demystify an industry often shrouded in mystery. Since the age of 19, she’s been working with the deceased, and she’s using social media to give people a glimpse behind the scenes — from the care a loved one receives, to tours of the hearse and the embalming suite. Inez runs a funeral business with her parents in the East Midlands.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Sharon D Clarke, SEND teacher training, Black nurses in history Oct 11, 2024

Sharon D Clarke is a triple Olivier award-winning actress currently starring in two separate TV series: My Loverman on BBC One and Ellis on Channel 5. In November she’s playing the role of Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest at the Lyttelton Theatre in London. Sharon joins Krupa Padhy to talk about her new roles and what black representation on stage and screen means to her.

Mums say that the UK’s system for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is broken. An opinion poll from Opinium commissioned by Woman's Hour for a programme on SEND last month revealed that only half of mothers believe their child with SEND is well supported in school, and those in Scotland are the least likely to feel this way. Krupa takes a look at what is going on behind the scenes with Julie Allan, Professor of Equity and Inclusion at the University of Birmingham; Bev Alderson, National Executive Member of the teaching union NASUWT and Jo Van Herwegen. Professor of Developmental Psychology and Education at University College London.

The rap musician Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs could face lawsuits from more than 100 accusers for sexual assault, rape and sexual exploitation. He is currently being held in a New York detention centre after being denied bail. What are the accusations against him? And what impact is this having on the alleged victims? BBC News correspondent Chi Chi Izundu joins Krupa to tell us more.

Who were the trailblazing black women in nursing and how far back does that history go? The children’s black history author Kandace Chimbiri asks that question in her latest book The Story of Britain’s Black Nurses. She examines how far back this history goes and its links to Empire and Britain’s former colonies.

Hurricane response, Meera Syal & Tanika Gupta, Contraception, Neneh Cherry Oct 10, 2024

Hurricane Milton landed today in Florida, battering the US state with winds of around 120 miles per hour. Residents were warned to evacuate for their own safety - but some have stayed. Professor of Risk and Hazard at Durham University Lucy Easthope joins Anita Rani to look at the women who stay behind in these situations, and their reasons behind this, as well as whether disaster planning reflects gender differences.

A Tupperware of Ashes is a play which follows an ambitious Michelin-Star chef, Queenie, played by Meera Syal. It's a family drama about life, immigration and the Indian spiritual cycle of death and rebirth written by playwright Tanika Gupta. Both women join Anita to talk about the play which is currently on at the National Theatre.

A new report from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, BPAS, looks into what women want from contraception, the innovations in non-hormonal contraception, and the contraceptive options available to men. Anita is joined by CEO of BPAS Heidi Stewart and 28-year-old Charlotte whose contraceptive pill gave her severe migraines for more than two years before the connection was made.

Swedish singer-songwriter, rapper and producer Neneh Cherry first achieved global success in 1988 with her hit Buffalo Stance. She now has released a beautiful and personal memoir, A Thousand Threads. Neneh joins Anita to talk more about her life and career, and the stories she tells in the book.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Dr Hilary Cass, Actor Alison Steadman, Operation Identify Me, Electro-folk singer Frankie Archer Oct 09, 2024

Dr Hilary Cass, now Baroness Cass, led a four year review into children’s gender identity services in England. Her final report concluded that children had been let down by a lack of research and "remarkably weak" evidence on medical interventions, and called for gender services for young people to match the standards of other NHS care. In an exclusive interview Nuala McGovern gets Dr Hilary Cass’s reflections six months on from releasing her landmark report.

Alison Steadman is one of our best loved actors. Candice Marie in Nuts in May, Beverly in Abigail’s Party, Mrs Bennett in Pride and Prejudice and Pamela in Gavin & Stacey, just some of the iconic characters Alison has brought to life. She’s also won an Olivier Award for The Rise and Fall of Little Voice and a National Society of Film Critic Award. She is also a keen birdwatcher. She joins Nuala to talk about her memoir, Out of Character.

The second phase of a campaign aimed at finding the names of unidentified women who were murdered or killed in suspicious circumstances is being launched. Operation Identify Me is highlighting another 46 cold cases that European police are seeking to solve. BBC coverage of last year’s appeal helped to identify a British woman, Rita Roberts, some 30 years after her murder. Nuala is joined by BBC Correspondent Anna Holligan.

The Northumbrian electro-folk musician Frankie Archer has performed at Glastonbury and The BBC Proms, been featured on ‘Later... With Jools Holland’,and named as One To Watch! She has released a new EP 'Pressure and Persuasion’, through which she tells the stories of four women and girls from centuries past who navigate the same expectations that are put on women today. She joins Nuala to talk about womanhood, tradfolk and her current UK tour, and to perform her current single, Elsie Marley.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

UK Covid inquiry, Sophie Kinsella, Rower Imogen Grant Oct 08, 2024

If you remember the #butnotmaternity campaign during the Covid-19 pandemic you’ll recall that women were sometimes left to give birth without their partners. Those restrictions for maternity care were left in place far too long affecting the mental health of mothers and staff. That's according to evidence given to the Covid-19 inquiry which this week is looking at the subject in detail. The inquiry has been listening to the impact on women from 13 pregnancy, baby and parent organisations. We hear from our correspondent who has been following it, Jim Reid, and from Jenny Ward, the CEO of the Lullaby Trust, who gave evidence on behalf of all the organisations. And we talk to Daisie Lane who tells us of her own experience and her book chronicling 150 other women's experiences.

Bestselling author Sophie Kinsella, known for the hugely popular Shopaholic series and many other bestsellers, has sold over 45 million books which have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her latest novel, What Does It Feel Like?, is her most autobiographical yet. It tells the story of a novelist who wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there and learns she’s had surgery to remove a large tumour growing in her brain. She must re-learn how to walk, talk, and write again. Six months ago, Sophie shared with her readers on social media that in 2022, she had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, a type of aggressive brain cancer. It’s known for its poor prognosis with only 25% of people surviving more than one year, and only 5% survive more than five years.

A murder investigation has been launched after the body of a 22-year-old woman was found in south Belfast. Mary Ward is the fourth woman to be murdered in the space of six weeks in Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland - or PSNI - have referred the case to the office of the Police Ombudsman. Earlier this year, the PSNI released figures showing that in the five years between 2019 and 2024, 30 women and girls across Northern Ireland were killed by men. To put that into context, the population of Northern Ireland is around 1.9 million. We hear from Alison Morris - the Crime Reporter for the Belfast Telegraph.

Woman's Hour is joined by the winner of the BBC Green Sport Award, the rower Imogen Grant. Campaigning for cleaner rivers, being vegan and buying fewer clothes are all things Imogen does to protect the environment. She also talks about winning gold at Paris 2024.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Weekend Woman’s Hour: SEND transport, Hair thinning, Women and prison, The Tuam babies scandal: A Woman's Hour Special Oct 05, 2024

Mums who give up work or cut their hours because they have a child with special educational needs and disabilities say problems with school transport is one of the reasons. An opinion poll from Opinium commissioned by Woman's Hour for a programme on SEND last month revealed 12% of mothers flagged lack of appropriate funded transport as a problem. Woman's Hour hears from three mums, Ellie Partridge, Ramandeep Kaur and Sabiha Aziz, who are struggling to transport their children with SEND to school, and in some cases are having to pay hundreds of pounds a month.

Hair loss comes in many forms, from thinning to complete loss. In his new YouTube series, Hair Stories, hairstylist Michael Douglas, with over 37 years of experience working with women’s hair, explores women’s unique stories and the personal connection they have with their hair. Joining Michael is Katie O'Callaghan, who experienced hair loss and ultimately chose to undergo a hair transplant.

In her speech at Labour conference the Secretary of State for Justice Shabana Mahmood said: "for women, prison isn’t working." To discuss her latest announcement, as well as the launch of the Women's Justice Board, Nuala is joined by the former Chief Inspector of Prisons, Dame Anne Owers, and Lily Blundell, Head of Community Programmes at the charity, Women in Prison.

For this special edition of Woman's Hour, Nuala McGovern travels to Tuam, County Galway in Ireland to visit the site of a former mother and baby home which came to the world’s attention in 2014. It was revealed that up to 796 babies and young children who died in the care of the nuns who ran the home, had been disposed of in a disused sewage tank. Now, more than a decade since the scandal broke, work is starting on a full excavation. Nuala speaks to guests including Paul Forde, a survivor of the Tuam home, whose baby sister's remains may be in the mass grave.

When Cathy Hollingworth was first diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, she decided to document her journey through poetry. Now she’s publishing a collection of 22 poems called Getting It Off My Chest. She joins Kylie to discuss the poems and how they helped her get through her treatment, as well as what she hopes others can learn about talking to people with cancer.

The London Piano Festival runs at Kings Place from Friday 4 - Sunday 6 October. Nuala is joined by Katya Apekisheva, co-founder of the festival, a Professor of Piano at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, to explore of the lives and music of women piano composers from the last two centuries.

Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Louise Corley

Lebanon latest, Fell running, Breast cancer poetry Oct 04, 2024

The current conflict in Lebanon has forced thousands of women and children in refugee camps to once again leave their homes for their own safety. Kylie Pentelow is joined by the BBC’s Senior International Correspondent Orla Guerin to get the latest on the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, and speaks to CEO and co-founder of the Alsama Project, Meike Ziervogel, to hear what impact it is having on women and children.

Woman’s Hour listener Fran Blackett got in touch with us because she wanted to talk about fell running, and why she wants more women involved in the sport. She joins Kylie to explain what fell running is, why she’s so passionate about it, and more about her women’s running group, Run Like a Haggis.

Are you in your 'protective hag' era? That's what the author and journalist Poorna Bell calls the position she finds herself in. Recently she’s written about feeling an increasing sense of protectiveness towards younger women. Poorna joins Kylie to talk about this stage of life and what it means to her.

It's being reported that Melania Trump - the wife of former President Donald Trump - has expressed explicit support for abortion rights - one of the key dividing lines in the US presidential election. Her stance appears to be in sharp contrast with the position of her husband, as he enters the final leg of the US presidential race. Gina Yannitell Rheinhardt, Professor of Government and an expert in US politics at the University of Essex, joins Kylie to discuss.

When Cathy Hollingworth was first diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, she decided to document her journey through poetry. Now she’s publishing a collection of 22 poems called Getting It Off My Chest. She joins Kylie to discuss the poems and how they helped her get through her treatment, as well as what she hopes others can learn about talking to people with cancer.

Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Lottie Garton

SEND transport, Lucy Worsley, Children of the Cult, T20 Oct 03, 2024

Mums who give up work or cut their hours because they have a child with special educational needs and disabilities say problems with school transport is one of the reasons. An opinion poll from Opinium commissioned by Woman's Hour for a programme on SEND last month revealed 12% of mothers flagged lack of appropriate funded transport as a problem. Woman's Hour hears from three mums, Ellie Partridge, Ramandeep Kaur and Sabiha Aziz, who are struggling to transport their children with SEND to school, and in some cases are having to pay hundreds of pounds a month. Kylie Pentelow is joined by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman Amerdeep Somal as she exclusively shares the outcome of a complaint against Sandwell Council in the West Midlands for failing to provide transport for a disabled child.

Today the Women's T20 cricket World Cup kicks off in the UAE. For some, this will be a tournament of firsts; At 11am, Scotland will be making their T20 debut against Bangladesh. Joining Kylie to look ahead to the event is the cricket commentator Alison Mitchell.

In 2021, Netflix premiered the documentary Wild Wild Country which drew global attention to the Rajneesh movement, a group of around 30,000 people at the movement’s height, who followed an Indian spiritual guru called Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. But what really drew the attention of many of the people who had grown up as part of this international community was that the experience of children was barely reflected in the six-part series. Maroesja Perizonius and her mother were part of the Rajneesh movement, joining when Maroosha was six. Maroesja has created a new documentary, Children of the Cult. She joins Kylie to talk about this very deeply personal project along with Sargam, another woman whose family became followers when she was a child.

Who were Alice Diamond, the Queen of 40 Thieves, and the Fake Heiress? In a brand new series of Lady Killers, the historian Lucy Worsley switches her attention to swindlers, con women and hustlers. From queens of the underworld, hoaxers and scammers, Lucy and a team of all female detectives travel back in time to revisit the audacious and surprising crimes of women who were trying to make it in a world made for men. Lucy joins Kylie to discuss the stories of some of these women and what their crimes teach us about women’s lives.

Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Women and Prison, Acid Attacks, Women piano composers, Dr Beth Shapiro Oct 02, 2024

In her speech at Labour conference the Secretary of State for Justice Shabana Mahmood said: "for women, prison isn’t working." To discuss her latest announcement, as well as the launch of the Women's Justice Board, Nuala is joined by the former Chief Inspector of Prisons, Dame Anne Owers, and Lily Blundell, Head of Community Programmes at the charity, Women in Prison.

A manhunt is continuing following a suspected acid attack outside a school in west London. The attack took place outside Westminster Academy in Westbourne Park, after school, on Monday afternoon. The school was closed yesterday, with lessons taking place online and many staff working from home. Acid attacks increased by 69% in England and Wales last year, with female victims exceeding the number of male victims for the first time, according to one leading charity. Nuala discusses the incident with BBC's Steve Knibbs and Ayesha Nayyar, who is a campaigner and solicitor.

The London Piano Festival runs at Kings Place from Friday 4 - Sunday 6 October. Nuala is joined by Katya Apekisheva, co-founder of the festival, a Professor of Piano at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and prize-winning pianist Rose McLachlan, to explore of the lives and music of women piano composers from the last two centuries.

Dr Beth Shapiro is an evolutionary biologist working in de-extinction. She is a pioneer in the ancient DNA field, and features in a new documentary: Hunt for the Oldest DNA. Her work goes towards saving species from extinction and fighting against climate change. She joins Nuala to talk about her work and why it’s so important. Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Menopause, Female Victorian detectives, Hair thinning Oct 01, 2024

Menopause campaigner and Labour MP Carolyn Harris, and Dr Paula Briggs from Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust join Nuala McGovern to discuss the findings of the BBC’s latest Panorama: The Menopause Industry Uncovered.

Who was the first detective? You might be thinking of Sherlock Holmes. In a new book by Sara Lodge, she reveals that the first detectives were actually women, 40 years earlier than Sherlock. Sara joins us to tell us more.

Hair loss comes in many forms, from thinning to complete loss. In his new YouTube series, Hair Stories, hairstylist Michael Douglas, with over 37 years of experience working with women’s hair, explores women’s unique stories and the personal connection they have with their hair. Joining Michael is Katie O'Callaghan, who experienced hair loss and ultimately chose to undergo a hair transplant.

Conservative MP Mims Davies has said that the number of women wanting to work for and with the Conservative Party is "diminishing". To discuss this and the ongoing Tory leadership contest, Nuala is joined by Lara Spirit, Redbox Editor for The Times, and Ailbhe Rea, Associate Editor, Bloomberg UK.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

The Tuam babies scandal: A Woman's Hour special Sep 30, 2024

For this special edition of Woman's Hour, Nuala McGovern travels to Tuam, County Galway in Ireland to visit the site of a former mother and baby home which came to the world’s attention in 2014. It was revealed that up to 796 babies and young children who died in the care of the nuns who ran the home, had been disposed of in a disused sewage tank. Now, more than a decade since the scandal broke, work is starting on a full excavation.

Nuala has an exclusive interview with Daniel MacSweeney, who is in charge of the excavation, and hopes to provide answers for families who want to give their children a decent burial. She also speaks to the women who uncovered the scandal - Catherine Corless and Anna Corrigan, as well as journalist Alison O'Reilly who broke the story, and to Paul Forde, a survivor of the Tuam home, whose baby sister's remains may be in the mass grave.

If you believe you are related to a child buried in Tuam, please contact Daniel MacSweeney's team. The confidential phone line is 00 353 1 5391777 or email info@dait.ie

The postal address is: Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam (ODAIT), Custom House, Flood Street, Galway, H91 XV2C, Ireland.

And we're inviting you to also share your story with us, you can email Woman's Hour via the 'Contact Us' tab above.

Contributors: Catherine Corless, campaigner and Tuam resident Paul Forde, Tuam mother and baby home survivor Daniel MacSweeney, Director of Authorised Intervention at Tuam Anna Corrigan, Tuam Babies Family Group Alison O'Reilly, journalist at the Irish Examiner

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Crawley AP/Digital: Claire Fox

Afghanistan, Liane Moriarty, Parental leave, Jeans Sep 29, 2024

The Taliban in Afghanistan are to be taken to the International Court of Justice for gender discrimination by Canada, Australia, Germany and the Netherlands. This is the first time that the ICJ has been used by one country to take another to court over women's rights. Krupa Padhy is joined by the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet.

Two weeks of paternity leave isn’t enough, according to the Dad Shift, a campaign group which is calling for more affordable paternity leave. Last week, they made headlines by attaching life-size model babies in slings to statues of men across London, in a bid to raise awareness of the issue. Research suggests that a third of eligible parents don’t take up the two weeks of statutory paid leave. George Gabriel from the Dad Shift; Scott Inglis, a parent and trade union rep for the University and College Union; and Dr Sarah Forbes, Director of the Equal Parenting Project at the University of York, join Krupa to discuss how current policies are working for parents.

What would happen if a mysterious woman on a flight began predicting the deaths of her fellow passengers? This is the premise of Australian writer Liane Moriarty’s latest book, Here One Moment. Liane joins Krupa to discuss her novels, which include the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Big Little Lies.

The classic Levi's 501 jeans have been voted the nation's most iconic fashion piece of all time. Originally patented in 1873, the 501 recently celebrated its 150th year. Second to the jeans came the classic Ralph Lauren polo shirt, ahead of the timeless Chanel little black dress. Joining Krupa to discuss all things jeans is Lauren Cochrane, senior Guardian fashion writer and Hannah Rogers, Assistant Fashion Editor at the Times

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Demi Moore, Sexual assault allegations at Harrods, Pregnancy loss language Sep 28, 2024

Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor Demi Moore is a name recognised by many, from her standout role as Molly Jensen in the film Ghost, to Lieutenant Commander Joanne Galloway in A Few Good Men. But it’s her role as Elisabeth Sparkle in new movie, The Substance, which has got a lot of people talking. Many see it as a commentary on Hollywood’s beauty standards and fear of ageing. Demi joined Kylie Pentelow live to discuss it.

The BBC recently broadcast Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods, a documentary and podcast which alleged that former Harrods chairman Mohamed Al Fayed sexually assaulted women who worked at the store. Kylie spoke to the woman who was the catalyst for the documentary - Sophia Stone and to her husband Keaton Stone. Sophia alleges that she was groomed and then sexually assaulted by Al Fayed. Keaton was determined to help her and approached other women who had worked at Harrods. The BBC has heard testimony from more than 20 female ex-employees who say Al Fayed, who died last year, sexually assaulted or raped them. The current owners say they are "utterly appalled" by the allegations and are seeking to settle claims "in the quickest way possible”.

The language used by healthcare professionals to describe pregnancy loss exacerbates the grief and trauma experienced by some individuals. Words such as incompetent cervix, products of conception, and empty sac to name but a few. That’s according to a study published this month by University College London. We hear from Dr Beth Malory, Lecturer in English Linguistics at UCL who led the study.

It's officially the start of cuffing season, apparently that time of the year where you want to stay home, under a blanket, with a takeaway and someone you love. But how are people looking for partners nowadays? Are we over dating apps and looking to return to meeting people in real life? Anita was joined by Olivia Petter, author or Millenial Love, and Oenone Fobart, co-host of the Everything is Content podcast.

What would happen if a mysterious woman on a flight began predicting the deaths of her fellow passengers? This is the premise of Australian writer Liane Moriarty’s latest book, Here One Moment. Liane joined Krupa to discuss her novels, which include the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Big Little Lies.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Deiniol Buxton

Media reporting on rape cases, Women in the Sudan conflict, What's the alternative to dating apps? Sep 26, 2024

What is best practice for journalists when it comes to reporting on rape cases? Why does the way it's reported matter and what sort of a difference can considered reporting make? The End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW) with academic Alessia Tranchese are launching a new resource addressing responsible reporting on rape, based on analysis of 12 years’ coverage in the British press. With two most recent examples of Gisele Pelicot in France and the ex-employees of Mohamed Al-Fayed in mind, journalist Yvonne Roberts and CEO of EVAW Andrea Simons join Anita Rani to discuss.

The war in Sudan began in April last year and shows no signs of ending. It has claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions of people and plunged parts of the country into famine. Laila Baker from the United Nations’ agency for sexual and reproductive health and rights joins us to talk to us about the situation for women on the ground in Sudan.

It's officially the start of cuffing season. That time of the year where you want to stay home, under a blanket, with a takeaway and someone you love. But how are people looking for partners nowadays? Are we over dating apps and looking to return to meeting people in real life? Anita is joined by Olivia Petter, author or Millenial Love, and Oenone Fobart, co-host of the Everything is Content podcast.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Laura Northedge

Demi Moore, Sexual assault allegations at Harrods, Women in war Sep 25, 2024

Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor Demi Moore is a name recognised by many, from her standout role as Molly Jensen in the film Ghost, to Lieutenant Commander Joanne Galloway in A Few Good Men. But it’s her role as Elisabeth Sparkle in new movie, The Substance, which has got a lot of people talking. Many see it as a commentary on Hollywood’s beauty standards and fear of ageing. Demi joins Kylie Pentelow live to discuss it.

Last week the BBC broadcast Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods, a documentary and podcast which alleged that former Harrods chairman Mohamed Al Fayed sexually assaulted women who worked at the store. Kylie speaks to the woman who was the catalyst for the documentary - Sophia Stone and to her husband Keaton Stone. Sophia alleges that she was groomed and then sexually assaulted by Al Fayed. Keaton was determined to help her and approached other women who had worked at Harrods. The BBC has heard testimony from more than 20 female ex-employees who say Al Fayed, who died last year, sexually assaulted or raped them. The current owners say they are "utterly appalled" by the allegations and are seeking to settle claims "in the quickest way possible”.

How women cracked Wall Street, the iconic hub of New York's finance district, is the subject of writer and historian Paulina Bren's book She Wolves. It tells the inside story of these women, from the sixties up until 9/11.

Today the charity Women for Women release their findings which offers a rare glimpse in to the perspectives of women living in conflict areas. The charity’s International Director Sara Bowcutt joins Kylie to explain their findings.

Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Emma Pearce

Respite care in NI, Pregnancy loss language, Sex workers and banking Sep 24, 2024

BBC Northern Ireland's Spotlight has spoken to mothers who are struggling to cope with sons whose complex needs can lead to aggressive outbursts – often leaving themselves and other family members injured. The NHS used to supply respite care that would give those families a break of one or two nights per month. But that care has been evaporating in Northern Ireland due to a number of factors – including the loss of facilities and an increasing number of children who have gone into full-time care. Spotlight presenter Tara Mills and Julie Tipping, one of the mums featured in the documentary join Kylie Pentelow.

Women working in the adult entertainment industry are being put at risk by banks not allowing them to open accounts or denying them financial services. That’s what industry representatives are saying, and why the Financial Conduct Authority recently issued new guidelines for banks around allowing sex workers to access their services. To find out more we hear from Clio Wood, a women’s health advocate and co-founder of CensHERship, Jessica Van Meir, co-founder of MintStars and Cindy Gallop, founder and CEO of MakeLoveNotPorn.

The language used by healthcare professionals to describe pregnancy loss exacerbates the grief and trauma experienced by some individuals. Words such as incompetent cervix, products of conception, and empty sac to name but a few. That’s according to a study published this month by University College London. We hear from Dr Beth Malory, Lecturer in English Linguistics at UCL who led the study.

Romalyn Ante is a Filipino-British poet who also works as a nurse in the NHS. She has just released her second poetry collection, Agimat, which looks at how we keep safe that which we hold most dear. Romalyn talks about what the new collection means to her and why she wanted to combine Filipino mythology and tradition with her own experiences of fighting against Covid.

Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Elizabeth Strout, Girls Will Be Girls, Women's safety, Labour women and donations Sep 23, 2024

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has told the BBC it's "right" not to accept donations for clothing now she's in government. This is following reports that she took £7,500 from a donor for clothing between January 2023 to May 2024. Keir Starmer, his wife Lady Victoria Starmer and the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner have also accepted money for clothes, and on Friday, Downing Street said that would no longer continue. To discuss the issue of women and donations, Kylie Pentelow is joined by political journalists Rachel Sylvester from the Times and Eleni Courea from the Guardian.

The Sundance award-winning film, Girls Will Be Girls, follows the journey of 16-year-old Mira, who discovers desire and romance whilst attending a strict boarding school nestled in the Himalayas. But her rebellious sexual awakening is disrupted by her mother, who never got to come of age herself. Kylie discusses the film with the writer and director, Shuchi Talati, and actress Preeti Panigrahi who plays Mira.

The Labour Party conference is underway in Liverpool. A topic likely to feature heavily in tomorrow’s speech by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is women’s safety. Joining Kylie to give us their views on what they think needs to be prioritised by this government is director and founder of the Centre for Women’s Justice, Harriet Wistrich, and the campaigner Georgia Harrison.

Elizabeth Strout is the Pulitzer prize-winning author of many novels including Olive Kitteridge and the Lucy Barton books. Tell Me Everything is her latest novel where she revisits several of the characters who appear in her previous work. She joins Kylie live in the Woman’s Hour studio to talk about her characters and themes of friendship.

Presented by Kylie Pentelow Producer: Louise Corley

Weekend Women's Hour: Saoirse Ronan, Tracey Emin, Nikki Doucet on women’s football, Friends 30th anniversary Sep 21, 2024

Dame Tracey Emin is one of the most famous artists and leading figures of the Young British Artists movement of the 1990s. Hers is a uniquely provocative, confessional style which confronts issues such as trauma of abortion, rape, alcoholism and sexual history. In recent years Tracey has focussed on painting and she has just published her first in-depth exploration of her painted work, simply called Paintings. Anita Rani talks to her about that and her latest exhibition, I followed you to the End, on now at the White Cube gallery in London.

Nikki Doucet has been called the most powerful person in English women’s football. She is the newly appointed CEO of the Women’s Professional Leagues Ltd which took over leadership of the two top tiers of women's football from the Football Association this summer. Nikki and her team have big plans to revolutionise the women's game, as she tells Clare McDonnell.

Four-time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan broke into Hollywood at 13 years old with her performance as Briony Tallis in Atonement. She has also appeared as Jo March in Little Women, as the lead actress in Brooklyn and won a Golden Globe for her performance in Lady Bird. She joins Clare to discuss her latest role in the film The Outrun in which she plays Rona, a young woman struggling with addiction.

The number of women taking up NHS cervical screening test invitations has been declining for the last 20 years. Healthwatch England did research with women who were reluctant to accept NHS invitations for screening and found that 73% would do an at-home test instead. A trial done by King’s College, London earlier this year found that if self-sample kits were available on the NHS, 400,000 more women would be screened per year. Chief Executive of Healthwatch England, Louise Ansari, and Dr Anita Lim, lead investigator of the King’s College London trial, join Clare to talk about their findings.

On 22 September 1994, the American TV show Friends premiered on NBC and the characters Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Ross became household names. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Anita speaks to one of the show’s writers and producers, Betsy Borns. Plus, we hear from journalist Emma Loffhagen about why the show still resonates with Gen Z all these years later.

Carrie Hope Fletcher is an author, singer, West End star – and now a new mum. She joins Anita to talk about her UK tour, Love Letters, which will feature musical theatre favourites and love letters from the audience.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

Dame Tracey Emin, Doreen Soulsby, Dame Maureen Lipman, Young Adult Fiction Sep 20, 2024

Dame Tracey Emin, one of the most famous artists and leading figures of the Young British Artists movement of the 1990s. Hers is a uniquely provocative, confessional style which confronts issues such as trauma of abortion, rape, alcoholism and sexual history. In recent years Tracey has focussed on painting and she has just published her first in-depth exploration of her painted work, simply called Paintings. It coincides with a new exhibition, I followed you to the end, at the White Cube gallery in London, which features mostly paintings that her treatment and recovery from bladder cancer.

A man who raped, and stabbed a woman 60 times in Northumberland 27 years ago has been recommended for release by the parole board. Steven Ling was jailed for life in 1998 after murdering Joanne Tulip. Ms Tulip’s mother, Doreen Soulsby has condemned the decision. She shares her story with Anita.

Dame Maureen Lipman proposed to her partner, David Turner, as a joke. And he said yes! The two 78-year-olds are now engaged. Dame Maureen joins Anita to tell her the story of how it happened, and why she was the one who proposed.

Since this summer, Woman’s Hour has been taking a deep dive into the world of 'genre fiction', the women who write it and the women who read it. We’ve turned the pages of Romantasy; Science fiction; Historical novels; Spy and Thrillers. Today it’s the turn of YA, Young Adult fiction. To discuss the YA genre and what’s in it for women, Anita is joined by Catherine Doyle, co-author of the Twin Crowns trilogy, whose new YA novel, an epic, enemies-to-lovers fantasy, The Dagger and The Flame, is out this month; and Laura Dockrill, author of Lorali and Big Bones.

Maternity care, Friends 30th anniversary, Breast implant illness Sep 19, 2024

Maternity failings at scandal-hit hospitals are becoming more widespread, according to the Care Quality Commission. In a review of 131 maternity units across the NHS in England, 48% have been rated as requiring improvement or inadequate. Anita Rani gets the latest from BBC health correspondent Nick Triggle, and speaks to NHS midwife and author Leah Hazard about whether women can keep themselves safe on maternity wards.

On 22 September 1994, the American TV show Friends premiered on NBC. Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Ross became household names. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Anita speaks to one of the show’s writers and producers, Betsy Borns. Plus, we hear from journalist Emma Loffhagen about why the show still resonates with Gen Z all these years later.

Reporter Melanie Abbott joins Anita – she has been investigating breast implant illness. Thousands of women are having their implants removed because they think they are making them sick. We hear from Caroline George who had hers taken out four months ago, and from a doctor and researcher, Prabath Nanayakkara, in the Netherlands who has been running a specific clinic for this for 12 years. He thinks that the UK desperately needs a similar resource. Breast surgeon Steven Thrush will tell us what is happening here in the UK where it seems much harder to get a diagnosis.

Stand-up comedian, writer, and actor Lucy Beaumont joins Anita to talk about the next leg of her tour – Lucy Beaumont Live. She’ll tell us about the stories and jokes we can expect on the tour, as well as why she thinks the world of comedy has gone backwards to being male-dominated.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Saoirse Ronan, Nikki Doucet on women’s football, JoJo, Vaccinations Sep 18, 2024

Four-time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan broke into Hollywood at 13 years old with her performance as Briony Tallis in Atonement. She has also appeared as Jo March in Little Women, as the lead actress in Brooklyn and won a Golden Globe for her performance in Lady Bird. She joins Clare McDonnell to discuss her latest role in the film The Outrun in which she plays Rona, a young woman struggling with addiction.

Nikki Doucet has been called the most powerful person in English women’s football. She is the newly appointed CEO of the Women’s Professional Leagues Ltd which took over leadership of the two top tiers of women's football from the Football Association this summer. Nikki and her team have big plans to revolutionise the women's game and she joins Clare to tell her about them.

The number of children who are fully vaccinated for MMR - measles, mumps and rubella - has fallen to the lowest level in 14 years. According to NHS figures, this year 91.9% of children aged five received one dose of the MMR vaccine and only 83.9% have had two doses. To reach herd immunity – the point where diseases stop spreading - at least 95% per cent of children need to be immunised. Clare discusses the issues with Carly Danesh-Jones, a parent who previously held vaccine hesitancy views and changed her mind, and Dr Vanessa Saliba, a UK Health and Security Agency consultant epidemiologist.

It’s been 20 years since the singer, songwriter and actor Joanna Levesque - or JoJo - signed her first record deal at the age of just 12 years old and shot to the top of the pop-and-R&B charts. Her cool-girl appearance and upbeat music with hits such as Leave (Get Out) to Baby It's You earned her millions of fans across the world. She joins Clare to discuss her memoir Over The Influence which delves into the challenges she faced, from her parent’s addiction problems, through to her own struggles growing up in the limelight.

Presenter: by Clare McDonnell Produced by Louise Corley

Kim Cattrall, Sex offender treatment, At-home cervical screening, Author Sarah Pearse Sep 17, 2024

The actress Kim Cattrall has starred in films and on stage, but is probably best known for TV series Sex And The City. She is now in a new audio drama, Central Intelligence, which tells the story of the CIA from the perspective of Eloise Page. Eloise joined on the agency’s first day in 1947 and became the highest ranking female officer. Kim joins Clare McDonnell to discuss Eloise, her passion for radio, and the enduring appeal of Samantha Jones.

In sentencing Huw Edwards, the former BBC News presenter, for accessing child sexual abuse images, the magistrate said that he did not pose a risk to the public or children, and that an immediate custodial sentence was not necessary because the evidence showed he could be rehabilitated. Edwards must now attend 25 sex offender treatment sessions. We look at how these treatment programmes work and how effective they are proven to be, with Deborah Denis, CEO of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation and Professor Belinda Winder, Research Director of the Centre for Crime, Offending, Prevention and Engagement at Nottingham Trent University.

The number of women taking up NHS cervical screening test invitations has been declining for the last 20 years. Healthwatch England did research with women who were reluctant to accept NHS invitations for screening and found that 73% would do an at-home test instead. A trial done by King’s College London earlier this year found that if self-sample kits were available on the NHS, 400,000 more women would be screened per year. Chief Executive of Healthwatch England Louise Ansari and Dr Anita Lim, lead investigator of the King’s College London trial, join Clare to tell us more.

Sarah Pearse is the best-selling author of the Detective Elin Warner trilogy. She recently released the last novel in the series, The Wilds which includes themes of coercive control and was written with advice from the charity Refuge. She talks to Clare about the role fiction can play in highlighting issues of domestic violence and coercive control.

Sandi Toksvig, Breast cancer study, Carrie Hope Fletcher Sep 16, 2024

Writer, comic, theatrical impresario, TV host and weekend chainsaw wielder Sandi Toksvig joins Clare McDonnell to talk about Friends of Dorothy, her first adult novel in 12 years. When Stevie and Amber move into their new home, they are surprised to find that the old woman they bought it from, a cantankerous and outrageous 79-year-old called Dorothy, is still living there.

Today marks two years since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in Iran. She’d been arrested by the country’s morality police for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly and died in police custody. Her death sparked nationwide protests and the birth of the Women, Life, Freedom movement. BBC Verify journalist Reha Kansara talks to Clare about her new reporting on the women who continue to speak out and the horrific consequences they are still suffering.

The Breast Cancer Now Generations Study was set up in 2004 to help understand the causes of breast cancer. This 40-year landmark study – which this month reaches its halfway point – is following over 110,000 women to understand why breast cancer develops. Woman’s Hour has been following the project from the start, checking in every decade. Clare is joined by co-leader of the study Professor Amy Berrington and participant Amanda Jones.

The trailblazing ballerina, Michaela Mabinty DePrince, has died at the age of 29. A war orphan from Sierra Leone, she was brought to the US by her adopted family and made her way to the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Dutch National Ballet, and even performed alongside Beyoncé. We hear an archive interview with Michaela when she spoke to Woman’s Hour about her life and career in 2015.

Carrie Hope Fletcher is an author, singer, West End star – and now a new mum. She’s about to start a brand new tour around the UK, called Love Letters, which will feature musical theatre favourites and love letters from the audience. She joins Clare to talk about the tour, what it’s like being a musical theatre mum, and why she's chosen not to put photos of her child online.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Maryam Maruf Editor: Olivia Bolton Studio Manager: Duncan Hannant

Weekend Woman's Hour: Tracy-Ann Oberman, the SEND system, Sarah Owen MP Sep 14, 2024

Tracy-Ann Oberman has reprised her role as Eastenders’ Chrissie Watts. She talks to Nuala about stepping back into this character after almost two decades, and her recent adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. In it, Tracy-Ann plays a female version of the Jewish character, Shylock, and sets the action in 1930s London during the rise of Oswald Mosley, the antisemitic founder of the British Union of Fascists.

We look back at Tuesday's special programme, live from the Radio Theatre in Broadcasting House in London, looking at the support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities – or SEND as it’s often known in England. Nuala heard from guest panellists including Kellie Bright, an actress in EastEnders but also a mum to a child with SEND, Katie, who is 17 and says she was completely failed by the SEND system, Marsha Martin, the founder and CEO of the charity Black SEN Mamas and the Minister for School Standards, Catherine McKinnell.

Visual artist Bharti Kher’s new exhibition, Target Queen at the Southbank Centre, features supersized bindis reimagined from their microscopic form to the macro size worn by the goddess, transforming the brutalist building into a powerful feminine force. Bharti joins Anita to discuss the exhibition.

The newly elected Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, Labour MP Sarah Owen, joins Anita Rani on the programme to discuss the remit of her new role and what she hopes to achieve.

A new play, The Lightest Element, which has opened at Hampstead Theatre, explores the life and career of astronomer Cecila Payne-Gaposchkin, the first person to work out what stars are made of. Anita is joined by actor Maureen Beatie, who plays Cecilia, and the playwright Stella Feehilly.

Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre, Adoption breakdown, Visual artist Bharti Kher, Fawzia Mirza Sep 13, 2024

The Chief Executive of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre has stepped down. It follows an independent review which found the centre failed to protect women-only spaces. It was commissioned by Rape Crisis Scotland - after an employment tribunal found the centre in Edinburgh had unlawfully discriminated against an employee - who believed sexual assault victims should be able to choose the sex of those supporting them. Anita Rani hears more from Lorna Gordon, the BBC's Scotland correspondent. Karen Maguire received an out-of-court settlement from South Lanarkshire Council last year after her adoption of a two-year-old boy broke down. She won the payout after her lawyer argued that the council had failed to provide her with sufficient background information on the child and did not support her during the placement. Karen tells Anita why she has decided to speak out. And Anita also hears from Dr Polly Cowan from Scottish Adoption and Fostering, who has separately carried out research into child adoption breakdowns. Visual artist Bharti Kher’s new exhibition, Target Queen at the Southbank Centre, features supersized bindis reimagined from their microscopic form to the macro size worn by the goddess, transforming the brutalist building into a powerful feminine force. Bharti joins Anita to discuss the exhibition. Director Fawzia Mirza joins Anita to talk about her feature film debut, The Queen of My Dreams. Set across Karachi and Canada, the film follows Azra, a queer aspiring actress who clashes with—and ultimately reconciles with—her conservative Pakistani mother. Partly inspired by Fawzia's own life, it explores the bonds between mothers and daughters and how gay brown girls can also have an epic Bollywood-style romance.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

New chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, Tracy Chevalier, France rape trial Sep 12, 2024

The newly elected Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, Labour MP Sarah Owen, joins Anita Rani on the programme to discuss the remit of her new role and what she hopes to achieve.

Tracy Chevalier’s new novel The Glassmaker follows a Murano glassmaking family through hundreds of years of Venetian history. Time plays strange tricks as it follows Orsola Rosso, who is nine in 1486, all the way to the present day, when she is in her late sixties. Tracy joins Anita to discuss her love story that encompasses centuries of passion and longing.

72-year-old Gisele Pelicot has been testifying in court against her husband, Dominique. He is accused of drugging her repeatedly over the course of a decade and inviting men to the house to rape her while she was unconscious. This was only discovered because he was caught by the police for upskirting in 2020. To get the latest updates on the case, Anita speaks to BBC Correspondent Andrew Harding. She is also joined by campaigner Gina Martin, who helped to make upskirting illegal in the UK.

A new play, The Lightest Element, which has opened at Hampstead Theatre, explores the life and career of astronomer Cecila Payne-Gaposchkin, the first person to work out what stars are made of. Anita is joined by actor Maureen Beatie, who plays Cecilia, and the playwright Stella Feehilly.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Emma Pearce

Carol Vorderman, Film director Ellen Kuras, SEND provision for black and Asian minority ethnic families. Sep 11, 2024

Beware the post-menopausal women who doesn’t give a damn, says 63-year-old TV presenter Carol Vorderman. Carol, a self-described ‘old bird with an iphone’ joins Nuala McGovern to discuss her new book: Now What? On a Mission to Fix Broken Britain. Part memoir, part tool kit the book relates Carols campaign to defeat the last Tory Government, and urges millions to find their voice and hold the new Labour Government, and all future governments, to better account.

Following on from the Woman’s Hour SEND programme yesterday, we now focus specifically on SEND provision for black and Asian minority ethnic families. Nuala is joined by Stephen Kingdom, Campaign Manager for the Disabled Children’s Partnership, who shares exclusive findings from a report they have conducted. Plus, co-founder of the Sikh disability charity SEN Seva Praveen Mahal tells Nuala about her own personal experience.

The pioneering photographer Lee Miller worked as a fashion model and an artist before becoming a war correspondent for British Vogue in the 1930s. Her images taken during World War II are some of the most arresting and enduring of the conflict. A new film about her life, which stars Kate Winslet, focuses on the period in her life when she defied convention to become a war photographer, travelling to the front lines. The film’s director Ellen Kuras explains how they captured Lee Miller’s adventurous spirit.

Last night saw the first - and so far, only scheduled - televised presidential debate in the USA ahead of the election in November. Kamala Harris and Donald Trump spoke for 90 minutes, each accusing the other of lying. Women's issues were on the table for debate including a heated exchange on abortion. Nuala discusses with New York Times columnist Amanda Taub.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Is the SEND system working for children with special educational needs and disabilities? Sep 10, 2024

In a live edition from the BBC Radio Theatre in London, Woman's Hour examines how children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, or SEND, as it is called in England, are supported in school. In Scotland the system is called ASN, Additional Support Needs; In Wales it's ALN, Additional Learning Needs; In Northern Ireland it is known as the SEN register, that is the Special Educational Needs Register. The programme is about children and young people who need extra support to learn, and the mothers trying to access it for them. The children may be autistic, have ADHD, or be a wheelchair user. Some may have learning disabilities, or be blind, deaf, or dyslexic. They all have a legal right to an education just like any other child. Woman's Hour had an overwhelming response from the mothers of these children to say that the system is beyond broken. That has led to a crisis in their, and their children's lives. Carolyn Atkinson, Woman’s Hour reporter, shares the results of a poll specially commissioned for the programme. Nuala McGovern talks to Kellie Bright, an actress in EastEnders who is also mum to a child with SEND; Katie, a 17 year old girl with SEND who feels she was let down by the system and is now campaigning for a better one; Catriona Moore, Policy Manager from IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice); Catherine McKinnell, Minister for School Standards; Marsha Martin, the founder and CEO of Black SEN Mamas; Chloe Davies, a SEN teacher in a state special school in the Vale of Glamorgan and who previously worked in a mainstream school; Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza; and mums of children with SEND Samantha and Kirsti.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Reporter: Carolyn Atkinson Producer: Carolyn Atkinson and Rebecca Myatt

Andrew Tate investigation, Prisoners early release scheme, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Paralympics wrap up Sep 09, 2024

Social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan are facing charges in Romania of human trafficking and organised crime. If found guilty, they could be jailed for more than 10 years. They strongly deny the charges against them. Now, two British women not involved with the Romanian case, have given detailed first-hand accounts to the BBC, against Andrew Tate, of alleged rape and sexual violence. The allegations date back at least 10 years, to when Mr Tate was living in Luton. BBC Panorama reporter Ruth Clegg joins Nuala McGovern to discuss.

Tracy-Ann Oberman has reprised her role as Eastenders’ Chrissie Watts. She talks to Nuala about stepping back into this character after almost two decades, and her recent adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. In it, Tracy-Ann plays a female version of the Jewish character, Shylock, and sets the action in 1930s London during the rise of Oswald Mosley, the antisemitic founder of the British Union of Fascists.

Around 1,700 prisoners will be freed tomorrow when the government's new early release scheme, SDS40, comes in to effect. We look at both the impact that this scheme will have on women who have been the victims of crime and the experiences of women in prison. Nuala speaks to Andrea Coomber KC, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform which campaigns for prison reform.

Rebecca Middleton was in her late 30s when she was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. It is a condition that's believed to be more common in women than men and in Rebecca's case it was hereditary – she lost her grandmother and mother to the condition, which is what led to her own genetic testing. Rebecca has since had successful surgery to remove the aneurysm and has also created the charity, Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support to help other people going through it.

In Paris, pouring rain and exploding fireworks ended the Paralympics last night with drenched, dancing Paralympians. Nuala is joined by Paralympian turned broadcaster, Rachael Latham to talk about the standouts, surprises and legacy of the Games.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Maryam Maruf Studio Manager: Bob Nettles

Weekend Woman's Hour: Breast implant rare cancer risk, Ellen Burstyn, Paralympian medallists Sep 07, 2024

We hear about the thousands of women suing the breast implant manufacturer Allergan over alleged links with a rare cancer. We have an exclusive interview with a woman who has received a payout from the company after falling sick. Susan Axelby told our reporter Melanie Abbott that she ended up being diagnosed with cancer after having an operation which was supposed to prevent it. Plus, Nuala McGovern was joined by lawyer Sarah Moore to go over details of the case and reveal whether more women in the UK are likely to take action. And Professor Suzanne Turner from Cambridge University discusses her research into this cancer and gives advice to women who have implants, including the fact that the numbers diagnosed are small and it is treatable.

Ellen Burstyn has been a star of American stage and screen for 70 years. This week she received the Liberatum Pioneer Award at the Venice Film Festival for her contribution to cinema and the industry, particularly in paving the way for women. She talks to Krupa Padhy about her stories from a lifetime on camera.

Head teacher Ruth Perry took her own life in January last year whilst waiting for the publication of an Ofsted report she knew would grade her school as "inadequate". Ruth’s sister, Professor Julia Waters, has been campaigning for change in the way Ofsted rates schools ever since. A review was published today into Ofsted's response to Ruth Perry’s death, and this week the Government announced changes to the way the school's inspector for England rates schools. Nuala was joined by Professor Waters to give her response.

From spongy flesh to wandering wombs, there have been many theories about the inner workings of women across the centuries. In her new book, Immaculate Forms, Professor Helen King talks to Anita Rani about how scientific theories and religious beliefs have shaped our understanding of women’s bodies, from Ancient Greece to the present day.

This week we speak to not just one Paralympic medallist but two - Team GB triathletes Lauren Steadman and Claire Cashmore, who won bronze and silver in the Para-triathlon category in PTS5. They join Nuala from Paris.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

Rebecca Cheptegei's killing, Alison Lapper, Ellen Burstyn Sep 06, 2024

The Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died, after being doused with petrol and set on fire. She is the third female athlete to be killed in Kenya in the past few years. To find out more about what's going on, Krupa Padhy is joined by the BBC's Deputy Africa Editor Anne Soy and Joan Chelimo, a fellow athlete of Rebecca's.

Carol Klein is one of our best loved horticulturalists – most known for presenting shows like Gardener’s World. As well as gardening and her career on TV, she also trained as an artist and worked as a teacher. Now she’s written a memoir, Hortobiography, which looks at how her life is all connected through plants. She joins Krupa to tell us more about the book and why our relationship with nature is so important.

Artist and disability activist Alison Lapper is exploring her life in a new BBC Three documentary, In My Own Words: Alison Lapper. It examines her life from childhood to becoming a mouth artist, as well as looking at how she processed her grief after losing her son, Parys. Krupa speaks to Alison about her art, her son and her life.

Ellen Burstyn has been a star of American stage and screen for 70 years. This week she received the Liberatum Pioneer Award at the Venice Film Festival for her contribution to cinema and the industry, particularly in paving the way for women. She tells Krupa her stories from a lifetime on camera.

The Maori of New Zealand have a new Queen - 27-year-old Ngā Wai hono i te pō. She is the only daughter of the former King, and was chosen to succeed him by the Maori chiefs. To find out what this means for Maori women, we hear from broadcaster and commentator Marni Dunlop.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Lottie Garton

Eluned Morgan, Female right-wing US campaigners, The history of understanding women's bodies Sep 05, 2024

Eluned Morgan is the first woman in history to be first minister of Wales. She was appointed earlier this summer after her predecessor, Vaughan Gething, resigned. What does her appointment mean for women in Wales? What policies will she be focusing on? She joins Anita Rani to discuss all this and more.

From spongy flesh to wandering wombs, there have been many theories about the inner workings of women across the centuries. In her new book, Immaculate Forms, Professor Helen King talks about how scientific theories and religious beliefs have shaped our understanding of women’s bodies, from Ancient Greece to the present day.

In the US, a rising number of women are joining a wave of right-wing campaigning on social media. Journalist Layla Wright went to the US to meet three of these women in an attempt to understand more about what has influenced their political beliefs. She joins Anita to discuss what she found.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Laura Northedge

Breast implant rare cancer risk, Gemma Arterton, Nonna’s cookbook Sep 04, 2024

We hear about the thousands of women suing the breast implant manufacturer Allergan over alleged links with a rare cancer. We have an exclusive interview with a woman who has received a payout from the company after falling sick. Susan Axelby tells our reporter Melanie Abbott that she ended up being diagnosed with cancer after having an operation which was supposed to prevent it. Plus, Nuala McGovern is joined by lawyer Sarah Moore to go over details of the case and reveal whether more women in the UK are likely to take action. And Professor Suzanne Turner from Cambridge University will discuss her research into this cancer and give advice to women who have implants, including the fact that the numbers diagnosed are small and it is treatable.

Actor and producer Gemma Arterton returns to our screens this week for the second season of Funny Woman, which tells the story of Sophie, a comedian trying to forge a path for women’s voices in the male-dominated world of 1960s comedy. Gemma joins Nuala to tell her about the series and her own passion for getting women’s voices heard.

Giuseppe and his Nonna, Marianna, have been making social media content together since 2021, sharing videos of them making food inspired by Nonna’s Italian home cooking, but vegan. Giuseppe and Marianna join Nuala to discuss their relationship, how Nonna found social media fame in her 80s, and their first cookbook Cooking with Nonna.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Maryam Maruf Editor: Deiniol Buxton Studio Manager: Gayl Gordon

Ruth Perry's sister on Ofsted review, Paralympian medallists, Director Susanne Bier Sep 03, 2024

Head teacher Ruth Perry took her own life in January last year whilst waiting for the publication of an Ofsted report she knew would grade her school as "inadequate". Ruth’s sister, Professor Julia Waters, has been campaigning for change in the way Ofsted rates schools ever since. A review was published today into Ofsted's response to Ruth Perry’s death, and yesterday the Government announced changes to the way the school's inspector for England rates schools. Nuala McGovern is joined by Professor Waters to give her response.

Susanne Bier is an award-winning director who has worked with stars from Jennifer Lawrence to Sandra Bullock. Her newest project, The Perfect Couple, stars Nicole Kidman and centres around a wealthy family in Nantucket. Susanne joins Nuala to talk about the series and how she’s leading the way for female directors.

Today we speak to not just one Paralympic medallist but two - Team GB triathletes Lauren Steadman and Claire Cashmore. Yesterday they won bronze and silver in the Para-triathlon category, PTS5. They join Nuala on the line from Paris.

To mother is a political act. That’s the premise of a new book – Mother State: A Political History of Motherhood, which reimagines the history of modern Britain through the figure and work of the mother. The author Helen Charman tells Nuala why she believes that motherhood is inherently a political state, and why it matters, whether you have children or not.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Ofsted, Carrie Coon and Elizabeth Olsen, 'Mum friends' Sep 02, 2024

One or two-word Ofsted inspection grades for England's schools are being scrapped immediately. Early next year, school improvement teams will be set up in every area, and the Government says it will continue to intervene in struggling schools. By September 2025, parents will be able to view a new "report card" describing what inspectors have found at a school. BBC Correspondent Ellie Price joins Nuala McGovern to discuss the changes, as does Sir Michael Wilshaw, former Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills, and Emma, a parent campaigner from Sheffield.

A new film about to hit our cinema screens looks at three estranged sisters, in very different stages of life who move back in together during their dying father’s final days. His Three Daughters stars Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen and Natasha Lyonne and it covers several themes that might really resonate with many women. It hits selected UK cinemas on Friday 6 September and Netflix on 20 September. Emmy-nominated Carrie Coon, known for her work in The Gilded Age and the new Ghostbusters reboot, and Elizabeth Olsen, Emmy-nominated Marvel Universe Star who played Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlett Witch as well as real-life figure, Candy Montgomery in the miniseries Love & Death, both join Nuala live in the studio to discuss it.

As schools go back across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, children aren’t the only ones who might feel the pressure of making friends at school. Alliances and friendships between parents at the school gates will also be forged, broken, renewed or even ignored. So if you’re a mum dropping off or picking up the kids today, how do you feel about hanging out with other mum friends? Do you struggle to make those relationships? Or do you thrive on them? And does having mum friends impact how your own children make friends and socialise? The writers Rhiannon Picton-James and Jayne Cherrington-Cook join Nuala to discuss.

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Kaos with Janet McTeer, Sisters Lina and Laviai Nielsen, India protests, Post Office Scandal Aug 31, 2024

A new Netflix series, Kaos is a modern, darkly comic retelling of Greek mythology that will perhaps have you seeing the gender politics of ancient Greece in a new light. Stage and film actor Janet McTeer stars as the Queen of the gods, Hera. Janet joins Anita to talk about Hera’s sexual power as well as her previous roles and what has changed in the industry.

If you were watching the Paris Olympics, you might have spotted identical twins Lina and Laviai Nielsen taking to the track. The Olympic duo join Nuala to discuss competing together at an elite level in athletics, winning bronze side-by-side for Team GB, and navigating triumphs and challenges in the public eye after Lina’s Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis.

Protests have been happening across India after a 31-year-old junior doctor was raped and murdered in a hospital in Kolkata earlier this month. Her death prompted marches and strikes nationwide over safety issues for female doctors and this soon developed into a talking point for women’s safety in general. BBC Delhi Correspondent Kirti Dubey joins Anita Rani to report on the latest news, along with Dr Aishwarya Singh Raghuvanshi, a female doctor in India.

The Post Office Horizon scandal has been described as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in British legal history. One of those impacted was Ravinder Naga. In 2009, he falsely confessed to stealing money from his mum's Post Office to protect her from going to prison. Last week his conviction was overturned after 15 years. Anita talks to Ravinder and his mum Gurbash about what happened, and the impact it had on their relationship.

The play Shifters follows former children friends Des and Dre, they are first loves whose relationship twists and turns over a decade. Currently on at the Duke of York’s Theatre, is the third play in the West End to be written by a black British woman. The writer Benedict Lombe joins Nuala, along with Heather Agyepong who plays Des.

Los Bitchos are an all-female band from countries across the world who play a range of instrumental music from the style of Colombia folk music to Turkish psychedelic rock! All four members - Nic Crawshaw, Josefine Jonsson, Serra Petale and Agustina Ruiz, join Anita to perform live.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Louise Corley

Nicki Chapman, Los Bitchos, Post Office Scandal Aug 30, 2024

Nicki Chapman is well-known for presenting shows like Escape to the Country and Wanted Down Under and also a regular presenter on BBC Radio 2. She started out as a record plugger in the music industry – and now she’s written a memoir, So Tell Me What You Want, which lifts the lid on what it was like managing and touring with the likes of David Bowie, Take That, and S Club. She joins Anita Rani to talk about her career so far and her recent cancer diagnosis.

Two sisters, Eileen Macleod and Maureen Bedford, are to receive honorary degrees at the ages of 90 and 95, more than 60 years after they finished studying. The pair trained at the Bedford College of Physical Education in the 1940s and 1950s, but did not receive formal degree qualifications. Anita talks to them both about gaining qualifications in their nineties.

The Post Office Horizon scandal has been described as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in British legal history. One of those impacted was Ravinder Naga. In 2009, he falsely confessed to stealing money from his mum's Post Office to protect her from going to prison. Last week his conviction was overturned after 15 years. Anita talks to Ravinder and his mum Gurbash about what happened, and the impact it had on their relationship.

Los Bitchos are an all-female band from countries across the world who play a range of instrumental music from the style of Colombia folk music to Turkish psychedelic rock! All four members - Nic Crawshaw, Josefine Jonsson, Serra Petale and Agustina Ruiz, join Anita to discuss their latest album, Talkie Talkie, and to perform live in the studio.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Kaos with Janet McTeer, India protests, author Clare Chambers Aug 29, 2024

Protests have been happening across India after a 31-year-old junior doctor was raped and murdered in a hospital in Kolkata earlier this month. Her death prompted marches and strikes nationwide over safety issues for female doctors and this soon developed into a talking point for women’s safety in general. BBC Delhi Correspondent Kirti Dubey joins Anita Rani to report on the latest news, along with Dr Aishwarya Singh Raghuvanshi, a female doctor in India.

A new Netflix series, Kaos is a modern, darkly comic retelling of Greek mythology that will perhaps have you seeing the gender politics of ancient Greece in a new light. Stage and film actor Janet McTeer stars as the Queen of the gods, Hera. Janet joins Anita to talk about Hera’s sexual power as well as her previous roles and what has changed in the industry.

In a new analysis, researchers from Imperial College, London estimate that the number of people living with food allergies in England has more than doubled since 2008, with the largest increase seen in young children. Using anonymised data from GP practices covering 13 million patients, researchers estimated trends in the prevalence of food allergy in the UK population. Anita is joined by Dr Paul Turner, Professor of Paediatric Allergy at the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College, who led the research.

Author Clare Chambers’ novel Small Pleasures was inspired by an interview she heard on Woman’s Hour about a 1950’s local newspaper competition to find a “virgin mother”. That book, Clare’s ninth, became a whirlwind bestseller and now she’s back with another, Shy Creatures. Based on a newspaper article Clare discovered in an archive, this story focusses on a man who is found with a beard down to his waist and whose aunts have kept him locked away for several decades. Set in Croydon in 1964, the novel takes in the world of 1960s psychiatry and is told from the perspective of art therapist Helen, a single woman in her thirties and is having an affair with a married man. Clare joins Anita to tell her all about it.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Bel Powley and Susan Wokoma, Genre fiction: Spy novels and thrillers, Jenny Ryan Aug 28, 2024

The Real Thing is a play within a play currently on stage at the Old Vic in London. It encourages the audience to question why we fall in love, what is fact and what is fiction. And can we can ever really know if the love we are experiencing is the real thing? Actors Susan Wokoma and Bel Powley star in the production and join Nuala in the Woman’s Hour studio to discuss.

Over the summer Woman’s Hour is taking a deep dive into the world of “genre” fiction and today we are entering the gripping and shady world of spy fiction and thrillers. Ava Glass joins Nuala to discuss her new spy novel The Trap. She is joined by Charlotte Philby, author and granddaughter of infamous double-agent Kim Philby, who has also written books about spies but her latest The End of Summer falls firmly in the thriller genre.

Omulbanin Sultani was studying medicine at Kateb University in Kabul when the Taliban banned women from universities in 2022. Last week, she arrived in Scotland, along with eighteen other female medical students from Afghanistan to complete their doctor training. The move - organised by the Linda Norgrove Foundation - took three years. Nuala speaks to Omulbanin, who is now a student at the University of St Andrews.

Quizzer Jenny Ryan – better known as the Bolton brainbox ‘The Vixen’ on the hit ITV quiz The Chase – is breaking away from teatime telly to invite audiences to an evening of song, storytelling and showbiz secrets. She joins Nuala to talk about her passion for quizzing, her cabaret show, Jenny Ryan: Out Of The Box, and to sing live.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Laura Northedge

Paralympics preview, Master of King's Music Errollyn Wallen, Shifters Aug 27, 2024

The Paris Paralympic Games begin tomorrow. Nuala is joined by Paralympian turned broadcaster Rachael Latham to talk us through the women we should be looking out for over the next 12 days.

Composer and singer-songwriter Errollyn Wallen joins Nuala after being appointed the new Master of the King's Music. The position has existed since the 17th century and is awarded to musicians who have added to the musical life of the nation, but Wallen is only the second woman to hold the post. Her work is some of the most performed among living composers, and includes 22 operas.

The play Shifters follows former children friends Des and Dre, they are first loves whose relationship twists and turns over a decade. Currently on at the Duke of York’s Theatre, is the third play in the West End to be written by a black British woman. The writer Benedict Lombe joins Nuala, along with Heather Agyepong who plays Des.

Sisters: A Woman’s Hour special Aug 26, 2024

Whether you have a sister or not, it’s a relationship that has long fascinated us. In this special edition of Woman’s Hour, Nuala McGovern explores what makes the female sibling dynamic so compelling.

If you were watching the Paris Olympics, you might have spotted identical twins Lina and Laviai Nielsen taking to the track. The Olympic duo join Nuala to discuss competing together at an elite level in athletics, winning bronze side-by-side for Team GB, and navigating triumphs and challenges in the public eye after Lina’s Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis.

Psychotherapist Jennifer Gledhill joins Nuala to talk about the psychology of sister relationships. What pushes you apart, and what brings you together? She also gives her tips on how to have a better relationship with your sister.

How do you deal with the grief of losing a sister? British-Kurdish activist Payzee Mahmod’s joins Nuala to talk about her beloved sister Banaz, who was murdered aged 20 in a so-called 'honour' killing. Their father and uncle are serving life sentences for the murder. Nuala and Payzee talk about loss, legacy and how Banaz’s death drove Payzee’s campaign against child marriage.

What is Nuala like as a sister? Joining us from Ireland to spill the beans are Nuala’s own two sisters – Vera and Eileen!

Film historian Alex Von Tunzelmann charts one of the most famous sisterly feuds in Hollywood history – the explosive rivalry between the Oscar-winning British actresses, Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine.

And what if you don’t have biological sisters or didn’t grow up with them, but want the support system that can come with a sisterhood? Angel, from London, is now 21 years old and was in the care system from the age of five. She’s a mentor and ‘big sister’ for Sister System, a charity that works with care-experienced women and girls. Angel and the charity’s founder Okela Douglas join Nuala to discuss why sisterhood can have such a profound impact.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producers: Maryam Maruf and Erin Downes Editor: Olivia Bolton Studio Manager: Gayl Gordon

Archive: Fleabag / Two Brothers Pictures / Harry Bradbeer; Pride and Prejudice / Working Title Films / Joe Wright; Little Women / Columbia Pictures / Greta Gerwig

The book reading is from Joan Fontaine’s memoir, No Bed of Roses published by William Morrow and Company

Weekend Woman's Hour Listener Week: Van Life, Risky sports, Widows Fire, Pets as therapy, Tummies Aug 24, 2024

Listener Week is when all the topics, interviews and discussions are chosen by YOU!

We hear from listener Siobhan Daniels. She wrote to us on Instagram: 'I would love you to talk about van life and an alternative way of living.' Siobhan is 65 years old and after selling her home and possessions has lived in her motorhome for five years. She joins Nuala McGovern on the programme.

Listener Kitty Dowry wanted us to take a look at so called 'risky' sports, and to encourage us all to look at them in a different way. Kitty is a climber; she has been doing it for 10 years and wants to see more women give it a go, even those who might have written it off for fear of it being too dangerous. Kitty joins Anita, as does Hazel Findlay, a professional climber and coach.

As part of Listener Week we have been asked by widows to discuss one side effect of bereavement – hyper-arousal, and the term ‘Widow’s Fire’. Nuala McGovern explores these ideas with listener Lizzie, Stacey Heale, who has written a book – Now is Not the Time for Flowers - about her experience of being widowed, and also by the psychotherapist Lucy Beresford, who can shed some light on what might be going on.

How one moment or person can change your life’s trajectory. Listener Bettie tells Anita how a childhood invite to a friend's house introduced her to a new way of life -one she says saved her.

Listener Sarah Palmer got in touch to tell us about the volunteer work she does with the charity Pets As Therapy. She joined Nuala to talk about how her life has been “immeasurably improved” because of her dog Haggis and the work they do together visiting local hospitals and care homes.

Why do so many of us feel bad about our tummies and why are the rounded or wobbly ones never celebrated? That’s what listener Carole wants to know. Content creator Lottie Drynan created the IBS blog The Tummy Diaries and #mybloatedwardrobe and has learned to love her rounded stomach. She joins Nuala McGovern, along with Charlotte Boyce, Associate Professor in Victorian Literature and Culture at Portsmouth University, and columnist Pravina Ruda to discuss our historical and cultural relationship with our tummies.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Sarah Crawley

Listener Week: Sex in your 70s, Risky sports, Cost of men and women's haircuts Aug 23, 2024

Listener Week is when all the topics, interviews and discussions are chosen by YOU!

Woman's Hour listener Elaine asked the programme to discuss the issue of having sex in later life. Elaine is in her seventies and her partner would like to resume a sexual relationship. They are both negotiating medical conditions and she feels reluctant. Elaine would like to know what is typical or normal in your seventies. Sex and relationship therapist Charlene Douglas and Dr Clare Gerada, former President of the Royal College of General Practitioners, explain the medical and emotional challenges around intimacy in later life and the accommodations that can be made if older couples want to have sex.

Listener Teigan Banks got in touch. ‘I would love to talk about how losing my mum at 11 has led to attachment to maternal figures throughout my life and sometimes this can be negative. In all the grief media I see this is something I never see spoken about and it can be quite isolating. I’m sure other people who have lost parents have experienced similar things. I’m 21 now and this is something I still struggle with. I can feel guilty for these attachments as I feel like I’m forgetting my own mum. But knowing these people can’t really replace my mum or be that for me.’ Anita is joined by Teigan to talk about these issues and also by Julia Samuel, a psychotherapist, the author of Grief Works.

Why can women’s haircuts cost more than men’s, at the same salon? One listener has asked us to find out. Anita is joined by Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the National Hair and Beauty Federation, a trade organisation for the hair, barbering and beauty industries, and equality lawyer Elizabeth McGlone, who has short hair.

Listener Kitty Dowry wanted us to take a look at so called 'risky' sports, and to encourage us all to look at them in a different way. Kitty is a climber; she has been doing it for 10 years and wants to see more women give it a go, even those who might have written it off for fear of it being too dangerous. Kitty joins Anita, as does Hazel Findlay, a professional climber and coach.

Listener Ameya is a 20 year old singer-songwriter. She joins Anita to talk about her music, explain how her songs represent her neurodiversity, and discuss why it’s important for her, as a British-Indian woman, to break into the mainstream and raise awareness of autism.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Listener Week: Leaving a legacy, Periods through history, Belly dancing Aug 22, 2024

Listener Week is when all the topics, interviews and discussions are chosen by YOU!

What is it like to parent a neurodivergent child when you are neurodivergent yourself? Anita Rani speaks to listener Rachel, who discovered she had ADHD after her daughter was diagnosed, and Jo, whose children have dyslexia.

How one moment or person can change your life’s trajectory. Listener Bettie tells Anita how a childhood invite to a friend's house introduced her to a new way of life—one she says saved her.

The menstrual cycle, periods, time of the month. One listener, Tracey, wanted to know what things were like for women dealing with this in centuries past. Anita finds out more from Dr Sara Read, who is a Senior Lecturer in English at Loughborough University, with a specific focus on women’s reproductive health and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

A listener asked us on social media: How can childless people leave a legacy? Statistics from the Office for National Statistics found that more than half (50.1%) of women in England and Wales born in 1990 were without a child when they turned 30. Whether it’s by choice or circumstance, many women don’t have children – what legacy do you leave without them? Anita discusses the idea with author Marianne Power and Nicola Brant who is Head of the Estates, Tax & Succession at the firm Thomson Snell & Passmore.

As part of Listener Week, we discussed tummies and feeling confident about your midriff. One listener got in touch to say she’d started belly dancing to help with this. Belly dance instructor Leilah Isaac tells Anita why she finds it so empowering.

Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley

Listener Week: Widow's Fire, DNA discoveries, Decluttering backlash Aug 21, 2024

Listener Week is when all the topics, interviews and discussions are chosen by YOU!

As part of Listener Week we have been asked by widows to discuss one side effect of bereavement – hyper-arousal, and the term ‘Widow’s Fire’. Nuala McGovern explores these ideas with listener Lizzie, Stacey Heale, who has written a book – Now is Not the Time for Flowers - about her experience of being widowed, and also by the psychotherapist Lucy Beresford, who can shed some light on what might be going on.

DNA testing for family ancestry is becoming more popular, with some companies having millions of users. A listener we are calling Sarah wrote: ‘I would like to hear about non-paternity events. This is when you discover that a parent is not your biological parent often via a DNA test. I made this discovery in my fifties. Increasing we are hearing about the impact of these discoveries but until it happens to you it is incomprehensible to understand. I would like to hear these issues explored.’ Nuala speaks to her and also to Laura House, genetic genealogist at Ancestry, and Lucy Beresford.

A listener who tried decluttering and didn't like it asked us to look into 'the craze of removing any superfluous stuff in their house.' Nuala is joined by journalist Rebecca Reid and professional organiser Jenn Jordan to discuss if household streamlining has become an additional burden for women, or a helpful tool to stay on top of life admin.

There is an iconic spot in Ireland called the Forty Foot and it's where people go to swim in Dublin Bay. If you watched the Apple TV series Bad Sisters, you might have seen it. But 50 years ago, women ‘weren’t allowed’ to swim there, so a group took to the waters in their bikinis – and had a less than welcome reaction from the men. Listener, journalist and feminist Rosita Sweetman suggested we discuss this on the programme. She joins Nuala, as does one of the women who mounted the invasion - activist, writer and poet, Mary Dorcey.

Listener Week: Tummies, Later in life lesbians, Long Covid Aug 20, 2024

Listener Week is when all the topics, interviews and discussions are chosen by YOU!

Why do so many of us feel bad about our tummies and why are the rounded or wobbly ones never celebrated? That’s what listener Carole wants to know. Content creator Lottie Drynan created the IBS blog The Tummy Diaries and #mybloatedwardrobe and has learned to love her rounded stomach. She joins Nuala McGovern, along with Charlotte Boyce, Associate Professor in Victorian Literature and Culture at Portsmouth University, and columnist Pravina Ruda to discuss our historical and cultural relationship with our tummies.

Four years on from the start of the Covid 19 pandemic, many listeners have contacted Woman’s Hour to tell us about their experience of Long Covid. Nuala hears from Lexi Boreham who says she’s been “flattened” by the condition and speaks to respiratory physician Dr Melissa Heightman about the latest treatments and research.

Listener Lottie contacted Woman’s Hour because she wanted us to discuss later in life lesbians and what happens when you embrace the sexuality you secretly always knew you had, or perhaps you have only just acknowledged. Nuala speaks to psychotherapist Miriam, who has researched and written about later in life lesbians, and to Georgia who came out around eight years ago after 20 years of marriage to a man.

Listener Sarah Palmer from Farnham in Surrey tells us how her life has been transformed through her volunteering work with the charity Pets As Therapy. She’s one of the 4,000 people across the UK who take their dogs and cats into care homes, hospitals and prisons every week. She’ll speak to Nuala about her life and work with Haggis, a two year old cockapoo.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lottie Garton

Listener Week: Van life, Surrogacy, Women and stonemasonary Aug 19, 2024

Welcome to Woman's Hour's Listener Week, when all the topics, interviews and discussions are chosen by YOU!

On today's programme, we hear from listener Siobhan Daniels. She wrote to us on Instagram: 'I would love you to talk about van life and an alternative way of living.' Siobhan is 65 years old and after selling her home and possessions has lived in her motorhome for five years. She joins Nuala McGovern on the programme.

A message from a listener raised his concerns about the amount of time it had taken for his daughter’s case to get to trial after she was sexually assaulted. He asked Woman’s Hour to speak to the Crown Prosecution Service about why these delays occur. The CPS were unavilable for an interview and have sent us a statement. To discuss this topic we are joined live by Rape Crisis CEO, Ciara Bergman and barrister and author, Harriet Johnson.

What’s it like being a cathedral stonemason? After a listener asked to hear more about women working in heritage crafts, reporter Martha Owen went to meet Rachael Wragg, a stonemason at Lincoln Cathedral. Also known as @thegingermason on social media, Rachael tells us about working the stone, why she decided to retrain as a mason, and why she loves her job.

For some surrogacy is extremely contentious, for others it's life changing. Our listener Helen Trenchard wanted to speak about her experience of having a baby by surrogate. It is legal in the UK although it is an offence to advertise that you are seeking a surrogate or are a potential surrogate looking for "intendend parents”. Nuala explores the topic with Helen and Rena Miras-Pye who carried Helen's baby.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Weekend Woman's Hour: Olympian Emily Campbell, Sexsomnia and the CPS, Science fiction, Paralympian Jodie Grinham Aug 17, 2024

Fresh from the Paris Olympic Games, the Team GB weightlifter Emily Campbell joins Jessica Creighton on the programme. Best known for her no-nonsense attitude, fabulous hair and of course, lifting extremely heavy weights, she joins Jessica to discuss adding bronze to her silver medal from Tokyo.

In 2020, Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott had the case against her alleged rapist dropped by the CPS. They said that the defence had suggested she suffered from ‘sexsomnia’, where a person performs sexual acts in their sleep. Jade Blue put in a Victim’s Right to Review and received an apology from the CPS for dropping the case, which cannot be re-opened. Jade Blue then sued the CPS – and has now received £35,000 in compensation for damages. Jade joins Jessica to tell her how it feels to have that compensation.

Throughout the summer we’ve been taking a look into the world of 'genre fiction' – the women who read it and the women who write it. In the latest of this series, we discuss science fiction. Seen by some as 'a genre for men,' there are lots of women authors and readers who think otherwise. Bafta-nominated screenwriter and playwright, Moira Buffini, who's written The Dig and TV series Harlots, joins Nuala to discuss her debut science fiction novel, Songlight. Larissa Lai, science fiction novelist and professor at University of Toronto, with two novels shortlisted by the Otherwise Award also joins Nuala.

The Paris Paralympics are two weeks away, and Nuala is joined by archery champion Jodie Grinham. Having already won a silver medal in Rio and a gold at this year's European Para Cup, Jodie will be looking to win a medal again this summer. She has already broken one record, being the first member of Team GB's para team to compete whilst pregnant.

What do you think of maternity clothes? For mums-to-be in 2024, it's apparently all about low-cut jeans and crop tops, moving away from traditional maternity wear. Retailers are recording a decrease of maternity clothes searches with women instead opting for regular clothes, perhaps in a bigger size. So why the shift? Jessica is joined by Assistant Fashion Editor at The Times, Hannah Rogers and influencer and author Alex Light to discuss.

Mary Bridget Davies is playing Janis in A Night With Janis Joplin. It's a biographical musical about the life of Janis Joplin and her musical influences. It includes all the big Janis hits, including Piece of My Heart, Cry Baby, Me and Bobby McGee performed by Mary - a role she was Tony-nominated for in the Broadway version of the musical.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

Kyla Harris, Mania and perimenopause, Daughters documentary, Maternity clothes Aug 16, 2024

A new study just published says that perimenopausal women are more likely to experience bipolar and major depressive disorder. Cardiff University academics worked with charity Bipolar UK and the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database, to look at nearly 130,000 UK women and focused on the four years around the last menstrual period. Dr Clare Dolman, an ambassador for Bipolar UK and patient and public involvement lead on the project, joins Jessica Creighton.

We Might Regret This is a brand new BBC comedy that has been pegged by reviews as ‘the next Fleabag’. It centres on Freya, who is an artist and tetraplegic, as she moves in with her partner and hires her best friend to be her personal assistant. The series is partly based on the experiences of Kyla Harris, the co-creator who stars as Freya. She joins Jessica to talk about everything from having a third person in a relationship to misconceptions around disability.

What do you think of maternity clothes? For mums-to-be in 2024, it's apparently all about low-cut jeans and crop tops, moving away from traditional maternity wear. Retailers are recording a decrease of maternity clothes searches with women instead opting for regular clothes, perhaps in a bigger size. So why the shift? Jessica is joined by Assistant Fashion Editor at The Times, Hannah Rogers and influencer and author Alex Light to discuss.

A brand new documentary film called Daughters follows four girls whose fathers are in prison in the US. They are all preparing for a special prison visit – a father-daughter dance that sees some of them meeting for the first time. Co-director of the film and CEO of Girls for a Change Angela Patton joins Jessica to talk about her work with black girls and their fathers, along with a father and daughter from the UK who have personal experience of the challenges of a father being in prison.

Olympic medallist Emily Campbell, Sexsomnia and the CPS, Beryl Cook play Aug 15, 2024

Fresh from the Paris Olympic Games, the Team GB weightlifter Emily Campbell joins Jessica Creighton on the programme. Best known for her no-nonsense attitude, fabulous hair and of course, lifting extremely heavy weights, she joins Jessica to discuss adding bronze to her silver medal from Tokyo.

A Glasgow parents group is taking legal action against the city council over planned education cuts. It is calling on the council to halt implementation of reductions to teacher numbers and a mentoring scheme. The Glasgow City Parents Group says the council failed to carry out an equality impact assessment. The group's chair Leanne McGuire joins Jessica to discuss.

In 2020, Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott had the case against her alleged rapist dropped by the CPS. They said that the defence had suggested she suffered from ‘sexsomnia’, where a person performs sexual acts in their sleep. Jade Blue put in a Victim’s Right to Review and received an apology from the CPS for dropping the case, which cannot be re-opened. Jade Blue then sued the CPS – and has now received £35,000 in compensation for damages. Jade joins Jessica to tell her how it feels to have that compensation.

Fame found artist Beryl Cook in the 1970s through her colourful, humorous depictions of everyday people. Actress and artist Kara Wilson has always been a fan and wanted to uncover the person behind the art with her play about Beryl, now playing at the Edinburgh Fringe. At the same time, she’s living with her daughter comedian Nina Conti, who also has a show and film on at the Fringe. They both join Jessica to discuss their individual projects and what it’s like living together again.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Lottie Garton

Women and science fiction; Say She She Aug 14, 2024

Throughout the summer we’ve been taking a look into the world of 'genre fiction' – the women who read it and the women who write it. In the latest of this series, we’re going to discuss science fiction. Seen by some as 'a genre for men,' there are lots of women authors and readers who think otherwise. Bafta-nominated screenwriter and playwright, Moira Buffini, who's written The Dig and TV series Harlots, joins Nuala to discuss her debut science fiction novel, Songlight. Larissa Lai, science fiction novelist and professor at University of Toronto, with two novels shortlisted by the Otherwise Award joins Nuala to discuss the genre.

Say She She is a female-led band based out of Brooklyn, New York led by Piya Malik Sabrina Mileo Cunningham, and Nya Gazelle Brown. Their sound has been described as ‘disco-delic with dreamy harmonies’, and they have been crowned one of BBC 6 Music’s Artists of The Year. They are now in the UK to perform at Camp Bestival and All Points East. They join Nuala McGovern to discuss their music, their influences, and the issues that inspire their tracks.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Laura Northedge

Actor Romola Garai, AI research and breast cancer, Rebecca Watson Aug 13, 2024

Annie Ernaux’s Booker-nominated book, Les Années, traces her journey from childhood in post-war France to old age in the post-9/11 era. Now adapted for the stage, Gina Mckee, Deborah Findlay and Romola Garai, alongside Anjli Mohindra and Harmony Rose-Bremner, are the five actors portraying different stages in the life of an ‘unnamed’ French woman. Romola Garai joins Nuala McGovern in the Woman’s Hour studio.

We talk to Regina Barzilay, a Professor of AI & Health in the Department of Computer Science at MIT, about how her own breast cancer diagnosis shifted her research to predicting cancer. Regina and her team have built an Artificial Intelligence system that can predict almost half of all incidences of breast cancer up to five years before they happen.

And author Rebecca Watson on her latest novel I Will Crash - a unique take on sibling torment.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Paralympian Jodie Grinham, The Wicker Man, Singer Mary Bridget Davies Aug 12, 2024

For the first time in history, the Paris 2024 Olympics saw an equal number of men and women competing. But that's not always been the case - in fact, back in 1912, the father of the Olympic games Pierre de Coubertin said that having women compete in the games would be 'impractical, uninteresting, ungainly and, I do not hesitate to add, improper'. Luckily, the Olympics didn’t just have the father of the games – it also had the MOTHER of games, Alice Milliat. BBC Mundo’s Laura Garcia tells us all about this sometimes forgotten figure behind the Olympics.

One of the most influential women in the tech industry has died. Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube and one of Google’s earliest employees, died on Friday at the age of 56 from lung cancer. Sheryl Sandberg, the former Chief Operating Officer at Meta, paid tribute to Wojcicki on Instagram, writing: "As one of the most important women leaders in tech — the first to lead a major company — she was dedicated to expanding opportunities for women across Silicon Valley. I don’t believe my career would be what it is today without her unwavering support." Professor Gina Neff, executive director of the Minderoo Centre for Technology at University of Cambridge, discusses her impact.

The Paris Paralympics are two weeks away, and Nuala is joined by archery champion Jodie Grinham. Having already won a silver medal in Rio and a gold at this year's European Para Cup, Jodie will be looking to win a medal again this summer. She has already broken one record, being the first member of Team GB's para team to compete whilst pregnant.

The Wicker Man is regarded as a masterpiece of British cinema. But when the film was first released in 1973, it was a flop, and the director Robin Hardy was secretly relying on his wife Caroline to bankroll the entire production. Their son Justin Hardy talks to Nuala about the cache of long lost letters that revealed his mother’s hidden role and about his documentary, Children of The Wicker Man.

Mary Bridget Davies is playing Janis in A Night With Janis Joplin. It's a biographical musical about the life of Janis Joplin and her musical influences. It includes all the big Janis hits, including Piece of My Heart, Cry Baby, Me and Bobby McGee performed by Mary - a role she was Tony-nominated for in the Broadway version of the musical.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Lottie Tomlinson, Madwomen of the West, Infants and domestic abuse, Elles Bailey Aug 10, 2024

Lottie Tomlinson rose to fame as the younger sister of One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson. At 16, she went on tour with the band as a makeup artist and a decade on, has become an entrepreneur. Lottie’s mother and sister died within a few years of each other, when she was just 20-years-old. She joins Anita to talk about her experience of grief, which she’s written about her new memoir, Lucky Girl.

Madwomen of the West is currently on stage at the Riverside Studios in London. Set in a suburban mansion - a group of women gather for an eventful birthday brunch and discuss topics ranging from gender politics to professional expectations, shifting marital relationships, menopause and womanhood. With four leading women over the age of 70 it stars stage and screen luminaries Marilu Henner, Caroline Aaron, Brooke Adams, and Melanie Mayron. Caroline and Marilu join Nuala.

New figures released today suggest that children under two are present at 13% of police call outs to domestic abuse incidents in England, amounting to around 185,000 babies and toddlers. So what can the effect be on children of witnessing domestic abuse? And what can be done to overcome the trauma they could experience? We hear from Lauren Seager-Smith, CEO of the For Baby's Sake Trust and Dr Sheila Redfern, consultant clinical child and adolescent psychologist and Head of Family Trauma at Anna Freud, a world-leading mental health charity for children and families.

Food writer Meera Sodha’s new cookbook, Dinner: 120 Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes for the Most Important Meal of the Day, pays homage to the restorative power of cooking for the ones you love. Meera says it was written in the midst of ‘a difficult personal time and much reflection.’ She joins Nuala to talk about mental health and rediscovering her love for food.

The British roots, blues and Americana rock sensation Elles Bailey is a real trailblazer: she's a mother, a label boss, an artist, a champion of women in music, and she has been inducted into the UK Blues Hall of Fame. She joins Anita to talk about her unique voice, her new album and to perform live in the studio.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Louise Corley

Olympics boxing controversy, Lottie Tomlinson, Losing friends after a break-up, Golda Schultz Aug 09, 2024

This evening at the Olympics, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif will fight for a gold medal in the women’s welterweight event. Tomorrow, Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting will compete for gold in the final of the women’s featherweight boxing. Both boxers have faced serious controversy over their eligibility to compete. To take us through what’s going on, Anita Rani speaks to the BBC’s Sport Editor, Dan Roan.

Lottie Tomlinson rose to fame as the younger sister of One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson. At 16, she went on tour with the band as a make-up artist and a decade on, has become an entrepreneur. But Lottie’s mother and sister died within a few years of each other, when she was just 20-years-old. She joins Anita to talk about her experience of grief, which she’s written about her new memoir, Lucky Girl.

When writer and counsellor Lucy Cavendish split up from her partner it took her a while to realise that the friends she had believed she shared with him were now his and his alone. She joins Anita, along with Rosie Wilby, comedian and author of the book The Breakup Monologues, to discuss why friendships can fracture in a break-up and the politics of who gets to keep the friends.

The South African soprano Golda Schultz is one of the opera world’s most versatile and in-demand performers. After a music-filled childhood, she started training as a journalist but made the leap to become a professional singer and overcame severe stage fright. She talks to Anita about her appearance at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival in Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Maryam Maruf Editor: Olivia Bolton Studio Manager: Duncan Hannant

Blues singer Elles Bailey, Author Abi Daré, Infants and domestic abuse Aug 08, 2024

First to the news that thousands of anti-racism protesters gathered in cities and towns across England last night. They were rallying in response to a week of anti-immigration rioting and racist violence, sparked by misinformation over the deadly stabbings in Southport on 29 July. Thousands of extra police officers had been deployed last night but the protests were largely peaceful with few serious incidents. Some of the largest gatherings were in north London, Brighton and Bristol. To discuss, Anita Rani is joined by Labour’s Susan Dungworth, the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, and Aisha Gill, a Professor in Criminology, Head of the Centre for Gender and Violence Research at the University of Bristol.

The British roots, blues and Americana rock sensation Elles Bailey is a real trailblazer: she's a mother, a label boss, an artist, a champion of women in music, and she has been inducted into the UKBlues Hall of Fame. She joins Anita to talk about her unique voice, her new album and to perform live in the studio.

New figures released today suggest that children under two are present at 13% of police call outs to domestic abuse incidents in England, amounting to around 185,000 babies and toddlers. So what can the effect be on children of witnessing domestic abuse? And what can be done to overcome the trauma they could experience? We hear from Lauren Seager-Smith, CEO of the For Baby's Sake Trust and Dr Sheila Redfern, consultant clinical child and adolescent psychologist and Head of Family Trauma at Anna Freud, a world-leading mental health charity for children and families.

New York Times bestselling author Abi Daré discusses her much-anticipated second novel, And So I Roar, which follows tenacious teenager Adunni and her fight for freedom in rural Nigeria.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Army racism, Gardens and the Bloomsbury Group, Fantastically Great Women musical Aug 07, 2024

Kerry-Ann Knight, who served in the army for over a decade, has spoken out about the years of racist and sexist abuse she received whilst serving saying that it made her life "a living hell". She joins Nuala to discuss her experience of taking the Ministry of Defence to an employment tribunal where she accepted a substantial settlement, along with an apology. Her experience has led to lawyer Emma Norton - who's an expert in this field - to call for an inquiry in to the experiences of black and minoritised service personnel in the armed forces.

A new exhibition, Gardening Bohemia, at the Garden Museum in London explores the relationship between women in the Bloomsbury group and gardening. Plus a book out earlier this year, Rural Hours, looks at the influence of time spent in the countryside on three women writers associated with the group, including Virginia Woolf. Curator Claudia Tobin and author Harriet Baker discuss.

When illustrator and author Kate Pankhurst started writing the Fantastically Great Women book, she didn’t know she was a distant relative of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst – or that the book would become an award-winning pop musical. With the show currently on at The Other Palace in London, Nuala talks to Kate about why she wanted to celebrate historic women and their achievements, plus cast member Anelisa Lamola performs live in the studio.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Dianne McGregor

Keely Hodgkinson's gold, Meera Sodha, IQ levels Aug 06, 2024

Keely Hodgkinson has won gold in the women's 800 metres at the Paris Olympics. It's only Team GB's 10th ever female gold medal in athletics. Nuala McGovern is joined by five-time Olympic athlete Jo Pavey to reflect on Keely's success and what it means for the career of the 22-year-old.

The Paris 2024 Olympics was set to be the first where men could compete alongside women in the synchronised swimming, now known as artistic swimming. Bill May has been campaigning for this change for the last 30 years. He speaks to Nuala about why he thinks men should be included in the sport.

Food writer Meera Sodha’s new cookbook, Dinner: 120 Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes for the Most Important Meal of the Day, pays homage to the restorative power of cooking for the ones you love. Meera says it was written in the midst of ‘a difficult personal time and much reflection.’ She joins Nuala to talk about mental health and rediscovering her love for food.

Do you have any idea what your IQ is? New analysis from The Economist shows that brain development is being hindered across the world due to a lack of nutrition, war and even sexism - issues mainly affecting women and children. Are they getting left behind? Nuala is joined by the Deputy Editor of The Economist, Robert Guest, and Dr Meera Shekar, Global Lead for Nutrition at The World Bank’s Health, Nutrition & Population Global Practice.

Emma O’Halloran’s opera, Mary Motorhead, tells the story of a woman who is behind bars for murder. Emma speaks to Nuala about showing a different side to the stereotypical female opera lead.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lottie Garton

UK riots, Madwomen of the West, South Asian beauty, Yazidi women Aug 05, 2024

Unrest has continued in several towns and cities across the UK this weekend. Downing Street is expected to hold an emergency response meeting called COBRA today. Nuala McGovern explores how women have been involved and affected by what has happened, with BBC News Correspondent Jessica Lane, Iman Atta, Director of Tell Mama, and Dr Elizabeth Pearson, author of Extreme Britain: Gender, Masculinity and Radicalisation and Senior Lecturer at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Madwomen of the West is currently on stage at the Riverside Studios in London. Set in a suburban mansion - a group of women gather for an eventful birthday brunch and discuss topics ranging from gender politics to professional expectations, shifting marital relationships, menopause and womanhood. With four leading women over the age of 70 it stars stage and screen luminaries Marilu Henner, Caroline Aaron, Brooke Adams, and Melanie Mayron. Caroline and Marilu join Nuala.

It is 10 years since the Islamic State group committed an act of genocide against the Yazidi population in northern Iraq. Thousands of women were captured and sold as sex slaves. Now, the women are being told to leave the Internally Displaced People’s camps and return to their homes in Sinjar. The organisation Women for Women International is trying to help the women. Their Managing Director Sara Bowcutt and Programme Officer in Iraq Khalida Khalo Lazgeen, who is Yazidi herself, join Nuala to discuss the situation.

5.5 million South Asians make up the largest multi-ethnic community in England and Wales, but for Telegraph Beauty Director Sonia Haria, the topic of South Asian beauty hasn’t always been given the recognition it needs. Her new book celebrates all things South Asian beauty, skincare, hair care, and wellness. She describes the resonance of beauty in South Asian communities, growing up in the diaspora, and her top tips from 17 years in beauty journalism.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Weekend Woman's Hour: Amanda Abbington, VAT on private school fees, Steven van de Velde Olympics controversy, Aigul Akhmetshina Aug 03, 2024

Amanda Abbington joins Anita Rani to talk about her new role in Tawni O’Dell’s play When It Happens To You. Amanda plays Tara, a mother who is desperately trying to hold her family together after her daughter is brutally attacked. She discusses playing a mother whose own trauma is triggered by her daughter’s experiences and how a culture of shame can lead to women’s silence.

The Labour government has confirmed that it will act on its manifesto commitment to change the way private school fees are taxed across the UK. The current exemption from VAT will be removed, in order to fund 6,500 new teachers in England, and the change is coming in January next year, sooner than previously thought. Nuala McGovern gets the latest from the BBC’s Education Correspondent Elaine Dunkley, and then speaks to Sarah, a parent whose son is at private school, and by Sarah Cunnane from the Independent Schools Council and Harry Quilter-Pinner from the IPPR to discuss.

The Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde has caused controversy at this year’s Paris Olympics. He is a convicted child rapist and was met with some booing when he came out for his debut match on Sunday. In 2014, when he was 19, he raped a 12-year-old British girl. He met his victim on Facebook and travelled from Amsterdam to the UK. His involvement has raised questions of whether it's appropriate for him to be representing his country at the highest level. Nuala is joined by Mhairi Maclennan, a survivor of sexual abuse herself who is also the CEO of Kyniska Advocacy, which supports women and victims of abuse in sport and Jo Easton, joint CEO and Director of Policy and Advocacy of the charity Unlock which campaigns for people with criminal records.

Irita Marriott says she is one of very few women in the UK to own an auction house. She’s the subject of a new documentary that follows her setting up her business and discovering personal stories along with antiques. She joins Nuala to talk about what it’s like to be a woman in the industry and why she loves it so much.

Hailed as the 'Carmen of our time', mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina was chosen to lead the cast of Bizet’s immortal masterpiece in eight international productions in one season. At the age of 27, Aigul has made history as the youngest artist ever to take on the title role at both the Royal Opera House in London and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Her debut album features a portrait of her famed Carmen and other operatic arias, including a Bashkort folk song. She joins Nuala to discuss her music, and perform live in the studio.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Emma Pearce

Amanda Abbington, Crime Fiction, Asbestos in Make-up and Sock Wars Aug 02, 2024

Amanda Abbington joins Anita Rani to talk about her new role in Tawni O’Dell’s play When It Happens To You. Amanda plays Tara, a mother who is desperately trying to hold her family together after her daughter is brutally attacked. She discusses playing a mother whose own trauma is triggered by her daughter’s experiences and how a culture of shame can lead to women’s silence.

In the latest in our series on ‘genre fiction’, we turn to the UK’s most popular genre: crime fiction. Jane Casey is the creator of the award-winning and gritty Maeve Kerrigan detective series, most recently appearing in A Stranger in the Family. Janice Hallett has been dubbed the 'Queen of cosy crime' for her unconventional and popular epistolary style mystery books, including her new novel The Examiner. They talk to Anita about the evolution of women as murderers and sleuths in crime fiction, and whether crime can ever be 'cosy'.

Is there asbestos in make-up? The new Radio 4 series Talc Tales investigates questions about the safety of talc in make-up and cosmetics after women diagnosed with cancer have launched court cases against some cosmetic companies, claiming products are contaminated with asbestos. Anita is joined in the studio by BBC journalist Phoebe Keane to hear what she found while making the series.

For a while now there has been a war going on social media over the length of your socks. If you are a millennial you are most likely wearing ankle socks. Whereas Gen-Z are hiking them right up to their knees. Anita delves into sock politics with Frankie Graddon and Ellie Muir.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Laura Northedge

Southport attack, Simone Biles profile, Author Anne Hawk Aug 01, 2024

The prime minister today will be meeting police leaders to discuss the riots in Southport following the horrific attacks which left three small girls dead - and eight other children and two adults injured, with some believed to be in critical condition. A 17-year-old youth is due to appear in court later today charged with the murders, and 10 counts of attempted murder.The violence of the riots there will have compounded the fear and worry of those in the area, and given the community little time to comprehend what has happened. So how can parents and children cope with such a horrible situation? Anita Rani speaks to one of those offering advice, Professor Rachel Calum - a leaflet compiled by her and other trauma experts is being distributed in Southport - as well as Sarah Mcentee, who is secretary at the Royal British Legion in Southport.

Gymnast Simon Biles will compete in the women's individual all-around final this evening. Biles was already the most decorated gymnast in history, entering Paris 2024 with 30 World championship and seven Olympic medals, but on Tuesday she won her eighth Olympic medal, taking the gold in the women’s team gymnastics final. Elite athletes have labelled her the GOAT – which stands for The Greatest of All Time. Many have dubbed Paris 2024 as Biles redemption tour, after she pulled out of several events at the Tokyo Games when the 'twisties' - a mental block - struck during her vault. To tell us about the woman behind the medals is sports journalist Molly McElwee and director Katie Walsh, who joins us from Paris, where she is filming the documentary: Simon Biles Rising with Biles and her family.

And, can a friendship be repaired when they rupture? We hear a portrait of a friendship between two women that began at school and was interrrupted for more than 20 years. Our reporter Jo Morris speaks seperately to Annie and Lizzie about their friendship.

When we think of the Windrush Generation, our minds often turn to the experiences of the pioneering young people who left the Caribbean to start a new life in the UK. Less is written about the children that some of them left behind. Anne Hawk has written a novel from the perspective of one of those children, which is partly based on her own experiences. She speak to Anita about her debut novel, The Pages of the Sea, which follows a young girl left in the care of her aunts after her mother leaves their Caribbean island to emigrate.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Hanna Ward Studio Manager: Emma Harth

VAT on private school fees, Steven van de Velde Olympics controversy, Concert pianist Mishka Rushdie Momen, Commuters with noisy Jul 31, 2024

The Labour government has confirmed that it will act on its manifesto commitment to change the way private school fees are taxed across the UK. The current exemption from VAT will be removed, in order to fund 6,500 new teachers in England, and the change is coming in January next year, sooner than previously thought. Nuala McGovern gets the latest from the BBC’s Education Correspondent Elaine Dunkley, then speaks to Sarah, a parent whose son is at private school, and is also joined by Sarah Cunnane from the Independent Schools Council and Harry Quilter-Pinner from the IPPR to discuss.

The Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde has caused controversy at this year’s Paris Olympics. He is a convicted child rapist and was met with some booing when he came out for his debut match on Sunday. In 2014, when he was 19, he raped a 12-year-old British girl. He met his victim on Facebook and travelled from Amsterdam to the UK. His involvement has raised questions of whether it's appropriate for him to be representing his country at the highest level. Nuala is joined by Mhairi Maclennan, a survivor of sexual abuse herself who is also the CEO of Kyniska Advocacy, which supports women and victims of abuse in sport and Jo Easton, joint CEO and Director of Policy and Advocacy of the charity Unlock which campaigns for people with criminal records.

Concert pianist Mishka Rushdie Momen’s new album, Reformation, recreates Tudor music from this tumultuous time in English history. She talks to Nuala about the role that some women played in developing music – including the influence of Elizabeth I, musical nuns and risqué dances.

How do you feel about people on public transport playing content loudly on their phones? Do you sit through the noise or ask them to listen on headphones? Journalist Hannah Ewens recently did the latter and talks to Nuala about how it’s revolutionised her commute.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Maryam Maruf Studio Managers: Steve Greenwood and Emma Harth

Southport attack, Sexism in Olympics coverage, Female auctioneer Jul 30, 2024

A stabbing attack in the Southport area of Merseyside has, at the time of going to air, killed a number of children and critically injured others. Nuala McGovern is joined by BBC Home Affairs Correspondent Lauren Moss to give us the latest. She also hears from the Labour and Cooperative Party Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside, Emily Spurrell, and the Reverend Marie-Anne Kent on how the community are coming together to support each other. NB. The number of fatalities and injured was correct at the time of broadcast. For full updates head to the BBC News website.

Irita Marriott says she is one of very few women in the UK to own an auction house. She’s the subject of a new documentary that follows her setting up her business and discovering personal stories along with antiques. She joins Nuala to talk about what it’s like to be a woman in the industry and why she loves it so much.

Many of us will have been enjoying watching some coverage of the Olympics in Paris. But is that coverage occasionally sexist? The head of the Olympic Broadcasting Service has asked that camera operators avoid sexist filming of sporting events. This comes as a commentator for the channel Eurosport has been removed after making sexist remarks about Australia’s female swimmers. Dr Andrea Geurin, Professor of sport business, marketing and communication at Loughborough University, joins Nuala to discuss.

In the last of our series on the hobbies that you’ve taken up again after years, our reporter Sarah Swadling speaks to a woman who rediscovered her passion for drama and joined the village panto.

Have you seen a lot of orange around recently? The fake tan is back – but it’s apparently now better than before - more sophisticated. Celebrities are sporting the bronzed look, and sales of fake tan are up – but why has it returned? And is it actually good for you? Nuala is joined by Assistant Editor of Femail Jessica Taylor to discuss.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lottie Garton

Edna O'Brien obit, SEND education, Republicans and women, Aigul Akhmetshina Jul 29, 2024

The Irish novelist Edna O'Brien has died aged 93. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins said she was "one of the outstanding writers of modern times". She is perhaps best known for her portrayal of women's lives against repressive expectations in Irish society. Her first novel, The Country Girls, was published in 1960 and became part of a trilogy that was banned in Ireland for their references to sexual expression and social issues. Nuala McGovern speaks to Irish novelist Eimear McBride, who knew Edna.

Parents, children and politicians all agree that the SEND education system for children with special educational needs and disabilities is 'broken'. How can it be fixed? The Local Government Association and the County Councils Network have published a 'landmark' report which warns that the current system is failing children and too adversarial. Reporter Carolyn Atkinson investigates. The Government accepts educational outcomes are 'flatlining', as parents and local authorities are pitted against each other. But 12 chief executives of leading childrens' charities are warning that some of the suggestions in the report won't work. Katie Ghose, CEO of Kids, joins Nuala in the studio to discuss.

The US presidential election race now looks set, with Donald Trump and Kamala Harris attempting to win the confidence of US voters. Today, we're taking a closer look at the Republicans and how their policies might shape women's rights in America. Nuala speaks to the BBC US Special Correspondent Katty Kay, who's also written four New York Times bestselling books on women and work.

Hailed as the 'Carmen of our time', mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina was chosen to lead the cast of Bizet’s immortal masterpiece in eight international productions in one season. At the age of 27, Aigul has made history as the youngest artist ever to take on the title role at both the Royal Opera House in London and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Her debut album features a portrait of her famed Carmen and other operatic arias, including a Bashkort folk song. She joins Nuala to discuss her music, and perform live in the studio.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Olympics preview, Holocaust documentary, Poet Zara Sehar, Sculptor Dominique White, Comedian Sashi Perera Jul 27, 2024

The Paris 2024 Olympics start this evening with the opening ceremony. It's the first time an equal number of men and women will compete in a summer Games. To discuss the sportswomen you should keep an eye out for, Anita Rani is joined by Jeanette Kwakye, a former Olympian herself and now BBC pundit, and also BBC Sport reporter Laura Scott.

A new film, The Commandant’s Shadow, follows Hans Jürgen Höss, the 87-year-old son of Rudolf Höss, the camp commandant of Auschwitz who masterminded the murder of more than a million Jews. While Hans enjoyed a happy childhood playing with many toys in the family villa, Anita Lasker-Wallfisch played cello in the orchestra to survive the notorious concentration camp. Eight decades later, the two come face-to-face, together with their children, Kai Höss and Maya Lasker-Wallfisch. Anita and Maya join Nuala to tell their story.

Zara Sehar recently won the audience vote at the Roundhouse Poetry Slam competition, and joins Anita to talk about her work and perform from one of her poems, (Hon)our Killings. In it she mentions spoons in knickers, a tactic suggested to young girls being taken out of the country who are at airports and at risk of forced marriage. Natasha Rattu, Executive Director at Karma Nirvana explains why they give this advice to British-Asian girls.

The sculptor Dominique White has a new exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery in London. It is four large sculptures made of iron, driftwood and detritus from the sea, lit in such a way to suggest that you are submerged, or looking at a shipwreck on the seabed. It was created during Dominique’s six-month residency in Italy, the time granted to her when she won the Max Mara art prize for women in 2023.

Former refugee lawyer turned comedian Sashi Perera joins Nuala to discuss who we choose as our emergency contacts and her new stand-up show, Boundaries.

When is it socially acceptable to bring your partner to hang out with your friends? According to academic and writer Kate Lister the answer is never. In her recent i Paper column, Kate explains that the presence of a partner alters the dynamic, and that friendships ought to be safe havens from romantic relationships. While some couples prefer to socialise together, Kate argues that time and effort should be invested into individual friendships. Kate joins Nuala for a frank discussion on the murky friendship politics of bringing your partner to lunch.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

Mercury Prize Nominees, Paris Olympic Athletes, Adoption Jul 26, 2024

The Paris 2024 Olympics start this evening with the opening ceremony. It's the first time an equal number of men and women will compete in a summer Games. To discuss the sportswomen you should keep an eye out for, Anita Rani is joined by Jeanette Kwakye, a former Olympian herself and now BBC pundit, and also BBC Sport reporter Laura Scott.

Adoption England have described an ‘unprecedented’ decline in adoption rates. For the first time in recent years, there are now more children in need of adoption than those looking to adopt. To discuss why, Anita is joined by Sarah Johal, National Adoption Strategic Lead for Adoption England and Hollie Mortimer, who adopted her daughter two years ago.

There are a record-breaking number of women on the shortlist of nominees for the Mercury Prize 2024. Eight out of the 12 nominations are women or female-fronted bands. To talk about the impact of this, Anita is joined by nominees Corinne Bailey Rae and Nia Archives, alongside music journalist Mary Mandefield.

So much is known about the causes of disease and death in women all over the world – so why are so many women still dying? Sophie Harman, Professor of International Politics at Queen Mary University of London, has written a new book: Sick Of It, that examines this question. She joins Anita to talk about how she thinks women’s health gets caught in the crossfire of global politics, and what the solutions could be.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Kamala Harris and female votes, Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell, Poet Zara Sehar Jul 25, 2024

Kamala Harris has spoken about making childcare and eldercare more affordable, securing universal paid maternity leave and signing into law a bill that would restore and protect the right to abortion. So could these policies win her female votes, and how does this fit in with her strategy to try and beat Trump in the US presidential election? Anita Rani speaks to Dr Leslie Vinjamuri, director of Chatham House's US and Americas programme.

Zara Sehar recently won the audience vote at the Roundhouse Poetry Slam competition, and joins Anita to talk about her work and perform from one of her poems, (Hon)our Killings. In it she mentions spoons in knickers, a tactic suggested to young girls being taken out of the country who are at airports and at risk of forced marriage. Natasha Rattu, Executive Director at Karma Nirvana explains why they give this advice to British-Asian girls.

Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell was the first black woman to swim for Great Britain. Born in the UK, her family moved to Kenya when she was four. She started swimming competitively from the age of six and was world number one in the 50 metres breaststroke, aged 15. But Rebecca walked away from the sport ahead of the London 2012 Olympics. She has written a memoir, These Heavy Black Bones, in which she delves into how she achieved success but also what it cost her, physically and mentally, and why she gave it all up.

It's 50 years since the death of the American singer Cass Elliot. She died at just 32, and her musical legacy includes some of the best-known songs of the 60s and 70s, from both her time in The Mamas & the Papas and her solo career. Eddi Fiegel, author of Dream a Little Dream of Me: The Life of 'Mama' Cass Elliot, tells Anita who she was.

Kamala Harris and 'brat summer', Holocaust documentary, Comedian Sashi Perera Jul 24, 2024

Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign has been inspired by Charli XCX and her recent album release, brat. The link between the two is all over social media – but what does it all mean? Nuala McGovern is joined by former Editor-in-Chief of Vice and co-host of the Good Bad Billionaire podcast on BBC World Service to explain the trend, and columnist for The Times, Alice Thomson on Kamala Harris’ appeal to women.

A new film, The Commandant’s Shadow, follows Hans Jürgen Höss, the 87-year-old son of Rudolf Höss, the camp commandant of Auschwitz who masterminded the murder of more than a million Jews. While Hans enjoyed a happy childhood playing with many toys in the family villa, Anita Lasker-Wallfisch played cello in the orchestra to survive the notorious concentration camp. Eight decades later, the two come face-to-face, together with their children, Kai Höss and Maya Lasker-Wallfisch. Anita and Maya join Nuala to tell their story.

A new study has found that women in Scotland have reached a landmark moment in business - with the number of female entrepreneurs matching the number of men for the first time. Nuala is joined by primary school teacher turned tech entrepreneur Genna Masterton who runs a business in Glasgow.

Former refugee lawyer turned comedian Sashi Perera joins Nuala to discuss who we choose as our emergency contacts and her new stand-up show, Boundaries.

A new malaria vaccine, licenced for children five months and older, began its roll out in the Ivory Coast last week. Nuala is joined by Dr Mehreen Datoo, who played a pivotal role in the vaccine’s development, after her own experience of malaria almost took her life.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Megan Davis, Cambridge Vice-Chancellor, Kate Lister on banning partners from social events Jul 23, 2024

What makes women become whistleblowers? And what happens after they’ve brought wrongdoing to light? Nuala McGovern talks to lawyer-turned-author Megan Davis about her experience blowing the whistle on financial crime, how it inspired writing her new thriller Bay of Thieves, and how a whistle-blower can make the perfect character for crime fiction.

When is it socially acceptable to bring your partner to hang out with your friends? According to academic and writer Kate Lister the answer is never. In her recent i Paper column, Kate explains that the presence of a partner alters the dynamic, and that friendships ought to be safe havens from romantic relationships. While some couples prefer to socialise together, Kate argues that time and effort should be invested into individual friendships. Kate joins Nuala for a frank discussion on the murky friendship politics of bringing your partner to lunch.

It’s been just over a year now since the University of Cambridge appointed its first American vice-chancellor, Professor Deborah Prentice. Before she moved to Cambridge, she was provost at Princeton, where she spent 34 years of her academic career as a psychologist specialising in the study of social norms that govern human behaviour, including gender stereotypes. She joins Nuala to reflect on what she has learnt since arriving in the post.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Laura Northedge

Biden drops out and backs Harris, Maternal health in Gaza, Female coaches, Sculptor Dominique White Jul 22, 2024

President Biden has bowed to pressure and made the decision to drop out of the US presidential race. He’s endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the potential Democrat Party nominee to run against Donald Trump – but is America ready for another female presidential nominee? Nuala McGovern is joined by Kelly Dittmar, Director of Research at the non-partisan Center for American Women and Politics and Kimberly Peeler- Allen, co-founder of Higher Heights, an organisation that works to mobilise black women voters, and which endorsed the Vice President yesterday.

The Paris Olympics starts on Friday and it looks like they will be the first Games ever to have equal numbers of male and female athletes – but not of coaches. The figure for female coaches at the last Olympics in Tokyo, was just 13%. So what’s happening to try and shift that dial? Nuala speaks to Dr Elizabeth Pike from Hertfordshire University who leads the Women in Sport High Performance pathway, and Emily Handyside, Head Coach for Wales Netball, and Coaching Performance Pathway Manager at UK Coaching.

Nine months since the current Israel-Gaza war began, we look at pregnancy and giving birth in a war zone. Nuala hears from a mum in Gaza who recently gave birth, and also from a midwife trying to deliver care under constant bombing. We also speak to Hiba Al Hejazi from CARE International UK about the humanitarian support available for women in Gaza. Plus, Nuala is joined by Washington Post Middle East correspondent Louisa Loveluck to talk about the wider situation, including the worries of some of the Israeli hostages' families about the passing of nine months since their loved ones were abducted.

The sculptor Dominique White has a new exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery in London. It is four large sculptures made of iron, driftwood and detritus from the sea, lit in such a way to suggest that you are submerged, or looking at a shipwreck on the seabed. It was created during Dominique’s six-month residency in Italy, the time granted to her when she won the Max Mara art prize for women in 2023.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Maryam Maruf Studio manager: Sue Maillot

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Nelly Furtado, Woman in Myanmar, Woman’s Hour from Lord’s, Taking children out of school Jul 20, 2024

The Portuguese-Canadian singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado has sold more than 40 million records worldwide and won awards including a Grammy. Her upbeat, genre-defying pop music dominated the charts in the 2000s, from her break out hit I’m Like A Bird to her 2006 album Loose and its stand out hit Maneater. After finding that her music had been rediscovered by a whole new generation of fans on social media, she’s back with 7, her first album since 2017.In February 2021, a coup returned

Myanmar to military rule, overthrowing the democratically elected government. Under the regime, violence against civilians has escalated, with thousands jailed, tortured and killed – although the numbers are believed be much higher. At least three million people have been displaced. Just two weeks ago, a UN Report outlined the gendered impact of the coup: It found that military forces have committed widespread forms of sexual violence. However, despite the coup's devastating impact, women and girls are taking on key roles within the resistance movement. Also this month, there have been separate news reports that women are being conscripted into the military. Nuala discussed the situation with Tin Htar Swe, the former head of The BBC's Burmese Service.

Woman's Hour broadcast from Lord's Cricket Ground as England faced New Zealand for the culmination of a five-match T20 International series and to mark 25 years since the Marylebone Cricket Club, that runs Lord’s, allowed women to become members. During the programme she spoke to World Cup winning cricketer Ebony Rainford-Brent and the England and Wales Cricket Board’s Head of the Women’s professional game, Beth Barrett-Wild. She also spoke to girls about why they love playing cricket. Nuala was also given a tour of Lord’s – taking in the spots of most significance to women’s history at the ground. She heard about Baroness Rachel Heyhoe Flint and Martha Grace, the mother of a player who is considered one of the all time greats, W. G. Grace. Her tour guide Rachel Pagan met her just outside the ground.

Taking children out of school during term time was in the news this week as the new Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said there "will have to be consequences" for parents who fail to keep their children in school. It’s illegal to take children out without the school’s permission. Minimum fines, imposed by local authorities, for taking children out of class without permission for five school days will rise from £60 per child to £80 per child from August.. In her first interview since taking up the post, the education secretary spoke to the BBC's education correspondent Branwen Jeffries. We hear from parent, Laura Melling who recently went viral on TikTok for discussing a fine she'd received after taking her young daughters out of school for a holiday during term time and we spoke to journalist and parenting author Lorraine Candy.

Annie Garthwaite’s second novel, The King’s Mother, tells the story of historical figure Cecily Neville, mother of Edward IV and Richard III. Annie believes Cecily’s role in the Wars of the Roses has been hugely underestimated by historians and her novel places her firmly at the heart of the action. Essie Fox has written five historical novels and her most recent, The Fascination, is set in the world of Victorian theatres and travelling fairs. They join Nuala to discuss the challenge of writing the stories of women who have been overlooked by the history books.

Adele, one of the world's best-selling music artists, has revealed in an interview ahead of her concerts in Munich next month, that she will be stepping back from music temporarily after growing tired of the slog of fame and missing her old life. She talks about her "tank being empty" and the author and broadcaster Emma Gannon joined Anita to talk about when it all gets a bit much.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

Vula Malinga, Paedophile Hunters, Survivors of the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus Jul 19, 2024

Vula Malinga started out as one of the lead singers for the London Community Gospel Choir, before becoming a lead vocalist with Basement Jaxx and she has also collaborated with the likes of Adele, Dizzee Rascal and Beverley Knight. Tomorrow night Vula will don her flares and sequins as one of the soloists at the BBC Prom – Everybody Dance! The Sound of Disco, at the Royal Albert Hall. Along with the BBC Concert Orchestra will perform iconic disco classics from the late 1970s Studio 54 era. She joins Anita to reveal more and to perform live in the studio.

Tomorrow marks 50 years since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and an element of this story which often goes untold is the treatment of women during this time. Particularly, the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. For many, what happened to them is still a taboo subject. During her time as an MP, Skevi Koukouma raised this issue in parliament in 2015. Skevi is now the General Secretary of The Progressive Women’s Movement of POGO, an NGO which focuses on gender equality and social justice. She joins Woman’s Hour, along with Natassa Frederickou, the Vice President of the ZOE Vs War Violence Foundation, which aims to raise awareness of gender based violence in times of war.

And debut author Nilesha Chauvet’s novel The Revenge of Rita Marsh tells the story of a young woman who runs a care home for the elderly by day and a paedophile hunting group by night. Nilesha joins Anita along with Dr Kat Hadjimatheou, senior lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at Essex University, to discuss the real paedophile hunters, why and how they do it and whether they help or hinder the criminal justice system.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Laura Northedge

Nelly Furtado, Toughest towns for girls, Julian Assange accuser Jul 18, 2024

The Portuguese-Canadian singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado has sold more than 40 million records worldwide and won awards including a Grammy. Her upbeat, genre-defying pop music dominated the charts in the 2000s, from her break out hit I’m Like A Bird to her 2006 album Loose and its stand out hit Maneater. After finding that her music had been rediscovered by a whole new generation of fans on social media, she’s back with 7, her first album since 2017.

North East Lincolnshire and Blackpool are the most challenging places in the UK for girls to grow up, according to a new report by girls’ rights charity Plan International UK. The results are based on a survey of almost 3,000 girls and young women across the four nations; and highlight how girls feel uncertain about their futures and let down by a lack of progress in gender equality. Nuala is joined by Rose Caldwell, CEO of Plan International UK.

In 2010, the Swedish human rights activist Anna Ardin accused Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, of sexually assaulting her, allegations he has always denied. The allegations made headlines globally and set off a chain of events which saw Assange trying to avoid extradition to Sweden by seeking asylum in a London embassy for seven years. In 2019 the Swedish authorities ended their investigation. However, Assange spent the next five years in a British prison fighting extradition to the US, where he faced prosecution over massive leaks of confidential information. Assange was eventually freed last month, after a plea deal with the US. Anna says she’s glad he’s free and joins Anita in her first broadcast interview.

Adele, one of the world's best-selling music artists, has revealed in an interview ahead of her concerts in Munich next month, that she will be stepping back from music temporarily after growing tired of the slog of fame and missing her old life. She talks about her "tank being empty" and the author and broadcaster Emma Gannon joins Anita to talk about when it all gets a bit much.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Emma Harth

Woman's Hour live from Lord's Cricket Ground Jul 17, 2024

Today, Woman's Hour comes live from Lord's Cricket Ground as England face New Zealand for the culmination of a five-match T20 International series. To talk us through the upcoming game we are joined by Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE. Ebony is a World Cup-winning cricketer, now turned presenter and pundit.

We begin by looking at the grassroots game which is growing at a fast rate. We hear from girls at Carlton Cricket Club about why they love the sport, also from 16-year-old Honor Black who’s clothing company, Maiden, designs kit specifically for girls. We also hear again from Ebony Rainford-Brent. Ebony was the first black woman to play cricket for England and founded the African-Caribbean Engagement Programme, ACE, which creates opportunities for young cricketers to take up the game.

Nuala gets a tour around the 'Home of Cricket', and the spots of most significance to women’s history at Lord's.

Woman's Hour also looks at the situation for women’s cricket in 2024. How far has the sport come and what is left to do? Beth Barrett-Wild is Director of the Women’s Professional Game at the England and Wales Cricket Board and joins Nuala live. They will discuss the many successes in the women’s game but also a damning report which found that women were treated as ‘second class citizens’ in cricket and recommended that the ECB strive to ensure equal pay on average at domestic level by 2029 and at international level by 2030.

Ahead of England's match against New Zealand in the culmination of the five-match T20 International series, New Zealand’s star player and former captain Suzie Bates joins Nuala to look ahead to the game and discuss women’s cricket in NZ.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce and Claire Fox

Jenna Russell & Hello, Dolly!, Historical fiction, Women in Myanmar, Air Pollution Jul 16, 2024

One of the most iconic musicals of all time, Hello, Dolly!, has returned to the London Palladium, with Jerry Herman’s unforgettable score including Put On Your Sunday Clothes, Before the Parade Passes By, It Only Takes a Moment and Hello, Dolly! It’s a huge, no-expense-spared production, with a cast of 40, and the legendary Imelda Staunton as the witty and charming matchmaker Dolly Levi. Jenna Russell plays the millineress Irene Molloy. Jenna is well known for her TV roles in Call The Midwife and Eastenders, and many theatre roles, including Guys and Dolls, Merrily We Roll Along, and her Olivier award-winning turn as Dot in Sunday In The Park With George. Nuala McGovern speaks to Jenna about the revival of Hello, Dolly! and the show’s message to new audiences.

In February 2021, a coup returned Myanmar to military rule, overthrowing the democratically elected government. Under the regime, violence against civilians has escalated, with thousands jailed, tortured and killed – although the numbers are believed be much higher. At least three million people have been displaced. Just two weeks ago, a UN Report outlined the gendered impact of the coup: It found that military forces have committed widespread forms of sexual violence. However, despite the coup's devastating impact, women and girls are taking on key roles within the resistance movement. Also this month, there have been seperate news reports that women are being conscripted into the military. Nuala discusses the situation with Tin Htar Swe, the former head of The BBC's Burmese Service.

Nine-year-old Ella Adoo-Kissi-Deborah was the first person in the world to have air pollution listed as a cause of death. She lived near the South Circular Road in Lewisham, South East London and died of a fatal asthma attack in 2013. Her mother, Rosamund, who has been campaigning since her daughters death, is now seeking is seeking an official apology from the government as her high court claim against them heads to trial. She explains why she wants an official apology from the government. Nuala also speaks to Sophie Howe who is the former First Generation Commissioner for Wales where she advised the government on policy around transport and climate change - she now does this for other countries. S

Annie Garthwaite’s second novel, The King’s Mother, tells the story of historical figure Cecily Neville, mother of Edward IV and Richard III. Annie believes Cecily’s role in the Wars of the Roses has been hugely underestimated by historians and her novel places her firmly at the heart of the action. Essie Fox has written five historical novels and her most recent, The Fascination, is set in the world of Victorian theatres and travelling fairs. They join Nuala to discuss the challenge of writing the stories of women who have been overlooked by the history books.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Wendy Joseph KC, Storm chasers, Remembering sex therapist Dr Ruth, Insta’s Fake Guru Jul 15, 2024

Former Old Bailey judge, Her Honour Wendy Joseph KC, lifts the lid on our legal system. Having worked in criminal courts for almost half a century, she is still asking: what is justice? She tells Nuala McGovern some of the ways women and children struggle through the legal system - and why she wanted to highlight these issues in her latest book, Rough Justice.

Twisters – the sequel to 1996 disaster-tornado film Twister – has been accused of playing into sexist tropes about storm chasers and meteorologists. But what’s it actually like being a female storm chaser? Nuala speaks to meteorologist Karen Kosiba from the Centre for Severe Weather Research in Colorado and to founder of the Midlands Storm Chasers group Vicky Royce-Pagett about the new film and why they find storm chasing so fascinating.

Over the weekend, the sex therapist Ruth Westheimer died at the age of 96. In the 1980s, her ability to talk with good-natured candour about intimate sexual matters made her a big hit on American radio and TV and she was known to audiences as Dr. Ruth. We were lucky enough to speak to her in 2019.

Last month, Kat Torres, a former model and wellness influencer, was sentenced to eight years in prison in Brazil after being found guilty of human trafficking and slave labour. Nuala talks to BBC Journalist Hannah Price who’s made a documentary about Kat’s story: Like, Follow, Trafficked: Insta’s Fake Guru.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Maryam Maruf Studio manager: Donald McDonald

Harriet Harman, Southall Black Sisters, Author Cathy Rentzenbrink, Medium friends Jul 13, 2024

A record-breaking number of women MPs have been elected following Labour's win at the general election. It's also the first time in parliamentary history that the proportion of women elected is more than 40%. Harriet Harman, the now ex-Labour MP and former Mother of the House, gives her reaction.

Three women who say they were the victims of a racial attack have had the charges of assault made against them by their assailant discontinued by the CPS. Selma Taha, the executive director for advocacy group Southall Black Sisters, and Danae Thomas, two of the women, join Anita Rani to talk about what impact the charges being dropped has had, and how they’re hoping this might impact further action against racist violence against women and girls.

Cathy Rentzenbrink is known for her non-fiction books – but now she’s written a second fiction novel – Ordinary Time. It tells the story of Ann, a reluctant vicar’s wife, and her grappling with ideas of marriage, duty and temptation. She joins Nuala McGovern to discuss.

A recent article in the New York Times coined the phrase "medium friends" to describe “not our besties, but more than just acquaintances.” Anita talks to Dr Susan MacDougall, a social anthropologist at Oxford University, and to Shazia Mirza, a comedian and writer, about friendship levels.

Women are turning to increasingly risky ways to get weight-loss drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy, as online prescribers become more stringent about who they will give them to. Two young women tell Woman’s Hour’s Melanie Abbott about using drugs they buy on the black market, despite the potential dangers. Plus Professor Kamila Hawthorne from the Royal College of GPs talks to Nuala. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Southall Black Sisters, Audrey Powne, Dr Michael Mosley's exercise snacking Jul 12, 2024

Three women who were the victims of a racial attack have had the charges of assault made against them by their assailant discontinued by the CPS. Selma Taha, the executive director for advocacy group Southall Black Sisters, and Danae Thomas, two of the women, join Anita Rani to talk about what impact the charges being dropped has had, and how they’re hoping this might impact further action against racist violence against women and girls.

Saturday’s Wimbledon champion will be a first time winner in SW19. Czech player Barbora Krejcikova will face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini after they each won their semi-final – one of the semi-finals was the longest on record! Anita is joined by BBC Sport’s Karthi Gnanasegaram from the commentary box at Wimbledon.

The Australian vocalist, pianist and trumpeter Audrey Powne was drawn to jazz from a young age. Her style ranges from hook-laden synth pop songs to long form cinematic soundscapes, RnB ballads and free jazz improvisations. She has recently released her debut album, From The Fire, and she joins Anita to talk about her work, the inspiration behind the album and to perform live in the studio.

Radio 4 and Woman’s Hour are remembering Dr Michael Mosley’s life and work. "Exercise snacking” is one of the approaches that Dr Mosley tried out on his Radio 4 podcast Just One Thing. Marie Murphy, Director of the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh and Professor of Exercise and Health at Ulster University, explains how you can boost your fitness even if you don’t have much time for exercise.

WOW (Women of the World) has published a new anthology, allowing young women from across the globe to pen a letter about issues most important to them. Anita speaks to two of its contributors, Mwinono Chumbu from Malawi and Olivia Mandle from Spain.

Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley

The future of the two-child benefit cap, Women of Windrush opera, what is next for Kamala Harris? Jul 11, 2024

The Department for Work and Pensions has just published statistics on the number of people affected by the so-called two-child benefit cap, which restricts child tax credit and universal credit to the first two children in most households. Some campaigners have called the cap the biggest driver of the rise in child poverty in the UK and are demanding the new Labour government scrap it immediately. So what is the future of the policy? Anita Rani talks to BBC political correspondent Hannah Miller, to Sara Ogilvie, Director of Policy, Rights and Advocacy at the Child Poverty Action Group and to mother of three Olympia.

Women of the Windrush is an opera which portrays the stories of women who travelled to the UK from the West Indies between the 1940’s and the 1960’s. It is being re-staged as part of the Re-discover Festival from StreetWise Opera which celebrates the impact of African and Caribbean heritage on contemporary British culture. Anita is joined by Festival’s director, the soprano Opera singer Abigail Kelly and Dr. Shirley Thompson OBE composer of Women of the Windrush.

Will Kamala Harris step in as a the Democratic nominee in the US elections? Anita talks to Shannon Felton Spence, Communications and Political Strategist at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center in Boston..

And a recent article in the New York Times coined the phrase "medium friends" to describe “not our besties, but more than just acquaintances.” What is the significance of the mid-table friendship? Anita talks to Dr Susan MacDougall, a social anthropologist at Oxford University and to Shazia Mirza, a comedian and writer.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Laura Northedge

Nusrit Mehtab, Author Cathy Rentzenbrink, Olympian Hannah Mills Jul 10, 2024

Irish soldier Cathal Crotty was given a three-year suspended sentence after beating Natasha O'Brien unconscious in May 2022. Now, in the latest development, he is due to be formally discharged from the Defence Forces. Nuala hears Natasha's reaction and speaks to Diane Byrne, a spokeswoman for the Women of Honour group, to hear what impact this could have.

Hannah Mills is the most successful female sailor in Olympic history, having won medals at the London, Rio and Tokyo Olympic Games. Now she’s taking part in the Sail Grand Prix, an international sailing competition. Ahead of the finals this weekend, Hannah joins Nuala to talk about the work going into making the sport more gender equitable.

Nusrit Mehtab spent 30 years serving in the Metropolitan Police before resigning, citing her own mental health and a toxic culture as reasons. Now she’s written a memoir looking back on her career. Nusrit joins Nuala to talk about the more shocking revelations as well as what it was that kept her going.

Cathy Rentzenbrink is known for her non-fiction books – but now she’s written a second fiction novel – Ordinary Time. It tells the story of Ann, a reluctant vicar’s wife, and her grappling with ideas of marriage, duty and temptation. Cathy joins Nuala to tell us more.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lottie Garton

Review of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Black market weight loss drugs, Composer Undine Smith Moore Jul 09, 2024

Former Chief Prosecutor Nazir Afzal speaks to Nuala McGovern about his independent culture review of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, which is the independent regulator for nurses and midwifes in the UK. The report is highly critical, finding that a "dysfunctional culture" at the council has "threatened public safety and puts nurses at risk." Sir David Warren, Chair of the Council also joins them to respond to the findings of the report.

Women are turning to increasingly risky ways to get weight loss drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy, as online prescribers become more stringent about who they will give them to. Two young women tell Woman’s Hour’s Melanie Abbott about using drugs they buy on the black market, despite the potential dangers. Plus Professor Kamila Hawthorne from the Royal College of GPs explains the dangers of taking unregulated drugs.

A new Radio 3 documentary looks at the life and work of 20th Century American composer Undine Smith Moore. Presenter Dr Samantha Ege tells Nuala about the woman affectionally called “The Dean of Black Women Composers”. She explains how Moore’s radical, experimental composition ‘Soweto’ helped her find her anger and heal after trauma.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Olivia Skinner

Harriet Harman and election reaction, Sports Day, France Me Too Jul 08, 2024

There are a record number of women MPs in the new parliament. Nuala McGovern is joined by former Mother of the House and now chair of the charity the Fawcett Society, Harriet Harman, who wants to set up a Women’s Caucus made up of female MPs. We also have political reaction from journalists Rachel Cunliffe and Caroline Wheeler.

Is sports day something that teaches children invaluable life lessons, or simply an annual event that demoralises? Nuala is joined by journalist Esther Walker and comedian Helen Thorn to discuss further.

The French film industry has been under the spotlight in recent months after allegations of sexual assault and harassment by women against directors and actors. Last month, the French parliament agreed to create a commission to investigate sexual and gender based violence in the industry and other cultural sectors. Some of the allegations have been put forward by the actor and director Judith Godrèche who joins Nuala on the programme to discuss the issues.

Yorkshire County Cricket Club has retrospectively awarded caps to women’s players who have represented their county to recognise their commitment and their importance to the Club – spanning nearly 90 years of history. Jane Powell, President of Yorkshire County Cricket Club who captained England and played for Yorkshire for 12 years from 1980 to 1991, and also received a cap herself joins Nuala to discuss.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Weekend Woman's Hour: Jonathan Meijer interviewed on fathering over 550 babies by sperm donation, Gabby Logan, Lisa Jewell Jul 06, 2024

A new series was released this week on Netflix. It is called Man with 1,000 Kids, and Netflix is billing it as the true story of Jonathan Meijer, a man accused of travelling the world, deceiving women into having his babies - via sperm donation - on a mass scale. Nuala McGovern talks to Jonathan Meijer, the sperm donor, to mums Natalie and Suzanne, who had a baby conceived with Jonathan’s donor sperm, to Natalie Hill, the executive producer who pitched the original idea for these films to Netflix and to Rachel Cutting, director of compliance and information at the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the UK’s independent regulator of fertility treatment.

Gabby Logan joins Krupa Padhy to talk about her new book The Midpoint Plan. She’s challenging the stereotype of middle age. With fewer insecurities, children leaving home and perhaps a bit more money in the bank, she believes we should see it as the best point in our lives. Plus, if we look after ourselves in midlife, we’ll be happier in old age.

Summer is here, which means it's wedding season, and brides-to-be across the country are asking themselves the eternal question: what do I wear for the occasion? Kathryn Wheeler, who married earlier this year, decided to do something that old superstitions advice against: make her own wedding dress. In the process, she learned much more than just sewing skills. She also learned a life lesson, to embrace imperfections.

It’s 25 year since the New York Times’ best-selling author Lisa Jewell published her first novel, Ralph’s Party. Since then she’s written another twenty-one novels, and more recently a number of dark psychological thrillers, including Then She Was Gone, The Family Upstairs and the award winning None of This is True. She joins Krupa Padhy to discuss her latest work – Breaking the Dark – which is a Jessica Jones Marvel crime novel, exploring the world of the private detective and former superhero.

By the time she was 19, Michelle De Swarte had gone from a council estate in London to the catwalks of Manhattan. Her twenties were a swirl of parties and high end glamour but by her thirties she was broke and in need - as she once put it - of a “new personality”. Desperate to find a way out of fashion, she reinvented herself as a stand-up comedian. Michelle De Swarte joins Nuala to talk about putting some of her own experiences into a new BBC comedy, Spent.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

Lisa Jewell, Baby Babble, Bluebella rugby ad, Genre Fiction - Romance/Romantasy Jul 04, 2024

It’s 25 year since the New York Times’ best-selling author Lisa Jewell published her first novel, Ralph’s Party. Since then she’s written another twenty-one novels, and more recently a number of dark psychological thrillers, including Then She Was Gone, The Family Upstairs and the award winning None of This is True. She joins Krupa Padhy to discuss her latest work – Breaking the Dark – which is a Jessica Jones Marvel crime novel, exploring the world of the private detective and former superhero.

Over the summer Woman’s Hour is looking at ‘genre fiction’. Today we start the series with the ever-popular genre of romance and its new sub-genre, romantasy. Lindsey Kelk published her first romance novel I Heart New York in 2009. Her new novel Love Story is just that, as well as being an interrogation of the very concept of romantic fiction. Sarah A. Parker’s romantasy novel When the Moon Hatched went from an independently published TikTok sensation to Sunday Times bestseller. Both authors join Krupa to discuss the stigma and success of the romance genre.

A video of a 19 month old baby babbling has gone viral after people noticed she had a Scouse accent. The video, which shows baby Orla chatting away to her Mum’s friend, has been viewed more than 20 million times. To explain what’s going on when babies and very young children are learning language, and how can they have an accent before they can properly speak, Krupa is joined by Professor Julian Pine, Professor of Psychology at the University of Liverpool.

A recent advertising campaign for Bluebella the underwear brand, features three of the GB women's rugby team members in the brand’s lingerie, on a rugby pitch. The campaign has had a mixed response. Krupa discusses with rugby journalist, Victoria Rush, and Sarah Bellew, head of communications for Women in Sport a charity that tackles gender inequality in sport.

More than 150 pages of court transcripts from a 2006 grand jury criminal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein were released to the public on Monday. A judge in Florida ordered the release of the documents which had been kept secret for nearly two decades. They included first hand testimony from teenage victims as young as 14. To discuss the significance of this Krupa speaks to Emma Long, Head of American Studies at the University of East Anglia

Presented by Krupa Padhy Producer: Louise Corley

Jonathan Meijer interviewed on fathering over 550 babies by sperm donation; women impressionist artists Jul 03, 2024

A new series has been released this morning (3 July) on Netflix. It is called Man with 1,000 Kids, and Netflix is billing it as the true story of Jonathan Meijer, a man accused of travelling the world, deceiving women into having his babies - via sperm donation - on a mass scale. Nuala talks to Jonathan Meijer, the sperm donor, to mums Natalie and Suzanne, who had a baby conceived with Jonathan’s donor sperm, to Natalie Hill, the executive producer who pitched the original idea for these films to Netflix and to Rachel Cutting, director of compliance and information at the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the UK’s independent regulator of fertility treatment.

A new report from AutoTrader has found that there's a stark gender divide when it comes to going green with your vehicle choice. Hyper-masculine marketing, highly technical jargon and anxieties around running out of charge are just some of the reasons they give on why women feel excluded from making the switch to electric vehicles. Nuala talks to Erin Baker, who is the editorial director at AutoTrader and author of the report.

It’s 150 years since the first Impressionist exhibition was held in Paris in 1874. The artists involved included Monet, Renoir, Degas, Morisot, Pissarro, Sisley and Cézanne, and just one female artist was included in that first exhibition, Berthe Morisot. But women artists were involved with Impressionism, and 150 years on, the National Gallery of Ireland is holding an exhibition to put their work front and centre. The director, Caroline Campbell, joins Nuala McGovern to talk about the exhibition, Women Impressionists, and the four female pioneers who were integral to the artistic movement.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Laura Northedge

Professor Dame Carol Robinson, Leader Interview: The Conservative’s Maria Caulfield for Rishi Sunak, Michelle De Swarte Jul 02, 2024

British scientist Dame Carol Robinson, Professor of Chemistry at the University of Oxford and a trailblazer in the field of mass spectrometry, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during this year’s European Inventor Award 2024 ceremony. She will be first ever British winner. She is receiving the award not just for her outstanding work but also for championing women in STEM. She joins Nuala McGovern to explain why she’s passionate about women in science.

Woman’s Hour has already spoken to five of the seven main political parties in the run up to the general election. Today, Nuala speaks to Maria Caulfield, Minister of State for Mental Health and Women’s Health Strategy, representing the leader of the Conservative party, Rishi Sunak.

Woman's Hour invited Labour's Sir Keir Starmer on to the programme as part of our series of party leader interviews ahead of the general election. Labour did not put forward a representative for this interview, so we hear from Ione Wells, BBC political correspondent, about Labour's manifesto pledges regarding women.

By the time she was 19, Michelle De Swarte had gone from a council estate in London to the catwalks of Manhattan. Her twenties were a swirl of parties and high end glamour but by her thirties she was broke and in need - as she once put it - of a “new personality”. Desperate to find a way out of fashion, she reinvented herself as a stand-up comedian. Michelle De Swarte joins Nuala to talk about putting some of her own experiences into a new BBC comedy, Spent.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Olivia Skinner

Leader interviews: Reform UK's Ann Widdecombe for Nigel Farage, Wimbledon Jul 01, 2024

Gabby Logan joins Krupa Padhy to talk about her new book The Midpoint Plan. She’s challenging the stereotype of middle age. With fewer insecurities, children leaving home and perhaps a bit more money in the bank, she believes we should see it as the best point in our lives. Plus, if we look after ourselves in midlife, we’ll be happier in old age.

Monday 1st July marks the first day of this year’s Wimbledon. Players will be donning their whites to play at the All England Club. Molly McElwee, freelance sports journalist joins us live from Wimbledon to discuss the women we should be on the lookout for and who might rise to the top over the next two weeks.

Woman’s Hour has invited the leaders of all the main political parties for an interview in the run-up to the General Election. Today, in place of the Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, Krupa is joined by Ann Widdecombe, the party’s Immigration and Justice spokesperson.

France's Far Right National Rally made big wins in the first round of France's snap elections. The National Rally party came first with 33 percent of the vote, with the left wing Popular Front alliance on 28% and President's Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance suffering the largest losses and coming third with just over 20 percent of the vote. In the past, supporters for National Rally have predominately been men but now French women are said to be bucking the trend and supporting the National Rally. Marta Lorimer, lecturer in politics at Cardiff University explains what these results mean.

Summer is here, which means it's wedding season, and brides-to-be across the country are asking themselves the eternal question: what do I wear for the occasion? Kathryn Wheeler, who married earlier this year, decided to do something that old superstitions advice against: make her own wedding dress. In the process, she learned much more than just sewing skills. She also learned a life lesson - to embrace imperfections.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Cyndi Lauper, Accusations of assault in tennis, Sofie Gråbøl, Helen Heckety, Demetrescence, Corinne Baile Jun 29, 2024

Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights' has become a popular placard at women's rights events around the world. The singer behind the anthem that inspired it is none other than Cyndi Lauper. She joins Anita Rani to reflect on her 40-year career, becoming a feminist figure and performing on the iconic Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.

Wimbledon starts next week and amongst the usual pre-match discussions about favourites and performances, there’s also been a serious conversation about how top-level tennis handles allegations of domestic abuse. Clare McDonnell is joined by the host of the Tennis podcast, Catherine Whitaker to discuss recent cases.

Danish actress Sofie Gråbøl is best known to British viewers for her role as Sarah Lund in Scandi Noir crime drama The Killing. Now she’s returning to our cinema screens in a new film, Rose. Sophie plays Inger, a woman with serious mental health challenges, who takes a bus trip to Paris with her sister, Ellen. She discusses how she researched the character of Inger, by talking to the real woman that she is based on.

Novelist Helen Heckety joins Nuala to talk about her debut work, Alter Ego. It’s about a young woman who decides to leave her old life behind and move to a new place where no one knows she is disabled. Helen, who has a physical disability that can sometimes be invisible, was compelled to write about a disabled character she had never seen represented in literature.

The term ‘matrescence’ has been around since the 70s, but it’s only recently becoming more commonly known as a concept. It describes the process of becoming a new mother, and the emotional and physical changes you go through after the birth of your child. But then how should we talk about the experience of matrescence when your kids are teenagers, you’re in mid-life and you start the menopause? The parenting expert and childcare author Sarah Ockwell-Smith has a name for that – inspired by a Greek goddess, she calls it ‘demetrescence' and she explains all to Nuala McGovern.

Corinne Bailey Rae's latest album is a complete departure from her previous work. Black Rainbows is inspired by a trip to Stony Island Arts Bank, a Chicago-based archive of black art and culture. The record spans punk, rock, experimental jazz, electronica and more. She joins Anita for a very special performance live from the Woman's Hour Glastonbury picnic table.

Presenter: Claire McDonnell Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

Live from Glastonbury: Cyndi Lauper, Corinne Bailey Rae & DJ Ritu Jun 28, 2024

'Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights' has become a popular placard at women's rights events around the world. The singer behind the anthem that inspired it is none other than Cyndi Lauper. She joins Anita Rani to reflect on her 40-year career, becoming a feminist figure and performing on the iconic Pyramid Stage.

Corinne Bailey Rae's latest album is a complete departure from her previous work. Black Rainbows is inspired by a trip to Stony Island Arts Bank, a Chicago-based archive of black art and culture. The record spans punk, rock, experimental jazz, electronica and more. She joins Anita for a very special performance live from the Woman's Hour Glastonbury picnic table.

Would you ever go to a festival on your own? Woman's Hour listeners give their tips for how to do a festival solo.

Glastonbury is the biggest festival in the UK, hosting around 200,000 people over five days. It’s a massive operation that involves security, transport, food, water, and electricity-supply infrastructure and 11,000 people are there as staff and volunteers. So who are some of the women working hard behind the scenes to make it all possible? Two of them join Anita live: Jade Dunbar is the stage manager at Circus Big Top, and Martina Brown owns Jerk Village, a stall serving Jamaican food.

This year Glastonbury hosts its first ever dedicated South Asian space, Arrivals. It’s been created, designed and built by a South Asian team and is a collaboration between South Asian collectives. Anita talks to revered icon of the 90s underground scene DJ Ritu and to up and coming star DJ Nadi who are both performing at Arrivals.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Emma Pearce

Adult orphans, Accusations of assault in tennis, Leader interview: John Swinney Jun 27, 2024

In the next of the Woman’s Hour interviews with the leaders of the main political parties in the run-up to the General Election, Clare McDonnell speaks to John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister and leader of the Scottish Nationalist Party.

What does it mean to be an adult orphan? Does the term still apply if you lose both parents when you’re no longer a child? Playwright Naomi Westerman was writing about death rituals when she lost her whole family, turning the academic into the deeply personal. Naomi talks to Clare about her experiences and is joined by Flora Baker, the author of The Adult Orphan Club.

Wimbledon starts next week and amongst the usual pre-match discussions about favourites and performances, there’s also been a serious conversation about how top-level tennis handles allegations of domestic abuse. Clare is joined by the host of the Tennis podcast, Catherine Whitaker to discuss recent cases.

Marine biologist Christine Figgener went viral after sharing a video of a turtle with a plastic straw lodged in its nose, bolstering the campaign to get rid of plastic straws altogether. She joins Clare to discuss her new book about her efforts to protect sea creatures, My Life With Turtles.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Olivia Skinner

Sofie Gråbøl, Christine Jardine, Women and Equalities spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, Grace Campbell on abortion Jun 26, 2024

Woman’s Hour has invited the leaders of all the main political parties for an interview in the run-up to the General Election. Today, in place of the Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, Nuala McGovern is joined by Christine Jardine, the party’s Women and Equalities spokesperson.

Danish actress Sofie Gråbøl is best known to British viewers for her role as Sarah Lund in Scandi Noir crime drama The Killing. Now she’s returning to our cinema screens in a new film, Rose. Sophie plays Inger, a woman with serious mental health challenges, who takes a bus trip to Paris with her sister, Ellen. She discusses how she researched the character of Inger, by talking to the real woman that she is based on.

At the start of the month, comedian Grace Campbell wrote candidly about her mental health struggles after having an abortion and the response to her piece has been overwhelming. She speaks to Nuala about her experience, being pro-choice and how she’s sharing this as part of her stand-up.

Last weekend protests were held in four cities in the Republic of Ireland calling for justice after a serving soldier was given a suspended sentence for an attack on a woman which left her unconscious and with a broken nose. The Irish Defence Forces have confirmed that a review has been launched. Yesterday the protests continued outside the Dail, the Irish Assembly and Natasha was given a standing ovation inside as she watched from the public gallery.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Women voting in Northern Ireland, playwright and actor Faith Omole, Sarah Ockwell Smith on ‘demetrescence’ Jun 25, 2024

With just over a week to go until the UK heads to the polls for the general election, what’s the situation for women voters in Northern Ireland? BBC Northern Ireland political correspondent Jayne McCormack joins Nuala McGovern to discuss what political candidates there are offering women.

Days ahead of a UN summit on Afghanistan, which is set to exclude Afghan women, reports are surfacing from teenage girls and young women arrested by the Taliban for wearing 'bad hijab' that they have been subjected to sexual violence and assault in detention. Zarghuna Kargar joins Nuala.

The term ‘matrescence’ has been around since the 70s, but it’s only recently becoming more commonly known as a concept. It describes the process of becoming a new mother, and the emotional and physical changes you go through after the birth of your child. But then how should we talk about the experience of matrescence when your kids are teenagers, you’re in mid-life and you start the menopause? The parenting expert and childcare author Sarah Ockwell-Smith has a name for that – inspired by a Greek goddess, she calls it ‘demetrescence' and she explains all to Nuala.

Faith Omole is best known as an actress but now she’s well on the way to be know at least as well for her writing too. Last week her first performed play, My Father’s Fable, premiered at Bush Theatre in London. It tells a gripping story of grief, belonging, and a family on the edge.

And in a BBC first, Radio 3’s Georgia Mann will be at Glastonbury this year. She is opening the Crow’s Nest stage on Friday, spinning classical tunes in a DJ set. She joins Nuala McGovern to discuss how she has selected the music for her set and how prepared she is for camping.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Laura Northedge

Weekend Woman's Hour: Rachel Stevens, Woman's Hour Election Debate, Jill Halfpenny, Interracial Marriage in the US Jun 24, 2024

Rachel Stevens was one of the founding members of S Club 7, the pop band that took the world by storm in the early 2000s. She joins Anita to talk about her memoir Finding my Voice: A story of strength, belief and S Club, which covers her time in the hit-making band, her solo career and what it's been like being in the public eye.

In a special extended 90 minute programme, Nuala McGovern hosted the Woman's Hour Election Debate. Senior women from the main political parties of Great Britain outlined their priorities for women and answered your questions.Taking part were: Scottish National Party spokesperson for Consular Affairs and International Engagement Hannah Bardell; Reform UK candidate Maria Bowtell; Green Party spokesperson for Housing and Communities Ellie Chowns; Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats Daisy Cooper; Conservative Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work Mims Davies; Labour's Shadow Minister for Industry and Decarbonisation Sarah Jones and Plaid Cymru’s Westminster Leader Liz Saville Roberts.

Actor Jill Halfpenny has starred in popular TV series such as Byker Grove, Coronation Street, EastEnders and The Cuckoo. She won an Olivier Award for her role in the musical Legally Blonde and she won the second series of BBC 1's Strictly Come Dancing. But, two tragic events have framed Jill’s life story; when she was four years old her dad died suddenly of a heart attack. Then in 2017, in similarly tragic circumstances, her partner Matt died. Jill talks to Clare about confronting her grief head-on, something she examines in her new book, A Life Reimagined.

For over a century, many Americans believed that interracial marriage was illegitimate and until the late 1960s, the American legal system supported that belief. Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White is a play written in the 1960s that explores the impact of these laws. Anita is joined by Monique Touko, the director of a new production of the play, and American historian Dr Leni Sorensen who had a black father and white mother in 1940s California.

Can you ever really be just best friends with the love of your life? Laura Dockrill talks to Nuala about the thrills and awful heartache of first love, the inspiration for her first adult novel, ‘I love you, I love you, I love you.’

Presenter Clare McDonnell Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Louise Corley

Helen Heckety, Taylor Swift’s UK tour, Football and domestic abuse Jun 24, 2024

Novelist Helen Heckety joins Nuala to talk about her debut work, Alter Ego. It’s about a young woman who decides to leave her old life behind and move to a new place where no one knows she is disabled. Helen, who has a physical disability that can sometimes be invisible, was compelled to write about a disabled character she had never seen represented in literature.

According to The Times, Labour – if elected – would make it easier for people to legally transition by removing the need for them to prove they have lived as their preferred gender for two years. They will instead be given a two-year cooling off period after applying for a Gender Recognition Certificate. The Labour Party say there is nothing new in their policy on this. Nuala is joined by Geri Scott senior political correspondent at the Times to discuss.

This weekend marked the final dates of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour in the UK - until she returns again in August. The show has been described as a ‘masterpiece’ and ‘seven shades of incredible.’ Journalists Polly Vernon and Anna Willis were lucky enough to attend, and they join Nuala to go over their highlights.

Have you been enjoying Euro 2024? While many fans are cheering on their teams, there are some who dread these major sporting tournaments. Research by Lancaster University found that cases of abuse increased by 38% when England lost a football match and by 26% when they won or drew. The BBC’s Daniel Sandford, has been out with Sussex Police, who have been supporting potential victims. He joins Nuala along with Nik Peasgood, Chief Executive of Leeds Women’s Aid

Today marks the start of World Female Ranger Week, an initiative set up by adventurer and conservationist Holly Budge. It is estimated that only 11% of rangers across the world are female. These women do an important but dangerous job, protecting wildlife from poachers. Holly is also the founder of How Many Elephants, an anti-poaching conservation charity. She joins Nuala to talk on how her adventures led to becoming an advocate for female rangers and animal conservation.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Maryam Maruf Studio Manager: Donald McDonald

Weekend Woman's Hour: Paloma Faith, right wing women leaders in the EU, Emma Caldwell case, Chaka Khan Jun 22, 2024

Paloma Faith is an award-winning singer, songwriter and actor. She has released six albums, including her most recent The Glorification of Sadness, received a BRIT Award, been a judge on The Voice UK as well as an actor in films such as St Trinian’s and TV’s series Pennyworth. She is also the mother of two daughters. She joins Clare to discuss her book – MILF - in which she delves into the issues that face women today from puberty and sexual awakenings, to battling through the expectations of patriarchy and the Supermum myth.

Far-right parties across Europe made significant gains in the European elections, and women have been at the forefront of this right-wing shift in several countries. Right-wing groups which include those led by Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, France’s Marine Le Pen and Germany’s Alice Weidel are set to gain further seats in European parliament. To hear about the female leaders of Europe’s far-right and what this shift could mean for women, Anita is joined by the host of EU Confidential Politico's Sarah Wheaton and Shona Murray, Europe correspondent for Euronews.

Nearly 300 rapes and sexual assaults reported by sex workers during the Emma Caldwell murder investigation were not dealt with by police at the time, the BBC has learned. 276 reports of sex crimes made by sex workers working in Glasgow during the murder inquiry were filed away and not acted upon. Investigate journalist Sam Poling, whose work was pivotal in bringing Emma Caldwell’s killer, Iain Packer, to justice in February of this year, joins Clare McDonnell to discuss, along with former Detective Sergeant Willie Mason.

The American singer-songwriter, Chaka Khan, known as the Queen of Funk, is celebrating her 50th anniversary in music this year. With hits such as Ain't Nobody, I Feel for You and the anthem I'm Every Woman her music has sold an estimated 70 million records, winning her 10 Grammy Awards. She is curating Meltdown 2024 at the Royal Festival Hall, and opens the festival tomorrow night. She shares her plans and discusses her favourite songs.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

Stealthing conviction, Jill Halfpenny, Henry VIII's Queens Jun 21, 2024

Stealthing is the crime of removing a condom during sex without consent and is a form of rape. Clare McDonnell discusses why this is an under-reported crime with Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Local Policing, Helen Millichap, who leads the Met’s focus on violence against women and girls, and Gemma Lindfield, Barrister at Five St Andrew's Hill Chambers.

Actor Jill Halfpenny has starred in popular TV series such as Byker Grove, Coronation Street, EastEnders and The Cuckoo. She won an Olivier Award for her role in the musical Legally Blonde and she won the second series of BBC 1's Strictly Come Dancing. But, two tragic events have framed Jill’s life story; when she was four years old her dad died suddenly of a heart attack. Then in 2017, in similarly tragic circumstances, her partner Matt died. Jill talks to Clare about confronting her grief head-on, something she examines in her new book, A Life Reimagined.

Experts from across the world from a broad range of academic disciplines including psychology, medicine, policy studies, law and humanities are coming together with an aim to research an area which some say is underfunded and poorly understood. 4M Conference 2024 organiser, Professor Gemma Sharp, from the University of Exeter's School of Psychology, joins Clare to talk about her vision.

The wives of Henry VIII are often reduced to the simplistic rhyme, ‘Divorced, Beheaded, Died. Divorced, Beheaded, Survived’. But a new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, Six Lives: The Stories of Henry VIII’s Queens, seeks to focus on the stories and identities of these six individual women – rather than their infamous husband – and their transformation into popular icons. Clare is joined by curator Charlotte Bolland.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Bob Nettles

Rachel Stevens of S Club, The motherhood penalty, Interracial marriage in the United States, Sexual assault during therapy Jun 20, 2024

Rachel Stevens was one of the founding members of S Club 7, the pop band that took the world by storm in the early 2000s. She joins Anita to talk about her memoir Finding my voice: A story of strength, belief and S Club, which covers her time in the hit-making band, her solo career and what it's been like being in the public eye.

Anita is joined by Ella Janneh who has won a civil case against her former therapist, over claims he raped her during a therapy session at his clinic in London. She has been awarded more than £200,000 in damages. A day after the incident in 2016, she went to the Metropolitan Police, but the case was dropped two years later. Ella explains why she decided to pursue a civil case and how she’s been affected.

Two new studies from Scandinavia suggest that having children doesn’t harm women’s pay, at least not in the long run. Christian Odendahl, the European economics editor at The Economist, talks Anita through the findings of the new research into the “motherhood penalty.”

For over a century, many Americans believed that interracial marriage was illegitimate and until the late 1960s, the American legal system supported that belief. Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White is a play written in the 1960s that explores the impact of these laws. Anita is joined by Monique Touko, the director of a new production of the play, and American historian Dr Leni Sorensen who had a black father and white mother in 1940s California.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Olivia Skinner

Laura Dockrill, female surgical teams, Chinese #MeToo Jun 19, 2024

A survey published today by Women in Football shows that 88% of women working in the industry believe they have to work harder than men to achieve the same recognition and benefits - the research also found that 74% of men agree with them. It also found that 89% of women working in the game have experienced discrimination in the workplace. Nuala speaks to Yvonne Harrison, Chief Executive Officer Women in Football.

Can you ever really be just best friends with the love of your life? Laura Dockrill talks to Nuala about the thrills and awful heartache of first love, the inspiration for her first adult novel, ‘I love you, I love you, I love you.’

Having more women on surgical teams is associated with fewer complications for patients and a lower rate of morbidity after 90 days, a major study from Canada has found. The lead author of the study Dr Julie Hallet explains the findings and Nuala is joined by Ms Tamzin Cuming, consultant colorectal surgeon and Chair of the Royal College of Surgeons of England's Women in Surgery Forum. . On Friday a prominent activist in China’s #MeToo movement, Sophia Huang, was sentenced to five years in prison for "subversion against the state”. As a journalist, Sophia reported ground-breaking stories about sexual abuse victims and gender discrimination. Journalists Jessie Lau and Lijia Zhang join Nuala live in the studio to bring us up to date with the latest in her case and discuss the wider experience of women in China.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Laura Northedge

Woman's Hour Election Debate Jun 18, 2024

In a special extended 90 minute programme, Nuala McGovern hosts the Woman's Hour Election Debate. Senior women from the main political parties of Great Britain outline their priorities for women and answer your questions. Taking part are: Scottish National Party spokesperson for Consular Affairs and International Engagement Hannah Bardell; Reform UK candidate Maria Bowtell; Green Party spokesperson for Housing and Communities Ellie Chowns; Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats Daisy Cooper; Conservative Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work Mims Davies; Labour's Shadow Minister for Industry and Decarbonisation Sarah Jones and Plaid Cymru’s Westminster Leader Liz Saville Roberts.

‘Sextortion diary’, dealing with a terminal diagnosis, Judy Garland impersonator Jun 17, 2024

Last week, listener Charlotte got in touch with the programme to share her story. She was diagnosed with terminal cancer in April and was told she might only have months to live. She talks to Nuala about staying optimistic, juggling the admin of an illness with childcare, and the impact it’s having on her family. Adrienne Betteley, Strategic Advisor for End of Life Care at Macmillan Cancer Support, discusses dealing with a terminal diagnosis, how best to tell your children, and the support that's available.

Tinessa Kaur has become the first Sikh woman to win the prestigious Young Pro-Bono Barrister of the Year award 2024 .She dedicates around 30 hours a week to her pro bono work in underrepresented communities. Her journey to the Bar hasn’t been easy, At just 17, while pursuing her A levels, she faced homelessness in Leicester where she lived. Now 32, the pupil barrister is hoping to inspire others from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue a career in the profession.

Debbie Wileman is the British singing sensation who captured world-wide attention during the pandemic when her uncanny impersonations of Judy Garland went viral. She’s since performed at Carnegie Hall and now she'll be making her West End debut as Judy – while still doing day job at an optician’s.

Producer: Maryam Maruf Studio Managers: Emma Harth and Duncan Hannant

Elite rower Helen Glover, Leader Interview: Carla Denyer, Les Amazones d'Afrique, Ozempic Jun 14, 2024

Earlier this month, the British Olympic Association announced the 42 athletes selected to represent Team GB in rowing at 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Among them is the two-time Olympic gold medallist Helen Glover competing at this level for the 4th time as part of the Women’s four. In 2015 Helen was ranked the top female rower in the world and went on to become the first mother to row for Team GB in 2021. Now having had three children she has her sights set on the podium once more - joining the ranks of other athletes who've achieved sporting success after having a family - cyclist Dame Laura Kenny, sprinter Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce, and tennis players Elina Svitolina and Serena Williams. Helen joins Anita Rani.

In the next of the Woman’s Hour interviews with the leaders of the main political parties in the run-up to the General Election, Anita speaks to Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales.

Weight loss drugs are now easily available on line with dozens of pharmacies including Boots and Superdrug offering them. For women weight loss is a multi-million pound industry with so many of us concerned about the numbers on the scales. Ozempic and other drugs involving semaglutide are available on the NHS - only for patients who are severely obese or who have type 2 diabetes. But this morning there are newspaper reports stating that some healthy weight young women, who don't have these conditions, are buying Ozempic to get ‘beach body ready’ and ending up in A&E. Doctors report seeing increasing numbers of people of a healthy size using weight-loss injections — with life-threatening consequences. Dr Vicky Price is a consultant in acute medicine and president-elect of the Society for Acute Medicine.

Meltdown festival opens at the Southbank Centre in London on Friday. Anita Rani hears from one the acts selected by the legendary American singer/songwriter Chaka Khan. It's the pan-African, all female super group Les Amazones d'Afrique, who shot to global fame in 2017, when President Obama included one of their songs among his 20 favourite tracks of the year. They were formed in Mali in 2014, with the goal of campaigning for gender equality and eradicating ancestral violence.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey Editor: Karen Dalziel

Graves of stillborn babies, Chaka Khan, Climate seniors, Right wing women leaders in the EU Jun 13, 2024

Up until the 1980s, stillborn babies were swiftly taken from their mothers who weren’t always told what had happened to them. Now one of those mothers is calling for an apology after finding the grave of her stillborn son more than five decades after he was born. Gina Jacobs talks to Anita about how she found where her son Robert had been buried and how she’s working to help other women do the same.

In April the European Court of Human Rights passed a landmark ruling saying that Switzerland was violating the human rights of its citizens by inadequate action on climate change. The case was launched by a group of Swiss women over 65 called "climate seniors", calling for better protection of women's health from the effects of climate change. But yesterday, the Swiss parliament voted to reject the ruling, saying that it already has an effective climate change strategy. Elisabeth Stern, one of the climate seniors, joins Anita to share her reactions to the news.

The American singer-songwriter, Chaka Khan, known as the Queen of Funk, is celebrating her 50th anniversary in music this year. With hits such as Ain't Nobody, I Feel for You and the anthem I'm Every Woman her music has sold an estimated 70 million records, winning her 10 Grammy Awards. She is curating Meltdown 2024 at the Royal Festival Hall, and opens the festival tomorrow night. She shares her plans and discusses her favourite songs.

Far-right parties across Europe made significant gains in the European elections, and women have been at the forefront of this right-wing shift in several countries. Right-wing groups which include those led by Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, France’s Marine Le Pen and Germany’s Alice Weidel are set to gain further seats in European parliament. To hear about the female leaders of Europe’s far-right and what this shift could mean for women, Anita is joined by the host of EU Confidential Politico's Sarah Wheaton and Shona Murray, Europe correspondent for Euronews.

A new report has found that women artists made up just 2% of the most-played songs on Irish radio in the past year. To find out why women aren’t getting more airplay in Ireland, Anita is joined by Linda Coogan Byrne, the founder of Why Not Her? which champions gender diversity in the Irish culture sector.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Olivia Skinner

Paloma Faith, Leader interview: Rhun Ap Iorwerth, Parents with learning difficulties Jun 12, 2024

Paloma Faith is an award-winning singer, songwriter and actor. She has released six albums, including her most recent The Glorification of Sadness, received a BRIT Award, been a judge on The Voice UK as well as an actor in films such as St Trinian’s and TV’s series Pennyworth. She is also the mother of two daughters. She joins Clare to discuss her book – MILF - in which she delves into the issues that face women today from puberty and sexual awakenings, to battling through the expectations of patriarchy and the Supermum myth.

In the first of our Woman’s Hour interviews with the leaders of the main political parties in the run-up to the General Election, Clare McDonnell is joined by Rhun ap Iorwerth, who leads Plaid Cymru, or the Party of Wales.

A new study in England says that a third of cases where newborns are at risk of being taken into care involve parents who have learning disabilities or learning difficulties. The research – which was commissioned by the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory – also finds that in over 80% of these cases, the parents’ learning disabilities or difficulties had not been identified until their cases reached court. Clare is joined by the report author Katy Burch, child protection lawyer Reagan Persaud and she also hears from a parent whose children were recently taken into care.

And following golfer Rory McIlroy's announcement that he and his wife Erica have "resolved their differences" and dismissed the divorce petition he filed for last month, we ask what keeps some couples returning time and again to particular relationships. Clare talks to behavourial psychologist & relationship coach Jo Hemmings.

Presented by Clare McDonnell Producer: Laura Northedge

Naomi Klein, Thornaby FC, folk singer-songwriter Aoife O’Donovan, author Lucy Foley Jun 11, 2024

Thornaby Football Club’s committee is facing criticism after they announced that the Teeside-based club would be dropping all of its women’s section. First team manager Abbey Lyle tells Clare McDonnell what this means for the women and girls in the club, the support they’ve received since, and what it says about grassroots women’s sport. Clare also discusses the issues with Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, former Paralympian and Chair of Sport Wales and the CEO of Women in Sport, Stephanie Hilborne.

Clare talks to the Canadian writer and social activist Naomi Klein about her book Doppelganger, now out in the UK in paperback. The book is a result of her being mistaken for another Naomi – Wolf, for years. Naomi Klein uses her doppelganger as a metaphor to explain many of the issues facing the modern world, from climate change and politics, to obsession with wellness and the ways we parent our children.

British writer Lucy Foley began her career writing historical fiction before making an extremely successful switch to crime and thrillers, and with New York Times bestsellers The Paris Apartment and The Guest List under her belt, Lucy has sold more than five and half million books. She joins Clare to discuss her latest novel, The Midnight Feast, which takes place during the opening of a luxury wellness retreat and explores the clash between the insta-ready super-rich and some very disgruntled locals.

Grammy-award winning American folk singer/songwriter Aoife O’Donovan has released three critically-acclaimed solo albums, is co-founder and front woman of the string band, Crooked Still, and is also one third of the all-female group I’m With Her. Her latest album, All My Friends, is inspired by the passage of the 19th amendment and the evolving landscape of women’s rights in America over the past century. She joins Clare to discuss the themes and to perform live in the studio.

Presented by Clare McDonnell Producer: Louise Corley

Isabella Tree, Emma Caldwell case, Baroness Delyth Morgan Jun 10, 2024

Nearly 300 rapes and sexual assaults reported by sex workers during the Emma Caldwell murder investigation were not dealt with by police at the time, the BBC has learned. 276 reports of sex crimes made by sex workers working in Glasgow during the murder inquiry were filed away and not acted upon. Investigate journalist Sam Poling, whose work was pivotal in bringing Emma Caldwell’s killer, Iain Packer, to justice in February of this year, joins Clare McDonnell to discuss, along with former Detective Sergeant Willie Mason. Baroness Delyth Morgan, the chief executive of Breast Cancer Now, the largest breast cancer charity, is stepping down after 23 years. She joined Breakthrough Breast Cancer in 1995, where she led fundraising efforts that resulted in the opening of the UK's first dedicated breast cancer research facility in 1999. The crossbench peer, who sits in the House of Lords, joins Clare McDonnell to reflect on her tenure as well as the treatment and outlook for breast cancer. Conservationist Isabella Tree tells Clare about turning her failing farmland estate into one of Europe's most significant rewilding experiments. Her bestselling book about the Knepp Estate project has now been made into a film. Later this week, Wilding is released in cinemas. Virginie Viard, the creative director at Chanel, has announced her resignation from the fashion house. Only three people have held this prestigious position in the brand’s 114-year history: Viard, Karl Lagerfeld, and Coco Chanel. Who is in the frame for this esteemed role? And what will be the impact of a change in creative vision at Chanel on the fashion industry at large? Clare talks to Justine Picardie, writer and biographer of Coco Chanel, and Victoria Moss, fashion director at the Evening Standard. Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Dianne McGregor

Plus ones, Swifties, Scotland rape rule, Long-lost siblings Jun 07, 2024

Scotland's most senior law officer has asked nine of the country's judges to overturn an 87-year-old rule on evidence in cases involving rape and other sexual offences. Since she became Lord Advocate in 2021, Dorothy Bain KC has often spoken of her desire to improve the criminal justice system for victims, particularly women and girls. She is now seeking radical changes which would allow more rape cases to reach court. Anita Rani talks to David Cowan, BBC Scotland's home affairs correspondent.

A group of state secondary schools in Southwark, south London, has decided to act as a collective and shift their pupils away from smartphones. Children's use of smartphones, particularly in schools, continues to be a hot topic issue, and many schools have decided to create new policies to try and tackle what they call the damaging effects of smartphone use. One of those schools is Ark Walworth Academy in Southwark, and their headteacher, Jessica West, joins Anita to talk about the plans.

This evening, Taylor Swift will take to the stage at Murrayfield in Edinburgh for the first part of her UK tour. It is the first of 17 UK dates, which will finish in a record-breaking eight-night run at London's Wembley Stadium. By then, she will have played to almost 1.2 million UK fans. Her international Eras tour is expected to make more than $2 billion (£1.5 billion) by the time she performs her final show in Canada this December. Jolene Campbell, reporter at The Daily Record, talks to Anita about the Swifties who have descended on the city.

As a newborn baby in 1968, Helen Ward had been wrapped up warmly in a tartan bag and abandoned in a phone box in Ireland. She would spend years searching for her biological mother, but what she found instead were two full siblings who had also been abandoned as babies. Helen talks to Anita about the story she's spent a lifetime unravelling.

As we enter wedding season, some listeners will be spending every weekend for the rest of summer at either a hen do or a wedding. But what is the etiquette when it comes to plus ones? Anita talks to Liz Wyse, Etiquette Adviser for Debrett's and journalist Rebecca Reid.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Tim Heffer

Bat for Lashes, Women and D-Day, Author Saima Mir, Sextortion Jun 06, 2024

The singer-songwriter Natasha Khan, known by her stage name Bat for Lashes, joins Anita to talk about her new album, The Dream of Delphi. Named after her daughter Delphi, her new music explores motherhood through lush orchestral sounds. She discusses having a baby during the Covid lockdown and how the experience informed her song-writing.

Vengeance is award-winning journalist and writer Saima Mir’s second novel, and the sequel to her crime thriller debut The Khan. The book continues the story of Jia Khan as she’s fighting to keep her position at the head of a crime syndicate her father created, and as the mysterious corpses of men begin to appear around the city. Saima joins Anita in the studio to discuss writing a British Asian crime family, creating the characters she wants to read, and why sisterhood is at the heart of her new novel.

The mother of a 16 year-old-boy who ended his life after becoming the victim of a sextortion gang says the tech giant Meta has taken too long to hand over data which might help the investigation into his death. Joe Tidy, the BBC’s first Cyber Correspondent, explains how he’s been investigating Sextortion – a type of online blackmail which involves threatening to share intimate pictures of the victim.

Today marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when thousands of Allied troops landed on beaches across Normandy, marking the start of the campaign to liberate Nazi-occupied northern Europe. What’s often forgotten is the important role that women played in organising this huge military project and making the D-Day happen. Anita Rani speaks to historian, teacher and writer Shalina Patel, who has told some of these women’s stories in her book The History Lessons, which celebrates stories and people beyond the usual narratives.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Olivia Skinner

Tina Fey, Ireland's first 'witch', does young farmer culture have a problem with women? Jun 05, 2024

Tina Fey, a colossus of the comedy world for more than two decades, is also the creative force behind Mean Girls. The original movie in 2004, starring Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams, spawned a Broadway musical in 2018, and many of the songs were featured in this year’s modern movie remake. Tina is now bringing an updated stage version of Mean Girls The Musical to London, opening at the Savoy Theatre this week. She joins Nuala.

The youth organisation Young Farmers has been accused of having a problem with how they treat women in the farming community. Young Farmers has more than 23,000 members aged 10-28 and aims to support young people in agriculture and the countryside as well as offering a range of social events for young people. And its at some of these events where journalist Abi Kay has found that incidents of sexual assault and harassment are ‘commonplace’. Abi joins Nuala to discuss.

Alice Kyteler was born in 1263 and achieved enormous commercial success and wealth before becoming the first woman to be tried as a witch in Ireland. She is also the protagonist of the novel Bright I Burn which tells the story of an extraordinary woman who courted controversy and paid the price for her vast wealth and frequent marriages. Nuala is joined by the author Molly Aitken.

On Monday, candidate registration for Iran’s upcoming snap elections closed and 80 people have signed up for the chance to become the country’s next President. Four of them are women. In the 45 year history of the Islamic Republic, no woman has been allowed to stand for the top office – even though plenty have tried. So why do women keep putting their name forward? BBC World Service Women's Affairs reporter Feranak Amidi explains.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Maryam Maruf Studio Manager: Duncan Hannant

Abandoned babies, Adventurer Alice Morrison, Being a 'BoyMum' Jun 04, 2024

A newborn baby found earlier this year in East London is the third child abandoned by the same parents. That’s the story being reported by the BBC’s Sanchia Berg, who has been given permission to share the details by a judge at East London Family Court. Sanchia joins Nuala McGovern to tell us more about the story, alongside freelance journalist Louise Tickle, who has previously reported from family courts.

Following on from our special phone-in on boys last month, author Ruth Whippman speaks to Woman’s Hour about her new book, BoyMum, which looks at what it means both to be a boy, and to raise a boy. Ruth joins Nuala to discuss what she’s learned from investigating masculinity and boyhood, the impact on girls and boys, and how it’s changed the way she is raising her three sons.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has led to a significant shift in the local job market, with more women now doing roles traditionally dominated by men, such as mining. After more than a thousand male workers left their jobs in a coal mine to fight Russia’s invasion, the energy company DTEK allowed women to work underground for the first time in its history. Nuala is joined by Ukrainian journalist and BBC World Service Europe editor, Kateryna Khinkulova to discuss this transformation and what it means for women in Ukraine.

Arabian Adventures: The Secrets of the Nabateans is a new two-part documentary on BBC iPlayer that looks into a culture who had women in leadership roles in the 4th century BC. Alice Morrison, adventurer and author, joins Nuala to talk more about what she has discovered about Nabatean women, and what modern-day Saudi Arabian women make of them.

Mexico election, Queenie actor, Breast milk donor Jun 03, 2024

Claudia Sheinbaum will become Mexico's first woman president after an historic election win. BBC Journalist Laura Garcia joins Nuala McGovern to discuss what this moment means for the women and girls of Mexico.

A new immersive exhibition, Connecting Hearts, by Swansea University, the Human Milk Foundation and artist Leanne Pearce, shows the impact of donating and receiving human milk. One of the paintings is of Claire-Michelle Pearson - a 'snowdrop' donor. She donated over 300 litres of milk after her son, Rupert, died during labour. She tells Nuala how it helped her grieve.

Candice Carty-Williams’ debut novel, Queenie, has been adapted into a series for Channel 4. It tells the story of a 25-year-old woman as she straddles two different cultures at the same time as navigating romantic relationships, family stresses and work pressure. Dionne Brown plays Queenie in the series – she joins Nuala to tell us more about the series.

A 20-year-old man who allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl in Spain has been acquitted because the court deemed their relationship ‘common’ as members of the Roma community. So what does this mean for the protection of Roma women and girls against violence across Europe? Nuala is joined by Judit Ignácz, from The European Roma Rights Centre, an international organisation working to combat discrimination against the Roma population, to discuss.

A new type of blood test can predict the recurrence of breast cancer months or even years before it shows up on scans, which could potentailly pave the way for treatment to start before it becomes incurable. Nuala is joined by Simon Vincent, director of research, support and influencing at Breast Cancer Now, who part-funded this study.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Ruth Jones, Netball Super League, FGM ban at risk in Gambia, Muses, Hadestown creator Anaïs Mitchell Jun 01, 2024

Ruth Jones joins Nuala McGovern to talk about playing the Mother Superior in a West End production of Sister Act. She discusses getting out of her comfort zone by appearing on stage for the first time since 2018 and working on her fourth novel. Plus what can fans of Gavin and Stacey expect from the Christmas special?

This week, the Netball Super League, the UK's elite level domestic competition, relaunched and embarked on what it calls a "new era of transformational change". Anita Rani speaks to Claire Nelson, Managing Director of the Netball Super League, and London Pulse CEO Sam Bird.

Politicians in The Gambia are debating whether to overturn the ban on female genital mutilation. Activist Fatou Baldeh MBE explains the impact this discussion is having on the ground and in other countries around the world.

From the Pre-Raphaelites to Picasso, Vermeer to Freud, some of the most famous Western artwork involves an artist’s muse. So who are the muses who have inspired great art? How do they embody an artist’s vision? And why has the muse artist relationship led to abuse of power? Nuala was joined by guests including Penelope Tree was one of the most famous models of the 1960s and the muse of her then boyfriend, the photographer David Bailey.

Grammy and Tony award-winning songwriter Anaïs Mitchell is the creator of the musical Hadestown – a genre-defying retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth blending folk music and New Orleans jazz. With productions on Broadway and now at the Lyric Theatre in London, Anaïs performed live in the Woman’s Hour studio and talked about the origins and impact of Hadestown.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Louise Corley

Trump conviction, FGM ban at risk in Gambia, TV’s Queen of Books May 31, 2024

Donald Trump has been convicted on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in his criminal trial in New York. It is the first time a former or serving US president has been convicted of a crime. Anita Rani is joined by New York Times journalist Amanda Taub and political commentator Julie Norman to talk about the woman at the centre of the case, the prosecution's star witness Stormy Daniels.

Amanda Ross is one of the most powerful women in publishing who doesn't even work in publishing. She's created and produced many major book-based campaigns on TV over the last 20 years, including Richard & Judy's Book Club and Between The Covers on BBC Two. She personally selects the books featured and has been responsible for launching the careers of many bestselling authors, including Kate Mosse, David Nicholls and Victoria Hislop. Amanda is hosting the Between the Covers Live! UK Tour 2024 and joins Anita to discuss.

Politicians in The Gambia are debating whether to overturn the ban on female genital mutilation. Activist Fatou Baldeh MBE describes the impact this discussion is having on the ground and her own experiences of surviving FGM.

Singer Abi Sampa has become the first British woman to perform qawwali – a form of Sufi devotional music typically performed by men – at the Royal Albert Hall. Abi, who is also a trained dentist, talks to Anita about her genre-defying Orchestral Qawwali Project which mixes South Asian traditions with western choral music and balancing her careers in music and dentistry.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Maryam Maruf

Weekend Woman’s Hour: British cyclist Lizzy Banks, Show-women, Love bombing, Infected blood scandal May 30, 2024

On 28 July last year the British cyclist Lizzy Banks received an email from UK Anti Doping to say she had return two Adverse Analytical Findings. The letter stated she faced the prospect of a two-year ban unless she could establish the source. Thus began a ten-month journey investigating, researching and writing submissions to establish how the contamination event occurred. Absolved of any blame, having proved on the balance of probabilities that her test was contaminated, Lizzy speaks to Nuala McGovern about how the process destroyed her mentally, emotionally and professionally.

Olivier award-winning theatre maker Marisa Carnesky is taking over an entire street at this years’ Brighton Festival with her show, Carnesky's Showwomxn Sideshow Spectacular, honouring the forgotten women of the circus. Marisa shares with Anita Rani the lost history of ground-breaking women magicians, aerial artists and sword climbers and how their stories are being explored through a new generation of performers.

Do you know what love bombing is? One of our Woman’s Hour listeners Lynn got in touch to say it’s something we should be discussing. She joins Nuala McGovern alongside relationship therapist Simone Bose to explain more about what love bombing is, and how we can all look out for the warning signs.

The long awaited final report of the public inquiry into the infected blood scandal was published this week, The inquiry was announced in 2017 after years of campaigning by victims. From the 1970s to the early 1990s, approximately 30,000 people were infected with blood contaminated with HIV and Hepatitis C. Over 3,000 have since died, with one person estimated to die every four days in the UK. The affected groups include those who received infected blood via blood transfusions, such as women following childbirth, and individuals with haemophilia—predominantly males—and others with similar bleeding disorders who received contaminated blood products. Around 1,250 people with bleeding disorders, including 380 children were infected with HIV. Fewer than 250 are still alive today. Some transmitted HIV to their partners. Nuala McGovern speaks to Clair Walton, who gave evidence to the inquiry. She has been campaigning for years for the wives and partners who became infected to be heard and acknowledged.

Clara Schumann was one of the greatest female musicians of the 19th Century – a virtuoso performer who gave over 1,500 concerts in a 60 year career, all while raising eight children and financially supporting her household. Concert pianist Lucy Parham and actress Dame Harriet Walter join Anita Rani to discuss their concert I, Clara which celebrates the ground-breaking life and work of Clara Schumann in her own right.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Louise Corley

Ozempic, Netball Super League, Olivier award-winner Cassidy Janson May 30, 2024

As prescriptions for weight loss drugs in the UK increase, Woman’s Hour explores how safe online prescriptions for things like Ozempic and Wegovy are. Fashion stylist Jeannie Annan Lewin tells us how she buys the drugs and how they have helped her. Anita Rani is joined by Alima Batchelor, from the Pharmacists Defence Association, and Professor James Kingsland, Chair of Digital Clinical Excellence.

Cassidy Janson won an Olivier Award for her performance as Anne Hathaway in the musical & Juliet. She’s also appeared in Wicked, Chess and in the role of Carole King in the West End production of Beautiful. Cassidy is now performing in Jerry’s Girls at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London, which celebrates the life and legacy of the legendary award-winning Broadway composer Jerry Herman. Cassidy joins Anita and performs live.

Yvette Fielding is best known for hosting the TV show Most Haunted, and for being the youngest ever presenter of Blue Peter. She was just 18 when she joined the iconic BBC children’s show in 1987. Yvette joins Anita to talk about her memoir Scream Queen, which charts her journey from child actor to 'ghost hunter'.

Today is a big day in the world of women's sport. The Netball Super League, the UK's elite level domestic competition, has relaunched and embarks on what it calls a "new era of transformational change". Anita is joined by Claire Nelson, Managing Director of the Netball Super League, and London Pulse CEO Sam Bird.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Emma Pearce

Hadestown creator Anaïs Mitchell, Perfume’s Darkest Secrets, the return of Loaded magazine May 29, 2024

Top perfume brands may have the “worst form of child labour” in their jasmine supply chains, a BBC Eye investigation reveals. Jasmine is considered to be one of the most valuable ingredients in some of the world's most iconic perfumes. Nuala McGovern is joined by BBC Eye correspondent Heba Bitar and producer/director of the documentary: Perfume’s Darkest Secrets, Natasha Cox.

Grammy and Tony award-winning songwriter Anaïs Mitchell is the creator of the musical Hadestown – a genre-defying retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth blending folk music and New Orleans jazz. With productions on Broadway and now at the Lyric Theatre in London, Anaïs performs live in the Woman’s Hour studio and talks to Nuala about the origins and impact of Hadestown.

The 'lad’s mag' Loaded is back - with Liz Hurley once again on the cover. Sarah Ditum, journalist and author of ‘Toxic: Women, Fame and The Noughties’, joins Nuala to give her reaction.

In our series of hobbies you've restarted after decades, we hear from Rosie, who rediscovered her childhood roller skates whilst clearing out her parents' house. Now, she does regular roller skating lessons, and absolutely loves it. She tells our reporter Sarah Swadling all about it.

What do you know about Nan Shepherd? The Scottish author, poet and naturalist has helped shape Scotland’s recent literary history with her work. A new play, Nan Shepherd: Naked and Unashamed, explores her life and legacy at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre. The play’s writer, Ellie Zeegan joins Nuala to discuss Nan’s legacy.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lottie Garton

Ruth Jones, Women and renting, Couples who disagree about having children May 28, 2024

Ruth Jones is live in the Woman’s Hour studio to talk about playing the Mother Superior in a West End production of Sister Act. She discusses getting out of her comfort zone by appearing on stage for the first time since 2018 and working on her fourth novel. Plus what can fans of Gavin and Stacey expect from the Christmas special?

What happens in relationships when one person wants a family and the other definitely doesn’t? Is missing out on the chance to have children a deal-breaker? Or do some couples decide to stay together, with one person choosing the relationship over a baby? As BBC Radio 4 drama The Archers explores the dynamics between a couple in this situation, Nuala McGovern hears from Joanna Van Kampen who plays Fallon Rogers in The Archers and relationship therapist Cate Campbell.

With the cost of renting and living on the rise, housing insecurity is an increasingly harsh reality for many. A survey by Shelter and YouGov found that 54% of women feel that being a renter has held them back. Three young women—Aimee, Rhiannon, and Rebecca—talk about the significant challenges they’ve faced in the rental market, and how this has affected their lives, plans, and sense of stability. Nuala is also joined by Jenny Lamb from Shelter to talk about how to best negotiate renting.

Marina Gibson, a leading female angler who runs the Northern Fishing School in North Yorkshire, has called on the Flyfishers’ Club in London to finally open its doors to women. The club, which was established in 1884 and counts the King as a patron, describes itself as a club for gentleman interested in the art of flyfishing. Marina explains why she wants women to be able to join, and how her love of fishing led to a career change.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Olivia Skinner

Muses May 27, 2024

From the Pre-Raphaelites to Picasso, Vermeer to Freud, some of the most famous Western artwork involves an artist’s muse. So who are the muses who have inspired great art? How do they embody an artist’s vision? And why has the muse artist relationship led to abuse of power? Nuala speaks to art historian and author Ruth Millington and to writer, curator and podcaster Alayo Akinkugbe.

Penelope Tree was one of the most famous models of the 1960s and the muse of her then boyfriend, the photographer David Bailey. Despite appearing on the cover of Vogue and being credited by Bailey with kick-starting the flower-power movement, Penelope’s life became increasingly difficult as their relationship began to flounder. These events have inspired Penelope’s loosely biographical novel Piece of My Heart and she joins Nuala to discuss her depiction of life as a ‘60s muse.

In ancient Greek mythology, the nine muses are the inspirational goddesses of the arts, science and literature. So who are the nine muses? Nuala speaks to classicist Professor Edith Hall.

Dora Maar was as a photographer, painter and poet but is probably most famous as Pablo Picasso’s lover and muse. Author Louisa Treger captures the complexity of this artist and muse relationship in her novel The Paris Muse and joins Nuala to discuss how the inspiration Dora offered Picasso nearly destroyed her.

We hear from Liza Lim, a Melbourne-based composer who collaborated with violinist and researcher Karin Hellqvist on a composition called ‘One and the Other (speculative Polskas for Karin)’, exploring Karin’s relationship to her heritage and Swedish musical traditions.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Laura Northedge Editor: Deiniol Buxton

India's women voters, Dame Harriet Walter on Clara Schumann, Climate medal winner May 24, 2024

As India goes to the polls in the penultimate round of voting in their general election, Anita speaks to the BBC’s Divya Arya in Delhi. They discuss what political issues are most important to women in this election, and how the main parties have been wooing them.

Valérie Courtois was recently announced as the winner of the 2024 Shackleton medal for her work revolutionizing climate conservation in the Canadian arctic, most notably for her vision connecting Indigenous Guardians as ‘the eyes and ears on the ground’ to preserve ecosystems. Valérie talks to Anita about leading the movement for indigenous-led conservation and land stewardship. Carys Holmes is a 17-year-old girl with an ambition to join the British Army. She passed all of her army selection tests but says she was later taken aside and told she was being rejected because of an 'extensive' history of breast cancer in her family. Anita is joined by Carys who explains that the army has now retracted its decision. Emma Norton, a lawyer and Director of the Centre for Military Justice, also joins.

Clara Schumann was one of the greatest female musicians of the 19th Century – a virtuoso performer who gave over 1,500 concerts in a 60 year career, all while raising eight children and financially supporting her household. Concert pianist Lucy Parham and actress Dame Harriet Walter join Anita to discuss their concert I, Clara which celebrates the ground-breaking life and work of Clara Schumann in her own right.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Maryam Maruf Studio managers: Donald McDonald and Bob Nettles

Show-women, Women and the general election, Smartphone-free kids May 23, 2024

There will be a general election on 4 July. Campaigning will start at the end of next week, but already some of the key players are speaking out. What are women's top concerns in this election? What do women want addressed? Anita Rani speaks to Professor Rosie Campbell, professor of politics and director of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London, who has been looking at women's voting behaviour for many years.

Head teachers who are a part of St Albans Primary Schools Consortium have urged parents not to give their children a smartphone until they are aged 14. Anita speaks to Rachel Harper, principal of a primary school in County Wicklow in Ireland about what advice she would offer one year after she and seven other headteachers in her town asked parents not to allow their children phones until they were older.

Olivier award-winning theatre maker Marisa Carnesky is taking over an entire street at this years Brighton Festival with her show, Carnesky's Showwomxn Sideshow Spectacular, honouring the forgotten women of the circus. Marisa shares with Anita the lost history of ground-breaking women magicians, aerial artists and sword climbers and how their stories are being explored through a new generation of performers.

A Chinese blogger who was jailed for four years for her reporting on the first Covid outbreak in Wuhan, has been released from prison. The media watchdog Reporters Without Borders shared a video showing the blogger, Zhang Zhan, saying she had been released on schedule and thanking everyone for their concern. The former lawyer was jailed after she travelled to Wuhan to document the outbreak in a series of widely-shared online videos. She was due to be freed last week but friends and supporters were concerned when they were unable to contact her. Anita speaks to the Guardian's senior China correspondent Amy Hawkins, who is following the story.

Gemmologist Helen Molesworth is the Senior Jewellery Curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and Professor of Jewellery at the Geneva University of Art and Design. In her new book, Precious: The History and Mystery of Gems, she explores the geology, symbolism and history of gemstones through some of their famous owners and those that have courted controversy. Helen explores their enduring fascination with Anita.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Bob Nettles

Endurance runner Imo Boddy, love bombing, fake food artist May 22, 2024

The endurance runner Imo Boddy has smashed the 45-year-old world record and become the fastest known woman to complete the UK Three Peaks. She joins Nuala McGovern live on the programme.

Do you know what love bombing is? One of our Woman’s Hour listeners Lynn got in touch to say it’s something we should be discussing. She joins Nuala alongside relationship therapist Simone Bose to explain more about what love bombing is, and how we can all look out for the warning signs.

Nuala is joined by the artist Kerry Samantha Boyes whose work you may have seen in the Barbie Movie, or the Lord of the Rings. Kerry makes fake food for a living and her studio, The Fake Food Workshop, will be one of 104 studios open to the public for the Spring Fling art event, which takes place across Dumfries and Galloway this weekend.

Some of Britain’s most vulnerable children are being detained and having their freedoms restricted under court orders known as “deprivation of liberty”. The most senior family court judge for England and Wales has called the growing use of the order a “crisis”. The BBC’s Ashley John-Baptiste has heard from young people who have spent parts of their childhood under these orders. Plus, social worker Beverly Bennett-Jones joins Nuala.

The Japanese Royal Family is one of the oldest in the world, the same dynasty has ruled for more than 2,500 years. But the current law means that only a male heir can inherit the Chrysanthemum throne and become the Emperor. This has caused a succession crisis in recent years as the Royal Family kept having girls. The BBC’s Tokyo Correspondent Shaimaa Khalil joins Nuala.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Solving historic rape cases, British cyclist Lizzy Banks, Margaret Leng Tan May 21, 2024

A new documentary on BBC Two is looking at how new forensic techniques can help police re-examine old cases involving sexual assault and rape, helping to convict perpetrators from decades ago. Cold Case Investigators: Solving Britain’s Sex Crimes tells the story of three cases that were re-examined. One is that of Karen, who was raped in 1983. She joins Nuala McGovern alongside Detective Constable Hayley Dyas, who helped work on her case and finally get a conviction.

On 28 July last year the British cyclist Lizzy Banks received an email from UK Anti Doping to say she had return two Adverse Analytical Findings. The letter stated she faced the prospect of a two-year ban unless she could establish the source. Thus began a ten-month journey investigating, researching and writing submissions to establish how the contamination event occurred. Absolved of any blame, having proved on the balance of probabilities that her test was contaminated, Lizzy speaks to Nuala about how the process destroyed her mentally, emotionally and professionally.

The toy piano virtuoso Margaret Leng Tan is a leading force within avant-garde music and the first woman to earn a doctorate from the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in the US. She’s currently in London, performing her sonic autobiography Dragon Ladies Don’t Weep at the Southbank Centre this week. It’s a combination of spoken text, projected images and original music for toy piano, prepared piano, toys and percussion. It focuses on the obsessive compulsive disorder Margaret has had since her childhood. She explains how music helped her accept OCD as an integral part of who she is.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey Studio Manager: Duncan Hannant and Neva Missirian

Infected blood scandal, Anita Pallenberg, Feminist theatre May 20, 2024

The long awaited final report of the public inquiry into the infected blood scandal is published today, The inquiry was announced in 2017 after years of campaigning by victims. From the 1970s to the early 1990s, approximately 30,000 people were infected with blood contaminated with HIV and Hepatitis C. Over 3,000 have since died, with one person estimated to die every four days in the UK. The affected groups include those who received infected blood via blood transfusions, such as women following childbirth, and individuals with haemophilia—predominantly males—and others with similar bleeding disorders who received contaminated blood products. Around 1,250 people with bleeding disorders, including 380 children were infected with HIV. Fewer than 250 are still alive today. Some transmitted HIV to their partners. Nuala McGovern speaks to Clair Walton, who gave evidence to the inquiry. She has been campaigning for years for the wives and partners who became infected to be heard and acknowledged.

Anita Pallenberg was the quintessential 1960s Rock and Roll 'It' girl. A model, actress and artist, she is best remembered as a muse for The Rolling Stones. But a new film about her life, Catching Fire: The Story Of Anita Pallenberg, puts her experiences front and centre and explores her unique creativity and her influence on the sound and swagger of The Stones. Her son Marlon Richards, who is an executive producer on the film, tells Nuala about her wild and intense life.

The book Feminist Theatre – Then and Now brings to life the lived experiences of three generations of women working in British theatre over the last 50 years and reveals the struggle to succeed in an industry where gender, race, sexuality, class and parenthood were, and still can be, serious obstacles to success. Nuala is joined by the book’s editor Cheryl Robson and a contributor, the playwright Moira Buffini.

Mary Morton has built up an army of 'street stitchers' - volunteers who sit in the parks and streets of Edinburgh and offer to advise on repairing the clothes of passers-by. Mary has not bought clothes for five years after becoming concerned about the impact of textiles on the environment and wants to teach people the skills to be able to repair and continue to wear their clothes. She joins Nuala.

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Royal Navy exclusive, Tamsin Greig, Period Tracker Apps, Formula One, Sleepwalking, Choral music May 18, 2024

A female officer in the military says she was raped by a senior officer who was responsible in the Royal Navy for behaviours and values, including sexual consent. Speaking exclusively to Woman’s Hour, the female officer, who we are calling Joanna, reported the incident and her allegations to the military police who brought charges against the officer. However, the Services Prosecution Authority later said that they wouldn’t be taking the case forward to a military court. The female officer, who feels she has been forced to leave the military, says that her career has been left in ruins, whilst his continues. The Royal Navy has said “sexual assault and other sexual offences are not tolerated in the Royal Navy and anything which falls short of the highest of standards is totally unacceptable" and that since the alleged incident they "have made significant changes to how incidents are reported and investigated." Nuala spoke to Joanna and the Conservative MP and member of the Defence Select Committee, Sarah Atherton.

Period tracker apps claim to help women to predict when they might start their period and calculate the best time to attempt to conceive. The Information Commissioner's Office has said that a third of women have used one. A report out this week, however, has raised serious questions about the way in which this data is used. The study, by Kings College London and University College London, examined the privacy policies and data safety labels of 20 of the most popular of these kind of apps. Anita discusses the findings and implications with BBC Technology Reporter Shiona McCallum and the lead author of the study Dr Ruba Abu-Salma from Kings College London.

Known for her dramatic and comedic roles on TV, stage and film the Olivier award-winning actor Tamsin Greig is currently performing in The Deep Blue Sea - Terence Rattigan’s 1950’s study of obsession and the destructive power of love - at the Theatre Royal Bath. She joined Nuala to explain the appeal of her latest role and why in 1952 legendary actor Peggy Ashcroft said she felt she had no clothes on when playing this part.

Talking about her new book, 'How To Win A Grand Prix', Formula One expert Bernie Collins takes Anita behind the scenes of an F1 team, and explains how she forged a career working as a performance engineer at McLaren for names such as Jenson Button, then became Head of Strategy at Aston Martin, with world champion Sebastian Vettel.

Journalist Decca Aitkenhead regularly sleepwalks. She talked to Nuala about her night-time escapades which include finding herself locked out in the middle of the night, eating food she’d find disgusting when awake and incredible strength that has seen her smash furniture to pieces. She’s joined by neurologist and sleep expert Prof Guy Leschziner who explains what’s going on in our brains when we sleepwalk, and how women are affected.

How has the role of women in choral music changed? With girls as well as boys now singing in cathedral choirs and more music by female composers being commissioned and performed, women’s voices are becoming increasingly prominent. Composer Cecilia McDowell and singer Carris Jones talk about championing and celebrating women in this traditionally male world.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

Lesbian bars, Period Tracker Apps, World champion boxer, Lauren Price MBE May 17, 2024

After going viral on social media earlier this year, new bar La Camionera is planning to open a permanent inclusive venue for “lesbians and their friends”. Reporter Martha Owen has been following as they prepare to open and hears why these spaces are important from DJ Yvonne Taylor, event organisers Jess Whiting Boult and Tabs Benjamin, and poet Joelle Taylor. And Anita Rani is joined by filmmakers Erica Rose and Elina Street, creators of The Lesbian Bar Project, to discuss their award-winning series about lesbian bars in the USA and Germany.

Period tracker apps claim to help women to predict whenthey might start their period and calculate the best time to attempt to conceive. The Information Commissioner's Office has said that a third of women have used one. A report out this week, however, has raised serious questions about the way in which this data is used. The study, by Kings College London and University College London, examined the privacy policies and data safety labels of 20 of the most popular of these kind of apps. The authors say it is the most extensive evaluation of its kind completed to date. Anita discusses the findings and implications with BBC Technology Reporter Shiona McCallum and the lead author of the study Dr Ruba Abu-Salma from Kings College London. Director Amanda Nell Eu discusses her award-winning debut feature film, Tiger Stripes. An imaginative coming-of-age story about a girl who transforms into a jungle cat, it was Malaysia’s official entry to the 2024 Oscars. But this success came at a cost when the film was censored.

Last weekend the Olympic Gold Medallist, Lauren Price MBE, became Wales’ first female boxing world champion – winning the WBA, IBO, and Ring Magazine World Titles in spectacular fashion in her hometown of Cardiff by beating WBA welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill. She joins Anita to talk about her achievement, her diverse sporting career and her legacy.

Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley Studio Engineer: Bob Nettles

Women in Formula One, Monstrum, Sex education, Bridgerton dresses May 16, 2024

Schools in England should not teach about gender identity, according to new draft guidance from the government, due to be published in full today. There is also a plan to ban sex education for under-nines. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said the new guidance would ensure children were not "exposed to disturbing content". Anita Rani talks to Elaine Dunkley, BBC Education Correspondent to find out the latest.

Talking about her new book, 'How To Win A Grand Prix', Formula One expert Bernie Collins takes Anita behind the scenes of an F1 team, and explains how she forged a career working as a performance engineer at McLaren for names such as Jenson Button, then became Head of Strategy at Aston Martin, with world champion Sebastian Vettel.

Yesterday senior coroner Martin Fleming issued a warning after Georgia Brooke was fatally strangled or "choked" by her boyfriend, Luke Cannon, during sex. Mr Cannon was himself found dead the following day. The coroner described the practice of choking as "dangerous" and said "it all too often ends in fatal consequences". Georgia Brooke was twenty-six when she died in 2022. In his conclusion, Mr Fleming said that while there was no evidence that her boyfriend had intended to kill his girlfriend during the incident, he had used "excessive" force. Anita speaks to Fiona Mackenzie, the leader of the We Can't Consent to This campaign which was formed as a response to the increasing number of women and girls killed and injured in violence that is claimed to be consensual.

16-year-old Eleanor Shenderey from North Yorkshire has gone viral on social media after posting herself wearing handmade historical outfits. From the Tudors and the Victorians to the TV show Bridgerton, she has been inspired to make over 300 dresses - some of which have taken months to complete. Eleanor joins Anita to discuss how and why she does it.

Lottie Mills won the BBC Young Writers’ Award in 2020 for her short story, The Changeling. It will now feature in her debut book, 'Monstrum,' alongside a collection of modern fairy tales, telling the experiences of characters excluded and othered by their societies. Lottie has cerebral palsy and hopes the book will challenge the representation of disability in fiction. She talks to Anita about how growing up with a disability, she always understood herself through stories: Greek mythology and British folklore; Shakespeare’s plays and Victorian fairy tales.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Emma Harth

Beth Mead, Women and choral music, Eating disorders May 15, 2024

Over half of female footballers book pitches, only to find they’ve been reallocated to men. With twice as many women as men considering quitting the sport because of this, Arsenal forward and England Lioness Beth Mead tells Nuala McGovern about her concerns.

A BBC investigation published today has highlighted the concerns of parents of vulnerable children sent hours away from home for urgent eating disorder treatment. They say there isn’t enough specialist mental health hospital care available locally on the NHS and they want an end to the postcode lottery. We hear from Donna whose daughter Annie had to be based far from her family and BBC Yorkshire investigations journalist Louise Fewster also joins Nuala.

Mexican author and academic Cristina Rivera Garza has just won a Pulitzer Prize for her book about her sister, who was murdered in 1990. It’s called Liliana’s Invincible Summer: A Sister’s Search for Justice. Cristina joins Nuala to explain why she feels she wrote it with, not about, her sister, whose name and image are now carried at demonstrations against gender violence.

How has the role of women in choral music changed? With girls as well as boys now singing in cathedral choirs and more music by female composers being commissioned and performed, women’s voices are becoming increasingly prominent. Composer Cecilia McDowell and singer Carris Jones talk about championing and celebrating women in this traditionally male world.

Birth trauma, Sleepwalking, Lolita Chakrabarti May 14, 2024

How many women have decided not to have more children after a traumatic birth? The UK’s first inquiry into traumatic childbirth has found that too often poor care is normalised, with devastating effects on women’s mental and physical health. Nuala McGovern talks to one Woman’s Hour listener who decided she couldn’t face having another child after a traumatic birth, and to the author of the report, Dr Kim Thomas, about its recommendations.

Journalist Decca Aitkenhead regularly sleepwalks. She talks to Nuala about her night-time escapades which include finding herself locked out in the middle of the night, eating food she’d find disgusting when awake and incredible strength that has seen her smash furniture to pieces. She’s joined by neurologist and sleep expert Prof Guy Leschziner who explains what’s going on in our brains when we sleepwalk, and how women are affected.

New analysis from the TUC, the Trades Union Congress, says that more than 1.5 million women have dropped out of the workforce because of long-term sickness. The figure marks a 48% increase compared with five years ago. Nicola Smith, Head of Economics at the TUC, tells Nuala McGovern what may be stopping women from returning to work.

Award-winning playwright and actor Lolita Chakrabarti discusses her new Radio 3 play, Calmer. All about motherhood and chaos, it follows three generations of ultra-successful women in one family - but their lives are not as ‘good’ as they appear on paper.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Olivia Skinner

Royal Navy Exclusive, Sarah Atherton MP, Tamsin Greig, singer-songwriter Lauren Mayberry May 13, 2024

A female officer in the military says she was raped by a senior officer who was responsible in the Royal Navy for behaviours and values, including sexual consent. Speaking exclusively to Woman’s Hour, the female officer, who we are calling Joanna, reported the incident and her allegations to the military police who brought charges against the officer. However, the Services Prosecution Authority later said that they wouldn’t be taking the case forward to a military court. The female officer, who feels she has been forced to leave the military, says that her career has been left in ruins, whilst his continues. The Royal Navy has said “sexual assault and other sexual offences are not tolerated in the Royal Navy and anything which falls short of the highest of standards is totally unacceptable" and that since the alleged incident they "have made significant changes to how incidents are reported and investigated." Nuala hears from Joanna and the reaction from the Conservative MP and member of the Defence Select Committee, Sarah Atherton.

Known for her dramatic and comedic roles on TV, stage and film the Olivier award-winning actor Tamsin Greig is currently performing in The Deep Blue Sea - Terence Rattigan’s 1950’s study of obsession and the destructive power of love - at the Theatre Royal Bath. She joins Nuala to explain the appeal of her latest role and why in 1952 legendary actor Peggy Ashcroft said she felt she had no clothes on when playing this part.

The singer-songwriter Lauren Mayberry of CHVRCHES is taking part in a new BBC Radio 6 Music initiative Change The Tune. It is an on air, digital and social media initiative to raise awareness of the impact that online abuse has on the lives of artists. She joins Nuala to discuss her experience and to talk about embarking on a solo career.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley Studio Engineer: Bob Nettles

Weekend Woman's Hour: Foster caring, Liz Carr on assisted dying, Sabrina Ali on Dugsi Dayz, Rachel Chinouriri May 11, 2024

The number of children in care is continuing to rise each year, and thousands of new foster carers are needed. The comedian and writer Kiri Pritchard-McLean has done just that. During lockdown, Kiri and her partner embarked on a journey to become foster carers in north Wales and she’s ‘evangelical’ about the role. It’s the subject of her new seven-month comedy tour, Peacock.

The debate on assisted dying is often framed around the issues of choice for the terminally ill, but what about the rights of the disabled? Actor and disability rights campaigner Liz Carr has major concerns about potential changes to the law that she believes could leave people with disabilities at risk. She joins Clare McDonnell to discuss her documentary “Better Off Dead” which explores the debate from the perspective of disabled people.

Four girls sitting in detention on a Saturday at their local Mosque are stuck in darkness after a power outage. To pass the time, they tell Somali folktales and bond in a modern day take on The Breakfast Club. That’s the scene for Dugsi Dayz, performing now at the Royal Court Theatre. The writer and actor Sabrina Ali told Hayley Hassell all about it.

What would happen if you could only speak the truth – and not even tell white lies? That’s the subject of a new book by Radhika Sanghani, called The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie. Radhika herself hasn’t lied for two years – she told Clare why she wanted to write the book and the things she’s learnt from telling only the truth.

Singer songwriter Rachel Chinouriri is one of the music industry’s rising stars, gaining plaudits from celebrity fans, including Adele, Sophie Turner and Florence Pugh, for her nostalgic Indie sounds. Rachel talks about her first album, What A Devastating Turn Of Events, which is an intimate exploration of her experiences and relationships.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Deiniol Buxton

Whooping cough, Shirley Conran, Lying, Afghanistan tourism May 10, 2024

Five babies have died from whooping cough this year as cases continue to rise in England. Medical doctor Dr Saleyha Ahsan, who currently has whooping cough herself, joins Clare McDonnell to discuss. Author, journalist and campaigner Dame Shirley Conran has died aged 91, days after receiving her damehood. Journalist Felicia Bromfield joins Clare to discuss her legacy. What would happen if you could only speak the truth – and not even tell white lies? That’s the subject of a new book by Radhika Sanghani, called The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie. Radhika herself hasn’t lied for two years – she joins Clare to talk about why she wanted to write the book and the things she’s learnt from telling only the truth. Despite the challenges posed by the Taliban regime, economic instability, poor infrastructure, and the ongoing suppression of women's rights, foreign tourism is reportedly increasing in Afghanistan. The country's authorities have begun training hospitality professionals and assert that Afghanistan is safe for foreigners, with all visitors welcomed and treated equally, including foreign women, they say. Sascha Heeney, who has recently visited Afghanistan, and Afghan journalist Zarghuna Khargar join Clare to discuss. Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Dianne McGregor

Liz Carr on assisted dying, Money in relationships, Singer Rachel Chinouriri May 09, 2024

The debate on assisted dying is often framed around the issues of choice for the terminally ill, but what about the rights of the disabled ? Actor and disability rights campaigner Liz Carr has major concerns about potential changes to the law that she believes could leave people with disabilities at risk. She joins Clare McDonnell to discuss her documentary “Better Off Dead” which explores the debate from the perspective of disabled people.

Singer songwriter Rachel Chinouriri is one of the music industry’s rising stars, gaining plaudits from celebrity fans, including Adele, Sophie Turner and Florence Pugh, for her nostalgic Indie sounds. Rachel performs live in the Woman’s Hour studio and talks about her first album, What A Devastating Turn Of Events, which is an intimate exploration of Rachel’s experiences and relationships.

Money is a topic many of us don't feel comfortable talking about. Be it in a romantic relationship, with our parents or even with our friends. But it's a topic that financial psychotherapist Vicky Reynal says is vitally important when it comes to our relationships. She joins Clare to discuss her new book, Money on Your Mind: The Psychology Behind Your Financial Habits, and how working on our financial wellbeing can help us in our lives.

The former head of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, will stand trial for sexual assault over his behaviour in the Women's World Cup game against England last summer. He gave an unsolicited kiss to player Jenni Hermoso which was caught on camera and broadcast to billions worldwide, provoking fierce backlash and a national debate over sexism in Spain. Spain based sports journalist Molly McElwee explains the reaction in Spain.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Olivia Skinner

Safer sport for women, novelist Nadine Matheson, Sabrina Ali on Dugzi Dayz May 08, 2024

Now that women’s sport is advancing, we need clear safeguarding rules for women and girls about what is and isn’t okay when it comes to talking about female health outside the realm of medicine. That’s the call from Baz Moffat, one of the co-founders of The Well HQ, which aims to break barriers in women’s sport and champion education about female health. She joins Hayley Hassell to tell us more about their new Safer Sport poster campaign and why it’s needed.

Once one of Russia's biggest pop stars, Manizha represented the country at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021. Then Russia invaded Ukraine and Manizha used her songs and her platform to share her anti-war views. Subsequently her concerts were cancelled, her music banned and Manizha's safety, both in real life and online, has been compromised. She talks to Hayley about her life and her new single Candlelight.

How do we keep children safe online? Hayley is joined by Esther Ghey and Marinna Spring to discuss Ofcom's new safety codes of practice.

Bestselling author Nadine Matheson is a criminal defence lawyer and uses her own experiences in the world of criminal law to build her stories and characters. She talks to Hayley about the new book - ‘The Kill List’ - and why there aren’t more black female detectives in crime novels.

Four girls sitting in a Mosque in detention are stuck in darkness after a power outage. To pass the time, they tell Somali folktales and bond in a modern day take on The Breakfast Club. That’s the scene for Dugsi Dayz, performing now at the Royal Court Theatre. The writer and actor Sabrina Ali joins Hayley in the Woman’s Hour to tell us more about it.

Presenter: Hayley Hassell Producer: Laura Northedge Studio Producer: Neva Missirian

Losing your possessions, Defining honour abuse, Foster caring May 07, 2024

What’s like to start again with nothing? On New Year's Eve of 2018, journalist Helen Chandler-Wilde lost everything she owned in a storage unit fire in Croydon, where she'd stowed all her possessions. She has written about it in the book, Lost & Found - 9 life-changing lessons about stuff from someone who lost everything. She joins Hayley Hassall to describe her experience and explain why we get so emotionally attached to our belongings.

The BBC Series I Kissed a Girl started over the weekend... it's the first UK dating show for gay women. Dannii Minogue hosts the show where ten single women are matched up with a partner to see if sparks will fly and the women will find love. In the first episode, all the women are matched with a partner and start getting to know each other. Comedian Catherine Bohart and TV critic Daisy Jones discuss.

The number of children in care is continuing to rise each year, and every year thousands of new foster carers are needed. The comedian and writer Kiri Pritchard-McLean has done just that. During lockdown, Kiri and her partner embarked on a journey to become foster carers in north Wales and she’s ‘evangelical’ about the role. It’s the subject of her new seven-month comedy tour, Peacock.

The charity Karma Nirvana has today written to the victims and safeguarding minister Laura Farris, calling for the government to introduce a statutory definition of honour abuse. The charity’s executive director Natasha Rattu explains why, alongside a woman we are calling ‘Dana’ who is a victim of this abuse, who describes her experiences and what a statutory definition would mean to her.

Presenter: Hayley Hassall Producer: Kirsty Starkey Studio Manager: Duncan Hannant

How to age well: A Woman's Hour special May 06, 2024

We are all ageing, if we're lucky, so in this Woman's Hour special programme, we're exploring how women can age well.

Anita Rani is joined by a panel of women of different ages to talk about the possibility of re-invention and the wisdom of age, as well as the difficulties and barriers women face as they get older. What we can learn from each other and how can women of different generations support each other? Author and psychologist, Dr Sharon Blackie’s book, Hagitude: Reimagining the Second Half of Life, explores stories of little-known but powerful elder women in European myth and folklore – with the hope of inspiring women now. She joins Anita to discuss what we can learn from these stories and the power she feels we can gain if we embrace getting older. NHS GP Dr Radha Modgil is often to be found on BBC Radio 1’s Life Hacks. Radha joins the discussion to explain the things we can do specifically to age well. She highlights exercise and nutrition, as well as the real need for women to have purpose in their lives, no matter what age they are and how that can impact our ageing both physically and mentally. Our reporter Martha Owen meets Lindi, Sue & Celia in the British Library in London, at a meeting for the Older Peoples Advisory Group – a forum for older community members – hosted by Age UK Camden. They give their thoughts on ageing, what they’ve enjoyed most about getting older and why dancing trumps housework. Cally Beaton was formerly a top TV exec, then she swapped the boardroom for the stage and became a comedian at the age of 45. Ten years later, she now refuses to make self-deprecating jokes in her sets. She joins Anita to discuss what it's like ageing in the public eye, defying her age and the importance of advice from older – and younger – women. The writer and content creator Pippa Stacey's perceptions of ageing have changed because of her experience of a chronic illness. Pippa was diagnosed with ME, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, while she was at university. She joins Anita to reflect on the impact of the physical changes she has experienced, the pressures young women are under and why she wants to listen to older, and wiser, women. Presenter: Anita Rani Guest: Sharon Blackie Guest: Dr Radha Modgil Guest: Cally Beaton Guest: Pippa Stacey Reporter: Martha Owen Producer: Claire Fox Editor: Erin Riley Studio Engineer: Giles Aspen

Weekend Woman's Hour: Co-parenting, Plastic pollution, ACL injuries, Perinatal suicide May 04, 2024

What is it really like to be a co-parent? Hayley Allen’s son spends the weekdays with his dad and she takes care of him at the weekends. Carly Harris’ two children spend 80% of their time with her and are looked after by their dad every other weekend. Clare talked to Hayley and Carly about the difficulties and benefits of co-parenting.

As talks reach a conclusion in Ottawa this week on a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution, we speak to film director and campaigner Eleanor Church. Her documentary, X Trillion, comes out this week, and takes the viewer on an all-female expedition to the North Pacific gyre, where much of the world's plastic waste ends up.

The risk of ACL injuries in female football players is up to six times higher than their male counterparts. Leeds Beckett University is leading a new study into why this risk rate is so high and the impact on athletes. Knee surgeon to the sports stars Andy Williams explains why this may be happening and footballer Emma Samways, of Hashtag United in Essex, tells us about her ACL injury from earlier on this year.

Perinatal suicide, while thankfully rare, is the leading cause of maternal death in the UK. A new study from King’s College London is the first of its kind to focus on the causes. The perinatal period runs from the start of pregnancy to a year after giving birth – and the suicide rates among these women has recently risen. Clare spoke to Dr Abigail Easter, the lead researcher, and Krystal Wilkinson, who shares her own experience.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor; Erin Riley

Listener phone in: Boys - what's it's like to be one in 2024? May 03, 2024

On today's Woman's Hour phone-in we ask what it's like to be a boy in 2024 and how society is shaping our future men.

On Monday we spoke to Catherine Carr about her Radio 4 series About the Boys. She spoke to boys up and down the country about how they felt about subjects like sex and consent, masculinity, friendship, life online and education and she found out that boys were experiencing confusing and often troubling messages about their role in society. She joins us, along with Richard Reeves, the President of the American Institute for Boys and Men to take your calls about boys.

Please get in touch with your experiences and thoughts about boys; from bringing them up to being one.

The phone lines open at 0800 on Friday 3 May. Call us on 03700 100 444 or you can text the programme - the number is 84844. Texts will be charged at your standard message rate. On social media we're @BBCWomansHour. And you can email us through our website.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer Laura Northedge Studio Manager: Bob Nettles

Woman's Hour special: How is porn shaping our sex lives and relationships? May 03, 2024

Over the past few weeks, Woman’s Hour has been having a frank conversation about pornography. Four women spoke about how porn has shaped their relationships, sex lives and self-image. Three men spoke openly together about their attitudes to and experience of porn. The film-maker Erika Lust explained why she wants to make ‘ethical’ porn and Dr Fiona Vera-Grey explains what she’s found out through the research and surveys she has done about pornography and by talking to 100 women for her book Women On Porn.

In this special podcast episode, our reporter Ena Miller guides you through the stories and conversations you might have missed.

Presenter/Reporter Ena Miller Live item Producer: Emma Pearce Series Producer: Erin Riley

Lawyer Harriet Wistrich, Chef Asma Khan, ACL injuries and women May 02, 2024

Lawyer Harriet Wistrich is the founder and director of Centre for Women's Justice. She joins Anita Rani to talk about her new book, Sister in Law, which looks into 10 of her hard-won cases over 30 years. They include Sally Challen’s appeal against her conviction for the murder of her husband, the victims of the taxi driver John Worboys, and the women caught up in the 'Spy Cops' scandal. Cases that she says demonstrate that "terrifyingly often, the law is not fit-for-purpose for half the population".

Boris Johnson's son Wilf's fourth birthday party has been gaining attention online, after pictures were shared on social media of his celebration featuring a monster truck bouncy castle with separate ball pit, and a bespoke balloon display. Have we finally reached the point of the ridiculous when it comes to children's parties? Journalist Anna Tyzack, who wrote an article about this very subject in the i newspaper, and one half of the comedy duo Scummy Mummies, Helen Thorn, join Anita to discuss.

The risk of ACL injuries in female football players is up to six times higher than their male counterparts. Leeds Beckett University is leading a new study into why this risk rate is so high and the impact on athletes. Knee surgeon to the sports stars Andy Williams explains why this may be happening and footballer Emma Samways, of Hashtag United in Essex, tells us about her ACL injury from earlier on this year.

Chef Asma Khan has just been named as one of the 100 most influential people of the 2024, by the Time magazine. Asma is the founder of the London restaurant, Darjeeling Express, which has a women-only kitchen, mostly made up of South Asian immigrants over the age of 50. Asma has been a vocal champion for gender equality, and she talks about the change she wants to see in the restaurant industry.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Olivia Skinner

Co-parenting, Homelessness and women, Dr Jessica Taylor May 01, 2024

Being evicted from your home is an incredibly distressing time for anyone. Something 56-year-old Heidi Dodson is about to experience, she's being evicted by her private landlord from her home. She approached her local council for priority housing but was declined. In a letter from Thurrock Council, she was told she should be able to function 'reasonably well' if she ends up on the streets. Thurrock Council say they are 'truly sorry for the language used in this letter and the distress it has caused. Heidi speaks to Clare McDonnell along with Polly Neate, Chief Executive of housing charity Shelter.

What is it really like to be a co-parent? Hayley Allen’s son spends the weekdays with his dad and she takes care of him at the weekends. Carly Harris’ two children spend 80% of their time with her and are looked after by their dad every other weekend. Clare talks to Hayley and Carly about the difficulties and benefits of co-parenting.

Dr Jessica Taylor is a best-selling author and chartered psychologist who runs the research consultancy VictimFocus. Her new book, Underclass, is a memoir, detailing her childhood on a council estate in Stoke, the trauma and abuse she suffered and her journey to becoming a professional campaigning on behalf of other victims. Jessica joins Clare to talk about why she wanted to write it.

As the second wife of Henry VIII Anne Boleyn’s life and death have been well-documented but what about her sister Mary? A new play, The Other Boleyn Girl, has opened at Chichester Festival Theatre based on Philippa Gregory's best-selling novel. Lucy Phelps plays Mary and Freya Mavor is Anne – they join Philippa Gregory in a conversation with Clare.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Emma Pearce

Sex and choking, Online Abuse and work, Plastic pollution Apr 30, 2024

Research by internationally-renowned sex expert Dr Debby Herbenick from 2020 found that 21% of women had been choked during sex, with this being nearly twice as prevalent among adults under 40. Why are more young people including this as part of their sex lives and what are both the short and long-term health consequences? Dr Debby and Medical Director of the Institute for Addressing Strangulation, Dr Catherine White, talk to Clare McDonnell.

As talks reach a conclusion in Ottawa this week on a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution, we speak to film director and campaigner Eleanor Church. Her documentary, X Trillion, comes out this week, and takes the viewer on an all-female expedition to the North Pacific gyre, where much of the world's plastic waste ends up.

What sort of responsibilities do employers have towards women who are abused online because of their job? Dr Rebecca Whittington is the Online Safety Editor for Reach Plc, which publishes newspapers including The Mirror and The Express. She explains how she protects journalists from online harm.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Kirsty Starkey Studio Manager: Neva Missirian

Boys, Lyra McKee, Perinatal suicide, South African elections Apr 29, 2024

Catherine Carr has two teenage sons and, through talking to them and to other parents of teenaged boys, she became aware that boys were experiencing confusing and often troubling messages about their role in society. Catherine decided to speak to boys directly and, in a series which is running all week on Radio 4, About the Boys features the voices of teenage boys around the country discussing topics like sex and consent, masculinity, friendship, life online and education. She joins Clare McDonnell to talk about what she has learned.

The trial of three men charged with the murder of Belfast journalist Lyra McKee begins today. Lyra McKee died aged 29 in April 2019 after being hit by a bullet during rioting in Londonderry/Derry. Her death made headlines all over the world, and her funeral was attended by hundreds of people, while thousands more watched online. BBC Ireland Correspondent Jennifer O'Leary speaks to Clare from outside court in Belfast.

Perinatal suicide, while thankfully rare, is the leading cause of maternal death in the UK. A new study from King’s College London is the first of its kind to focus on the causes. The perinatal period runs from the start of pregnancy to a year after giving birth – and the suicide rates among these women has recently risen. Clare speaks to Dr Abigail Easter, the lead researcher, and Krystal Wilkinson, who shares her own experience.

This week marks 30 years since South Africa’s first democratic elections following the end of apartheid. Millions of South Africans braved long queues to take part after decades of white minority rule which denied black people the right to vote. Clare talks to the BBC's Nomsa Maseko about her own memories of 30 years ago, and what has happened in her country since.

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Zeinab Badawi, Fisherman Ashley Mullenger, Stalking, Singing and periods Apr 27, 2024

The deaths of 21-year-old Diane Jones and her two young children, in a house fire in October 1995 shocked the community of Merthyr Tydfil. The police originally thought it was an accident - but in the days following the fire launched a triple murder investigation after petrol was found on the carpet. Just months later, Annette was charged with triple murder, manslaughter and arson with intent to endanger life. She was found guilty with the charge of arson and sentenced to 13 years. After two-and-a-half years, her conviction was overturned - but it troubled Annette until her death in 2017. Annette’s daughter, Nicole Jacob, is delving into her mum’s story in a new podcast, Wrongly Accused: The Annette Hewins Story.

We hear from the journalist and broadcaster Zeinab Badawi to discuss her first book, An African History of Africa: From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence. The book has taken her seven years to research, travelling across 30 countries. She explains how the female African leaders that shaped their countries have often been written out of history.

Ashley Mullenger's life changed unexpectedly when she signed up for a fishing trip on the coast of Norfolk. In her memoir, My Fishing Life, it follows her journey from a 9-5 office job, into the overwhelmingly male fishing industry to becoming Fisherman of the Year in 2022.

Rhianon Bragg spoke to Woman’s Hour back in February about her concerns for her safety regarding the imminent release of her ex-boyfriend from prison, despite the fact that a Parole Board ruled a few months earlier that such a move would not be safe. In February 2020, Gareth Wynn Jones was given an extended determinate sentence of 4.5 years in prison, with an extended licence period of five years for the crimes of stalking, false imprisonment, making threats to kill and possession of a firearm. Now two months since his release and coinciding with National Stalking Awareness Week, we hear from Rhianon and also Emily Lingley Clark of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.

At the start of the year, acclaimed opera singer Sophie Bevan MBE took to Twitter to ask if other female singers also had voice struggles around the time of their periods. This led to her discovery of premenstrual vocal syndrome, which is when hormone changes cause vocal issues. She talks about the impact this has had on her career, alongside Dr Alan Watson, specialist in the biology of performance at the University of Cardiff.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells

Weinstein conviction overturned, Fishing, Comeuppance, Ballet pumps Apr 26, 2024

Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced Hollywood film producer, has had his 2020 rape conviction in New York overturned. The New York Court of Appeals has ruled that he did not receive a fair trial, because prosecutors called witnesses whose accusations were not part of the charges against him. The trial was pivotal in the #MeToo movement, the awareness campaign against sexual abuse. Katie Razzall, the BBC’s Culture and Media Editor, and Rowena Chiu, who claimed she was sexually assaulted in a hotel room by Harvey Weinstein when she was his personal assistant in 1998, join Anita Rani to discuss the impact of the new ruling.

In 2012, Ashley Mullenger signed up for a fishing trip on the coast of Norfolk which would change the course of her life. Her memoir, My Fishing Life, follows her journey from a 9-5 office job, into the overwhelmingly male fishing industry, to becoming 'Fisherman of the Year', in 2022. Ashley joins Anita to talk about stormy weather, new and old boats, friendship on the water and her personal tale of self discovery and acceptance.

As part of the returning noughties fashion trends, ballet pumps are back. The flat, round-toed leather shoes that can be worn with anything. But why are they back? And should we be embracing them or avoiding them? Fashion Editor at The Times Harriet Walker joins Anita to discuss.

The Comeuppance is a new play on at the Almeida Theatre in London where five former high-school friends meet up, 20 years on, to reminisce and reconnect. Instead, they end up drinking, fighting and ruing the disappointments of their middle-aged lives. Ursula, Caitlin and Kristina are played by Tamara Lawrance, Yolanda Kettle and Katie Leung who all join Anita in the Woman’s Hour studio.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Donald MacDonald

BRCA1, Open relationships, Wrongly Accused: The Annette Hewins Story Apr 25, 2024

The system of one word ratings for schools in England 'should stay' and has 'significant benefits' according to the government. It said the grades, such as 'Inadequate', 'requires improvement' 'good' and "outstanding" gave parents an important summary of local schools. Teaching unions have called for more nuanced ratings Simon Kidwell is the President of the school leaders union the NAHT and joins Anita Rani to explain.

The Internet Watch Foundation annual report has said that children under six are being manipulated into “disturbing” acts of sexual abuse while parents think they are playing safely on household devices. They say 2023 was “the most extreme year on record”, finding more than 275,000 webpages containing child sexual abuse with a record amount of “category A” material. IWF’s CEO Susie Hargreaves joins Anita to discuss the report’s findings.

The deaths of 21-year-old Diane Jones and her two young children, in a house fire in October 1995 shocked the community of Merthyr Tydfil. The police originally thought it was an accident - but in the days following the fire launched a triple murder investigation after petrol was found on the carpet. Just months later, Annette was charged with triple murder, manslaughter and arson with intent to endanger life. She was found guilty with the charge of arson and sentenced to 13 years. After two-and-a-half years, her conviction was overturned - but it troubled Annette until her death in 2017. Annette’s daughter, Nicole Jacob, is delving into her mum’s story in a new podcast, Wrongly Accused: The Annette Hewins Story.

Cassie Werber’s new novel Open Season features a romantic relationship between two couples who are exploring the possibilities of open relationships. It’s a world that Cassie herself in familiar with in real-life with her husband, and she joins Anita to discuss the inspiration for her book.

Beaux Harris lost her mother, grandmother and aunt to cancers caused by the same gene mutation – called BRCA1. Two years ago, Beaux discovered she has the same BRCA1 gene mutation. Anita talks to Dany Bell from Macmillan and to Beaux about her story and how she’s now chosen to fundraise to pay for preventative treatment.

Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley Studio Engineer: Bob Nettles

Zeinab Badawi, Singing and periods, How is the debate over abortion shaping the US election? Apr 24, 2024

The broadcaster Zeinab Badawi joins Krupa Padhy to discuss her first book, An African History of Africa: From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence. The book has taken her seven years to research, travelling across 30 countries. She explains how the female African leaders that shaped their countries have often been written out of history.

At the start of the year, acclaimed opera singer Sophie Bevan took to Twitter to ask if other female singers also had voice struggles around the time of their periods. This led to her discovery of premenstrual vocal syndrome, which is when hormone changes cause vocal issues. She talks about the impact this has had on her career, alongside Dr Alan Watson, specialist in the biology of performance at the University of Cardiff.

Democrats in the US state of Arizona are attempting to repeal a law from 1864 that bans nearly all abortions. Also the US Supreme Court will hear arguments in an Idaho hospital case, on whether hospitals can override state abortion restrictions in order to save a mother’s life. New York Times correspondent Elizabeth Dias explains how abortion rights are shaping this year’s presidential election and which camp could benefit from the abortion debate.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Olivia Skinner

Kitty Ruskin's year of casual sex, The Girls of Slender Means, ARFID Apr 23, 2024

Ten Men, A Year of Casual Sex is a new book from the author Kitty Ruskin. It follows a year of her life when she attempts to embody Samantha from Sex and the City and enjoy all the advantages of being young, free and single. As she details 10 men in 10 chapters, the stories range from sexy and funny to at times deeply confronting and violent, including rape. Kitty joins Krupa Padhy to discuss.

Today, the government has accepted an amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill they say could be a big step forward for rape victims. The amendment will help ensure extra protection for victims’ counselling notes, by raising the threshold that needs to be met for the police to ask for them. It’s something that charities like Rape Crisis and the End Violence Against Women Coalition have been campaigning for. Joining Krupa is Baroness Gabby Bertin, the Conservative peer who tabled the amendment.

According to new research, people who are 65 think that old age begins just before you turn 75. However, 74-year-olds think old age starts at 77. Women think old age starts later than men do. So when are you 'old' and what does 'old' mean? Krupa speaks to Steph Daniels who re-joined her local hockey team at 75, after a 40-year gap, and has just started managing a band again.

ARFID stands for Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Commonly underdiagnosed as picky eating, we’ll hear how the eating disorder manifests in children and what it’s like for parents. Krupa speaks to a mother, Lisa Hale, whose son has the condition and Professor Sandeep Ranote, Clinical Spokesperson for the eating disorders charity BEAT.

An adaption of Muriel Spark’s novel The Girls of Slender Means is currently on at The Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh. Set in the summer of 1945, it follows the adventures of a group of young women who are caught between hope and unhappiness. As each girl grapples with what happened in the war, they begin to imagine what lies ahead of them in peacetime. Actress and writer Gabriel Quigley tells Krupa how she felt adapting the words of one of the greatest British novelists.

Peres Jepchirchir, Rhianon Bragg and stalking, Nitazenes, Tortured poets Apr 22, 2024

The Kenyan distance runner Peres Jepchirchir won yesterday’s elite women's London Marathon, breaking the women’s only record with her time of 2:16:16. She beat the previous record set in 2017 of 2:17:01. This was the fastest time in a race without male pace makers. More than 50,000 people ran and some gave themselves an even bigger challenge than just running the course. Laura Bird from St Ives in Cambridgeshire ran with a fridge strapped to her back - aiming to earn a place in the Guinness Book of Records. Peres and Laura both join Krupa Padhy.

Rhianon Bragg spoke to Woman’s Hour back in February about her concerns for her safety regarding the imminent release of her ex-boyfriend from prison, despite the fact that a Parole Board ruled a few months earlier that such a move would not be safe. In February 2020, Gareth Wynn Jones was given an extended determinate sentence of 4.5 years in prison, with an extended licence period of five years for the crimes of stalking, false imprisonment, making threats to kill and possession of a firearm. Now two months since his release and coinciding with National Stalking Awareness Week, we hear from Rhianon and also Emily Lingley Clark of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.

Taylor Swift’s latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, has just been released. We thought it was a great excuse to look at the female poets, past and present, who could be considered ‘tortured’… Or is it more of a male trope? Classicist and author of Devine Might, Natalie Haynes, and Irish Indian poet Nikita Gill discuss.

A BBC investigation has traced how a deadly form of synthetic drugs have been getting into the UK from China - and exposed the role of major social media platforms. Nitazenes, which are illegal in the UK, have been linked to more than 100 deaths in England and Wales since June 2023. We hear from Claire Rocha, whose son died after taking drugs unknowingly laced with Nitazene, and Caroline Copeland, a senior lecturer in toxicology and pharmacology at King’s College London.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Kirsty Starkey Studio Manager: Emma Harth

Woman's Hour special: Breaking The Cycle Apr 21, 2024

Over the past few weeks, Woman’s Hour has been telling the stories of young people, staff and parents involved in SHiFT in Greater Manchester. SHiFT is a new approach to helping young people at risk of getting into serious trouble and it is all about relationships. Skilled professionals called ‘guides’ work with teenagers for an 18-month period and they just keep showing up. Our reporter Jo Morris went out and about with the team and spoke to teenagers and a mum about the impact of this new approach.

In this special podcast episode, our presenter Nuala McGovern guides you through the stories you might have missed.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern

Reporter: Jo Morris

Producer: Erin Riley

Weekend Woman's Hour: Ruth Wilson, Young women and voting, Jing Lusi Apr 20, 2024

This week, Ruth Wilson explains why she’s running this year’s London Marathon for an Alzheimer’s research, following in the footsteps of her father who ran the first London Marathon in 1981.

Tuesday was the deadline to register to vote in the local elections on May 2nd. The most recent data suggest that 4.3 million young people in England aren’t currently registered. We hear from Sharon Gaffka, who’s supporting the Give an X campaign, that's calling on young people to get involved. A survey by the youth led charity My Life My Say also says that fewer than 1 in 6 of young women trust politicians and more than four in 10 believe their vote won’t make a difference in an election. We also hear from Rosie Campbell, Professor of Politics and Director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London, to explain the trends behind the latest data.

Social media platform Meta disabled Soul Sisters Pakistan for 43 hours earlier this month due to an intellectual property violation. Soul Sisters Pakistan was set up 11 years ago by the entrepreneur and activist Kanwal Ahmed as a support system for women to discuss topics considered taboo in Pakistani society, such as sex and divorce. In the past, the group has been accused by some of promoting divorce and 'wild' behaviour. With over 300,000 members, who dub themselves soulies,

In 1927 journalist Sophie Treadwell attended the sensational trial of Ruth Snyder, a New York woman accused murdering her husband. Ruth was found guilty, along with her accomplice lover Henry Judd Gray, and both were executed by electric chair in January 1928. Those events inspired Sophie Treadwell to write the play Machinal, which premiered on Broadway later that year. A recent production has just transferred from the Theatre Royal Bath to the Old Vic in London and its star, Rosie Sheehy, along with US academic Dr Jessie Ramey join Jessica to discuss the case of Ruth Snyder and why Machinal still resonates with audiences today.

Professor Netta Weinstein of the University of Reading, is the co-author of a new book, Solitude: The Science and Power of Being Alone and joins us to discuss the benefits of solitude.

Jing Lusi stars as DC Hana Li in ITV’s new thriller Red Eye, set on a plane flying between London and Beijing. She joins Jessica Creighton to talk about what it’s like to play a lead role for the first time, and how important it is to see British East Asian women as the main progatonist

Presenter Anita Rani Producer Annette Wells

Solitude, Apprentice winner Rachel Woolford, Personal space, Kids and smartphones Apr 19, 2024

Nearly a quarter of five-to-seven-year-olds now have their own smartphone according to OFCOM. Social media use also rose in the same age group over the last year with nearly two in five using the messaging service WhatsApp, despite its minimum age of 13. The communications regulator in its annual study of children's relationship with technology warned parental enforcement of rules 'appeared to be diminishing'. It also said the figures should be a 'wake up call' for the industry to do more to protect children. Anita Rani is joined by Daisy Greenwell, co-founder of a campaigning organisation Smartphone Free Childhood.

Earlier this week Reverend Grace Thomas posted a photo on social media of a male passenger having chosen to sit next to her on a practically empty bus. The attached message read, 'Please don't do this… it immediately puts me on edge. I can't be alone in this, surely.' It turns out she wasn’t; her post has attracted more than 10 million views, 150,000 likes and hundreds of comments that include women with similar experiences. Reverend Grace joins Anita along with Michael Conroy, founder of Men At Work, who trains professionals that work with boys and young men.

On average, we spend one-third of our waking life alone. Anita talks to psychologist Netta Weinstein, Professor of Psychology at the University of Reading, who has co-written a new book called Solitude: The Science and Power of Being Alone. Whether you love it or try to avoid it, she explains the benefits of being alone and gives us some tips on how to be better at it.

The final episode of the 18th series of The Apprentice aired last night. After a battle that saw boutique gyms go head-to-head with a pie delivery service, Lord Alan Sugar decided to invest two hundred and fifty thousand pounds into a luxury gym business run by Rachel Woolford. Anita speaks to the entrepreneur about her victory.

This weekend it’s the 100 year anniversary of the death of Marie Corelli, the promoter of Shakespeare’s house and a bestselling novelist in her own right; she outsold HG Wells and Arthur Conan Doyle, publishing 25 books which were devoured in their millions by English readers, Americans and those in the colonies. Anouska Lester, an academic talks to Anita about Marie Corelli.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Donald MacDonald

Ruth Wilson, periods and concussion, Ashley Storrie on BBC comedy Dinosaur, sewing for mental health Apr 18, 2024

Ruth Wilson explains why she’s running this year’s London marathon for an Alzheimer’s charity, following in the footsteps of her Father who ran the first London marathon in 1981.

During the Women's Rugby Six Nations, the Welsh Rugby Union is using a new technique to assess the impact a player's periods can have when they suffer a concussion. It's the first time data on concussion and periods has been gathered collectively and the hope is it'll help players adapt their training if necessary. Jo Perkins, Head Physio of the Welsh women's squad explains the research.

ITV's Kate Garraway has taken to social media to express her frustration at her local council still sending post to her late husband, Derek. What can you do to make post-death administration simpler and less distressing? Jessica is joined by founder and CEO of the Good Grief Trust, Linda Magistris, to give advice.

Ashley Storrie is the star and co-creator of a brand new BBC comedy series called Dinosaur. It centres around Nina, whose sister has just announced she’s getting married to someone she’s known for six weeks. Ashley joins Jessica to talk about why it was important to her to play an autistic woman, as she is autistic herself, and how writing the series is her dream job.

And can sewing improve your mental health? Following Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s interview on Woman’s Hour about how sewing helped her while she was imprisoned, Jessica Crighton hears from other keen sewers about the impact it’s had on their lives.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Olivia Skinner

Cricketer Nat Sciver-Brunt, Smacking, Hypochondria, Police drama Blue Lights, Soul Sisters Pakistan Apr 17, 2024

Nat Sciver-Brunt is the first English woman to be honored as Wisden's leading cricketer in the world. She joins Jesscia Creighton to discuss the accolade and her career in the sport.

Smacking children should be made illegal in England and Northern Ireland, say the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Striking a child is already illegal in Scotland and Wales, and in many other countries around the world. Dr Rowena Christmas, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, talks about the ban in Wales, which she was instrumental in bringing in, and which has been in place for the last two years.

A self-described hypochrondriac, the author Caroline Crampton's new book A Body of Glass is a personal memoir and history of this elusive conditon. Beginning in the age of Hippocrates she joins Jessica to discuss the gendered history of this outdated term and her realtionship with it.

The actor Sian Brooke returns as Grace Ellis for the second series of Blue Lights on BBC One. She joins Jessica to talk about the role, and what she's learnt from diving into the world of policing in Belfast.

Social media platform Meta disabled Soul Sisters Pakistan for 43 hours earlier this month due to an intellectual property violation. Soul Sisters Pakistan was set up 11 years ago by the entrepreneur and activist Kanwal Ahmed as a support system for women to discuss topics considered taboo in Pakistani society, such as sex and divorce. In the past, the group has been accused by some of promoting divorce and 'wild' behavior. With over 300,000 members, who dub themselves soulies, she joins Jessica to discuss.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Dianne McGregor

Hollywood film producer Deborah Snyder, Young women and voting, Machinal star Rosie Sheehy Apr 16, 2024

Deborah Snyder has produced some of the biggest blockbusters and action franchises in the last decade including Wonder Woman, 300 and Watchmen. Her newest work, Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver arrives on Netflix this week. It's the second instalment of the Rebel Moon series, a space opera set in a fictional galaxy with a female protagonist. Deborah produced it alongside her husband and long-term creative collaborator, director Zack Snyder. She joins Jessica Creighton live in the studio.

A proposed new UK tournament for women's tennis at The Queen's Club in London is facing a set-back. They need to convince the men's professional tennis circuit that they won't damage the grass for the men's tournament at the same club the following week. The week-long women's event would be staged for the first time in 2025, and would replace Eastbourne as the only Women's Tennis Association 500 event, taking place in the UK in the run-up to Wimbledon. Jess speaks to tennis broadcaster Catherine Whitaker to discuss.

Today is the deadline to register to vote in the local elections on May 2nd. The most recent data suggest that 4.3 million young people in England aren’t currently registered. Jessica speaks to Sharon Gaffka, who’s supporting the Give an X campaign, calling on young people to get involved. A survey by the youth led charity My Life My Say also says that fewer than 1 in 6 of young women trust politicians and more than four in 10 believe their vote won’t make a difference in an election. Also joining Jessica is Rosie Campbell, Professor of Politics and Director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London, to explain the trends behind the latest data.

In 1927 journalist Sophie Treadwell attended the sensational trial of Ruth Snyder, a New York woman accused murdering her husband. Ruth was found guilty, along with her accomplice lover Henry Judd Gray, and both were executed by electric chair in January 1928. Those events inspired Sophie Treadwell to write the play Machinal, which premiered on Broadway later that year. A recent production has just transferred from the Theatre Royal Bath to the Old Vic in London and its star, Rosie Sheehy, along with US academic Dr Jessie Ramey join Jessica to discuss the case of Ruth Snyder and why Machinal still resonates with audiences today.

Jing Lusi, Fatal stabbings in Sydney, Australia, Declaration of the Rights of the Child Apr 15, 2024

Australian police investigating the fatal stabbing of six people at the crowded shopping centre in Bondi Junction, Sydney say they're looking into whether the attacker deliberately targeted women. Joel Cauchi killed five women - and a male security guard who tried to intervene - before he was shot dead by police. Eight of the twelve injured who went to hospital, including a baby, are also female. To find out more Jessica Creighton is joined by BBC Australia correspondent Katy Watson based in Sydney.

Jing Lusi stars as DC Hana Li in ITV’s new thriller Red Eye, set on a plane flying between London and Beijing. She joins Jessica Creighton to talk about what it’s like to play a lead role for the first time, and how important it is to see British East Asian women as the main progatonist.

Ten years ago 276 Nigerian school girls were abducted by the Islamist group Boko Haram from their school in Chibok, a town in the north-east of Nigeria. A decade later, dozens of the girls are still missing and kidnappings are once again on the rise in Nigeria. Jessica is joined from Lagos by BBC Africa Senior reporter Yemisi Adegoke.

2024 marks the centenary of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. First written by British feminists, it was adopted by the League of Nations in 1924. Today we know it as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Dr Emily Baughan, Senior Lecturer in Modern History at the University of Sheffield explains the role women played in its creation. Plus, Danielle Scott, Assistant Vice Principal at Green Gates Academy, explains how the rights are still being used in schools today.

A real life experience of a mugging in New York inspired Imogen Wade to write a poem which has just won the National Poetry Competition, coming first out of 19000 entries. She joins Jessica to share her poem and, as a counsellor, to explain how the act of writing helped her to process the experience.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Louise Corley Studio Engineer: Donald MacDonald

Weekend Woman's Hour: Juliet open letter, Vogue’s Chioma Nnadi, Female Psychopath Apr 13, 2024

This week, it was announced that 883 actors, writers, comedians and creatives had signed an open letter in support of Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, the star in a new production of Romeo & Juliet, due to run in London's West End next month. The open letter came after a statement was published by the Jamie Lloyd Company, "Following the announcement of our Romeo & Juliet cast, there has been a barrage of deplorable racial abuse online directed towards a member of our company..." It was co-authored by actor Susan Wokoma who told us about the open letter.

We hear from the new head of British Vogue Chioma Nnadi, a London born, fashion journalist, podcaster and the first black woman to lead the title.

We hear the stories of women living in a women’s refuge in London.

Do you remember our segment on female psychopaths? We hear from one woman who has been officially diagnosed with the condition, M.E Thomas.

The pioneering feminist, journalist and activist Gloria Steinem made a name for herself in the 1960s and 70s through her journalism, which included going undercover at the New York Playboy Club to expose exploitative working conditions. She co-founded the Women's Action Alliance and in 1972 she co-founded Ms Magazine, putting conversations about gender equality, reproductive rights and social justice in the spotlight, and bringing the issues of the women's rights movement into the mainstream. Gloria has just celebrated her 90th birthday and tells us about the current state of reproductive rights in the US, the importance of community and hosting her own women's talking circle.

Could we be happier and more successful if we acted like toddlers? Dr Hasan Merali, Paediatric emergency medicine physician, Associate Professor at McMaster University and author of Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas, tells us what we can learn about self-improvement from toddlers.

And we have music from the singer songwriter Rebecca Ferguson.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Marian Keyes, Juliet open letter, Swiss climate victory Apr 12, 2024

Irish author Marian Keyes writes funny, clever novels about life including: Rachel’s Holiday, Anybody out There, Grown Ups, Angels. She covers issues such as addiction, break-ups, baby loss, anxiety, depression and love, with women at the heart. We all make mistakes, but when do we stop making the same one over and over again? This is the question at the heart of Marian’s latest novel: My Favourite Mistake. She joins Anita Rani to discuss that, mistakes, perimenopause and ‘feathery strokers’.

In a landmark case, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Switzerland was violating the human rights of its citizens by inadequate action on climate change. A group of more than 2,000 older Swiss women launched the case nine years ago, calling for better protection of women's health from the effects of climate change. The Court's ruling is binding and can trickle down to influence the law in 46 countries in Europe. Anita talks to one of the senior women who brought the case, Elisabeth Stern, and the group's lawyer, Jessica Simor.

Almost 30 years ago, Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman were stabbed to death in Los Angeles. The prime suspect was OJ Simpson, Nicole’s ex-husband and a well-known NFL player turned actor. What followed remains one of the most famous murder trials in history, televised and watched by millions. He was acquitted of the murders of Nicole and Ron. He did plead no contest to charges of ‘spousal battery’ – what we now call domestic violence. And he was later found liable for the deaths in a separate civil case. OJ Simpson died on Wednesday at the age of 76. To talk about the impact his trial had on the perception of violence against women in the US is Sarah Baxter, Director of the Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting and former Deputy Editor of The Sunday Times.

This week, it was announced that 883 actors, writers, comedians and creatives had signed an open letter in support of Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, the star in a new production of Romeo & Juliet, due to run in London's West End next month. The open letter came after a statement was published by the Jamie Lloyd Company, "Following the announcement of our Romeo & Juliet cast, there has been a barrage of deplorable racial abuse online directed towards a member of our company..." It was co-authored by actors Susan Wokoma and writer Somalia Nonyé Seaton and Susan joins Anita to talk about the issues.

On 6 April 1999, Mamma Mia! opened in the West End. As the show celebrates its 25th anniversary, Woman's Hour celebrates the music of one of the most popular and successful musicals of all time.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Duncan Hannant

Gloria Steinem at 90, Rebecca Ferguson, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe Apr 11, 2024

The pioneering feminist, journalist and activist Gloria Steinem made a name for herself in the 1960s and 70s through her journalism, which included going undercover at the New York Playboy Club to expose exploitative working conditions. She co-founded the Women's Action Alliance and in 1972 she co-founded Ms Magazine, putting conversations about gender equality, reproductive rights and social justice in the spotlight, and bringing the issues of the women's rights movement into the mainstream. Gloria has just celebrated her 90th birthday and joins Emma Barnett to talk about the current state of reproductive rights in the US, the importance of community and hosting her own women's talking circle.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe spent six years being held by the Iranian regime after visiting her family there in 2016. When she was finally released, she chose to speak first to Woman's Hour, in May 2022. Nazanin shared then what life was like in Iran's most notorious prison, how she survived being away from her daughter and her view on - as she put it - being used a political pawn between Iran and Britain. She returns to Woman's Hour for Emma's last programme, to talk about what she's been doing since she came home.

From the X Factor to Lady Sings the Blues, Rebecca Ferguson has become one of the UK’s most successful soul vocalists, renowned for her unique, crisp, husky vocals. Her hit albums include Heaven, Freedom and Superwoman. She has duetted with Lionel Ritchie, Andrea Bocelli and Christina Aguilera, and collaborated with John Legend and Nile Rodgers. Rebecca has also become a notable campaigner for change. Last year she was one of the main contributors to the government's Misogyny in Music report and played an integral part in the introduction of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority to protect women. She performs live in the studio, and talks to Emma about her work.

The Cass Review, Back to Black, Female Psychopath Apr 10, 2024

The long awaited Cass Review, published on Wednesday by paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass, calls for gender services for young people to match the standards of other NHS care. Emma Barnett is joined by the former BBC journalist Hannah Barnes, now Associate Editor at The New Statesman and author of Time To Think - the inside story of the collapse of the Tavistock's gender service in children.

Alison Owen is the powerhouse British film producer behind the new biopic of Amy Winehouse, Back to Black, released this Friday. In it, the actor Marisa Abela recreates many of Amy’s iconic performances, recordings and her most famous paparazzi moments. Alison joins Emma to discuss why she wanted to make the film, which comes out almost 13 years after Amy’s death.

Childlessness not out of choice is a difficult subject to discuss. Those who have experienced it are usually left to grieve and heal alone. Those who have friends and family members wrestling with infertility don’t even know how to talk about it. A new book with 22 personal stories about involuntary childlessness hopes to offer a support group for almost-parents. Emma Barnett talks to the author of ‘No One Talks About This Stuff’ Kat Brown and one of the contributors Rageshri Dhairyawan about their experiences.

Do you remember our segment on female psychopaths? We’ll hear from one woman who has been officially diagnosed with the condition. M.E Thomas speaks to Emma about living with psychopathy.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Vogue's Chioma Nnadi, Life in a women’s refuge, Parents jailed after son’s mass shooting Apr 09, 2024

Emma Barnett talks to the new head of British Vogue Chioma Nnadi, a London born, fashion journalist, podcaster and the first black woman to lead the title. Forensic psychologist Jillian Peterson and legal expert Tim Carey on the sentencing of Jennifer and James Crumbley, the parents convicted of manslaughter after their 15-year-old son brought a gun to school in Michigan and killed four of his classmates. We hear the stories of women living in a women’s refuge in London. And the latest on the stabbing of a Bradford mum at the weekend.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Phil Lander

Westminster honeytrap scam, What we can learn from toddlers, Saudi Arabia Apr 08, 2024

Dame Andrea Jenkyns MP has become the first woman to publicly speak about being a victim to the suspected Westminster honeytrap scam. What does the scam mean for politics? And what do we mean by honeytrap? Former deputy chief whip Anne Milton joins Emma Barnett to discuss, along with political correspondent at The Sun, Noa Hoffman.

During the late 90s and the early 2000s, belly button piercings were everywhere. They were made popular by celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Britney Spears and Beyoncé. The trend slowly faded away in the 2010s, but with 90s and Y2K fashion back in style - so is the belly button piercing. Fashion Director at The Sunday Times, Karen Dacre, got one the first time around, and Dr Helge Gillmeister, Reader of Psychology at the University of Essex, has studied the appeal of the belly button piercing. They join Emma to discuss naval piercings.

Could we be happier and more successful if we acted like toddlers? Dr Hasan Merali, Paediatric emergency medicine physician, Associate Professor at McMaster University and author of Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas, tells Emma what we can learn about self-improvement from toddlers.

The WTA Finals this year will be held in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia. The decision has drawn criticism from female tennis legends such as Martina Navratilova, because of the state of women’s rights in the country, but others including Billie Jean King support the move. What is life like for women in Saudia Arabia today? And why has the WTA chosen them to host the finals? Emma speaks to sports journalist Molly McElwee and Professor at the LSE Middle East Centre, Madawi Al-Rasheed.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lottie Garton

Weekend Woman's Hour: Pregnancy discrimination, Girls State and Carly Pearce Apr 06, 2024

An employment tribunal has ruled that describing an expectant mother as 'emotional' at work was discrimination. Described as a David and Goliath case, Nicola Hinds, who had been an account manager at Mitie, a FTSE 250 company, represented herself. The judge upheld her claims of pregnancy discrimination and constructive dismissal saying she was 'inexcusably' ignored by her boss and portrayed as 'hormonal'. She is now in line to receive compensation.

A new documentary film, Girls State, spotlights the girls hoping they will become the first female President of the United States. It follows a real-life mock government programme attended by teenage girls in Missouri. The American Legion, who run the programmes, hold separate programmes for boys and girls in all fifty states in the US. Emma is joined by the film-maker Amanda McBain and Emily Worthmore, one of the girls who stands for Governor, the highest position in the mock government.

It’s almost the end of Ramadan 2024 – the month of fasting observed by Muslims all over the world. But what’s it like to be a modern woman, potentially on your period, and still going through Ramadan? We hear from Mehreen Baig from the podcast Not Even Water and Hodo Ibrahim, co-host of The Oversharers podcast, on the challenges and advantages of being a Muslim woman in Ramadan.

A new play at the Hampstead Theatre – The Divine Mrs S - explores the life of Sarah Siddons, who was the first truly respected female actor in theatre, achieving a huge level of celebrity at the end of the 18th century. April De Angelis’ backstage comedy explores the origins of celebrity culture and portrays Siddons, played by Rachael Stirling, as a pioneer in command of her own image and craft. We hear from April and Rachael about what inspired them to bring Siddons back to life.

And we have music and chat with one of Country Music’s biggest female stars, Carly Pearce, who went from working at Dollywood aged 16 to becoming a Grammy and three-time Country Music Association winner.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Rwanda genocide, Bowie's hairdresser, womanhood during Ramadan Apr 05, 2024

Ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Rwanda genocide on Sunday, April 7th, BBC journalist Victoria Uwonkunda returns to the counry for the first time after fleeing the genocide as a child in 1994, to find out how the country, and its people, are healing.

Lots of our favourite pop - or rock - stars have had iconic looks to go along with their music. Suzi Ronson is the woman behind a hairstyle many of us will recognise - the red spiky hair of Ziggy Stardust, a character and onstage persona created by David Bowie. Her new memoir, Me and Mr Jones: My Life with David Bowie and the Spiders from Mars, talks about her time with the band during the 70s and meeting her late husband, guitarist Mick Ronson.

It’s almost the end of Ramadan 2024 – the month of fasting observed by Muslims all over the world. But what’s it like to be a modern woman, potentially on your period, and still going through Ramadan? Anita speaks with Mehreen Baig from the podcast Not Even Water and Hodo Ibrahim, co-host of The Oversharers podcast, on the challenges and advantages of being a Muslim woman in Ramadan.

You'll likely see the price of getting your nails done go up as of Monday, on what's being called the National Nail Tech Price Increase Day. While you might be paying around £40 to get your nails done, your nail technician would only take home around £7 an hour, once you take away the costs of things like tools and products. Amy Guy is the founder of Nail Tech Org and Rochelle Anthony owns her own salon, and they talk about what the price rise means to them.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Cecelia Armstrong

Pregnancy discrimination, Prue Leith, Femcels, Social workers on screen Apr 04, 2024

An employment tribunal has ruled that describing an expectant mother as 'emotional' at work was discrimination. Described as a David and Goliath case, Nicola Hinds, who had been an account manager at Mitie, a FTSE 250 company, represented herself. The judge upheld her claims of pregnancy discrimination and constructive dismissal saying she was 'inexcusably' ignored by her boss and portrayed as 'hormonal'. She is now in line to receive compensation. Nicola joins Emma Barnett.

82% of social workers are women, and they are fed up of seeing themselves portrayed as baddies on screen. Social Work England says they end up depicted in dramas as dragging children away from their families. Reporter Melanie Abbott talks to social worker in training Ceira Walsh about the impact on her. And Sarah Blackmore from Social Work England and screenwriter Emma Reeves, responsible for Elaine the Pain in the Tracy Beaker series, discuss with Emma Barnett what changes could be made.

Emma speaks to Dame Prue Leith, the chef, author and TV personality, who took part in her first ever catwalk this week at the age of 84. She wore clothes designed by the brand Vin and Omi, who've collaborated with the King to use plants grown in his garden to make their sustainable clothes.

What are femcels? The female version of incels, or involuntary celibates. are the subject of a new Channel 4 documentary, Emma speaks to Dr Jilly Kay from Loughborough University to hear more about research into this group and what their online activity looks like.

Girls State, Author Holly Gramazio, First female prime minister of the DRC Apr 03, 2024

In the run-up to local elections in England and Wales, the Local Government Alliance have called for the law to change around publicising local councillors' home addresses. This is after some councillors are warning that a recent upsurge of abuse and threats is forcing large numbers of women to quit their roles in local government. Emma Barnett speaks to viral lockdown star Jackie Weaver about being a woman in local government.

Judith Suminwa Tuluka has been appointed the first ever female prime minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo. A former planning minister, she’s relatively unknown – so what does this mean for the DRC, and the women who live there? Emma finds out more about the new prime minister with BBC Monitoring’s Beverley Ochieng and the co-founder of a DRC NGO, Anny Modi.

How did 77 women from the same Cambridge college end up working at Bletchley Park during the war? Dr Sally Waugh, an alumna of women-only Newnham College, has uncovered a previously unknown contingent of female codebreakers and other staff who were recruited to conduct top secret work as undergraduates. Emma speaks to her to find out more.

A new documentary film, Girls State, spotlights the girls hoping they will become the first female President of the United States. It follows a real-life mock government programme attended by teenage girls in Missouri. The American Legion, who run the programmes, hold separate programmes for boys and girls in all fifty states in the US. Emma is joined by the film-maker Amanda McBain and Emily Worthmore, one of the girls who stands for Governor, the highest position in the mock government.

Games writer and author Holly Gramazio’s debut novel explores a world where an endless supply of husbands emerges from the attic. But when you can change husbands as easily as a lightbulb, how do you know when to stick with the one you’ve got? Holly joins Emma, live in the Woman’s Hour studio.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lottie Garton

Scotland's hate crime law, Motherhood and art, Actor Rachael Stirling Apr 02, 2024

Scotland's new hate crime law came in to effect yesterday. The Act creates a crime of "stirring up hatred" relating to age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or being intersex. To discuss the concerns some women have Emma Barnett is joined by Susan Smith, co-director of the group For Women Scotland, and The Times journalist John Boothman.

A new play at the Hampstead Theatre – The Divine Mrs S - explores the life of Sarah Siddons, who was the first truly respected female actor in theatre, achieving a huge level of celebrity at the end of the 18th century. April De Angelis’ backstage comedy explores the origins of celebrity culture and portrays Siddons, played by Rachael Stirling, as a pioneer in command of her own image and craft. Emma talks to April and Rachael about what inspired them to bring Siddons back to life.

Why have women with children long struggled to be taken seriously as artists? Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood looks at the joys and heartaches, mess, myths and mishaps of motherhood through over 60 artists and 100 artworks. Art critic Hettie Judah who curated the exhibition and artist and senior lecturer at the Royal College of Art Hermione Wiltshire who has two pieces of work displayed in it join Emma.

In January 2023, Eleanor Williams was found guilty of perverting the course of justice after inflicting injuries on herself and then posting pictures of them claiming they were a result of rape and grooming. Why would she lie? That’s the subject of a new podcast, Unreliable Witness, which looks into what happened before, during and after the accusations made by Eleanor. Sky News Specialist Producer Liz Lane joins Emma to talk about the new discoveries about the story she made while looking into what happened.

Women in Country Music Apr 01, 2024

From Beyoncé's new country album to Shania headlining Glastonbury, country music is reaching new heights of popularity. Who are the women leading the charge, who are the icons who inspired them, and how many barriers are still left to be broken?

We speak to one of its biggest female stars, Carly Pearce, who went from working at Dollywood aged 16 to becoming a Grammy and three-time Country Music Association winner.

We explore the sexism still facing women in the industry as female singers remain dramatically underrepresented on US country radio, charts and awards. We also discuss the growth of the genre in the UK, why it's inspired countless films and TV shows, and its history and icons from Dolly Parton and Linda Martell to Patsy Cline.

We're joined by Marissa Moss, author of Her Country; Beverly Keel, co-founder of Change The Conversation; Alex Hannaby, Head of UK at Big Machine; Simeon Hammond Dallas, singer-songwriter; Helen Brown, arts journalist; Professor Francesca Royster, author of Black Country Music; Nicole Taylor, screenwriter; and Zoe Hodges, music journalist.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Louise Corley

Weekend Woman's Hour: Katie Price, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain, Biba exhibition Mar 30, 2024

Model turned TV personality Katie Price joins Clare McDonnell to talk about her views on young women getting cosmetic surgery, after having several procedures herself.

It’s 60 years since the first Biba shop opened and the Fashion and Textile Museum in London have just launched a new exhibition: The Biba Story - 1964-1975. On until September, it explores how the fashion phenomenon blossomed to become the world’s first lifestyle label. Nuala McGovern speaks to its founder, Barbara Hulanicki, and the curator of the exhibition, Martin Pel.

Australian politician Georgie Purcell is the youngest woman in the parliament of the state of Victoria. From posting TikToks about animal rights, politics, and beer, to archiving her life achievements with tattoos and sharing photos of herself pole dancing – she is definitely not your average politician. She’s also been a target of almost constant sexist attacks and abuse, which on occasions made her fear for her life. Georgie talks to Nuala about why she's still determined to get more women into politics.

Described as a grim portrayal of human nature, Mothers’ Instinct is a film about the darker side of maternal love. Academy Award-winning actresses Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway play best friends raising sons of the same age in the same neighbourhood. The psychological thriller follows their apparently picture-perfect life in Sixties suburbia. The two friends in real life join Nuala to discuss.

TM Payne, or Tina, spent the last two decades working in the criminal justice system, specialising in domestic abuse. She’s now turned her hand to writing and is set to publish her first crime novel on the 1 April. She talks about her years in policing and her new-found passion for fiction.

And MOBO Award-winning singer and songwriter, Zara McFarlane, one of the UK's leading jazz vocalists. She will be appearing at this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Emma Harth

Katie Price, A decade of same-sex marriage, From policing to crime-writing Mar 29, 2024

Model turned TV personality Katie Price joins Clare McDonnell to talk about her views on young women getting cosmetic surgery, after having several procedures herself.

Today marks ten years since the first marriages of lesbian couples in England & Wales. We speak to women impacted by this change in law, and what being able to marry in a same-sex couple - rather than have a civil partnership - meant to them, a decade ago.

All week we’ve been looking at a new way of supporting young people at risk of getting into trouble. Our reporter Jo Morris has been meeting them, their parents and some of the SHiFT ‘Guides’ at a practice in Greater Manchester . Today Jo meets the youngest of them, Robyn. She’s only 27 and came to SHiFT after working in a school. She wanted to be able to do more for the children in her charge and has very personal reasons for feeling a connection with young people who need help.

TM Payne, or Tina, spent the last 2 decades working in the criminal justice system, specialising in domestic abuse. She’s now turned her hand to writing and is set to publish her first crime novel on the 1st of April. She talks about her years in policing and her new-found passion for fiction.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Kirsty Starkey Studio Engineer: Emma Harth

Biba exhibition, Pupil behaviour, Australian politician Georgie Purcell, Breaking the cycle Mar 28, 2024

Nearly one in five teachers working in England has been hit by a pupil, according to a new BBC commissioned survey of 9,000 teachers. The survey, gathered between February and March this year, also found that 15% of secondary school teachers say they have experienced sexual harassment from a pupil when working at a school. The teacher workforce is predominantly female, 76% of teachers are women. Nuala McGovern is joined by Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of teacher’s union NASUWT. It’s 60 years since the first Biba shop opened and the Fashion and Textile Museum in London have just opened a new exhibition: The Biba Story - 1964-1975. On until the 8 September, it explores how the fashion phenomenon blossomed to become the world’s first lifestyle label. Nuala speaks to its founder - Barbara Hulanicki - and the curator of the exhibition - Martin Pel. Australian politician Georgie Purcell is the youngest woman in the parliament of the state of Victoria. She’s also a former stripper who holds degrees in law, and communications and politics. From posting TikToks about animal rights, politics, and beer, to archiving her life achievements with tattoos and sharing photos of herself pole dancing – she is definitely not your average politician. She’s also been a target of almost constant sexist attacks and abuse, which on occasions made her fear for her life. Georgie talks to Nuala about why she's still determined to get more women into politics. In the fourth part of our series, Breaking The Cycle, a boy who was groomed and trafficked by a gang tells his story. He was kicking a football with a mate when a man in a flash car pulled up and befriended them. Soon that 14-year-old was going missing from home and selling drugs from a 'trap' house in a seaside town far away. He describes how isolated and frightened he felt and the sheer relief when it was all over. His 'guide' from a new practice called SHiFT has helped him to understand what happened and how to stay out of trouble. Our reporter Jo Morris met them. Today marks 30 years since the beginning of BBC Radio 5 Live. Once having a reputation for being ‘bloke radio’, many well loved and respected female broadcasters including Naga Munchetty and Rachel Burden have taken over the airways. Nuala hears from presenter and broadcaster Eleanor Oldroyd, who has been at the station from the very beginning, to discuss what has changed for female broadcasters and women’s sport. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Claire Fox

Stoning of Women in Afghanistan, Jazz with Zara McFarlane, AI job losses & women Mar 27, 2024

The leader of the Taliban has declared on state television that women who commit adultery will be stoned to death. Nuala McGovern speaks to the former deputy speaker of the Afghan Parliament, Fawzia Koofi. We look at the legacy of children's TV executive Kay Benbow, hailed as “Queen of the Beebies”, who has died with historian Dr Emily Baughan and producer Anne Wood.

Our reporter Jo Morris talks to the mum of a young man who got into serious trouble with drugs in the third in our series Breaking The Cycle about SHiFT a new approach to helping young people at risk of going off the rails.

A new report by the Institute for Public Policy Research warns of an AI "jobs apocalypse" which will have the greatest impact on women and young people. We talk to Carsten Jung from the IPPR and to AI Expert Prof. Gina Neff.

And live music from Zara McFarlane who's appearing at this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Steve Greenwood

Killed Women campaign, Anti-ageing products and young girls, France birth rate Mar 26, 2024

Killed Women is a group formed of relatives of women who were murdered in domestic abuse situations. They are campaigning to get the minimum sentence for domestic homicide raised, so it’s the same as if the victim was killed on the street. Julie Devey, a member of Killed Women whose daughter Poppy was stabbed to death in bed, joins Nuala McGovern alongside Clare Ward KC, who led last year’s independent review into Domestic Homicide Sentencing.

When and if a woman chooses to have children is becoming one of the defining issues of our time. It's an issue of great concern to Emmanuel Macron, the President of France - where there were 1.8 births for every woman last year. He's announced plans to incentivise people to have more children including reforming parental leave and free fertility checks for everyone at the age of 25. To discuss this Nuala is joined by Stefania Marassa, Associate Professor of Economics at Cergy Paris University and Sarah Harper, Professor of Gerontology at the University of Oxford.

Last week, a chain of pharmacies in Sweden banned the sale of anti-aging skincare products to customers under 15. The measures come amid a growing trend of young girls’ interest in high-end skincare products, after seeing them used by influencers on YouTube and TikTok. Nuala speaks to Monika Magnusson, The CEO of Apotek Hjärtat, the company which introduced the age restriction, and Abby Robbins, a mother from the UK, who has first-hand experience of this trend.

In the second part of our series Breaking The Cycle the SHiFT guide Eva has received a crisis call from one of the young people she works with. Though she's worried about him she's pleased that he reached out, it shows he is beginning to trust her. Jo Morris reports from SHiFT in Greater Manchester. It's a new approach to supporting teenagers at risk of getting into serious trouble.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lottie Garton

Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain, Breaking the cycle, Musih Tedji Xaviere Mar 25, 2024

Described as a grim portrayal of human nature, Mothers’ Instinct is a film about the darker side of maternal love. Academy Award-winning actresses Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway play best friends raising sons of the same age in the same neighbourhood. The psychological thriller follows their apparently picture-perfect life in Sixties suburbia. The two friends in real life join Nuala McGovern to discuss.

A new BBC study of elite British sportswomen shows that many are training and chasing medals for Great Britain while earning surprisingly low wages. The 143 female athletes who responded were above the age of 16, and were competing for their country in senior sport or at top club level. Some women had considered giving up sport, because of the cost of living now. Nuala is joined by Becky Grey, BBC Sport journalist who has been working on this study.

In the first in a new series, Breaking The Cycle, following the work of the SHiFT team in Greater Manchester. Set up to help young people at risk of getting into serious trouble the approach is all about relationships. A 'Guide' works with a child and their family for at least 18 months and just keeps showing up. Our reporter Jo Morris went out and about with the team over the first year of the practice. Today, Sally Dicken from SHiFT paints a picture of the young people they are trying to help and explains the problems SHiFT has been set up to tackle.

These Letters End In Tears follows the story of two girls, Bessem and Fatima, as we learn the price they pay for falling in love. In Cameroon, where the book is based, same-sex relationships are punishable by law. The author, Musih Tedji Xaviere, has made a huge personal sacrifice bringing this story to life, and joins Nuala in the studio.

Reporter: Jo Morris

Weekend Woman's Hour: Laura Kenny, Actor Vicky Knight, baby loss certificates Mar 23, 2024

Dame Laura Kenny, Britain's most decorated female Olympian, talks to Emma Barnett about her sporting career, motherhood and her decision to quit cycling.

Friday’s Woman’s Hour came live from Doncaster which came bottom of one league table for opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the UK last year, according to the website money.co.uk which analysed data from the Office for National Statistics. So we wanted to find out why. Anita was joined by BBC Radio Sheffield’s Paulette Edwards to speak to local entrepreneurs across the city. We hear from Rachel Stockey, Head of Entrepreneurial Skills at the Entrepreneurship Institute at King’s College, London as well as Amy Furniss who set up a business selling dried flowers in 2020 during the Covid lockdown.

On 27 February, Emma Barnett spoke to Zoe Clark-Coates, who runs the baby loss and bereavement charity The Mariposa Trust, about her campaign for baby loss certificates. They were introduced in England in February for parents who’ve lost a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy. Emma shares her own story and also speaks to a woman who’s decided it’s not for her, and another who applied straight away and has now received four baby loss certificates.

The new film Silver Haze is based on recollections of real events in actor Vicky Knight’s childhood, including when she survived an arson attacked aged just eight. Vicky talks to Emma about blending her real childhood experiences with the narrative of the film, and why she wanted to tell her story.

Have you ever had a nagging feeling that something wasn’t quite right? A gut reaction or a tingly spidey-like sense that tells you something is off? Author of Emotional Labour, Rose Hackman joins Emma to explain why we need to stop calling it 'women’s intuition'.

John Lennon told them that ‘girls don’t play guitar’, but these four girls from 1960s Liverpool were determined to prove him wrong. Mary, Sylvia, Valerie and Pamela formed Britain's first female rock'n'roll band The Liverbirds, and went on to tour stadiums across Europe, record two hit albums and play with the Kinks, Rolling Stones and Chuck Berry – all in the space of five years. Emma talks to the two surviving members of the band about their incredible story.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Hanna Ward Studio Manager: Emma Harth

Who wants to be a female entrepreneur? Mar 22, 2024

Woman’s Hour is joined by BBC Radio Sheffield in Doncaster for a special live panel show to find out how to be a successful female entrepreneur.

Woman’s Hour presenter Anita Rani and BBC Sheffield presenter Paulette Edwards talk to local business women and experts about how to start and sustain a thriving business. They investigate how the stubborn barriers of funding, childcare and confidence are still holding women back and explore the interventions needed to bring about lasting change, so more women and girls can choose to turn their great ideas into successful and lasting businesses.

On the panel are: Amy Furniss, a nurse from Doncaster who turned entrepreneur with a dried flowers business; Akeela Mohammed, who sold her two nurseries in Doncaster and now wants to open a Desi café; Rachel Stockey, Head of Entrepreneurial Skills at the Entrepreneurship Institute, who empowers women to make waves by practising her Seven Skills of Entrepreneurial Mindset; Christine Hockley, Managing Director of Funds at the British Business Bank in Sheffield, who is one of a small number of the country’s female investors; and Emma Jones, who in 2005 set up Enterprise Nation, which aims to provide expert advice and support for small businesses.

Presenters: Anita Rani and Paulette Edwards Producer: Rebecca Myatt SM: Phil Booth

Waspi women, Dr Jen Gunter, The Liverbirds, Child poverty Mar 21, 2024

A long-awaited report on how women born in the 1950s were affected by increases to their retirement age - the so-called WASPI women, which stands for women against state pension inequality - has been published today. It recommends compensation and says the Department for Work and Pensions failed to adequately inform the women affected. Emma Barnett hears from Steve Webb, former pensions minister from 2010 to 2015, when changes to pension ages were accelerated, and to Frances Neil, a WASPI coordinator in Essex.

Dr Jen Gunter is a gynaecologist and author based in California, with a huge global following, known for calling out products marketed to women which claim to address their neglected health issues but have no evidence base and could be harmful. In her latest book, simply called Blood, she tackles the menstrual cycle and myths ancient and modern associated with it. Jen joins Emma in studio.

John Lennon told them that ‘girls don’t play guitar’, but these four girls from 1960s Liverpool were determined to prove him wrong. Mary, Sylvia, Valerie and Pamela formed Britain's first female rock'n'roll band The Liverbirds, and went on to tour stadiums across Europe, record two hit albums and play with the Kinks, Rolling Stones and Chuck Berry – all in the space of five years. Emma talks to the two surviving members of the band about their incredible story.

Figures out today show that 4.3 million children in the UK are living in poverty. Emma speaks to Sara Ogilvie, Policy Director at Child Poverty Action Group and to Jo, a lone parent living in Greater Manchester with a 14-year-old son and on a low income.

Baby loss certificates, 'Women's intuition', Carolynne Hunter & energy bills Mar 20, 2024

On 27 February, Emma Barnett spoke to Zoe Clark-Coates, who runs the baby loss and bereavement charity The Mariposa Trust, about her campaign for baby loss certificates. They were introduced in England in February for parents who’ve lost a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy. Emma shares her own story and also speaks to a woman who’s decided it’s not for her, and another who applied straight away and has now received four baby loss certificates. Have you ever had a nagging feeling that something wasn’t quite right? A gut reaction or a tingly spidey-like sense that tells you something is off? Author of Emotional Labour, Rose Hackman joins Emma to explain why we need to stop calling it 'women’s intuition'. Carolynne Hunter cares for her 14-year-old daughter who has severe cerebral palsy. She spoke out about her rising household costs back in 2022 and Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet paid her energy bill. Carolynne joins Emma to give an update on her life since then. It's been announced that a breast cancer drug - Pembrolizumab, sold under the brand name Keytruda - could help thousands more women than previously thought. Emma finds out more from Dr Liz O'Riordan, retired breast surgeon who has had breast cancer herself, twice.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer Louise Corley Studio Engineer: Phil Lander

Actor Vicky Knight, Conscription, Author Lesley Pearse Mar 19, 2024

The Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves is today delivering a speech in which she’ll promise to ‘reform the Treasury’. If Labour were to win the next General Election, she would be the first female Chancellor the UK has seen. But what would her economic plans mean for women? And how do they compare to the current government’s? Economic Adviser Vicky Pryce and Journalist Lucy Fisher join Emma Barnett to discuss.

Bestselling novelist Lesley Pearse has written 31 books and sold over 10 million copies worldwide. But she didn’t start writing until her mid-30s, and it would be another 13 years before her first novel was published. Now Lesley has written an autobiography of her extraordinary life – from a difficult childhood to making shepherd’s pie for David Bowie. She joins Emma to tell her story.

Denmark is set to become the latest country to extend military conscription to women. This comes as Russia has warned the war there could spin out of control and expand geographically. What’s it like for women living in the Nordic countries, three of whom have now introduced female conscription? Emma speaks to The Guardian’s Nordic Correspondent Miranda Bryant and Nora Tangseth from the Organisation of Representatives of the Norwegian Conscripts who is in the Norwegian Army.

The new film Silver Haze is based on recollections of real events in actor Vicky Knight’s childhood, including when she survived an arson attacked aged just eight. Vicky talks to Emma about blending her real childhood experiences with the narrative of the film, and why she wanted to tell her story.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lottie Garton

Olympian cyclist Dame Laura Kenny, Actor Imogen Poots, Pornography series Mar 18, 2024

Dame Laura Kenny, Britain's most decorated female Olympian, talks to Emma Barnett about her sporting career, motherhood and her decision to quit cycling.

Are we staying in more since the pandemic? We talk to Kate Nicholls OBE, CEO of UK Hospitality, and Ellen Scott, Acting Digital Content Director at Stylist Magazine.

Our pornography series continues with 'Elaine', a woman in her late 60s who's worried about her husband's porn use. Followed by a discussion about the effect habitual porn use has on our brains with Dr Paula Hall, a Sexual & Relationship Psychotherapist, and Professor Valarie Voon, Neuropsychiatrist and Neuroscientist at the University of Cambridge.

Actor Imogen Poots is starring in a new film about the English heiress turned IRA bomber and art thief Rose Dugdale called Baltimore. Imogen tells Emma about her approach to the role. After today’s programme aired, the news broke that Rose Dugdale has died aged 83.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Andy Garner

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Irish folk singer Cara Dillon, The Hampstead Paedophile Hoax, Maximalism Mar 16, 2024

Cara Dillon won the All Ireland singing trophy aged only 14 and has gone on to receive countless awards and accolades including Album Of The Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. She has worked for Disney – singing the title song to the animated movie Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue, and topped the charts with dance remixes. She joins Emma to discuss her book and a new album – Coming Home – in which she brings storytelling, poetry, and song, offering personal memories and stories inspired by her native Co. Derry, and exploring themes of family, identity and home.

The government in South Korea has said the country’s birth rate has fallen to a record low, despite it having spent billions on initiatives to encourage women to have more children. It dropped to 0.72 in 2023 - and for a population to hold steady, that number should be 2.1. Why are women in the country deciding not to have children? BBC journalist Yuna Ku in Seoul explains.

We continue our series looking at how porn in shaping our sex and relationships today by speaking to Dr Fiona Vera-Gray. She says that when we think about porn we still mostly think about men, men as the producers and the consumers and women as the product. Her new book, Women On Porn, details the experiences of one hundred women and their views on porn and she joins Emma in the studio.

For the first time, four mums are speaking out about what it was like to be at the centre of a conspiracy that went viral, even reaching the USA. Accused: The Hampstead Paedophile Hoax is a new documentary that looks at what happened to them. Director Emily Turner and mum ‘Anna’ (not her real name) join Emma Barnett to talk about why they wanted to speak out and share this story.

The Women's Six Nations begins later this month. Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy are taking part as well as England who are looking to build on the glory of 2023, when they sealed the grand slam in front of nearly 60,000 spectators at Twickenham, a record crowd for a women’s game. We'll continue to cover the Six Nations as it gets underway but to kick us off Emma is joined by England Rugby player Meg Jones.

In recent years, maximalism has been all the rage in the interior design world. Patterns on patterns and riotous colours. But what are the pros and cons of adding personality to your home? Pottery artist, Mary Rose Young and Kate Sandhu, interiors influencer and founder of Kate Sandhu Renovation, join Emma to discuss.

Men & porn, Women's Diaries, South Korea birth rate Mar 15, 2024

As part of our ongoing series on pornography and how it’s shaping our relationships, we’ve heard from many of our female listeners whose attitudes and feelings towards porn vary greatly. Men are still the major consumers and producers of porn, so today we hear from some of them. Clare McDonnell is joined by the Times journalist Sean Russell, a man in his 30s, and two listeners: Jake, who is in his 40s, and also Gabriel, who is in his 60s. The three share how porn has shaped their sex and relationships.

Do you keep a diary? Why and who for? Is it for yourself or for potential readers in the future? And does it allow you to express emotions that have no other outlet? These are just some of the themes explored in Secret Voices: A Year of Women's Diaries, which has been billed as the first comprehensive anthology of solely female diarists. Compiled by the historical biographer Sarah Gristwood, it features entries from over the past four centuries, from the likes of Florence Nightingale, Beatrix Potter, Audre Lorde and Emma Thompson.

The government in South Korea has said the country’s birth rate has fallen to a record low, despite it having spent billions on initiatives to encourage women to have more children. It dropped to 0.72 in 2023 - and for a population to hold steady, that number should be 2.1. Why are women in the country deciding not to have children? BBC journalist Yuna Ku in Seoul explains.

Have you ever asked yourself: “Does my bum look big in this?" According to major UK clothes retailer, this question is no longer a bad thing. In fact, we should be aiming for it. They’ve taken big knickers to a whole other level, launching a new form of shapewear with bum padding, adding extra volume and curvature to your derriere. Anna Murphy is the Times’ Fashion Director. She’s tried out a similar model and explains her reaction.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Kirsty Starkey Studio Manager: Duncan Hannant

Folk singer Cara Dillon, Diane Abbott and racist abuse, Haiti Mar 14, 2024

Folk singer Cara Dillon joins Emma Barnett to discuss her book and a new album – Coming Home – which explores themes of family, identity and home.

Host of the UK’s first ever maths summit, mathmetician Anne-Marie Imafidon talks about hosting the UK's first ever maths summit and the importance of the subject for business.

Seven out of 10 candidates who've been selected to stand for the Conservative Party at the next election are men, according to new data gleaned by the journalist Michael Crick. We speak to him and the Charlotte Carew Pole, the Director of Women2Win, which aims to get more women into politics.

Journalist Monique Clesca on the latest situation in Haiti, where powerful gangs have killed thousands and are using rape to "instil fear"

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineer: Gayl Gordon

IVF clinic license suspended, Porn series, 'Queens' wildlife programme Mar 13, 2024

A new law will be introduced in the House of Commons at lunchtime today to clear the names of the hundreds of sub-postmasters wrongly convicted for theft and false accounting. To discuss what this means Emma Barnett is joined by Jo Hamilton, a former post sub-master who was wrongly charged with stealing £36,000 from the Hampshire village post office she ran and BBC Economics Correspondent Andy Verity.

A fertility clinic in London has recently had its license suspended over what are being called “significant concerns” about the unit. Homerton Fertility Centre says there had been three separate incidents that highlighted errors in some freezing processes - meaning some people’s embryos were lost. Emma Barnett talks to the Telegraph’s Health Editor Laura Donnelly and Dr Ippokratis Sarris from King’s Fertility.

We continue our series looking at how porn in shaping our sex and relationships today by speaking to Dr Fiona Vera-Gray. She says that when we think about porn we still mostly think about men, men as the producers and the consumers and women as the product. Her new book, Women On Porn, details the experiences of one hundred women and their views on porn and she joins Emma in the studio.

A new ground-breaking wildlife series is launching this week. National Geographic’s ‘Queens’ focuses on female-led animal societies, and shows their lives away from the usual male fights and hunts. The seven-part series was produced by a women-led team and narrated by the actress Angela Bassett. Emma talks to the series co-executive producer and writer Chloe Sarosh.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce Studio Manager: Emma Harth

Body shaming in dance, Author Charlotte Wood, Mothers’ Manifesto Mar 12, 2024

A group of mums called Mothers' Manifesto are on day three of a five-day hunger strike in front of Parliament. They’re trying to draw attention to food insecurity and the plight of mums who have to go without food to ensure their children can eat. Today they’re meeting MPs to campaign for universal free school meals. Organiser Emma Hopkins tells Emma Barnett what they’ll be asking for.

A former dancer has brought a legal case against her performing arts school alleging verbal and emotional abuse in the form of body shaming, along with allegations that the school had failed in its duty of care to her as a pupil. Last month, the case was settled out of court, and she received a pay-out, although the school did not admit liability. Her lawyer believes this successful claim is the first time a dancer has taken a dance school to court over body shaming. The woman and her lawyer speak to Emma about what happened. The woman has a court order in place to keep her anonymous, so we are not naming her.

In recent years, maximalism has been all the rage in the interior design world. Patterns on patterns and riotous colours. But what are the pros and cons of adding personality to your home? Pottery artist, Mary Rose Young and Kate Sandhu, interiors influencer and founder of Kate Sandhu Renovation, join Emma to discuss.

Charlotte Wood’s latest novel, Stone Yard Devotional, is set in a small convent hidden in the stark plains of the Australian outback. The main character is a middle-aged woman who takes refuge with the nuns as she grieves the loss of her parents. Charlotte joins Emma to talk about the inspiration for this book and what happened when, as she was writing it, she and her two sisters were all diagnosed with breast cancer.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lottie Garton

The Hampstead Paedophile Hoax, Jennie Lee MP, England Rugby player Meg Jones Mar 11, 2024

For the first time, four mums are speaking out about what it was like to be at the centre of a conspiracy that went viral, even reaching the USA. Accused: The Hampstead Paedophile Hoax is a new documentary that looks at what happened to them. Director Emily Turner and mum ‘Anna’ (not her real name) join Emma Barnett to talk about why they wanted to speak out and share this story.

The photograph gracing the front pages this morning of the Princess of Wales with her children, reportedly taken by Prince William - was the first image of Kate to be released by Kensington Palace since her planned abdominal surgery in January. Photo agencies, including Reuters and Associated Press, have retracted the photo over concerns it has been "manipulated". Emma speaks to Alexandra Shulman - Former Editor of British Vogue and journalist - who knows Catherine, the Princess of Wales - from having advised her about designers for her wedding dress through to their work together when she placed her on the front cover of British Vogue's centerary issue. Catherine, the Princess of Wales later released a statement apologising "for any confusion" the photograph caused. It continued: "Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing".

In 1929 Jennie Lee, a miner’s daughter from Scotland, became a socialist MP at the age of only 24 – at a time when she wasn’t even legally old enough to vote. Married to the Welsh Labour politician Aneurin “Nye” Bevan, founder of the NHS, his life and their relationship is currently on stage at the National Theatre in London in a new play called Nye. Actor Sharon Small, who plays the woman considered by many a pioneer for women in politics, is in the Woman’s Hour studio. She and Emma are joined by historian, Lyndsey Jenkins, lecturer in modern history at Oxford University.

The Women's Six Nations begins later this month. Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy are taking part as well as England who are looking to build on the glory of 2023, when they sealed the grand slam in front of nearly 60,000 spectators at Twickenham, a record crowd for a women’s game. We'll continue to cover the Six Nations as it gets underway but to kick us off Emma is joined by England Rugby player Meg Jones.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley Studio Engingeer: Donald MacDonald

Weekend Woman’s Hour – Music artist Raye, COPA 71 and Imelda May on the Yeats sisters Mar 09, 2024

The South London singer-songwriter Raye joins Emma Barnett following her record-breaking six wins at the Brit awards last weekend. Raye tells us about her grandma Agatha who joined her on stage after winning Best Album for My 21st Century Blues. She also talks about being a woman in the music industry and the strength she has found from fellow female musician Charli XCX.

A new documentary, Copa 71, follows the trailblazing women who headed to Mexico for an unofficial Women's World Cup in 1971. Woman's football had been banned in many countries including the UK for 50 years. Unperturbed 6 teams gathered and played in front of crowds of 100,000 fans. One of those players, Chris Lockwood joins Anita Rani alongside co-director of the film Rachel Ramsay.

On the 3rd March 2021, Sarah Everard was murdered by Wayne Couzens, an off-duty police officer. The incident sparked national outrage and a surge in fighting violence against women and girls. Three years on, how much has changed? Emma Barnett speaks to the Detective Inspector who interviewed Wayne Couzens, Nick Harvey.

Imelda May talks about her new documentary Lily and Lolly: The Forgotten Yeats Sisters, on Sky Arts. Elizabeth and Susan Yeats (also known as Lolly and Lily) founded a women-only arts and crafts guild to promote women’s economic and cultural independence. Overshadowed by their famous brothers, W.B Yeats and Jack Butler Yeats…until now.

The author Liz Jensen’s son Raphael was a wildlife biologist, an environmental activist, and a prominent member of Extinction Rebellion. In 2020, at the age of 25, he unexpectedly collapsed and died due to an unknown heart condition. Liz speaks to Emma about her new memoir, Your Wild and Previous Life, about her process of grief, hope and rebellion.

Women's Football in '71, Mollie King, Female psychopaths Mar 08, 2024

A new documentary, Copa 71, follows the trailblazing women who headed to Mexico for an unofficial Women's World Cup in 1971. Woman's football had been banned in many countries including the UK for 50 years. Unperturbed 6 teams gathered and played in front of crowds of 100,000 fans. One of those players, Chris Lockwood joins Anita Rani alongside co-director of the film Rachel Ramsay.

On International Woman's Day Maidenhead MP and former Prime Minister Theresa May has announced she is standing down at the next election, telling the Maidenhead Advertiser she has taken the “difficult decision” after 27 years representing the constituency. She becomes the 63rd Tory MP — and the most senior — to announce that they will not be standing again in 2024. She says that causes such as tackling modern slavery were taking an "increasing amount" of her time - as a reason for her stepping down now. We hear from David Lee - deputy editor for the Maidenhead Advertiser who broke the story and assistant editor at the Spectator Isabel Hardman.

What’s it like being the first, directly elected female Mayor of Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone? Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr talks about her career in politics and a new BBC Africa documentary which follows her run up to elections.

New research suggests that female psychopaths could be up to 5 times more common that we previously thought. So what are the main differences between men and women when it comes to psychopathy? How do you deal with a woman who fits the bill? And what could the wider impacts of this study be in terms of our court systems and other societal sectors? We hear from Dr Clive Boddy, an Associate Professor of corporate psychology at the University of Anglia Ruskin who’s conducted this research. And Estelle Moore, clinical and forensic psychologist and chair of the London Psychological Professions Network.

The Radio 1 presenter and singer Mollie King joins Anita to discuss her Red Nose Day challenge for Comic Relief – a 500km cycle across England, setting off from London and crossing the finish line in Hull, the hometown of her late father. She explains it’s the first time she’s cycled on a road, how she plans to navigate busy city centres, winding country roads, and unsteady terrain, and her fitness journey since giving birth to her daughter in 2022.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey Studio Manager: Tim Heffer

Nikki Haley, Pornography series, Author Liz Jensen Mar 07, 2024

Nikki Haley has officially dropped out of the race to become Republican candidate for US President. So what does this mean for the upcoming elections, for women voters and also for women in politics? Emma Barnett speaks to political strategist at the Harvard Belfer Center, Shannon Felton Spence and director of the US and Americas at Chatham House, Leslie Vinjamuri.

The author Liz Jensen’s son Raphael was a wildlife biologist, an environmental activist, and a prominent member of Extinction Rebellion. In 2020, at the age of 25, he unexpectedly collapsed and died due to an unknown heart condition. Liz speaks to Emma about her new memoir, Your Wild and Previous Life, about her process of grief, hope and rebellion.

On Friday 22nd March, Anita will take Woman's Hour to Doncaster and join forces with BBC Radio Sheffield for a special panel edition of Woman's Hour - Who wants to be a female entrepreneur? Ahead of that, Emma talks to BBC Radio Sheffield presenter Paulette Edwards who is spending a day at Opportunities Doncaster Live, where school girls have gone to find out about local business opportunities and how to develop their entrepreneurial minds.

Continuing our series opening up the conversation around pornography and its impact on sex and relationships, our reporter Ena Miller talks to a woman we are calling Sophie. She believes porn has shaped her sex life and the desires of her sexual partners in a negative way, and explains why she thinks this is the case.

Who do we want to be to our children when we’re dead and gone? And how do we want them to remember us? These questions are posed by the play The Hills of California currently on stage in London. Set in Blackpool in 1976, the Webb Sisters are returning to their mother’s run-down guest house, as she lies dying. Olivier award-winning actor Laura Donnelly, who plays the mother Veronica, joins Emma.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Reporter: Ena Miller Producer: Lottie Garton

Raye, Women swimming the Channel, Anita Hill, Adaptive fashion Mar 06, 2024

The South London singer-songwriter Raye joins Emma Barnett following her record-breaking six wins at the Brit awards last weekend. Raye tells us about her grandma Agatha who joined her on stage after winning Best Album for My 21st Century Blues. She also talks about being a woman in the music industry and the strength she has found from fellow female musician Charli XCX.

The English channel has always held an allure for endurance swimmers the world over, but the first British woman to complete it was Mercedes Gleitze. She achieved this feat in 1927 and a new film, Vindication Swim, recreates that moment in history. Kirsten Callaghan plays Mercedes, she joins Emma along with the current channel swimmer Sarah Philpott to explain what it’s like to spend that long in open water, and what drives women to do it.

It’s the Oscars this weekend, the first ceremony since the Academy introduced new diversity rules for all candidates. But almost seven years since the start of the Me Too movement - has Hollywood really become a safer place for the women who work there? According to the latest survey by the Hollywood Commission, which was set up in 2017 to help stop workplace harassment and discrimination in the entertainment industry, there's still a lot of work to do. Emma speaks to the chair of the Hollywood Commission, the activist, academic and author Anita Hill.

If you had 20 minutes with the Prime Minister what would you use your time to ask? Grazia magazine, ahead of International Women's Day this week, chose to focus on the personal and the domestic in a series of three videos which have had a lot of reaction online. Lindsay Nicholson, writer and former editor of various women's magazines including Good Housekeeping and Cosmopolitan, joins Emma to discuss.

Children with a disability, or limited mobility, often need some type of adjustment to garments so they can wear them. It’s known as adaptive clothing and whilst there are a growing number of brands offering this, they’re not widely available on the high street. My next guests are trying to raise awareness of this with a fashion show. Andrea Jester is a leading hand and upper limb plastic surgeon at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Carmen Burkett is a fashion lecturer at South and City College in Birmingham. They’ve teamed up to put Andrea's young patients - or models as they’ve become - in touch with student designers.

Historic abortion law change in France and Pornography series Mar 05, 2024

Two years after the US Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion, lawmakers in France yesterday made history by enshrining this right in their country's constitution - it was a global first. We talk to Stephanie Hennette-Vauchez about the change.

Singer-songwriter Sarah Jane Morris performs live.

We look at what's behind the cuts to Birmingham City Council's budget - equal pay or a new IT system? With Heather Jameson, editor of the Municipal Journal and Dr James Brackley, lecturer in accounting at Sheffield University.

In the next part of our series about porn, Ena Miller talks to ‘Sam’ who, from an early age, measured herself by the women she saw in pornography.

And Imelda May talks about her new documentary Lilly and Lolly: The Forgotten Yeats Sisters, on Sky Arts. Elizabeth and Susan Yeats (also known as Lolly and Lilly) founded a women-only arts and crafts guild to promote women’s economic and cultural independence. Overshadowed by their famous brothers, W.B Yeats and Jack Butler Yeats…until now.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Reporter: Ena Miller Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Steve Greenwood

Sarah Everard's murder 3 years on, Jess Phillips MP and Baroness Ruth Davidson, singer CMAT Mar 04, 2024

On the 3rd March 2021, Sarah Everard was murdered by Wayne Couzens, an off-duty police officer. The incident sparked national outrage and a surge in fighting violence against women and girls. Three years on, how much has changed? Emma Barnett speaks to the Detective Inspector who interviewed Wayne Couzens, Nick Harvey, and former Detective Superintendent Shabnam Chaudri.

If you’ve browsed through political podcasts recently, you’d be forgiven for thinking the guys have got that particular market cornered. There’s The Rest is Politics with Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell, Political Currency with Ed Balls and George Osborne, and Politics at Jack and Sam’s. That may be about to change, with an all-female line-up on new podcast Electoral Dysfunction, featuring Sky News political editor Beth Rigby, Labour MP Jess Phillips and Conservative peer and former Scottish party leader Ruth Davidson. Jess and Ruth join Emma Barnett to tell her what they’ll be covering.

Poet Hollie McNish is back with a new book, with her unique and hugely relatable take on all kinds of taboos, on subjects ranging from friendships, parenthood and breastfeeding, to periods, UTIs and vulvas. Her live readings are often blush inducing, with plenty of adult content and strong language. She’s talking to Emma Barnett about her inspiration behind the book of poetry and prose ‘Lobster and other things I’m learning to love’.

Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, better known as CMAT, is an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician. Playing country-tinged pop, both of her albums have topped the Irish Albums Chart. She was longlisted for the BBC's Sound of 2024 and joins Emma fresh from the BRIT awards, where she was nominated for Best International Artist.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Actor Samantha Morton, Alabama IVF, Andi and Charlotte Osho Mar 02, 2024

The twice Oscar-nominated actor Samantha Morton has just received the Bafta Fellowship: a lifetime achievement award which recognises an outstanding contribution to film and television. She grew up in the social care system and began working in film and television at the age of 13. In a moving speech at the Baftas last week, Samantha dedicated the award to every child in care today.

Both Republicans and Democrats in the US state of Alabama are trying to find a legal solution that would protect access to IVF treatment, after a court ruling cast doubt on its future. Alabama's Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that frozen embryos have the same rights as children. Jenny Kleeman speaks to lawyer Eric Wrubel, who specialises in fertility law and Kristia Rumbley who has three frozen embryos at a fertility clinic in Alabama.

People in their early 20s are more likely to be out of work because of ill health than those in their early 40s, according to a new report. Lindsay Judge, Research Director at The Resolution Foundation, which carried out the research, explains how young women are particularly affected and are one-and-a-half times more likely to experience poor mental health than young men.

Last July, comedian, actor and author Andi Osho joined spoke to us about her second novel, Tough Crowd. During the interview Andi revealed she was also editing her mother’s memoirs – a legacy for her three children. Charlotte Osho has now published The Jagged Path, and she joins Emma along with her editor/daughter Andi.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Female history in 101 objects, Big hair, Toilet training and schools, Primodos Mar 01, 2024

A parliamentary committee has issued a new and scathing report about Primodos - a pregnancy test drug issued by doctors between the1950s and 1970s. The All Party Parliamentary Group on Hormone Pregnancy Tests says claims there is no proven link between Primodos and babies being born with malformations is “factually and morally wrong". The report claims evidence was “covered up” that it's possible to “piece together a case that could reveal one of the biggest medical frauds of the 20th century”. Around 1.5 million women in Britain were given hormone pregnancy tests which was 40 times the strength of an oral contraceptive pill. We hear from Hannah Bardell the SNP MP for Livingstone and a member of the APPG and Marie Lyon who gave birth to a daughter with limbs that were not fully formed - she had been prescribed Primodos. She has been campaigning for nearly 50 years.

One in four children starting school in England and Wales are not toilet-trained, according to teachers who now spend a third of their day supporting pupils who are not school-ready, a report has found. That’s according to the early-years charity, Kindred2 who polled 1,000 primary school staff and 1,000 parents. Only 50% of parents think they are solely responsible for toilet-training their child, while one in five parents think children do not need to be toilet-trained before starting reception. What’s the reality in schools and whose responsibility is it? We hear from Steve Marsland, Headteacher, Russell Scott Primary school in Denton, Greater Manchester.

Last week we got excited about big hair having a comeback after Miley Cyrus’ backcombed tresses at the Grammys made headlines. The larger-than-life hair-do was a fun change from the straight hair that has dominated fashion for decades. But it didn't last long - Paris Fashion Week is now in full swing and we’re back to the slicked back buns. So, will big hair ever truly come back and why did it fall out of fashion? Hair historian Rachael Gibson, and academic, and author of Don’t Touch My Hair, Emma Dabiri join Anita Rani to discuss big hair.

In a new series, Woman’s Hour is starting frank and open conversations about how porn has shaped lives and relationships. Reporter Ena Miller has spoken to a woman who had to decide where to draw the line around her partner’s porn use, and we revisit an interview with Erika Lust, the adult filmmaker whose work focusses on female pleasure and ethical production.

Anita takes a walk through female history looking at 101 objects with the writer Annabelle Hirsch. There are artefacts of women celebrated by history and of women unfairly forgotten by it, examples of female rebellion and of self-revelation. They delve into a cabinet of curiosities ranging from the bidet and the hatpin to radium-laced chocolate and Kim Kardashian’s ring.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey Studio Manager: Duncan Hannant

Alabama IVF, Porn series, Tattoos Feb 29, 2024

Both Republicans and Democrats in the US state of Alabama are trying to find a legal solution that would protect access to IVF treatment, after a court ruling cast doubt on its future. Alabama's Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that frozen embryos have the same rights as children. Jenny Kleeman speaks to lawyer Eric Wrubel, who specialises in fertility law and Kristia Rumbley who has three frozen embryos at a fertility clinic in Alabama.

How is porn shaping our sex lives? In a new Woman’s Hour series we want to start an honest conversation about how the availability and content of porn affects what we do, how we feel and what we expect. Today, our reporter Ena Miller talks to a woman who had to decide where the line was for her around her husband's porn use.

Is the boys' club in tattooing over? A new book, Tattoo You, celebrates the most innovate and trailblazing tattoo artists from across the world – two thirds of which are women, non-binary and trans artists. Tattoo expert Alice Snape and tattoo artist Tanya Buxton discuss shifts in the industry and the future of tattooing.

The tale of the relationship between actress Tippi Hedren and director Alfred Hitchcock is told as part of a new play, Double Feature. In her memoir, Tippi accused Hitchcock of sexual assault. Joanna Vanderham, who plays Tippi, and Helen O’Hara, a film critic, join Jenny to explore how the play portrays that tumultuous relationship.

Presenter: Jenny Kleeman Producer: Emma Pearce Reporter: Ena Miller

Yvette Cooper on Raneem's Law, Porn review, Andi and Charlotte Osho, Lucia Keskin Feb 28, 2024

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is calling for 'Raneem’s Law' in memory of a 22-year-old woman who was stabbed to death by her ex-husband. Raneem Oudeh spoke to police five times in less than two hours before her ex-husband killed her and her mother Khaola Saleem in 2018. One of Labour’s proposals is for domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms so that victims speak to an expert from their first call. Emma speaks to Yvette Cooper in her first broadcast interview on the issue and also to Raneem’s aunt, Nour Norris, who is backing the proposals.

In a new Woman’s Hour series we want to start an honest conversation about how the availability and content of porn affects what we do, how we feel and what we expect from sex and relationships. Today we begin by speaking to the woman leading the Independent Pornography Review for the government looking at the legislative and regulatory framework around pornography. The Conservative peer Baroness Gabby Bertin joins Emma in the studio.

Last July comedian, actor and author Andi Osho joined spoke to us about her second novel, Tough Crowd. During the interview Andi revealed she was also editing her mother’s memoirs – a legacy for her three children. Charlotte Osho has now published The Jagged Path and she joins Emma along with her editor/daughter Andi.

A new sitcom called Things You Should Have Done starts on the 29th February on BBC Three. It follows Chi, who's parents have died and has to learn how to fend for herself. It was written by comedian Lucia Keskin, who also stars as Chi. She joins Emma to talk about the series and where her inspiration came from.

Nadine Shah, Vivian Oparah, Baby loss certificates, Amber Heard trolling Feb 27, 2024

Through her songs, the Mercury prize nominated singer/songwriter Nadine Shah has explored mental health, the refugee crisis and feminism. The subject matter of her last album, Kitchen Sink, included themes of fertility, tradition and identity told through the stories of women at different stages of their lives. Now Nadine’s latest work - Filthy Underneath – is a raw collection of songs which chronicle a period of unprecedented turbulence in her life from grief to addiction and PTSD.

The new podcast Who Trolled Amber? investigates allegations that Amber Heard was trolled online by an army of AI bots after her trial with Johnny Depp. Podcast host Alexi Mostrous and Professor Gina Neff, Executive Director of the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy at the University of Cambridge, discuss this and the wider implications of abuse of women online. Parents across England who lost a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy can now apply for a baby loss certificate as part of a new government scheme. Babies who are born dead after 24 weeks are officially registered - but this doesn’t happen for babies born before that stage. Every year there are thought to be a quarter of a million miscarriages and more than 11,000 hospital admissions for losses because of ectopic pregnancies. Now, campaigners say they’re thrilled that families will finally get the acknowledgement that their baby existed - for however short a time. Emma Barnett speaks to one such campaigner - Zoe Clark-Coates – who runs the baby loss and bereavement charity The Mariposa Trust and campaigned for these certificates for nine years. Vivian Oparah played the female lead in British hit film Rye Lane, for which she was Bafta-nominated this year. She's now starring in a new TV comedy thriller called Dead Hot, playing the sister of a man who's mysteriously disappeared. Vivian joins Emma in the Woman's Hour studio.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley Studio Engineers: Emma Harth & Gayl Gordon

Actor Samantha Morton, Mary Beard, Leap year proposals Feb 26, 2024

The twice Oscar-nominated actor Samantha Morton has just received the Bafta Fellowship: a lifetime achievement award which recognises an outstanding contribution to film and television. She grew up in the social care system and began working in film and television at the age of 13. In a moving speech at the Baftas last week, Samantha dedicated the award to every child in care today.

2024 is a leap year and 29 February is the day when traditionally women are "allowed" to propose to their male partner. We hear your stories and discuss the tradition with wedding speech writer Heidi Ellert-McDermott, and Dr Vera Beckley-Hoelscher, an academic at Royal Holloway, University of London.

People in their early 20s are more likely to be out of work because of ill health than those in their early 40s, according to a new report . Lindsay Judge, Research Director at The Resolution Foundation, which carried out the research, explains how young women are particularly affected and are one-and-a-half times more likely to experince poor mental health than young men.

And Emma speaks to the world-famous classicist Mary Beard about Legion - the new exhibition at the British Museum, about life in the Roman army. Mary will share stories of some remarkable women who lived in Roman military bases.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer:Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Emma Harth

Kelsey Parker, Ukraine's children, Black girls in education, Aisling Bea Feb 24, 2024

It has been almost two years since the death of The Wanted star Tom Parker after he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in 2020 aged 33. His wife, Kelsey Parker, announced last month that, after a lot of reflection, it was time to take off her wedding rings. Kelsey tells Anita Rani about the decision and how she has dealt with her grief. The Ukrainian government says it has identified 20,000 children who have been abducted by Russian forces. This week saw 11 Ukrainian children reunited with their families. The BBC’s Hague Correspondent, Anna Holligan, and filmmaker Shahida Tulaganova, who directed the ITV documentary Ukraine’s Stolen Children, discuss. Wicked Little Letters is a new black comedy film set in Littlehampton in the 1920s. It follows two neighbours, deeply conservative Edith Swan played by Olivia Colman and rowdy Irish single mother Rose Gooding played by Jessie Buckley. When Edith and other residents begin to receive poisonous pen letters full of obscenities, potty mouthed Rose is charged with the crime. The director, Thea Sharrock joined Emma Barnett to discuss this true story, and the parallels with trolling on social media today. How do black girls and women experience education in Britain today? Sociologist Dr April-Louise Pennant of Cardiff University joined Emma to discuss why Black Caribbean girls are excluded from school at double the rate of white girls and why intersectionality means the issue of afro hair continues to affect black girls' education today. She explores these issues and more in her book, Babygirl, You’ve Got This! Experiences of Black Girls and Women in the English Education System. The comedy and acting star Aisling Bea grew up in County Kildare in Ireland and in 2011 became the first woman for 20 years to win the prestigious stand-up competition So You Think You’re Funny? She spoke to Emma about her latest show, Alice and Jack.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Kelsey Parker, 'Sharenting', Maternity leave Feb 23, 2024

It has been almost two years since the death of The Wanted star Tom Parker after he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in 2020 aged 33. His wife, Kelsey Parker, announced last month that, after a lot of reflection, it was time to take off her wedding rings. Kelsey joins Anita Rani in the Woman’s Hour studio to discuss this decision and how she has dealt with her grief.

What is the impact of 'sharenting' on the first generation of kids who grew up with it? Dorothy Koomson's new thriller, Every Smile You Fake, follows the daughter of a parenting influencer who has mysteriously disappeared. Anita speaks to Dorothy and Dr Emma Nottingham about sharenting and the proposed legislation in the US and France to regulate it.

Tomorrow is the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Oksana Grytsenko is a Ukrainian playwright and freelance journalist covering the war for various newspapers including the Wall Street Journal. She joins Anita to discuss living in Ukraine two years into the war, what is acceptable to write about whilst living through a conflict and the opening of her play focused on a family of women living in a village occupied by Russian soldiers.

The first Police and Crime Commissioner to take maternity leave, Emily Spurrell, joins us on the programme. On becoming pregnant, she realised no maternity provision existed for the role and took matters in to her own hands. She joins Anita alongside Tim Durrant, Programme Director at the Institute for Government, who’s currently researching maternity leave provisions for elected officials.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Emma Pearce

Mistresses, Ultrasound 'bra', Diane Foley, Black girls in education Feb 22, 2024

It is has been 11 years since the American journalist James Foley was kidnapped in northern Syria, and nearly a decade since his mother, Diane Foley, discovered he had been beheaded by Islamic State fighters. Diane has written a book with the novelist Colum McCann, called American Mother, in which she recounts the story of her son’s kidnapping and murder, and her campaign to improve the chances of Americans wrongfully detained abroad. She joins Emma Barnett in the studio.

In the UK, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer; around 55,000 women are diagnosed every year. Emma speaks to Professor Canan Dagdeviren, who has invented a piece of wearable tech that fits inside a bra which may lead, one day in the future, to the creation of an ultrasound bra, able to screen for breast cancer in between check-ups. Canan featured on the BBC’s 100 Women list for 2023 and first sketched the idea at her aunt Fatma’s bedside, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

From Queen Camilla to Monica Lewinsky, has the perception of mistresses changed in recent decades? Someone who believes that the so-called 'other woman' has had a cultural rebrand is the author Madeleine Gray, who has written a novel about an affair - but from the perspective of the mistress. Green Dot follows 24-year-old Hera who starts a messy relationship with an older married colleague. Madeleine joins Emma to discuss.

How do black girls and women experience education in Britain today? Sociologist Dr April-Louise Pennant of Cardiff University joins Emma to discuss why the adultification of black girls means that Black Caribbean girls are excluded from school at double the rate of white girls and why intersectionality means the issue of afro hair continues to affect black girls' education today. She explores these issues and more in her book, Babygirl, You’ve Got This! Experiences of Black Girls and Women in the English Education System.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Studio manager: Duncan Hannant

Ukraine children, Director of Wicked Little Letters Thea Sharrock, The implications of a new AI study on the brain Feb 21, 2024

This week marks two years since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine's government says it has identified 20,000 children who have been abducted by Russian forces. Now Qatar has brokered the third and largest deal, which will see eleven Ukrainian children reunited with their families. Emma speaks to the BBC’s Hague Correspondent, Anna Holligan and film maker Shahida Tulaganova, who directed the ITV documentary, Ukraine’s Stolen Children.

Wicked Little Letters is a new black comedy film set in Littlehampton in the 1920s. It follows two neighbours, deeply conservative Edith Swan played by Olivia Colman and rowdy Irish single mother Rose Gooding played by Jessie Buckley. When Edith and other residents begin to receive poisonous pen letters full of obscenities, potty mouthed Rose is charged with the crime. The director, Thea Sharrock, joins Emma.

A new scientific paper from researchers at Stanford University using AI has shown the ability to spot consistent differences between men and women's brains. Gina Rippon, neuroscientist and author of The Gendered Brain & Professor Melissa Hines, director of the Gender Development Research Centre at the University of Cambridge join Emma.

How much do you know about your female ancestors? There’s a growing trend in finding out more about our family histories – but it’s harder to find details about women than men. Founder and director of the genealogy service Eneclann, Fiona Fitzsimons and Ailsa Burkimsher who successfully campaigned for mothers' names to be on marriage certificates join Emma.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Tracey Crouch MP, Marina Litvinenko, Author Kiley Reid Feb 20, 2024

Former government minister Tracey Crouch has joined the list of MPs who’ve said they won’t be standing at the next general election. She won the former Labour seat of Chatham and Aylesford in 2010 and has turned it into a healthy majority of more than 18,000 for the Conservatives. A self confessed 'sports nut', in 2015 she attained her dream job as sports minister and oversaw the government’s football governance review. In 2018 she resigned in protest at the government’s 'unjustifiable' refusal to speed up plans to curb controversial fixed odds betting terminals. Four years ago as the pandemic hit, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and following treatment went on to raise £153,000 for cancer charities. She joins Emma Barnett to talk about her decision to leave politics and her plans for the future.

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny who was announced dead in a Russian prison last week, has directly accused the Kremlin of poisoning and killing him and has vowed to continue his fight to change Russia. Someone who has been following this story intently is Marina Litvinenko, the widow of Alexander Litvinenko, who exposed corruption in Russia and died in a London hospital in 2006 after ingesting tea which contained radioactive polonium. The European Court of Human Rights found Russia was responsible for the killing of Mr Litvinenko in 2021. Marina joins Emma.

Can you have a true friendship or relationship if one of you has more money than the other? Novelist Kiley Reid dominated bestseller lists with her debut, Such A Fun Age, which skewered white liberal guilt. Her new book, Come And Get It, returns to themes of race, class, and above all money. Set on a campus in southern America, it follows students and academics whose behaviour is shaped by money. Kiley joins Emma in studio.

Women get more gain from exercise than men. That's the suggestion of a new study of 400,000 people. 140 minutes of moderate exercise a week reduced women's risk of premature death from any cause by 18% compared with being inactive. Men needed 300 minutes of exercise for a similar gain. Joining Emma to discuss is Baz Moffat, former Team GB rower and co-founder of The Well, an organisation that works to challenge the status quo for women in health, fitness and sport.

Aisling Bea, Profile of Yulia Navalnaya, Carmen Smith, Wellness v stoicism Feb 19, 2024

The comedy and acting star Aisling Bea grew up in County Kildare in Ireland and in 2011 became the first woman for 20 years to win the prestigious stand-up competition So You Think You’re Funny? Her Bafta-winning sitcom This Way Up firmly established her as a presence to be reckoned with on our TV screens- last year she played the lead in the film based on Take That’s music, Greatest Days, and she regularly pops up on US TV and movies. She joins Emma Barnett to discuss her latest show, Alice and Jack, which has just begun on Channel 4.

Following the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, we look at the role of his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, and whether she might become the new face of the opposition. Yulia is due to speak with European foreign ministers in Brussels today. To discuss, Emma is joined by the Spectator's Russia correspondent, Owen Matthews, who was Bureau Chief for Newsweek in Moscow for more than a decade, and Sarah Rainsford, BBC Eastern Europe Correspondent who was expelled from Russia after many years, and is now based in Warsaw.

Carmen Smith is 27 and set to become the youngest peer in the House of Lords. Carmen will replace Plaid Cymru’s only member of the Lords, Dafydd Wigley (the Rt, Hon Lord Wigley) who is retiring aged 80, and was a previously leader of Plaid. Carmen will be known as Baroness Smith of Llanfaes, the village where she grew up. She joins Emma to talk about the challenges ahead, the reaction to her selection and why she wants to join a body she believes should be abolished.

Can Ancient Greek theories revolutionise our modern day lives? Australian author Brigid Delaney seems to think so. She talks to Emma about swapping wellness for stoicism, alongside classicist Professor Edith Hall.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Produced by: Louise Corley Studio engineer: Steve Greenwood

Lorraine Kelly, Paralympian Lauren Rowles, Chief Constable Sarah Crew Feb 17, 2024

Lorraine Kelly CBE has been described as the queen of morning television. Now after a lifetime of wanting to, she has written her first novel, The Island Swimmer, a story of family secrets, island communities and overcoming fear. Lorraine joins Anita Rani to discuss her novel, her life and her 40-year career.

It’s been almost 40 years since most UK coal miners went on strike over pit closures and proposed redundancies. It was one of the most divisive conflicts of a generation – but what role did women play? And how did it change things for them? Nuala McGovern is joined by two women who were there at the time – Lisa McKenzie and Heather Wood – to share their experiences.

Violence and abuse against shop workers rose to 1,300 incidents a day last year. That’s according to new figures from the British Retail Consortium. Nuala hears from Michele Whitehead, a workplace rep for the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, on what it’s like for her.

Four years ago, Avon and Somerset Police offered Channel 4 unprecedented access to its Counter Corruption Unit, the people who police the police. Emma Barnett speaks to their Chief Constable, the first woman to hold the post, about why she made the decision to let the cameras in, and the consequences of doing so.

Lauren Rowles is a two-time Paralympic Gold, World and European champion rower, who was on the Woman’s Hour Power List of Women in Sport. This summer she’s hoping to break a record at the Paris Paralympics – she tells Nuala about that, and her work away from sport advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those struggling with their mental health.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Lorraine Kelly, Actor and boxer Kali Reis, Presenter Gemma Cairney Feb 16, 2024

Lorraine Kelly CBE has been described as the queen of morning television. She joined TV-am as their Scottish correspondent in 1984 and, save for a brief maternity leave 30 years ago, has barely left the schedules since - for the last 14 as host of ITV’s Lorraine. Now after a lifetime of wanting to, she has written her first novel, The Island Swimmer, a story of family secrets, island communities and overcoming fear. Lorraine joins Anita Rani to discuss her novel, her life and her 40-year career.

The deaths of three women in one week, all allegedly murdered by their husbands, has caused outrage in Somalia and sparked days of protests over the country’s femicide rates. Police have named the suspects in all three killings, which took place in the first week of February, as the dead women’s husbands. Two of the victims were pregnant. The BBC's Fardowsa Hanshi, a video journalist with the Somali Service explains what's going on.

Kali Reis is the breakout star of True Detective: Night Country. As the series nears its finale on Sky Atlantic on Monday, Kali joins Anita in the Woman’s Hour studio to talk about going from a career in boxing to acting with Jodie Foster. She is also an indigenous rights activist, who has Native American and African heritage, and was the first indigenous woman fighter to become a World Champion.

Last month, Woman's Hour discussed a shocking report which warned of endemic misogyny and discrimination in the music industry. MPs from the Women and Equalities Committee found that sexual harassment and abuse is common. That report has resonated with many – and not just in the music industry. Award-winning broadcaster Gemma Cairney has written a piece in The Guardian about her experience, saying she’d battled racism and misogyny in creative industries for years. Gemma tells us about the reaction to her piece. Professor of Media, Culture and Communications at Brunel University Sarita Malik will explain why Gemma’s experience is so widespread in broadcasting.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey Studio Manager: Neva Missirian

Rain Newton-Smith, Paralympian Lauren Rowles, Homelessness Feb 15, 2024

In April last year, The Guardian exposed allegations of rape, sexual assault and harassment at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Rain Newton-Smith took over as Chief Executive and pledged to reform the culture of the organisation. As she approaches a year in the job, Rain speaks to Nuala McGovern about what progress has been made. She also gives her reaction to the news that the UK fell into recession in December 2023.

It’s been nearly a year since we announced the Woman’s Hour Power List, celebrating incredible women in the world of sport. Today we are joined by one of those who placed on the list ahead of her attempt to break a record at this summer's Paris Paralympics. The two-time Paralympic Gold, World and European champion British rower Lauren Rowles is training hard for what she hopes will be her third Paralympic Gold and joins Nuala to discuss her glittering career and her work away from sport advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those struggling with their mental health.

Lorna Tucker ran away from home at the age of 14 and ended up living on the streets of Soho in London. Now a filmmaker, her latest release, Someone’s Daughter, Someone’s Son, has forced her to revisit life on the streets, both from her own perspective and those currently sleeping rough. Writer Helen Russell moved to Denmark a decade ago and wrote a bestselling book, The Year of Living Danishly. Several books and three children later, she has now turned her attention to the parenting culture of Denmark and other Nordic nations. Her new book is How to Raise a Viking: The Secrets of Parenting the World's Happiest Children.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucy Wai

Surviving cancer five times, Government's independent rape advisor, Miners’ strike 40 years on, My Life with the Walter Boys Feb 14, 2024

Violence and abuse against shop workers rose to 1,300 incidents a day last year, up by 50% in the year to September 2023. That's according to new figures by the British Retail Consortium. Nuala hears from Michele Whitehead, a workplace rep for USDAW who has worked at a convenience store in Wolverhampton for 20 years.

Dr Natalie Yates-Bolton is 57 and has survived cancer five times. The senior lecturer in nursing was first diagnosed at the age of 22 whilst still at university. She's had 11 operations, 30 sessions of chemotherapy and 55 rounds of radiotherapy. Natalie joins Nuala McGovern to discuss what’s helped her get through three decades of cancer care.

Professor Katrin Hohl is the new independent advisor to the Government on rape. She joins Nuala to discuss her new role, and her priorities for change.

Forty years ago next month most of the coal miners in the UK went on strike over pit closures and proposed redundancies. The strike lasted a year and was one of the most divisive conflicts of a generation. On Sunday, BBC Two is broadcasting Miners’ Strike: A frontline Line Story, which features personal testimony from men and women on the frontline of the strike. Nuala’s joined by two women who were there at the time to discuss their experiences: Lisa McKenzie appears in the film and was a teenager when her dad was on the picket lines and Heather Wood was also very active in the strike.

My Life with the Walter Boys is a teen drama on Netflix that hit 12 million views in it’s first week alone. It was adapted from a book written by Ali Novak when she was just 15 years old. She joins Nuala to talk about the transformation of her book to a hit series along with the executive producer who adapted the story, Melanie Halsall.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Dianne McGregor

Joanne Froggatt and Dr Rachel Clarke, Minette Batters, NFU, Israel/Gaza war Feb 13, 2024

A forthcoming three-part ITV drama Breathtaking, set in a fictionalised London hospital, tells the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic through the eyes of Acute Medical Consultant Dr Abbey Henderson. The series is based on Dr Rachel Clarke’s book of the same name. She worked on Covid wards and is also one of the writers on the series. Dr Henderson is played by Joanne Froggatt, known for many roles including Downton Abbey, Sherwood and Angela Black. They join Emma Barnett to discuss.

The "orange peel theory" is as trend where one person in a couple will ask their partner to peel an orange for them. As Valentine's Day approaches, what are the small gestures that mean so much? The ways you show your love?

Minette Batters is standing down as President of the National Farmers' Union after six years of leading the organisation. She joins Emma to talk about her tenure leading the farming world, and what it felt like to be the first woman to do so.

We've been looking at the experiences of women from both Israel and Gaza on the programme this week, asking what are the main issues facing women on each side as the war continues in to its fifth month. Today Emma speaks to Ayelet Razin Bet Or the Legal Adviser to the Association of Rape Crisis Centres in Israel. Ayelet has been travelling the world in recent months highlighting the horrific evidence of rape, sexual violence and mutilation of women during the October 7 brutal attacks by Hamas that killed 1,200 people and says she feels hugely let down and even betrayed by the response she has seen, particularly from other women. She also talks about her concerns for the 14 female hostages still being held by Hamas. To listen to our discussion about women in Gaza, please head to BBC Sounds to find it in yesterday's episode.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley Studio Engineer: Giles Aspen

Bryony Gordon, Israel-Gaza war, Chief Constable Sarah Crew Feb 12, 2024

Four years ago, Avon and Somerset Police offered Channel 4 unprecedented access to its Counter Corruption Unit, the people who police the police. The result is a three-part documentary series called To Catch A Copper. Emma Barnett speaks to Sarah Crew, Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police, about why she made the decision to let the cameras in, and the consequences of doing so.

Bryony Gordon is the bestselling author of The Wrong Knickers, You Got This and Mad Girl. She won the MIND Making a Difference Award for changing the perception of mental health in the media, and even ran the London Marathon in her underwear! She joins Emma to discuss binge eating, OCD, menopause and her new book - Mad Woman.

As the Israel-Gaza war enters its fifth month, we’re looking at what the impact is on women and children. Tomorrow, Emma will hear from women in Israel. Today, she speaks to BBC Arabic journalist Dalia Haidar and Frances Leach from ActionAid to hear more about what life is like at the moment for Palestinian women and children in Gaza.

The three-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has confirmed she will retire this year after the games in Paris. The 37-year-old, regarded as one of the greatest sprinters of all time, won the 100m title in 2008 and 2012. Former Team GB sprinter Katherine Merry joins Emma to discuss the announcement.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lottie Garton

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Rhianon Bragg, Businesswoman and entrepreneur Emma Grede, Amelia Earhart’s legacy Feb 10, 2024

Rhianon Bragg was held hostage at gunpoint by her ex-boyfriend, Gareth Wyn Jones, for eight hours. He was sentenced in 2020 for stalking, false imprisonment, making threats to kill and possession of a firearm. Now, despite a parole board panel saying they are not satisfied it would be safe, he is being released from prison. Rhianon tells us about how her relationship with Wyn Jones developed, what happened at the end, and how she feels about him coming out of prison.

Ambika Mod stars as Emma in the new Netflix adaptation of David Nicholls’ much-loved novel One Day. She acts opposite Leo Woodall as Dex, and their comedic romance plays out over 14 episodes and 20 years. You may have seen Ambika as Shruti, the junior doctor with a pivotal plot line in the BBC labour ward drama This is Going to Hurt. She tells us about taking on this lead role.

On Thursday Kate Garraway returned to Good Morning Britain following the death of her husband, Derek. She spoke about her reaction to being called a widow for the first time, by a delivery man, apologising for her loss. We hear from Poorna Bell, a journalist and author who lost her husband in 2015, and Karen Sutton, host of The Widow Podcast, who became a trained grief coach after her husband died in 2016.

New sonar images from deep in the Pacific Ocean might have located the wreckage of Amelia Earhart’s missing plane. Has Earhart’s disappearance finally been solved, or has the obsession with this mystery distracted us from the pioneering woman herself? Pilot Katherine Moloney and historian Dr Darren Reid discuss Amelia Earhart, her legacy, and women in aviation today.

Emma Grede, a native East Londoner, now a thriving businesswoman in the US, is known for her entrepreneurial prowess and successful collaborations with the Kardashian sisters. Emma is a driving force behind iconic brands like Good American and Skims. She will soon be making her mark as a guest investor on an upcoming episode of BBC’s Dragon's Den.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

TikTok sleuths, Widows, Politicising Taylor Swift, Surgery critics 'silenced' Feb 09, 2024

Yesterday, Kate Garraway returned to Good Morning Britain following the loss of her husband, Derek. She spoke about her reaction to being called a widow for the first time, by a delivery man, apologising for her loss. Anita Rani speaks to Poorna Bell, a journalist and author who lost her husband in 2015, and Karen Sutton, host of The Widow Podcast, who became a trained grief coach after her husband passed away in 2016.

Anita Rani talks to a woman who says a cosmetic surgery clinic tried to silence her after she reported concerns about her eye operation. Signature clinic is taking five people in total to court after they posted negative reviews or comments on support groups. A judge has thrown out an attempt to get a gagging order against one of them. BBC reporter Melanie Abbott speaks to the woman concerned. And that woman's solicitor tells Anita what she thinks this judgement means for free speech.

A trend is surfacing on social media, where women reach out to one another with a request - Can you find out if my partner is cheating on me? Anita speaks to Becky Hayes from The Laura and Becky Show podcast, who is creating social media content out of these requests and a journalist who has researched the subject, Beth Ashley, for a discussion on the morality of social media investigators. Although payments are not taken for these requests and identities are kept secret, some might ask whether it’s appropriate to make humorous content, out of what could possibly be very devastating news for someone. And without the context of the relationship to inform them, whether the trend invade people’s privacy.

Fans are eagerly waiting to see if Taylor Swift will make it from Tokyo to Las Vegas in time to support her American footballer boyfriend Travis Kelce at the US Super Bowl this Sunday. Many in the Trump camp are watching closely too, as right-wing conspiracy theories run wild that the pop megastar might use the event to influence the presidential elections. What is going on? Anita talks to BBC reporter Holly Honderich, based in Washington.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Emma Harth

Vapes, Phoebe Dynevor and Amelia Earhart's legacy Feb 08, 2024

A BBC investigation has uncovered evidence that vapes are being used to groom children into sexual or criminal exploitation. Last week, the Prime Minister announced that disposable vapes are set to be banned as part of plans to tackle the rising number of young people taking up vaping - measures will also be introduced to prevent vapes being marketed at children and to target under-age sales. However, there are concerns that banning the sale of vapes will encourage children to seek them elsewhere. Emma Barnett is joined by the BBC’s Hayley Hassall and the Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza.

Apparently, if you’re a middle-aged couple and your sex life has faded away you may be experiencing the “couplepause”. The therapist and writer Lucy Cavendish joins Emma to explain what this is and how to get the spark back.

Actor Phoebe Dynevor, best known as Daphne Bridgerton in the Netflix blockbuster series, joins Emma in the studio. Her most recent role, as an ambitious hedge fund manager in the film Fair Play, has earned her a nomination for the EE Rising Star award at this year’s Baftas.

New sonar images from deep in the Pacific Ocean might have located the wreckage of Amelia Earhart’s missing plane. Has Earhart’s disappearance finally been solved, or has the obsession with this mystery distracted us from the pioneering woman herself? Pilot Katherine Moloney and historian Dr Darren Reid discuss Amelia Earhart, her legacy, and women in aviation today.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Businesswoman and entrepreneur Emma Grede, Crystal Hefner, Social media algorithms and misogyny Feb 07, 2024

Emma Grede, a native East Londoner, now a thriving businesswoman in the US, is known for her entrepreneurial prowess and successful collaborations with the Kardashian sisters. Emma is a driving force behind iconic brands like Good American and Skims. She will soon be making her mark as a guest investor on an upcoming episode of BBC’s Dragons' Den, and she joins Emma to explain how she's learned more from her business failures, and what she looks for in a potential investment.

The Welsh government has intervened in the running of the fire service in South Wales - after a toxic culture of misogyny and sexual harassment was uncovered during a review. In what's been called an unprecedented move, four Government-appointed commissioners have been brought in to restructure management. Emma speaks to Hannah Blythyn, Deputy Minister for social partnership and Member of the Senedd.

Crystal Hefner, spent almost ten years of her life inside the Playboy Mansion after meeting founder and editor of Playboy magazine - Hugh Hefner - when she was 21. She became one of his infamous ‘girlfriends’ before marrying him, travelled the world and attended lavish parties. She has now written a book, Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself, in which she provides an insight into her time spent at the mansion and her experiences of beauty standards and objectification.

New research suggests social media algorithms prioritise serving harmful and misogynistic content to young people – with a fourfold increase across just five days shown to the study’s test personas. How do we keep young people safe online – particularly on social media sites? Emma discusses this issue with the report author, Dr Kaitlyn Regehr and Will Gardner from online safety organisation Childnet.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley Studio Engineer: Steve Greenwood

Rhianon Bragg, Women of Substance, ultramarathon runner Allie Bailey Feb 06, 2024

Rhianon Bragg was held hostage at gunpoint by her ex-boyfriend, Gareth Wyn Jones, for eight hours. He was sentenced in 2020 for stalking, false imprisonment, making threats to kill and possession of a firearm. Now, despite a parole board panel saying they are not satisfied it would be safe, he is being released from prison. Rhianon speaks to Emma about how her relationship with Wyn Jones developed, what happened at the end, and how she feels about him coming out of prison.

The Prime Minister has upset some people by seeming to take a bet with TalkTV presenter Piers Morgan over his Rwanda policy. Rishi Sunak told presenter Rachel Burden on BBC 5 Live that he wanted to show his commitment to his immigration policy. Rachel joins Emma to discuss what the bet tells us, alongside Isabel Hardman, Assistant Editor at the Spectator.

Ultrarunner Allie Bailey is the first woman to have run the length of the Panama Canal and she’s completed more than 200 marathons and almost 80 ultramarathons. She joins Emma to talk about her new book “There is No Wall” which details how she was doing a lot of her running at the height of her struggles with alcoholism, depression and mental breakdowns.

What can women artists’ work tell us about their addictions? Sally Marlow is a Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London. She’s been looking at five women artists for a BBC Radio 3 series, Women of Substance, to find out what their work can tell us about their addictions. She joins Emma to discuss researching Billie Holiday in particular, and what the lyrics of Billie's songs reveal about alcohol use in women.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lottie Garton

Ambika Mod, Forgiveness, Grandparent classes, Grammys Feb 05, 2024

Ambika Mod stars as Emma in the new Netflix adaptation of David Nicholls’ much-loved novel One Day. She acts opposite Leo Woodall as Dex, and their comedic romance plays out over 14 episodes and 20 years. You may have seen Ambika as Shruti, the junior doctor with a pivotal plot line in the BBC labour ward drama This is Going to Hurt. She joins Anita Rani in the Woman’s Hour studio to talk about now taking the lead.

A new programme on Radio 4, Forgiveness: Stories from the Front Line, explores how you survive and restore your life, when something truly appalling is done to you. Anita is joined by the founder of the Forgiveness Project, Marina Cantacuzino and Marian Partington, whose sister Lucy was murdered by Fred and Rosemary West in 1973.

Grandparent antenatal classes give grandparents-to-be the chance to brush up on practical skills and get key advice on how to look after young kids again. Anita talks to Dr Francesca Dooley, founder of Happy Parents Happy Baby where she runs grandparent classes, and Francesca’s mother Beverly Bonora who was in her first ever class.

Taylor Swift has made history at the Grammys by winning album of the year for a fourth time. Billie Elish, SZA and Miley Cyrus also took home major awards. Even Jay-Z got in on the act, calling out the fact that his wife Beyonce has never won album of the year. Anita discusses with Jude Rogers, arts and culture journalist for the Guardian and Observer and Tschepo Mokoena, freelance culture writer and author of Beyonce, Lives of Musicians.

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Candace Bushnell, Lisa St Aubin de Terán, Ideological Gender Gap Feb 03, 2024

The creator of Sex and the City, Candace Bushnell, whose column in the New York Observer was the inspiration behind the TV series, joins Anita in the studio. The real-life Carrie Bradshaw is bringing her one-woman show about creating the hit series to the West End and then doing a UK tour.

After 20 years of silence, prize-winning author Lisa St Aubin de Terán is back with a new book. Aged 16, Lisa married a Venezuelan landowner-turned-bank robber; she eventually ran away from him with her young daughter only to end up trapped in a castle with the Scottish poet George MacBeth. From there she eloped to Italy and in 2004 she settled in north Mozambique, establishing the Teran Foundation to develop community tourism. She lived there until 2022 when a cyclone took the roof off her house, and returned to London with a bag full of manuscripts including her memoir, Better Broken than New. She joins Emma in studio.

A new study says that an ideological gap has opened up between young men and women in countries on every continent. These increasingly different world views could have far-reaching consequences. One of the leading researchers in gender studies Dr Alice Evans, Senior Lecturer in the Social Science of Development at King’s College London tells Emma why Gen Z is two generations, not one. Emma also speaks to Professor Rosie Campbell, Director of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London.

Emma talks to the TV presenter Kaye Adams about her 10-year battle with HMRC over their claim she owed almost £125,000 in unpaid taxes. Best known for her role on the Loose Women panel show, she also hosts the morning show on BBC Radio Scotland. She says the protracted legal case has left her feeling “utterly, utterly beat up and gaslit”, despite her vindication.

From cute cat memes to plush toys, a new exhibition at Somerset House explores the power of cuteness in contemporary culture. But is buying into a cute aesthetic regressive or even sexist, or can cute be reclaimed as a form of protest? And how would you feel, as a grown woman, about being labelled 'cute' or 'adorable'? To discuss, Emma is joined by Dr Isabel Galleymore, a consultant on the Cute exhibition; and the journalist Vicky Spratt.

Have you ever thought about where your name came from? Perhaps you were named after a favourite relative, a character in a movie or maybe your parents just liked the sound of it. Photographer Deirdre Brennan wanted to mark the 1500th anniversary of Saint Brigid, one of the patron saints of Ireland. To do this, she photographed Brigids all over Ireland and asked them how they felt about their name. She joins Emma to discuss the project - as does one of the Brigids involved in her project - Brigid McDonnell, a sheep farmer from County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Candace Bushnell, No Queens in Europe, Early Years recruitment Feb 02, 2024

Anita Rani speaks to Roopam Carroll, who recently sold her nursery business, and Ellen Broome, Head of Family and Childcare at the charity CORAM.

Since the abdication of Queen Margarethe II of Denmark, there are no Queens in Europe. This is the first time this has happened since Queen Isabella of Spain was crowned in 1833. Will this make a difference in Europe? What difference have previous Queens in Europe made? Royal commentator Caroline Aston and journalist Emily Andrews join Anita to discuss.

The creator of Sex and the City, Candace Bushnell, whose column in the New York Observer was the inspiration behind the TV series, joins Anita in the studio. The real-life Carrie Bradshaw is bringing her one-woman show about creating the hit series to the West End and then doing a UK tour.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Kaye Adams, Chemical attack, Gender gap, Saint Brigid Feb 01, 2024

Nine people have been injured after a man threw a 'corrosive substance' over a mother and her two girls in Clapham, south London, yesterday evening. The family, three responding police offices and three other people who tried to help were taken to hospital after the attack. Witnesses described a "horrific" scene. Police are searching for the subject. Emma Barnett spoke to a solicitor Ayesha Nayyar, who has previously represented victims of acid crime.

Emma talks to the TV presenter Kaye Adams about her 10-year battle with HMRC over their claim she owed almost £125,000 in unpaid taxes. Best known for her role on the Loose Women panel show, she also hosts the morning show on BBC Radio Scotland. She says the protracted legal case has left her feeling “utterly, utterly beat up and gaslit”, despite her vindication.

A new study says that an ideological gap has opened up between young men and women in countries on every continent. These increasingly different world views could have far-reaching consequences. One of the leading researchers in gender studies Dr Alice Evans, Senior Lecturer in the Social Science of Development at King’s College London tells Emma why Gen Z is two generations, not one. Emma also speaks to Professor Rosie Campbell, Director of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London.

Have you ever thought about where your name came from? Perhaps you were named after a favourite relative, a character in a movie or maybe your parents just liked the sound of it. Photographer Deirdre Brennan wanted to mark the 1500th anniversary of Saint Brigid, one of the patron saints of Ireland. To do this, she photographed Brigids all over Ireland and asked them how they felt about their name. She joins Emma to discuss the project - as does one of the Brigids involved in her project - Brigid McDonnell, a sheep farmer from County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Steve Greenwood

Arlene Foster, french women and high heels Jan 31, 2024

Former Northern Ireland First Minister and DUP leader Arlene Foster joins the programme to talk about a return to devolution in Northern Ireland and the fourth anniversary of Brexit.

Author Fiona Williams is out with her debut novel, The House of Broken Bricks. She joins Emma to talk about the ways in which the book relates to her real life in terms of navigating issues of race and belonging, and why she wanted to write a story so intertwined with nature.

Thames Valley Police has referred itself to the policing regulator after a BBC investigation revealed that officers ridiculed an assault victim while watching body-worn video that showed her groin. Emma speaks with the BBC's Noel Titheradge about his investigation as well as Harriet Wistrich about misogyny in the UK police force.

It’s out with heels and in with trainers. That’s what is happening in France where, according to a poll, women are falling out of love with high heels - instead going for a chunky boot or comfortable trainer. To discuss this fashion shift, Emma is joined by Professor of Fashion History Dr Serena Dyer and French shoe designer Marie Laffont.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Cece Armstrong Studio Manager: Duncan Hannant

Misogyny in the music industry, author Lisa St Aubin de Terán, cervical smears Jan 30, 2024

A new report comes out today by the Women and Equalities Select Committee about the serious problems faced by women in the music industry. To tell Emma Barnett what's in it is the Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee and Conservative MP Caroline Nokes. Emma also gets the reaction of academic and business research consultant Vick Bain.

Sky Sports presenter Jo Wilson has been gracing our screens since 2011, but what you might not have known is that Jo has also lived with Stage 3C cervical cancer. After a difficult birth experience in 2020, she was reluctant to book a smear test, but convinced herself to do it 19 months later leading to her diagnosis. Her treatment was successful, and she is now speaking out about her personal experience in a bid to encourage women to take up their smear tests. NHS data shows that almost a third of women in England did not attend their test last year. Emma speaks to Jo and to Theresa Freeman-Wang, consultant gynaecologist and clinical advisor to Jo’s Trust.

After 20 years of silence, prize-winning author Lisa St Aubin de Terán is back with a new book. Aged 16, Lisa married a Venezuelan landowner-turned-bank robber; she eventually ran away from him with her young daughter only to end up trapped in a castle with the Scottish poet George MacBeth. From there she eloped to Italy and in 2004 she settled in north Mozambique, establishing the Teran Foundation to develop community tourism. She lived there until 2022 when a cyclone took the roof off her house, and returned to London with a bag full of manuscripts including her memoir, Better Broken than New. She joins Emma in studio.

Last week we spoke about the record low birth rate in China as the country struggles to revert effects of the decades long one-child-policy. Today, we turn our attention to Japan. The population of the world’s third biggest economy has been declining for 16 years. An ageing workforce, combined with the country's strict immigration control, has, among other things, led to significant labour shortages. Could women be Japan’s hidden asset? Emma speaks to Moeka Iida, The Economist’s reporter and researcher in Tokyo.

Fasting and women, Conscription, Cuteness exhibition Jan 29, 2024

Following the speech last week by the head of the British Armed Forces calling for a new ‘citizen army’, we look at what this could look like and what role women would play. Emma Barnett speaks to former RAF Group Captain Kathleen Sherit the author of Women on the Front Line, and to Diane Allen, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel.

It's been reported that the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak fasts for 36 hours at the start of each week. He is said to stop eating by 5pm on a Sunday and doesn't permit himself to touch food again until 5am on a Tuesday, and allows himself to drink only black coffee and water. It is said that he has followed this practice for years. Emma is joined by Dr Saira Hameed to discuss fasting and how men and women should approach it differently.

Amy and Anu are identical twins, but just after they were born, they were taken from their mother and sold to separate families. Years later they connected online and realised they were among thousands of babies in Georgia stolen from hospitals and sold, some as recently as 2005. Emma speaks to one of the twins, Amy Khvitia, and also Fay Nurse, a BBC journalist behind a new documentary, Georgia’s Stolen Children.

From cute cat memes to plush toys, a new exhibition at Somerset House explores the power of cuteness in contemporary culture. But is buying into a cute aesthetic regressive or even sexist, or can cute be reclaimed as a form of protest? And how would you feel, as a grown woman, about being labelled 'cute' or 'adorable'? To discuss, Emma is joined by Dr Isabel Galleymore, a consultant on the Cute exhibition; and the journalist Vicky Spratt.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Long Covid, Professor Jo Phoenix tribunal victory, Paying children for chores Jan 27, 2024

Hundreds of doctors - led by campaign group Long Covid Doctors for Action - are planning to sue the NHS over claims that inadequate PPE provision has left them with Long Covid. Dr Nathalie MacDermott, joins Emma Barnett to discuss. Do you pay your children to do the chores around the house? The journalist Helen Carroll faced an online backlash after revealing she pays her son £40 a month to load the dishwasher everyday. To navigate the thorny issue, Sue Atkins, Parenting Coach and Author of Parenting Made Easy joins Anita Rani to discuss. In an exclusive interview, Emma speaks to the academic Professor Jo Phoenix who has won an unfair dismissal claim against the Open University after she was compared with “a racist uncle at the Christmas table” because of her gender-critical beliefs. China is experiencing its biggest population drop in six decades. In an attempt to recover from the ‘one-child policy’ introduced in 1980, the government are now urging women to have more children. But a large amount of women in China are saying no – they don’t want children, or to get married. Ty Dr Ye Liu from King’s College London and Cindy Yu, host of the Spectator’s Chinese Whispers podcast, discuss. Rapper Princess Superstar speaks to Emma about finally hitting the big time after a 30-year career in the music industry. Her song, Perfect, features on the soundtrack of the blockbuster film Saltburn. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Lauren Sequeira, Rape misconceptions, Singer Julia Bullock Jan 26, 2024

False beliefs about what does and doesn’t constitute rape are more deeply ingrained in young people than we might think. The Crown Prosecution Service has conducted research into what these misconceptions are, and the impact they’re having on the justice system when it comes to rape convictions. Anita Rani is joined by Baljit Ubhey from the CPS and Andrea Simon from End Violence Against Women to hear more.

Julia Bullock is an American classical singer. Her debut solo album, Walking in the Dark, was nominated for a Grammy award. Next week, she is bringing her mixed-media project History’s Persistent Voice to London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall. It shines a light on the words, work and experiences of Black American and British artists, and includes new songs commissioned from leading Black women composers. She joins Anita to discuss her music, her influences and her passions.

Journalist Helen Carroll faced a backlash online when she revealed she pays her son £40 a month to load the dishwasher. This sparked a discussion - were you paid as a child to do household chores? Or do you think children should just be doing things around the house anyway without money? Parenting coach and psychologist Sue Atkins joins Anita to discuss.

Domino Day is a brand new series coming to BBC Three which combines the world of modern dating with the world of the supernatural. Series writer Lauren Sequeira speaks to Anita about why the show’s themes of modern relationships and female empowerment are so important to her, and why she wanted to show witches in a whole new light.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Long Covid, Holocaust Memorial Day, Princess Superstar Jan 25, 2024

Hundreds of doctors - led by campaign group Long Covid Doctors for Action - are planning to sue the NHS over claims that inadequate PPE provision has left them with Long Covid, according to Sky News. One of those, Dr Nathalie MacDermott, joins Emma Barnett to discuss it.

Emma is joined by the rapper Princess Superstar who, after a 30-year career, has finally hit the big time following her song, Perfect, featuring on the soundtrack for the blockbuster film Saltburn.

Ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day, we speak to three Jewish women - one, a survivor who was born in a concentration camp - about how you keep teaching the lessons of the Holocaust as fewer and fewer survivors are around to tell their stories.

The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is facing pressure to fix "unfair" child benefit rules. Campaigners like Martin Lewis have called for it to be a focus of the Budget in March as he says single income families are being penalised. Emma talks to the chair of the Treasury Select Committee, the Conservative MP Harriet Baldwin, and Tom Waters from the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Claire Waxman, Victims' Bill, China birth rate, D-Mer Study, Academy Award nominations Jan 24, 2024

The Victim’s and Prisoner’s Bill heads to the House of Lords today for the Committee Stage. What is it trying to achieve, and what difference will it make to women? Emma is joined by the Independent London Victim’s Commissioner, Claire Waxman OBE, and a woman who will share her personal experience of a partner convicted of child sexual abuse who, under the current law, still had access to his daughter.

China is experiencing its biggest population drop in six decades. In an attempt to recover from the ‘one-child policy’ introduced in 1980, the government are now urging women to have more children. But a large amount of women in China are saying no – they don’t want children, or to get married. To discuss this further, Emma is joined by Dr Ye Liu from King’s College London and Cindy Yu, host of the Spectator’s Chinese Whispers podcast.

D-MER is a relatively unknown condition that could affect around nine percent of mothers who breastfeed. Emma speaks to Charlie Middleton from the University of Dundee, who is leading a study into the condition to find out more about it, and Beth Strachan, who has D-MER and is currently breastfeeding.

The Oscar nominations are out, and many feel that there are some key women who haven’t made the list, but should have. Among these are Barbie director Greta Gerwig and actor Margot Robbie – although Ryan Gosling has been nominated for his role in the movie. There’s only one woman director nominated – Justine Triet. Are women being snubbed? Film journalist Karen Krizanovich joins Emma to discuss.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley Studio Engineer: Donald MacDonald

Professor Jo Phoenix tribunal victory, Actor Sarah Greene Jan 23, 2024

In an exclusive interview, Emma Barnett speaks to the academic Professor Jo Phoenix who has won an unfair dismissal claim against the Open University after she was compared with “a racist uncle at the Christmas table” because of her gender critical beliefs.

New York Times writer Amanda Taub brings us the latest news from the US Presidential race.

Irish actor Sarah Greene on her new project, an eight-part series – Sexy Beast – which has just launched on Paramount+.

And we hear about a campaign to get a new portrait of Margaret Bondfield, the first female government minister, commissioned and hung in Parliament with MP Alison McGovern and historian Professor Pam Cox.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Tim Heffer

DJ Paulette, Abortion, Vinted co-founder, Childcare Jan 22, 2024

Award-winning DJ Paulette has been in the music industry for more than 30 years. She got her start at the famous Haçienda nightclub in Manchester but has DJ'd all over the world. Her book, Welcome to the Club: The Life and Lessons of a Black Woman DJ, tells some of the tales of her career so far and shines a light on many other women in the electronic dance music industry. Paulette joins Emma Barnett.

New guidance from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to healthcare workers says that suspected illegal abortions should not be reported to the police. This guidance, which applies to England and Wales, follows some recent cases where women have been convicted of having illegal abortions. Emma is joined by former Chief Superintendent at the Metropolitan Police Parm Sandhu, and Associate Professor in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice at Durham University Dr Emma Milne to discuss.

Buying second-hand clothes is fashionable again, thanks to online marketplaces like Vinted, Depop and eBay. Emma talks to Vinted co-founder Milda Mitkute about what it takes to turn an idea into a successful business and why she decided to leave the company in 2017 when her first child was born.

Is the Government's key childcare promise to parents in trouble? One newspaper is reporting that thousands of parents are being warned they won't be able to access the offer of free childcare to under twos this year. Emma gets the view of providers from Neil Leitch, Chief Executive of the Early Years Alliance which represents 14,000 nurseries, pre-schools and childminders, and June O'Sullivan CEO of LEYF nurseries.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Jodie Comer, Vicky McClure, Jameela Jamil Jan 20, 2024

The Killing Eve star Jodie Comer joins us to discuss her latest film, The End We Start From. The protagonist is a new mum, who has to navigate a flooded Britain with her baby. Jodie also reflects on the powerful response to her play Prima Facie, and the impact of fame on her life.

According to a new report by the charity Brainkind, up to one in two survivors of domestic abuse in the UK may be living with an undiagnosed brain injury. We speak to Steffy Bechelet from Brainkind and Dr Annemarie Burns, a consultant clinical neuro-psychologist.

Vicky McClure joins us to discuss her new role as explosives expert Lana Washington in a new series of Trigger Point.

How often do you feel weary and depleted? The burnout coach and historian Anna Schaffner discusses her book, Exhausted: An A-Z for the Weary.

They were known as Israel’s “eyes on the border.” These were female Israeli border soldiers - who raised concerns about suspicious Hamas activity on the Gaza border in the run up to the October 7 attack - but those concerns went unheard by higher ranking officers. Hamas killed at least 1,200 people in that attack and took about 240 hostages, around 130 of whom are still being held. Since then, nearly 25,000 civilians have been killed in the Israeli bombardment that followed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. We speak to the BBC’s Alice Cuddy and the author Mary Ann Sieghart.

The actor and activist Jameela Jamil has made headlines over the years for her provocative, sometimes sweary social media posts, often calling out celebrity culture for promoting unrealistic ideals. She reflects on cancel culture and her resolution to post online with more 'grace and empathy'.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Erin Riley

Vicky McClure, Mean Girls, Women’s Health Strategy update Jan 19, 2024

Vicky McClure is back on our screens as explosives expert Lana Washington in a new series of Trigger Point. Well known for her stand-out roles in Line of Duty and This is England, Vicky also set up the Dementia Choir, and recently received a MBE for services to drama and charity.

The classic teen drama film Mean Girls has been remade as a musical film and it opens in the UK today. Author Holly Bourne, who writes young adult fiction, and film critic Christina Newland discuss its enduring themes.

2024 will be the biggest year ever for democracy as more than four billion people across the world go to the polls. To mark this historic milestone, the FT has launched Democracy, 2024, a short film series to examine what democracy will look like in the year ahead. Anita Rani talks to FT editor Roula Khalaf and the comedian Aditi Mittal, who has contributed to the series.

Dame Professor Lesley Regan, the Women’s Health Ambassador for England, gives an update on the progress of the Government’s Women's Health Strategy.

And the latest on the situation for women and girls in Afghanistan with BBC journalist Zarghuna Kargar.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Emma Harth

Jodie Comer, Olivia Attwood, Da'Vine Joy Randolph Jan 18, 2024

The actor Jodie Comer became a household name playing the glorious baddie Villanelle in BBC drama Killing Eve, and she has gone on to win multiple awards for her work on screen and stage. She joins Emma Barnett now to talk about her latest film, The End We Start From. Think 28 Days Later meets The Day After Tomorrow with a twist – the protagonist is a new mum, who has to navigate a flooded Britain with her baby.

Football commentators Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward are reported to be considering legal action against Joey Barton for his recent online criticisms of them. Eni Aluko has released a video on her Instagram speaking about the effect it has had on her. Where is the line between sexist bullying online and freedom of speech? Emma speaks to Henry Winter, Chief football writer at The Times and Seyi Akiwowo, founder of Glitch UK, a charity working to end online abuse, and author of How to Stay Safe Online.

Olivia Attwood knows more than most about the financial – and emotional – cost of cosmetic treatments. The former Love Island contestant and star of The Only Way Is Essex has been open about the surgeries and 'tweakments' she has had. In her new ITV series The Price of Perfection, she goes behind the scenes to watch butts being lifted, lips being filled and breasts being enlarged. But she wants to make sure that teenage girls don’t make the mistakes she herself made.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph has just won this year’s Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her portrayal of Mary Lamb in Alexander Payne’s new film The Holdovers. It’s about a teacher, pupil and head cook who end up spending Christmas together at a New England boarding school in the early 1970’s. Mary is grieving the loss of her son, who has been killed in Vietnam. Da’Vine has been tipped for more awards recognition to come, and she joins Emma in the Woman’s Hour studio.

Jameela Jamil, Claudia Winkleman, Abortion buffer zones, Female Israel border soldiers Jan 17, 2024

The actress Jameela Jamil talks to Emma Barnett about her crusade for gentle exercise and body positivity as well as her new strategy for how she communicates on social media. She’s become one of the internet’s most prominent activists holding the beauty industry and celebrity culture to account for their unrealistic ideals with her provocative online posts. Her outspoken views have led to widely publicised social media spats which she says have left her with the desire to post with more “grace and empathy”. Best known for her role as Tahini in the Netflix series The Good Place she also hosts the podcast iWeigh which declares its “radical inclusivity” agenda where guests talk about what they “weigh” or value in life as opposed to their physical weight.

New draft guidance from the Home Office appears to water down previously voted on laws about Safe Access Zones around abortion clinics. To talk about what this could mean for women seeking an abortion, and why the changes might be made, Emma is joined by Jo Gideon, Conservative MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central and Louise McCudden from MSI Reproductive Choices.

They were known as Israel’s “eyes on the border.” These were female Israeli border soldiers - who raised concerns about suspicious Hamas activity on the Gaza border in the run up to the October 7 attack - but those concerns went unheard by higher ranking officers. Hamas killed at least 1,200 people in that attack and took about 240 hostages. Since then, more than 23,000 civilians have been killed in the Israeli bombardment that followed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Emma discusses with the BBC’s Alice Cuddy who reported on these soldiers and Mary Ann Sieghart, the journalist and author of “The Authority Gap: Why Women Are Still Taken Less Seriously Than Men and What We Can Do About it”

The Traitors is back, we’re a few episodes into this second series of the hit reality TV show and things are hotting up at the Scottish castle, where a bunch of strangers are divided into traitors and ‘Faithful’ then compete to win up to £120,000. Claudia Winkleman is the host who hand picks the traitors. She joins Emma.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley

Having more children after 40, Gladiators, Nikki Hayley profile Jan 16, 2024

The first female Radio 1 DJ Annie Nightingale has died at the age of 83. She was a huge trailblazer when it came to breaking down barriers for women in radio. To mark her death, we hear a clip from 2007 when Annie spoke to Martha Kearney on Woman’s Hour.

Two female journalists who spent over a year in prison for covering the death of Mahsa Amini have been released on bail by Iranian authorities. Niloufar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi are appealing against their jail sentences and will remain out of prison until a decision is made. Emma Barnett is joined by Women's Affairs Journalist for the BBC World Service Ferenak Amidi to hear more.

From Kourtney Kardashian to Sienna Miller, there’s been lots of recent examples of women who have kids early on in life, and then try to conceive with a new partner in their 40s and beyond. Journalist Grace Ackroyd has written candidly about her experience of this – she talks to Emma about having children again at a new stage in life, and the challenges she’s faced.

Gladiators is back on our TV screens. The BBC’s reboot of the super popular 90s series was launched this weekend, with new games added to the show. We’ll hear the first impressions from one of the original Gladiators – Diane Youdale, better known as ‘Jet’, who joins Emma to talk about her own experience and advice she would give to the new female gladiators.

Ahead of the US election this year, one woman has begun to challenge Donald Trump in the polls for who will be the Republican representative. To find out more about Nikki Haley, Emma is joined by Dr Leslie Vinjamuri, Director of the US and Americas programme at Chatham House, and Julia Manchester, national political reporter at The Hill who is reporting live from this week’s Iowa caucuses.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lottie Garton

Domestic abuse and brain injury, Calvin Klein advert, Exhaustion Jan 16, 2024

Up to one in two survivors of domestic abuse in the UK may be living with an undiagnosed brain injury. That's according to a new report by the charity Brainkind. Emma Barnett is joined by Steffy Bechelet from Brainkind and Dr Annmarie Burns, a Consultant Clinical Neuro-psychologist.

How often do you feel weary and depleted? Or perhaps just plain exhausted? Anna Schaffner knows these feelings well. Now a coach specialising in helping the exhausted, in her previous life as an academic, as a Professor of Cultural History at the University of Kent, she suffered from burnout. She has now written a book, Exhausted: An A-Z for the Weary.

Since 1 January, working parents in England have been able to apply for a code to access new free childcare hours for two-year-olds, which will then kick in on 1 April. The scheme is part of a significant investment in childcare announced by the Government. But one campaigning organisation has found that parents are facing major challenges in securing a code. Joining Emma is Lauren Fabianski from the campaign group Pregnant then Screwed who carried out the survey.

After the Advertising Standards Authority banned a Calvin Klein poster featuring the singer FKA twigs for presenting her “as a stereotypical sexual object”, we’re asking, what determines whether an advert is objectifying? Sarah Golding, the CEO of The&Partnership and journalist Rebecca Cope join Emma.

Last week, Jade Robertson woke up to find that one of the dresses from her fashion brand Little Lies had sold out overnight – after Taylor Swift was spotted wearing it. Jade joins Emma to talk about what this means for her and her fashion brand.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman’s Hour - Cush Jumbo, Spice Girls Stamp, Assisted Dying Jan 13, 2024

Cush Jumbo is the award-winning actor known for her roles on the stage and screen, from The Good Fight to Macbeth. She joins Clare McDonnell to discuss starring in - and executive producing – the new crime thriller series Criminal Record. Cush stars as DS June Lenker, a police detective locked in a confrontation with an older detective, played by Peter Capaldi, over a historic murder conviction.

For the first time, Royal Mail has dedicated set of stamps to a female pop group, to commemorate 30 years since the Spice Girls formed in 1994. Lauren Bravo, a culture journalist and author and DJ Yinka Bokinni joined Emma to talk about it.

Last week on Woman’s Hour we heard the candid admission by the former Labour MP and Government Minister, Dame Joan Ruddock that she was ready to end her terminally ill husband's life using a pillow in a bid to end his pain. Her husband the former MP Frank Doran had been suffering from end stage bowel cancer in 2017, and she struggled to get him pain relief medication in the hours before he died. She is now calling for a free vote in the Commons to legalise assisted dying. The public debate around the subject has been revived in recent months by leading figures such as Esther Rantzen - who revealed that she is considering travelling to a Dignitas clinic in Switzerland if her cancer worsens. But others such as Baroness Ilora Finlay, a cross bench peer in the House of Lords and a palliative end of life care expert, are cautioning against a law change. She believes improved access to care and pain relief is the answer when people are dying rather than the taking of lethal drugs. She joins Clare McDonnell to reflect on the new push for a law change.

Shere Hite - a name many people will remember, but some may not know. She was a pioneering feminist sex researcher who published her ground-breaking book, The Hite Report: A National Study of Female Sexuality in 1976. The book was seen by many as radical, changing prevailing notions about female sexuality. Shere went on to write and publish several more books, but endured intense and lasting criticism in the US, and eventually moved to Europe and renounced her American citizenship in 1995. She died in 2020. Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated Director, Nicole Newnham felt that despite how influential Shere had been in life, that she has since been forgotten. So Nicole produced the documentary, The Disappearance of Shere Hite, which is released in UK cinemas on January 12th. She joins Krupa to discuss it.

As the number of pupils missing a significant amount of their education is about double the level it was before the pandemic, Clare is joined by Ellie Costello, the executive director of Square Peg, a not-for-profit which helps families that struggle with school attendance.

Quarterlife crisis, Family Courts, Northern Soul Jan 12, 2024

A pilot scheme to allow journalists to report cases from three family courts in England and Wales is to be extended to almost half of the courts. From the end of January, coverage of cases at 16 more family court centres in England will be permitted. This means 19 of the 43 centres in England and Wales will be part of the Transparency Pilot. Families and individual social workers will be anonymous under the scheme. Krupa Padhy talks to Louise Tickle, a journalist who specialises in reporting on family courts and leads a project for the Bureau of Investigative journalism supporting other journalists to do the same, and Angela Frazer Wicks, Chair of the Family Rights Group and a parent with experience of the family justice system.

Popular psychology tends to define a quarter-life crisis as the confusion, stress and anxiety individuals in their 20s and 30s feel about their goals, beliefs and relationships as they seek direction in life and look to find their place in the world. Satya Doyle Byock, a clinical psychotherapist based in the US is the author of the new book Quarterlife: The Search for Self in Early Adulthood and she joins Krupa to talk about young people's struggles with the push and pull of meaning and stability.

Northern Soul is commonly associated with Northern England and the 1970s. But mother and daughter duo Levanna and Eve are turning this on its head. Through Levanna’s viral dance videos on social media and Eve’s DJing at their events in Bristol, they’re bringing Northern groove to the South West, all whilst introducing a new generation to the genre. They speak to Krupa about the release of their new album, Wonderful Night.

Shere Hite was a pioneering feminist sex researcher who published The Hite Report: A National Study of Female Sexuality in 1976. The book was seen by many as radical, changing prevailing notions about female sexuality. It laid out the views of 3,500 women on sexuality and the female orgasm, but it was derided by some, including Playboy, which dubbed it the "Hate Report". Shere went on to write and publish several more books, but endured intense and lasting criticism in the US, and eventually moved to Europe and renounced her American citizenship in 1995. She died in 2020. Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated director Nicole Newnham felt that despite how influential Shere had been in life, that she has since been forgotten. So, Nicole produced the documentary, The Disappearance of Shere Hite, which is in UK cinemas from 12 January. She joins Krupa to discuss it.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Duncan Hannant

Zara Aleena's aunt, Spice Girls stamps, surge in scabies Jan 11, 2024

Farah Naz, the aunt of murdered law graduate Zara Aleena, tells of her concerns that her niece’s killer has allegedly been caught having sex with a prison worker. Jordan McSweeney is serving a life sentence at high security Belmarsh Prison in South London.

For the first time, Royal Mail has dedicated set of stamps to a female pop group, to commemorate 30 years since the Spice Girls formed in 1994. We talk to Lauren Bravo, a culture journalist and DJ Yinka Bokinni.

We hear about the start of a new landmark Radio 4 documentary series called Child which follows a child’s development from fertilisation to first birthday from its creator India Rakusen.

There’s been a surge in the number of scabies cases and experts are warning there’s an acute shortage of treatments which is turning it into a major public health threat. Emma Barnett talks to Dr Tess McPherson about who is most at risk from catching it and how best to avoid it.

And we talk to barrister Harriet Johnson about a study which suggests rape convictions are 20% less likely in cases where victims give pre-recorded evidence.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Emma Harth

Cosmetic surgery reviews, Speed dating, Bangladesh elections, Assisted dying & palliative care Jan 10, 2024

Woman’s Hour investigates the cosmetic surgery clinic taking legal action when patients post unfavourable reviews. Kate Kronenbach tells reporter Melanie Abbott she was disappointed when she had an operation to remove fat from her arms after losing 10 stone, and received a solicitor’s letter when she wrote about her experience on the Trustpilot website. Action has also been taken against five others. The Free Speech Union is supporting them in their case. Clare McDonnell discusses the story with Melanie and speaks to the Union and to patient campaigner Dawn Knight.

Is speed-dating making a comeback? Apathy over dating apps seems to be pushing both men and women towards the kind of speed dating that was so popular in the nineties. But is it better than online dating? And does it work? Clare is joined by writer Radhika Sanghani and relationship counsellor Suzie Hayman to discuss.

Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina won a controversial fourth consecutive term in Parliamentary elections last elections last Sunday. The opposition party called it a 'sham' election, coming after mass arrests of her political opponents and refused to participate. The leader of the Opposition former PM Khaleda Zia – also female - is under house arrest. Between them the two women have dominated Bangladeshi politics since 1991. BBC News South Asian Correspondent, Samira Hussain, joins Clare McDonnell to tell us more about these leaders and the political situation in Bangladesh.

Last week on Woman’s Hour we heard the candid admission by the former Labour MP and Government Minister, Dame Joan Ruddock that she was ready to end her terminally ill husband's life using a pillow in a bid to end his pain. Her husband the former MP Frank Doran had been suffering from end stage bowel cancer in 2017, and she struggled to get him pain relief medication in the hours before he died. She is now calling for a free vote in the Commons to legalise assisted dying. The public debate around the subject has been revived in recent months by leading figures such as Esther Rantzen - who revealed that she is considering travelling to a Dignitas clinic in Switzerland if her cancer worsens; and the late Dame Diana Rigg, who made a recording before her death making the case for assisted dying. But others such as Baroness Ilora Finlay, a cross bench peer in the House of Lords and a palliative end of life care expert, are cautioning against a law change. She believes improved access to care and pain relief is the answer when people are dying rather than the taking of lethal drugs. She joins Clare McDonnell to reflect on the new push for a law change.

Presented by Clare McDonnell Producer: Louise Corley

Midwife shortages, Dating at 81, Jackie Mag anniversary Jan 09, 2024

The number of midwives in England has increased by just 7% over the last year and some NHS Trusts in England have more than one in five midwifery jobs vacant, according to BBC research. The Royal College of Midwives says staffing gaps have to close. The BBC’s Health Correspondent Catherine Burns joins Clare McDonnell to talk about what her investigation into maternity units in England has discovered, and to share the story of Farzana, who had to give birth on her own after midwives said they were too busy to answer her calls.

Carole Stone must have one of the best address books ever. A former producer of BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions, for years Carole has run 'salons' and parties bringing together hundreds of interesting people - politicians, actors, journalists. Carole’s partner, the TV broadcaster Richard Lindley, died four years ago. Carole joins Clare to discuss how and why she is looking for another soulmate at the age of 81.

Could the next leader of North Korea be a woman? Clare gets the latest from lead correspondent at NK News, Jeongmin Kim, and hears more about what life is like for women on the ground with North Korea expert, Professor Hazel Smith.

As the number of pupils missing a significant amount of their education is about double the level it was before the pandemic, Clare is joined by Ellie Costello, the executive director of Square Peg, a not-for-profit which helps families that struggle with school attendance.

It’s 60 years this week since Jackie, the magazine for teenage girls, was first published. At its peak, it was selling more than a million copies a week. To celebrate the anniversary, Clare is joined by Nina Myskow, Jackie’s first female editor, and Wendy Rigg, a teenage fan who achieved her dream of working on Jackie.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Lottie Garton

Cush Jumbo, Church leader survivors, Exonerated sub-postmistress Jan 08, 2024

Cush Jumbo is the award-winning actor known for her roles on the stage and screen, from The Good Fight to Macbeth. She joins Clare McDonnell to discuss starring in - and executive producing – the new crime thriller series Criminal Record. Cush stars as DS June Lenker, a police detective locked in a confrontation with an older detective, played by Peter Capaldi, over a historic murder conviction.

A BBC investigation into one of Africa’s most influential pastors has uncovered hundreds of allegations of abuse, including a number of British victims. TB Joshua, who founded the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Nigeria, built an evangelical empire that drew presidents, Premier League footballers and millions of followers from across the globe - including from towns and cities across the UK. Multiple victims claim they repeatedly tried to raise the alarm with British authorities, including the Foreign Office, but an adequate investigation “never took place”. Two UK survivors of his abuse - Rae and Anneka - join Clare to discuss their experiences as ‘disciples’, why they left and the law changes they hope will result from this exposure.

The Post Office Horizon scandal is once more dominating the headlines. Today, a petition calling for the former Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells to lose her CBE has received more than one million signatures, and yesterday the Prime Minister told the BBC the Government was reviewing options to help victims of the scandal. More than 700 branch managers were convicted of false accounting, theft and fraud based on faulty software. Currently, a public inquiry into the scandal is ongoing and the Metropolitan Police is investigating the Post Office over potential fraud offences arising from the prosecutions. One of the women who was falsely accused was Jo Hamilton. Her story has been told in the ITV drama Mr Bates vs. The Post Office, where she was played by the actor Monica Dolan. Jo joins Clare.

What do you do if your child refuses to go to school? Today, the Government is expected to announce funding for a new initiative aimed at tackling school absences in England. More than a fifth of secondary school pupils in England are persistently absent. The new scheme will see funding for school attendance mentors, an initiative which has been trialled in a pilot by the charity Barnardos. Clare speaks to Nadine Good from the charity, and hears from head teacher Simon Kidwell.

Weekend Woman's Hour - Women in the metaverse, Author Vanessa Chan, Women and negotiation Jan 06, 2024

Police are investigating what is possibly the first crime of its kind: a British schoolgirl playing a game in the metaverse was allegedly sexually assaulted by a group of online strangers. Given that this happened in a virtual reality game, it is not yet clear whether there is any crime here to prosecute. We hear from Helen Rumbelow from The Times, and her colleague Sean Russell, who has gone into the metaverse as both a man and a woman, and was struck by how different it was.

How much of your daily life do you spend negotiating? Perhaps at work, or with your children – or even in-laws? Mum and a mic on Instagram, Jane Dowden, discusses the negotiations she has with her twins, and clinical psychologist Catherine Hallissey tells us what goes on in our brains while we’re negotiating, and the best way to do so with family.

Is farming getting easier for women? New research out this week suggests that women working in agriculture are finding life worse now than they did 10 years ago. This comes as more women are showing an interest in pursuing farming as a career – with some agricultural colleges enrolling record numbers of girls onto their courses. We hear from Emily Norton, a female farmer and agricultural commentator, as well as Bridgette Baker, a young farmer who recently graduated, to find out their experiences in farming.

Violinist Izzy Judd trained at the Royal Academy of Music and was an original member of the string quartet Escala, who shot to fame on Britain’s Got Talent in 2008. She met her husband Harry on the McFly Wonderland tour. Following marriage and three small children, Izzy has written two books - Dare to Dream and Mindfulness for Mums. She has now returned to her love of playing the violin, with a forthcoming EP - Moments, and a single - Somewhere in My Memory.

The Storm We Made is a new book by the debut author Vanessa Chan. Set in what we know today as Malaysia across two timelines - British colonialism and Japanese colonialism - it follows bored housewife Cecily who risks it all to become a spy for a general. But her decisions have huge repercussions for her and her family. Vanessa Chan tells us about her book which was fought over in a seven-way auction by publishers in the UK.

Steph Daniels gave up hockey in her 30s to teach PE and English and manage an all-female synth pop group called Zenana. However, in her 70s, she saw an advert for Bedford Hockey Club and decided to dust off her sticks. Since then, she’s even attended a trial for the over-70s England team and vows to try again next year. She tells us about reigniting old passions.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Women and music in 2023, Nicole Jacobs, Women in farming Jan 05, 2024

Female artists dominated the 2023 music scene. New figures from the British Phonographic Institute reveal that Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Raye, Dua Lipa, Ellie Goulding and many more - spent a record-breaking 31 weeks in the number one spot in the UK Singles Chart. But that’s not all... they had seven of the top 10 singles and even took the top vinyl album spot. Why was 2023 so good for female artists? And will it continue? We ask global music business lecturer and podcaster, Karlyn King, and music journalist Jo Kendall.

Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs says new Government plans to get rid of shorter jail sentences in England and Wales put women at risk. The new sentencing bill currently making its way through Parliament aims to give what are known as suspended sentences where people may have instead been given jail terms of 12 months or less. Estimates from the Office for National Statistics show around 2.4 million people - 1.7 million of those being women - suffered from domestic abuse in the year to March 2022.

We're a few days into the new year - and maybe you're trying to start some new healthy habits, or even hygiene habits. And for some that's desperately needed - a new survey from the bathroom suppliers Showers to You shows that out of 2,200 UK residents, almost one in ten only wash their towels twice a year. 5% of men have admitted to washing towels once a year - compared to 1% of women. Professor Sally Bloomfield from the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene explains what we should be doing to protect ourselves and others.

Is farming getting easier for women? New research out today suggests that women working in agriculture are finding life worse now than they did 10 years ago. This comes as more women are showing an interest in pursuing farming as a career – with some agricultural colleges enrolling record numbers of girls onto their courses. Claire McDonnell speaks to Emily Norton, a female farmer and agricultural commentator, as well as Bridgette Baker, a young farmer who recently graduated, to find out their experiences in farming.

Women’s Health magazine is an iconic brand in the UK and read globally by millions of people monthly. Women’s Health Editor-in-Chief Claire Sanderson has just made history as the first woman globally to also be appointed Editor-in-Chief of Men's Health. Claire joins Woman’s Hour to discuss what it means to be a woman editing a men’s magazine, whether there is a crossover with what women and men are reading and, in an age where we’re worried about body image, are these magazines useful?

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Kirsty Starkey Studio Manager: Duncan Hannant

Dame Joan Ruddock, Katherine Parkinson, Negotiating care with siblings, Author Vanessa Chan Jan 04, 2024

Katherine Parkinson has graced our TV screens for almost two decades, from Doc Martin and The IT Crowd to Humans and Here We Go. Now she has a comedy drama airing on ITV called Significant Other, in which she plays one half of an odd couple - neighbours who meet in highly unusual circumstances. She joins Clare McDonnell to discuss.

Former Labour MP and government Minister Dame Joan Ruddock tells Clare about her call for a free vote in the Commons to legalise assisted dying. She admitted she was ready to end her terminally ill husband’s life to stop his pain. Our New Year's day programme on negotiating provoked one listener to write to us: 'I would love you to cover negotiations between carers and their parent with dementia. Another world! As is negotiating between carer and their siblings'. Professor June Andrews, who’s a fellow of the Royal College of Nursing and an author of Carers and Caring, and Dr Lis Boulton, Health and Care Manager at the charity Age UK, discuss. The Storm We Made is a new book by the debut author Vanessa Chan. Set in what we know today as Malaysia across two timelines - British colonialism and Japanese colonialism - it follows bored housewife Cecily who risks it all to become a spy for a general. But her decisions have huge repercussions for her and her family. Vanessa Chan joins Clare to discuss her book which was fought over in a seven-way auction by publishers in the UK. Steph Daniels gave up hockey in her 30s to teach PE and English and manage an all-female synth pop group called Zenana. However, in her 70s, she saw an advert for Bedford Hockey Club and decided to dust off her sticks. Since then, she’s even attended a trial for the over-70s England team and vows to try again next year. She joins Clare to talk about reigniting old passions.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Dianne McGregor

Shakespeare's Women, Izzy Judd, Women in the metaverse Jan 03, 2024

A new play - Shakespeare’s Women - transports ten of Shakespeare’s female characters from the 16th century to 2024, placing them in the same domestic abuse support group. Written by Lorien Haynes, this dark comedy gradually exposes each woman’s darkest secrets and asks what would happen if these protagonists survived their men and traditional narratives, to become flesh and blood today? Lorien and the director Jude Kelly, join Emma Barnett in the Woman’s Hour studio.

Violinist Izzy Judd trained at the Royal Academy of Music and was an original member of the string quartet Escala, who shot to fame on Britain’s Got Talent in 2008. She met her husband Harry on the McFly Wonderland tour. Following marriage and three small children, Izzy has written two books - Dare to Dream and Mindfulness for Mums. She has now returned to her love of playing the violin, with a forthcoming EP - Moments, and a single - Somewhere in My Memory. Izzy joins Emma to talk about her music and motherhood.

Police are investigating what is possibly the first crime of its kind: a British schoolgirl playing a game in the metaverse was allegedly sexually assaulted by a group of online strangers. Given that this happened in a virtual reality game, it is not yet clear whether there is any crime here to prosecute. Emma is joined by Helen Rumbelow from The Times and her colleague Sean Russell, who has gone into the metaverse as both a man and a woman, and was struck by how different it was.

In 2015, BAFTA-winning film-maker Leslee Udwin decided that making programmes to raise awareness about issues like rape was not enough for her. Her investigation India’s Daughter - about Jyoti Singh Pandey who was raped, tortured and killed by six men on a bus in Delhi in 2012 – asked why men rape women. Leslee spoke to one of the attackers, who blamed the victim. Leslee decided to campaign for a revolution in education, not just in India, but in the UK and theoretically, every country. Her aim is to equip all children with the tools to ‘think equal,’ and reduce violence against women. She joins Emma.

Lavinia Greenlaw, Lindsay Duncan, the Irish mother and baby homes scandal Jan 02, 2024

The names of Jeffrey Epstein's associates are likely to be published today, after a judge in the US ordered the release of court documents. Epstein took his own life after he was accussed of sexually abusing and trafficking underage girls. Names connected to him have previously been anonymised as John or Jane Doe; but now around 170 people, mostly men, will have their association with the former financier made public. Joan Smith, journalist and author, and Georgina Calvert-Lee, an equality lawyer at Bellevue Law, tell Emma Barnett what the list will mean.

Lavinia Greenlaw is one of the country's leading poets and has now published a selected edition of her work, covering three decades of writing. She tells Emma about her new role as poetry editor at Faber, the first woman to hold the position. She is now the custodian of a back catalogue that includes TS Eliot, Seamus Heaney and Ted Hughes, and the gatekeeper for aspiring poets of the next generation.

It is ten years since journalist Alison O’Reilly revealed that up to 796 babies were buried in a mass, unmarked grave in the grounds of a former mother and baby home in Galway in Ireland. The Irish government has promised compensation but none has been paid out. Is this now about to change? Alison joins Emma to discuss the latest developments.

And how far would you go to help a friend? In Lindsay Duncan's new drama, Truelove, on Channel 4, a drunken reunion at a funeral leads a group of friends to make a pact: they will support each other in assisted dying rather than let a friend suffer alone. Lindsay tells Emma how a thriller starring a cast in their 70s and 80s is turning the police procedural on its head.

Producer: Hannah Sander Presenter: Emma Barnett

Women and Negotiations Jan 01, 2024

A special Woman's Hour episode all about women and negotiation.

Nicky Perfect is the former Deputy Head of the elite New Scotland Yard Hostage and Crisis Negotiation Unit. She has travelled the world teaching negotiation and working with the Government on international operations. She’ll be joining Hayley Hassall throughout the programme sharing her own experiences and advice, and taking us through how what she learnt can be used in our everyday lives.

What has been the role of women in negotiations historically? Professor Margaret Macmillan specialises in British Imperial and International History from the 19th to the 20th Century. In those days, negotiations never involved women on paper – but that wasn’t always the case in reality. She joins Hayley to tell us more.

Nomi Bar-Yaacov has been all over the world mediating and negotiating international conflicts. She’ll tell Hayley some of her experiences, as well as how these negotiations happen, and the different roles women play.

How much of your daily life do you spend negotiating? Perhaps at work, or with your children – or even in-laws? Mum and a mic on Instagram, Jane Dowden, joins Hayley to chat through negotiations she has with her twins, and clinical psychologist Catherine Hallissey will talk about what goes on in our brains while we’re negotiating, and the best way to do so with family.

At the end of last year, the largest negotiations including delegates from all over the world took place – COP28, the United Nation's climate summit. Rachel Kyte was there – and at several previous COPs as well, having served as special representative of the UN secretary-general and chief executive officer of Sustainable Development for All among other roles. She’ll tell Hayley all about how negotiations like COP work behind-the-scenes, including the strops and the drama that lead eventually to world-changing commitments.

Presenter: Hayley Hassall Producer: Lottie Garton

Weekend Woman's Hour: Dame Siân Phillips, Highflying care-leavers, 'Trouser-less' trend Dec 30, 2023

Just 14% of care leavers go to university, compared to 47% of young people who didn’t grow up in care, according to a report by the think tank Civitas. The figures have barely changed over the past 10 years and at the current rate of progress, it will take 107 years to close the gap. Two care-experienced young women who did manage to smash the so-called care ceiling share their experiences with Krupa; Rebecca Munro, who graduated with a masters in business and is now an Education Liaison Officer at the University of St Andrews and Lucy Barnes, a barrister.

Up to half of women will have a UTI at some point in their life. Earlier this year the NHS launched a new awareness campaign which the filmmaker and author Kate Muir has criticised for not mentioning vaginal oestrogen as a treatment. Kate joins Krupa Padhy alongside Dr Olivia Hum, a GP who is on the Council of the British Menopause Society.

Actor Dame Siân Phillips’ life and career are explored in a new documentary, Siân Phillips at 90. She joins Krupa to talk about some of her acting roles, including playing Emmeline Pankhurst in a BBC drama in the 1970s, what it was like being married to Peter O’Toole, and what she’s doing now.

Terri Lyne Carrington, a multi-Grammy-winning drummer and jazz artist, saw a distinct lack of songs by female composers being learned by jazz musicians - and decided to fix it. As a ‘gender justice advocate’ she decided to create a project, the New Standards: 101 Lead Sheets By Women Composers, and an accompanying album which won a Grammy, to shine a light on female jazz composers. She joins Nuala McGovern to discuss the project and jazz and gender justice on our special programme about women digging for the truth.

Would you swap your trousers for a pair of statement knickers? Julia Hobbs from Vogue tells Krupa about the new trouser-less trend that's been sweeping the catwalks and social media, and the reactions she got when testing it out on the London Underground.

As a nation we eat more sprouts than any other country in Europe but it’s a vegetable that, like marmite, divides opinion. Anita Rani is joined by plant pathologist Dr Lauren Chappell and the brassica research expert Dr Rachel Wells to explain how sprouts are being engineered to taste sweeter and withstand climate change.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Hanna Ward Studio Manager: Donald MacDonald

Dame Siân Phillips, Abuse of vulnerable elderly, Clemency Burton-Hill Dec 29, 2023

Actor Dame Siân Phillips’ life and career are explored in a new documentary, Siân Phillips at 90. She joins Krupa Padhy to talk about some of her acting roles, including playing Emmeline Pankhurst in a BBC drama in the 1970s, what it was like being married to Peter O’Toole, and what she’s doing now.

Clemency Burton-Hill MBE, is an award-winning broadcaster, podcaster, author, journalist and musician. She joins Krupa to discuss Journal of Wonder - the newest book in her bestselling Year of Wonder series - which takes you from January to December with classical music suggestions for every day.

The power of attorney system can sometimes be abused to take advantage of older people. Krupa is joined by Carolyn Stephens, who shares her story of becoming estranged from her elderly father after he met a woman on a singles holiday. He later agreed to grant power of attorney to the woman, which resulted in him being placed in a care home without his family knowing. Journalist Sue Mitchell, who shares the details of the whole affair in an upcoming radio documentary, also joins Krupa to talk about why she wanted to tell Carolyn’s story.

Co-founder of The Onion Collective, Jess Prendergast, tells Krupa how she and her friends created the social enterprise East Quay Watchet in Somerset after they were frustrated by the lack of opportunities in their local town. Plus local ‘craftivist’ Lyn Barlow tells us about exhibiting her textile art in the new gallery and what the new enterprise means to her.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Lottie Garton

Highflying care-leavers, Freebirths, 'Trouser-less' trend Dec 28, 2023

This summer, the region of Manipur in India made headlines after two women were viciously attacked and assaulted by a mob of men. With a similar case happening this month in the south west of the country, Krupa Padhy is joined by Geeta Pandey, BBC Women and Social Affairs Editor in Delhi, and Professor of Modern Indian History at the University of Nottingham, Dr Uditi Sen, to find out why these incidents continue to happen and whether anything is being done at a higher level to stop them.

Just 14% of care leavers go to university, compared to 47% of young people who didn’t grow up in care, according to a report by the think tank Civitas. The figures have barely changed over the past 10 years and at the current rate of progress, it will take 107 years to close the gap. Two care-experienced young women who did manage to smash the so-called care ceiling share their experiences with Krupa; Rebecca Munro, who graduated with a masters in business and is now an Education Liaison Officer at the University of St Andrews and Lucy Barnes, a barrister.

A freebirth is defined as giving birth without a healthcare professional in attendance. It is also known as an unassisted birth. Anecdotally, more women are making this choice in the UK - but why? What sort of experiences are they having and is it a safe and responsible decision? Krupa speaks to Naomi Nygaarda, a psychotherapist and a mother who chose to freebirth both her children and Mavis Kirkham, a retired midwife and emeritus Professor of Midwifery at Sheffield Hallam University and co-editor of Freebirth Stories, a collection of stories from women choosing to give birth this way.

Would you swap your trousers for a pair of statement knickers? Julia Hobbs from Vogue tells Krupa about the new trouser-less trend that's been sweeping the catwalks and social media, and the reactions she got when testing it out on the London Underground.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Emma Harth

UTI treatment, Being dumped by text, Lighthouse keeper Dec 27, 2023

Up to half of women will have a UTI at some point in their life. Earlier this year the NHS launched a new awareness campaign which the filmaker and author Kate Muir has criticised for not mentioning vaginal oestrogen as a treatment. Kate joins Krupa Padhy alongside Dr Olivia Hum, a GP who is on the Council of the British Menopause Society.

Dr Ronny Cheung speaks to Krupa about the double-edge sword of children building their immunities in their early years and the disruption caused to working parents and carers. What do parents need to know about caring for a child with seasonal colds and coughs?

Sally Snowman is the last official lighthouse keeper in the United States and at the end of this month she will retire after two decades of service. She's the first and last woman to be the lighthouse keeper for Boston Light in Massachusetts. She joins Krupa to discuss what it's like being a lighthouse keeper and how she feels about leaving it.

We know that Christmas and New Year, although filled with joy for some, can put a really big strain on relationships and it can be a time when people in an unhappy relationship decide to end them. But is there ever a good way to break up a relationship? And is it ever acceptable or kinder to end something by text? Krupa is joined by Olivia Petter, journalist and author of Millennial Love and Vicky Spratt, journalist and documentary maker.

The award winning comedian, writer, playwright and actor Meera Syal – known for her comedy series such as Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars - has been talking to Ros Akins on Radio 4’s Media Show, we can hear some of that interview.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Emma Pearce

Women who dig for the truth Dec 26, 2023

A special Woman’s Hour episode all about women who dig for the truth.

Marianne Asher-Chapman from Holts Summit, Missouri has been searching for her daughter, Angie Yarnell, for more than 20 years now. Angie went missing in 2003. Her husband, Michael pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter in 2009. He was released in 2013. He has so far refused to tell Marianne or the authorities where he buried Angie - and Marianne has been unable to find her - despite physically digging in the property where she thinks her daughter may have been buried. She joins Nuala to discuss what she’s done to find her daughter and how she’s now helping other families with missing relatives.

Terri Lyne Carrington, a multi-Grammy-winning drummer and jazz artist, saw a distinct lack of songs by female composers being learned by jazz musicians - and decided to fix it. As a ‘gender justice advocate’ she decided to create a project, the New Standards: 101 Lead Sheets By Women Composers, and an accompanying album which won a Grammy, to shine a light on female jazz composers. She joins Nuala to discuss the project and jazz and gender justice on our special programme about women digging for the truth.

Many of us have stayed up late, spending the night scrolling through the internet, looking for clues or information we might be on the hunt for. But have you ever felt like you need help to find out something? Someone to confirm your worst fears or set you free? Alison Harris is a private investigator and began her career in investigations later in life. She speaks to Nuala about how being a PI isn’t always the glamorous job we imagine - and what it’s like to find the truth for people.

In 2018, Helen McLaughlin and Karen Whitehouse got married in Amsterdam - but they had their day forever changed in their memories, after someone defecated on the floor of a toilet cubicle in the ladies’ bathroom. They enlisted the help of their friend, ‘Detective’ Lauren Kilby to find out who did it - and why. Karen Whitehouse, one of the brides, and ‘Detective’ Lauren join Nuala to talk about their unusual investigation - and why they couldn’t let it go.

A name you may be familiar with when it comes to the search for the truth is historian, Philippa Langley. Known now by many as the woman who found King Richard III underneath a car park in Leicester, she’s turned her attention to his nephews, the missing Princes, who for centuries have been said to have been murdered by their uncle, King Richard, after he took the throne. Her new research suggests otherwise - and she joins Nuala to talk all about the search for the truth and what it means to her.

The Queen of the Brassicas - the Brussels sprout! Dec 25, 2023

Our Christmas Day special programme is devoted to the Brussels sprout, with some incredible women for whom they’re playing a key role in their working lives. As a nation we eat more sprouts than any other country in Europe but it’s a vegetable that, like marmite, divides opinion. Originally from the Middle East, they came to Europe as an export of the Roman Empire. We hear how they became known as Brussels sprouts with the head of the Royal Horticultural Society Clare Matterson and the food historian Dr Sue Bailey. Plant pathologist Dr Lauren Chappell and the brassica research expert Dr Rachel Wells explain how sprouts are being engineered to taste sweeter and withstand climate change. Nutritionist Charlotte Hunter says the phytoestrogens in these mini cabbages mean women should be eating more of them. And for ideas about how to cook your sprouts, chef and broadcaster Andi Oliver and her daughter Miquita are on hand, as well as the chef Rosalind Rathouse.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager Neva Missirian

Weekend Woman's Hour - Gracie Spinks’s parents, Gatekeeping your perfume, Child-free women at work Dec 23, 2023

23-year-old Gracie Spinks was killed by a man who she had reported to the police for stalking her. The inquest into her death reported several failures by Derbyshire Police in how her case was handled. Now, her parents, Richard Spinks and Alison Ward, are campaigning for Gracie’s Law, which would ensure better training for police officers around stalking, and the appointment of independent stalking advocates. They tell us about Gracie and the changes they want to be made in her memory.

Have you got a signature scent – and would you share where you got it from? Whether you are ‘gatekeeping’ your perfume or keen to spread the word about your favourite scent, smell is one of the most evocative and emotive of our senses. We talk all things fragrance with The Guardian's beauty editor, Sali Hughes, and Experimental Perfume Club’s Roshni Dhanjee - why we want to smell unique, gifting perfume, and why smell is so connected to our emotions and identity.

‘There is an expectation that women like me – without children - will pick up the slack so the working mums can have time off with their families’. Those are the words of Sam Walsh who has worked every Boxing Day for the last 20 years. She decided to quit her retail job in October because she resented having to work over the Xmas period. Sam, who runs The Non Mum Network Facebook group and website, says working parents shouldn’t be given priority.

Kelly Simmons has recently left the Football Association after 32 years with the organisation. Best known for her time as Director of the Women’s Professional Game, Kelly joins Jessica Creighton to discuss her long career and the future of the Women’s Super League, which she helped to launch and transform.

Elle and The Pocket Belles describe themselves as an all-girl retro band. They are a vocal harmony group who have been singing together for more than a decade. They’ll be creating more Christmas cheer for us.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Rebecca Myatt

A new drug for hot flushes and night sweats, Combatting loneliness at Christmas Dec 22, 2023

A new drug called Veoza used to prevent hot flushes and night sweats has been approved in the UK. Also known as fezolinetant, it is prescription-only and will be available privately from January. Dr Paula Briggs, chair of the British Menopause Society and consultant in sexual and reproductive health at Liverpool Women’s Hospital joins Jessica to explain the importance for many women of this decision.

What would you say to spending Christmas with your friends instead of your family? You may have seen an article this morning in the Independent where the journalist Katie Glass says she'll be having a 'women-only Christmas', sharing the day with four like-minded girlfriends. Some of us may choose to do this intentionally, for others it may not be their first choice but they are making the most of the situation. And sometimes the most unexpected Christmases turn out to be the most fun. Journalist Daisy Finer spent Christmas last year with a female friend, when her children were with her ex-husband, and talks about 'the joy of a very self-centred Christmas'.

Have you got a signature scent – and would you share where you got it from? Whether you are ‘gatekeeping’ your perfume or keen to spread the word about your favourite scent, smell is one of the most evocative and emotive of our senses. Joining Jessica Creighton to talk all things fragrance, Guardian beauty editor Sali Hughes and Experimental Perfume Club’s Roshni Dhanjee discuss why we want to smell unique, gifting perfume, and why smell is so connected to our emotions and identity.

Can loneliness really take the same toll on your physical and mental health as smoking and lack of exercise? The British Psychological Society says it’s a scourge on society and should be treated as a public health emergency. It’s calling for the Government’s 2018 Loneliness Strategy to be updated to reflect the impact of the pandemic. We talk to Julia Faulconbridge, a consultant clinical psychologist from the organisation, and also Liz Veitch, a retired deputy headteacher who became increasingly lonely after being widowed, moving house and then facing the lockdowns. She was introduced to 19-year-old Ankita Menon, a volunteer with Kissing It Better, whose mission statement is ‘to reduce the isolation of old age by bringing the generations together.’

Elle and The Pocket Belles sing live in the Woman’s Hour studio on the last live programme before Christmas. Describing themselves as an all-girl retro band, they are a vocal harmony group who have been singing together for more than a decade. They’ll be creating more Christmas cheer with a couple of seasonal songs.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Spiking, The pill, Family dynamics at Christmas Dec 21, 2023

The Met Police have reported that cases of spiking - putting alcohol or drugs into another person's drink or body without their consent - have quadrupled in London over the last five years. This week the Home Office set out new provisions to provide training for venue staff and test-kits for customers. Campaigner Sharon Gaffka joins Jessica Creighton to talk about whether that's enough for spiking victims.

As we gear up for Christmas, some people might be considering the age-old question: How do you survive the big day without falling out with your family? With unwanted questions about your parenting style, your career or even your love life - tensions can often rise over the brussels sprouts. Camilla McGill is a parent coach and joins Jessica to give us tips on how to manage anxieties and stress with loved ones.

A 16-year-old girl died last week from what is thought to have been a blood clot - three weeks after being prescribed the contraceptive pill. According to the NHS, there is a very low risk of serious side effects from taking the pill. Dr Janet Barter is a consultant in sexual and reproductive health at Barts Health NHS Trust in London – she tells Jessica the facts we need to know around the pill.

Last year, female-owned businesses received just 2% of all venture capital funding, Parliament’s Treasury Committee found. Entrepreneur Grace Beverley wants to raise awareness of the female funding gap. She joins Jessica to talk about her business model and using her platform to empower women.

If you are a woman who is adopted, then the decision to have children of your own can be a complicated one, as your own birth family’s medical history may be a mystery to you. How do you know what you are passing on through your genes? Writer and journalist Katharine Quarmby has been looking into this issue because she has had to grapple with it herself. She joins Jessica to discuss.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Lottie Garton

Mary Earps' SPOTY win, Women's Super League founder Kelly Simmons, Pregnancy sickness Dec 20, 2023

England goalkeeper Mary Earps has been voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year. She was a big part of the Lionesses' win at the Euros in 2022 and was named goalkeeper of the tournament in this year's World Cup. But back in 2019 she was ready to quit the game. Jessica Creighton speaks to Rebecca Myers from the The Sunday Times about Earps' bumpy road to success.

Kelly Simmons has recently left the Football Association after 32 years with the organisation. Best known for her time as Director of the Women’s Professional Game, Kelly joins Jessica to discuss her long career and the future of the Women’s Super League which she helped to launch and transform.

A breakthrough on why women get pregnancy sickness could open the way to finding a cure. Scientists have discovered a hormone that causes nausea and vomiting in pregnant women, sometimes to the extent that they get Hyperemesis Gravidarum – the most severe form of sickness often resulting in hospitalisation. Professor of Clinical Biochemistry and Medicine at Cambridge University Sir Stephen O’Rahilly and CEO of the charity Pregnancy Sickness Support Charlotte Howden join Jessica to discuss the implications of this discovery.

Could planning for a simpler, more realistic January be the best way to help your mental health this Christmas? Author and psychological decluttering expert Cathy Madavan and clinical psychologist Dr Emma Hepburn join Jessica to discuss why less might mean more as we move into the new year.

'Go to the front line yourself - and die'. Those are the reported words of the wives and girlfriends of Russian soldiers to Vladimir Putin, who they are addressing on a Telegram channel called The Way Home. According to UK estimates, 300,000 military personnel from Russia have died during the war in Ukraine. Jessica gets insights from Dr Jenny Mathers from the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University.

Kirsty Wark on leaving Newsnight, Sports Personality of the Year Dec 19, 2023

Kirsty Wark joins Emma Barnett to talk about stepping down from Newsnight after 30 years; what she’s planning to fill the extra time with and she also shares some Christmas cooking tips.

A new book, A Heart Afire, paints a picture of paediatrician Helen Taussig who dedicated her life to looking after children with heart defects. We hear from author Patricia Meisol.

We look at the issues of "workplace housework" - tasks like organising office Christmas parties, sorting the secret santa gifts, decorating the communal spaces - with economist Lise Vasterlund and comedian Cally Beaton.

Could a woman win the BBC's annual Sports Personality Of The Year award later today? Now in it's 70th year, we talk to Lady Mary Peters who won the gong in 1972 – the same year she won gold in the pentathlon at the Munich Olympics.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Neva Missirian

Gracie Spinks' parents, Child-free women at work, Grandma Wong Dec 18, 2023

23-year-old Gracie Spinks was killed by a man who she had reported to the police for stalking her. The inquest into her death reported several failures by Derbyshire Police in how her case was handled. Now, her parents, Richard Spinks and Alison Ward, are campaigning for Gracie’s Law, which would ensure better training for police officers around stalking, and the appointment of independent stalking advocates. They join Emma Barnett to discuss Gracie and the changes they want to be made in her memory.

‘There is an expectation that women like me – without children - will pick up the slack so the working mums can have time off with their families’. Those are the words of Sam Walsh who has worked every Boxing Day for the last 20 years. She decided to quit her retail job in October because she resented having to work over the Christmas period. Sam, who runs The Non Mum Network Facebook group and website, says working parents shouldn’t be given priority.

Today is the beginning of the Jimmy Lai trial in Hong Kong - a national security case against the media mogul and pro-democracy activist who has been accused of conspiring to collude with foreign forces. Outside the court is the familiar face of a woman affectionately known as 'Grandma Wong', real name Alexandra. Cindy Yu, Assistant Editor of The Spectator, tells us more about her.

The damage being done to girls’ education in Afghanistan has been well documented, but new research suggests the Taliban is causing ‘irreversible damage’ to boys’ education too. Research carried out by Human Rights Watch found that female teachers have been replaced by men with no qualifications, and that boys are subject to brutal punishment. Emma speaks to Sahar Fetrat, the author of the report.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Weekend Woman's Hour: Imelda Staunton, Quitting parties, Mica Paris Dec 16, 2023

Imelda Staunton has played Queen Elizabeth II for the last two series of television drama The Crown. As the final episodes are released this week, she joins us to discuss playing the monarch, and what it’s been like to take on this role since Her Majesty died.

How could people step in safely if they see a woman being harassed in public? Former police officer Graham Goulden and criminologist Molly Ackhurst tell us how bystanders can protect themselves while helping others.

Soul singer Mica Paris will headline an evening of gospel music on Sky Arts, where she’ll be joined by 10 gospel singers and a four-piece band to perform Christmas songs. She gives us a taste of what to expect on A Gospel Christmas.

It's been a year and a half since Roe vs Wade was overturned in the United States, ending the constitutional nationwide right to abortion for millions of women. It remains an issue that divides opinion. The British writer Nazrin Choudhury has directed a short film, Red White and Blue, which follows the character Rachel Johnson, played by Brittany Snow, who is forced to cross state lines in search of an abortion.

Should we celebrate quitting a job? When Hannah Witton decided to stop making her successful YouTube and podcast series, Doing It, her friends threw her a surprise quitting ceremony. Hannah tells us whether this party helped, alongside the career coach Soma Ghosh with her advice for anyone thinking of quitting.

The bestselling author Louise Doughty joins us to discuss a new ITVX drama based on her novel: Platform 7. She tells us how she has turned male-heavy police procedurals on their head – and why she thinks all middle-aged women long to go on the run.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Sarah Crawley

Kinship care, Shane MacGowan's widow Victoria Mary Clarke, 'Red White and Blue', Lora Logic Dec 15, 2023

The government is today unveiling the first ever national Kinship Care strategy, aiming to bring more awareness and more money to family members looking after children that aren’t theirs. Kinship care is when a child lives full time, or most of the time, with a relative, be it grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, or someone in the wider family network, because their own parents can’t care for them. Anita talks to David Johnston, the Under Secretary of State for Children, Families and Wellbeing at the Department of Education about the new strategy.

Shane MacGowan, the legendary songwriter and frontman with The Pogues, died on 30th November. As the classic Christmas anthem Fairy Tale of New York reaches number one in Ireland, Anita speaks to his widow, Victoria Mary Clarke about their life together, his music, his addictions and his legacy.

It has been a year and a half since Roe vs Wade was overturned in the United States, ending the constitutional nationwide right to abortion for millions of women. It remains an issue that divides opinion. Anita talks to the British writer Nazrin Choudhury, the director of a new short film on the subject; 'Red White and Blue,' follows the character Rachel Johnson, a single mother in a precarious financial position, who is forced to cross state lines from Arkansas in search of an abortion.

Musician Lora Logic was the woman behind the iconic saxophone that was a part of the British Punk-Rock band X-Ray Spex. After almost 30 years, the band are re-releasing their second album, Conscious Consumer. Lora joins Anita to talk about the album, what she’s up to now and what lead singer Poly Styrene would have thought of the re-release.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Sue Maillot

Mica Paris, Is Facebook dangerous for kids? Regretting your tattoos Dec 14, 2023

The National Crime Agency has warned parents that Facebook and Instagram are now a danger to children. That’s after Meta, the parent company of the social media sites, made the decision to introduce encrypted messaging. The BBC’s Technology Editor Zoe Kleinman and online safety expert John Carr join Emma Barnett to discuss.

Bafta award-winning actor Sheridan Smith has said that she regrets the tattoos she’s got and would never get another one done. It’s a situation that a lot of people find themselves in. Letitia Mortimer, a London-based tattoo artist, talks to Emma about seeing plenty of people wanting to get their tattoos covered or removed over the years.

Soul singer Mica Paris will headline an evening of gospel music on television, where she’ll be joined by 10 gospel singers and a dynamic four-piece band to perform moving versions of various Christmas songs. She joins Emma live in the studio to give us a taste of what to expect on A Gospel Christmas and her new album.

Two referenda to change Ireland’s constitution regarding gender and family are to be held on International Women’s Day next year. The amendments would broaden the definition of family beyond marriage in the constitution, and there would be reference to carers to recognise all those who provide care. Commentator Laura Perrins and academic and activist Ailbhe Smyth join Emma to discuss why the suggestions are potentially contentious.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lottie Garton

Imelda Staunton on depicting Queen Elizabeth II Dec 13, 2023

How could people step in safely if they see a woman being harassed in public? Former police officer Graham Goulden and criminologist Molly Ackhurst tell Emma Barnett how bystanders can protect themselves while helping others.

Imelda Staunton has played Queen Elizabeth II for the last two series of television drama The Crown. She joined us before she started the role, in 2021, to talk about how she was approaching the role, and why it was important to her. She joins Emma Barnett again now that it’s coming to an end – the final episodes of The Crown are released on Netflix this week.

Should we celebrate quitting a job? We’ve got divorce parties - how about a quitting party? When award-winning sex educator and author, Hannah Witton decided to stop making her successful YouTube and podcast series, Doing It, her friends and colleagues threw her a surprise quitting ceremony. There was cake, and even a card saying Bye, Bye Don't Come Back. Hannah tells Emma whether this party helped, alongside career coach, and host of the Career Happiness podcast, Soma Ghosh, with her advice for anyone thinking of quitting.

There has been a significant increase in the number of women being investigated by police after a suspected abortion, according to a senior consultant gynaecologist, with some women facing high-profile court cases, and other instances where children have been removed from the mother. Abortion is a criminal offence in England and Wales unless it meets strict criteria. Co-chairman of the British Society of Abortion Care Providers Dr Jonathan Lord, who has raised these concerns, joins Emma.

Producer: Hannah Sander Presenter: Emma Barnett

The future of embryo research, Ofsted inspections, British Gymnastics' complaints procedure Dec 12, 2023

Leading scientists are calling for a change in the law to help IVF patients donate unused embryos to biomedical research after a collapse in donations over the past 15 years. Emma Barnett talks to Professor of Reproductive Physiology at Cambridge University Kathy Niakan and Clare Ettinghausen from the UK's fertility regulator, the HFEA.

The new play Glacier is a dark and poignant festive comedy. It follows three women who meet while wild swimming in their local lake one Christmas. They form an unofficial tradition, meeting each year to go for a swim and escape. Escape their responsibilities, life’s stresses, and maybe most of all – their families. We hear from playwright, comedian and podcaster Alison Spittle, and actor Sophie Steer, who stars in the show.

We take another look at the world of gymnastics following on from last year's damning Whyte review with labelled the British Gymanstics as "inept and dysfunctional". Since that time, not one complaint of abuse has been upheld by British Gymnastics’ Independent Complaints Process – with every single case over the past three years collapsing. We talk to Claire Heafford from Gymnasts 4 Change about their campaign for a new procedures. As two teaching unions call for a pause in Ofsted inspections following the death of head teacher Ruth Perry, we talk to Paul Whiteman, the General Secretary of the teaching union the National Association of Head Teachers.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Tim Heffer

Cancer during pregnancy, Israel-Gaza, Wedding dresses Dec 11, 2023

Israel has accused the United Nations of moving too slowly to respond to accounts that Hamas carried out widespread sexual violence against women in the October 7th brutal attack on Israel. Christina Lamb, Chief Foreign Correspondent for the Sunday Times, has brought the details of this part of the attacks to light joins Emma Barnett.

Mandy Abramson runs a bridal shop in Skipton in North Yorkshire. For two years now she’s run a special week in December where she invites women from all walks of life to try on a wedding dress even if they have no plans to marry. She joins Emma to explain why she wants to give everyone a chance to try on their dream dress.

When Louise Beevers found a lump in her breast during pregnancy, she was told by her GP that it was hormone related. Four months later she was diagnosed with Grade 3 breast cancer, and despite undergoing treatment the cancer is now incurable. Louise joins Emma alongside the Chief Medical Officer from Macmillan Cancer Support Professor Richard Simcock to discuss why greater awareness about cancer in pregnancy is needed.

Bestselling author of Apple Tree Yard, Louise Doughty, on a new ITVX drama based on her novel: Platform 7. She tells Emma Barnett how she has turned male-heavy police procedurals and spy thrillers on their head – and why she thinks all middle-aged women long to go on the run.

Emma talks to two women about their hope for peace in Israel. Amira Mohammed is a Palestinian woman who works with young leaders across the Middle East and North Africa; and Danielle Cumpton is a 32-year-old from Israel who works for an organisation that promotes political partnership between Jews and Arabs within Israel

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Ruth Perry's sister, City Girl in Nature, Caring for a spouse, The politics of Christmas presents Dec 09, 2023

An Ofsted inspection "contributed" to the death of head teacher Ruth Perry. That’s the conclusion of senior coroner Heidi Connor. This is the first time Ofsted has been listed as a contributing factor in the death of a head teacher. Ruth Perry had been head of Caversham Primary School in Berkshire for 13 years when she took her own life in January, ahead of an inspection report being made public which had downgraded the school from Outstanding to Inadequate, based on safeguarding concerns. Her death ignited a national debate about the mental health of school leaders and the pressure they are under in terms of inspections. Anita Rani speaks to Ruth Perry’s sister, Professor Julia Waters. Born and raised in Deptford, south east London, Kwesia didn’t grow up with a lot of nature around her. That’s until she went on a life-changing trip to the Amazon. She’s since created her YouTube channel, City Girl in Nature, to guide other city dwellers into the great outdoors. She speaks to Krupa Padhy about her platform, nature activism work, and winning Best New Voice at the Audio Production Awards for her podcast Get Birding. Lina Mookerjee had been married to her husband Richard for more than 15 years when he lost both his sight and hearing. Lina is now as much a carer to Richard as she is a wife. Lina and Richard share their story and discuss what they describe as the ‘invisible’ work of carers. Research suggests that the average Briton spends £300 on Christmas gifts. One woman who is bucking this trend is the writer and journalist Nell Frizzell, who says that her family Christmases have improved since they stopped buying one another gifts. Krupa hears from Nell and Ellie Gibson, comedian and one half of the Scummy Mummies, who is a big fan of gifting every festive season.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Ruth Perry's sister Julia Waters, America Ferrera, 'Stuffed' Dec 08, 2023

An Ofsted inspection "contributed" to the death of headteacher Ruth Perry. That’s the conclusion of senior coroner Heidi Connor. This is the first time Ofsted has been listed as a contributing factor in the death of a head teacher. Ofsted are yet to comment on the verdict. Ruth Perry had been head of Caversham Primary School in Berkshire for 13 years when she took her own life in January, ahead of an inspection report being made public which had downgraded the school from Outstanding to Inadequate, based on safeguarding concerns. The school was regraded this summer to Good. Her death ignited a national debate about the mental health of school leaders and the pressure they are under in terms of inspections. Anita is joined by Ruth Perry’s sister, Professor Julia Waters.

America Ferrera is an award-winning actress, a director, producer and activist. She shot to stardom with her roles in Ugly Betty and The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, but you'll most recently have seen her playing Gloria, an assistant to the chief executive of Mattel, in the blockbuster Barbie film, who delivers a powerful monologue on the double standards of being a woman. America joins Anita to talk about how she didn't "set out to be a role model, or to break barriers, or to have a career about defying the norm.”

Food has revolved around women for centuries. History of food can provide us with a lens through which we can discover untold stories of women: their joys, struggles and ever-changing roles in society. Pen Vogler, author of “Stuffed," explores such themes in her new book and examines the history and culture of British food through political, social and global upheavals.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Duncan Hannant

Conductor Marin Alsop, actor Diana Quick and a campaign to protect domestic abuse victims Dec 07, 2023

Marin Alsop is one of the most famous conductors in the world. Ten years ago, she became the first woman to conduct the Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. Now she is giving the European premiere of Too Hot To Handel: The Gospel Messiah!, a reimagining of Handel’s Messiah Marin tells Hayley Hassell why she wanted to rework the piece, and looks back over her illustrious career as a conductor.

The actor Diana Quick joins Hayley to discuss her role as Mrs Wentworth in a new series The Famous Five – and describe how the classic adventures have been brought to life with a new, fresh, modern reimagining of Enid Blyton’s iconic stories.

The Centre for Women’s Justice is campaigning to prevent unjust criminalisation of victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Hayley is joined by director of the CWJ, Harriet Wistrich, and former director of Southall Black Sisters, Pragna Patel.

What can we tell about medieval women’s lives from studying their skeletons? Dr Sarah Inskip from Leicester University has been part of a team excavating Cambridge graveyards for a new research project called After the Plague. She has found evidence that some medieval women did very strenuous work that changed the shape of their upper bodies; others were trading and travelling across Europe, and many would have existed in chronic pain.

Producer: Hannah Sander Presenter: Hayley Hassell

Julianne Moore, Dame Mary Berry, Prevalence of forced sterilisation Dec 06, 2023

Academy Award-winning actor Julianne Moore plays Gracie Atherton-Yoo in Todd Haynes’ newest film, May December. The film tells the story of a married couple who were at the centre of a notorious tabloid relationship, and the actress doing research on them for a film about their past. Julianne joins Krupa to talk about the controversies within the film, and how it’s already been tipped for the Oscars.

Lina Mookerjee had been married to her husband Richard for more than 15 years when he lost both his sight and hearing. Lina is now as much a carer to Richard as she is a wife. Lina and Richard join Krupa to share their story and discuss what they describe as the ‘invisible’ work of carers.

Dame Mary Berry joins Krupa to discuss her one-off TV special ‘Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas.’ She tells us how her Scottish roots have inspired her latest festive recipes and gives us some tips for entertaining this Christmas.

The New York Times has just published an investigation into the prevalence of forced sterilisation of disabled women in Europe, even when the procedure is not medically necessary and despite it being banned under multiple international treaties. New York Times reporter Sarah Hurtes met with families who have chosen to sterilise their daughters and women who have undergone sterilisation procedures. She joins Krupa to talk about what she found and we also speak to German politician Katrin Langensiepen who is one of the few visibly disabled members of the European Parliament. She’s pushing for a strict Europe-wide outright ban on non-consensual sterilisation.

Presented by Krupa Padhy Producer: Louise Corley

Women's Football, Head of Ofcom, The politics of Christmas presents Dec 05, 2023

There are big changes afoot for women’s football. Former England Lioness Karen Carney published a review into the women’s domestic game over the summer and the Government has just announced that it will back all the findings from her report. That includes making the top two tiers professional and giving the sport a dedicated broadcast slot. Baroness Sue Campbell, director of women's football at the Football Association, discusses their decision.

The head of Ofcom, Dame Melanie Dawes, talks about her plans to make tech companies stop children accessing online pornography in her first broadcast interview on the subject. Under the new Online Safety Act, which came into effect last month, the regulator has been tasked with coming up with age verification measures. Latest research shows that the average age at which children first see online pornography is 13 - although nearly a quarter come across it by age 11 and one in 10 as young as nine. By 18, 79% have encountered violent pornography depicting coercive, degrading or pain-inducing sex acts.

A report out today details for the first time the views of the bereaved families of women killed by men. A woman is killed by a man on average every three days in the UK and the charity Killed Women is campaigning to end this and improve the experiences for families forced to deal with it. The director of Killed Women, Anna Ryder, joins Krupa Padhy to discuss the report’s findings ahead of a planned protest outside Parliament.

Now it's only 20 sleeps until Christmas, and for many of you that might mean running around the shops buying all your Christmas presents. But one woman who is bucking this trend is the writer and journalist Nell Frizzell, who says that her family Christmases have improved since they stopped buying one another gifts. Nell and Ellie Gibson, comedian and one half of the Scummy Mummies who IS a big fan of gifting every festive season discuss.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Stella Creasy MP, Living with one breast, City Girl in Nature Dec 04, 2023

A man has been convicted in court of harassing the Labour MP Stella Creasy. This harassment included reporting her to social services as an 'unfit mother'. A safeguarding review quickly cleared Stella Creasy – but the complaint cannot be removed from her records. Today, she is tabling an amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill, to allow councils to delete baseless complaints. Stella Creasy speaks to Krupa Padhy about her fight for justice under a law she herself drafted. She also pays tribute to fellow Labour politician Glenys Kinnock, who died on Sunday.

Last week on the programme we heard from Katy Marks, an architect by trade, who discovered after her single mastectomy that there was no bra on the market that was flat on one side. She didn’t want to use a prosthetic and so designed her own. Lots of you got in touch following that item to talk about your own experiences of living with one breast. Krupa is joined by two listeners, Diane Devlin and Laura Homer.

Born and raised in Deptford, south east London, Kwesia didn’t grow up with a lot of nature around her. That’s until she went on a life-changing trip to the Amazon. She’s since created her YouTube channel, City Girl in Nature, to guide other city dwellers into the great outdoors. She speaks to Krupa about her platform, nature activism work, and winning Best New Voice at the Audio Production Awards for her podcast Get Birding.

Some studies have found that women are more vulnerable to negative health impacts of single-use plastics, and women also form a larger majority of plastic consumers. With COP28 now underway in Dubai, Krupa is joined by Christina Dixon from Environmental Investigation Agency - an NGO which uncovers environmental crime and abuse. She would like to see plastic pollution being given a higher profile in climate talks.

What do our shoe choices say about us? A new exhibition at the Arc in Winchester in Hampshire called SHOES: INSIDE OUT looks at our relationship with our footwear. From the functional and practical to the fashionable and extravagant, what can shoes tell us about our social history, modern lives and our aspirations? Krupa is joined by Claire Isbester, co-curator of the exhibition.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Emily Blunt, Stammering, Long-distance friendships, Maria Callas' legacy Dec 02, 2023

Research by the charity Stamma shows that 8% of children will start stuttering at some point. Our listener Geri, a mother who’s son has a stammer, got in touch with Woman’s Hour and asked us to discuss the topic. Kirsten Howells from Stamma, Tiktok influencer Jessie Yendle and Geri join Claire McDonnell to share their own experiences and advice.

Actor Emily Blunt found fame as the scene-stealing assistant in The Devil Wears Prada, and has since starred in many films including Mary Poppins Returns and A Quiet Place with her real-life husband John Krasinski. She is also in one of this year’s biggest cinematic hits, Oppenheimer. As Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster about the father of the atomic bomb is released on ultra-HD DVD and Blu-ray, Emily Blunt talks to Clare McDonnell about her role as Kitty Oppenheimer, Robert’s wife.

How do you keep long-distance friendships going? Clare talks to filmmaker Shannon Haly, who lives in New York and wrote a viral poem about missing her best friend. They are joined by the journalist Rose Stokes who, after having an 18-year long-distance friendship decided to move to live in the same city as her friend.

What do women look for in a bra after breast cancer surgery? Clare is joined by Katy Marks, an architect by trade, who discovered after her single mastectomy that there was no bra on the market that was flat on one side. She didn’t want to use a prosthetic and so designed her own, called Uno, which launched on Monday. She’ll be joined on the programme by Asmaa Al-allak who won this year’s Great British Sewing Bee and is a consultant breast surgeon who has made post-surgery lingerie for her patients.

Today marks 100 years since the birth of one of opera’s most renowned and influential singers of the 20th century: the iconic heroine, Maria Callas. But what is it about her talent that has transcended the decades? Two sopranos – Alison Langer and Nadine Benjamin – join Anita to describe Maria Callas’ enduring star quality.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Hanna Ward Studio Manager: Tim Heffer

Director Adura Onashile, Grieving and Christmas Shopping, Maria Callas's Centenary Dec 01, 2023

In Adura Onashile’s debut film, Girl, mother Grace and daughter Ama have recently arrived in Glasgow and have created a beautiful cocoon for themselves in a council block apartment. But Grace carries deep trauma from her past, and she finds it exceptionally difficult to watch her daughter go out into the world alone. Director Adura Onashile tells Anita why she emphasised the beauty of urban poverty, and how she drew on her relationship with her own mother.

Gwyneth Paltrow shared a photo on Instagram holdings hands with her ex-husband Chris Martin's current partner, Dakota Johnson.. But we ask, could you be friends with your ex's new partner? Alexandra Jones, a journalist who wrote a feature for Vogue about why she feels great about having a friendship with her ex’s now wife.

Tomorrow marks one hundred years since the birth of one Opera’s most renowned and influential singers of the 20th century: the iconic heroine, Maria Callas. But what is it about her talent that has transcended the decades? Two sopranos – Alison Langer and Nadine Benjamin – join Anita to describe Maria Callas’ enduring star quality.

Going shopping after a loved one has died can be a sharp reminder of your loss. Carmel Bones, who recently lost the main three men in her life now finds it hard to go into men’s department stores. Anita speaks to Carmel about her plan to tackle her grief and psychotherapist Julia Samuel gives her advice.

Next Sunday, December 3, the annual Radio 4 Christmas Appeal is taking place. Money raised by the Appeal will go to people experiencing homelessness, as well as to support frontline workers and to fund organisations working to end and prevent homelessness. West Mercia Women’s Aid are one of the charities who receive donations to assist some of the women that come to them for help. Anita speaks to Chief Executive, Sue Coleman to find out how important this funding is and why they are focussed on older women vulnerable to domestic abuse.

Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley

Emily Blunt, Pathologist-novelist, Baby formula, Short marriages Nov 30, 2023

Actor Emily Blunt found fame as the scene-stealing assistant in The Devil Wears Prada, and has since starred in many films including Mary Poppins Returns and A Quiet Place with her real-life husband John Krasinski. She is also in one of this year’s biggest cinematic hits, Oppenheimer. As Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster about the father of the atomic bomb is released on ultra-HD DVD and Blu-ray, Emily Blunt talks to Clare McDonnell about her role as Kitty Oppenheimer, Robert’s wife.

The price of baby formula has been making the headlines this week. The main brands have been pulled up by the Government’s Competition and Markets Authority for their high pricing. In fact, their research shows that the retail price is a lot higher than the costs to make the product. Joining Clare to discuss the high prices is Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA and Kirsty Jackson, the founder of High Peak Baby Bank, a donation service for families in need up in the Staffordshire area.

How common is it for a long relationship to end with a short marriage? What is it about formalising a union, or having a wedding that can be the catalyst for a split? And what are the legal pitfalls that couples might want to avoid? Clare is joined by Eve Simmons, US Health and Wellness Editor for the Daily Mail and Laura Naser, a partner in family law.

As Ireland's first female state pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy helped to solve murders and clarify unexplained deaths for over 15 years. She tells Clare what drew her to this career, how she deals with the emotionally taxing nature of the job and why she's now turned to writing with her debut novel 'Body of Truth'.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Duncan Hannant and Neva Missirian

British Gymnastics and safeguarding, Long-distance friendships, Myha’la, Hunters, Hockey kits Nov 29, 2023

Last year's landmark Whyte Review into gymnastics detailed 'systemic issues' of physical and emotional abuse between 2008 and 2020. Today, British Gymnastics has for the first time introduced safeguarding policies relating to weighing, hydration and academic education, which they say are designed to better protect the welfare of gymnasts, but do they go far enough? Clare speaks to David Hart, performance director for British Gymnastics, Karen Whelan, gymnastics coach and mother of two-time British Olympian Hannah Whelan, and Eloise Jotischky, former elite gymnast and trustee and the youth voice on the Gymnasts for Change board and the first (and currently only) person to win a civil case against British Gymnastics for the abuse she experienced in the sport.

The actor Myha'la joins Clare to discuss her latest project starring alongside Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali in the film Leave the World Behind. It's an apocalyptic thriller which sees Julia Roberts's character Amanda rent a luxury house in the countryside with her family. They're disturbed by Ruth, played by Myha'la, and her father who claim they own the house and need a place to stay following a mysterious cyber attack.

Team GB hockey player Tess Howard campaigned for women to be able to choose whether they play in shorts or the traditional skort for their matches, resulting in official changes to the sport’s kit regulations. She’s been awarded Changemaker of the Year at the Sunday Times Sportswomen awards for her work.

How do you keep long-distance friendships going? Clare talks to film maker Shannon Haly, who lives in New York and wrote a viral poem about missing her best friend. They are joined by the journalist Rose Stokes who, after having an 18-year long-distance friendship decided to move to live in the same city as her friend.

It's long been claimed that in prehistoric times, women were gatherers while men were hunters. However, new research debunks this narrative and suggests that women were actually superior to men when it comes to hunting. Clare spoke to Dr Annamieke Milks, a palaeolithic archaeologist from the University of Reading who is an expert in hunting and weapons.

Presenter Clare McDonnell Producer: Dianne McGregor

Parenting a child with a stammer, EHRC Chair Baroness Falkner, Ukrainian chess player Kamila Hryshchenko Nov 28, 2023

Research by the charity Stamma shows that 8% of children will start stuttering at some point. Our listener Geri, a mother who’s son has a stammer, got in touch with Woman’s Hour and asked us to discuss the topic. Kirsten Howells from Stamma, Tiktokker Jessie Yendle and Geri join Claire McDonnell to share their own experiences and advice.

In 2013 Benita Alexander was working as a producer at NBC in New York. Tasked with putting a documentary together on renowned Swiss surgeon Dr Paolo Macchiarini, the pair soon grew close and started dating. However, not was all what it seemed with both their relationship and the success of his surgical invention. Benita joins Claire McDonnell to tell her story, as featured in the new Netflix documentary, Bad Surgeon: Love Under The Knife?

The UK’s Equalities and Human Rights Commission is being investigated by the UN over its position on “biological sex” and the provision of single-sex spaces. We talk to EHRC Chair Baroness Kishwer Falkner.

Kamila Hryshchenko is one of the highest chess ranked players in England however until very recently she represented a different nation. Kamila and her mother were forced to flee their home nation of Ukraine during the outbreak of war in 2022 and it was chess that proved instrumental to securing Kamila and her mother’s safety. Kamila has chosen to now play for England and she joins Clare McDonnell.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Emma Pearce

Dame Harriet Walter, Runner Eilish McColgan, Post-mastectomy bras Nov 27, 2023

Award-winning actor Dame Harriet Walter is back on stage at the National Theatre in Federico Lorca’s newly-adapted The House of Bernada Alba. After a break of seven years playing assorted television roles including ‘difficult’ mothers in Succession and Ted Lasso, she’s back treading the boards and once again playing a formidable matriarch. She joins Clare McDonnell in the studio to talk about her career so far, as well as her newest role.

As of today, police in Northern Ireland can now charge people with upskirting, downblousing and cyber-flashing. At the same time, British Transport Police are encouraging women to lower their tolerance for sexual harassment during their commute and report minor offenders more often. So is recognition of so-called 'minor' sexual offences improving? Clare speaks to Naomi Long, Leader of the Alliance Party and former Northern Ireland Justice Minister, and to women's rights activist Zan Moon.

What do women look for in a bra after breast cancer surgery? Clare is joined by Katy Marks, an architect by trade, who discovered after her single mastectomy that there was no bra on the market that was flat on one side. She didn’t want to use a prosthetic and so designed her own, called Uno, which launches today. She’ll be joined on the programme by Asmaa Al-allak who won this year’s Great British Sewing Bee and is a consultant breast surgeon who has made post-surgery lingerie for her patients.

Runner Eilish McColgan follows in the footsteps of her mother Liz McColgan in the pursuit of sporting greatness. Now she’s made a documentary telling their story, looking at their relationship and charting the times Eilish has broken her mother’s records – all except the marathon. Eilish joins Clare to talk about making the documentary, as well as the pressures and benefits of following in the family business.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Sharon Osbourne, Jodie Whittaker and Outgoing Chief Inspectorate of Ofsted, Amanda Spielman Nov 25, 2023

For more than two decades, Sharon Osbourne has been a regular feature on our screens. She came to prominence while appearing with her husband Ozzy on The Osbournes - a reality television show on MTV, which followed the family's daily life. She later became a talent show judge on television programmes such as the X Factor and America's Got Talent. She joins Anita Rani to discuss her forthcoming theatre show - Sharon Osbourne - Cut The Crap!

Actor Jodie Whittaker joins Woman’s Hour to talk about her role in a new Australian six part drama called One Night. Shot in New South Wales the story unfolds around three women from a coastal community whose reunion after many years apart is intensified by the publishing of a novel based on their lives. She joins Emma to discuss some of her other hard hitting roles post Doctor Who.

Amanda Spielman is coming to the end of an unprecedented seven year tenure at the helm of Ofsted. This year the organisation has come under intense scrutiny over its inspection regime and in particular the use of single-phrase judgments of schools, and the potential mental health impacts of those on school leaders and teachers. During the week Ofsted’s annual report is released, Amanda Spielman joins Emma for her only BBC interview.

Another Body is an award-winning documentary which follows US engineering student, 'Taylor', in her search for answers and justice after she discovers deepfake pornography of herself circulating online. Ahead of its release in the UK, one of the documentary's directors, Sophie Compton joins Emma to discuss why she decided to make this documentary, what she found and why she used deepfake technology herself to anonymise the identities of the protagonists.

Coaching for sonographers, the professionals carrying out the scans, on how to deliver unexpected and potentially devastating pregnancy news has been successfully tested in new research from the University of Leeds. Emma speaks to the lead researcher, Dr Judith Johnson, and also Karen, who says she was left with PTSD after receiving unexpected news about the health of her baby during a scan.

Sharon Osbourne, Shani Dhanda, Nurses and their mental health Nov 24, 2023

For more than two decades, Sharon Osbourne has been a regular feature on our screens. She came to prominence while appearing with her husband Ozzy on The Osbournes - a reality television show on MTV, which followed the family's daily life. She later became a talent show judge on television programmes such as the X Factor and America's Got Talent. She joins Anita Rani to discuss her forthcoming theatre show - Sharon Osbourne - Cut The Crap! - in which she promises to reveal all about some of the hardest years of her eventful life.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is warning of a growing mental health crisis amongst nursing staff, as its membership support line data shows a substantial increase in the number of nursing staff seeking help for having suicidal thoughts. We hear from Hannah Cadogan - a nurse currently working in the NHS - and Stephen Jones, the Lead for Mental Health at the RCN to unpick what lies behind this increase.

Dr Shani Dhanda is a disability inclusion & accessibility specialist, social entrepreneur and broadcaster. This month she was named the UK’s most influential disabled person by the Shaw Trust as part of the Disability Power 100 nominated by the public and judged by an independent panel. Shani is also an Ambassador for disability charity Scope. The Autumn Statement was controversial in its announcements affecting sick and disabled people, with the Government claiming their changes would support more people into work and campaigners and some professionals saying they could make the situation worse. Shani joins us to give her take, but also to discuss her life.

Women composers for the film, TV and gaming industries are rare; this month a report, Female Professionals in European Film Production 2023 revealed only 10% of European film composers are women; and in this year’s GameSoundCon Game Audio Industry Survey, women game composers and sound designers made up only 15% of the talent. Anita discusses what can be done to reduce the gender gap in the media music industry with the composers Hannah Peel and Bishi.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Jodie Whittaker, Ofsted Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman Nov 23, 2023

Actor Jodie Whittaker joins Woman’s Hour to talk about her role in a new Australian six part drama called One Night. Shot in New South Wales the story unfolds around three women from a coastal community whose reunion after many years apart is intensified by the publishing of a novel based on their lives. The central theme being the rape of Jodie’s character Tess twenty years previously and the impact its had on all their lives. Emma Barnett will be asking her about some of her other hard hitting roles post Doctor Who.

Amanda Spielman is coming to the end of an unprecedented seven year tenure at the helm of Ofsted. This year the organisation has come under intense scrutiny over its inspection regime and in particular the use of single-phrase judgments of schools, and the potential mental health impacts of those on school leaders and teachers, with many in the profession arguing that the current system is now unfit for purpose, and requires a complete overhaul. On the day Ofsted’s annual report is released, Amanda Spielman joins Emma Barnett for her only BBC interview.

The politician Margot Wallström introduced the concept of a feminist foreign policy to the world in 2014 when she became foreign secretary of Sweden. During her tenure she publicly recognised the state of Palestine, endorsed a United Nations ban on nuclear weapons and made no secret of her dislike for President Trump. Since then more than a dozen governments have announced their commitment to a feminist foreign policy, but what does it actually mean? Emma Barnett talks to Margot Wallström and to the German activist and author Kristina Lunz who has just written the Future of Foreign Policy is Feminist

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Deepfake pornography, Professor Yvonne Doyle – lessons from the pandemic, Pianist Chloe Flower Nov 22, 2023

Another Body is an award-winning documentary which follows US engineering student, Taylor, in her search for answers and justice after she discovers deepfake pornography of herself circulating online. Ahead of its release in the UK, one of the documentary's directors, Sophie Compton joins Emma to discuss why she decided to make this documentary, what she found and why she used deepfake technology herself to anonymise the identities of the protagonists.

The Covid-19 inquiry continues with key scientists sharing their insights into the pandemic response. Someone who has already given their testimony is Professor Yvonne Doyle. Professor Doyle was the former Medical Director and Director of Health Protection for the now defunct Public Health England. She speaks to Emma about the role of PHE in the pandemic response, her experience as a senior woman in government at the time and lessons we can learn from the pandemic.

Israel has agreed to a four day pause in its retalitory bombardment of Gaza for the first time since the attacks, masssacring and kidnapping of Israelis by Hamas on October 7th. Hamas has agreed a deal to release 50 of the more than 200 hostages being held in Gaza. It is understood these will be women and children. Emma discusses the news with Yolande Nell, the BBC's Middle East correspondent in Jerusalem and Martin Richards, hostage and crisis negotiator and kidnap response consutlant.

The pianist Chloe Flower came to the public’s attention after a show-stopping performance with rap queen Cardi B at the 2019 Grammy Awards. She has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music from Celine Dion to American rappers such as: Meek Mill, Lil Baby, 2Chainz and Nas. Recently Chloe received an award from Gloria Steinem at the Asia Society’s Last Girl Awards for her efforts in the fight against human trafficking. She joins Emma to talk about her “popsical” musical style, which infuses classical music with contemporary pop, and to perform live from her ‘Chloe Hearts Christmas’ album.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley

Carry On women, Unexpected news at baby scans Nov 21, 2023

Barbara Windsor, Hattie Jacques and Joan Sims were some of the iconic women who starred in the Carry On films from the late 1950s onwards. From Carry on Camping to Carry on Up the Khyber, the humour relied largely on innuendo, double entendre and slapstick comedy, with the women viewed as objects for male desire. But were they really sexist? Emma Barnett speaks to Gemma Ross, co-author of The Carry On Girls, who argues it was the women who came out on top and were more sexually confident than the men, as well as actor Anita Harris who was in Carry On Doctor.

The experiences of staff in the NHS are the subject of a report out today which has found that female NHS workers face an ‘embedded culture of misogyny.’ The campaign group Surviving in Scrubs has gathered testimony of 150 staff members through their website that launched last year and finds "systemic and institutional sexual violence" with experiences ranging from sexism to rape in the workplace. Emma is joined by Dr Chelcie Jewitt, a specialist trainee in emergency medicine at Merseyside hospitals and co-founder of Surviving in Scrubs, and Professor Dame Jane Dacre, former President of the Royal College of Physicians.

The podcast series Intrigue - Million Dollar Lover looks at love in later life and the question of inheritance when someone with adult children finds a new partner. Sue Mitchell follows the unlikely love story of Carolyn, who is 80 and has properties worth a few million dollars, and Dave, 57, a former drug addict who is homeless and has spent a decade in jail. Sue joins Emma ahead of the series release on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

Coaching for sonographers, the professionals carrying out the scans, on how to deliver unexpected and potentially devastating pregnancy news has been successfully tested in new research from the University of Leeds. We hear from the lead researcher, Dr Judith Johnson, and also from Karen, who says she was left with PTSD after receiving unexpected news about the health of her baby during a scan.

Angela Rippon, Jamie Bernstein on Maestro, Scorchio! The history of The Weather Girl Nov 20, 2023

After being the latest celebrity contestant to be voted off Strictly Come Dancing at Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom, Angela Rippon tells Emma Barnett about forming a lifelong friendship with her 28-year-old dance partner Kai Waddington. At 79, she was the oldest competitor in the series and has wowed the judges and the audience with her flexible dance moves. Sam Fraser started working as a standby weather presenter for BBC South in 2012. When a fan club for her bottom surfaced online and she became a topic on the YouTube channel, Babes of Britain, she soon realised her public reception was not on par with her male counterparts. She turned to stand-up comedy as an outlet – and compiled the experiences of women in her job to produce an Edinburgh Fringe Show, as well as Scorchio! The Story of the Weather Girl, which is on BBC Radio 4 this week. Yvette Greenway-Mansfield won a record settlement of at least £1 million from the NHS in September after her vaginal mesh implant following a hysterectomy caused traumatic complications. We hear her story and about her ongoing campaign on behalf of other sufferers. The legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein’s eldest daughter Jamie talks to Emma about her father and the new film about his life, Maestro, which is released this week. And Noam Sagi talks about waiting for news of his mother currently being held hostage in the Israeli-Gaza war.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Tim Heffer

Weekend Woman's Hour: Dame Kelly Holmes, justice secretary Alex Chalk, history of eyeliner Nov 18, 2023

Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes spoke publicly about her sexuality for the first time last year. Her new memoir, Unique, details how serving in the military in the late 1980s - when it was illegal to be gay in the military – was a major factor in contributing to her decades-long silence. She joins us to speak about her experience.

After a reshuffle that left the government with no women in the “big four” offices of state, we speak to Justice Secretary Alex Chalk about the impact of the reshuffle as well as sentencing reforms which will affect women.

From Nefertiti to Amy Winehouse, what is the personal and political power of eyeliner? We discuss with Zahra Hankir, author of Eyeliner: A Cultural History.

Tish Murtha is a celebrated photographer whose images of working-class life in North East England can be found in the National Portrait Gallery and Tate Britain. But in her lifetime, Murtha struggled to find work of any kind. Now her daughter, Ella, has made a film about Murtha’s life and work. We speak to Ella and producer of the documentary, Jen Corcoran.

How is our interaction with AI shifting our concepts of intimacy and sexuality as humans? We discuss with Kate Devlin, Reader in Artificial Intelligence & Society at King's College London, and to Trudy Barber, Senior Lecturer at Portsmouth University in Media Studies.

In April 2020, Debenhams in Ireland closed all 11 of its stores, informing its staff they had been let go in the process. What ensued were pickets and protests across Ireland that lasted for 406 days. As a new film is released on the subject, we're joined by two women who were involved, Carol Ann Bridgeman and Jane Crowe.

Life and work of photographer Tish Murtha, Sitcom Such Brave Girls, Finding your dress shape Nov 17, 2023

Brave Girls is a new sitcom following a dysfunctional family made up of sisters Josie and Billie and their mum Deb. It’s a fictional show exploring trauma but it's a comedy in every sense of the word. Ahead of its release on BBC Three and iPlayer next Wednesday, Anita Rani is joined by Kat Sadler, who plays Josie, and by her real life AND fictional sister Lizzie Davidson, who plays Billie.

Just over a year ago, on 28th October, 2022, we did a nursery and childcare special programme, looking at whether the system needs an overhaul. Early this year, the government announced plans to extend the government's existing offer of 30 hours free childcare to working parents of children aged 9-months to two-years-old in England. Beginning in April 2024, funding will be rolled out in stages. Prior to this, only working parents of three and four-year-olds were entitled to the free 30 hours. Now, new BBC News analysis estimates that demand for places at nurseries and childminders is likely to rise by about 15% - equivalent to more than 100,000 additional children in full-time care. Anita dicusses the issues with Neil Leitch, Chief Executive of the Early Years Alliance.

Tish Murtha is a celebrated photographer whose images of working-class life in North East England can be found in the National Portrait Gallery and Tate Britain. But in her lifetime, Murtha struggled to find work of any kind. Now her daughter, Ella, has made a film about Murtha’s life and work. Ella talks to Anita, along with Jen Corcoran, who produced the documentary.

Are you an apple? A pear? An hourglass? Or even an inverted triangle? For years women have been told to dress for their shape. But our shape doesn’t stay the same over the course of our lifetime. So, how helpful are these shapes? Anita discusses with Anna Berkeley, stylist and founder of the body mapping app, Think Shape, who believes we should actually be more interested in our proportions, and Shakaila Forbes-Bell, Fashion Psychologist and author of Big Dress Energy.

Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley

Dr Who actor Jemma Redgrave on the show's new 60th anniversary shows and the history of eyeliner Nov 16, 2023

It’s Doctor Who’s 60th year and to celebrate, there will be three anniversary specials coming to your screens starting next week. Jemma Redgrave will be returning as Kate Stewart - Chief Scientific Officer at UNIT - the military organisation set up to investigate alien threats to earth. Jemma speaks to Emma Barnett about what we can expect and what it is like being a part of the show.

Professor Dame Lesley Regan talks about the decision to let women access the contraceptive pill from pharmacies in England, from next month, without the need for a GP appointment.

There is going to be a new parental leave policy in France. Parents will be entitled to “family leave” worth half their salary for up to a year. We talk a lot on Woman’s Hour about the maternity leave, paternity leave and shared parental leave policies in this country – but what could we learn by looking abroad? Professor Alison Koslowski from University College London and Elena Brown from Rand Europe outline and discuss the different policies.

Emmy-nominated film director Nisha Pahuja joins Woman’s Hour to talk about her new documentary, To Kill A Tiger. It focuses on Ranjit, the father of a young girl in a tribal Indian village who has been sexually assaulted, and his battle for justice. Nisha tells Emma why she wanted to make a film about this and the important changes it has made.

Eyeliner is one of the most enduring cosmetic tools; it is an aesthetic trademark that was favoured by the ancient Egyptian Queen Nerfertiti, the late singer Amy Winehouse and still up there now, with Z beauty influencers. Writer Zahra Hankir reports its history in her new book Eyeliner.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Bob Nettles

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk on sentencing reforms Nov 15, 2023

After a reshuffle that saw Suella Braverman leave her post as Home Secretary, and left the government with no women in the “big four” offices of state, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk spoke to Emma Barnett. They discussed the impact of the reshuffle, as well as sentencing reforms which will affect women, and the alleged rapist currently serving as a Conservative MP.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition which affects one in 10 women, for whom tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, causing debilitating pain and in some cases fertility complications. But a charity that looks to support women suffering from the condition - Endometriosis South Coast - has faced criticism this week after announcing that a trans woman, Steph Richards, would be their new CEO. The decision to appoint Steph was made by Jodie Hughes, Chair of the Trustees, who also founded the charity. They spoke to Emma about the appointment.

Lisa Lintott always enjoyed writing, but being a single mum meant that this had to take a back seat. But when her son Jazz, an aspiring actor, found that he was only being sent typecast roles, Lisa enrolled herself into a creative writing masters and wrote her own play, casting her son in the lead role. Going for Gold, which tells the life story of British boxer Frankie Lucas, has since won multiple awards, including Best Production Play, Best Producer and Best Actor at this year’s Black British Theatre Awards, catapulting them both into the spotlight. Jazz and Lisa told Emma about this unexpected partnership.

Minnie the Minx is turning 70. In December the much loved Beano cartoon character will celebrate 70 years since her first appearance. The writers and illustrators of the Beano, based in Dundee, Scotland, created Minnie to “be just as tough as the boys” and “kick back against pre-war societal norms.” Well, that was in 1953. Today, a special edition of The Beano is coming out, guest-edited by England's football captain, Leah Williamson. Laura Howell has been drawing Minnie since 2018 and explained why Minnie’s popularity has endured.

Dame Kelly Holmes, Cabinet reshuffle, Debenhams picketers Nov 14, 2023

The four top jobs in Rishi Sunak’s new cabinet have all been filled with men. It’s the first time this has happened since 2009. To unpack what this means, Emma Barnett is joined by Baroness Kate Fall, former deputy chief of staff to the newly appointed Lord Cameron, and Executive Editor of Politico Anne McElvoy.

Double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes spoke publicly about her sexuality for the first time in June last year. Her new memoir, Unique, details how serving in the military in the late 1980s - when it was illegal to be gay in the military – was a major factor in contributing to her decades-long silence. Dame Kelly joins Woman’s Hour to speak about her experience and what it meant to hear the Government’s apology to LGBT veterans.

In April 2020, Debenhams in Ireland closed all 11 of its stores, informing its staff they had been let go in the process. What ensued were pickets and protests across Ireland that lasted for 406 days, 24 hours a day and through all weathers. As a new film is released on the subject in the UK, Emma is joined by Carol Ann Bridgeman who worked for Debenhams for 15 years and Jane Crowe who worked there for 23 years.

Karuna Nundy is an advocate at the Supreme Court in India and has been leading legal campaigns to criminalise marital rape and to legalise same-sex marriage. She was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2022 and will be giving a speech on her career tonight at the Institute for Development Studies. She joins Emma to discuss her role in these high-profile cases.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lottie Garton

Suella Braverman sacked as home secretary, Natalie Cassidy, Breast Cancer treatment Nov 13, 2023

Following a weekend of speculation, the most senior woman in government Suella Braverman has been sacked from her role as Home Secretary. To discuss Emma is joined by Lucy Fisher, the Whitehall Editor for the Financial Times; and Claire Pearsall, former Home Office special advisor under Amber Rudd and Sajid Javid.

The gripping BBC One drama ‘Time’ focuses on the stories of three women, and shows the stark differences for female and male prisoners. Emma is joined by Time’s screenwriter, Helen Black, who has first-hand experience of the criminal justice system from her past career in the law, and Lady Unchained, who was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for grievous bodily harm following a fight in a club while trying to protect her sister. She is now a poet, performer and broadcaster.

The actor Natalie Cassidy pays tribute to the late Anna Scher who taught children in North London to act for more than 50 years.

How is our interaction with AI shifting our concepts of intimacy and sexuality as humans? Emma Barnett talks to the Kate Devlin Kate Devlin who’s a Reader Artificial Intelligence & Society at King's College London and the author of Turned On: Science, Sex and Robots, and to Trudy Barber, Senior Lecturer at Portsmouth University in Media Studies.

Tens of thousands of women in England could benefit from a drug that helps prevent breast cancer. Anastrozole, used for many years to treat the disease, has now been licensed as a preventative option, and almost 300 thousand women will be eligible to take it. But is it as big a step forwards as it seems? Former surgeon and breast cancer survivor Dr Liz O’Riordan joins Emma to discuss.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Weekend Woman's Hour: Perinatal pelvic health, ‘Grey pound’ fashion, Jilly Cooper, Swearing, Hot flushes Nov 11, 2023

The Government has announced £11 million in funding for the NHS in England to roll out a dedicated perinatal pelvic health service across all trusts. The aim of these new perinatal pelvic health services will be to help educate and assess women during pregnancy and after a traumatic birth – but how will it work? Emma Barnett hears from Jacqui Barrett, who had a traumatic birth and was incontinent for a year, Professor Swati Jha, consultant gynaecologist and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the Conservative MP Maria Caulfield, who is the Women’s Health Minister. Luxury brands are beginning to feature ‘timeless icons’ in their campaigns to attract older shoppers with more spending power. Is the fashion industry finally responding to the strength of the so-called 'grey pound'? Alexandra Schulman, journalist and former editor-in-chief of British Vogue and retail analyst Kate Hardcastle discuss. Jilly Cooper has sold more than two million copies of her books, including Riders, Rivals, and Polo - taking us into the glamorous worlds of show jumping and classical music. Her latest novel, Tackle!, takes us to the football pitch and features her legendary hero Rupert Campbell-Black. Jilly joins Emma to talk about football, why there is less sex in her novels now, and her view on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reading her books. Why do we swear, and are women judged differently for swearing than men? Why are some swear words considered more offensive than others, and what does that tell us about misogyny and sexism in society? Dr Emma Byrne, scientist and author of Swearing Is Good For You: The Amazing Science of Bad Language, and Dr Rebecca Roache, the author of a new book, For F's Sake: Why Swearing is Shocking, Rude and Fun, discuss. The ABC News Breakfast guest host Imogen Crump has been praised for helping to normalise symptoms of perimenopause, after she experienced a severe hot flush on live television. Emma asks her about what happened.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Swearing, Women in north east India, The 'grey pound' and fashion, A story of brutal crime, forgiveness and empathy Nov 10, 2023

If you've been following the Covid inquiry, you may have noticed a lot of strong and swearing language. So why do we swear, and are women judged differently for swearing than men? In her new book For F*ck's Sake: Why Swearing is Shocking, Rude, and Fun, Dr Rebecca Roache explores double standards, the misogynistic roots of certain swear words and the challenges in reclaiming them. Anita Rani is also joined by the scientist Dr Emma Byrne who discusses why she swears, swearing in front of children and her own relationship with certain swear words.

Six months ago, there was a horrific act of violence in north-east India, when two women were stripped, paraded naked, and allegedly gang raped by a mob. It made the news nationally when their ordeal was made public in a viral video. Now the two women have spoken for the first time, in a face-to-face interview with the BBC's Divya Arya.

Luxury fashion brand Loewe recently made headlines with the face of their Spring/Summer 2024 pre-collection campaign: 88-year-old Dame Maggie Smith is pictured modelling some of their best-selling bags. Is this a step in a new direction for the world of fashion? Are major brands waking up to the consumer power of the 'Grey Pound'? Anita Rani is joined retail analyst Kate Hardcastle and former British Vogue Editor Alexandra Shulman.

In 1985 in Gary, Indiana, four girls aged between 14 and 16 years old entered the house of an elderly woman and brutally murdered her. They took her car and a small amount of cash. The girls were black and the woman was white. Ruth Pelke was a Bible school teacher, a widow, well-known in her community. Those facts are not disputed. A new book called Seventy Times Seven by Alex Mar is a forensic study of what happened before and after that day and her focus is on Paula Cooper - a 15-year-old girl sentenced to death for her crime. So far, so grim, but this is also a story of forgiveness and radical empathy. Alex Mar joins Anita.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Nour Swirki in Gaza, Baroness Falkender's secrets, Divorce, Alzheimer's, Hot flushes Nov 09, 2023

We have been bringing you women's voices from Israel and Gaza since the start of the war. Yesterday, you will have heard on the programme Rachel Goldberg, mother of a 23-year-old hostage Hersh Goldberg Polin, kidnapped by Hamas from a music festival in Israel. Today, we hear from a mother in Gaza. Nour Swirki is a journalist with two children living in Khan Younis, a city in the southern strip of Gaza, with her husband, mother and sister - they have had to leave their home in Gaza City for safety reasons and relocate to the south - a fraught journey many more Palestinians are expected to make. Due to the difficulties in speaking live to guests in Gaza, we asked Nour to record for us voice notes explaining the situation she and her family are currently in. She and her husband continue to work as journalists while her wider family look after her children - a son and daughter aged 10 and 12.

The ABC News Breakfast guest host Imogen Crump has been praised for helping to normalise symptoms of perimenopause, after she experienced a severe hot flush on live television. Emma Barnett asks her about what happened.

Research from the University of Bristol demonstrates that women can lose out financially when they divorce. The number of couples seeking legal advice during divorce proceedings is falling, and old-fashioned procedures that disadvantage women are being used. To find out more, and get advice on how to make sure you are not penalised financially, Emma speaks to financial planner Megan Jenkins and family lawyer Amanda McAlister.

The NHS is launching a new study into Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, which affects around twice as many women as men. The study, a joint project with Alzheimer’s Research UK and Alzheimer’s Society, will use a blood test to detect for the disease at an early stage. There is currently no single test for Alzheimer's and patients can wait years for a diagnosis. Dr Susan Mitchell, Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, one of the charities leading this study talks to Emma.

Emma talks to journalist Linda McDougall about her new biography of Marcia Williams, who went on to become Baroness Falkender. Linda hopes to shift public perception of the Baroness as a Svengali figure who influenced Prime Minister Harold Wilson during the sixties and seventies, and gain recognition for her achievements for the Labour Party. Linda's alternative history is called Marcia Williams, The Life and Times of Baroness Falkender.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Studio manager: Duncan Hannant

Jilly Cooper, Rachel Goldberg – mother of hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Women & binge drinking, Perinatal pelvic health service. Nov 08, 2023

Jilly Cooper began her career as a journalist, wrote columns on marriage, sex and housework for the Sunday Times, and numerous works of non-fiction before turning to romance novels - to great success. She has sold more than two million copies of her books including: Riders, Rivals, and Polo - taking us into the glamorous worlds of show jumping and classical music. Her latest novel Tackle! takes us to the football pitch and features her legendary hero Rupert Campbell-Black. Jilly joins Emma to talk about football, why there is less sex in her novels now, and her view on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reading her books.

Yesterday marked a month since Hamas launched its unprecedented attack on Israel in which 1,400 people were killed and more than 200 men, women and children taken hostage. One of those seized and kidnapped was Hersh Goldberg-Polin - a 23-year-old dual Israeli American citizen who was attending the Supernova music festival - the site of which became a massacre of a majority of young people - more than 250 people at the hands of Hamas. Hersh lost an arm during that attack but is still believed to be alive. Since then more than 10,300 people have been killed in Gaza according to the Hamas-run health ministry in retaliatory air strikes by Israeli forces demanding the return of its citizens. Emma speaks to Hersh's mother Rachel Goldberg.

A new report by the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development, which compared alcohol consumption across 38 countries, British women top the list as the heaviest binge drinkers alongside Denmark. The OECD found that 26% of British women reported binge drinking at least once a month - defined as having at least six drinks in a single session. Emma discusses the issues with Dr Helen Garr, GP and Medical Director of NHS Practitioner Health, a mental health and addiction service for healthcare professionals; and Catherine Gray, the author of The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober.

The government has announced £11 million in funding for the NHS in England to roll out a dedicated perinatal pelvic health service across all trusts. The aim of these new perinatal pelvic health services will be to help educate and assess women during pregnancy and after a traumatic birth – but how will it work? And is it enough? Emma speaks to Jacqui Barrett, who had a traumatic birth and was incontinent for a year, Professor Swati Jha, consultant gynaecologist and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the Conservative MP Maria Caulfield, who is the Women’s Health Minister.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley Studio engineer: Gayl Gordon

Caster Semenya, King's Speech, Jude Rogers on Kirsty MacColl Nov 07, 2023

Caster Semenya is one of the most decorated athletes of her generation but she is also one of the most scrutinised. The South African shot to fame in 2009 after winning the 800 metres at the World Championships in Berlin. Her performance was so astonishing it was met with questions about her sex and gender, with some asking publicly if she was really a woman. Caster's career, for all its highs, has been defined by a battle between her and the sport's governing body World Athletics about her right to compete. Caster joins Emma to discuss her career as she releases her new book A Race to be Myself.

Kirsty MacColl wrote and sang some of the most iconic pop songs of the eighties and nineties. She tends to be remembered best for Fairytale of New York, and for her untimely death in 2000. However, as a comprehensive new box set of her work, See That Girl, demonstrates, her influence and importance as an artist extends far beyond this. Music journalist Jude Rogers wrote an essay for the box set, and joins Emma in studio.

This morning, we'll have the first King's Speech in more than 70 years. In this morning's speech, the King is expected to include around 20 bills, focusing on criminal sentencing and smoking, among other things. A bill to change the leasehold system is also expected to be included. The BBC's Iain Watson gives us a run through of what to expect and Jo Darbyshire from the National Leasehold Campaign joins Emma to discuss why they want the leasehold system to be scrapped.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

MP rape allegations, Mothers' march, Melissa Caddick Nov 06, 2023

An unidentified Conservative MP has been accused of rape by several women. These allegations are mentioned in a new book by former cabinet secretary Nadine Dorries. It comes after reports the Conservative party's former chairman, Sir Jake Berry, wrote to the police to make them aware of the claims after leaving the post last year. The deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, has denied a cover-up by the party when he was the chairman. Emma Barnett hears the reaction of Isabel Hardman, Assistant Editor at The Spectator, and Conservative MP Caroline Nokes, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee.

A group of mothers under the umbrella of Just Stop Oil are planning a slow march to demand an end to new oil and gas licences and to call for a secure liveable future for their children. Just Stop Oil's tactics around the country, from blocking roads to halting theatre productions, are controversial. Emma is joined by two of the protesting mums.

When con woman Melissa Caddick vanished from her luxurious eastern Sydney home in November 2020 - with only her partially decomposed foot found washed up on a beach months later, it set off a frenzy in Australia. Regulators suspect the 49-year-old stole nearly £16m from more than 60 clients, including many of her family and friends, to help fund a lavish lifestyle. Chief investigative reporter at the Sydney Morning Herald, Kate McClymont, joins Emma to discuss.

We hear about a development in the case of Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old Kenyan woman who was found stabbed to death at a hotel in the garrison town of Nanyuki in 2012. Witnesses said she was last seen leaving the hotel bar with a British soldier, and her body was found in a septic tank at the hotel nearly three months later. A Kenyan judge concluded after an inquest in 2019 that she had been murdered by one or two British soldiers. As yet, nobody has been convicted. Kenyan police have now flown to the UK to question British soldiers and officers about the case. Emma speaks to Sunday Times journalist Hannah Al-Othman.

Sarah Whalley is the producer and director of Forests, an episode of Planet Earth III. She was pregnant during filming and chose to name her child Forest. Sarah talks to Emma about how the isolation of her pregnancy during lockdown was mirrored when they filmed a Hornbill bird in its nest for the first time.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Author Alex O'Brien on what playing poker can teach you, Maternity care & Sprinter Bianca Williams Nov 04, 2023

This week, the Maternity Safety Alliance group has called for a full statutory public inquiry into maternity safety in England. They joined Jess to explain why they’re calling for this inquiry as did Presenter Krupa Padhy, who has produced a documentary on Radio 4 which investigates this issue.

Writer and comedian Alison Larkin avoided love most of her adult life but in her 50s, she found true love for the first time with an Indian climate scientist. Then he died. Alison joins Krupa to tell her all about her new show based on this experience, Grief…Comedy at the Soho Theatre.

British sprinter Bianca Williams has had lots of success in Athletics competitions for almost a decade but in recent weeks it has been an investigation into an incident which happened three years ago that has put her back into the news. She joins Krupa to discuss her stop and search ordeal.

Singer-songwriter and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson has collaborated with a prestigious range of artists from Andrea Bocelli to Anoushka Shankar. She has now joined forces with London Symphony Orchestra Percussion Ensemble to create a new album, Ocean Floor. She joins Anita to discuss it.

Have you ever played poker? Did you think about how playing it could influence your life decisions? Science writer and poker player Alex O’Brien has written a new book, The Truth Detective, which explores how the game's rules and strategies help us to better navigate the world and make better choices. She spoke to Jess about the life lessons she’s learned from playing – and why she’s teaching her daughter.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Claire Fox

Cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Women & renting, Catherine Dalton cricketer, Women's peace petition, Maggie Murphy CEO, Lewes FC Nov 03, 2023

There is huge pressure in the rental market and women are being hit hardest of all, according to The Financial Times. Average rents have increased so much that “there are almost no affordable one-bedroom lets in London and the East of England for the average single mother”, according to ONS and rental market data analysed by the Financial Times. Women, and especially single mothers, are being forced to relocate away from networks of family and friends and even their children’s schools, in order to find somewhere affordable to live. Amy Borrett, a Data Journalist at the Financial Times and Victoria Benson, CEO of Gingerbread, the charity for single parent families, join Anita Rani to discuss the issues. The singer/songwriter and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson has collaborated with a prestigious range of artists from Andrea Bocelli and Anoushka Shankar to Nitin Sawhney and Akala, as well as touring as part of Peter Gabriel’s band. She has now joined forces with the London Symphony Orchestra Percussion Ensemble. Their new album Ocean Floor explores stories relating to Ayanna’s ancestral heritage, culture and identity, and blurs the boundaries between chamber music, jazz and soul. Ayanna performs in the studio, alongside Neil Percy, the LSO’s Principal Percussionist.

A hundred years ago, nearly 400,000 ordinary women in Wales signed a petition calling on the women of America to join them in demanding a world without war. Today a purple plaque is being unveiled in Aberystwyth to commemorate Annie Hughes Griffiths who led the delegation of Welsh women who brought the petition to the US and to the President. Dr Jenny Mathers, a senior lecturer in International Politics at Aberystwyth University, is co-editor of the book The Appeal 1923-23: The Remarkable Story of the Welsh Women's Peace Petition which is being launched today at the National Library of Wales.

Catherine Dalton is making waves in professional cricket, having just become the first woman to be hired as a men’s fast-bowling coach. A cricketer for Essex, Catherine has played four one day internationals and four T-20 internationals for Ireland - and she'll soon be joining the Pakistan Super League side The Maltan Saltans for their 2024 season.

In 2017, Lewes FC became the first English club to split its budget and resources equally between the men’s and women’s teams. It's just been announced the club's owners - made up entirely of its fans - voted in favour of moving forward with potential new investment in their women's team. It would come from Mercury 13, a consortium bidding to acquire women's football clubs in Europe and Latin America. Maggie Murphy, CEO of the club, and celebrated change-maker on the Woman's Hour Power List this year, explains why this is a big moment for how women's football could change and grow as its popularity continues to rise.

Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley

Covid Inquiry, Child-free friends, Afghans in Pakistan, Alison Larkin Nov 02, 2023

Former deputy cabinet secretary Helen McNamara gave evidence at the Covid Inquiry yesterday, saying that she thought that the culture in Number 10 was toxic and sexist. She was particularly critical of the explicit and misogynistic language the former chief advisor Dominic Cummings used to describe her. Krupa Padhy is joined by Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor for The Financial Times, and Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government, to discuss what this says about the treatment of women at the heart of government.

Journalist Rebecca Reid talks to Krupa about child-free friends and how she thinks they don't understand that she needs to be selfish now that she has a young child.

Pakistan has ordered all unauthorised Afghan asylum seekers to leave the country. Pakistan is home to over four million Afghan migrants and refugees, about 1.7 million of whom are undocumented, according to the authorities. As Afghanistan's neighbour, Pakistan, has seen people travel across the border for safety for four decades, from the 1979 Soviet invasion through to the more recent return of the Taliban in 2021, Krupa talks to Zarghuna Kargar, an Afghan Journalist at BBC News, about the impact of this decision on women.

The noughties was an incredibly hostile decade in which to be female, according to the writer Sarah Ditum. It was the time when the traditional media of television, film and newspapers was joined by the internet; and the fame that resulted for nine iconic women: Britney, Paris, Lindsay, Aaliyah, Janet, Amy, Kim, Chyna and Jen came at a price. Sarah examines how each of these women changed the concept of ‘celebrity’ forever, often falling victim to it, in her new book Toxic.

The writer and comedian Alison Larkin is the author of The English American, an autobiographical novel about an adopted English woman who finds her birth mother and Jane-Austen-like romance in the US. Alison had avoided love for most of her adult life. However, in her 50s she found true love with an Indian climate scientist who had also immigrated to the US. Then he died. After 30 years living in America, Alison is in the UK to perform her one woman show Grief... a Comedy which opens at the Soho Theatre in London on Monday.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Emma Harth

AI and child sexual abuse, Alex O’Brien, Molly Manning Walker Nov 01, 2023

As the Artificial Intelligence Safety Summit starts at Bletchley Park today, we look at the growing issue of AI generated child sexual abuse imagery. Jessica Creighton speaks to Emma Hardy from the Internet Watch Foundation and to Professor Gina Neff, Executive Director of the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy at Cambridge University.

Science writer and poker player Alex O’Brien explores how the game's rules and strategies could help us to navigate the world, in her new book The Truth Detective. She joins Jessica in the studio.

A recent report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health says that climate change is causing an existential threat to the health and wellbeing of all children. Their President Dr Camilla Kingdon tells Jessica why that is, and what can be done.

How do you navigate sex and consent as a teenager? How To Have Sex is the debut feature film of director Molly Manning Walker. It follows three best friends on a hedonistic post-GCSE trip to a party resort in Greece. As they fill their days sunning, clubbing and drinking, they also deal with troubling first sexual encounters and wrestle with issues of consent. Molly joins Jess to discuss the inspiration behind the film.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Lottie Garton

Failures in maternity care, Spain's Princess Leonor turns 18, Women's Ballon d'Or Oct 31, 2023

A group of families affected by failures in NHS maternity care are calling for a full statutory public inquiry into maternity safety in England. Emily Barley from the Maternity Safety Alliance group told Jessica Creighton why she thinks fundamental reform is needed. And presenter Krupa Padhy draws on her own personal story of baby loss in her BBC Radio 4 investigation, How safe is maternity care?

The Covid inquiry is already under way and has heard about an internal report into the culture at the top of Government in the early months of the pandemic. This found that female staff were talked over and ignored. So what is the impact on the workplace when women can't speak out? And how can women get their voices heard in the workplace? Barbara Nixon is a success and leadership coach and she joined Jessica to discuss.

There is a new superstar in women's football. Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí has won one of the sport's most presitgious awards... the Ballon d'Or. She is also one of five women nominated for the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award. Jo Currie, the BBC's Women's Football Correspondent, outlines the nominees.

Princess Leonor of Spain turns 18 today and has been swearing allegiance to the country. So who is the young princess, and what role might she play in Spanish public life? Rafa de Miguel is the UK and Ireland correspondent for the Spanish newspaper El Pais and he joined Jessica to discuss.

Producer: Hannah Sander Presenter: Jessica Creighton

Bianca Williams, Sandra Hüller, Living with your parents too long Oct 30, 2023

Bianca Williams and her partner, fellow athlete Ricardo dos Santos, were stopped outside their home in London in July 2020. They had their three-month-old baby with them in their car. Both were handcuffed and searched on suspicion of having drugs and weapons. None were found and neither was arrested. A police Misconduct Hearing was held involving the five officers present. Last week that hearing found that two Met officers must be sacked as the stop and search was found to have amounted to gross misconduct - allegations against three other officers were not proven. The two officers have since been dismissed. Bianca joins Krupa Padhy to discuss how she's been affected by the experience.

Living at home too long - An Italian court has ruled that a 75-year-old Italian woman can evict her “big baby” sons in their 40s. So how long is too long to live at home? We talk to Journalist Adriana Urbano.

Actor Sandra Hüller on her two Oscar nominations for roles in Anatomy of the Fall – where she plays a wife suspected of murdering her husband - and The Zone of Interest where she plays Hedwig Höss, the wife of a Nazi commander.

Amina Noor from London was found guilty at the Old Bailey last week of taking a three-year-old British child to Kenya for female genital mutilation in 2006. We talk to Jaswant Narwal the Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North on the wider implications of the case.

And Ellen Miller from Refuge, tells Krupa about her concerns for survivors of domestic abuse and stalking now that GP practices across England have been instructed to grant access to patients' medical records through the NHS app and other online portals.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Sue Maillot

Weekend Woman's Hour: Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Rescuing seal pups, Tell-all celebrity memoirs Oct 28, 2023

Leigh-Anne Pinnock - a name you may know, as a member of one of the biggest girl bands in the world, Little Mix. This year - almost two years since the band announced a hiatus - Leigh-Anne has embarked on her own solo career. She tells Anita Rani about her new memoir Believe, all about her life growing up, what it was really like going through The X Factor and how she found her voice.

Ukraine claims it has identified 20,000 children who it alleges have been abducted by Russia since the start of the war. Arrest warrants have been issued to President Putin and his Commissioner for Children's Rights. It's the subject of the latest work from film-maker Shahida Tulaganova, who joins us to discuss her ITV documentary Ukraine's Stolen Children.

Lizzi Larbalestier has cared for 139 seals in her home in Cornwall. She also helped set up a new seal hospital with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and has just won an animal action award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

Ruth Birch and Julia Curry are a couple from South Wales. They met as young women in the British Army, but had to leave because of the pressure they were under to lie about their sexuality and conceal their relationship. The stress led to them breaking up, but 20 years later they reunited. They join us to share their story.

Britney Spears has been in the news again after spilling personal stories in a memoir. Are women being pressured to overshare in order to sell books? And are men also expected to publicise their personal lives? Nina Stibbe, whose newest memoir is Went to London, Took the Dog, and Caroline Sanderson, Associate Editor of The Bookseller, joins us to discuss.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lucy Wai

Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Black British Book Festival, Gesbeen Mohammad Oct 27, 2023

Leigh-Anne Pinnock has embarked on her own solo career, almost two years after her band, Little Mix, called a hiatus - and has already released two songs. Now she's got a new book out, Believe, all about her life growing up, what it was really like going through the X Factor and how she found her voice. She joins Anita Rani to discuss it all.

The Black British Book Festival is now in its third year. It aims to celebrate new and emerging Black British authors across all genres of literature. To find out more, Anita speaks to author and events producer Selina Brown, who launched the festival, and Margaret Busby, Britain’s first black woman publisher, who is also currently President of English PEN, one of the world's oldest human rights organisations that campaigns for freedom of expression.

Gesbeen Mohammad is the producer and director of Inside Iran: The Fight For Freedom, a new documentary that has taken more than a year to make. It’s a story told through the eyes of ordinary Iranian women who took to the streets when Mahsa Amini died in September 2022. Gesbeen tells Anita about why these women chose to tell their stories, and what the current situation is in Iran.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Tell-all celebrity memoirs, child poverty, and 'de-banking' Oct 26, 2023

Britney Spears has been in the news again after spilling personal stories in a memoir. Are women being pressured to overshare in order to sell books? And are men also expected to publicise their personal lives? Nina Stibbe, whose newest memoir is Went to London, Took the Dog, and Caroline Sanderson, Associate Editor of The Bookseller, joined Emma Barnett to discuss.

Mary Turner Thomson found writing a memoir cathartic after discovering that her husband, William Allen Jordan, was not a spy as she had been told. He was actually a bigamist and a conman. Her story is now a documentary series, The Other Mrs Jordan: Catching the Ultimate Conman, which is available on ITVX. She and her daughter Eilidh told Emma about the day they discovered William's real identity.

A report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Heriot Watt university says the number of children in the UK living in destitution has nearly trebled since 2017. Why are families struggling, and what could be done to help? Abby Jitendra, Principal Policy Adviser at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and Sophia Worringer, Deputy Policy Director at the Centre for Social Justice, joined Emma. We also heard from Kimberley in Fife who contributed to the report.

Dame Alison Rose, the former chief executive of NatWest, has been found to have breached data protection laws after she publicly discussed the closure of Nigel Farage’s account with NatWest subsidiary bank Coutts. In the UK, banks closed more than 343,000 accounts in the last financial year. Gina Miller, the woman who spearheaded the anti-Brexit campaign before the 2016 referendum, was 'de-banked' and has called for an investigation into the practice.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Hannah Sander

Israel-Gaza war, Monica Dolan, Kathryn Mannix Oct 25, 2023

As the Israel-Gaza war continues, aid groups are calling for a ceasefire in Gaza as power shortages threaten the lives of vulnerable patients, including women and children. UN agencies have estimated that one-third of hospitals in Gaza and nearly two-thirds of primary health care clinics have had to shut due to damage or a lack of fuel. The Israeli government says Hamas is stock-piling thousands of litres of fuel. The biggest aid provider in Gaza, the UN, says its fuel will run out tonight, unless it gets fresh supplies - hospitals in Gaza are already limiting services to critical cases only. Emma Barnett hears from Save the Children's Soraya Ali, as well as women's voices from Gaza and Israel.

Lizzi Larbalestier has cared for 139 seals in her home in Cornwall. She also helped set up a new seal hospital with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and has just won an animal action award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

Actor Monica Dolan joins Emma to talk about starring in a new film about the undiscovered artist Audrey Amiss. Amiss was tipped for artistic greatness, but ended up cycling between mental hospitals and menial jobs for decades, and was sadly never exhibited, or recognised in her lifetime. Typist Artist Pirate King comes out this Friday.

What normally happens as someone dies? These questions and others are answered in a new short animation ‘Dying for Beginners’. Kathryn Mannix is a retired palliative care doctor, who’s made it her mission to demystify what happens as we die. She’s worked with Theos Think Tank to produce the video, and will also be giving their annual public lecture on the public understanding of dying at the Royal Society for Medicine on 1st November. Kathryn joins Emma.

Ruth Birch and Julia Curry, Liza Mundy, Lyse Doucet and Tal Hochman, Cindy Thomas and Laura Barton Oct 24, 2023

Liza Mundy is the bestselling author of Code Girls, a book about the American women who broke codes during the Second World War. Her new book details the lives of spies and intelligence agents behind some of the biggest operations in postwar history including locating Osama bin Laden, and rescuing the schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram.

Around 80 Israeli rights groups have signed a letter calling on the organisation UN Women to condemn acts of violence against women by Hamas. The letter was addressing a statement issued by UN Women, a United Nations entity which aims to be a global champion of women and girls – which they said ‘ignored the atrocities that took place on Oct 7th’. Emma Barnett speaks to Tal Hochman from the Israeli Women’s Network who are one of the organisations involved and also by Lyse Doucet the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent.

According to a new trial published in the journal of Clinical Psychiatry involving 80 people from Massachusetts General Hospital - heated yoga sessions could lead to reduced depressive symptoms in adults with moderate-to-severe depression. The trial findings suggest that the combination of yoga and heat should be considered as a potential treatment for individuals experiencing depression. Hot yoga instructor Cindy Thomas and writer and broadcaster Laura Barton talk about the survey.

Ruth Birch and Julia Curry are a couple from South Wales. They met as young women in the British army, but had to leave because of the pressure they were under to lie about their sexuality and conceal their relationship. You were not allowed to be gay or lesbian in the UK military until the year 2000. The stress led to them breaking up, but twenty years later they reunited, and now campaign on behalf of fellow LGBT veterans. Ruth and Ju feature on You Had Me at Hello, a podcast where ordinary people tell their love stories.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Giles Aspen

Ukrainian children in Russia, Fanny Mendelssohn, Men designing clothes for women Oct 23, 2023

Ukraine claims it has identified 20,000 children who it alleges have been abducted by Russia since the start of the war. Arrest warrants have been issued to President Putin and his Commissioner for Children's Rights. It's the subject of the latest work from film maker Shahida Tulaganova, whose documentary Ukraine's Stolen Children airs on ITV tonight.

Now you may have heard of German composer Felix Mendelssohn but what about his sister, Fanny? A composer in her own right, Fanny was long ignored by the classical music world in favour of her brother. And despite being forbidden a musical career, Fanny persevered and composed 450 works. A new documentary, Fanny The Other Mendelssohn, explores her life and features never-before-heard or recorded pieces by her. Its director, BAFTA winner Sheila Hayman is also Fanny’s 3x great granddaughter and she joins Emma to discuss it.

An extra course of chemotherapy could cut the risk of death from cervical cancer by up to two fifths, according to a new study by scientists. The drugs used are already licensed for use in the UK so those involved say it should be straightforward to roll out because the treatment is 'cheap and accessible'. GP Dr Phillipa Kaye who is also an ambassador for Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust and Comedian, Ambassador for Eve Appeal and cervical cancer survivor Karen Hobbs both join Emma Barnett to discuss it.

Designer Sarah Burton has stepped down as Creative Director of the fashion brand Alexander McQueen, meaning that there are now only a tiny number of women designing clothes for the rest of us. So why are there so few female designers at the top fashion houses? And does it actually make a difference when the clothes women wear are designed by men?

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Weekend Woman's Hour: Coleen Rooney, IVF add-ons, Online safety, Talking on the phone, Singer Mica Millar Oct 21, 2023

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has launched a ratings system to let patients see which IVF add-ons are backed-up by evidence. Emma Barnett is joined by Professor Tim Child, chair of the HFEA's Scientific and Clinical Advances Advisory Committee, and Jessica Hepburn, who spent over £70,000 on unsuccessful fertility procedures.

In October 2019, Coleen Rooney was concerned by articles appearing in newspapers that could only have come from stories on her private Instagram account. She laid a trap for the account she suspected of the leak, and then told the world ‘It was…Rebekah Vardy’s account’. Rebekah Vardy, who continues to deny she was the source of those stories, sued Coleen for libel. In a radio exclusive, Coleen speaks to Emma about her side of the story, told in a new documentary: The Real Wagatha Story.

Jazz/soul singer Mica Millar is performing as part of the London Jazz Festival in November. She joins Anita Rani to talk about her new album, Heaven Knows, which she wrote while recovering from a spinal injury during lockdown.

Britain's long-awaited Online Safety Bill is days away from becoming law. Emma talks to legal expert Joshua Rozenburg about what will be in the act. She’s also joined by Baroness Kidron, who has been very involved in getting the act through the Houses of Parliament, and Rashik Parmar, CEO of BCS, the chartered institute of IT, about the future of online safety.

Are we becoming afraid of our phones? A recent survey suggest half of 12 to 26-year-olds don't answer the phone to their parents and a third of them feel awkward speaking on the phone generally. Emma speaks to Helen Thorn, a writer, podcaster and comedian and to 17-year-old Iona Cooke Mcintosh.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Maternity services, Resigning as a bridesmaid, Mica Millar, Poet Safiya Sinclair Oct 20, 2023

A new report out today from the CQC - the Care Quality Commission - says that almost two thirds of maternity units provide dangerously substandard care that puts women and babies at risk. It has rated 65% of maternity services in England as either "inadequate" or "requires improvement", an increase from 54% last year. And yesterday saw the first debate in Parliament about birth trauma and the injuries suffered by some women in labour. The Conservative MP Theo Clarke has campaigned for better support for mothers following her own traumatic experience after giving birth to her daughter in August 2022. She gave her powerful testimony to Parliament in an effort to get birth trauma added to the women's health strategy and improve perinatal care for women. First we hear from Chief Executive of the CQC, Ian Trenholm, and then consultant obstetrician Dr Daghni Rajasingham.

After Ruhama Wolle took on the bridesmaid mantle three times in the space of 18 months, she decided to never say yes to the role, ever again. She penned an open letter resigning from all future bridesmaid requests, addressed to all her family and friends in Glamour Magazine US, where she works as Special Projects Editor. She joins Anita Rani to talk about why she’s opted out of the type of friendship being a bridesmaid requires.

A prize-winning poet and currently Associate Professor of Creative Writing at Arizona State University, Safiya Sinclair, has now written a stunning memoir, How to Say Babylon. It looks at her childhood and teenage years growing up in an ultra-strict Rastifari family in Jamaica, and how literature and poetry changed the trajectory of her life.

The soul/jazz singer Mica Millar has amassed almost five million streams on Spotify, and her debut album has been championed by the likes of Trevor Nelson and Jamie Cullum. This summer she’s had sold out shows, festival appearances at Love Supreme and the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, plus opening slots for Gregory Porter and Lionel Ritchie. Mica is to perform at the Union Chapel as part of London Jazz Festival’s opening weekend in November. She discusses recording her new album, Heaven Knows, during lockdown, while recovering from an accident.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Dr Lisa Cameron MP, Saffron Coomber & Yero Timi Biu, Julia Fox, IVF add-ons Oct 19, 2023

Dr Lisa Cameron was the SNP MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow from 2015 until a week ago when she decided to join the Conservative Party. She has described the move as equivalent to leaving an abusive marriage. In her first radio interview since her defection, she joins Emma Barnett to discuss what led to her making this decision.

Listeners who have been through IVF treatment will be familiar the extra – and often very expensive – add-on services that many clinics recommend. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the fertility regulator, has now launched a ratings system to let patients see which add-ons are backed-up by evidence. Strikingly, not one of them has been given the highest "green" rating. Professor Tim Child chairs the HFEA's Scientific and Clinical Advances Advisory Committee. Jessica Hepburn spent over £70,000 on unsuccessful fertility procedures and now campaigns about the fertility industry. They joined Emma to discuss.

Three Little Birds is a new ITV series written by Lenny Henry which follows three women who emigrate from Jamaica to England in the 1950s - post-Windrush. The series is inspired by the stories of Lenny Henry’s family who, although had positive experiences of being helped as new arrivals, also shared accounts of physical and racial abuse when they reached the UK. Saffron Coomber who plays ‘Chantrelle’ and director Yero Timi Biu talk about the show.

Julia Fox is an actor, artist and fashion icon, as famous for her breakout role in the film Uncut Gems as she is for her spectacular avant-garde fashion choices. She became tabloid fodder after a brief relationship with Kanye West. Her memoir Down the Drain describes a troubled childhood of sex, drugs and abusive relationships in Italy and New York. She tells Emma how her high-fashion image allows her to escape the male gaze.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Steve Greenwood.

Coleen Rooney, Shadow Chancellor, Rachel Reeves MP, Poet Becky Hemsley. Oct 18, 2023

If the current polls are to be believed the next chancellor of the exchequer could be a woman. That woman would be Rachel Reeves, the current shadow chancellor and the MP for Leeds West. Originally from Lewisham, South London, she attended a state school, made it to Oxford University then into the world of finance working as an economist for the Bank of England. Labour have yet to announce their manifesto and detailed costed policies to put to the electorate, but we can examine the philosophy behind Labour’s economic thinking because Rachel has just published her latest book, The Women Who made Modern Economics, and hear how they have influenced her own thinking.

In October 2019, Coleen Rooney posted on social media that she had been concerned by articles appearing in newspapers that could only have come from stories on her private Instagram account. So she laid a trap for the account she suspected of the leak, and then told the world ‘It was…Rebekah Vardy’s account’. Immediately dubbed ‘Wagatha Christie’ - Rebekah Vardy, who continues to deny she was the source of those stories, sued Coleen for libel. A High Court judge ruled in Coleen Rooney’s favour last year and she is now putting her side of the story in a documentary series on Disney Plus called Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story. She speaks to Emma Barnett in a radio exclusive interview.

British poet Becky Hemsley has self-published four collections of her work and has been top of the Amazon poetry chart twice now - most recently around International Women's Day last March. Originally a primary school teacher, she now focuses solely on her poetry. She joins Emma to explain why and to perform some of her poetry live.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley Studio Engineer: Bob Nettles

Israel-Gaza war, Talking on the phone, Online safety, Baby stealers in Kenya Oct 17, 2023

As the war in Israel and Gaza heads into its 10th day, Emma talks about the role of hostages in this conflict with Rachel Briggs the CEO of Clarity Factory and an associate fellow at Chatham House. BBC's Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet also provides an update about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Are we becoming afraid of our phones? A recent survey suggest half of 12 to 26 year olds don't answer the phone to their parents and a third of them feel awkward speaking on the phone generally. But are we any different? Emma talks to Helen Thorn, a writer, podcaster and comedian and to 17-year-old Iona Cooke Mcintosh.

Britain's long-awaited Online Safety Bill setting tougher standards for social media platforms has been agreed by parliament and is days away from becoming law. It will regulate online content to help keep users safe, especially children, and to put the onus on companies to protect people from the likes of abusive messages, bullying and pornography, Emma talks to Legal expert Joshua Rozenburg about what will be in the Act and also to Baroness Kidron who has been very involved in getting the act through the houses of parliament and to Rashik Parmar the CEO of BCS the chartered institute of IT about the future of online safety.

In 2020, an undercover investigation by the BBC’s Africa Eye exposed a network of baby stealers and traffickers in Kenya. It sparked public outcry in the country and led many officials to make public promises of government action. Journalist Njeri Mwangi went undercover to cultivate a network of whistle-blowers in these trafficking networks. She’s revisited those impacted by the trade in a second documentary, What Happened to the Baby Stealers.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Madonna, Polish elections, Diana Parkes, Unconventional setups Oct 16, 2023

The queen of pop returned to London's O2 this weekend for her Celebration Tour, performing more than 40 songs from her four-decade career. During her opening performance on Saturday, 65-year-old Madonna thanked her children for supporting her while she was ill earlier this year with a 'serious bacterial infection' which saw her admitted to intensive care for several days and forced her to postpone the tour. Some of her children then joined her on stage. Emma Barnett speaks to two women who were there - Sabrina Barr from Metro online and Helen Brown, Chief Album Critic for The Independent.

Exit polls from yesterday's general election in Poland suggest the governing right-wing Law and Justice Party has lost its majority in parliament. Three opposition groups are predicted to get enough seats to form a government if they can agree a coalition. The biggest of the three is the Civic Coalition, led by the former head of the European Council, Donald Tusk - who has already claimed victory. Women have played an important role in these elections with the issue of abortion taking centre stage since a near total ban was announced by the government in 2021, sparking protests across the country. The BBC's Eastern Europe Correspondent, Sarah Rainsford, is in Warsaw and joins Emma.

Diana Parkes, Joanna Simpson’s mother, has campaigned for months to stop the man who killed her daughter, Robert Brown, being allowed out of prison. Halfway through his 26-year sentence for her manslaughter, he was due for automatic release from prison next month. However, it has been announced that the Justice Secretary has blocked this and referred the case to the Parole Board. Diana joins Emma to share her response to the decision.

As climate ministers meet in Luxembourg today ahead of the COP28 summit next month in the United Arab Emirates, an exhibition looking at the relationship between women and ecology around the world is running at the Barbican in London. Emma talks to Alona Pardo, the lead curator of RE/SISTERS: A Lens on Gender and Ecology.

Do you have an unconventional living arrangement with your partner? Last week we spoke to Caroline and Niel, who remained in the same house after they split up but now Caroline's new partner is living with her ex. It got very complicated! We wanted to see how many of you are in similar situations, and how that has worked. Listener Amy got in touch to say she has been together with her partner Richie for 19 years but they have never lived together, even after they got married. She joins Emma in studio.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Dawn French, Shirley Ballas, Violinist Esther Abrami, Pelvic Pain Oct 14, 2023

Dawn French has been making people laugh as a writer, comedian and actor, for more than 30 years. Her celebrated shows include French and Saunders, The Vicar of Dibley, and Jam and Jerusalem. She joins Emma Barnett to discuss her new book about the hilarious gaffes that she has made in life, as part of her one-woman mission to celebrate what it means to be gloriously, messily human, rather than striving for Instagram-style-perfection.

It’s one of the things we’re most embarrassed to talk about – pain when having sex. This is something that Professor Katy Vincent, academic gynaecologist, and Dr Lydia Coxon, researcher in Pain in Women, are hoping to change. They join Emma alongside BBC presenter Sophie Law to talk about an open panel they held to try and get women to talk about their pelvic pain, and address the taboo around talking about periods, sex and women’s pelvic health.

'My Boyfriend Lives with with My Husband,' was the intriguing headline of an article in the Guardian newspaper recently. While Caroline and the children she shares with her husband Niel live in Cheltenham, Neil is living with Caroline's boyfriend in Scotland. Both Caroline and Niel describe their unconventional family living arrangements to Emma, they explain how it came about and why it works for them.

The new BBC drama series The Reckoning has started on BBC One. It tells the story of Jimmy Savile, who for decades was one of the UK’s most influential celebrities forging friendships with politicians and royalty and raising millions for charity. But after his death in 2011, it transpired he was also one of the country’s most prolific sexual predators, abusing hundreds of people, many of them children. The series, which stars Steve Coogan as Jimmy Savile, explores how he was able to hide in plain sight and use his celebrity status, powerful connections and fundraising activity to gain uncontrolled access to vulnerable young people. Sam Brown was abused by Savile from the age of 11. Her story is depicted in episode 3 of the series, and she speaks to Emma.

Violinist Esther Abrami was handpicked by Julian Lloyd Webber as one of 30 under 30 to watch, and she is the first classical musician to win the ‘Social Media Superstar’ category at the Global Awards. With more than 400,000 followers on TikTok, Esther joins Emma to discuss her new album, Cinema.

Shirley Ballas is best known for being one of the judges on BBC Strictly Come Dancing and her stellar career in Latin dance that earnt her the title, ‘Queen of Latin’. She joins Krupa Padhy to talk about Strictly, the menopause and her new book, Murder on the Dancefloor.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Hanna Ward Studio Manager: Tim Heffer

Shirley Ballas, Bed Bugs, Everything Now writer Ripley Parker Oct 13, 2023

Shirley Ballas is best known for being one of the judges on BBC Strictly Come Dancing and her stellar career in Latin dance that earnt her the title, ‘Queen of Latin’. She joins Krupa to talk about Strictly, the menopause and her new book, Murder on the Dancefloor.

Last weekend’s earthquake in Western Afghanistan killed 1,300 people and injured many more according to UN figures. UNICEF have said more than 90% of those who died were women and children, as they were more likely to have been at home. Krupa speaks to Salma Braham, Afghanistan Country Director for the International Rescue Committee. She joins live from Kabul.

Bed bugs are everywhere in the news. The actress Sue Elliott Nicholls joins us to describe the shame she felt when her house became infested. Social media influencer and author “Queen of Clean” Lynsey Crombie says with education and vigilance bed bugs can be avoided in the first place. She shares her top tips on actions we should take now and what we must avoid.

Serious issues relating to cervical screening services in parts of Northern Ireland have led to 17,500 women having their smear tests re-checked as part of a major review of cervical screening dating back to 2008. Failures in screening has led to some abnormal tests not being followed up. Marie-Louise Connolly, the BBC’s NI Health Correspondent joins us to explain, together with a patient, we are calling Susan, who has been affected by previous failures within the screening system.

Ripley Parker is the 22-year-old writer and creator of the new Netflix series Everything Now. She joins Krupa to talk about why the series is so important to her, and how it came from her own personal experiences as a teenager.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Emma Pearce

Dawn French, Laura Linney, Israel-Gaza conflict, Unconventional living Oct 12, 2023

Nearly 350,000 people have been displaced in Gaza, since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes and created a blockade of the area. In Gaza's hospitals, where thousands of people are being treated, power is running out. Women and children are chief among those affected. Emma speaks to Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, Najla Shawa, a humanitarian worker who lives in the west side of Gaza City with her family and Adele Raemer, a grandmother in Israel.

Emmy winning actor, Laura Linney, joins Emma Barnett to discuss her new film, The Miracle Club, in which she stars alongside other film icons, Maggie Smith and Kathy Bates. Emma asks her how much she misses playing Wendy Byrde in the much-acclaimed long-running TV series Ozark.

'My Boyfriend Lives with with My Husband,' was the intriguing headline of an article in the Guardian newspaper recently; While Caroline and the children she shares with her husband Niel live in Cheltenham, Niel is living with Caroline's boyfriend in Scotland. Both Caroline and Niel describe their unconventional family living arrangements to Emma and explain how it came about and why it works for them.

Dawn French has been making people laugh as a writer, comedian and actor, for more than 30 years. Her celebrated shows include French and Saunders, The Vicar of Dibley, and Jam and Jerusalem. She joins Emma to discuss her new book about the hilarious gaffes that she made in life, as part of her one-woman mission to celebrate what it means to be gloriously, messily human, rather than striving for Instagram-style-perfection.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Steve Greenwood

Dr Katalin Kariko - Nobel Prize winner, latest on Israel Gaza, Pelvic pain and pain in sex, The International Day of the Girl. Oct 11, 2023

We heard reports last night from Israel that a massacre had taken place at the weekend in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Women and children were among the dead and we were told that beheadings had happened too. A group of journalists were taken to the scene by Israeli soldiers. Emma is joined by Bel Trew, Chief International Correspondent for the Independent, who was one of the journalists. And, focusing on women's lives in the region, Emma speaks to Adele Raemer, who survived an attack on her home, and we hear extracts from journalist Plestia Alaqad in Gaza, who sent her audio diary to the BBC.

Dr Katalin Kariko's work has had a major impact on people's lives around the world. She tells Emma how the mRNA technology she was working on for decades helped the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech covid vaccines come to be. Now Dr Kariko has been awarded a Nobel Prize. She's a biochemist, Professor at the University of Szeged in Hungary and along with her colleague Professor Drew Weissman, who is at the University of Pennsylvania, she won the prize for the category of Physiology or Medicine.

It’s one of the things we’re most embarrassed to talk about – pain when having sex. This is something that Professor Katy Vincent, academic gynaecologist, and Dr Lydia Coxon, researcher in Pain in Women, are hoping to change. They join Emma alongside BBC presenter Sophie Law to talk about an open panel they held to try and get women to talk about their pelvic pain, and address the taboo around talking about periods, sex and women’s pelvic health.

Since 2011, October 11 has been declared by the UN as International Day of the Girl Child to recognise girls' rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world. This year Women of the World (WOW) Festival has launched the Young Leaders Directory, inspiring activists from across the world campaigning on topics such as education, period poverty and climate justice. Emma is joined by two young women, Marwa Shinwari from Afghanistan and Ain Husniza from Malaysia to discuss their passions and hopes for the future.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley

Israel-Gaza conflict: Bereaved parents across the divide, musician Esther Abrami, Emily Hunt, Is the future of the Labour Party Oct 10, 2023

After the Hamas attacks at the weekend and Israel’s order of a “complete siege” of the Gaza Strip in response, we talk to two people from the different communities involved. A few years ago, Bassam Aramin lost his 10-year-old daughter, Abir, who was killed by an Israeli soldier, and Robi Damelin lost her 28 year old son, David, after he was killed by a Palestinian sniper. Neither were killed in this latest stage of the Israel-Gaza conflict but as members of a cross-community group called the Parents Circle-Families Forum, they’re uniquely placed to comment on the situation.

Esther Abrami was handpicked by Julian Lloyd Webber as one of 30 under 30 to watch, and she is the first classical musician to win the ‘Social Media Superstar’ category at the Global Awards. With more than 400,000 followers on TikTok, Esther joins Emma Barnett to discuss her new album, Cinema, and to perform live in the studio.

Women dominated headlines at the Conservative Party conference last week. But is the future of the Labour Party female? Rachel Cunliffe, Associate Political Editor at the New Statesman, and Alice Thomson, columnist and interview at The Times, bring us the latest news from Liverpool.

The Government’s official independent rape advisor Emily Hunt has decided to walk away from her role. She advised the government in the run-up to the landmark 2021 End-to-End Rape Review - which has successfully increased the number of rape cases getting to court to pre-2016 levels. But she has said that her own experiences within the justice system as an abuse victim have left her feeling unsafe.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Tim Heffer and Gayl Gordon

Israel-Gaza conflict, Endometriosis test, Sam Brown - Savile survivor Oct 09, 2023

Images of children, mothers and grandmothers are flooding media and social media two days after a coordinated attack by Hamas on Israel. Israel has since declared war. Emma Barnett speaks to the BBC's Anna Foster, who is in Israel, not far from Gaza, who talks about the impact on women on both sides of the conflict. Also Emma hears from the son of a 74-year-old Israeli former headmistress and Arabic teacher who is believed by her family to have been kidnapped from her home, and Alicia Kearns MP, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.

A new test could cut the time it takes to diagnose endometriosis from an average of eight years to just eight days. Researchers at the University of Hull have developed a test that uses a urine sample instead of a laparoscopy, an invasive surgical procedure that is currently used to diagnose the condition. Emma is joined by Dr Barbara Guinn, Reader in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Hull, to discuss.

The new BBC drama series The Reckoning starts tonight on BBC One. It tells the story of Jimmy Savile, who for decades was one of the UK’s most influential celebrities forging friendships with politicians and royalty and raising millions for charity. But after his death in 2011, it transpired he was also one of the country’s most prolific sexual predators, abusing hundreds of people, many of them children. The series, which stars Steve Coogan as Jimmy Savile, explores how he was able to hide in plain sight and use his celebrity status, powerful connections and fundraising activity to gain uncontrolled access to vulnerable young people. Sam Brown was abused by Saville from the age of 11. Her story is depicted in episode 3 of the series, and she joins Emma.

Gunner Jaysley Beck’s mother, Organist Anna Lapwood, Menopause tribunal, Mary McAleese, Grace Dent Oct 07, 2023

Female teenage soldier Jaysley Beck is believed to have taken her own life after a period of relentless sexual harassment from one of her bosses, an Army investigation has found. Gunner Beck was serving in the Royal Artillery and was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire in December 2021. Her mother, Leighann McCready, speaks to Emma Barnett.

Nicknamed 'the Taylor Swift of classical music', Anna Lapwood is one of the world's most famous organists, and Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridge. To encourage more women to try the instrument, Anna initiated the social media hashtag #playlikeagirl. She joins Emma to talk about her music and her new album, Luna.

We hear from Karen Farquharson who has been awarded £37,000 at an employment tribunal after her boss told her she used the menopause as an “excuse for everything”. She tells Emma how the process has impacted her and why she wants to help other women.

This week marked the start of a Catholic synod that will take place throughout October in the Vatican to discuss the direction of the Catholic Church. Emma talks to former Irish president Mary McAleese about why she thinks women should play a bigger role.

And the food writer Grace Dent joins Anita Rani to talk about her new book, Comfort Eating, inspired by her podcast of the same name. She'll explain why she's so fascinated by the foods that make us feel better behind closed doors.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Food writer Grace Dent, Artist Shirin Neshat, History of enslaved women, Actor Mei Mac Oct 06, 2023

We hear from food writer Grace Dent about her new book, Comfort Eating, inspired by her podcast of the same name. She'll explain why she's so fascinated by the foods to make us feel better behind closed doors.

The Iranian visual artist Shirin Neshat’s latest work is called The Fury. It is a short film and series of photographs which explore the sexual exploitation of female political prisoners in Iran. Shirin left Iran as a teenager to study in the US and has lived in exile there since the 1990s. Her art is known for posing questions about how the female body is perceived within Islam and Iranian culture. She talks to Anita Rani about bringing The Fury to London and why she has chosen to deviate from her usual style and include the nude form.

Gloria Daniel is the descendant of John Isaac Daniel, who was a slave. After finding out more about her family history and the lives of her ancestor, as well as other slaves, she has started the organisation TTEACH (Transatlantic Trafficked Enslaved African Corrective Historical) Plaques. She joins Anita to tell us about the exhibition they are currently holding, ’50 PLAQUES & PLACES’, which includes the testimonies and artwork of women.

Mei Mac is an Olivier award nominee who has taken on the lead role of Kim in the ‘untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon play' at the Young Vic. The play tackles over a century's worth of stereotypes about Asian women in drama, parodying Madame Butterfly, Miss Saigon and South Pacific. Mei tells Anita about confronting prejudice in theatre, 'the bamboo ceiling' and why she has set up a mentorship scheme for British East Asian and South East Asian actors.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Gunner Jaysley Beck's mother, Wild Hope, Earth Mama, Dangerous dogs Oct 05, 2023

An Army investigation has found that 19-year-old soldier Jaysley Beck is believed to have taken her own life after a period of relentless sexual harassment from one of her bosses. The gunner was serving in the Royal Artillery, and was found dead at the Larkhill army camp in Wiltshire in December 2021. Her mother Leighann McCready joins Emma along with Emma Norton, Director and Solicitor for the Centre for Military Justice.

Poet Donna Ashworth has released a new collection of her work, Wild Hope. It is a selection of poems and passages that she hopes will help people to find hope in an increasingly pressurised world. She joins Emma to talk about why she picked up poetry in her 40s, and how it has changed her life.

Savanah Leaf is a Team GB volleyball player turned film director, whose feature film Earth Mama is playing at the London Film Festival this week. Having competed in the 2012 Olympics, Savanah turned to filmmaking as a hobby when recovering from an injury. She joins Emma to discuss the transferable skills between sports and directing and tackling the US foster care system in her directorial debut.

Lakaydia Reynolds was walking through a park in south London on her way to a driving lesson when she was attacked by three dogs. The dog’s owner tried to intervene, but the dogs injured her arm, legs and face. A stranger saw the attack and filmed it happening, rather than moving to intervene. The footage was uploaded to social media, where it has been viewed tens of thousands of times. Emma talks to Lakaydia about what she experienced. Susie Kahlich founded Pretty Deadly Self Defense and offers listeners tips on how best to defend themselves in a dog attack.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Emma Harth

Mary McAleese, Isabel Hardman, Kitty Donaldson, Emma Reed Turrell, Viv Groskop, Dr Bernadette Jenner Oct 04, 2023

Starting today a Catholic synod will take place throughout October in the Vatican to discuss the direction of the Church. Delegates will consider the way in which all members participate and decide the future direction of key issues such as the role of women. Emma Barnett talks to the former Irish president Mary McAleese about the issues facing the Church. Rishi Sunak will today give his first Conservative Party conference as Prime Minister – but his moment in the spotlight is under threat from the women in his party. Home Secretary Suella Braverman has been called the “front-runner” for next leader after her speech, while Liz Truss became the surprise breakout star of conference. So is the future of the Conservative Party now female? Kitty Donaldson, UK Political Editor at Bloomberg News, and Isabel Hardman, Assistant Editor of The Spectator, join us from the Conservative Party conference in Manchester. And what can ordinary women learn from Liz Truss about bouncing back from a public failure? Writer Viv Groskop and Psychotherapist and podcaster Emma Reed Turrell discuss the lessons women can learn from Liz Truss’s return to the spotlight. The UK’s first and biggest study into pre-eclampsia which can affect the kidneys, liver and brain can cause seizures in women has been launched. The study will monitor women before pregnancy, during and after birth to find out why some women develop the conditions and the long term health implications.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Bob Nettles

Doctors' strike, Organist Anna Lapwood, Máiría Cahill, Suffragette medal Oct 03, 2023

It's day two of the 72-hour joint strike by junior doctors and consultants in the NHS. Dr Helen Neary, deputy chair of the BMA's consultant's committee and consultant anaesthetist in paediatrics and BBC’s Health Correspondent Nick Triggle joins Emma to discuss the strike and parts of the Health Secretary's speech today.

Nicknamed the Taylor Swift of classical music, Anna Lapwood is one of the world's most famous organists, and Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridge. To encourage more women to try the instrument, Anna initiated the social media hashtag #playlikeagirl. She joins Emma to talk about her music and her new album Luna.

Máiría Cahill grew up in a staunchly Republican family and community in west Belfast. At the age of 16 she says she was serially sexually assaulted and raped by a member of the IRA, and was later subjected to months of meetings about that trauma by the IRA, including being brought face to face with her alleged attacker. In 2014 Máiría waived her anonymity and has been relentless in her campaign to expose those who abused their power, and to get an apology for the way she was treated from senior Sinn Fein politicians. Máiría has written a memoir, Rough Beast, and joins Emma to talk about it.

Glasgow Women’s Library is the UK’s only accredited woman’s history museum. For the last 32 years they’ve championed feminist stories from Scotland and beyond through their research, exhibitions and artefacts that have all been donated. However, for the first time they’re entering an auction to bring a piece of Scottish suffragette history back home. Emma Barnett speaks to operations director Sue John on the day of the auction.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Performance artist Marina Abramovic, Universities and sexual misconduct, Nicole Scherzinger, Finances and friendship Oct 02, 2023

The world renowned Serbian performance artist Marina Abramovic talks to Emma Barnett about a major exhibition of her work across five decades at the Royal Academy in London.

Universities are said to be spending increasingly more of their time investigating complex sexual misconduct cases raised by students. But how equipped and effective are universities at investigating such cases? Professor Steve West, Vice Chancellor of the University of the West of England, Eleanor Laws KC, leading criminal barrister and Geraldine Swanton, a lawyer working with the higher and further education sector discuss.

The American performer Nicole Scherzinger came to our attention as the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls. She has since carved out a successful solo career as well as being a judge on television talent shows including The X Factor. Eight years after she was nominated for an Olivier Award for her portrayal of Grizabella in Cats, Nicole has now returned to the West End stage where she stars as Norma Desmond in a new production of the musical Sunset Boulevard.

The cost of living has put a strain on people’s budgets and a recent report from Carnegie UK Trust suggests around a third of people are not even seeing their friends because they can’t afford to. Danielle Bayard Jackson, a female friendship coach and Otegha Uwagba, author of We Need to Talk about Money discuss navigating friendships and money.

Author Ysenda Maxtone Graham talks about her new book Jobs for the Girls which gives a snapshot of British women's working lives from 1950s.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Russian journalist-in-exile Elena Kostyuchenco, Karen Farquharson, Teleri Glyn Jones, Nerys Evans, Innes Fitzgerald Oct 02, 2023

After the invasion of Ukraine by Russia on 24 February 2022, Elena Kostyuchenco, one of Russia’s most fearless independent journalists, crossed into Ukraine to report on what was happening in the country. The paper she had worked at for 17 years, Novaya Gazeta, was shut down just months later in response to her reporting. Elena’s latest book, I Love Russia, gives a rare insight into her homeland, bringing us voices we have never heard. She speaks to Emma Barnett. We hear from Karen Farquharson who has been awarded £37,000 at an employment tribunal after her boss told her she used the menopause as an “excuse for everything”. In a separate case, a woman assisted by the Equality and Human Rights commission says her menopausal symptoms should be considered, in her case, as a disability. The economist Vicky Pryce comments on the potential implications of the case. We talk to BBC Wales political correspondent Teleri Glyn Jones about the victimisation of a whistle-blower and a complainant who made allegations of a serious nature about the Plaid Cymru MS Rhys ab Owen. Both say they were harassed by a family member of the MS who has been suspended from his party since last November pending an investigation by the Welsh Parliament’s standards watchdog. Emma Barnett also talks to former Plaid Cymru politician Nerys Evans who recently produced the damning report into Plaid’s sexual harassment complaints procedures earlier this year. Innes Fitzgerald is the current under 17s UK number one in the 3000 metres and she’s made the conscious decision to no longer fly to any championships or running events abroad. She’s been nominated for Young Athlete of the Year in the BBC Green Sports Awards. She joins Emma to tell us more. Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Sue Maillot

Nicole Scherzinger, Finances of friendship, Asha Puthli Sep 29, 2023

The American performer Nicole Scherzinger came to our attention as the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls. She has since carved out a successful solo career with albums, serving as a judge on television talent shows including The X Factor. Eight years after she was nominated for an Olivier Award for her portrayal of Grizabella in Cats, Nicole has now returned to the West End stage where she stars as the immortal Norma Desmond in a new production of the musical Sunset Boulevard. She joins Anita to discuss taking on this iconic role.

The cost of living has put a strain on people’s budgets and a recent report from Carnegie UK Trust suggests around a third of people are not even seeing their friends because they can’t afford to. To discuss how to navigate the finances of friendship Anita talks to Danielle Bayard Jackson, a female friendship coach and Otegha Uwagba, author of We Need to Talk about Money.

Singer-songwriter and producer Asha Puthli is regarded as one of the most successful vocalists to come out of India. Referred to as a cosmopolitan pioneer of jazz, funk, soul and electronic dance music who has recorded ten solo albums for labels like EMI and CBS/Sony she joins Anita Rani to discuss 50 years in music.

India’s Supreme Court has issued a handbook of 40 words which judges should avoid when describing women in writing judgments or filing cases before courts. Ranjana Kumari is the Founder and Director of the Centre for Social Research, a women's rights organisation based in New Delhi. She joins Anita to talk about how sexist views have played a role in disadvantaging women in India’s courts.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Emma Pearce

Marina Abramovic, GB News, Dehenna Davison MP, Taylor Swift Symposium Sep 28, 2023

Marina Abramović, the world renowned Serbian performance artist, refers to herself as the “godmother of performance art”. Her pioneering work explores the relationship between the performer and the audience; one of her works saw her sit across from each visitor, staring into their eyes. She has repeatedly subjected herself to physical and mental extremes, including exhaustion, pain and even the possibility of death. Now at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, she presents key moments from her career and talks them through with Emma.

A comment made by the broadcaster and self-styled anti-woke campaigner, Laurence Fox, about political reporter, Ava Evans, on GB News on Tuesday has led to his suspension. Now the man he was speaking to, Dan Wootton, has also been suspended as a presenter on the channel. Ava called the comments "really nasty" and said she has since received threats online. Emma speaks to Rebecca Whittington, the committee lead on this issue for the organisation Women in Journalism and Online Safety Editor at Reach PLC.

Dehenna Davison MP was part of the ground breaking group of Conservative MPs who in 2019, won dozens of seats in former Labour areas known as the Red Wall. She was elected by voters in Bishop Auckland in the North East as their first ever Conservative MP and was the first Conservative female MP to reveal she is bi-sexual. Last year she made it into the Government as a junior minister in Michael Gove’s Levelling Up Department, but despite this promotion and being see as one of the most energetic and active of the new MPs, in November 2022 she announced she wouldn’t be standing for election again. Last week she stood down as a minister, citing chronic migraine as the cause. Emma Barnett talks to Dehenna about her health, her life in politics and her plans for the future.

A university in Melbourne is preparing to host the first ever Taylor Swift Symposium, or Swiftposium as it’s being called, with researchers gathering to discuss the singer through a variety of subjects. Dr Jennifer Beckett is one of the organisers behind the event and Emma to discuss the plans for early 2024.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Emma Harth

Dame Joan Collins, Universities and sexual misconduct, Dr Ophira Ginsburg - a feminist approach to cancer Sep 27, 2023

Dame Joan Collins has dominated the stage and screen for over seven decades, starting her career at just 17. Best known for her roles in the 1980s TV phenomenon Dynasty and Hollywood Golden Age films, she has written a new memoir Behind the Shoulder Pads: Tales I Tell My Friends. She speaks to Emma about her glittering career, sexism in Hollywood and turning 90.

Students are more likely than other groups of people to be subjected to sexual assault. A study soon to be published by researchers at Oxford University has found that one in four female students at the university had experienced some sort of sexual assault in the preceding year. Now, universities are said to be spending increasingly more of their time investigating complex sexual misconduct cases. But how equipped and effective are they in investigating such cases? And why are students putting their faith in university hearings rather than going to the police? Emma discusses with Professor Steve West, Vice Chancellor of University of West of England, Eleanor Laws KC, leading criminal barrister and Geraldine Swanton, a lawyer working with the higher and further education sector.

A new report from a commission at the medical journal The Lancet looks at how cancer disproportionately impacts women. “Women, Power and Cancer” puts the case forward for an intersectional feminist approach to cancer - with the goal of transforming the ways women interact with the cancer health system. The commission has been headed up by Dr Ophira Ginsburg from the National Cancer Institute in the US.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley

Sexism in football, Mum rage, China's MeToo Sep 26, 2023

The managing director of AFC Wimbledon has resigned after being secretly recorded making sexist and abusive comments about a female colleague, just two months after publicly committing to tackling sexism as part of the Her Game Too campaign. Emma Barnett gets reaction from Lewes FC Chief Executive Maggie Murphy and Yvonne Harrison, CEO of Women in Football.

Minna Dubin is the author of Mum Rage: The Everyday Crisis of Modern Motherhood. It's a book inspired by her own experiences and she then spent three years speaking to other mothers, to build up a picture that goes beyond her own domestic sphere.

In 2021, prominent Chinese journalist and #MeToo activist Sophia Huang Xueqin was arrested and jailed. Unseen for the last two years, the Chinese Government announced that her closed-door trial began on Friday. Journalist Jessie Lau joins Emma to discuss the latest in this case.

Emma talks to author Ysenda Maxtone Graham about her new book Jobs for the Girls which gives a snapshot of British women's working lives from 1950, through cardigans and pearls, via mini-skirts and bottom-pinching, to shoulder pads and the ping of the first emails in the early 1990s.

Tina Sinatra, Meg Winterburn and Willow Grylls on a new TV drama about the serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, Dame Christine Lenehan Sep 25, 2023

Claiming to tell unknown stories about the iconic singer, alongside songs some of his much-loved songs, this world premiere musical hopes to reflect his enduring legacy. His youngest daughter Tina, one of the producers, and the director and choreographer of the show, Kathleen Marshall join Emma Barnett.

We discuss the possible decision to cancel another part of the high speed rail link - HS2 - and the impact it could have on women with Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, co-director of the Women's Budget Group, a Feminist Economic Think Tank and Zoe Billingham, Director of the IPPR North - based in Manchester.

Between 1975 and 1980, Peter Sutcliffe murdered 13 women and attempted to murder at least seven more across the North of England. A new ITV drama series, The Long Shadow, portrays the women who were killed, and their families, as well as the hardworking but flawed and misogynist police investigation. Joining Emma are Willow Grylls, executive producer of the show and Meg Winterburn, who worked on the investigation as a police sergeant.

Exclusive research shared with Woman’s Hour claims that £60m is ‘wasted’ in England every year on Tribunals for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Local authorities ‘fight’ thousands of parents of disabled children about what support the child gets and where they go to school – but 'lose' 96% of those cases. This comes on the day that one of the country’s leading experts delivers a valedictory lecture after a 40 year career advocating for disabled children. Dame Christine Lenehan, Director of the Council of Disabled Children, part of the National Children’s Bureau,

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Duncan Hannant

Weekend Woman's Hour: Russell Brand accuser 'Alice' broadcast exclusive, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie & Doon Mackichan Sep 23, 2023

Emma Barnett hears from one of the women alleging she was assaulted by Russell Brand. Speaking for the first time since accusations became public, 'Alice', who has accused Russell Brand of sexual assault when she was a teenager, says Brand's emphatic denial of the allegations of rape and sexual abuse against him is "insulting". 'Alice', who had a relationship with Brand when she was 16 and he was 30, says she wants to start a conversation about changing the age of consent. On her first day back at the Woman's Hour helm after maternity leave, Emma gets some advice and reflection from someone who returned to work after a similar break, the global literary force that is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Author of bestselling books including Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, plus essays and short stories, she has just released her first children’s book, Mama’s Sleeping Scarf. You’ll no doubt be familiar with the book Frankenstein - but how much do you know about its author Mary Shelley? That’s a question that led director, Lucy Speed, and producer, Deborah Clair, to write, direct and produce their new play that’s about to start touring in the UK. Conception - Mary Shelley: The Making of a Monster tells the story of a journey of self-discovery, as the Frankenstein author returns, years later, to Lake Geneva where she wrote her famous novel. The play is hitting the stage around the 200th anniversary of the first publication of the novel under Mary Shelley’s name - having originally been published anonymously. Artist and author Fleur Pierets embarked on a performance art project with her wife, Julian, in 2017, aiming to get married in all the countries where same-sex marriage was legal at the time. But their dream was cut short when Julian was diagnosed with late-stage brain cancer in early 2018 and died six weeks later. It’s a story Fleur has put down on paper in her book, Julian, which has just been translated into English and released in the UK. Since the 1980s, the comedian and actor Doon Mackichan has been a TV regular, starring in programmes like Two Doors Down, Smack the Pony and Brass Eye. She has also played plenty of roles on stage. She dissects how today’s culture still expects women to adhere to stereotypes, some of which she refuses to act out, as described in her memoir, My Lady Parts.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Sarah Crawley

'Sharenting', Blood Scandal, Mary Shelley, British Gymnastics Sep 22, 2023

Have you heard of the term 'sharenting'? That’s when a parent, caregiver or relative shares content about their child’s life, such as news, videos, images, online. Some have even turned it into a lucrative business. The psychologist Dr Elaine Kasket was an habitual 'sharent', chronicling her young daughter’s life on social media. But then four years ago at the age of nine, her daughter told her she didn’t like her doing it, so she stopped. Elaine’s written about 'sharenting' and her experiences in a chapter in her new book Reboot: Reclaiming Your Life in a Tech-Obsessed World. She joins Jessica Creighton along with her daughter Zoe.

British Gymnastics has published a list of 62 banned coaches and members, as part of its response to the damning Whyte Review published in 2022, which detailed 'systemic' issues of physical and emotional abuse in the sport. The campaign group Gymnasts for Change has accused the governing body of "serious institutional betrayal" for not including more people on the list, who they believe meet the criteria. We heard from the co-founder of Gymnasts for Change, Claire Heafford and BBC Sports correspondent Natalie Pirks.

In the 70s and 80s, nearly 5,000 people with haemophilia contracted HIV or Hepatitis C after being infected by tainted blood clotting products. Over 2,800 people died including women and children in what was described as 'the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS’. With an ongoing public inquiry, we spoke to Sunday Times Political Editor Caroline Wheeler, who has interviewed countless victims and has been following the story for 20 years.

You’ll no doubt be familiar with the book Frankenstein - but how much do you know about its author Mary Shelley? That’s a question that led director, Lucy Speed, and producer, Deborah Clair, to write, direct and produce their new play that’s about to start touring in the UK. Conception - Mary Shelley: The Making of a Monster tells the story of a journey of self-discovery, as the Frankenstein author returns, years later, to Lake Geneva where she wrote her famous novel. The play is hitting the stage around the 200th anniversary of the first publication of the novel under Mary Shelley’s name - having originally been published anonymously.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Iran hijab bill, BMX champion, CIISA, Doon Mackichan, Maternity in Sierra Leone Sep 21, 2023

Iran’s parliament has approved the Hijab and Chastity Bill, under which women will face up to 10 years in prison if they defy the country’s mandatory hijab rules. This comes a year after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini who was detained by Iran's morality police for allegedly violating rules requiring women to cover their hair. Emma Barnett speaks to Samaneh Savadi, an Iranian feminist activist who specialises in international law.

A new independent standards body, the Creative Industry Independent Standards Authority, is being set up in the UK so that concerns over behaviour can be raised and investigated confidentially. Emma talks to its CEO, Jen Smith.

Sarah-Jane Nichols, former BMX racing world champion, talks to Emma about qualifying for the world championships 36 years after she first retired from the sport.

Since the 1980s, the comedian and actor Doon Mackichan has been a TV regular, starring in programmes like Two Doors Down, Smack the Pony and Brass Eye. She has also played plenty of roles on stage. Doon talks to Emma about her recollections of those parts and dissects how today’s culture still expects women to adhere to stereotypes, some of which she refuses to act out, as described in her memoir, My Lady Parts.

Isata Dumbuya is a midwife who is striving to reduce maternal mortality rates in Sierra Leone, a country where 717 in 100,000 women die in childbirth every year. She has dedicated her career to helping mothers-to-be and joins Emma to talk about the new maternal centre she is setting up.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Steve Greenwood

Climate Change Policy, Girlhood, Feminisation of the workplace Sep 20, 2023

The BBC has revealed that the Prime Minister is considering a major shift on key climate action policies. These changes include pushing back a ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars to 2035 and delaying the 2026 ban on off-grid oil boilers to 2035. The economist Kate Raworth joins Emma to discuss her reaction to this news.

If you’re on TikTok, “girl”-based trends are everywhere you look these days. From girl dinner to girl math, lazy girl job to hot girl walk, the list goes on. Girl math is the latest trend, with a hashtag with over 360 million views. Is it about reclaiming girlhood - or is it sexist and infantilizing? Behavioural scientist and author Professor Pragya Argawal and host of the “Adulting” podcast Oenone Forbat join Emma to discuss

The Met Police have announced that they aim to change the demographic of the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Unit – where both Wayne Couzens and David Carrick worked - to have 20% women in the next two years. But why should it fall to women to improve workplace behaviours? To discuss, Emma is joined by Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne and workplace commentator Julia Hobsbawm.

Artist and author Fleur Pierets embarked on a performance art project with her wife, Julian, in 2017, aiming to get married in all the countries where same sex marriage was legal at the time. But their dream was cut short when Julian was diagnosed with late stage brain cancer in early 2018 and died six weeks later. It’s a story Fleur has put down on paper in her book “Julian”, which has just been translated into English and released in the UK.

TikTok clips uses: samcity and VIDA GLOW

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Russell Brand allegations & a 'staggered age of consent' with Baroness Helena Kennedy & Gudrun Young KC, Dr Susan Gilby Sep 19, 2023

Yesterday on Woman's Hour, one of Russell Brand's alleged victims, 'Alice', called for a conversation around changing the age of consent in the UK, to what she called 'a staggered age of consent'. It would mean individuals between the ages of 16 and 18 could legally have sex with one another, but there would be legislation in place to prevent adults having relations with 16 to 18-year-olds, as there is the potential for a power imbalance in this dynamic. Emma Barnett speaks to Baroness Helena Kennedy and Gudrun Young QC. Lucy Letby was recently convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to kill six others while working within the Countess of Chester Hospital’s neonatal unit between June 2015 and June 2016. We talk to Dr Susan Gilby who joined the hospital trust as medical director and then chief executive a few weeks after Letby was arrested.

Two weeks ago, Birmingham City Council issued a 114 notice which means they can’t balance the books to meet their spending commitments this year. The tipping point appears to have been a £750 million equal pay settlement and it’s feared many more councils could be in a similar position. Emma talks to Heather Jameson, Editor of the Municipal Journal and to Peter Marland from the Local Government Association which represents councils in England about the problems they’re facing.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Tim Heffer

Russell Brand accuser 'Alice' broadcast exclusive, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Sep 18, 2023

Emma Barnett hears from one of the women alleging she was assaulted by Russell Brand. Speaking for the first time since accusations became public, 'Alice', who has accused Russell Brand of sexual assault when she was a teenager, says Brand's emphatic denial of the allegations of rape and sexual abuse against him is "insulting". 'Alice', who had a relationship with Brand when she was 16 and he was 30, says she wants to start a conversation about changing the age of consent.

One woman who spoke out earlier this year is the TV producer turned novelist and screenwriter Daisy Goodwin. She accused Daniel Korski, a former special advisor who was in the running at the time to be Conservative candidate for London Mayor, of groping her at an event in 10 Downing Street in 2013. Daniel Korski vehemently denies this and subsequent allegations of sexual misconduct. Daisy joins Emma in studio.

On her first day back at the Woman's Hour helm after maternity leave, Emma gets some advice and reflection from someone who returned to work after a similar break, the global literary force that is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Author of bestselling books including Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, plus essays and short stories, she has just released her first children’s book, Mama’s Sleeping Scarf.

Fearless is the title of the new book from make-up business owner and makeover specialist Trinny Woodall. You'll probably know Trinny best for her show What Not To Wear, alongside best friend Susannah Constantine in the early 2000s. Trinny has more recently launched a multi-million pound make-up business and skincare company, Trinny London. She speaks to Emma about reinventing herself in her 50s.

Nadiya Hussain, Women's reproductive survey, The Knock, AI and IVF, Arlo Parks Sep 16, 2023

Since winning the Great British Bake Off in 2015, Nadiya Hussain has published seven cookery books, presented numerous TV shows and been awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting and the culinary arts. Nadiya joins Anita Rani to talk about her latest book and BBC Two series, Nadiya’s Simple Spices. She also celebrates the women in her family.

A survey launched last week by the Government is calling on women in England aged 16 to 55 to share their experiences of reproductive health - from periods, contraception to pregnancy and the menopause. But the decision to only speak to women up to the age of 55 has provoked a backlash. Dr Shazia Malik, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and a sub-specialist in reproductive medicine, gives her reaction.

In a new series called The Knock, we’ve heard the stories of two women whose lives were changed when they were told that a loved one had been arrested for sexual offences against children. Deborah Denis, Chief Executive of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, and Rachel Armitage, Professor of Criminology the University of Huddersfield spoke about the impact of 'the knock' on the families and friends of men arrested for these crimes.

Some British women are now being offered IVF treatment using artificial intelligence. How might AI improve the chances of a successful pregnancy? Suzanne Cawood, Director of Embryology at the Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, explains.

Mercury Prize-winning musician Arlo Parks has turned her hand to poetry with her debut book, The Magic Border. It combines original poetry, song lyrics and images.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini, Comedian and author London Hughes, Dr Elise Inglis memorial, The Knock discussion Sep 15, 2023

It’s been one year since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini sparked protests and outrage across the world. Anita Rani is joined by author Arash Azizi and human rights researcher Azade Pourzand to take a look at where women in Iran stand now, and the long-term impact that’s still being felt.

Dr Elsie Inglis was a Scottish woman known as the ‘Serbian Mother from Scotland’, who founded four Scottish Women’s Hospitals in Serbia during World War One. Together with more than 1,000 woman from Britain and the Commonwealth, she helped to save the lives of allied and enemy soldiers alike. To find out more about her and why she isn’t better known in the UK, Anita speaks to three women who are in Serbia to honour her memory at a special ceremony: Carole Powell, Dr Iram Kamran Qureshi and Caroline Ferguson.

This week, in a new series called The Knock, we’ve heard the stories of two women whose lives were changed when they were told that a loved one had been arrested for sexual offences against children. Anita talks to Deborah Denis, Chief Executive of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, and Rachel Armitage, Professor of Criminology the University of Huddersfield about the impact of 'the knock' on the families and friends of men arrested for these crimes. They’ll discuss what support families need, and what they are calling for.

The comedian London Hughes has written a memoir, Living My Best Life, Hun. In it, she details her decision to leave the UK, where she experienced bullying and rejection, and go to live in LA, where she quickly became a star. She joins Anita to talk about writing her memoir, turning rejection into opportunity and romanticising her life.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Nadiya Hussain, Morocco earthquake, Equal pay, Wilderness Sep 14, 2023

Last week, Birmingham City Council effectively declared bankruptcy, issuing a section 114 notice, after it admitted an equal pay liability of £760m. Now the GMB, the UK's third largest Trade Union, says female care workers in Sunderland have been underpaid for years compared with the mostly male litter-pickers, and are making a similar claim against their council. Anita hears the latest from Rhea Wolfson, head of the GMB's National Equal Pay Department.

Since winning the Great British Bake Off in 2015, Nadiya Hussain has published seven cookery books, presented numerous TV shows and been awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting and the culinary arts. Nadiya joins Anita to talk about her latest book and BBC Two series, Nadiya’s Simple Spices, in which she concentrates exclusively on recipes from her Bangladeshi heritage, and creates recipes with eight spices.

The death toll from last Friday’s earthquake in Morocco has reached nearly 3,000 people. Three hundred thousand people are said to have been affected, including 100,000 children. The aftermath of earthquakes poses numerous challenges to women and children who are said to suffer the most during humanitarian emergencies. Anita speaks to Ridwana Wallace-Laher, CEO of the Penny Appeal, who has been working in Morocco, and the actor Laila Rouass, a British-Moroccan representative for Education for All, a charity which provides schooling for girls in Morocco.

Wilderness is a new Prime Video psychological thriller series which stars Jenna Coleman and Oliver Jackson-Cohen. It's the story of a young British couple, Liv and Will, who seemingly have it all. But their glamorous new life in New York changes dramatically when Liv learns Will has been seeing another woman. Liv's heartbreak turns into fury and revenge. Anita is joined by Marnie Dickens, the writer and creator of the series.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Bob Nettles

The Killing Kind author Jane Casey, AI in IVF treatment, The Knock - Evie's story Sep 13, 2023

Crime author Jane Casey joins Nuala McGovern to talk about a new six part TV adaptation of her best selling book The Killing Kind. The legal thriller starring Emma Appleton has themes such as stalking and coercion as she plays a lawyer who tries to rebuild her life after getting too close to a former client. Emma also joins Nuala in the studio.

In the second part of our series The Knock, Jo Morris talks to a woman we are calling Evie who chose to stand by and support her brother after he pleaded guilty to sex offences against children. Why did she make that decision and what has it cost her?

Some British women are now being offered IVF treatment using artificial intelligence. The software is used to help select the best embryo for implantation. So how might AI improve the chances of a successful pregnancy? Nuala is joined by Suzanne Cawood, Director of Embryology at the Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, a private clinic in London, which has been using AI and offering it as an 'add-on' to patients. We also hear the regulator the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority's position on such practices.

In a historic ruling, the Mexican Supreme Court has decriminalised abortion at the federal level. The two leading candidates in next year’s elections in will both be women, meaning that Mexico expects to have its first ever female leader. So, is the country having a feminist revolution? Nuala speaks to Daniela Philipson-Garcia, a PhD scholar and specialist on Mexico's gender policies.

Dr Shazia Malik, Charlotte Regan, Female surgeons, Poison pen letters, The Knock special series Sep 12, 2023

They say current disparities in women’s health across England mean there are far too many cases where women’s voices are not being heard. But the decision to only speak to women up to the age of 55 has provoked a backlash. Nuala McGovern is joined by consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Shazia Malik, a sub-specialist in reproductive medicine.

The film Scrapper follows 12-year-old Georgie living happily alone in a council house in London following the death of her mum. But when her absent father Jason turns up out of the blue, her world is disrupted. We talk to director Charlotte Regan about her debut feature film who says she wanted to show British working class life as something that can be joyful and fun.

A new survey shows that nearly a third of female NHS surgeons have been sexually assaulted by a colleague over the past five years. Nuala speak to Tamzin Cuming, a consultant surgeon and chair of the Women in Surgery forum at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, who says it’s a #MeToo moment for surgery.

Before the age of social media, there was still plenty of trolling in written form. Emily Cockayne, author of the new book Penning Poison, joins Nuala to discuss her research into the history of poison pen letters; that is, messages sent anonymously, seemingly with the intention to unsettle the recipient. Emily has traced the stories of such missives to all corners of English society from 1760 to 1939.

We start our new series 'The Knock' which details the stories of two women whose lives were changed when they were told that a loved one had been arrested for sexual offences against children.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Tim Heffer Reporter Jo Morris

Millie Bobby Brown, Arlo Parks, Martha's Rule Sep 11, 2023

Millie Bobby Brown is a 19-year-old actress best known for her award-nominated performance as Eleven in Stranger Things, and for producing and starring in Enola Holmes. Now she has written a debut novel, Nineteen Steps, based on her grandmother’s life in the East End of London during the Second World War. She joins Nuala to talk about why she wanted to write the novel and why it’s so personal for her.

In recent months there’s been increasing momentum for what has been called Martha’s rule which would give patients the power to get an automatic second medical opinion from other experts. This comes after the death of 13-year-old Martha Mills who died in hospital. An inquest concluded that her death had been preventable. So what difference could Martha’s Rule make to how much say patients have to question the decisions made by doctors? Paediatrician and health campaigner Dr Guddi Singh wants to empower people so that medical care works in their best interests and joins Nuala.

Three quarters of police officers and staff accused of violence against women are not suspended by their force. That’s according to a joint investigation by the Independent newspaper and Refuge Charity. Nuala is joined by Ellie Butt, Head of Policy at Refuge.

Mercury Prize Winning Musician Arlo Parks has turned her hand to poetry with her debut book, The Magic Border. It combines original poetry, song lyrics and images and she joins Nuala for an interview and live reading of one of the poems.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Opener 00:00 Martha’s Rule 01:23 Police accused of violence against women 12:50 Millie Bobby Brown 23:49 Arlo Parks 42:48

Weekend Woman's Hour: Economic Abuse, Should there be a Minister for Men? Rebuilding my life: Martine Wright Sep 09, 2023

Economic abuse was officially recognised under the Domestic Abuse Act in 2021, yet a new study from the charity Surviving Economic Abuse suggests victims are still being let down by the police and the courts. Their CEO Nicola Sharp-Jeffs joins to tell us more about their findings, alongside ITV broadcaster Ruth Dodsworth who shares her own personal experience.

On Tuesday’s programme, the Conservative MP for Don Valley, Nick Fletcher, championed the idea of a Minister for Men. He says statistics show that 75% of people taking their lives are men, that the life expectancy of men is 3.7 years lower than it is for women, that 83% of rough sleepers are men. On Wednesday we heard your views - could a Minister help tackle some of the issues many young men seem to be struggling with, such as masculinity, pornography, consent and their role in society? Could a Minister for Men also make life better for women? And could it be a way to tackle the rise of influencers such as Andrew Tate – a self-declared misogynist?

Have you ever been in a 'situationship'? It's sort of a relationship but you're not exclusive. It's the subject of the debut novel of Taylor-Dior Rumble. The Situationship is published by Merky Books and it's been termed the label's first Rom-Com.

Rebuilding My Life series: When Martine Wright was rescued from the wreckage of a bombed Tube train on what became known as 7/7, her injuries were so severe that she could not be identified. Both her legs were amputated above the knee. 18 years on, Martine speaks about her road to recovery, physically and emotionally.

Is Belfast the new city of love? Well, it’s the backdrop to new Sky Atlantic romcom The Lovers, which follows local supermarket worker Janet and her love affair with English TV presenter, Seamus O’Hannigan who has a whole other life, and a girlfriend, back in London. Roisin Gallagher, who plays Janet, talks about filming in her hometown and the changing perceptions of Northern Ireland’s capital.

Presenter; Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Sarah Crawley

Economic Abuse, Michal Oshman, Roisin Gallagher, Barbershop Quartet, Mum shaming Sep 08, 2023

Economic abuse was officially recognised under the Domestic Abuse Act in 2021, yet a new study from the charity Surviving Economic Abuse suggests victims are still being let down by the police and the courts. Their CEO Nicola Sharp-Jeffs joins to tell us more about their findings, alongside ITV broadcaster Ruth Dodsworth who shares her own personal experience.

What would you do if you weren’t afraid? That is the question Michal Oshman is asking in her latest book. As the former Head of Company Culture at TikTok and International Leadership Development Executive at Facebook, she is no stranger to success. But Michal says that she has spent most of her life hiding anxiety and fear under this success - and uses her book to explore how we can all replace uncertainty with purpose for a better life. She joins Anita Rani to discuss.

You might have seen in the papers and online that the actress Sophie Turner and the singer Joe Jonas are getting divorced. The couple met back in 2016 on Instagram, and were married a year later. They have two daughters together, but earlier this week released a joint statement saying they have 'mutually decided to amicably end' their marriage. However, TMZ reported that a source claimed that they had very different lifestyles. Sophie Likes to party, while Jo stays at home, they reported. Olivia-Anne Cleary is a senior editor and writer who felt compelled to write an article about it for Glamour magazine, Can We Please Stop Mum Shaming. She joins Anita to discuss.

When you think of traditional barbershop singers you probably think of men. But there are just as many female acapella singing groups as male. The Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers has around 60 clubs as members. And Mountain Harmony Chorus, the only one in Wales, wrote to Woman's Hour during Listener Week, inviting us to one of their rehearsals. We hear from our reporter Melanie Abbott who went along.

Is Belfast the new city of love? Well it’s the backdrop to new Sky Atlantic romcom, The Lovers, which follows local supermarket worker Janet and her love affair with English TV presenter, Seamus O’Hannigan who has a whole other life, and a girlfriend, back in London. Roisin Gallagher, who plays Janet, joins Anita to talk about filming in her hometown and changing perceptions of Northern Ireland’s capital.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Hanna Ward Studio Manager: Bob Nettles

Primodos debate, Rebuilding my life: Wiz Wharton, Cricket umpire pay Sep 07, 2023

Today MPs from all parties are holding a debate on a controversial pregnancy testing drug used widely in the 1960s and 1970s. It's expected that MPs from all parties will speak, including former Prime Minister Theresa May. In May, the High Court rejected a claim for compensation saying it could not proceed because there was no new evidence linking the tests with foetal harm. Marie Lyon, Chairwoman of the Association for Children Damaged by Hormone Pregnancy Tests and Hannah Bardell MP, Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group On Hormone Pregnancy Testing, join Nuala McGovern.

In the last in our series Rebuilding My Life, Nuala speaks to Wiz Wharton, author of Ghost Girl, Banana. Wiz was sectioned under the Mental Health Act 24 years ago, which led to a diagnosis of bipolar. She was forced to confront her demons and work out what needed to change, including owning her identity as a British-Chinese woman and learning how to stand up to the racism she had experienced all her life.

Exclusive reporting from The Guardian this week shows that cricket umpires were paid three times more to officiate the men’s Hundred this summer than the women’s. It comes just days after the England and Wales Cricket Board announced that the women’s teams will get the same match fees as the men’s. Nuala speaks to journalist Raf Nicholson.

One of the last surviving Bletchley Park codebreakers has died aged 99. Margaret Betts was just 19 when she was headhunted to work on the project. Nuala speaks to Tessa Dunlop, author of The Bletchley Girls, to find out a bit more about her.

Dame Shirley Bassey will become the first female solo artist in British history to be honoured with a stamp series. Welsh music journalist Jude Rogers joins Nuala.

Listener phone in - should there be a Minister for Men? Could the role ultimately help women? Sep 06, 2023

On yesterday's programme, the Conservative MP for Don Valley, Nick Fletcher, championed the idea of a Minister for Men. He says statistics show that 75% of people taking their lives are men, that the life expectancy of men is 3.7 years lower than it is for women, that 83% of rough sleepers are men and that 96% of the prison population is men.

Do you agree with Nick? Could a Minister help tackle some of the issues many young men seem to be struggling with, such as masculinity, pornography, consent and their role in society? Could a minister for men also make life better for women? And could it be a way to tackle the rise of influencers such as Andrew Tate – a self-declared misogynist?

Today Nuala McGovern talks to Michael Conroy, the founder of Men at Work, which focuses on unpicking some of the social influences on the values and beliefs of boys and young men – and how some of those influences can manifest in a range of problematic behaviours.

Hear him and have your say live on air by calling Nuala. The phone lines open at 0800 on Wednesday 6 September. Call us on 03700 100 444 or you can text the programme - the number is 84844. Texts will be charged at your standard message rate. On social media we're @BBCWomansHour. And you can email us through our website.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer Lisa Jenkinson Studio Managers: Donald McDonald and Emma Harth

Nick Fletcher MP, Rebuilding my life: Martine Wright, Food writer Bee Wilson, Filmmaker Celine Song Sep 05, 2023

Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska, has given a very personal interview to the BBC 18 months after the Russian invasion and subsequent war in her country. In it, she speaks about having to live in a different location to her husband, President Zelensky, and her fears for her children's future. The BBC's Yalda Hakim joins Nuala McGovern.

A male politician is calling for a Minister for Men. Nick Fletcher, the Conservative MP for Don Valley, believes that men face such serious difficulties in today’s society that they need a specific champion.

The second in our Rebuilding My Life series. When Martine Wright was rescued from the wreckage of a bombed Tube train on what became known as 7/7, her injuries were so severe that she could not be identified. Both her legs were amputated above the knee. Eighteen years on, Martine speaks to Nuala about her road to recovery, physically and emotionally.

Past Lives is the directorial debut from the New York playwright turned filmmaker Celine Song. She tells the story of Nora and her childhood sweetheart, Hae Sung, who she left behind in Seoul when her family immigrated to Canada. But they reconnect years later in New York, when Nora is happily married - and grapple with what they are to each other now… and whether they missed their chance.

Do you wish you cooked more but don't know where to start? Yotam Ottolenghi called Bee Wilson 'the ultimate food scholar'. She's the author of six books on food-related subjects. Now she's written her first cookbook, The Secret of Cooking: Recipes for an Easier Life in the Kitchen.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Opener 00:00 Olena Zelenska 01:40 Nick Fletcher 09:10 Rebuilding My Life - Martine Wright 24:29 Past Lives 37:35 Bee Wilson 45:51

Radioactive chapatis, Hostage negotiation, Non-birth mothers, Japanese women in politics Sep 04, 2023

In 1969, migration to the UK was increasing with Britain becoming home for thousands of foreign settlers. In Coventry, 21 women of Indian origin booked what were supposed to be routine appointments with their local GP. Little did they know that these appointments would result in them becoming subjects of a controversial medical experiment, in which they were given chapatis laced with radioactive components. Over the next 50 years, memories of the experiment have continued to resurface as campaigners, such as Labour MP Taiwo Owatemi, try to track down participants and their families whilst calling on Parliament to open an inquiry into the findings.

Nicky Perfect knows what it’s like to live much of her life on high alert. From joining the police at the age of 18, working in the Met Police Firearms unit to eventually joining the elite New Scotland Yard Hostage and Crisis Negotiation Unit. She’s brought people safely down from rooftop stand-offs, worked to resolve gang kidnappings and terrorist incidents. Now she’s written about her experiences in Crisis: True stories of my life as a hostage negotiator.

Listener Carla Mercer contacted Woman’s Hour asking for a discussion on parenting from the perspective of a non-birth mother in a single-sex relationship. She is the non-birth mother to her seven-year-old daughter and five-year-old twin boys. She is separated from her ex-partner who is the children’s birth mother. Author and journalist, Lotte Jeffs is the “other mother” to a four-year-old girl with her wife, who gave birth to their daughter. She is co-author of The Queer Parent: Everything You Need to Know From Gay to Ze.

Political parties in Japan are boosting their support to get more women into office. The country’s ruling party and opposition party are both offering financial incentives- pledging a million Japanese Yen, about £5400, in aid for each new female candidate. And many would say the country sorely needs more women in politics- with the World Economic Forum showing only 10% of the country’s parliamentary positions are held by women. Rei Murakami is the President of the Murakami Foundation, and has set up a politics training school with this goal in mind. Hanako Montgomery is a Tokyo-based journalist.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Opener 00:00 Radioactive Chapatis 02:12 Nicky Perfect 12:16 Women on Wheels 30:20 Non-Birth Mothers 35:44 Japanese Women in Politics 46:45

DIY fertility tests, Sudan conflict, Rebuilding my life Sep 04, 2023

A BBC investigation has found that at least five women have died after family courts allowed fathers accused of abuse to apply for contact with their children. Some took their own lives, and one had a heart attack outside a court. Nuala McGovern is joined by Dr Elizabeth Dalgarno who led the research in to this.

We often talk to women about the immediate impact of traumatic life-changing events. But what happens after the dust has settled? This week on Woman’s Hour, we are inviting you to listen to three women’s experiences of picking up the pieces. Claire Russell lost her partner Mark to suicide in 2018, and miscarried their baby a few weeks later. Claire tells Nuala about how she began to recover.

Since the conflict in Sudan erupted again in April, there have been reports of the increased use of sexual violence against women and girls. More than four million women and girls are at risk of sexual violence across Sudan, according to the World Health Organization. Nuala speaks to CNN’s Nima Elbagir and to Duaa Tariq who is in Khartoum.

How reliable is DIY fertility testing in helping you plan for a baby? A recent report in the British Medical Journal has found that some DIY tests that were sold in the UK to measure oestrogen levels may have given misleading results. The report's author, Emma Wilkinson, joins Nuala alongside Dr Ippokratis Sarris, Consultant in Reproductive Medicine and Director of King’s Fertility.

Have you ever been in a 'situationship'? It's sort of a relationship but you're not exclusive. It's the subject of the debut novel of Taylor-Dior Rumble. The Situationship is published by Merky Books and it's been termed the label's first Rom-Com. Taylor-Dior joins Nuala in the studio.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Hostage negotiator Nicky Perfect, Sarah Beeny, Chelsea Women Manager Emma Hayes, Mothers with bipolar, Bad lists Sep 02, 2023

Nicky Perfect has spent most of her life in highly fraught and dangerous situations, working as a hostage negotiator. Now she’s written about her experience in a new book: Crisis: True Stories of my Life as a Hostage Negotiator. She joins Nuala McGovern to talk about some of the things she learnt along the way.

The TV presenter Sarah Beeny has spent much of her life in the unpredictable world of property renovation. Her latest book, The Simple Life - How I found Home, is about the many homes she's lived in. While she was writing it, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Sarah speaks to Nuala about her perspective on language around cancer, and why she loves having a chaotic home.

Emma Hayes is the manager of Chelsea Women Football Club. In her time, they have won six Women’s Super League titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups. Emma joins Hayley Hassall to discuss football, motherhood, women's health, and leadership – which is the subject of her new audiobook, Kill the Unicorn.

The Pulitzer prize-winning production Next to Normal is currently on stage at the Donmar Warehouse in London. It features a suburban wife and mother living with bipolar and haunted by her past. Actor Caissie Levy, who plays Diana, and birder and environmentalist, Mya-Rose Craig, share their experiences with Nuala.

Did you hear our special Bank Holiday programme about lists? They pop up everywhere in life – and can be good, or bad. Nuala discusses some historically bad lists with authors Helen Lewis and Anne Sebba.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lottie Garton

Opener 00:00 Nicky Perfect 01:23 Sarah Beeny 10:41 Emma Hayes 23:10 Bipolar Mothers 35:49 Bad Lists 44:09

Emma Hayes, manager of Chelsea FC Women, Karis Anderson on Tina Turner, Rose Matafeo and Emma Sidi on Starstruck Aug 31, 2023

Emma Hayes has been manager of Chelsea Women football team for more than a decade, a reign made remarkable by six Women’s Super League titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups. Emma joins Hayley Hassall to discuss leadership in football and beyond, motherhood and women's health. Emma Hayes’ new audiobook, Kill the Unicorn, explores how her experience coaching elite female athletes has lessons for all of us.

On 24 May, the iconic singer Tina Turner died at the age of 83. For the last five years her life and music have been portrayed on stage in London’s West End to endless audiences keen to continue to enjoy her songs and watch the highs and lows, particularly of her early life, marriage to Ike Turner and then the revival of her career as a solo artist. Karis Anderson has recently taken on the role of Tina and joins Hayley in the Woman’s Hour studio.

Women in Afghanistan are turning to nursing as one of the few remaining professions they are permitted to do under the Taliban. But nursing itself is facing a crisis in the country. Former BBC Persia journalist Bahaar Joya is now a nurse in London. She describes the training she wants to provide for nurses in Afghanistan, and what the women there are telling her.

The hit BBC Three and HBO rom-com series Starstruck is back on our screens with its third season - following the main character Jessie and her best friend Kate through their late 20s and early 30s in London. Rose Matafeo has co-written the show and plays Jessie and Emma Sidi plays Kate. They join Hayley to discuss their characters and their friendship.

Presented by Hayley Hassall Producer: Louise Corley Studio Engineers: Andrew Garratt & Sue Maillot

00:00 OPENER 02:38 EMMA HAYES 23:52 TINA TURNER 36:45 AFGHAN NURSE 47:19 ROSE MATAFEO AND EMMA SIDI

Scottish rape survivors, Writer Natasha Walter, New research on the Y chromosome and male infertility Aug 30, 2023

A group of women who were raped by the same man are now coming together to campaign for better treatment for survivors of rape in the Scottish justice system. After his sentencing, the women were photographed arm-in-arm outside the high court in Glasgow, having forged a close bond. Catriona Renton, reporter and presenter for BBC Scotland, joins Nuala. Writer and activist Natasha Walter joins Nuala to discuss her new, very personal book, Before the Light Fades: a memoir of grief and resistance. One day in December 2017 Natasha's mother Ruth took her own life. Natasha overwhelmed, by grief and guilt starts to look back through Ruth's history, trying to understand how her life led to this death. Last week scientists in America announced that they have taken an important step in understanding the human genome- our genetic blueprint- by decoding the Y chromosome which is passed from male parent to male offspring and determines biological sex and fertility. Professor Chris Barratt, head of Reproductive Medicine at Ninewells Hospital and the University of Dundee Medical School explains the implications of this research in relation to male infertility. Next to Normal is a Pulitzer prize-winning production currently on stage at the Donmar Theatre in London. At its heart Diana Goodman is a suburban wife and mother living with bipolar and haunted by her past. We speak to actor Caissie Levy playing Diana and birder and environmentalist, Mya-Rose Craig whose recent book Birdgirl talked about the impact on her and her family of having a mother with the same diagnosis. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Opener 00:00 Rape 01:20 Natasha Walter 10:32 Y Chromosome Breakthrough 22:23 Bipolar Mothers 30:19

Sarah Beeny, Rebekah Staton, Spanish football kiss update, Deborah Bonello on Narcas Aug 29, 2023

The TV presenter Sarah Beeny has spent much of her life in the unpredictable world of property renovation. You'll find her in programmes such as Help! My House is Falling Down and Sarah Beeny’s New Life in the Country. Her latest book, The Simple Life - How I found Home, is about the many homes she's lived in and her latest move to a former dairy farm in Somerset. While she was writing it she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Sarah joins Nuala McGovern.

Nuala speaks to actor Rebekah Staton, who stars in the new BBC drama The Following Events Are Based on a Pack of Lies. It follows two women who have nothing in common - except conman and celebrated so-called ecopreneur Rob. Staton plays Alice Newman, who had been trying to move on from Rob’s schemes that left her family penniless and his subsequent disappearance - until she sees him one day by chance.

The Spanish Football Federation's regional leaders have called on their president, Luis Rubiales, to resign. He faces widespread criticism for kissing footballer Jenni Hermoso on the lips at the World Cup ceremony in Sydney just over a week ago. Hermoso has said the kiss was not consensual. Now his mother has gone on hunger strike in protest against the treatment of her son. Nuala speaks to Semra Hunter, Spanish football journalist.

VICE Journalist Deborah Bonello has written about the hidden power women wield in Latin American drug cartels for her first book, Narcas. It is the first in-depth exploration of these women. She joins Nuala to discuss.

And the next in our series Women on Wheels - where we hear women speak about the cars that mean or meant a lot to them. Today, we hear from listener Rachel. Her choice of a Morris Minor bemused her friends and family but the adventures she had in it still make her smile.

00:00 OPENER 01:54 JENNI HERMOSO 13:57 SARAH BEENY 29:14 LAS NARCAS 41:58 WOMEN ON WHEELS 46:41 REBEKAH STATON

Lists: How and why we make them, The psychology behind list-making, Lists in the public domain, Music and lists Aug 28, 2023

To discuss the how and why of lists, Nuala is joined by Joanna Nolan, author of the book, Listful, and Lucy Ireland Gray, who put together a collection of about 200 shopping lists that she found discarded over the course of nearly 20 years in and around Hertfordshire, where she lives.

We consider the psychology of lists - in particular why and whether lists are good or bad for our mental health and creativity. Artist Alice Instone, Joanna Nolan, author of Listful, and Madeleine Dore, the author of, I didn’t do the thing today: On letting go of productivity guilt, join Nuala.

Lists in the public domain - with Nuala to discuss the good and bad of lists historically and in contemporary times, are journalist and writer Helen Lewis, author of Difficult women: A history of feminism in eleven fights, and writer Anne Sebba, author of 10 non-fiction books. Her most recent book is Ethel Rosenberg: A Cold War Tragedy.

The place of lists in music - songs with lists, the charts, playlists and more. Nuala is joined by Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae, whose album, Black Rainbows, is out in September, and music journalist Jude Rogers, the author of The sound of being human: How music shapes our lives.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Listener Week: Psychedelics, Strongwomen, Kleptomania, Living funerals, Being a refugee, Women in heavy metal Aug 26, 2023

A Listener Week Weekend Woman’s Hour Special, where you – our listeners – decide what you want to hear on the programme.

Our listener Rachel asked us to explore the potential of using psychedelic drugs in medicine, and whether these drugs might affect women differently to men. Anita Rani is joined by Professor David Nutt, Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London; and Catherine Bird, Senior Clinical Trials Manager at the Centre for Affective Disorders at Kings College London.

Eric, a listener, suggested we find out more about Vulcana, the Victorian strongwoman known for her 'jaw-dropping feats of strength and her breath-taking beauty'. Author Rebecca F John and Sam Taylor, Britain’s Strongest Woman 2020, join Nuala McGovern to talk about strongwomen past and present.

A listener who we’re calling Jane tells Nuala about her addiction to shoplifting. She wanted to highlight her experience and her struggle to cope with her compulsion - and explains her anxiety about regularly breaking the law.

Listener Nelly has asked us to talk about living funerals. She was inspired by Kris Hallenga, the founder of the CoppaFeel breast cancer awareness charity, who has stage 4 breast cancer and who held a living funeral for herself. Nuala hears from Jenna, whose sister had a living funeral.

Franceska Murati is a 27-year-old businesswoman and this year’s Miss Central London. At four years old, she arrived in the UK having escaped war-torn Kosovo, smuggled in the back of a lorry. She shares her story.

And our listener Laura wanted us to look at heavy metal and the role women play in the scene. Nuala speaks to Lindsay Bishop, who conducted 10 years of field work for her PhD on the subject and Becky Baldwin, a bassist from the band Fury.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Listener Week: Generative AI, Female thatchers, Big noses, Communal living Aug 25, 2023

For Listener Week, you, our listeners, decide what we cover on the programme.

Listener Liane has tasked the programme with a deep dive into the impact of generative Artificial Intelligence on the workforce. She’s concerned that AI risks making humans “obsolete” and “has the capacity to replace millions of people's creative ideas, artwork, writing, music, their skills in language, invention and interpretation in seconds.” We speak to Dame Diane Coyle, the Bennett Professor of Public Policy at Cambridge University, and Christina Colclough, founder of the Why Not Lab specialising in the futures of work.

Listener Deb emailed in to shine a light on the work of her daughter Daisy and her partner Anna, thatchers who have worked on rooves all over Devon. Our reporter Sarah Swadling caught up with them at work on a cottage near Okehampton.

How do you feel about your nose? Once considered a symbol of beauty and power in ancient Rome, having a slightly larger facial feature nowadays can have a different meaning for some. Do you embrace it in its natural form or have you ever thought about changing it? We speak to Radhika Sanghani, who started the #sideprofileselfie campaign; and Karolina who decided to have a rhinoplasty.

Listener Annette has often thought about living with her female friends in old age but she doesn’t know how to go about it. To answer her questions, we speak to architect Anne Thorne, who has recently built Cannock Mill CoHousing with 25 other households. And Mim Skinner, author of Living Together, a book about intentional communities in the UK and beyond.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lucy Wai Studio Manager: Gayl Gordan

00:00 OPENER 02:17 AI AND AUTOMATION 17.45 TRAIL 18:57 FEMALE THATCHERS 32:00 BIG NOSES 45:51 COMMUNAL LIVING

Listener Week: Psychedelics, Peripheral friendship, Posthumous conception, Beach Guardian Aug 24, 2023

For Listener Week, you, our listeners, decide what we cover on the programme.

Listener Rachel asked Woman's Hour to explore the potential of using psychedelic drugs in medicine and whether these drugs might affect women differently to men. Academics have been researching psilocybin as a possible new treatment for depression, PTSD and anorexia, when used in conjunction with therapy. Anita Rani is joined by Professor David Nutt, Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London; and Catherine Bird, Senior Clinical Trials Manager at the Centre for Affective Disorders at Kings College London.

Helen, a listener, wanted Woman's Hour to highlight the importance of peripheral friendships. These are casual acquaintance relationships; the people in your life that you don’t see often, or your co-workers who give you joy, or kindness, but aren’t your close family. Anita meets Helen and they talk to Dr Gillian Sandstrom, a senior lecturer in the Psychology of Kindness at Sussex University, who has studied these relationships

Posthumous conception is when assisted reproductive technology is used to establish a pregnancy and produce genetic offspring following the death of a parent. Listener, Lauren McGregor, wrote to Woman's Hour wanting to discuss the importance of having the legal paperwork properly completed and signed should you ever find yourself in a situation when you have to consider this. Anita is joined by Lauren and a family lawyer, who has experience of working with fertility law, Louisa Gheveart.

Earlier this year, research from the University of Portsmouth showed there are 100 times more microplastics in the coast around the UK than there were six years ago. Anita talks to the marine biologist and PhD student Emily Stevenson who is on a mission to clean up the patch of Cornwall’s north coast where she grew up. Emily founded Beach Guardian in 2017 with her dad to try to empower local communities to combat plastic waste along the coastline.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Giles Aspen

00:00 Opener 02:28 Psychedlics 17:12 Peripheral Friendship 30:45 Posthumous Conception 46:18 Beach Conservation

Listener Week: Is it ever good to give up on dreams? Working class women & university, Living funerals Aug 23, 2023

For Woman's Hour's Listener Week, you, our listeners, decide what we cover on the programme.

Nuala McGovern is joined by Monica and chartered psychologist Catherine Hallissey to discuss when it might be the right decision to give up on your dream. We'd like to hear your views on the issue. Have you decided to change course or realised a goal isn’t meant to be?

Earlier this month, we heard the experiences of young people who are opting to live at home while they study at university because of the cost of living. That prompted a listener, Dr Pam Woolner from Newcastle University, to get in touch to tell us about the latest research by her colleague Dr Sam Shields. It looks into the experiences of working class women going to university and the challenges they face. Sam is senior lecturer in Education at Newcastle University and joins Nuala along with the writer Jessica Andrews who was the first in her family to go to university, leaving her home in the north-east of England to study in London.

One of our listeners got in touch to tell us that his daughter had discovered a previously unseen poem by Georgiana the Duchess of Devonshire, who you may know about from the Keira Knightley film, The Duchess. We’ll be bringing you that poem and discussing why the duchess was such an influential political figure in her day.

And Nelly has asked us to talk about living funerals. She was inspired by Kris Hallenga, the founder of the CoppaFeel breast cancer awareness charity, who has stage 4 breast cancer and who held a living funeral for herself.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Andrew Garratt

00:00 OPENER 01:43 LIVING FUNERALS 22.46 WORKING CLASS ACADEMICS 35.45 DUCHESS POEM 46.57 GIVING UP ON DREAMS 5439 CLOSE

Listener Week: Ukrainian women soldiers, Long lost families, Strong women, Refugees, Eating Alone Aug 22, 2023

For listener week, you, our listeners, decide what we cover on the programme.

Listener Liz got in touch to say she wanted to know more about the women fighting on the front line in Ukraine. Nuala McGovern is joined by BBC journalist and reporter Olga Malchevska, whose home in Kyiv was bombed at the start of the war. She’s been back to Ukraine to meet three women who are fighting for their country – we’ll hear from one of them who was severely injured when the car she was in drove over a landmine.

As a child Julie De’Ath always wished she had an older brother, ‘an easy pass to get a boyfriend’, she said. Two years ago at the age of 67, she finally got one when she received a message on Facebook from a man claiming to be that brother. Her mother had given birth to a baby boy in the 1940s but being unmarried at the time, gave him up for adoption. It was a secret her mother took to her grave. Julie contacted Woman’s Hour as part of Listener week to share her story for the first time. We also speak to her long-lost half-brother, Tom, and to Miriam Silver, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, who specialises in parenting and children who have been adopted.

Victorian strongwoman Vulcana was known for her jaw-dropping feats of strength and her breathtaking beauty. Listener Eric suggested her story to us. He asked that we talk to author Rebecca F John, whose historical novel, Vulcana, fictionalises her life. She tells Nuala about the remarkable, and trailblazing, performer. Plus, Sam Taylor, Britain’s Strongest Woman 2020, tells us what it’s like being a modern-day strongwoman.

Franceska Murati is a 27-year-old businesswoman and this year’s Miss London. But there’s more to this beauty queen that meets the eye. At 4 years old, she arrived in the UK alongside her parents and older sister. They had escaped war-torn Kosovo, smuggling themselves on the back of a lorry. She shares her story.

It’s something we’ve all probably done at one point or another - eating alone. Whether that’s taking yourself out to a restaurant you’ve always wanted to go to, grabbing a meal while you’re on a solo trip, or cooking for just yourself at home. But despite how common eating alone is - given that in 2022 the Office of National Statistics showed almost one in three households in the UK were people living alone - some might say there’s still a stigma around it. So how do we get around it? Nuala talks to Woman’s Hour listener Julia Georgallis and food writer Clare Finney.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

00:00 Opener 01:34 Ukraine Female Soldiers 16:08 Long Lost Family 30:05 Strong Women 39:19 Franceska Murati 49:42 Eating Alone

Listener Week: Women's World Cup final, Shoplifting, Heavy metal Aug 21, 2023

For listener week you, our listeners, decide what we cover on the programme.

It might not have been World Cup glory for England's Lionesses but they still made history and have inspired many along the way. To take a look back at that history, Nuala is joined by two listeners: Sue Whyatt, who played for England in 1972, and successfully got her international cap following an email to us at Woman’s Hour, and Jo Clark, co-founder of Baller FC.

A listener speaks to Nuala about her addiction to shoplifting - fully aware that it's a criminal offence and not something that should be condoned, she wanted to highlight her story on the programme.

Listener Laura wanted us to look at heavy metal and the role women play in the scene. Nuala speaks to Lindsay Bishop, who conducted 10 years of field work for her PhD on the subject and Becky Baldwin, a bassist from the band Fury.

Sue Stewart explains why she got in touch with Woman’s Hour to tell us about the impact on her of the book Matrescence by Lucy Jones. Matrescence is the time during pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood when women undergo far-reaching changes which Lucy Jones argues are more profound, wild and long lasting than we have ever been led to believe. We speak to Lucy and to Sue.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

00:00 Opener 02:35 Football 16:53 Kleptomania 34:43 Mid trail 35:53 Heavy Metal 47:06 Mastresence

Women's World Cup final, Surviving a WWII Japanese prison camp, Care leavers, 'Older-age orphans', Nasa astronaut Christina Koch Aug 19, 2023

Former Lioness and England's top female goal scorer, Ellen White, on England reaching the Fifa Women's World Cup final. VJ day was on Tuesday, marking the anniversary of Japan's surrender, and the end of World War Two. Olga Henderson was 13 in 1945, starving in a camp in Singapore alongside other young internees. Now 91, Olga talks about her time in the camps recalled in her new – and first - book, In the Shadow of the Rising Sun. A survey of 10,000 university students found that only 14% of pupils who had been in the care system progressed to higher education by age 19, compared to 47% of all other pupils. Kim Emenike, who was in care as a child, and Katharine Sacks-Jones, Chief Executive of the charity Become, which supports young care leavers, discuss the challenges they face. Many baby boomers are experiencing the death of their parents much later than previous generations. The journalist Helen Bullough and clinical psychologist Dr Linda Blair discuss the impact of being parentless in older age. Imagine being the first woman to travel to the Moon. The Nasa astronaut Christina Koch has been chosen as one of the four crew members who will orbit the Moon in the spacecraft Orion, as part of Nasa’s Artemis II mission in November next year. TV presenter Sarah Greene, most well-known for her work on Blue Peter and Going Live is back on our screens with a brand-new BBC 1 quiz show, The Finish Line. She reflects on her career and tells us all about her new role. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Ellen White, How to ask for a pay rise, astronaut Christina Koch, Morning-after pill Aug 18, 2023

Sunday sees the Women's World Cup final between England and Spain and to mark it we are joined by England's top female goal scorer, Ellen White. By the time of Ellen's retirement after last year’s Euros, she'd scored 52 goals in 113 international appearances. She joins Anita from Sydney to discuss the magic of Sarina Wiegman and her advice for the Lionesses ahead of Sunday's match.

Has anyone asked for a pay rise yet? With everything costing more and wages not quite keeping up, maybe it's time we did. Historically women are less likely to ask for a pay rise with a recent survey suggesting half of men have asked for a rise but only 37% of women have. Anita is joined by businesswoman and entrepreneur Sharmadean Reid to discuss.

Imagine being the first woman to travel to the Moon. The Nasa astronaut Christina Koch is edging closer to that entry in the history books. She has been chosen as one of the four crew members who will orbit the Moon in the spacecraft Orion, as part of Nasa’s Artermis II mission in November next year. All going well, the Artemis programme will continue in 2025 as Nasa and its partners attempt to land the first woman and first person of colour on the surface of the Moon. Anita speaks to Christina all about it.

A new study has found that the morning-after pill is made more effective when taken with an anti-inflammatory painkiller. The study found taking the morning-after pill combined with piroxicam - a drug used for arthritis pain - prevented 95% of pregnancies, whereas taking the morning-after pill alone prevented 63%. Anita is joined by the President of The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health at The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Dr Janet Barter, to discuss the significance of these findings.

Ligwina Hananto is an Indonesian stand-up comedian journeying to Europe for the first time to appear at the Edinburgh Fringe. She joins Anita to talk about what it’s like to be a hijab-wearing comedian in a conservative Muslim society, and why she feels like she lives a double life.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Hanna Ward Studio Manager: Bob Nettles

00:00 Opener 01:30 Ellen White 15:34 How to Ask For a Pay Rise 28:58 Christina Koch 43:00 Contraception 48:04 Mrs Hananto

Lionesses' legacy, Sarah Greene, Care leavers, Abortion Aug 17, 2023

England are through to the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in history. But while the Lionesses are excelling in Australia and New Zealand, what’s it like for girls playing football back in the UK? Are they feeling the impact of England’s success? Samerah, Charlotte, and Isabelle, teenagers involved in the Football Beyond Borders programme, share their experiences, and Anita speaks to Ceylon Andi Hickman, the charity’s director of external relations, about how to ensure the legacy of the World Cup reaches girls from all backgrounds.

A 22 year old woman has denied carrying out an illegal abortion during lockdown. Bethany Cox was accused of two charges on Tuesday in relation to using drugs and poison to end a pregnancy in July 2020. She pleaded not guilty to the charges in court and has been released on bail. Anita Rani speaks to Hannah Al-Othman, a reporter for the Sunday Times who was in court.

It's A level results today across the UK for hundreds and thousands of students. The proportion of A or A* grades is 27.2% down from a peak of nearly 45% in the pandemic. That means it is more or less back to where it was in 2019, the last year of exams before COVID. Grainne Hallahan, senior analyst from TES Magazine, looks into how girls performed.

In 2023, a survey of 10,000 university students found that only 14 percent of pupils who had been in the care system progressed to higher education by age 19, compared to 47 percent of all other pupils. Anita is joined by Kim Emenike, who was in care as a child and Katharine Sacks-Jones, Chief Executive of the charity, Become, which supports young care leavers to discuss the challenges they face.

TV presenter Sarah Greene, most well-known for her work on Blue Peter and Going Live is back on our screens with a brand new BBC 1 quiz show, The Finish Line. She joins Anita Rani to reflect on her career and to tell us all about her new role.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Steve Greenwood

00:00 Opener 01:21 Football 20:19 Abortion 27.49 Exam results 36:42 Care leavers Uni 45:58 Sarah Greene

Martine McCutcheon, anxiety & the perimenopause, Who is Fani Willis? Period huts in Nepal Aug 16, 2023

Martine McCutcheon describes her rising anxiety levels to do with the perimenopause. Who is Fani Willis? On Monday 14 August a grand jury in Fulton County, Georgia voted to charge Mr Trump and 18 others with attempting to overturn the 2020 election result in the state. The woman taking on his case is District Attorney Fani Willis. Kimberley Peeler Allen the co-founder of HHFA, a national organization building the political power and leadership of Black women from the voting booth to elected office, joins Nuala. Should parents of disabled children and those with long term health conditions be kept in the loop, even when the young person turns 18 and is an adult? We hear from parents devastated to be excluded, who say they are not listened to, sometimes until it’s too late. And the Royal College of Psychiatrists tells Woman’s Hour they want to see the period of transition to be extended past 18 and up to the age of 25. In Nepal there have been reports of a 16-year old girl who has died as a result of the illegal practice of chhaupadi. This is where menstruating women are forced to stay in huts outside their home due to the centuries-old belief that they are unclean and untouchable during menstruation. Journalist Shristi Kafle joins us from Nepal. The Invincibles is the untold story of one of the most successful women’s football team of World War One. And as the spirit of the Sterling Ladies lives on in the Lionesses epic Women’s World Cup adventure this summer a play about them opens at the Queens Theatre in Hornchurch Essex early next month. Playwright Amanda Whittington and actor Yanexi Enriquez join Nuala. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

00:00 Opener 02:10 Martine Mccutcheon 13:53 Fani Willis 26:24 Post - 18 40:03 Period Huts 46:40 The Invincibles

Youngest Afghan mayor, Romanticising your life, surviving WWII Japanese prison camp, Big tech & sexuality Aug 15, 2023

Today marks two years since the re-taking of Afghanistan by the Taliban. We speak to Afghanistan's youngest female mayor, Zarifa Ghafari, who was elected mayor of the conservative central city of Maidan Shahr in 2018, aged 23, and survived three assassination attempts while still living in the country. During one of these attempts, her father was killed. Following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, she fled Afghanistan along with her husband, mother and siblings. But she still receives daily death threats from the Taliban despite fleeing to Germany two years ago.

Across social media, everyday activities such as making dinner for yourself, going for a walk or buying yourself flowers have been transformed into acts of feminist empowerment. The hashtag for the trend - ‘Romanticise your life’ - has over 1.5 billion views. Should we all be romanticising our lives more? Journalists Ellie Muir and Chanté Joseph look at the pros and cons of the trend.

Women with poor mental health have an almost 50% higher risk of having a pre-term birth, that's according to a study of 2 million pregnancies in England. The research found that one in 10 women who had used mental health services before their pregnancy had a pre-term birth, compared with one in 15 who did not. We hear from one of the reports authors, Louise Howard, who is professor emerita in women’s mental health at King’s College London.

Today is VJ day which marks the surrender of Japan and therefore the end of World War Two. Olga Henderson was 13 in 1945, starving in a camp in Singapore alongside other young internees. Now 91, Olga will join us in the studio to talk about her time in the camps recalled in her new – and first - book, In the Shadow of the Rising Sun.

Journalist Ellie House is bisexual. But before she had even realised that, it felt like Big Tech had already worked it out, with some sites regularly recommending her LGBTQ content. Ellie joins Nuala to speak about her quest to understand how recommendations systems really work, and the risks and rewards of being queer online. She’ll also tell us about speaking to people for whom these kind of recommendations could become potentially life-threatening.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

00:00 Opener 02:00 Afghanistan 11:38 Romanticise Your Life 21:04 Pregnancy 30:54 Olga Henderson 45:47 Big Tech

Women's football World Cup, 'Older-age orphans', Channel swimming with a stoma, Caroline Moran, Women's feet Aug 14, 2023

The Lionesses are through to the Women's World Cup semi-final on Wednesday against co-hosts Australia. Reaching semi-finals of major tournaments is what England "are known for", says defender Lucy Bronze. Lucy's mum, Diane Bronze and former Lioness and football comemntator Anita Asante discuss.

Many baby boomers are experiencing the death of their parents much later than previous generations. The journalist Helen Bullough and clinical psychologist Dr Linda Blair discuss the impact of being parentless in older age.

Gill Castle will be the first person to attempt to swim the channel with a stoma. She's documenting her journey to crossing the channel in The Stoma Swimmer - a new audio series for BBC Sounds.

What would happen if the apocalypse happened in the middle of a hen party? Caroline Moran, known for writing Raised by Wolves, has written a brand new comedy for BBC Two looking at just that. She joins Nuala to talk about why she wanted to create the series, Henpocalypse, and what to expect.

How much can you tell a woman's life story through her feet? Emma McConnachie, who is a podiatrist and a spokesperson for the Royal College of Podiatry, explains how our feet change as we age.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Dianne McGregor

Opener 00:00 Football 01:55 Older Orphans 13:36 Henpocalypse 30:09 Swim 39:36 Women and feet 48:21

Weekend Woman's Hour: Megan Thee Stallion, Students Living at Home, Sarah de Lagarde, Dr Nadia Nadim Aug 12, 2023

The rapper Tory Lanez has been sentenced to 10 years for the shooting of fellow musician Megan Thee Stallion. She required surgery to remove bullet fragments from her foot after he shot her following a party in 2020. BBC entertainment correspondent Chi-Chi Izundu joins Clare McDonnell to discuss.

New research by The Sutton Trust reveals that more than a third of A-level students in England are considering living at home if they get into their preferred university. And in some cases, choosing lower-ranking universities because they are closer to home. Rebecca Montacute, head of research for the Sutton Trust, explains the findings. Hayley Hassall also hears from future student, Lori Cobon, and her mother Rachel.

A few months ago, Sarah de Lagarde came on Woman's Hour to share her incredible story of survival. She had fallen on to the Tube tracks at a north London station and was run over by two Tube trains. She lost her right arm and leg as a result. Today, Sarah returns with a newly fitted bionic arm, made possible with the support of a crowdfunding campaign. She speaks to Hayley about her recovery.

More than 60 women have made allegations of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment against the US comedian and actor Bill Cosby. But only one woman, Andrea Constand, was able to gain a criminal conviction. In 2018, he was sent to prison for three to 10 years on three counts of aggravated indecent assault. At the time, it was celebrated as a major win for the #MeToo movement. Less than three years later, he was freed when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his conviction on a legal technicality. In a new two-part documentary exclusively for ITVX from 10 August, The Case Against Cosby, Andrea tells her story.

It's been two years since the Taliban retook power in Afghanistan and during that time women and girls have found many curtailments on their liberty. Dr Nadia Nadim is Afghanistan's most successful and most influential female footballer. She fled to Denmark following the death of her father and has gone on to play for the Danish national team over 100 times. Dr Nadim joins Hayley to discuss her career and her hope for women and girls back home in Afghanistan.

Presenter: Hayley Hassall Producer: Hanna Ward Studio Manager: Tim Heffer

00:00 Opener 01:26 Megan Thee Stallion 07:48 Students Living At Home 16:45 Sarah De Lagarde 26:01 Andrea Constand 36:38 Fertility Anxiety 44:25 Afghanistan

Andi and Miquita Oliver, Jacqueline Springer, Emma Rawicz, Afghanistan's most successful female footballer - Dr Nadia Nadim Aug 11, 2023

Mother and daughter duo, Andi and Miquita Oliver, have started a new podcast, Stirring it Up, where they ask guests to join them at their kitchen table. They join Hayley Hassall to talk on how this format harks back to their roots, their passion for sharing food and stories, the challenges they’ve faced as women at different life stages in broadcast, and growing up together in London’s Ladbroke Grove. It's been two years since the Taliban retook power in Afghanistan and during that time women and girls have found many curtailments on their liberty. Dr Nadia Nadim is Afghanistan's most successful and most influential female footballer. She fled to Denmark following the death of her father and has gone on to play for the Danish national team over 100 times. Dr Nadim joins Hayley to discuss her career and her hope for women and girls back home in Afghanistan. Last week we spoke to the children’s charity, the NSPCC, who talked about how the school summer holidays can be a particularly difficult time for some children. And Hayley talks to Ruth, who has worked on the helpline for over a decade, and Brad, who made that call. Emma Rawicz is an award-winning young saxophonist and composer, already making waves on the UK music scene, and described as "an astonishing new talent" by Jamie Cullum. Emma is a recipient of the 2021 Drake Yolanda Award, winner of Best Newcomer at the 2022 Parliamentary Jazz Awards, as well as being a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician competition. She joins Hayley to chat and perform live in the studio. Women and Hip Hop with music journalist Jacqueline Springer and the latest on the devastating Maui Fires with Chair of the Island Council Alice Lee.

Presenter: Hayley Hassall Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Michael Millham

00:00 Opener 02:06 Maui Wildfire 07:16 Andi and Miquita Oliver 17:02 Afghanistan 32:50 Reporting Child Abuse 40:14 Women and Hip Hop 47:53 Emma Radwicz

Barbie in China, The Hundred: women's cricket, Women & student loans, Why university students are staying at home Aug 10, 2023

New research by the Sutton Trust reveals that more than a third of A-level students in England are considering living at home if they get into their preferred university. And in some cases, chooing lower-ranking universities because they are closer to home. Rebecca Montacute, head of research for the Sutton Trust, explains the findings. Hayley also hears from future student, Lori Cobon, and her mother Rachel.

The summer of cricket continues with The Hundred. Hayley finds out the latest news from Beth Barrett-Wild, who is Director of Women’s Professional Game with the England and Wales Cricket Board, the ECB, and number eight on the Woman’s Hour Power list. Hayley is also joined by England cricketer Nat Sciver-Brunt, who is ranked number one in the world and is Captain of Trent Rockets Women.

Barbie the film is a surprising hit in China, exceeding box office expectations. Why are feminists flocking to see it and how does it compare with other films released there this summer? To find out more, Hayley speaks to Frances Hisgen, Research Programme Manager for the Project on China’s Global Sharp Power at Stanford University in the US and Jingfei Li, a lecturer at Shanghai Vancouver Film School in China.

Many young people will be looking forward to starting university and thinking about their student finances. Nicola Robinson got in touch to say that she believes women like her who took out a student loan in England have been unfairly penalised. She tells her story. Hayley also discusses the issues with Sabina Mackenzie and Katie Watts, Head of Campaigns at Money Saving Expert.

Presented by Hayley Hassall Producer: Louise Corley Studio engineer: Andrew Garratt

00:00 Opener 02:56 Students Living at Home 16:36 Student Loans 34:13 Women on Wheels 40:03 Barbie in China 48:31 Cricket 100

Megan Thee Stallion, Fertility Anxiety, Colombian striker Linda Caicedo Aug 09, 2023

The rapper Tory Lanez has been sentenced to 10 years for the shooting of fellow musician Megan Thee Stallion. She required surgery to remove bullet fragments from her foot after he shot her following a party in 2020. BBC entertainment correspondent Chi-Chi Izundu joins Clare McDonnell to discuss.

Do you have fertility anxiety? Today we are discussing why some women fear they can’t easily have children, despite having no known health issues. The journalist Sophie Gallagher joins Clare alongside Dr Ellie Cannon, an NHS GP and author.

18-year-old Linda Caicedo has been one of the break-out stars of this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Colombian player’s journey so far includes a professional and international debut at 14, a cancer diagnosis at 15, and a move to one of the most well-known clubs in the world. BBC Sport reporter Emma Smith joins us to explain her meteoric career.

Lorna Rose Treen is an award-winning comedian who has taken her one-woman character comedy show Skin Pigeon to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for the first time this year. Being a performer at the Fringe is fun but can be gruelling – so how does it work? Lorna has recorded an exclusive audio diary for Woman’s Hour to give us a peek behind the scenes.

Spiritual healing is extremely popular in many countries in the Middle East and North Africa. But the practice is unregulated and that means women are vulnerable to sexual exploitation. An investigation by BBC News Arabic has uncovered allegations of widespread sexual abuse by healers in Sudan and Morocco. Clare McDonnell is joined by the BBC’s Hanan Razek and Senior Women's Rights Researcher at Human Rights Watch, Rothna Begum, to discuss.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Emma Pearce

00:00 Opener 02:53 Megan Thee Stallion 10:42 Fertility Anxiety 25:54 Linda Caicedo 35:29 Lorna Rose Treen 47:53 Spiritual Healing

The case against Bill Cosby, Live music from Chloe Matharu, The world of incels, Texas abortion law Aug 08, 2023

A judge in Texas has ruled that women who experience pregnancy complications are temporarily exempt from the state's abortion bans. The ruling comes after a group of thirteen women and two doctors sued the state of Texas in March of this year, calling for a clarification of the law. However, the injunction is only temporary until the lawsuit is decided - and the state of Texas has appealed the ruling. Dr Emma Long, Associate Professor in American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia, joins Clare McDonnell to explain the significance of the ruling.

Author and researcher Dr Julia Ebner has spent the last two years immersed in one of the darkest corners of the internet, the world of incels. She has been pretending to be an unhappily single, unemployed, male in his late 20s who is tired of feminism. This is part of her decade-long work going undercover investigating different extremist movements and how they pose a risk to democracy. Her new book, Going Mainstream, looks at the rapid spread of extremism into our mainstream social and political discourse. Chloe Matharu is an award-winning, singer songwriter and harpist. She has cultural roots in Scotland, Wales and the Punjab, and draws inspiration from her time in the Merchant Navy and the natural world as experienced at sea. Her debut album, Small Voyages, was selected for Celtic Music Radio’s Album of the Year. At Celtic Connections she was awarded the revered Danny in February this year. She joins the programme live in the studio to talk about her music and to perform The Silkie of Sule Skerry.

More than 60 women have made allegations of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment against the US comedian and actor Bill Cosby. But only one woman, Andrea Constand, was able to gain a criminal conviction. In 2018, he was sent to prison for three to 10 years on three counts of aggravated indecent assault. At the time it was celebrated as a major win for the #MeToo movement. Less than three years later, he was freed when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his conviction on a legal technicality. In a new two-part documentary exclusively for ITVX from 10 August, The Case Against Cosby, Andrea tells her story.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Kirsty Starkey

00:00 Opener 02:50 Texas abortion 13:16 Julia Ebner 29:58 Chloe Matharu 38:52 Andrea Constand

Sarah De Lagarde's bionic arm, Women's World Cup update, Kim Sherwood on writing Bond Aug 07, 2023

A few months ago, Sarah de Lagarde came on Woman's Hour to share her incredible story of survival. She had fallen on to the Tube tracks at a north London station and was run over by two Tube trains. She lost her right arm and leg as a result. Today, Sarah returns with a newly fitted bionic arm, made possible with the support of a crowdfunding campaign. She speaks to Hayley about her recovery journey.

As England’s Lionesses face Nigeria in the knock out stages of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Hayley Hasssall is joined by BBC sports reporters Mimi Fawaz and Anna Thompson to discuss all the action.

MPs are warning that the use of smart technology and connected devices in facilitating domestic abuse is becoming a growing problem. The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has found that smart products in the home are being used to 'monitor, harass, coerce and control' victims. Committee Chair and Conservative MP Dame Caroline Dinenage joins Hayley.

Priya Hall decided to use her experience of trying to start a family within a same-sex couple as the basis for her stand-up comedy debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She speaks to Hayley about the unfairness that same-sex couples face when it comes to accessing fertility treatment.

With the blessing of creator Ian Fleming’s estate, the latest literary instalment of James Bond is based in a modern world, and written by a woman. Hayley speaks to author Kim Sherwood on her experience of writing for the iconic series.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Loneliness & health, Concepts of Renaissance beauty & Rock Follies musical Aug 05, 2023

All this week on Woman’s Hour we’ve been discussing the topic of loneliness as women and young people are statistically more likely to experience it. We hear from the psychiatrist Dr Farhana Mann from UCL about the impact of loneliness on our health.

Jodie Ounsley is the world’s first ever deaf female rugby sevens international player, and she was part of the Woman’s Hour Power List of women in sport. She also uses TikTok to show others what it’s like to live with hearing loss. She talks about being a sportswoman, as well as one of the brand new TV Gladiators.

The children’s charity NSPCC says that its Helpline received over 1,000 contacts last year about children experiencing coercive and controlling behaviour, a form of domestic abuse. The school summer holidays can be a particularly difficult time for some of these children. If you are worried about someone, what should you do? We hear from Paddi Vint, Development Manager for the NSPCC and a woman we call Margaret, who experienced coercive control in a previous relationship.

Would you use fig and pine nut hand scrub? Or perhaps some tree gum anti-wrinkle cream? Just a few of the 16th century beauty recipes Professor Jill Burke has included in her new book, How to be a Renaissance Woman. Jill discusses 16th century women’s body anxieties and the men who wrote beauty tips for them.

Actor and writer Georgie Grier has shared a post on social media after her opening show at the Edinburgh Fringe had just one person in the audience. She’s had replies of support and encouragement from thousands of people, including comedian Jason Manford. She tells us what it was like to perform to one person, and how she feels about the reaction she’s getting.

Rock Follies was a 1970s TV series about an all-female rock band, The Little Ladies, trying to make their mark on a male-dominated music industry. A new musical adapted from the TV series is currently on in Chichester. We hear from Rula Lenska, who played Q in the original TV series, and Zizi Strallen, who has taken on the stage role.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Netball World Cup, Comedian Georgie Grier, Can design heal loneliness? Aug 04, 2023

Actor and writer Georgie Grier has shared a post on social media after her opening show at the Edinburgh Fringe had just one person in the audience. She’s had replies of support and encouragement from thousands of people, including comedian Jason Manford. She joins Anita to talk about what it was like to perform to one person, and how she feels about the reaction she’s getting.

The Women’s Netball World Cup is hotting up and Anita is joined by the BBC’s Katharine Merry to look ahead to Sunday’s final. She also tells us how netball is impacting girls in the host city of Cape Town.

All this week we’ve been talking about loneliness. Today we ask: Is it possible to design cities and public spaces with social connection at their heart? Anita is joined by Erin Peavey, an architect and well-being design leader at HKS and by Joanna Yarrow, a Non-Executive Director at property developer Human Nature.

What do you consider before buying an item of clothing? The cost? The brand? Journalist and TikTok creator Andrea Cheong says we’ve never been taught how to shop and that breaking up with fashion is like leaving behind a bad boyfriend. Andrea joins Anita to discuss her new book Why Don’t I Have Anything to Wear?

Woman’s Hour has been closely following the Women’s Football World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this year. Dr Kerry Peek has also been keeping a close eye on the action – but for different reasons. She is one of the ‘concussion spotters’, who for the first time in the women’s game have been deployed to monitor players for head injuries during matches. She joins Anita Rani to explain her research into why women footballers sustain more concussions than men.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Emma Pearce

Loneliness, Lucy Calcines, Nicole Travolta, Kids at risk Aug 03, 2023

All this week on the programme we are looking at the topic of loneliness. Women are statistically more likely to be lonely and so in today's programme we will look at ways to cope with those feelings and if it's possible to reframe them. Anita is joined by Radio 4's All in the Mind presenter Claudia Hammond and author of Alonement, Francesca Specter.

The comedian Nicole Travolta is taking her one-woman show Doing Alright to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It chronicles her life as a compulsive shopper, how she freed herself from debt, shame and the weight of a famous last name, one spray tan at a time. When she is not dressed up in a wig doing impressions, she can also be found performing comedy around LA.

The children’s charity NSPCC says that its Helpline received over one thousand contacts last year about children experiencing coercive and controlling behaviour, a form of domestic abuse. The school summer holidays can be a particularly difficult time for some of these children. If you are worried about someone, what should you do? Anita is joined by Paddi Vint, Development Manager for the NSPCC and a woman we call Margaret, who experienced coercive control in a previous relationship.

The Cuban-Spanish singer-songwriter Lucy Calcines joins Anita to sing live, ahead of her headline performance at the UK’s largest Latin music and dance festival this weekend. She shot to fame after her appearance on the Voice TV show in 2020, when she achieved a four chair turn by superstar coaches Meghan Trainor, Sir Tom Jones, Olly Murs and will.i.am. Anita will also be joined by the festival organiser, Amaranta Wright, to talk about all things Latin.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Bob Nettles

Accusations against Lizzo, Power Lister Jodie Ounsley, Concepts of renaissance beauty, Loneliness, Rock Follies musical Aug 02, 2023

The singer Lizzo, and her production company, are being sued by three former dancers. They have been accused of sexual and racial harassment, disability discrimination, false imprisonment and creating a hostile work environment. Tom Murray, Senior Culture Reporter for the Independent, tells Nuala exactly what’s in the lawsuit.

Rock Follies was a 1970s TV series about an all-female rock band, The Little Ladies, trying to make their mark on a male-dominated music industry. A new musical adapted from the TV series is currently on in Chichester. Nuala is joined by Rula Lenska who played Q in the original TV series and Zizi Strallen who has taken on the stage role.

Jodie Ounsley is the world’s first ever deaf female rugby sevens international player, and she was part of the Woman’s Hour Power List of women in sport. She also uses TikTok to show others what it’s like to live with hearing loss. She joins Nuala to talk about being on the Power List, as well as being one of the brand new Gladiators.

All this week we’re looking at loneliness, and today we’re asking: what impact does it have on society at large? To discuss Nuala is joined by Noreena Hertz, an economist and author of The Lonely Century, where she explores how increasing isolation has consequences for our economy and our democracy.

Would you use fig and pine nut hand scrub? Or perhaps some tree gum anti-wrinkle cream? Just a few of the 16th century beauty recipes Professor Jill Burke has included in her new book How to be a Renaissance Woman. Jill joins Nuala to talk about sixteenth-century women’s body anxieties and the men who wrote them beauty tips.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lottie Garton

Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, Air pollution and pregnancy, BookTok, Loneliness and health Aug 01, 2023

Frances Haugen is the former Facebook employee turned whistleblower who extracted more than 22,000 pages of documents from the company revealing its inner workings. She believes they show the company prioritising profit over the safety of its users. Frances has since campaigned for greater transparency and accountability for social media firms, giving evidence to the US Senate as well as MPs here in the UK. And she's written a book, The Power of One, about her experience. But what has prompted one woman to take on one of the biggest companies in tech? And what has been the personal cost?

All this week on Woman’s Hour we are discussing the topic of loneliness as women and young people are statistically more likely to experience it. Today Nuala speaks to the psychiatrist Dr Farhana Mann from UCL about the impact of loneliness on our health.

A new community has formed on TikTok where content creators share their top reading recommendations and bring plots to life. BookTokkers are mainly female, as are their followers. With the social media giant now launching its own book awards, just how influential is the BookTok community to both followers and the publishing industry? Nuala is joined by Holly McLoughlin, who posts as “the caffeinated reader” and Assistant Literary Editor for The Times Susie Goldsbrough.

New research has found that almost half of black mothers living in London do not feel sufficiently educated on the impact of air pollution during pregnancy, despite 89% of respondents feeling concerned about air pollution in their local area. Nuala speaks to Dr Karen Joash is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Imperial College NHS Trust and expert adviser to Global Black Maternal Health, a platform that aims to connect and empower black maternal health movements across the world.

Lucy Bronze MBE is the most capped Lioness playing in the Women’s Football World Cup this year. Her mum, Diane, recorded a special message for Woman's Hour wishing Lucy and the team good luck ahead of England’s last group stage game against China today.

Author Jane Fallon, Two mothers talk about daughters' deaths, Netball World Cup, Young women and loneliness, Nouhaila Benzina Jul 31, 2023

In 2018, two new mothers died weeks apart after giving birth in two Kent hospitals from a herpes infection. Kimberley Sampson and Samantha Mulcahy both had c-sections and contracted herpes before or around the delivery of their babies. That’s according to an inquest into their deaths that has just concluded - that their mothers, Nicola Foster and Yvette Sampson, say doesn’t give enough answers as to what actually happened. Both Nicola and Yvette joins Nuala to talk about their daughters and what’s next in their fight for the truth.

Morocco defender Nouhaila Benzina has made history by becoming the first player to wear a hijab at a World Cup. Nuala discusses with Shaista Aziz, co-director of the Three Hijabis, a trio of British Muslim women working to make football free of racism and discrimination.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Jane Fallon was a multi-award-winning television producer behind shows such as This Life, Teachers and 20 Things to Do Before You’re 30. She has written a dozen best-selling novels including Getting Rid of Matthew and Got You Back, which is being made into a musical with music by Roxette. She joins Nuala to discuss her latest book, Over Sharing, and its themes of influencers, projecting the perfect life on social media, fake profiles, revenge and 'frenemies'.

All this week on the programme we’re looking at loneliness and in particular loneliness among young women. This is because the stats tell us that young people are the age group most likely to say they are lonely – and women of any age are more likely to say they are lonely than men. Today Nuala is joined by two women who tell us about their experience of loneliness. Beth McColl is 30 and Rachael Devine is 33.

The Women’s Netball World Cup is underway in Cape Town. It’s the first time the competition has been held in Africa - and will see 16 teams battling it out for a place in the final on 6 August. Broadcaster Kath Merry is in South Africa following all the action, and updates Nuala McGovern on the latest news.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Weekend Woman's Hour: Men and stopping sexist behaviour, Grenfell play, Date Stacking Jul 29, 2023

What role should men play in stopping sexist behaviour? Several campaigns have aimed to tackle this, the most recent being the Mayor of London’s Maaate initiative. To discuss we're joined by Karen Whybro, a woman’s safety consultant and Graham Goulden, the former Chief Inspector at Police Scotland who now offers training to organisations to improve team culture.

This year marks the sixth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire where 72 people lost their lives. A new play created from interviews conducted with a group of survivors has opened at the National Theatre. Grenfell: in the words of survivors follows the lead up to the disaster, the night of the fire, and the Grenfell Inquiry which followed, and is still ongoing. We're joined by its writer Gillian Slovo and actor Pearl Mackie.

‘Date stacking’ is the latest trend being tried by single people to find love, quickly. The concept, designed to save time by squeezing in several dates in the space of a few hours, went viral on TikTok earlier this year. But can you really decide if you like someone while preparing for the next date? We discuss the pros and cons with journalist Roisin Kelly and dating strategist Johnny Cassell.

Anna Sewell was the author of Black Beauty, one of the bestselling novels of all time. Despite suffering ill health throughout her life, she managed to rouse the conscience of Victorian Britain and make her mark upon the world. Dr Celia Brayfield tells us about her life and the impact of the book on animal rights.

How much time would it take to photograph every single item in your home? Photographer Barbara Iweins spent four years documenting the 12,795 objects she owns. She explains the inspiration behind the project.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Sarah Crawley

Women's Football World Cup, Black Beauty, Women in the city, Italian Lifeguard Jul 28, 2023

In their second game of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, England’s Lionesses face Denmark. Woman’s Hour will be following the game live, bringing you updates and analysis from our special guests. Baller FC was started by a group of friends who were tired of trying to find a pub to watch women’s football matches, only to find that the game wasn’t playing, or the atmosphere was unwelcoming. Their women’s football watching parties now attract crowds of fans queueing out the doors of their venues. We drop in to their Haggerston viewing party to hear the fan’s reactions to the game. Krupa is also joined by former Lioness Claire Rafferty and CEO of Lewes Football Club, Maggie Murphy at half-time to give their thoughts on the Lionesses’ performance so far.

Was Dame Alison Rose held to a higher standard because she’s a woman? That’s the question being asked in an article in today’s Guardian after the NatWest chief executive resigned earlier this week. The boss of NatWest subsidiary Coutts also resigned – but the Chair of the bank says he will stay. So what’s it like being a woman in the city? Are you held to different standards than the men? Krupa hears from the economist Vicky Pryce and former corporate banker Heather Melville.

Anna Sewell wrote just one book, published in 1877, which went on to become one of the bestselling novels of all time. Its full title: Black Beauty: His Grooms and Companions. The Autobiography of a Horse Translated from the Original Equine. Despite suffering ill health throughout her life and dying just five months after the book was published, Anna Sewell managed to rouse the conscience of Victorian Britain and make her mark upon the world. Dr Celia Brayfield, a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at Bath Spa university, has now written a book about Anna Sewell, Writing Black Beauty: Anna Sewell and the story of Animal Rights. She joins Krupa to discuss.

How was your first day at work? Did you make a lasting impression? Well a 19 year old from Pontinia, Italy started her new job as a lifeguard and on her first day, she made a triple rescue, saving 5 lives...and all this before her essential equipment had arrived! Noemi Marangon joins Krupa live from Bufalara Beach to tell her story.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Hanna Ward Studio Director: Tim Heffer

Sinead O'Connor tribute, Singapore is scheduled to execute a woman, Scottish women artists, Date stacking, Femorabilia. Jul 27, 2023

The Irish musician and activist Sinéad O Connor has died, aged 56. She was best known for her single Nothing Compares 2 U, released in 1990, which reached number one and brought her worldwide fame. She was outspoken in her social and political views, and released 10 studio albums during her career. We hear a special performance that Sinéad gave to Woman’s Hour in 2013, and Krupa speaks to the journalists Sinéad Gleeson and Una Mullally about her legacy.

Singapore is due to execute a woman for the first time in almost 20 years, according to human rights advocates. Singaporean national Saridewi Djamani was sentenced to the mandatory death penalty in 2018, after she was convicted of drug trafficking. Krupa discusses with BBC Correspondent Nick Marsh.

As a part of this year’s Edinburgh Festival a major exhibition called Scottish Women Artists: 250 Years of Challenging Perception opens tomorrow. It celebrates women artists and their contributions to the Scottish art scene. A series of new artworks has been created, to show in and alongside the exhibition. Krupa speaks to artist Sekai Machache and the director of Dovecot Studios Celia Joicey.

‘Date stacking’ is the latest trend being tried by single people to find love, quickly. The concept, designed to save time by squeezing in several dates in the space of a few hours, went viral on TikTok earlier this year. It’s not a totally original idea, it’s a slowed down version of speed dating, which was popular in the 1990s. A new study suggests it takes us 42 minutes and 29 seconds to decide if we want to see someone again. But can you really decide if you like someone while preparing for the next date? Krupa discusses the pros and cons with journalist Roisin Kelly who has tried out stacking her dates and Johnny Cassell, dating and lifestyle Strategist.

Tired of the limited options for female fans, football historian Professor Jean Williams was inspired to make her own football memorabilia out of upcycled clothes. She joins Krupa from Australia (where she’s attending her seventh Women’s World Cup) to explain women’s football’s self-made culture.

Presented by Krupa Padhy Producer: Louise Corley

Men and stopping sexist behaviour, Beauty Salons close in Afghanistan, Chief Midwife Jul 26, 2023

What role should men play in stopping sexist behaviour? Several campaigns have aimed to tackle this, the most recent being the Mayor of London’s Maaate initiative. To discuss Nuala is joined by Karen Whybro who is a Woman’s Safety Consultant and Graham Goulden, the former Chief Inspector at Police Scotland, and who now offers training to organisations to improve team culture.

The play, Beneatha's place, currently running at the Young Vic, shows the main character Beneatha in two different periods of her life. First, in 1959, as a young black activist. Then 50 years later, as a renowned Dean of an American university. With Nuala to talk about the play is Cherrelle Skeete who plays Beneatha and Nicola Rollock, Professor of Social Policy and Race at King's College London who worked as a cultural consultant to the play.

Earlier this month the Taliban ordered the closure of women’s beauty salons in Afghanistan. Faranak Amidi speaks to Shekiba Habib from BBC Pashto and Aaliya Farzan from BBC Dari about this latest restriction.

The International Confederation of Midwives has appointed the world’s first ever Chief Midwife. Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent joins Nuala to talk about the challenges midwives face across the world, and how she hopes to combat them.

The podcast The Girlfriends follows a group of women coming together to investigate their ex-boyfriend. It begins in 1989 when a man named Bob Bierenbaum moved to Las Vegas. When a group of his ex-girlfriends discover that his wife, Gail Katz, went missing and is presumed dead, they go from dating him to investigating him. Almost 30 years later, Carole Fisher, one of the women who dated Bob, joins Nuala to discuss how she finally got justice for Gail.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Narcissistic mothers, Grenfell play, Orca whale mothers & their sons Jul 25, 2023

Over the last few months we have been hearing the stories of women who believe that they were raised by mothers who have Narcissistic Personality Disorder. And, a woman who has been labelled a narcissist by her daughter. Today, two psychotherapists who have worked extensively in this field, Dr Jan McGregor Hepburn and Helen Villiers, who has an MA in working therapeutically with adult children of narcissists, join Nuala to answer some of the questions raised by the powerful testimonies heard in the series. Have you ever witnessed a mature, grown male sticking close to – and being very dependent on - his mother? These are the words used to describe new findings from on-going research on orca whales. Carried out by the Centre for Whale Research and Exeter University, it studied orcas in the coastal waters between Vancouver and Seattle, to find that older "post-menopausal" orca mothers protect their adult sons from fights. But, while these four or five-tonne males benefit from this maternal protection, female offspring do not receive the same attention. Lead Researcher from the University of Exeter, Charli Grimes, speaks to Nuala. This year marks the sixth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire where 72 people lost their lives. A new play created from interviews conducted with a group of survivors of the fire has opened this month at the National Theatre. Grenfell: in the words of survivors follows the lead up to the disaster, the night of the fire, and the Grenfell Inquiry which followed, and is still ongoing. The final report into the disaster is due to be published later this year. Nuala is joined by writer Gillian Slovo and actor Pearl Mackie.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore Studio manager: Duncan Hannant

Post botulinum toxin experiences, Photographing all your objects, FGM Jul 24, 2023

There has been a significant increase in the number of non-surgical aesthetic procedures over the past decade. And now the largest academic survey to date in the UK has just been published, relating the lived experience of over 500 people who have experienced an adverse event following administration of Botulinum Toxin. The study finds that a lack of awareness of reporting structures and the lack of regulation within the UK’s cosmetic injectables sector represents a significant public health challenge. Nuala is joined by the senior author of the study Ash Mosahebi, Professor of Plastic Surgery, and by Genee Schock who took part in the survey and runs a side effects support group for people impacted.

How much time would it take to photograph every single item in your home? Photographer Barbara Iweins spent four years documenting the 12,795 objects she owns. Barbara wanted 'to see the representation – flat on the ground – of a mother and her children.' She joins Nuala.

Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza is the leader of the opposition in Rwanda. She talks to Nuala about the challenges facing women and girls in Rwanda as well as the proposed UK-Rwanda asylum plan.

Tributes are being paid to the former Labour MP Ann Clwyd, who has died at the age of 86. Not only Wales' longest-serving woman MP, Ann also became known as a passionate human rights campaigner, committing herself to many causes, including the banning of FGM - female genital mutilation - in the UK. In 2003 she introduced the Female Genital Mutilation Act, making it illegal to take a girl out of the UK to undergo FGM in another country. Nuala is joined by Hibo Wardere, anti-FGM activist and author of Cut.

Mina Smallman, Flexible working laws, Dr Gladys McGarey, Barbie set design and The Wizard of Oz Jul 22, 2023

The law on flexible working changed this week. New rules should make it easier for employees to argue for a flexible working arrangement. It’s the culmination of years of hard work and campaigning for more family friendly workplaces. Anita speaks to the Minister for Small Business, Kevin Hollinrake, and Amy Butterworth from the flexible working consultancy Timewise.

Dr Gladys McGarey, cofounder of the American Holistic Medical Association, began her medical practice at a time when women couldn't even own their own bank accounts. She’s now 102 years old and still practicing as a doctor. She started medical school just before the Second World War, married a fellow doctor, Bill and together they practised medicine and had six children. Dr Gladys joins Nuala to talk about her new book, The Well-Lived Life.

The mother whose daughters were murdered, and their photographs then shared on a police WhatsApp group, speaks to Nuala from the launch of a new organisation designed to help stamp out misogyny, sexism and racism in the police. Mina Smallman has become an activist since the death of her daughters in 2020, and she wants to see change.

The Irish singer-songwriter Roisin Murphy first rose to fame in the 90s as one half of the electronic pop duo Moloko. She has gone on to have a successful solo career and has a new album out soon. She joins Anita live in the studio to talk about her music and creating this latest album.

As the film Barbie opens in cinemas today, Set Decorator Katie Spencer and Production Designer Sarah Greenwood discuss how they created Barbieland in a real life space, the invasion of everything pink, and how they approached the film having never played with Barbies themselves.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Barbie, Spain's election, Rallycross driver Catie Munnings, Author and comedian Andi Osho Jul 21, 2023

As the film Barbie opens in cinemas today, Set Decorator Katie Spencer and Production Designer Sarah Greenwood discuss how they created Barbieland in a real life space, the invasion of everything pink, and how they approached the film having never played with Barbies themselves.

This Sunday, Spain is holding a general election, after the current Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, dissolved parliament in May and called for a snap election. Aitor Hernández-Morales, a reporter for Politico Europe and Professor of Gender Studies at LSE Mary Evans discuss some of the issues of concern around gender equality, women's rights, gender based violence and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

A video showing two women being paraded naked by a mob in the state of Manipur has sparked outrage and protest throughout India. To discuss the background to this case and how women's bodies have become a battleground during conflict, Anita hears from the BBC's Geeta Pandey from Delhi.

The stand-up comedian and actor Andi Osho has just written her second novel, ‘Tough Crowd’. It is the story of Abi, a wannabe-comedian, who meets Will and quickly falls in love. However the relationship is complicated because her new beau is a dad. Andi joins Anita to talk about some of the themes of her writing; blended families, grassroots comedy and the power of friendships.

Rally driver Catie Munnings joins Anita to discuss taking part in the World Rallycross Championships taking place this weekend. She's also an ambassador for Girls on Track, which works to encourage girls into the motorsport industry.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Roisin Murphy, World Cup 2023, US abortion, Flexible working Jul 20, 2023

The law on flexible working changes today. This should make it easier for employees to argue for a flexible working arrangement. It’s the culmination of years of hard work and campaigning for more family friendly workplaces. Anita speaks to the Minister for Small Business, Kevin Hollinrake, and Amy Butterworth from the flexible working consultancy Timewise.

An investigation by BBC Newsnight and the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has uncovered a row over controversial research about the impact of abortion on the mental health of women. An independent panel resigned from the British Journal of Psychiatry after their recommendation to withdraw the research, which is still being used in US legal cases about abortion access, was not followed. Newsnight’s Science Correspondent Kate Lamble joins Anita to discuss what has happened.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off today in New Zealand and Australia. It’s set to be the largest ever, both in terms of viewing figures and the number of fixtures. But the tournament starts against a backdrop of uncertainty. This morning came the news of a shooting which left two people dead in the centre of Auckland, New Zealand. And off-pitch there have been frustrations around pay and treatment of the women’s teams. Kathryn Batte, Women's Football Correspondent for the Daily Mail talks to Anita.

The Irish singer-songwriter Roisin Murphy first rose to fame in the 1990s as one half of the electronic pop duo Moloko, with hits such as Sing it Back and The Time is Now. She has gone on to have a successful solo career with award-nominated albums including Hairless Toys and Róisín Machine. Her upcoming album ‘Hit Parade’ is produced in collaboration with electronic music auteur DJ Koze and is due for release in early September. She joins Anita live in the studio to talk about her music and to perform her single 'Fader' with James McCredie on guitar.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Bob Nettles and Duncant Hannant

Police Accountability, Wizard of Oz, Phubbing, World Cup song Jul 19, 2023

The mother whose daughters were murdered, and their photographs then shared on a police WhatsApp group gives a keynote speech this morning at the launch of a new organisation designed to help stamp out misogyny, sexism and racism in the police. Mina Smallman has become an activist since the death of her daughters in 2020. Nuala McGovern will speak live to our reporter Melanie Abbott who will be at the launch and to Mina Smallman.

Are you guilty of 'phubbing'? This means snubbing someone to look at your phone. New research into the effects on married couples has found that couples who regularly phub each other have lower marriage satisfaction. To discuss the issue Nuala is joined by Claire Cohen, author and journalist, who says she is guilty of this.

Having graduated from drama school only three years ago Georgina Onuorah takes on the role of Dorothy in a new production of The Wizard of Oz currently on stage at the London Palladium. She joins Nuala in the Woman’s Hour studio to sing ‘Over the Rainbow’ live.

Over 80% of legal practitioners feel that the family court, when dealing with private law cases, is likely to retraumatise victims and survivors of domestic abuse. That’s according to a survey by the Office of the Domestic Abuse Commissioner which was published in a report yesterday. Nuala is joined by Nicole Jacobs, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner to find out what the report revealed. Nuala also hears from a Woman’s Hour listener who is critical of the way that the family court works.

Today a new song, Call Me A Lioness, is released to coincide with the start of the Women's World Cup. The drummer on the track, Al Greenwood from the band The Sports Team, joins Nuala in the studio.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Zoe Saldaña, Yomi Adegoke, Guardianship, Lunar module engineer Jul 18, 2023

Zoe Saldaña has appeared in the top three grossing movies of all time – Avatar, Avatar: Way of Water and Avengers: Endgame. You may know her as Uhura in the Star Trek reboot films, Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy, or as Neytiri in Avatar. Now Zoe is taking a break from sci-fi and fantasy to star in a new, Earth-based TV series called Special Ops: Lioness. It’s a spy thriller about a covert programme that trains and dispatches women around the world as undercover operatives. Zoe joined Nuala to record an interview last week, before the US actors’ strike was called.

The Metropolitan Police has started using counter-terrorism tactics to hunt down the 100 worst male sexual predators targeting women. Nuala gets the reaction of former Inspector of Constabulary Zoe Billingham, who led the 2021 review of the policing response to violence against women and girls, calling for it to be treated with the same priority as terrorism.

15 countries in the Middle East and North Africa still apply laws that require women to either 'obey' their husbands or seek their permission to leave the marital home, work, or travel. That’s according to a new report from Human Rights Watch, which compares the state of male guardianship laws across the region. The report finds that, although women’s rights activists have been successful in winning some freedoms, new restrictions are still being implemented – particularly in areas of conflict such as Yemen and Syria. Rothna Begum, Senior Women's Rights Researcher, joins Nuala to explain the findings.

Yomi Adegoke is the co-author of the bestselling guide, Slay in Your Lane: A Black Girl’s Bible. Now she’s stepping into the world of fiction with her debut novel, The List. Journalist Ola and her fiancé Michael are getting married in a month, but their excitement is shattered when a database of men in the world of media, and allegations of sexual harassment against them, is anonymously posted online. And Michael is on it. How will the couple navigate the fall out? Yomi joins Nuala to talk about why she wanted to write this story.

For the first time in fifty years, humans will soon be returning to the moon. Sara Pastor is the project manager and Chief Engineer of the International Habitation module – the place where astronauts will live and study scientific findings in space as part of the Artemis Mission, set to happen in the next few years. Sara joins Nuala to talk about why this is such an important project for human exploration, and how women are at the centre of it.

Hope Powell, Dr Gladys McGarey, Deirdre O'Kane, suicide and young women Jul 17, 2023

Nuala McGovern is joined by one woman who has had a huge impact on the women's game over many years - Hope Powell - the former Lioness head coach will discuss England's chances, the growth of the game and how to continue building a legacy for women's sport.

A fifth of young women suffering a mental health crisis were asked if they were on their period, a new survey has found. Research by the prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) also found that women’s calls for help were sometimes dismissed. We talk to Wendy Robinson, Head of Services at Suicide prevention charity, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

Dr Gladys McGarey, cofounder of the American Holistic Medical Association, began her medical practice at a time when women couldn't even own their own bank accounts. Now a 102 and still practicing as a doctor, she was born in India in 1920. She started medical school just before the Second World War, married a fellow doctor, Bill and together they practised medicine, first in Ohio, then In Arizona. They also produced six children. Dr Gladys has now written a book, The Well-Lived Life.

Deirdre O'Kane became a stand-up comic in 1996, getting to the finals of the BBC New Comedy Awards of that year. A co-founder of Comic Relief in Ireland, she also fronted her own talk shows, Deirdre O’Kane Talks Funny on RTÉ as well as a brand-new series, The Deirdre O’Kane Show on Sky Max. One of Ireland’s favourite comedians, she is also known for acting roles such as Chris O’Dowd’s Moone Boy and the biopic of philanthropist and children’s rights stalwart Christina Noble called Noble, for which she received an IFTA Award. Deirdre joins Nuala to discuss her wide-ranging career and her new stand up show Demented, which is coming to London’s Soho Theatre this week.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Gayl Gordon

Weekend Woman's Hour: Welfare Support at Sandhurst, Women Plumbers, Flying with Children Jul 15, 2023

In her only broadcast interview, Louise Townsend, the mother of Olivia Perks who took her own life in 2019 whilst at Sandhurst Military Academy, speaks to Woman’s Hour. Louise discusses her view that there was a lack of welfare support from the academy towards her late daughter and what steps need to be taken to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

According to the ONS, only 2.4% of plumbers are women. We speak to two female plumbers about why that figure is so low and whether they recommend the job to other women. Sovay Berriman runs the company PlumbMaid and is based in Cornwall, and Lysette Hacking, worked as a plumber for six years before becoming a lecturer in plumbing at Calderdale College in Halifax in Yorkshire.

The Supreme Leader of Iran has called for a massive population increase, and the state has been offering financial incentives for women to have more children. There is also now more pressure on women not to access contraception, and abortion has been criminalised further, with a potential prison sentence for women being proposed by the regime. Meanwhile cases of unsafe illegal abortions have increased. The BBC’s Saba Zavarei has been speaking to Iranian women about their experiences.

Where do you put your awards and achievements? Do you show them off or keep them all to yourself? We hear from the academic Dr Louise Creechan who keeps hers in her downstairs loo, while the co-host of the Wittering Whitehalls, Hilary Whitehall, has kept her trophy in her handbag.

As the holiday season begins, we talk to Jane Dowden and Lucy Cavendish about travelling on planes with small children, and how to deal with tantrums and disgruntled fellow passengers.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Louise Corley

Having a sick sibling, Boxing pioneers, Abortion in Iran, Where do you keep your awards? Jul 14, 2023

Gracie Nuttall, sister of Laura Nuttall who died aged 23 in May of a glioblastoma, and Megan Fryer-Kelsey, whose brother Ezra died eleven years ago of leukodystrophy, join Anita to discuss what it's like to grow up with a sibling who is ill, and how parents can support non-sick siblings.

Young people in Italy are expressing outrage on social media after Italian judges decided to clear a man of groping a teenager because it lasted less than 10 seconds. The BBC's Sofia Bettiza joins Anita from Rome.

Where do you put your awards and achievements? Do you show them off in your house? Which room do they fit in best? And if you have kids, what do you do with all their achievements once they’ve flown the nest? Well, academic Dr Louise Creechan keeps hers in her downstairs loo. Co-host of the Wittering Whitehalls, Hilary Whitehall, kept her trophy in her handbag for a while. Anita asks them why.

The Supreme Leader of Iran has called for a massive population increase, and the state has been offering financial incentives for women to have more children. There is also now more pressure on women not to access contraception, and abortion has been criminalised further, with a potential prison sentence for women being proposed by the regime. Meanwhile cases of unsafe illegal abortions have increased. The BBC’s Saba Zavarei has been speaking to Iranian women about their experiences and joins Anita.

Right to Fight tells the surprising story of the maverick pioneers of women’s boxing, who defied sexism and racism for their place in the ring; overcoming the odds to become the first women issued with professional boxing licenses. Director Georgina Cammalleri joins Anita.

Crime, Robotics, Narcissism, Flamenco Jul 13, 2023

Almost half of women in England and Wales don’t trust the police enough to report a crime. That’s according to a recent report from the Tony Blair Institute. How can the police regain women’s trust? What needs to be done to fix the issue of public trust in the police overall? Anita speaks to the author of the report, Harvey Redgrave and the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex, Katy Bourne.

As part of the Woman's Hour series about narcissistic mothers, we hear from a mother who is determined to change the patterns set up in her childhood; she wants to parent differently to her own mum, who she considers to be a narcissist. Reporter Ena Miller goes to meet Louise and Ed (their names have been changed), who are trying 'gentle parenting,' an approach that focuses on empathy, respect and boundaries, all of which were lacking in Louise's childhood.

Marita Cheng is a roboticist from Australia, who advocates to get more girls into technology. She has written a children's book memoir, where all the images were created using generative artificial intelligence. Marita joins Anita to explain why and how she did it.

As the annual Flamenco Festival at Sadler's Wells Theatre in London draws to a close, we look at the enduring popularity of the dance and the wider growth in popularity of Latin music across the globe. Anita Rani talks to Belén Castres White, the technical director of the Flamenco Festival and also to Amaranta Wright who runs the Latino Life in the Park Festival, the largest of its kind in the UK.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Giles Aspen

Welfare support at Sandhurst, Women's Ashes, Rape trials in Scotland Jul 12, 2023

In her first broadcast interview, Louise Townsend, the mother of Olivia Perks who took her own life in 2019 whilst at Sandhurst Military Academy, speaks to Woman’s Hour. Louise discusses her view that there was a lack of welfare support from the academy towards her late daughter and what steps need to be taken to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Today is a big day coming up with the Women's Ashes series where England face Australia. The Aussies have surged ahead in the women's multi-format series, but there is hope for England as the momentum behind them builds - thanks, in part, to record breaking crowds. Sports journalist and broadcaster Georgie Heath joins Nuala to discuss.

Shakardokht Jafari was born in rural Afghanistan in 1977 and became a refugee when she was 6 and grew up in Iran. After the fall of the Taliban, she moved back to Afghanistan first securing a teaching post in radiology at Kabul Medical University, then being asked to re-establish a cancer facility in Kabul. To secure the post, she needed to gain more qualifications, and in 2010 she came to the UK where she became the first Afghan woman to earn a PhD in medical physics. Shakar has gone on to win a string of awards for business innovation and has also found time to write her life story, Shakar: An Afghan Woman’s Journey and to be a leading campaigner for girls’ education in Afghanistan.

Can distress be used as evidence in rape trials? This is the discussion currently going through the courts in Scotland. Nuala is joined by Sandy Brindley, Chief Exec of Rape Crisis Scotland and Serious Crime Barrister Thomas Leonard Ross KC to debate the issue.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Flying with children, Comedian Rosie Jones, wedding party wax seals, Theo Clarke MP birth trauma, Anorexia Nervosa treatment Jul 11, 2023

The inclusion of a particular word in the title of the documentary has caused controversy. For many, it is an extremely offensive term and some contributors have made it publicly known and have withdrawn their contribution from the programme. Rosie talks to Nuala McGovern about the project. A growing trend in the wedding industry is to add wax seal to your invites. If you scroll through any wedding stationary images on social media, you’ll see people using little round wax seals in all sorts of colours and designs. Nuala asks Diane Wisdom, co-founder of Heirloom Seals about the trend. Plus, Dr Elizabeth New from Aberystwyth University, Reader in Medieval History and Leverhulme Trust Major Research Fellow, explains what we can learn about medieval women from historical wax stamps. Theo Clarke, the Conservative MP for Stafford, gave birth last August to a daughter. She had a 40-hour labour and a third-degree tear. She is now working closely with the Birth Trauma Association and she recently met with 11 other mums in parliament who have suffered horrendous experiences giving birth. To help women avoid these experiences, she is setting up an All-party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on birth trauma which launches tomorrow, 12th July. As the holiday season begins we talk to Jane Dowden and Lucy Cavendish about travelling on planes with small children, how to deal with tantrums and disgruntled fellow passengers. And we hear from one woman who says a new approach to treating anorexia nervosa has saved her life. as well as from Conservative MP Danny Kruger who says current provision is inadequate and who says he is hopeful having heard the results that some of his constituents and their families are telling him about this new approach.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Bob Nettles

The effect of being a victim in high profile cases, Ruchira Gupta, Women Plumbers Women & premature deaths, Story of Ana Obregón Jul 10, 2023

We look at the effect of being a victim in high-profile cases, after the BBC suspends a presenter accused of paying a teenager for sexually explicit photos. Nuala speaks to former Chief Prosecutor for the CPS, Nazir Afzal.

Ruchira Gupta is a journalist, social justice activist and Emmy-award winning documentary maker who has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of women and young girls. She is the founder of Apne Aap Women Worldwide, an anti-sex trafficking organisation that has helped thousands of girls and women in India leave a life of forced prostitution. She joins Nuala to discuss her work and her debut novel, ‘I Kick and I Fly’, which tells the story of a 14-year-old girl called Heera as she tries to escape the fate of women in her community who are sold into the sex trade.

New research has found a rise in vulnerable women dying prematurely in North East England. The report by the charities Changing Lives and Agenda Alliance says that a woman in North East England in 2021 was 1.7 times more likely to die early because of addiction, suicide or murder by a partner or family member than women in the rest of England and Wales. Nuala discusses the findings with Laura McIntyre, the head of women and children’s services at Changing Lives.

According to the ONS, only 2.4% of plumbers are women. Nuala speaks to two female plumbers about why that figure is so low and whether they recommend the job to other women. Nuala speaks to Sovay Berriman, who runs the company PlumbMaid and is based in Cornwall, and Lysette Hacking, who worked as a plumber for six years before becoming a lecturer in plumbing at Calderdale College in Halifax in Yorkshire.

In April, the Spanish actress Ana Obregón made headlines when she revealed she was a mother again at 68 years of age. A week later, in a glossy photoshoot for ¡Hola! Magazine, she explained that the baby was actually her granddaughter - born via surrogacy using her dead son’s sperm. Journalist Patricia Clarke, from Tortoise Media, has been following the story for her podcast, 'Modern Family: I Had My Dead Son’s Baby at 68'. She tells Nuala the impact the story has had in Spain.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Caitlin Moran, Trichotillomania, Prison Officers, TikTok Nans, Olivia Dean Jul 08, 2023

Caitlin Moran’s multi-award-winning bestseller How to Be a Woman has been published in 28 countries. Now she has turned her attention to men; what's wrong with them, what they should do about it and why they need feminism to help. Caitlin joins Anita to discuss her new book What About Men?

Trichotillomania is often referred to as “hair-pulling disorder”. There is little research in this area, but statistics suggest 1.1m people in the UK could have the condition, with 80% of them women. Half of those never seek treatment. What exactly is it? Why do people do it? And what can be done to help them stop? Clare MacKay is Professor of Brain Imaging at Oxford University. She joins Nuala to share her personal experience for the first time, and discuss the academic review she is doing in this area.

Half of prison officers in England and Wales do not feel safe at work, according to a recent large-scale survey. Alex South spent 10 years working as a prison officer, and she’s written a book, Behind These Doors, about her experiences. She speaks to Nuala about working in such a male-dominated environment and shares her stories.

A bar in Portsmouth is due to open later this month, which is themed on Jack the Ripper – described as an "immersive cocktail and dining experience with a modern horror twist". The publicity features a young woman in Victorian dress, being followed at night by a mysterious man. Objections have been raised to the whole idea of a business which trades on the notoriety of a serial killer. However the trading licence has now been granted. The owner has said, "There is always a fine line when working on things like this and we are working really hard not to upset anyone". Nuala speaks to Hallie Rubenhold, author of The Five, in which she painstakingly reconstructs the lives of the five women killed by the so-called Ripper, in 1888.

What’s it like to go viral on TikTok in your late 80s? 27-year-old Jess and her 89-year-old grandmother, Norma, have gone viral on TikTok posting videos showing their close connection and the fun they have together. They join Anita to discuss their relationship and new found fame.

Young singer-songwriter Olivia Dean, has collaborated with the likes of Loyle Carner and Leon Bridges, earning a reputation for her stellar live shows. She joins Nuala to discuss her recent Glastonbury performance, her inspirations and her debut album - Messy.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Hanna Ward Studio Manager: Duncan Hannant

Should convictions for trafficking victims be overturned?, Author Gabrielle Zevin, and Nan's on Tik Tok Jul 07, 2023

A woman from Manchester is battling to have a criminal conviction overturned because she was a victim of modern slavery at the time. Tina - that's not her real name - was beaten and forced into prostitution by her ex-husband. He controlled her life - and it was during that time that she was convicted of theft. We hear from BBC Radio Manchester's Richard Stead to find out more about the case. Professor Dame Sara Thornton, Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner until April 2022, joins Anita alongside Helen Pitcher, Chair of the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

The writer Gabrielle Zevin was an only child who played pre-loaded video games on her dad’s work computer while she waited for him. In her best-selling novel ‘Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow’ she explores the world of games and creativity through Sadie and Sam who meet as kids and bond over their love of video games. She joins Anita to explain why she’s so fascinated by the power of play.

What’s it like to go viral on TikTok in your late 80s? 27-year-old Jess and her 89-year-old grandmother, Norma, have gone viral on TikTok posting videos showing their close connection and the fun they have together. They join Anita to discuss their relationship and new found fame.

A new documentary series has been released which looks at the career of Elvis Presley through the eyes of the women in his life. Barbara Shearer is the director of the three-part series Elvis' Women, which has secured interviews with many of his ex-girlfriends. Some of the women say that their relationship with Elvis began when they were teenagers, prompting many reviews to dub this a potential #MeToo moment for the rock and roll singer. Anita speaks to its director Barbara Shearer.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Emma Pearce

Caitlin Moran, Ellie Simmonds, Esperanza Spalding, Brandi Morin Jul 06, 2023

Anita is joined by the five time Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds to discuss her new documentary where she sets out to find her birth parents. Ellie was adopted within months of being born and whilst she has always known she was adopted, she hasn't previously tried to find her birth parents, until now.

Five times Grammy award winner, the bassist, lyricist and composer, Esperanza Spalding has become a prominent voice in the jazz world. At 38 she has released eight albums and has collaborated with many distinguished artists, including Terri Lyne Carrington and Toni Visconti. She talks to Anita from the Netherlands, where she will perform at the North Sea Jazz Festival.

Canada has a history of disproportionate violence faced by indigenous women, which was called a genocide by a national public inquiry in 2019. The Native Women’s Association of Canada has counted the names of more than 4,000 Indigenous women they believe have been murdered over the last three decades. Brandi Morin is an award-winning journalist who is Cree, Iroquois, French Canadian and puts the abuses suffered by indigenous Canadians front and centre in her work. She joins Anita to explain why.

Caitlin Moran’s multi-award-winning bestseller How to Be a Woman has been published in 28 countries. Now she has turned her attention to men, what's wrong with them, what they should do about it and why they need feminism to help. Caitlin joins Anita to discuss her new book What About Men?

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Gayl Gordon

Trichotillomania, Singer-songwriter Olivia Dean, Sexual harassment in schools Jul 05, 2023

Trichotillomania is often referred to as “hair-pulling disorder”. There is little research in this area, but statistics suggest 1.1m people in the UK could have the condition, with 80% of them women. Half of those never seek treatment. What exactly is it? Why do people do it? And what can be done to help them stop? Clare MacKay is Professor of Brain Imaging at Oxford University. She joins Nuala to share her personal experience for the first time, and discuss the academic review she is doing in this area.

According to a report by the Commons' Women and Equalities Committee, sexual harassment and sexual violence continues to be a scourge in schools, with many girls and women feeling powerless. The cross-party group of MPs is calling on the Government to focus on a specific strategy engaging boys in relationship, sex and health education lessons (RSHE) at school to help tackle the problem.

Young singer-songwriter Olivia Dean, has collaborated with the likes of Loyle Carner and Leon Bridges, earning a reputation for her stellar live shows. She joins Nuala to discuss her recent Glastonbury performance, her inspirations and her debut album - Messy.

'Smoke Sauna Sisterhood' is an award-winning documentary which follows a group of Estonian women over seven years. The film artfully captures every bead of sweat and every inch of skin as the women reveal their innermost secrets. Nuala is joined by the documentary's director Anna Hints, and cinematographer Ants Tammik, to discuss why they chose to capture such an intimate ritual.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Alex Webb

Probation and domestic abuse, Gravestone recipes, Black and menopausal Jul 04, 2023

Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell joins Nuala McGovern in an exclusive interview for the BBC. He'll be discussing a new report inspecting the work undertaken and progress made by the Probation Service over the last 5 years to protect victims and reduce domestic abuse by those on probation. When librarian Rosie Grant was researching cemeteries, she stumbled across a gravestone with a cookie recipe on it. She decided to make it and post a video of her cooking experiment to social media. It was such a success she has since travel across the US to find other gravestone recipes and make them too. She tells Nuala what she has learnt about life, death and family meals since starting her quest. A bar in Portsmouth is due to open later this month, which is themed on Jack the Ripper – described as an ‘immersive cocktail and dining experience with a modern horror twist.’ The publicity features a young woman in Victorian dress, being followed at night by a mysterious man. Objections have been raised to the whole idea of a business which trades on the notoriety of a mass murderer. However the trading licence has now been granted. The owner has said ‘There is always a fine line when working on things like this and we are working really hard not to upset anyone.’ Nuala speaks to Hallie Rubenhold, author of The Five, in which she painstakingly reconstructs the lives of the five women killed by the so-called Ripper, in 1888. Black and Menopausal is the title of a recently published anthology of writing, capturing Black experiences of the menopause journey. Joining Nuala is Yansie Rolston, one of the editors and contributor Yvonne Witter.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Christina Lamb on Victoria Amelina, Alex South, Actor Beth Alsbury, Debbie and Helen Singer, Female photographers Jul 03, 2023

The award-winning Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina has died from her injuries after a Russian missile hit a pizza restaurant in the eastern city of Kramatorsk on Tuesday, where she was eating. Journalist Christina Lamb was a friend of Victoria’s – she tells Nuala about her and the impact her death has had.

Half of prison officers in England and Wales do not feel safe at work, according to a recent large-scale survey. Alex South spent 10 years working as a prison officer, and she’s written a book, Behind These Doors, about her experiences. She speaks to Nuala about working in such a male-dominated environment and shares her stories.

Up-and-coming actor Beth Alsbury takes the lead role in a new TV drama called Blindspot, which will be on our screens this week. Beth plays Hannah, who thinks she witnesses a potential murder, but struggles to get the local detective, played by Ross Kemp, to take her seriously. Beth joins Nuala to talk about going straight from drama school to set.

On Holocaust Memorial Day earlier this year, Woman’s Hour featured an audio series about young girls who’d come to the UK on the Kindertransport and lived in Tynemouth and the Lake District. A photograph used on BBC Sounds for the series featured three young girls, one whose identity was ‘unknown’. A listener told us the ‘unknown’ girl was her mother, Hanna Singer. Her two daughters tell Nuala what happened next.

The National Portrait Gallery has just reopened with an exhibition of the life and career of Yevonde, the pioneering London photographer who spearheaded the use of colour photography in the 1930s. Also open at the Photographer's Gallery is another exhibition of an influential female photographer, Evelyn Hofer, famous for documenting the lives of ordinary people, places, environments and objects. The curators of both exhibitions, Clare Freestone and Clare Grafik, tell Nuala why the contributions these women made may have been overlooked.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lottie Garton

Weekend Woman's Hour: Olivia Colman, Rosamund Pike, Managing your Energy Levels Jul 01, 2023

The Oscar-winning actor Olivia Colman is the patron of the arts charity Tender, having previously played a survivor of domestic violence in the film Tyrannosaur. She speaks to Woman’s Hour alongside Tender CEO Susie McDonald about the work they’re doing to try and prevent domestic violence.

Do you breakdown your ‘to do’ list into hours and minutes? What if you broke down your day into how much energy you had instead? We discuss Energy Management Techniques with Lauren Walker, an Occupational Therapist and Charlie Thorne, who was a lawyer before she became burnt out.

Baroness Margaret McDonagh, the first female general secretary of the Labour Party, has died aged 61. Her sister Siobhain McDonagh shared her tribute and explained why she's chosen to speak out so soon to push for more research into glioblastoma brain tumours.

Rebecca Clancy from the Times reflects on the legacy of the all-female motor racing championship, the W Series.

The author Caroline O' Donoghue speaks to us about her new campus novel, The Rachel Incident. She talks about writing sex, gay best friends and what happens when messing about in your 20s gets very serious indeed.

The much acclaimed actor Rosamund Pike discusses playing a woman who fakes her own death in a BBC audio adaptation of the book People Who Knew Me.

Presented by Hayley Hassall Produced by Lucy Wai Edited by Richard Hooper

Olivia Colman, Undercover policing inquiry, Afua Hirsch, Lottie Jackson Jun 30, 2023

Actress Olivia Colman is the patron of the arts charity Tender, having previously played a survivor of domestic violence in the film Tyrannosaur. She speaks to Woman’s Hour alongside Tender CEO Susie McDonald about the work they’re doing to try and prevent domestic violence.

A special police unit used to spy on left wing political and activist groups was not justified and should have been disbanded in its early days. That’s one of the conclusions of the first part of a judge led inquiry into undercover policing, which covers the years 1968 to 1982. Sir John Mitting, Chair of the inquiry said most groups infiltrated by the Met’s Special Demonstration Squad posed no threat. His report details tactics such as forming sexual relationships while undercover and using dead children’s names to create false identities. Hayley Hassall is joined by ‘Alison’ who had a five year relationship with an undercover officer, and by Harriet Wistrich, who is Director of the Centre for Women’s Justice and part of the legal team that represented women in the inquiry.

The writer, editor and disability activist Lottie Jackson has written a memoir called See Me Rolling. In it, she discusses the way that society views disability and the innate prejudices that we have. She also talks about fashion and how important it is in letting her express her identity. She joins Hayley.

The journalist Afua Hirsch has made a new series of Africa Rising for BBC 2, about an African cultural renaissance. Afua visits three very different countries; Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa, and interviews young creatives who are expressing new ideas which are gathering momentum across the continent. Afua joins Hayley to talk about the female artists she met and their inspiring visions.

Wrestling, Margaret McDonagh remembered, Little Black Dress, Sue Barker, HRT Jun 29, 2023

A new study has suggested that women who take hormone replacement therapy to relieve their menopause symptoms may increase their risk of dementia. Scientists at Copenhagen University found that women who had taken HRT were 24 per cent more likely to get dementia or Alzheimer’s disease than women of the same age and background who did not use the treatment. But other researchers have said that the cognitive declines may not have been due to treatment. Joining Hayley are Professor Pauline Maki from the University of Illinois at Chicago who has conducted research on menopause and Dr Nelsan Pourhadi from the Danish Dementia Research Centre, the lead researcher on the study.

This weekend, World Wrestling Entertainment is coming to the UK. Among the professional wrestlers performing at the 02 in London will be the current Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley. She has had a meteoric rise to the top of WWE and joins Hayley to talk about her journey to becoming champion, as well as what it’s like to be a woman in such a masculine world.

Baroness Margaret McDonagh, the first female general secretary of the Labour Party, has died aged 61. Margaret McDonagh became a key figure in the Labour party under Sir Tony Blair's leadership, and played a central role in the 1997 and 2001 Labour general election victories. Glioblastoma, a type of brain tumour caused her death. Her sister Siobhain believes more research is needed into the causes and treatment of glioblastoma.

Next week is the start of Wimbledon. Last week marked the 50th Anniversary of the creation of the Women's Tennis Association, also known as the WTA. It was established by Billie Jean King in 1973, after a meeting in London of 60 of the world's best female tennis players at the time. Krupa Padhy recently spoke to Sue Barker, who has both played at Wimbledon and been the presenter of BBC TV coverage for three decades, before stepping down last year. Krupa asked Sue if she thinks women's tennis, driven by Billie Jean King, has improved since she herself was playing in the 1970s and 1980s.

From Liz Hurley’s iconic safety pin dress, to Audrey Hepburn’s iconic ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ gown, the Little Black Dress has taken many forms over the years. The National Museum of Scotland opens an exhibition this weekend called ‘Beyond the Little Black Dress’ which will explore the evolution of the LBD and its relationship with female liberation since it came on the scene almost 100 years ago. Hayley is joined by the exhibit’s curator, Georgina Ripley to find out more.

Presenter: Hayley Hassall Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Bob Nettles

Actor Rosamund Pike, childbirth and incontinence, Sharron Davies and her new book, Isabel Hardman on Daisy Goodwin Jun 28, 2023

On Monday, the TV journalist Daisy Goodwin accused the Tory mayoral candidate Daniel Korski of groping her breast during a meeting at No 10 in 2013. He has denied the allegation "in the strongest possible terms". She has now contacted the Cabinet Office asking to make a formal complaint. Nuala speaks to the assistant editor of The Spectator, Isabel Hardman for her take on the situation. Ensuring fairness in sport is a much debated topic, most recently following World Athletics and British Cycling joining swimming, triathlon and rugby in banning transgender women from competing in the women's category. Someone who has been campaigning on this issue is Sharron Davies, an Olympic silver medallist and swimmer who competed in many international championships for Great Britain. Nuala speaks to Sharron about her new book Unfair Play: The Battle For Women's Sport.

Doctors are calling for better support and care for the thousands of women whose lives are devastated by anal incontinence after childbirth. New research by the University of Warwick's Medical School reveals more than 20% of women who give birth vaginally experience this, which can devastate their personal and professional lives. The team discovered missed opportunities in getting a diagnosis, no clear pathway to get treatment and a lack of awareness amongst not only healthcare professionals but also mothers themselves who often keep it secret. We hear from associate professor at the University of Warwick's Medical School, and GP, Dr Sarah Hillman, who led the research, and Anna Clements who experienced severe injuries during the birth of her 3rd child, and has anal incontinence. She now works for the MASIC Foundation which supports women who are injured having their babies.

Rosamund Pike made her breakthrough film role as a Bond girl in Die Another Day and followed that with Pride & Prejudice, Made in Dagenham, Jack Reacher and A Private War to name just a few. She was Oscar-nominated for Gone Girl, won a Golden Globe for I Care a Lot and an Emmy for State of the Union. Recently she’s won an award for Best Female Narrator for her narration of the first book in the Wheel of Time novels by Robert Jordan. She joins Nuala to discuss her current role of Connie , a woman who fakes her own death in a BBC audio adaptation of the book People Who Knew Me.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Archie Panjabi, Cricket, Energy management, The untold story of parliament’s working women Jun 27, 2023

The actress Archie Panjabi made her film debut in East is East and then went on to play Pinky in Bend it Like Beckham. She won the Primetime Emmy Award in 2010 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in “The Good Wife”. She joins Nuala to discuss her latest role in Hijack, a thriller that follows the journey of a hijacked plane in real time across seven hours and seven episodes. The English Cricket Board has been told to secure equal pay for its male and female cricketers by 2030 as part of the report by The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC). The report also found that racism, sexism and class-based discrimination are widespread and deep-rooted within the game. Sports commentator and journalist Georgie Heath joins Nuala. Do you breakdown your ‘to do’ list into hours and minutes? What if you broke down your day into how much energy you had instead? For years people with medical conditions like M.E and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have used Energy Management Techniques. Could we learn a thing or two by using the techniques, even if we don’t have extreme fatigue? Nuala talks to Lauren Walker, an Occupational Therapist and Charlie Thorne, who was a city lawyer before she became burnt out. In 1911 Emily Wilding Davison hid in Parliament so she would appear on the census as having been there. But far before her, there were women working within Parliament who held much more power and influence than you might expect. Mari Takayanagi is a parliamentary archivist, and has written a book alongside Elizabeth Hallam-Smith that tells the stories of these unknown working women, from cleaners to housekeepers to typists.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore Studio Manager: Sue Maillot

Nova Twins, W series demise, Wealth management, Burning Sun, Author Caroline O’Donoghue Jun 26, 2023

The all-female motor racing championship, the W Series, has goneinto administration. The series was founded in 2019 in response to the lack of female representation at the highest levels of the sport - Formula 1 has not had a female driver compete in a race since 1976. The W Series saw three seasons of racing, where it showcased the talents of racers such as three time champion Jamie Chadwick, Alice Powell and Sarah Moore. Rebecca Clancy, motor racing corrrespondent at the Times and Sunday Times explains more.

Woman's Hour broadcast live from Glastonbury for the first time on Friday. Ahead of their performance on The Other Stage Anita interviewed The Nova Twins. A feminist band who have destroyed the narrative about who gets to make rock music. Amy Love and Georgia South discuss their love of Glasto, their unique bond and holding the music industry to account.

In The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue Rachel is looking back at herself in Cork in Ireland in 2010. She’s in her early 20’s, at University, in love with her professor, working in a bookshop, trying to work out who she is and then she meets her soulmate. But nothing is at it seems and life gets very messy indeed. Caroline joins Krupa to talk about writing sex, gay best friends and what happens when messing about in your 20’s gets very serious indeed.

Adored by millions for their wholesome image, BBC investigative journalist Chloe Hadjimatheou talks about her new Radio 4 Intrigue podcast series Burning Sun, which explores the sex scandals of 2019 in Korea that brought down some of the world’s biggest K-pop Stars. She also delves into the world of spy cams and talks about the misogny that some believe is causing a crisis in the country.

The UK’s wealth management industry has traditionally been male-dominated, with only 16% of financial advisers being women, and only 5% of advisers having a differentiated strategy for attracting and retaining female clients. Now financial experts are saying that this industry needs to change to better meet the needs of a growing sector of wealthy women. Krupa speaks to Tamara Gillan, who has created a network called WealthiHer, which aims to help wealthy women take control of their financial futures and advise wealth managers on how to better tailor their services women, and to Sarah Roughsedge at Eva Wealth Management for Women.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Dianne McGregor

Weekend Woman's Hour: Windrush Women, Tracey Emin, Irene Tracey, Bridget Christie, Working Women in India, Glastonbury Jun 24, 2023

On Thursday, the UK celebrated the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush which made the 5,000 mile journey from the Caribbean to England in 1948. The passengers were mainly made up of ex-servicemen along with over 200 bold, pioneering women. Veteran nurse and founder of the Windrush Cymru Elders, Roma Taylor, former nurse Allyson Williams and journalist Amina Taylor join Nuala to discuss their experiences of leaving home to help rebuild Britain after WWII.

As visitors walk through the doors of the newly reopened National Portrait Gallery in London, they will see 45 hand-drawn portraits of women by British artist Tracey Emin, that have been cast in bronze. They are said to represent every woman. Tracey speaks to Krupa Padhy about her creative process and what she hopes people will take away from the images.

Professor Irene Tracey is only the second ever female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford. In the last few weeks she has had to deal with several angry protests in Oxford over the appearance of Kathleen Stock at the Oxford Union. She allowed the talk to go ahead, saying, ‘we have to defend free speech’. Professor Tracey joins Nuala to talk about the battle over free speech, as well as what it’s like being a woman in the world of academia.

Comedian Bridget Christie’s stand-up has been credited with putting the funny in feminism. You might know her from Taskmaster or Ghosts. Now she’s created and stars in a comedy drama called The Change, which starts this week on Channel 4. She plays Linda, a woman who turns 50, discovers she’s menopausal and abandons her family to go off and find herself in the Forest of Dean. Bridget joins Nuala in studio.

Nuala McGovern talks to Rosa Abraham & Rituparna Chakraborty about the fact that nearly half of the population in India is female, but the number of working women has fallen to record lows.

For the first time ever, Woman's Hour broadcast live from Glastonbury. Four time Grammy nominee and folk legend Allison Russell joined Anita live for a very special performance. Alongside being a singer and songwriter Allison is a poet, an activist and a multi-instrumentalist. Fresh from performing alongside the one and only Joni Mitchell earlier this month she is at Glastonbury, performing on The Acoustic Stage.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Hanna Ward Studio Engineer: Bob Nettles

Woman's Hour Live from Glastonbury! Jun 23, 2023

For Woman's Hour's first ever live broadcast from Worthy Farm Anita is joined by BBC 6 Music's Jamz Supernova. Jamz gives Anita her top tips and talks us through the women she's most excited to see perform this year.

Emily Eavis has been co-organising Glastonbury since 1999, working alongside her father and founder of the festival, Michael Eavis. Over the years, she's booked some of the biggest names in music, from Beyonce and Adele to the Rolling Stones. Emily has been committed to making the festival more sustainable, banning single-use plastics in 2019 and she's been vocal about improving gender equality within the live music industry. So how does she feel about this year’s line-up of all-male headliners?

Four time Grammy nominee and folk legend Allison Russell joins Anita live for a very special performance. Alongside being a singer and songwriter Allison is a poet, an activist and a multi-instrumentalist. Fresh from performing alongside the one and only Joni Mitchell earlier this month she is at Glastonbury, performing on The Acoustic Stage.

There are no female headliners at Glasto this year, what does this mean for women in the music industry? Anita is joined by a top panel including Vick Bain who has been in the business for over 25 years and founded The F List – a directory of female musicians, the Welsh songwriter and producer The Anchoress and 6 Music DJ and founder of Future Bounce record label Jamz Supernova.

Rebecca, Diana and Kristine invited Anita to their camp site. The three friends, who are festival lovers and Woman’s Hour listeners, share their Glasto memories and tell us why it’s such a magical place.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Emma Pearce

Tracey Emin, Divas, Skateboarders, Know Your Place, France drug rape Jun 22, 2023

As visitors walk through the doors of the newly reopened National Portrait Gallery in London, they will see 45 hand-drawn portraits of women by British artist Tracey Emin, that have been cast in bronze. They are said to represent every woman. Tracey speaks to Krupa Padhy about her creative process and what she hopes people will take away from the images.

Society sets us up to fail, according to the academic Dr Faiza Shaheen. Dr Shaheen studied at Oxford University, became a leading statistician, is standing for election as the Labour party candidate for Chingford and Woodford Green and has written a book ‘Know Your Place’. Some might describe Shaheen’s career as a personal success, evidence of working-class mobility, that anyone can do anything, but Shaheen thinks otherwise. She talks to Krupa about inequality in the UK.

Stories have emerged in the French media of a man from Provence who allegedly drugged his unsuspecting wife every night so that scores of men could rape her. We haven't independently verified the story but French newspaper Le Monde is reporting that more than 50 men have been charged. Krupa is joined by Anglo-French journalist Benedicte Paviot to tell us more.

In the final part of Woman's Hour series about women in India, Krupa looks at the rise of women skateboarders. Since its recent inclusion in the Olympic Games, skateboarding is becoming increasingly popular across the country. Atita Verghese is regarded as one of the pioneers of women’s skateboarding in India. She started skating aged 19, when she was the only woman in the skatepark. In 2015, she founded the Skate Girl India project and talks to Krupa about the events she is organising across India to empower girls.

A new exhibition at the V&A celebrates the creative power and cultural significance of the ‘diva’. With a mixture of fashion, photography, design, costume and music DIVA will celebrates the personal stories and resilience of some of the best-known divas; Marilyn Monroe, Tina Turner, Cher and Rihanna. Kate Bailey, curator of DIVA speaks to Krupa Padhy about what people can expect from the exhibition and why the concept of a diva still matters in our culture.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Studio manager: Duncan Hannant

'Victoria's' story, Child height, Medical tactile examiners in India, Professor Irene Tracey - University of Oxford Jun 21, 2023

Nuala speaks to a woman who discovered by chance that her fiancé was secretly filming her naked in the home they shared. Victoria, not her real name, reported him to the police and he later pleaded guilty and was convicted on voyeurism charges. Last month she also won £97,000 in compensation, some of which she is aiming to put towards trying to remove the images he made of her without her consent from the internet.

According to data gathered from a global network of health scientists, five-year-olds in the UK are on average up to seven centimetres shorter than their peers in other wealthy nations. To discuss the contributing factors Nuala is joined by Anna Taylor, Executive Director of nutrition charity, The Food Foundation and also by Henry Dimbleby the former government food adviser who's also written a book "Ravenous" about our consumption of ultra processed food.

In India, the majority of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in the later stages and between 2019 and 2021 less than 1% of women had undergone screening. But a team of blind and partially sighted women are trying to change this by training to become Medical Tactile Examiners where they use their hands to help detect the cancer at its earliest stage. Nuala is joined by Shalini Khanna, Director of The National Association of the Blind India Centre for Blind Women and Leena Chagla, President of the Association of Breast Surgery to discuss.

Professor Irene Tracey is only the second ever female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford. In the last few weeks she has had to deal with several angry protests in Oxford over the appearance of Kathleen Stock at the Oxford Union. She allowed the talk to go ahead, saying, ‘we have to defend free speech’. Professor Tracey joins Nuala to talk about the battle over free speech, as well as what it’s like being a woman in the world of academia.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Life for women in India, latest on the Windrush scandal, women and napping and access to therapy records in rape investigatios Jun 20, 2023

Nuala McGovern talks to Rosa Abraham & Rituparna Chakraborty about the fact that nearly half of the population in India is female, but the number of working women has fallen to record lows.

We hear how new research shows napping is good for us and helps our brain with Dr Ivana Rosenzweig and Dr Maja Schaedel.

The Windrush scandal began to surface in 2017 after it emerged that hundreds of Commonwealth citizens, many of whom were from the Windrush generation, had been wrongly detained, deported and denied access to healthcare and work. Most had no idea they had been silently affected by changing legislation. Five years after government apologised we talk to Human rights lawyer, Jacqueline McKenzie and victim of the scandal and advocate Glenda Caesars.

Nalette Tucker is one of our Grassroots Power Listers. She set up Sunnah Sports, which aims to get everyone involved in sport in a safe and accessible way, including those like Muslim women and girls who often face barriers to joining in with sport normally. She joins Nuala to talk about how it felt to be on the list, and why she says sport is the reason she’s still here today.

And we discuss whether the police, prosecutors and lawyers should have access to the therapy records of rape and sexual assault victims. We hear from Nogah Ofer from the Centre for Women’s Justice and the testimony of one woman’s experience of the system.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern. Producer:Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Steve Greenwood

Bridget Christie, Windrush Women, Helen and Rob in the Archers Jun 19, 2023

Comedian Bridget Christie’s stand-up has been credited with putting the funny in feminism. You might know her from Taskmaster or Ghosts. Now she’s created and stars in a comedy drama called The Change, which starts this week on Channel 4. She plays Linda, a woman who turns 50, discovers she’s menopausal and abandons her family to go off and find herself in the Forest of Dean. Bridget joins Nuala in studio.

On Thursday, the UK will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush which made the 5,000 mile journey from the Caribbean to England in 1948. The passengers were mainly made up of ex-servicemen along with over 200 bold, pioneering women. Veteran nurse and founder of the Windrush Cymru Elders, Roma Taylor, former nurse Allyson Williams and journalist Amina Taylor join Nuala to discuss their experiences of leaving home to help rebuild Britain after WWII.

Even if you aren’t a fan of the Archers you're probably familiar with the Helen and Rob storyline that featured coercive control and domestic violence back in 2016. Rob, the perpetrator, eventually got his comeuppance and was banished to the US. Now nearly seven years later Rob has returned. Joining Nuala to talk about the latest twists and turns is the actor who plays Helen, Louiza Patikas.

Cate Blanchett on Glenda Jackson, Susanna Hoffs, Yasmeen Lari, Power Lister Jo Tongue, Eco-grief, Lisa Squire Jun 17, 2023

Thousands of people gathered together on Thursday night to attend a vigil for those killed in the Nottingham attacks. The mothers of the murdered teenagers Grace O’Malley Kumar and Barnaby Webber both paid tribute to their children. Clare speaks to another mother who lost her child to murder, Lisa Squire.

Dr Laura Flexer, GP, emailed Woman’s Hour to ask the programme to talk about bone health, especially that of teenage girls with anorexia. Should young women with eating disorders be given oestrogen to boost bone density? Dr Flexer joins Nuala to talk about her research, along with Professor Sandeep Ranote, an expert clinical media spokesperson for the eating disorders charity BEAT and a consultant paediatric psychiatrist for eating disorders in the NHS.

Yasmeen Lari, Pakistan's first female architect, talks to Nuala about being awarded the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture 2023, her work in disaster zones and helping the poorest communities impacted by climate change.

The actor Cate Blanchett joins Clare to celebrate the work and life of Glenda Jackson, actor and MP who died this week.

Jo Tongue is a sports agent who represents some of the best known sporting and broadcasting talent in the UK, including England footballer Leah Williamson. She is vocal in her push for parity of the profile and pay for women in sport - both on the pitch and in the media. For this reason, Jo earned herself a place on the Woman’s Hour Women in Sport Power List earlier this year. She joins Nuala to tell her about her career to date in a male dominated industry.

A growing number of people are experiencing what psychiatrists have labelled eco-anxiety or eco-grief, an overwhelming sense of hopeless and doom due to the current climate situation. So what exactly is the impact on people and how can we turn the tables and help people to feel more hopeful about the environment? Krupa is joined by climate scientist turned campaigner Jen Newall from the Climate Majority Project, and Judy Ling Wong CBE, President of the Black Environment Network.

Susanna Hoffs is a solo artist and a founding member of the Bangles. She joins Nuala to discuss her career and her first novel – This Bird Has Flown – described as "part British romcom, part Jane Eyre” – which gives a glimpse inside the music business.

Presenter: Clare McDonell Producer: Lottie Garton

Actor Cate Blanchett on Glenda Jackson, Girlguiding, Decluttering your love life, Aasmah Mir on her childhood memoir Jun 16, 2023

The actor Cate Blanchett celebrates the work and life of Glenda Jackson, who died this week.

The mothers of Grace O'Malley Kumar and Barnaby Webber spoke about their loved ones at a public vigil in Nottingham. Lisa Squire's daughter Libby was murdered as she walked home from a night out. Did choosing to go public and share her emotions and pain with a wider audience help her deal with her grief?

For the first time four British women have reached the quarter-finals of the same WTA (Women's Tennis Association) Tour event. Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart and Jodie Burrage have joined Heather Watson in the women's last eight in the Nottingham Open. Tennis reporter Karthi Gnanasegaram explains the significance.

Girlguiding has announced the closures of British Guiding Overseas and all five of its Activity Centres. Guide leader Aimmee Scholfield and Kirsty Patterson, also a leader and spokesperson for the campaign against the moves, explain why they are holding an overnight protest vigil and singalong outside Girlguiding UK headquarters.

The radio presenter and broadcaster Aasmah Mir was a teenage introvert and loner. She talks about her memoir ‘A Pebble in the Throat’, which tells the story of her childhood, growing up in the 1970s and 1980s in Glasgow, and traces in parallel the story of her mother’s own life as a young woman In Pakistan in the 1950s before she moved to Scotland.

Does the key to our happiness lie in ‘decluttering’ our love life? Inspired by Japanese organising expert Marie Kondo, journalist Lucy Holden has been deleting photos, throwing away clothes and unfollowing social media accounts of her ex-partners. Lucy along with comedian Cally Beaton, a self-proclaimed ‘joyous midlife dater’, discuss the pros and cons of a love life spring clean.

Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Dianne McGregor

Synthetic embryos, Suzie Fletcher, Eco-anxiety, Lynzy Billing Jun 15, 2023

Scientists have created synthetic human embryos using stem cells that sidestep the need for eggs or sperm. The news was presented yesterday at the International Society for Stem Cell Research’s annual meeting and the full details will be published at a later date. This could have a real impact on understanding IVF and early miscarriages. Krupa speaks to the Guardian journalist who broke the story, Hannah Devlin and Dr Helen O'Neill a lecturer and molecular geneticist at the Institute for Women’s Health at University College London.

A growing number of people are experiencing what psychiatrists have labelled eco-anxiety or eco-grief, an overwhelming sense of hopeless and doom due to the current climate situation. So what exactly is the impact on people and how can we turn the tables and help people to feel more hopeful about the environment? Krupa is joined by climate scientist turned campaigner Jen Newall from the Climate Majority Project, and Judy Ling Wong CBE, President of the Black Environment Network.

Lynzy Billing, an Afghan-Pakistani journalist has been investigating how her family were killed in Afghanistan's Civil War. She has made an animated short film ‘The Night Doctrine’ about her journey to discover the truth of what happened when she was just two years old. The film has had its debut at this year's Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. She joins Krupa to share her story.

Suzie Fletcher, has been the BBC's The Repair Shop's resident leatherworker and master saddler since 2017. She has now released her memoir 'The Sun Over The Mountains' which explores her career, life in America, as well as giving an honest and intimate account of her marriage with her late husband. Suzie joins Krupa to discuss her abusive relationship.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Andrew Garrett

Jo Tongue, Universal Basic Income, Sian Norris, Childhood Obesity Jun 14, 2023

NHS England is going to open 10 new clinics this year to deal with childhood obesity. The clinics will provide "intensive" support to thousands of children with severe obesity and their families aged between two and 18. We know that mothers are on the frontline with managing doctors' appointment and family's health issues. So are these clinics the answer? Nuala speaks to Tam Fry, the Chair of the National Obesity Forum.

Jo Tongue is a sports agent who represents some of the best known sporting and broadcasting talent in the UK, including England footballer Leah Williamson. She is vocal in her push for parity of the profile and pay for women in sport - both on the pitch and in the media. For this reason, Jo earned herself a place on the Woman’s Hour Women in Sport Power List earlier this year. She joins Nuala to tell her about her career to date in a male dominated industry.

With automation threatening swathes of jobs, there’s growing momentum behind the idea of a universal basic income (UBI): an unconditional payment from the state regardless of any other income. For those unable to perform or find paid work, it would provide enough to live on. For those who can work, it would allow an escape from the ‘poverty trap’, where the loss of welfare benefits makes low-paid work uneconomic. A think tank called Autonomy is planning to pilot a UBI scheme, giving a flat payment of £1600 a month to participants. Nuala McGovern speaks to Cleo Goodman from Autonomy and also Eir Nolsoe, Senior Economics Reporter at the Daily Telegraph.

Investigative journalist Sian Norris believes that anti-abortion movements across the world are not so much rooted in religious belief, but in far right extremism, white male supremacy and fascism. She joins Nuala to explain why she has come to that conclusion, and written a book called Bodies Under Siege – How the far right attack on reproductive rights went global.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Produced by Lucy Wai Edited by Sarah Crawley

Abortion laws, Anorexia and bone health, Profile of Greta Thunberg, Susanna Hoffs Jun 13, 2023

Is current abortion legislation fit for purpose? It's a question debated this morning following the conviction and sentencing of Carla Foster for inducing an abortion outside the legal time limit using pills at home. Nuala is joined by barrister, Harriet Johnson and Ruth Rawlings from CBR UK, Centre for Bioethical Reform which seeks to challenge views on abortion. Dr Laura Flexer, a GP, emailed Woman’s Hour to ask the programme to talk about bone health, especially that of teenage girls with anorexia. Should young women with eating disorders be given oestrogen to boost bone density? Dr Flexer joins Nuala to talk about her research, along with Professor Sandeep Ranote, an expert clinical media spokesperson for the eating disorders charity BEAT and a consultant paediatric psychiatrist for eating disorders in the NHS. Last Friday climate activist Greta Thunberg took to twitter to mark her final school strike for climate. We wanted to take this opportunity to look back at the impact of Greta’s work so far and cast forward to the future. Guardian climate journalist Fiona Harvey and Climate activist Mikaela Loach join Nuala. Susanna Hoffs is a solo artist and a founding member of the Bangles. Blending ’60s garage rock, harmonies, and jangly guitars, they became a seminal band of the 1980s with a string of hits including ‘Manic Monday’ , ‘Walk Like an Egyptian’ and ‘Eternal Flame.’ She’s since written and recorded for and appeared in the Austin Powers movies. She joins Nuala to discuss her career and her first novel – This Bird Has Flown – described as "part British romcom, part Jane Eyre” – which gives a glimpse inside the music business.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore Studio Manager: Steve Greenwood

Yasmeen Lari, Pakistan's first female architect, Relationships under pressure Jun 12, 2023

The Scout Association is not doing enough to protect and safeguard children from child abuse, that’s according to two young women who have set up a website which launches tomorrow (Tuesday) asking for people to share their own testimonies of abuse. They are also calling on the Government as well as the Scout Association to do more. On Tuesday BBC Radio 4’s File on Four investigates the Scouts handling of such cases.

Yasmeen Lari, Pakistan's first female architect, talks to Nuala on being awarded the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture 2023, her work in disaster zones and helping the poorest communities impacted by climate change.

The last in our series Under Pressure about how couples cope when their relationship comes under great strain. An American study from 2010 found that couples who had experienced stillbirth were at a 40% greater risk of their relationship ending. Jo Morris went to meet Mustafa and Hawra who told their story.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Reporter Jo Morris Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Ukraine Kakhovka Dam, Candi Staton & Christina Rossetti the Carer Jun 10, 2023

Facebook has removed an advert for a sanitary towel product because it referenced the words Vagina, Vulva and Clitoris. It's the latest in a long line of period ads that have caused a stir. So what is and isn't appropriate when it comes to period adverts? Chella Quint, the founder of Period Positive, a menstruation education advisor and author and Alice Enders, Director of Research at Enders Analysis discuss.

The rescue efforts are continuing in Ukraine after Tuesday's breach of the Kakhovka dam. Thirty communities along the Dnipro river have been flooded according to officials. Now the Red Cross has raised concerns that land-mines have been dislodged in the flooding. Kate Zhuzha is from Nova Kakhovka where the dam has collapsed and is the Founder of NGO Union of Help to Kherson in touch with people in the flooded areas. She tells us about the latest reports.

Last month we looked at the experience of caring with authors Emily Kenway and Lynne Tillman. So many of you got in touch including academic Dinah Roe, a Reader in nineteenth-century literature, who with poet Sarah Hesketh, managing editor of Modern Poetry In Translation have been running a series of free online workshops, inspired by Christina Rossetti's writing, designed specifically for people with caring responsibilities. Dinah and Sarah discuss the power of writing poetry.

Four-time Grammy award nominated singer Candi Staton has moved between several musical genres during of the course of her celebrated career – from soul, R&B, gospel and disco. She discusses her iconic tracks such as the multi-platinum “You Got the Love” and the singalong anthem “Young Hearts Run Free”. It has recently been remixed by UK producer Benji La Vida and has had more than 2.4 million streams on Spotify alone, and there are 60,000 TikTok reels of people doing a dance challenge to the song

No single person can take credit for the huge boom in women’s football but if anyone can it’s the woman who placed second on the Woman’s Hour Power List, Baroness Sue Campbell. The Director of Women’s Football at the FA tells us about the Lionesses legacy, the upcoming World Cup and the future of the Women’s Super League.

Since his diagnosis in 2019, rugby league star Rob Burrow has been battling Motor Neurone Disease, with wife Lindsey by his side. Lindsay tells us about her first marathon and has raised over £100,000 towards a specialist Motor Neurone Disease Centre to be built in his name. A new ITV documentary, Lindsey and Rob: Living with MND, follows Lindsey as she navigates marathon training alongside working and family life, whilst also exploring the wider impact of this disease.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Sue Barker, Period advert bans, Selling sexual assault in East Asia, Jenny Jungle Jun 09, 2023

This Wimbledon will be the first in 30 years without the familiar presence of Sue Barker. Last year she stepped down from hosting the tennis tournament that she herself played in. In Sue's memoir, Calling the Shots, she recounts first reaching number three in the world tennis rankings, then becoming one of the most familiar faces of BBC sports broadcasting. She joins Krupa to talk about the highs and lows of both careers.

Facebook has removed an advert for a sanitary towel product because it referenced the words vagina, vulva and clitoris. It's the latest in a long line of period ads that have caused a stir. So what is and isn't appropriate when it comes to period adverts? To discuss Krupa is joined by Chella Quint is the founder of Period Positive, a menstruation education advisor and author and Alice Enders who is Director of Research at Enders Analysis which follows TV and advertising trends.

The Japanese government is currently debating a landmark bill to reform the country's sexual assault laws, but a highly prevalent form of predatory sexual behaviour has been omitted from the discussion. ‘Chikan' refers to a practice where women are sexually assaulted in public and in some cases videos are sold online. The BBC World Service's investigative unit, BBC Eye, has gone undercover for a year to unmask the men cashing in on sexual violence. Krupa is joined by BBC reporter Zhaoyin Feng.

Would you fancy hurtling down a twisting mountain road at 80 miles an hour, balancing on a skateboard? That’s the favourite hobby of Jenny Schauerte, better known as Jenny Jungle. She and a group of other female skateboarders are featured in a new documentary, WoolfWomen: Now or Never about a trip to Turkey to try out a high altitude run that had never been skated before. Jenny, a former World No 2 in the sport, joins Krupa in studio.

Louise Redknapp, Insomnia, Lindsey Burrow, Ukraine dam Jun 08, 2023

The rescue efforts are continuing in Ukraine after Tuesday's breach of the Kakhovka dam. 30 communities along the Dnipro river have been flooded according to officials. Now the Red Cross has raised concerns that land-mines have been dislodged in the flooding. Kate Zhuzha is from Nova Kakhovka where the dam has collapsed and is the Founder of NGO Union of Help to Kherson in touch with people in the flooded areas. She talks to Krupa about the latest reports.

Lindsey Burrow has been caring for her husband, the former rugby league star Rob Burrow, since he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2019. Last month, she took part in her first marathon, The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, and raised over £100,000 towards a new specialist Motor Neurone Disease Centre to be built in her husband’s name. She talks to Krupa about fitting in her training with family and work life and exploring the wider impact of MND in a documentary she filmed for ITV, Lindsey and Rob: Living with MND.

Louise Redknapp is celebrating 30 years in music. She had 18 top 20 hits with the R&B band Eternal and during her solo career she sold more than 15 million records overall. Louise has just released a Greatest Hits album with 30 tracks, and a new single High Hopes. Having reached the final of Strictly Come Dancing and performed in Cabaret and the musical 9 to 5, she has now returned to the West End stage in Grease as The Teen Angel, the first time the role has been played by a woman in the UK. She joins Krupa Padhy to discuss her career.

Bregje Hofstede, a writer, could not sleep for a decade. Driven to desperation, she started with the obvious interventions, then tried every trick and remedy she came across until at last she managed to re-frame her problem and found a solution that worked for her. She joins Krupa to discuss her book, In Search of Sleep, where she documents her experiences and tries to understand the science, psychology and culture of sleeplessness.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Michael Millham

Polly Toynbee on her new book An Uneasy Inheritance: My Family and Other Radicals Jun 07, 2023

As a self confessed “silver spooner” who enjoyed a privileged upbringing Polly Toynbee talks to Nuala McGovern about her committed left wing "rabble rouser" ancestors and her own life long battle with the injustices of the British class system.

In our series about narcissistic mothers we've heard a lot from daughters. Yesterday, a listener we are calling Bethany told her story. Her relationship with her daughter had been strained for a long time. In January she received a book in the post about how to spot and deal with a narcissistic mother, some passages were highlighted , and a letter. Today she picks up the story and explained how she felt as she opened the book and read the passages pointed out by her daughter. How does it feel to be labelled a narcissist and how can you move forward from there?

Last month we looked at the experience of caring with authors Emily Kenway and Lynne Tillman. So many of you got in touch including academic Dinah Roe, a Reader in nineteeth-century literature, who with poet Sarah Hesketh, managing editor of Modern Poetry In Translation, have been running a series of free online workshops, inspired by Christina Rossetti's writing, designed specifically for people with caring responsibilities. Dinah and Sarah join Nuala in the studio.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Duncan Hannant

Candi Staton, Narcissistic mother 'Bethany', Author Emma Cline, Smart phones in school, Nurses Jun 06, 2023

Four-time Grammy award nominated singer Candi Staton has moved between several musical genres during of the course of her celebrated career – from soul, R&B, gospel and disco. However, dance music has always been her main groove with iconic tracks such as the multi-platinum 'You Got the Love' and her classic anthem 'Young Hearts Run Free'. It has recently been remixed by UK producer Benji La Vida and has had more than 2.4 million streams on Spotify alone, and there are 60,000 TikTok reels of people doing a dance challenge to the song. Candi is in the UK to play the Kite Festival of Ideas and Music in Oxfordshire this Saturday. She joins Nuala to discuss her life and music.

Ghana's health system is struggling due to their nurses being recruited by high-income countries, according to the head of the International Council of Nurses. So what is it that makes Ghanaian Nurses want to come and work in the UK? Angela is a nurse from Ghana who also works with the Ghanaian Diaspora Nursing Alliance – she joins Nuala to discuss.

Eight primary schools in a town in Ireland have come together and decided together to ban smartphones, Nuala speaks to Principle Rachel Harper, the leader of the initiative and Parent and PTA member Laura Bourne, to find out why and how it's been received.

In our series about narcissistic mothers we have heard from the daughters so far. Today, a listener we are calling Bethany tells her side of the story. Her relationship with her daughter had been strained for a long time. In January she received a book in the post about how to spot and deal with a narcissistic mother, some passages were highlighted, and a letter. Since then she has not seen her daughter or her grandchildren. How does it feel to be labelled a narcissist and how can you move forward from there?

In 2016, at the age of 27, Emma Cline became very famous indeed when her first novel The Girls was published. Set in the summer of 69 in California 14 year old Evie is caught up in a Manson Family-like cult and the violence that follows. In her new novel ‘The Guest’ Alex is a young woman whose life could go either way. She exploits the men around her as they exploit her but what does she want and where will she end up?

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Women in Ukraine, Baroness Sue Campbell, Abortion law in Texas, Drastic hair Jun 05, 2023

The Sunday Times' Christina Lamb on the women involved in the war effort in Ukraine.

We look at the trend of brides having their long hair cut into bobs before re-emerging with new hair at their wedding. Kyrelle Burton of Devon Wedding Hair, did her first mid-wedding chop for a bride last year.

Molly Duane is the senior lawyer for the US-based Center for Reproductive Rights who are challenging Texas state law on abortion on behalf of more than a dozen women. The case is regarded as important because it is being seen as a nationwide model for abortion rights advocates to challenge new abortion laws that have rolled out since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade a year ago this month. Molly discusses the case with Nuala.

No single person can take credit for the huge boom in women’s football but if any one can it’s the woman who placed second on the Woman’s Hour Power List, Baroness Sue Campbell. The Director of Women’s Football at the FA joins Nuala to discuss the Lionesses legacy, the upcoming World Cup and the future of the Women’s Super League.

In 2020 Baroness Cumberlege authored a report into two drugs and a medical device that caused women or their babies harm. The device in question was vaginal mesh, and the report described how using mesh in surgery for prolapse and incontinence had resulted in serious adverse outcomes for women across the UK. One of the recommendations from that report is about to get underway, to measure the impact of surgery on women’s lives. Anita is joined by Georgina Jones, Professor of Health Psychology at Leeds Beckett University to find out more, and by Hannah Devlin, science correspondent for the Guardian.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Weekend Woman's Hour: Witness Protection, Gender Pension Gap, Big Boobs and Dr Edna Adan Ismali Jun 03, 2023

A woman who was stalked by her husband and then placed into witness protection with a new identity to escape him, says she feels like she's the one being punished. She's complained to the police about the way her case was handled after being told she failed an assessment and was no longer being supported by them in her new life. She spoke to our reporter Melanie Abbott, and says she felt completely cut adrift. We hear her story of how she had to uproot her two children and start a new life with a new job in a new town, while her husband is free to live wherever he likes. Academic Rachael Wheatley from the university of Derby tells Anita how she is training police to be better at dealing with stalkers and how victims need better support.

A new report by the Trade Union Congress has highlighted a gender pension gap between what men and women are living on in retirement. The estimate it’s currently running at 40.5%, which is more than double the current gender pay gap. Nuala talks to Nikki Pound from the TUC and financial expert Sarah Pennells Consumer finance specialist at Royal London - pensions insurance provider about the issues facing women and possible solutions.

You can’t read a tabloid newspaper without some form of cheating scandal filling the headlines. But what makes someone lie to the person they love? Nuala asks Natalie Lue, a boundaries and relationships coach about the big and little lies we tell in relationships.

Writer and Podcaster Jackie Adedeji speaks to Nuala about her new Channel 4 documentary UNTOLD: My Big Boobs, a look into the impacts of having big boobs and the rise in breast reduction surgery. Sarah Ditum also joins to discuss the cultural trends of breasts through the years.

Dr Edna Adan Ismail is known as the ‘Woman of Firsts’. She’s Somaliland’s first trained midwife, first female Minister of Foreign Affairs, and former First Lady. And now she has added another first to her title. She is this year’s winner of the Templeton Prize - making her the first black African woman to receive the honour. She has been awarded the £1.1 million prize for her contribution to women’s health. In 2002 she sold everything she owned to build The Edna Adan Hospital and University which has played a crucial role in cutting maternal mortality rates in Somaliland. She still lives and works within the hospital. Edna Adan Ismail explains what life is like for women in Somaliland, and what will she spend the prize money on.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Hanna Ward

Edna Adan Ismail, winner of Templeton Prize, Online games, Vasectomy increase in US, Iranian female journos on trial Jun 02, 2023

Two female journalists in Iran are on trial for covering the death of 22 year old Mahsa Amini, the Kurdish-Iranian woman who died in custody last year sparking protests across the country and months of unrest and shocked the world. Mahsa was arrested and charged with not covering her hair properly and then reportedly so severely beaten she fell into a coma. Niloofar Homedi and Elaheh Mohammadi were among the first to report on her death; a photo taken by Niloofar for the Shargh daily newspaper showing Amini’s parents hugging each other in a Tehran hospital where their daughter was lying in a coma drew international attention. While Mohammadi, traveled to report on Mahsa Amini’s funeral. Faranak Amidi, BBC Near East Women Affairs Correspondent discusses.

Now Sex and the City fans have been celebrating some exciting, and rather unexpected, news - Variety magazine reports that Kim Cattrall will be reprising her role as Samantha Jones in the spin-off And Just Like That. She was noticeably absent from the first season, and it's reported that she will only be appearing in one scene in the show's finale. There has been much speculation about how it came to happen as she has reportedly had a strained relationship with fellow cast-mate Sarah Jessica Parker, who also acts as an Executive Producer on the show. Journalist and Sex and the City fan, Olivia Petter joins Anita.

One consequence of the overturning of Roe V Wade, which has made accessing an abortion more difficult in some US states, is that there’s been a rise in the number of men seeking vasectomies. An estimated 20,000 extra men chose to undergo the surgery between July and December last year. Anita Rani talks to Dr. Stanton Honig the director of the Yale Medicine Male Reproductive Health & Sexual Medicine Program.

A new study by the Universities of Glasgow and Cardiff has found that male characters in video games speak twice as much as female characters, and when female characters do speak, they’re more likely to apologise, hesitate or be polite. We discuss the findings and the reasons behind the gendered dialogue with a lead author of the study, Dr Stephanie Rennick, and games writer and narrative designer Samantha Webb.

African midwife Edna Adan Ismail is known as the ‘Woman of Firsts’. She’s Somaliland’s first trained midwife, first female Minister of Foreign Affairs, and former First Lady. And now she has added another first to her title. She is this year’s winner of the Templeton Prize - making her the first black African woman to receive the honour. She has been awarded the £1.1 million prize for her contribution to women’s health. In 2002 she sold everything she owned to build The Edna Adan Hospital and University which has played a crucial role in cutting maternal mortality rates in Somaliland. She still lives and works within the hospital. Edna Adan Ismail explains what life is like for women in Somaliland, and what will she spend the prize money on.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Witness protection, Anti-LGBT law in Uganda, Author Harriet Gibsone, Women's World Cup squad Jun 01, 2023

A woman who was stalked by her husband and then placed into witness protection with a new identity to escape him, says she feels like she's the one being punished. She's complained to the police about the way her case was handled after being told she failed an assessment and was no longer being supported by them in her new life. She spoke to our reporter Melanie Abbott, and says she felt completely cut adrift. We hear her story of how she had to uproot her two children and start a new life with a new job in a new town, while her husband is free to live wherever he likes. Academic Rachael Wheatley from the university of Derby tells Anita how she is training police to be better at dealing with stalkers and how victims need better support.

The England manager Sarina Wiegman has this week named her squad for the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July. But star players like Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby will all miss out because of injury. Wiegman is also keen to get her squad training together at the earliest possible opportunity, but says her plans are being blocked by the European Club Association who only want players released from their club teams at the end of June at the earliest. So what does this mean for England Women’s world cup chances and how will they fare down under? Anita finds out from Jo Currie, BBC women's sport reporter.

This week, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni signed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law. It’s a country already known for its strict laws against LGBT people, but the new bill includes legislation changes such as the death penalty for what is being described as ‘aggravated homosexuality’, for example anyone engaging in gay sex who is infected with a life-long illness such as HIV. The bill also states that anyone facilitating same-sex marriage in the country could face up to seven years imprisonment, and anyone promoting or normalising LGBT relationships could be served whole life sentences. Kasha Nabagesera, LGBT activist and founder of Freedom and Roam Uganda, one of the main lesbian, bisexual and transgender women's rights organizations in the country, joins Anita to discuss what this means on the ground.

Did you grow up in the 90s and noughties during the advent of the internet, when MSN, chatrooms and MySpace were the dominant platforms? Harriet Gibsone is an author and millennial who was part of the first generation to come of age online. In her new memoir Is This OK? One Woman’s Search for Connection Online, she examines the long-term impact it had on her and the pros and cons of online connection at different stages of her life, from being a teen to becoming a mother struggling with early menopause. She joins Anita in the Woman's Hour studio.

Gender pension gap, Trampolining, A Paedophile in the Family May 31, 2023

When Rebecca Perry was growing up, she competed nationally and internationally as a trampolinist. She went on to become a published poet and has now ventured into non-fiction with a beautifully written memoir, On Trampolining. She joins Nuala in the studio.

A new report by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has highlighted a gender pension gap between what men and women are living on in retirement. The estimate it’s currently running at 40.5%, which is more than double the current gender pay gap. Nuala McGovern talks to Nikki Pound from the TUC and financial expert Sarah Pennells Consumer finance specialist at Royal London - pensions insurance provider about the issues facing women and possible solutions.

A new Channel 4 documentary out today, A Paedophile In The Family, looks at the life of Emily Victoria and how she carried the weight of being sexually abused by her father throughout her childhood. Following the release of her father from prison, she decided to reach out to those who knew her - teachers, family friends and her mother - to try and understand how the abuse she experienced from the age of two to eighteen remained hidden for so long. Emily joins Nuala in the studio.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Childcare debt, Big boobs, Succession May 30, 2023

As figures show more than a third of parents are using debt to pay for childcare, Nuala will be meeting two women who’ve gone deep into the red to pay nursery fees in order to maintain a career and discussing whether the financial risk has been worth it.

The government has announced that it is set to close what it calls an ‘unacceptable’ loophole which allows e-cigarettes to be given to teenagers - a ban on nicotine free products to under 18s is also being considered. Research by NHS Digital shows that one in five 15-year-old girls use electronic cigarettes, which is 7% higher than boys of the same age. Nuala is joined by Linda Bauld, Professor of Public Health at Edinburgh University as well as Leanne McGuire, the mother of a teenager who was addicted to vaping at 15 and Rob Pavey, the Headteacher at a secondary school in Oxford to discuss.

Writer and Podcaster Jackie Adedeji speaks to Nuala about her new Channel 4 documentary UNTOLD: My Big Boobs, a look into the impacts of having big boobs and the rise in breast reduction surgery. Sarah Ditum also joins to discuss the cultural trends of breasts through the years.

Succession has ended after four dramatic seasons. It has been called ‘the greatest TV show ever made.’ The satirical dark comedy-drama about power, politics and a family dynasty followed the highly dysfunctional Roy family. The show might be a fantastic snapshot into the lives of the top 1% but it has also produced some incredible female characters. Nuala hears more about the women in Succession from comedian Sara Barron, who co-hosts Firecrotch and Normcore: a Succession Podcast, and Journalist Laura Martin.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Why we lie, The Traitors star Amanda Lovett, Lies told by families, Lying to your partner May 29, 2023

Why do we lie? And what is happening in our brain when we do it? Nuala asks psychologist Dr Sharon Leal, Senior Research Fellow and Member of the International Centre for Research in Forensic Psychology at the University of Portsmouth and Professor Tali Sharot, director of the Affective Brain Lab. a professor of cognitive neuroscience at University College London, and the author of The Optimism Bias.

A 2019 study by Portsmouth University found that men were more than twice as likely to consider themselves expert liars who got away with it. But women can be just as good at lying. Nuala speaks to two women who are very good at it! Amanda Lovett, from the BAFTA award winning BBC gameshow The Traitors, won legions of fans for her steely ability to lie during the show, and Kirsty Mann is a writer and comedian - but she’s been keeping a very big secret from some of her comedy pals. She has a show about having a double life is called SKELETONS and is playing at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Some lies are bigger than other and can have a huge impact on your life. Nuala talks to writer Miranda Doyle about exposing her family's lies in her memoire Book of Untruths, and a listener we are calling Ravi, explains why she lied to her family about moving to the US for love.

Plus, you can’t read a tabloid newspaper without some form of cheating scandal filling the headlines. But what makes someone lie to the person they love? Nuala asks Natalie Lue, a boundaries and relationships coach, and author of The Joy of Saying No, and writer Rosie Green, author of How to Heal a Broken Heart and host of podcast Life’s Rosie about the big and little lies we tell in relationships.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sophie Powling

Weekend Woman's Hour: Period Inequality, Dr Katriona O’Sullivan, Electropop duo Let’s Eat Grandma May 27, 2023

A recent survey of a thousand teenage girls has found that nearly half of them have struggled to access products at school. On Sunday a Period Parade will make its way through London to call for continued support to combat period inequality and shame. We hear from Emily Wilson - the International chief executive of I Rise, a period-equality charity.

Dr. Katriona O’Sullivan grew up as one of five children living in dire poverty, surrounded by addiction. She is now an award winning lecturer, whose work explores barrier to education. She tells us about her extraordinary life story, as told in her memoir ‘Poor’ and to explain how she triumphed through sheer determination.

As the Online Safety Bill progresses through the House of Lords, the former culture secretary Baroness Morgan of Cotes has tabled an amendment to the Bill calling for a Violence Against Women and Girls Code of Practice. She tells us why she believes a code is desperately needed to specifically address the harms to women and girls.

Sales of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK will end by 2030, but women are less likely than men to consider buying an electric vehicle, and the gap seems to be widening. Erin Baker, Editorial Director from AutoTrader and Beth Morley, a mobility and human insights manager from Cenex, discuss.

Let’s Eat Grandma are an electro-pop duo composed of best friends Rosa Walton and Jenny Hollingworth. They tell us about their friendship since the age of four and perform ‘Two Ribbons from their latest album.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

The Turkish elections and female voters May 26, 2023

In the last two years Turkey has withdrawn from the Istanbul Convention which "creates a comprehensive legal framework and approach to combat violence against women" and at the same time international observers have raise concerns over femicide rates in the country as well as violence against women and girls. Anita Rani talks to the independent journalist Barcin Yinanc and Ravza Kavakci from Erdogan’s ruling AKP party.

A recent survey of a thousand teenage girls has found that nearly half of them have struggled to access products at school. On Sunday a Period Parade will make it’s way through London to call for continued support to combat period inequality and shame. We talk to Emily Wilson - the International chief executive of I Rise, a period-equality charity

Tracey Curtis-Taylor is a British aviator who has paid tribute to pioneering female aviators like Lady Mary Heath and Amy Johnson by flying the paths they once flew. Now she’s written a book all about her flights, and the reasons behind them. She joins Anita in the studio to talk more about her adventures.

Bar Pandora is the emerging alt-pop project and stage name of Coventry-based musician, writer, artist & performer, Charlie Tophill. The new single Ultramess is out this week. Charlie joins Anita to discuss the inspiration for her work, overcoming shame and self-policing in the music industry.

Liz Harvie and Debbie Iromlou are both adult adoptees in their 50's and Woman's Hour listeners. Having heard our discussion about adoption on Tuesday they decided to get in touch. They wanted to talk about the impact of being adopted on their mental health all through their lives.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Duncan Hannant

Tina Turner legend, Let's Eat Grandma, Whips, Sudan's women, Helen Hardy May 25, 2023

Tributes are being paid to the Queen of Rock n Roll, Tina Turner, who has died aged 83 after a long illness. Turner became one of the world's most famous music icons, known for her smash hits What's Love Got to Do With It , We Don't Need Another Hero and The Best. To pay tribute to this music legend, Anita is joined by the music journalist Jacqueline Springer and Dhivya Kate Chetty, the director of When Tina Turner Came to Britain.

More than a million people have been displaced over the last five weeks as two men fight for control of Sudan. The United Nation’s Population Fund says there’s been a 900% increase in reports of gender based violence since the start of the conflict and doctors are reporting a rise in the number of women seeking help after being raped. Anita Rani talks to Nima Elbagir, a Sudanese-born journalist and CNN's Chief International Investigative Correspondent and Dr Attia Abdullah who’s a doctor in Khartoum and General Secretary of the Sudan doctors trade union.

Helen Hardy grew up in Newcastle loving football, playing it and watching it. At the 2019 Women's World Cup in 2019 she had a lightbulb moment as she looked around the stands and realised all the female fans were wearing men's football shirts, despite clearly being fans of the women's game. She set up Foudy's in 2020, the first retailer dedicated to selling shirts for women's football. The judges for this year's Woman's Hour Power List put her at Number 6 on the list.

Cleo Watson served in 10 Downing Street as Theresa May’s political adviser then Boris Johnson’s co-deputy chief of staff. She joins Anita to talk about her novel, Whips, which follows three young politicos trying to make a life for themselves in Westminster. It's got scandal, sisterhood and a lot of sex! But just how much of it is based on Cleo's own time behind the most famous black door in the UK?

Let’s Eat Grandma are an electro-pop duo composed of best friends Rosa Walton and Jenny Hollingworth. They used to write together in Rosa’s family home in Norwich and made their first song together aged just 10. Three albums later, including one which was nominated for an Ivor Novello award, they are soon to be performing at Meltdown Festival in London. They join Nuala in the studio to discuss their career, friendship and perform a song from their latest album ‘Two Ribbons’.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Gayl Gordon and Michael Millham

Independent Inquiry into child sexual abuse, writer Katriona O'Sullivan, electric cars, fertility laws in France May 24, 2023

After more than seven years taking evidence, six months ago the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse published their final report which put forward 20 recommendations for the government. This week the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, announced they had accepted 19 of those put forward. Professor Alexis Jay, who chaired the IICSA for seven years, joins Nuala to explain why she is deeply disappointed with their response.

Dr. Katriona O’Sullivan grew up as one of five children living in dire poverty, surrounded by addiction. She is now an award winning lecturer, whose work explores barrier to education. She joins Nuala to discuss herlife story, as told in her moving, funny, brave and shocking memoir – Poor.

Sales of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK will end by 2030, but women are less likely than men to consider buying an electric vehicle, and the gap seems to be widening. Erin Baker, Editorial Director from AutoTrader and Beth Morley, a mobility and human insights manager from Cenex, join Nuala to discuss.

This month marks ten years since a law authorising same-sex couples to marry and adopt children was passed in France. But it wasn’t until 2021 that single women and lesbian couples were allowed to get fertility treatment following two years of parliamentary debate. A new French film - La Graine or The Seed - looks at the journey of a lesbian couple, Ines and Lucie, on their quest to have a baby, set before the law came into force in France To discuss the current situation I’m joined by the director Eloïse Lang, & journalist for France24, Claire Paccalin.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore Studio manager: Sue Maillot

Adoption, Protesting Indian Wrestlers, Naoise Dolan May 23, 2023

According to a new report from Adoption UK nearly half of families with adopted children aged 13 to 25 say they are at ‘crisis point’ or ‘facing severe challenges’. Author, Becky Brooks, discusses her report alongside Clare, a parent of adopted children.

Indian women wrestlers have been living on the streets of Delhi in protest after they accused their sport's federation's top official of sexual harassment and abuse. There is just three months until the World Championships and the Asian Games when ordinarily these women would be focussed on intense training. Nuala discusses the situation with Divya Arya, Women's Affairs Journalist at BBC Delhi.

A new production of Rigoletto opens next week at Opera Holland Park. Described as “a propulsive tragedy of toxic masculinity and unfettered power”, the director, Cecilia Stinton, explains why she has set it in an Oxbridge-style college post World War I, and the relevance of the story to a modern audience. The soprano, Alison Langer, who plays the role of Gilda, also joins Nuala and performs live in the studio.

New research has found that women are twice as likely to die within 30 days of a heart attack compared with men. To explore why women continue to appear more vulnerable after having a heart attack Nuala is joined by consultant cardiologist Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan.

The Happy Couple is the second novel by the acclaimed Irish novelist Naoise Dolan, whose debut Exciting Times was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. It follows a young couple, Celine and Luke, in the run-up to their wedding and explores the creeping doubts they have about each other, marriage and monogamy. Naoise joins Nuala in the studio.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Women of Northern Ireland; Baroness Nicky Morgan; Looking good for your age; Menopause drugs update May 22, 2023

Starting on BBC Two, BBC Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer tonight, Once Upon A Time In Northern Ireland gives voice to the people who lived through the Troubles, sharing intimate stories from all sides of the conflict. The series airs today on the anniversary of the referendum that ratified the Good Friday Agreement, on 22nd May 1998. Nuala is joined by two women, Denise and Bernadette, who chose to take part in the series to share their stories.

As the Online Safety Bill progresses through the House of Lords, the former culture secretary Baroness Morgan of Cotes has tabled an amendment to the Bill calling for a Violence Against Women and Girls Code of Practice. She said a code is desperately needed to specifically address the harms to women and girls. Further discussions will take place this week on the Bill. Baroness Nicky Morgan joins Nuala to discuss.

How do you feel if someone tells you you’re 'looking good for your age'? Not so secretly thrilled? Slightly indignant? Why are we likely to take it as a compliment if someone believes you look younger than you actually are? The American businesswoman and lifestyle guru Martha Stewart recently became the oldest woman on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, and has been praised for looking less than her 81 years. Why? Nuala is joined by Sam Baker of The Shift podcast, and Lucy Baker who blogs as Geriatric Mum.

A new menopause drug to deal with hot flushes could be available by the end of the year in the UK. The non-hormonal drug fezolinetant has been hailed as 'game-changing' by some experts. At the same time, the supply of the HRT drug Utrogestan has been restricted by the government because of shortages. To find out more, Nuala is joined by Dr Annice Mukherjee, a consultant endocrinologist and visiting professor at the University of Coventry; and Dr Nina Wilson, an NHS GP and founder of the One Woman Health menopause clinic.

Suranne Jones, Karen Millen, Eating disorders, Men and contraception, Kissing May 20, 2023

Psychiatrists say they’re worried that some people with eating disorders are being offered palliative care. They say an eating disorder is not a terminal illness and most people can recover. Our reporter Carolyn Atkinson speaks to two women who currently have an eating disorder, and reports on what charities and professionals are saying about recover, and Hayley talks to mental health campaigner Hope Virgo about her experience.

Karen Millen started setting up her fashion brand just after she left college. She later sold the business, and made millions. Now, 20 years later, she’s back working for the company, creating a new collection. Anita speaks to her about what happened in between, and how it feels to be back.

Bafta-winning actor Suranne Jones is back on our screens with Maryland, a three-part drama about two sisters discovering that their mother was leading a secret life. Suranne plays the younger sister Becca. She joins Hayley to explain how the idea, which came to her in a dream, made it onto the small screen.

A new study suggests that humans kissing may have started more than a thousand years earlier than was previously thought. Dr Sophie Lund Rasmussen from the University of Oxford joins Anita to talk through what it means, and how the investigation came about because of a conversation at the dinner table.

Are men responsible for unwanted pregnancies? 'Ejaculate Responsibly: The conversation We Need to Have about Men and Contraception' is a stirring manifesto by American writer and award-winning blogger Gabrielle Blair, who thinks they are. According to Gabrielle, if you boil it right down all unwanted pregnancies are caused by irresponsible ejaculations. She joins Hayley to discuss her argument.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Kesha, Kissing, Holly Smale on The Cassandra Complex, 'Depp v Heard' series, Manisha Tailor, assistant head of coaching at QPR May 19, 2023

The American singer/songwriter Kesha’s first major success came in 2009 when she was featured on rapper Flo Rida's number-one single "Right Round". She’s since had two number one albums and nine top ten singles including Tik Tok, We R Who We R, "Your Love Is My Drug," "Die Young, and "Timber" with Pitbull. She has earned two GRAMMY nominations. Today she releases her latest album – Gag Order. She joins Anita to discuss the themes of love, anxiety and spiritual awakening.

In a new study out today, scientists have suggested that humans kissing may have started 4,500 years ago in the ancient Middle East – that’s 1,000 years earlier than previously thought. Anita finds out more from the scientist Dr Sophie Lund Rasmussen from the University of Oxford.

The best selling author of the Geek Girl series, Holly Smale, was diagnosed as autistic in 2021, at the age of 39. She said she felt relief that she now has an explanation for why she’s felt she’s never “fitted in”. She couldn’t herself anywhere. She needed to see herself in a book, so she wouldn’t feel so alone. Holly has now written her first adult fiction – the highly autobiographical, The Cassandra Complex. She joins Anita to explain why it’s important to her that autism is represented in the media.

Anita is joined by another one of the women on our Power List celebrating 30 women in sport. Manisha Tailor is the Assistant Head of Coaching at Championship club Queen's Park Rangers and is the first woman to hold such a position in men's professional football in England. Manisha is also the founder of Swaggarlicious, an organisation that uses community football sessions to engage with minority groups including women and girls, and especially those with mental health challenges.

‘Depp vs Heard’ is a three part C4 series that charts the tumultuous defamation trial between Johnny Depp and his former wife Amber Heard that was broadcast live in full. Mixing courtroom footage with the reaction from the millions who viewed it online, it’s a story of twists and turns. And questions if a jury ever be truly fair in the age of social media? The BAFTA-nominated documentary director Emma Cooper, joins Anita from Los Angeles.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley

Feminist porn, Karen Millen, I Can Hear The Cuckoo, Forced marriage May 18, 2023

Erika Lust makes adult films that focus on female pleasure, diversity and what she calls ethical production. She has big ideas about how to change the porn industry and joins Anita Rani in the studio to discuss them.

Karen Millen, creator of the eponymous fashion brand has created a new collection over 40-years after she set up her first shop. She sold the business in 2004, but in later years she filed for bankruptcy. Now aged 61, Millen is returning to designing clothes. She joins Anita to talk about the highs and lows of her life so far, and starting over.

Forced marriage has been illegal in England and Wales since 2014, but a study jointly by the Universities of Lincoln and Bristol, has revealed that the crime remains rife. Their research on the use of Forced Marriage Protection Orders, designed to prevent forced marriages, used data from nearly 600 case files from police forces nationwide. Anita is joined by the criminologist, Professor Aisha Gill, one of the leads on the research, who is proposing new measures to protect victims.

Journalist Kiran Sidhu moved from London to the Welsh countryside after the death of her mother. She has written a memoir about what she learnt there of grief, community and unlikely friendships, ‘I Can Hear the Cuckoo’.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Michael Millham

Suranne Jones, Housing, Eating disorders, Physicist Professor Dame Athene Donald May 17, 2023

Bafta-winning actor Suranne Jones is back on our screens with Maryland, a three-part drama about two sisters discovering that their mother was leading a secret life. Suranne, who plays the younger sister Becca, is also executive producer on the series. She joins Hayley to explain how the idea, which came to her in a dream, made it onto the small screen. A new law to be tabled in Parliament today would abolish no-fault evictions and make it illegal for landlords to refuse tenancies to those in receipt of benefits, as part of a long-promised overhaul of the private rental sector in England. Housing campaigners said the bill was a "huge opportunity" to improve the lives of the 11 million renters in England - but its still doesnt go far enough to help many renters, 40% of which are women. Melissa York, the assistant property editor at The Times and The Sunday Times & Polly Neate, Chief Exectuive of Shelter. Psychiatrists say they’re worried that some people with eating disorders are being offered palliative care, warning it is not a terminal illness and most people can recover. Carolyn Atkinson reports and Hayley talks to mental health campaigner Hope Virgo. Hayley talks to scientist and academic Athene Donald about her new book Not Just for the Boys which examines the historic societal exclusion of women from science and the systemic disadvantages women in science operate under. She looks at the common myths that science isn't creative and that it is carried out by a lone genius in an ivory tower, offering her perspective on what progress has been made, and how more is needed.

Presenter: Hayley Hassall Producer: Lucinda Montefiore Studio Manager: Steve Greenwood

Calls for allergy tsar, Men and contraception, Judy Blume books May 16, 2023

Tanya Ednan-Laperouse and Emma Turay are two women who lost their teenage daughters due to severe allergic reactions to food they had eaten. They are calling for the government to put in a place an ‘allergy tsar’ to prevent what they say are unnecessary deaths and illnesses. They explain their demands to Hayley Hassall.

'Ejaculate Responsibly: The conversation We Need to Have about Men and Contraception' is a stirring manifesto by American writer and award winning parenting blogger Gabrielle Blair. Why, she asks, are women expected to do all the work of pregnancy prevention particularly when men are fifty times more fertile than women? That’s one of the 28 arguments in her book which show in different ways how men take little if any responsibility for unwanted pregnancies. And yet according to Gabrielle, if you boil it right down all unwanted pregnancies are caused by irresponsible ejaculations.

In a report out today the Independent Monitoring Board have found women are being sent to prison as a 'place of safety' whilst experiencing severe mental health problems. Some women were sent to prison because they had attempted suicide; some had been diagnosed with a severe mental illness and needed medication and there was no adequate community provision. Hayley Hassall is joined by the IMB's National Chair Dame Anne Owers.

An adaption of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, the bestselling book by beloved teen author Judy Blume is coming to the big screens this week. So, we are asking - what did the book mean to you? Journalist Leila Latif joins Hayley to discuss why the coming-of-age story is still relevant today and how Judy Blume’s books guided her through her own adolescence.

Presenter: Hayley Hassall Producer: Emma Pearce

Can trauma in childhood become a driving force for success in later life? May 15, 2023

In their book What I Wish I’d Known When I Was Young, they interview the likes of Ruth Davidson and Mary Portas and explore the psychology behind their experiences. Hayley is joined by Alice Thomson and also by the science writer David Robson, who investigates the potential issues with the psychological concept of Post-Traumatic Growth.

The latest political workplace scandal centres around Plaid Cymru in Wales where the party’s leader Adam Price has resigned after a report described it as being a toxic workplace with evidence of misogyny, harassment and bullying. But such claims are or have been found in all the main political parties despite each putting codes of conducts and complaints procedures to address concerns in these areas. Are behaviours like bullying and abusive behaviour concentrated in certain work places, whether its politics, or institutions like the police or fire service? We hear from the former Welsh Assembly politician Bethan Sayed about the situation facing her former party Plaid Cymru and also to the journalist Kate Maltby, Dr Nicola Thomas from the Institute of Work Psychology at the University of Sheffield and Baroness Dame Louise Casey who conducted a review into the Metropolitan Police.

Cinematic feminist pioneer Nina Menkes speaks about her new docu-film about the objectification of women in film, and the male gaze, called Brainwashed: Sex-Power-Camera.

And the issue of when to allow your children to get a mobile phone with Molly Kingsley from the campaign group UsForThem.

Presenter: Hayley Hassall Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Bob Nettles

Weekend Woman's Hour: Activist Masih Alinejad, Malorie Blackman, Bel Powley and Kate Ferdinand May 13, 2023

Masih Alinejad, Iranian American journalist, women's rights campaigner and a Time Woman of the Year 2023, is an outspoken critic of the Iranian government. She joins Anita to talk about her fight for women's rights in Iran.

‘Just Saying’ is a memoir by the bestselling author Malorie Blackman, former Children’s Laureate, best known for her Noughts & Crosses series for young adults. Malorie received eighty-two rejection letters before she finally found a publisher. Seventy published books later it is no exaggeration to say that Malorie Blackman has changed the face of British literature forever. Malorie joins Nuala to discuss her life and works.

650 years ago a woman we only know as Julian of Norwich produced a book which challenged the ideas of the time about sin and suffering. It presented a radical vision of love and hope that “All Shall Be Well and All Shall Be Well and All Manner of Things Shall be Well”. We hear from a listener, Sophie, about the words that she turns to for motivation and encouragement.

Blended families are created for all sorts of reasons. Because of break-ups or the death of a parent, through fostering or adoption. Kate Ferdinand, previously Kate Wright of The Only Way is Essex fame, married the former footballer Rio Ferdinand in 2019, four years after his first wife Rebecca and mother of their three children, had died. As a new step mum she struggled partly because she felt very alone and that no-one understood what she was going through. But there was also very little out there to help someone in her situation – the step-parenting parts of books and websites were tiny, she says. Kate has now written her own book - How to Build a Family. She joins Anita to discuss her experiences.

Most of us are familiar with the story of Anne Frank, the young Jewish girl who wrote a diary while hiding from the Nazis with her family, in Amsterdam during the Second World War. You are probably less familiar with the name of the woman who agreed to keep them safe in those secret attic rooms. Miep Gies was Otto’s secretary, and when they were eventually located and sent to their deaths, it was Miep who found Anne’s diary and kept it. A new TV series tells the whole story from Miep’s perspective, and she is played by the British actor Bel Powley. Bel joins Nuala to talk about playing an ordinary woman who displayed extraordinary courage.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Hanna Ward

Maureen Lipman, Kate Ferdinand, Power Lister Rimla Akhtar, Women ambassadors May 12, 2023

In her latest stage role Dame Maureen Lipman plays Rose in a one-woman memory play with its Jewish heroine sitting Shiva – mourning for the many dead, and moving through Jewish twentieth century history. On stage alone for two hours, her performance has already sparked two sell out runs in London and Manchester, and now she’s back in the West End for a month. Maureen joins Anita live in the Woman’s Hour studio.

Blended families are created for all sorts of reasons. Because of break-ups or the death of a parent, through fostering or adoption. Kate Ferdinand married the former footballer Rio Ferdinand in 2019, four years after his first wife Rebecca and mother of their three children, had died. Now Kate has written How to Build a Family, the book she wished she'd had when she started out being a step mum.

Woman’s Hour Power List Leader Rimla Akhtar joins Anita to talk about her ground-breaking work in the world of women’s sport. She was ranked by Forbes and The Independent as one of the most powerful women in international sports, and was awarded an OBE in 2021 for her contribution to diversity and equality in sport.

What is it really like to be a female ambassador? A new Netflix show, The Diplomat, has got people talking about the role. It stars American actress, Keri Russell, as a new US ambassador to the UK, parachuted into the role in the midst of a crisis. It debuted at No 1 on Netflix’s weekly global Top 10 list. So, we wanted to know - is the life of a real diplomat as exciting? What do they get up to? We are joined by former ambassadors Jules Chappell and Laura Clarke to find out.

Operation Identify Me, Iran, Rosie & Chris Ramsey, Race Across the World May 11, 2023

Masih Alinejad, Iranian American journalist, women's rights campaigner and a Time Woman of the Year 2023, is an outspoken critic of the Iranian government. She joins Anita to talk about her fight for women's rights in Iran.

The winners of Race Across The World on BBC1, where travellers made it to a destination, choosing any route they liked, but with no flights or phones allowed. For this third series, those involved travelled from West to East Canada. Cathie Rowe and Tricia Sail celebrate their triumph.

For the first time, Interpol have released a list seeking information about 22 unidentified murdered women, whose names are a mystery. Anita is joined by BBC journalist Alice Cuddy to explain why this is happening, and forensic scientist Carina Van Leeuwen who is passionate about giving these women a name.

Rosie and Chris Ramsey, top podcast couple, join Anita to talk about the perils of producing a podcast when you’re married with children and you’re airing your dirty laundry in public for laughs, and their remarkable success including a new BBC1 series, 'The Chris and Rosie Ramsey Show'.

Presenter: Anita Rani Studio manager: Duncan Hannant

Malorie Blackman, Trump verdict, Kitemark for female-founded firms, Netball May 10, 2023

Just Saying’ is a memoir by the bestselling author Malorie Blackman, former Children’s Laureate, best known for her Noughts & Crosses series for young adults. Malorie received eighty-two rejection letters before she finally found a publisher. Seventy published books later it is no exaggeration to say that Malorie Blackman has changed the face of British literature forever. Malorie joins Nuala to discuss her life and works. Donald Trump says he will appeal the verdict of a New York jury in a civil case that found he sexually abused and defamed a woman. The woman in question E Jean Carroll, a magazine columnist, claimed the former US president attacked her in a department store in the mid 1990s. The civil trial rejected her claim of rape and in total the jury ordered Trump to pay five million dollars in damages to Carroll. Emma Long, Associate Professor in American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia joins Nuala. The campaign group Buy Women Built is launching a kitemark to add to products made by female-founded firms to help boost their sales. This means that when you shop, you will be able to spot and buy from brands created by women - and in turn help their revenue. Nuala is joined by the founder of Buy Women Built, Sahar Hashemi OBE and Lemon Fuller, founder and CEO of Lemonade Dolls, a UK underwear start-up that is part of the Buy Women Built community. England Netball have recently launched a new initiative aimed at supporting women and girls to play the sport at every life stage, by normalising conversations around pelvic health, the menstrual cycle and the menopause, and through offering guidance and support to all those involved in the game. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore Studio Manager: Gayl Gordon

Bel Powley, UTIs, Thai Elections, Theatre for Teenagers, Under Pressure May 09, 2023

Most of us are familiar with the story of Anne Frank, the young Jewish girl who wrote a diary while hiding from the Nazis with her family, in Amsterdam during the Second World War. You are probably less familiar with the name of the woman who agreed to keep them safe in those secret attic rooms. Miep Gies was Otto’s secretary, and when they were eventually located and sent to their deaths, it was Miep who found Anne’s diary and kept it. A new TV series tells the whole story from Miep’s perspective, and she is played by the British actor Bel Powley. Bel joins Nuala to talk about playing an ordinary woman who displayed extraordinary courage.

Plans have been announced to allow more patients to use high street pharmacies for some common drug prescriptions and routine tests to ease the pressure on busy GPs. Pharmacies are being asked to take on the prescribing of drugs for seven common ailments, including sore throats, earaches, shingles and urinary tract infections or UTIs. Women are up to 30 times more likely to get a UTIs than men. Half of women will have at least one in their lifetime and 20% will have more than one. So is easier access for women for UTI treatment a positive move? Mary Garthwaite, a former consultant urologist and chair of the Urology Foundation joins Nuala to discuss.

As voters in Thailand head to the polls on Sunday for a general election, who are the frontrunners and what are the issues that female voters care about? Women played a key role in the 2020 pro-democracy protests and many are seeing the election as a way to challenge the power of patriarchal institutions such as the military and the monarchy. The current Prime Minister has been trailing behind opposition candidates in the polls, including Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who gave birth just two weeks ago. Nuala is joined by Jonathan Head, the BBC's South East Asia correspondent, to discuss.

We hear the next in our series about how relationships are changed and put under strain when life happens. Zoe and James talk about how 'Ed' which is what they call Zoe's eating disorder has affected them since they got together as a couple when they were at school. Zoe's anorexia was 'atypical' - her weight wasn't low but she was in the grip of anorexia, all the behaviours and disordered thinking were there - her body was under terrible stress and she was regularly collapsing. Only James was really aware of what was going on, a fact that put their relationship under pressure. Jo Morris went to meet Zoe and James in Lincolnshire and they tell their story.

What was your experience with theatre when you were at school? Was there that one show you saw that inspired you and that you’ll never quite forget? Playwright Hannah Lavery and writer and actor Sarah Middleton have recently taken to the stage with their respective plays, Protest, and SHEWOLVES, which are aimed at teenagers and ensuring that young women’s voices are heard on the stage. They join Nuala to discuss the impact theatre can have on young people.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Hanna Ward

Julian of Norwich and the power of inspirational words in tough times May 08, 2023

Words to live by and finding hope in the face of terrible suffering, the life of the anchoress or hermit Julian of Norwich, the power of walking and nature to heal and art that replaces adverts with words of love – all part of this special Bank Holiday Woman’s Hour.

650 years ago a woman we only know as Julian of Norwich produced a book written while she was voluntarily walled up in a hermit’s cell which challenged the ideas of the time about sin and suffering. It presented a radical vision of love and hope that “All Shall Be Well and All Shall Be Well and All Manner of Thing Shall be Well”. We hear about her life, how it has helped one woman through cancer treatment and inspired the lives of others, and we hear from listeners about the words that they turn to for motivation and encouragement.

Nuala McGovern speaks to Claire Gilbert author of a new novel I Julian; Dr. Hetta Howes senior lecturer in medieval and early modern literature at City, University of London; Sally-Anne Lomas Trustee of The Friends of Julian and creative director of The Cloth of Kindness project and to Faye Smith founder of Hope Walking. And, the British Kenyan artist Grace Ndiritu explains why she emblazoned the words 'Wherever you are I hope you have found peace' on 30 billboards around Birmingham.

Producer Caroline Donne

Weekend Woman's Hour: Maternal mental health; Actors Laura Dern and Diane Ladd & Comedy drama Black Ops May 06, 2023

An estimated one in five new and expectant mums develop perinatal mental illnesses such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and psychosis, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists. While every pregnant woman should be screened for mental health issues at their 10-week antenatal appointment, new data from NHS England shows one in six NHS Trusts are struggling to report if they are following the clinical guidelines. We hear from the Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist Dr Trudi Seneviratne and Hayley Johnson a mum of two who experienced debilitating anxiety after the birth of her second child.

When Sheilagh Matheson and her husband offered to house a mother and her daughters fleeing from Ukraine little did she know that the girls were musical prodigies and that their music would stop passers-by in the street. Sheilagh and 17-year-old Khrystyna tell us their story.

The book ‘Honey, Baby, Mine’ is a new joint project of mother/daughter actors Diane Ladd, and Laura Dern Working. It's based on a series of walks and talks taken when about four years ago Diane faced a serious threat to her health.

Why does rejection hurt so much? The writer Kate Wills tells us about how her fear of rejection has held her back in life, and an experiment she did to try and cure it. Plus we hear from the Chartered psychologist Fiona Murden.

The new BBC comedy drama Black Ops centres around Dom and Kay, two Police Community Support Officers in East London who join the Metropolitan police in the hope of cleaning up their neighbourhood. Instead they find themselves working undercover to infiltrate a criminal gang. We hear from its star, Gbemisola Ikumelo,

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Beverley Purcell

Plaid Cymru & culture of harassment, Egg freezing, Taylor Swift, Lisa Selby & Blue Bag Life, Wrexham and DJ Katie Owen May 05, 2023

Plaid Cymru have apologised after a damning review found a culture of harassment, bullying and misogyny in the party. The party had "failed to implement a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment" and that women had been "especially" let down. Dan Davies, the BBC Wales Political Correspondent explains. Taylor Swift is rumoured to have a new boyfriend and its all over the papers. She is the highest-paid female entertainer in the world, earning $92 million in 2022 following the success of her 10th studio album “Midnights". But why are we so obsessed with her - and in particular, her personal life? Charlotte Gunn, editor of the female-focused music publication, The Forty Five explains.

The journalist Kohinoor Sahota tells us why as a single British Asian woman she wanted to share her story about her plans to freeze her eggs next month. Rachel Cutting, an emrbryologist in the NHS for 25 years and now Director of Compliance and Information for the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA) discusses the egg freezing process, and the success rate.

Lisa Selby is both the subject and the co-director of a new film called Blue Bag Life. In it Lisa examines her relationships with her mother Helen, who abandoned her at 10 months old, and her partner Elliot. Both were heroin addicts, and in the same year Helen dies and Elliot relapses and ends up in prison. An artist and academic, Lisa shot thousands of videos recording her conversations and thoughts during this difficult period in her life, which have been woven together in this feature-length documentary, Lisa joins Anita, along with one of her co-directors Rebecca Lloyd-Evans. Blue Bag Life is on BBC Four on Tuesday 9 May at 10pm, and then on the iPlayer.

Wrexham players and Hollywood club owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney celebrated the men's team promotion to the English Football League as well as the women's team which won promotion to the Adram Premier league. As thousands lined the streets, Katie Owen was invited to DJ on the open top bus victory parade through the town. She explains what it was like to be part of the celebrations.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Maternal mental health, Ellie Goldstein, Kneelers, Black Ops, Power List May 04, 2023

An estimated one in five new and expectant mums develops perinatal mental illnesses according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Whilst every pregnant woman should be screened for mental health issues at their 10-week antenatal appointment, new data from NHS England shows one in six NHS Trusts are struggling to report if they are doing so. Anita is joined by Dr Trudi Seneviratne, Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist and Registrar of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Hayley Johnson, a mum who experienced debilitating anxiety after giving birth.

It's been a remarkable week for women's sport, with record breaking crowds. Anita is joined by one of the women on the Woman's Hour Power List 2023 who has been banging the drum of women's sport for over a decade, Tammy Parlour, co-founder and CEO of the Women's Sports Trust.

For the first time, the May edition of British Vogue features disabled models on its cover. One of these is Ellie Goldstein, the first model with Down's syndrome to ever star. She is one of fashion’s rising stars, advocating inclusivity across the industry. Anita talks to Ellie and her mum, Yvonne about Ellie's work.

The British tradition of kneeler making, hand-stitching kneeling cushions in churches, is a type of folk art that has been long overlooked. The earliest examples are from the 17th century and the reigns of Charles I and II. Will the coronation of a new king revive interest in this languishing art? Anita meets Elizabeth Bingham, author of Kneelers.

A new BBC six part comedy thriller Black Ops centres around Dom and Kay, two Police Community Support Officers in East London who join the Metropolitan police. In the hope of cleaning up their neighbourhood, they find themselves working undercover to infiltrate a criminal gang. Gbemisola Ikumelo, perhaps best known for the comedy sketch show Famalam is the co-creator. She talks to Anita about writing and starring in the series.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Bob Nettles

Ellie Wilson, Women-only tower block, Rejection, Women's Hour May 03, 2023

For Ellie Wilson, now 25, it’s been a year since the man she once called her boyfriend was convicted of raping her and sentenced to five years in prison. Research shows that one in four women have been raped or sexually assaulted as adults, but it is estimated that only one in six will report it with less than 1% of reported cases ending in a conviction. Ellie speaks to Nuala to explain why she chose to waive her right to anonymity and what propels her to continue to campaign for reform of the justice system in light of her experience.

Plans for Britain’s first women’s-only tower block, to be built in Ealing, west London, have been approved. The brainchild of the housing association Women’s Pioneer Housing, it will be a 15-storey tower containing 102 flats to be rented to single women, in particular women who are disadvantaged in the housing market. Nuala is joined by the Chief Executive, Tracey Downie, and Vicky Spratt, the Housing Correspondent for the i newspaper, to discuss its potential social impact.

Why does rejection hurt so much? And what are some coping mechanisms can people use? Nuala discusses with the Chartered psychologist Fiona Murden, and Kate Wills who describes her fear of rejection, how it has held her back in life, and an experiment she undertook to try and cure it.

Many listeners will know that Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour has been broadcast for more than 75 years – since October 1946. But far less well known is an earlier programme called Women’s Hour, which first appeared 100 years ago, in early May 1923. To find about more Nuala speaks to Dr Kate Murphy, Visiting Fellow at Bournemouth University - and author of the book Behind the Wireless: A History of Early Women at the BBC.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

Caregivers, What do we know about Queen Charlotte, Ukrainian musical prodigies May 02, 2023

There are two new books about the experience of caregiving: Who Cares: the hidden crisis of caregiving and how we solve it by Emily Kenway and Mothercare: on ambivalence and obligation by acclaimed American novelist, Lynne Tillman. Both Emily and Lynne cared for their mothers. There are differences in their stories, but also many shared experiences, experiences that apply to vast swathes of populations around the world who undertake unpaid caring for spouses, relative and friends. Lynne and Emily join Nuala in the studio. When Sheilagh and her husband offered to house a mother and her daughters fleeing from Ukraine little did they realise that the girls were musical prodigies and that their music would stop passers by in the street. Sheilagh and 17 year old Khrystyna join Nuala to tell their story. On Thursday the another series of Bridgerton will be available and focusses on Queen Charlotte. Described as a spin-off, it goes back in time to chronicle how the young queen at just seventeen finds herself married to the new King George III. Dr Olivette Oteli, research professor at SOAS explains who she was, what we know about her life and if there is any credibility to the longstanding speculation that she was the first woman of colour in the Royal family.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Actors Laura Dern and Diane Ladd, Nurses Strikes, Sarah Gilmartin May 01, 2023

The book Honey, Baby, Mine is a joint project of mother/daughter actors Diane Ladd, and Laura Dern. Working together is not unusual for these two as over decades they have taken their connection onto our screens but as fictional parent and child. Now 87 and 56, they have both had, and continue to have, critically-acclaimed careers with many character roles, gaining them numerous awards and nominations. They join Nuala to discuss their latest project.

Nurses in England are taking part in what the Royal College of Nursing is calling 'the biggest walkout so far' today, and some teachers are striking tomorrow. Nuala speaks to Dr Susan Milner to talk about these female-dominated sectors taking industrial action.

Nuala is also joined by one of the Grassroots women on our Power List, celebrating the 30 most remarkable women in sport in the UK. Somayeh Caesar is a teaching assistant in London and has set up several sporting clubs for women and girls.

Service is the new novel by the author and critic Sarah Gilmartin. Famed Dublin chef Daniel Costello who runs a successful high-end restaurant is facing accusations of sexual assault. Set between the present day and the earlier noughties, the story is told from the perspective of three voices- the waitress, the chef, and the chef’s wife. It’s a story of power, abuse, complicity and Metoo. Sarah joins Nuala to discuss her new book.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Ruby Wax, Abortion in Ireland, Jo Hansford MBE and Comedian Zoe Lyons Apr 29, 2023

What happens when a woman famous for talking to people, and for her razor sharp wit, is left stranded on a desert island with just herself and a hermit crab for company? Author, comedian, broadcaster and mental health campaigner Ruby Wax decided to spend 10 days completely cut off from the modern world and other humans, and you can see the results on Channel 5 in Ruby Wax : Cast Away. She joins Anita to discuss what it was like being alone on an uninhabited island near Madagascar.

In 2018 the people of Ireland voted to repeal the 8th amendment and grant women access to safe and free abortions up to 12 weeks into pregnancy. Ireland was promised ‘excellent’ abortion services but what is the reality 5 years on? On Wednesday, an independent review of abortion services was released that proposed 10 major changes to legislation. Anita is joined by Dr Deirdre Duffy, a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Lancaster University who was involved in putting together the evidence base for the review.

Currently celebrating her 30th year in business, the celebrity colourist Jo Hansford MBE has been described as the “best tinter on the planet”. She started off cutting hair in her parents’ front room and is now one of the most famous female names in the business with two salons, her own range of products, and clients who’ve included Elizabeth Hurley, Angelina Jolie and Richard Burton, not to mention she is the woman in charge of the Queen Consort’s crowning glory! Jo spoke to Nuala about her career, passion for colour - and the upcoming coronation.

Zoe Lyons is known for being funny Radio 4 comedy shows like The New Quiz and seen her on TV shows like Live at the Apollo and QI. She also hosts the BBC2 quiz show 'Lightning'. Over the last couple of years, she has kept herself busy by having (what she describes as) ‘a monumental midlife crisis’. It involved buying a sports car, splitting up with her wife and running a 100k ultra marathon…Along the way her hair also started to fall out. Thankfully Zoe has been able to see the funny side and she’s used the experience to write her stand up show ‘Bald Ambition’…which she is currently touring around the country. Zoe joins Nuala to discuss.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Hanna Ward Editor: Louise Corley

Ruby Wax, Murty women, Summer clothes, National Baby Female choreographers Apr 28, 2023

What happens when a woman famous for her razor sharp wit is left stranded on a desert island with just her own company and a hermit crab called Spartacus? Author, broadcaster and mental health campaigner Ruby Wax joins Anita to explain why she decided to spend 10 days completely cut off from the modern world and other humans. The Prime Minister’s mother-in-law, Sudha Murty, has claimed that her daughter is the reason Rishi Sunak is in Number 10. She says she herself succeeded in making her husband a businessman, and now her daughter has done the same. To find out more about this claim and the Murty women, journalist and Executive Editor of Politico Anne McElvoy speaks to Anita.

What are all the ruffles doing in summer clothes? Why are baggy dresses back? And how do you go about doing your summer shopping without buying the same dress as eight other people at the party? Grazia journalist Hannah Banks Walker and columnist Martha Alexander join Anita to chat all things summer fashion.

The NHS Maternity services are in crisis. But how did we get to this point? What was it like to give birth at the very beginning of the NHS? Dr Emily Baughan, Senior Lecturer at Sheffield University, tells Anita how a forgotten book called National Baby can help us understand our current situation. The book was written by Sarah Campion, who had one of the very first truly ‘national babies’, cared for not just from cradle to grave, but in utero by the newly set up health service.

Where are all the female choreographers? Liv Lorent is an award-winning choreographer who has spent her career going against the tide in a male dominated arena. 30 years on, she says not much has changed. She speaks to Anita about how women are rare in the industry, which is still lagging behind in putting women behind as well as centre stage.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Kingship, Fibromyalgia, Trump, Ireland abortion Apr 27, 2023

In 2018 the people of Ireland voted to repeal the 8th amendment and grant women access to safe and free abortions up to 12 weeks into pregnancy. Ireland was promised ‘excellent’ abortion services but what is the reality 5 years on? Yesterday an independent review of abortion services was released that proposed 10 major changes to legislation. Dr Deirdre Duffy, a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Lancaster University talks to Anita about the review.

As the nation prepares for the coronation, Anita Rani considers the issue of gender and sovereignty. The British people have only experienced Queenship so whilst the coronation of Charles III marks a return to the more traditional role of kingship, it’s a big shift for the public. She’ll be joined by Tracy Borman the author of numerous books and co-curator of Historic Royal Palaces and Professor Anna Whitehorn from City, University of London and Director of the Centre for the Study of Modern Monarchy.

The former President of the United States, Donald Trump, is facing a trial over an allegation that he raped an advice columnist nearly three decades ago. Jean Carroll, who is 79, is suing Mr Trump for allegedly assaulting her in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s, a charge the former president has denied. The civil trial, which started yesterday, is expected to last two weeks. Amanda Taub from the New York Times joins Anita to talk about how this historical case can be brought after several decades.

Under Pressure is an occasional series which looks at the stress put on relationships when life happens. Carla and Brendon met at school, their lives looked to be on one track and then things changed. Jo Morris went to meet them and Carla shared her personal experience about when her fibromyalgia, a long-term condition which can cause widespread, persistent pain, first began.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Andrew Garrett

Women in Sudan, Jo Hansford, Paula Barker MP, Author Fran Hill Apr 26, 2023

As a ceasefire continues in Sudan we look at how the conflict in the country has impacted women. Nuala is joined by CNN Chief International Investigative Correspondent Nima Elbagir.

Jo Hansford MBE has been described as the “best tinter on the planet”. She started off cutting hair in her parents’ front room and is now one of the most famous female names in the business with two salons, her own range of products, and clients from Elizabeth Hurley, Angelina Jolie and Richard Burton, not to mention she is the woman in charge of the Queen’s crowning glory! Currently celebrating her 30th year in business, Jo joins Nuala to talk about her career, passion for colour and the upcoming coronation.

Labour MP Paula Barker will bid for a new bill next month so care workers are paid minimum wage for travelling time between appointments to close a loophole which campaigners say means care workers' pay dips below the legal minimum. She joins Nuala to discuss.

Fran Hill experienced the foster care system first-hand in the 70s, and her first novel Cuckoo in the Nest, explores what that life can be like for teenagers in care. Fran joins Nuala to discuss how her own experiences informed her writing and her career in teaching.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Hanna Ward SM: Andrew Garrett

Stella Assange, Sexual assaults in hospitals, Comedian Zoe Lyons on her midlife crisis Apr 25, 2023

Stella Assange is the wife of Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, a whistle-blowing platform that publishes classified material provided by anonymous sources. He is currently being held in Belmarsh Prison pending extradition to the US, where he is wanted for 18 criminal charges related to obtaining and publishing classified information. Stella is leading a campaign to fight his extradition, which has been depicted in a new documentary, Ithaka. She tells Nuala why she thinks Julian should be released, how they first met and the impact of the campaign on their two young children. Award-winning comedian Zoe Lyons tells Nuala about her ‘monumental' midlife crisis. It involved buying a sports car, having a brief marital separation and running a 100k ultra marathon… badly. Along the way, her hair started to fall out. Thankfully, Zoe has been able to explore the funny side and create her stand-up show Bald Ambition. Nurses are set to be given body-worn cameras in a crackdown on hospital sexual assaults under new government plans. A recent report published by The Women’s Rights Network revealed that thousands of sex attacks have been reported in hospitals across England and Wales in the past 4 years. Nuala is joined by Heather Binning, Founder of The Women’s Rights Network, and Catriona Rubens, a solicitor at human rights law firm Leigh Day. Dr Lil Stevens recently found out that her grandfather, Captain Leicester Stevens, had taken part in an expedition to find a dinosaur in the rainforests of the Congo known as the Congo 'thunder lizard' (later dismissed as a hoax) following World War 1. Lil, who works at a palaeontologist, has dedicated her career to studying fossils and was amazed to discover the family connection.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Russian feminism, Adele Roberts, Under Pressure - Kate and Annie, ACL injuries in women's sport Apr 24, 2023

It's been reported that a draft law that would recognise feminism as an extremist ideology is under consideration by Russia’s state duma - that's the lower chamber of parliament. Nuala asks the prominent women’s rights activist and opposition politician Alena Popova if this is a worrying time for feminists in the country.

Yesterday BBC Radio 1's Adele Roberts ran the London Marathon and broke the world record for the fastest time run by a woman with a stoma. Adele was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer two years ago and is very open and honest about daily life with her stoma, who's called Audrey. She spoke to Anita Friday ahead of the race - and joins Nuala today to celebrate her achievement.

England's Lionesses captain, and no. 1 on our 2023 Power List, Leah Williamson, will no longer be able to play in the World Cup this summer. She has ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament or ACL. She and her Arsenal team mate Beth Mead are just two of the footballers out of action with the same injury. So why are women six times more likely to suffer this type of injury? And what impact be on the England team? Nuala talks to Fiona Tomas, women's sports reporter for The Telegraph.

Another chance to hear Under Pressure, our series looking at what happens to relationships when couples are put under extreme strain - how do they cope? Today we hear from Kate and Annie. They had been together for more than thirty years when Annie became ill. In 2021 they told their story to our reporter Jo Morris. Sadly, Annie died at the end of January this year. Kate was happy for this interview to be repeated as a tribute to her beloved wife.

The US Supreme Court has preserved access to a commonly used early abortion pill, ruling that the drug Mifepristone can remain available while a legal case continues. This has been described as the most significant case since the Supreme Court ended the nationwide right to abortion last year, by overturning the landmark 1973 Roe V Wade. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American Literature and Politics at the University of East Anglia, joins Nuala to discuss.

Lynn Nottage, Maggie Murphy, CBI Investigations, Race across the world, Emergency alerts, Therapy speak Apr 22, 2023

A second woman has come forward alleging that she was raped by two male colleagues when she worked at the Confederation of British Industry. Anita Rani speaks to the Guardian journalist who uncovered the story, Anna Isaac.

Is 'therapy speak' making us selfish? The language of the therapist’s couch has slowly seeped into everyday life, particularly online where words like ‘boundaries’, ‘self-care’ and ‘narcissist’ are increasingly common. But when it comes to friendships, is the idea of self-care making us give up on them too easily? Sociologist and writer Amy Charlotte Kean talks to Nuala McGovern about how our relationships are being affected.

The Secret Life of Bees was a New York Times bestseller for more than 125 weeks and was made into an award-winning film. Now the book has been adapted by Lynn Nottage, a playwright and screenwriter, for the stage. Anita Rani talks to Lynn, the only woman to have won the Pulitzer prize for drama twice, about her adaptation.

As the government prepares to launch the first nationwide test of a new emergency alert system on our smartphones on Sunday 23 April, domestic abuse charities are concerned about the potential risk to those in abusive relationships. Nuala McGovern speaks to Ellie Butt, Head of policy, public affairs and research at the charity Refuge.

Anita Rani is joined by Maggie Murphy, the CEO of Lewes Football Club. Maggie featured on our Power List highlighting 30 women working in sport in the UK. Maggie discusses why the club is so unique and how women’s football should grow.

Have you been watching Race Across The World? For its third series those involved are travelling from West to East Canada. Nuala McGovern talks to the only all-female team taking part - Cathie Rowe and Tricia Sail - two best friends, both in their late 40's who set out on a journey of a lifetime.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Rachel Weisz, Lewes FC, Adele Roberts Marathon Challenge Apr 21, 2023

Academy award-winner Rachel Weisz joins Anita Rani to talk about her new series Dead Ringers, a psycho-sexual thriller about identical twins who are gynaecologists and obstetricians. It is a new adaptation of the 1988 film starring Jeremy Irons, in which Rachel plays twins Elliot and Beverly Mantle. She explains why it was important to her to adapt the story with female leads, and the technical process in performing both characters and what it felt like to watch someone giving birth.

Anita is joined by Maggie Murphy, the CEO of Lewes Football Club. Maggie featured on our Power List highlighting 30 women working in sport in the UK. Maggie discusses why the club is so unique and how women’s football should grow.

The US Supreme Court has delayed its decision on the abortion pill Mifepristone - until midnight Friday. Allowing access to the drug which is used for more that half of all U.S. abortions. The Supreme Court was asked to look into the matter at the request of President Joe Biden’s Administration after two federal judges issued opposing rulings on its use. This is the most significant case since the Supreme Court ended the nationwide right to abortion last year, by over turning the landmark 1973 Roe V Wade. But how much can we read into this delay? We ask associate Professor of American Literature and Politics at University of East Anglia Emma Long.

The Radio 1 DJ and presenter Adele Roberts joins Anita ahead of the London Marathon on Sunday. This is Adele's third marathon but her first since she was diagnosed with bowel cancer and she’s trying to break a World Record in the process!

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Emma Pearce

Cost of living, Lynn Nottage, Gel manicures, 'Rosewater' by Liv Little Apr 20, 2023

Published in 2001, ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ was a New York Times bestseller for more than 125 weeks and was made into an award-winning film starring Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys in 2008. Now the book has been adapted by Lynn Nottage, a playwright and screenwriter, for the stage. It is on at the Almeida Theatre in London and Anita Rani talks to Lynn Nottage, the only woman to have won the Pulitzer prize for drama twice, about her adaptation.

New research by the pensions and investment company, Royal London, shows that women are being hit harder by the rising cost of living than men and are facing higher monthly costs on a lower average income. Women are more likely to have made cutbacks in day-to-day spending to cope and around one in three say they could only afford an unexpected bill of up to £500 from either their income or savings. Anita Rani is joined by Clare Moffat, a Finance Expert, to go through the figures and Amber Proctor, youth and community worker at Hexham Youth Initative in Northumberland.

A rise in popularity of gel nail products is leading to increasing numbers of people developing allergies that can affect their future healthcare options, according to dermatologists. Some imported products are thought to contain high levels of chemicals known as acrylates, which can be harmful in liquid form. The allergies can prevent people having medical procedures such as joint replacement and cataract surgeries. Dr. Emma Wedgeworth, Consultant Dermatologist and Lucy Tucker, a nail technician working in the film industry discuss the issues.

Author, Liv Little, founder and former editor of gal-dem, the award-winning online and print magazine for women of colour, publishes her debut novel today. Called Rosewater it introduces us to Elsie; a sexy, funny and fiercely independent 28-year old poet living in South London. Liv joins Anita in the Woman’s Hour studio.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt Studio manager: Bob Nettles

Kristine Kujath Thorp Apr 19, 2023

Kristine Kujath Thorp is the star of new ‘unromantic comedy’ Sick of Myself. The film follows the unhealthy and competitive relationship between bored waitress Signe and her boyfriend Thomas; both self-proclaimed narcissists obsessed with attention. When Thomas suddenly breaks through as a contemporary artist, Signe decides to do something drastic to attract sympathy and go viral. Kristine joins Nuala to talk about playing a true anti-hero.

We talk to BBC presenter Yalda Hakim about how the UN might take the "heartbreaking" decision to pull out of Afghanistan if it cannot persuade the Taliban to let local women work for the organisation.

In January the government announced that it would amend the Victims Bill currently going through parliament so that children born as a result of rape in England and Wales will be officially recognised as victims of crime. In a powerful new BBC documentary ‘Out of the Shadows: Born from Rape’, Sammy Woodhouse, the campaigner, and victim of the Rotherham grooming scandal, who was just 15 when she became pregnant hears for the first time from mothers as well as children born from rape, and she tells us why she is calling for more support for those affected. Sammy is joined by ‘Eva’, who tells her story.

Have you been watching Race Across The World? The BBC 1 programme where travellers can choose any route they like - but no flights or phones are allowed. Now in it's third series those involved are travelling from West to East Canada - the second biggest country in the world. The partnerships that you see between the pairs taking part are just as compelling as the wonderful Canadian landscapes on display. Nuala talks to the only all female team taking part Cathie Rowe and Tricia Sail - two best friends, both in their late 40's who set out on a journey of a lifetime.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Steve Greenwood

Disparities in maternal deaths, Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial, Ellie Downie, Emergency Alert System, Small Pipes Apr 18, 2023

A new report from the women’s and equalities committee is calling on the government to eliminate what it calls ‘appalling disparities in maternal deaths between black and white women’. Black women are 3.7 times more likely to die in pregnancy, childbirth or six weeks afterwards than white women. Nuala discusses the issues with MP Caroline Nokes, who chairs the committee, and Sandra Igwe, who founded the Motherhood Group to support black women.

As the government prepares to launch the first nationwide test of a new emergency alert system on our smartphones this Sunday afternoon at 3pm, domestic abuse charities are concerned about the potential risk to domestic abuse survivors. Nuala speaks to Ellie Butt, Head of policy, publc affairs and research at the charity Refuge.

Last year the libel trial between feuding footballers' wives, Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy, gripped the nation. Now, the legal tussle has moved from the Royal Courts of Justice to London's West End stage in a show called Vardy V Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial. Nuala talks to the director, Lisa Spirling, and adapter, Liv Hennessy, to find out how they turned seven days of court transcripts into a play.

The former European Champion gymnast Ellie Downie is No 4 on our Woman’s Hour Power List. In 2020 Ellie spoke out about systemic abuse in the world of gymnastics – contributing to a major independent review into the sport. She retired from gymnastics in January this year – in order to protect her own mental health. She joins to discuss what impact she thinks her honesty about her own experiences has had long term.

Multi-award-winning Scottish smallpiper Brighde Chaimbeul is a BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award winner, and is performing at King's Place this weekend in a concert that showcases the Scottish smallpipes.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Lolita Chakrabarti, Ian Paterson investigations, Therapy speak, Child sexual abuse in Uganda, Girl’s World Apr 17, 2023

Ian Paterson, who became known as the butchering breast surgeon, is currently serving a 20-year jail term after being convicted of 17 counts of wounding with intent and 3 counts of unlawful wounding. Now the Sunday Times has revealed that 27 inquests have been opened as a result of investigating the deaths of 650 of his patients. Nuala speaks to campaigner Debbie Douglas, who was one of Mr Paterson’s patients, and the Sunday Times Health Editor Shaun Lintern.

Is 'therapy speak' making us selfish? The prescriptive language of the therapist’s couch has slowly seeped into everyday life, particularly online where words like ‘boundaries’, ‘self-care’ and ‘narcissist’ are increasingly common. But when it comes to friendships, is the idea of self-care making us give up on them too easily? Sociologist and writer Amy Charlotte Kean talks to Nuala about how our relationships are being affected.

In the next in the Woman’s Hour Girl’s World series, Ena Miller has been talking to three girls in Glasgow, Saskia, Francesca and Olivia all of whom are 13 and 14 years of age. We often talk about girls and their lives on Woman’s Hour but we rarely talk to them, so Ena asks them - do they feel listened to?

Award-winning playwright and actor Lolita Chakrabarti joins Nuala in the Woman's Hour studio to talk about the new play 'Hamnet'. Maggie O’Farrell’s best-selling novel of the same name tells the story of the death of Shakespeare’s 11 year old son as she would have us believe it happened. Having sold more than 1.5m copies the story has now moved from paper to stage at the RSC in Stratford Upon Avon thanks to an adaptation by Lolita. She'll tell us why she was so drawn to telling the story of the people around Shakespeare.

A new BBC Africa Eye documentary, Uganda’s Stolen Innocence, investigates the increasing levels of sexual violence and incest in Uganda, particularly in the North. Documentary producer Nicola Milne and Ugandan lawyer Eunice Lakaraber Latim join Nuala to talk about the lack of faith in the justice system and how the legacy of the insurgency led by Joseph Kony fuelled this issue further.

Hadley Freeman, Baroness Warsi, Derry Girls' actors Siobhan McSweeney and Louisa Harland on the London stage, AI, Emma Booth Apr 15, 2023

The writer Hadley Freeman stopped eating when she was 14, and spent the next three years in and out of hospital, battling with anorexia. Now in her mid-forties, she says she didn’t completely close the door on the disease until relatively recently. In Good Girls – A Story and Study of Anorexia, she gives an unflinching account of what happened to her and looks at what happens to girls who become anorexic now; what we know and what we don’t about the mental illness.

Brian Friel’s classic play Dancing at Lughnasa has opened at the National Theatre. Telling the story of the five Mundy sisters, two of the actors, more recently on our screens in Derry Girls - Siobhan McSweeney and Louisa Harland - discuss their new roles.

Emma Booth is on the Woman's Hour Power List, this year focussed on women in sport. Emma impressed the judges as she took a public stand against major golf brand TaylorMade and their lack of female imagery and golf products for women. She reflects on speaking out against such a well-known company and how it is to be a woman in golf.

The conservative peer Baroness Sayeeda Warsi has criticised the home secretary Suella Braverman for using "racist rhetoric". She says her recent comments on small boats and grooming gangs have "emboldened racists". We ask her why she's decided to speak out.

Have you ever heard an interview with a robot on the radio? We speak to the world’s first ultra-realistic artist robot, Ai-Da, and her creator, Aidan Meller.

What’s it like to become a pop star at almost 46? Twenty years ago Alexis Strum had a record deal and achieved her dream to make an album, but then it was pulled. She walked away from music – until now. She shares her story with Nuala.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Louise Corley

Remembering Mary Quant, Hen parties, Architect Sumayya Vally, WH Power list change-maker Emma Booth Apr 14, 2023

The fashion designer Dame Mary Quant, best known for popularising the mini skirt which helped define the swinging sixties has died at the age of 93. The Telegraph's fashion writer Melissa Twigg who knew Mary and the fashion Amber Butchart discussed her impact and legacy.

Sumayya Vally has been described as one of the most exciting, innovative and fresh voices in architecture, she's featured on the TimesNext100 list, and was the youngest ever architect to design the iconic Serpentine Pavilion in Hyde Park. Now she is the woman behind the innaugral Islamic Arts Biennal in Saudi Arabia, which aims to bridge past, present and future of Islamic culture through a unique multi-sensorial experience. Sumayya joins Anita to talk about how her upbringing as an Indian muslim in South Africa has shaped her view on the world and the structures she creates.

A new report highlights concerns about infants with non-accidental injuries being missed by clinicians in busy A&E departments. The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch has examined serious case reports of infants being harmed and initially sent away without safeguarding teams being alerted. Their findings suggest factors such as lack of curiosity and lack of specific national guidance for Emergency Departments could be at play.

Emma Booth is on the Woman's Hour Power List, this year focussed on women in sport. Emma impressed the judges as she took a public stand against major golf brand TaylorMade and their lack of female imagery and golf products for women. Emma joins Anita to discuss speaking out against such a well-known company and how it is to be a woman in golf.

As we head into peak hen do season, Anita will be discussing the rise of the "healthy hen do" with Hannah Dean who set up her own hen party company as a direct result of her divorce, and writer Ellie Steafal who went on six hen parties last year alone.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Baroness Warsi, Labiaplasty, secondary breast cancer and “Clustercore” Apr 13, 2023

The conservative peer Baroness Sayeeda Warsi has criticised the home secretary Suella Braverman for using "racist rhetoric". She says her recent comments on small boats and grooming gangs have "emboldened racists". Baroness Warsi held a number of ministerial roles in the coalition government before resigning in 2014. Anita asks her why she's decided to speak out now.

If you’ve had breast cancer – what do you know about the signs the disease may have progressed? The charity Met UP UK says the information given to the 55,900 people diagnosed every year is very patchy. Every day, 31 women in the UK die from secondary breast cancer, which is incurable. In Greater Manchester every patient is provided with an infographic in their end of treatment plan, about signs to look out for. NHS England says it has adopted this in its guidelines but can’t mandate every health trust uses it. We speak to Jo Taylor from METUP UK and oncologist Carlo Palmieri from Clatterbridge Health Centre about why this is important.

In November 2005 police constable Sharon Beshenivsky she was shot and killed as she responded to an alarm at a travel agent in Bradford. She was with a colleague PC Teresa Millburn who was also shot but survived. Today, a 74-year old man is due to appear in court charged with Sharon's murder after being extradited from Pakistan. Anita speaks to Julie Langford, a journalist at BBC Radio Leeds who was at the scene the day after it happened.

For the first time ever the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons has begun collating data on the number of women undergoing labiaplasty where women want to reduce the size of the labia. It’s in response to the increased demand for the procedure which some fear could be driven by either body dysphoria or the prevalence of pornography. Anita Rani talks to cosmetic surgeon Dr Paraskevi Dimitriadi and psychologist Elizabeth Ritchie about the trend.

"Cluttercore" and "Clustercore" are the latest interior design trends popping up on social media. Minimalism is out, and rooms bursting at the seams with clashing colours and loads of knick-knacks are in. But it’s more than just having lots of items everywhere. You have to arrange the items in curated vignettes. So, how is it done? When does it become clutter? And, what's the history behind our desire to organise and curate? Anita is joined by Claire Bingham author of The New Naturalists: Inside the Homes of Creative Collectors, and Dr Vanessa Brown, senior lecturer at the Nottingham School of Art & Design at Nottingham Trent University.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Bob Nettles

Derry Girls' actors Siobhan McSweeney and Louisa Harland on London stage, Laura Trevelyan, Mrs Pankhurst's Bodyguard Apr 12, 2023

Brian Friel’s classic play Dancing at Lughnasa has opened at the National Theatre in London. Telling the story of the five Mundy sisters, two of the actors, more recently on our screens in Derry Girls – newly-Bafta nominated Siobhan McSweeney (AKA Sister Michael) and Louisa Harland (AKA Orla McCool) - join Nuala McGovern in the Woman’s Hour studio.

UN experts have warned the UK government that its treatment of unaccompanied asylum seeker children is increasing the risk that they could be trafficked and is breaching international law. A statement issued yesterday expressed concern about the fate of children who had gone missing and has urged that the government does more to protect them. Siobhán Mullally is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on trafficking.

Laura Trevelyan and 6 members of her family earlier this year travelled to Grenada to issue a public apology to the people of the Caribbean Island for her family’s links to the slave trade. The Trevelyan family is donating more than £100,000 in reparations. Now Laura is campaigning full time on the Caribbean’s fight for reparatory justice. And later this month she is launching a new group composed of families in Britain, with similar backgrounds, ancestors who were slave owners.

Yesterday a 19-year-old who stabbed another teenager to death in a quiet Somerset town was found guilty of murder. Joshua Delbono stabbed 16-year-old Charley Bates in Radstock, Somerset, on 31 July last year. It was Delbono's mother Donna who called the police and told them her son had killed Charley. This is a very serious crime which perhaps made it a clear cut decision for Donna Delbono to call the police but what about when it comes to other issues, if you knew your teenage child was taking or dealing drugs, stealing, or maybe drink driving - Would you ever call the police on your child? If, so at what point would you do it? Former detective superintendent Shabnam Chauhdri and former Conservative MP, parent and now criminal barrister Anna Soubry discuss.

You may well have heard of Emmeline Pankhurst who was a leading figure in the suffragette movement, which called for the right for women to vote….But what about Kitty Marshall - one of Emmeline Pankhurst’s bodyguards? Emelyne Godfrey’s new book Mrs Pankhurst’s Bodyguard shines a light on Kitty Marshall and how she helped Mrs Pankhurst to evade the clutches of the authorities as a member of the Women’s Social and Political Union’s elite team ‘the Bodyguard’.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Hadley Freeman, Latest in Iran, Rom Coms Apr 11, 2023

The writer Hadley Freeman stopped eating when she was 14, and spent the next three years in and out of hospital, battling with anorexia. Now in her mid-forties, she says she didn’t completely close the door on the disease until relatively recently. In Good Girls – A Story and Study of Anorexia, she gives an unflinching account of what happened to her and looks at what happens to girls who become anorexic now; what we know and what we don’t about the mental illness.

Did you know there are 36 new romantic comedy films coming out this year? From big blockbusters like Your Place or Mine featuring Reece Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher to smaller budget hits like Rye Lane. So, are we having a rom com revival? We speak to film director Elizabeth Sankey, whose film Romantic Comedy looked at the history of the genre, and TV and film critic Rhianna Dhillon.

The Iranian police force have said that they plan to use smart technology in public places to identify and then penalise women who violate the country’s strict Islamic dress code. This comes a week after a video on social media showed a man throwing yoghurt over two women for not wearing a hijab. Nuala is joined by Faranak Amidi, the BBC’s Near East Women's Affairs correspondent to discuss.

Alexis Strum is an actress and sketch comedian. Twenty years ago she had a record deal and achieved her dream to make an album, but then it was pulled. She walked away from music – until now. A few weeks ago someone asked her to put her music up on Spotify and now she has finally launched her album including the song - Bad Haircut – which was inspired by a breakup, and has had 1 million views on TikTok. She joins Nuala to discuss becoming a pop star at nearly 46.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Artificial Intelligence and Women Apr 10, 2023

How is the rapid progress in AI technology going to impact women? The Financial Times’ Artificial Intelligence Editor Madhumita Murgia joins Nuala McGovern to talk us through the issues of gender bias, legal grey areas and possible dangers for women as AI becomes more and more central to our lives.

Have you ever heard an interview with a robot on the radio? Nuala speaks to the world’s first ultra-realistic artist robot, Ai-Da. Ai-Da will tell us about her latest art project, as well as what she feels about people’s fears around artificial intelligence. Her creator, Aidan Meller, will also join the conversation to tell us why Ai-Da is so ground-breaking.

Where does the UK stand when it comes to AI progression? The government have recently released their ‘White Paper’, setting out investment aims for the technology industry. Verity Harding, visiting fellow at the Bennett Institute for Public Policy, to talk us through what’s in the plan for the future. Plus, hear how such investments can truly change the way we live, as Sarah Kerruish, Chief Operating Officer at Kheiron Med, tells us about MIA, the new artificial intelligence that helps radiologists identify 13% more breast cancers.

Does Artificial Intelligence really pose a threat to our jobs? And how will it impact women in the workplace? Professor Gina Neff, Executive Director of the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy at Cambridge University, talk about the risk for women and what needs to be done to level the playing field when it comes to AI in the workplace.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lottie Garton

Climate justice activist Mikaela Loach, DJ kavita Varu, 'Stevenage Woman' Apr 08, 2023

The climate justice activist Mikaela Loach, who took the UK government to court for giving tax breaks to fossil fuels companies, discusses her new book It's Not That Radical: Climate Activism To Transform Our World.

Who is 'Stevenage Woman'? The Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer is being urged to focus on this female swing voter group in a new report by left-leaning think tank Labour Together. But how useful are these profiles and why are they used? With Rosie Campbell, professor of politics and Patrick English, associate director at YouGov.

The lawyer turned DJ Kavita Varu, who won the Inspiring Indian Women 'She inspires Rising Star' award.

It's 25 years since the Good Friday Agreement was signed - Aoife Smith, the programme manager for Community Dialogue, an organisation which aims to build trust amongst people who hold opposing political, social and religious views and Hilary Copeland who is the Director of Fighting Words NI, an arts and education charity for children and young people discuss their work to ensure that peace continues in Northern Ireland.

Are you afraid of the big, bad wolf? Where does this fear come from? Author Erica Berry was determined to find out after researching wild wolves in her home state of Oregon. In her book Wolfish she searches through folklore and literature to see how wolves have become the symbol of predatory men and how that has shaped our fear.

The popular 1980s trend of ‘getting your colours done’ is back. The hashtag #colouranalysis has had over 800 million views on TikTok. The journalist Kat Brown who is a big believer in the power of colour, and Nisha Hunjan, founder of Style ME UK, who uses colour analysis discuss.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Dianne McGregor

Lionesses win Finalissima, Good Friday Agreement, Tanya Sarne, Windrush, Angie Thomas Apr 07, 2023

Unbeaten for 30 games, last night the Lionesses won Finalissima. Jess Creighton discusses with Tom Garry, who talks about the game last night, the Lionesses road to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, and Wales beating Northern Ireland in Cardiff last night.

Today marks 25 years since the Good Friday Agreement was signed - bringing peace to Northern Ireland after 30 years of conflict. To mark this Jess Creighton is joined by two women working to continue that peace. Aoife Smith is the programme manager for Community Dialogue, an organisation which aims to build trust amongst people who hold opposing political, social and religious views and Hilary Copeland who is the Director of Fighting Words NI, an arts and education charity for children and young people.

Tanya Sarne was the woman behind the fashion brand Ghost. Launched in 1984, it became one of the biggest independent fashion brands in the 90s, famous for its outrageous parties and incredibly wearable but beautiful clothes. An only child to refugee parents, Tanya fell into fashion as an unemployed single mother of two, desperately trying to make a living. She's now written about her extraordinary life in a memoir, Free Spirit.

The civil rights group Black Equity Organisation is launching legal action following the Home Secretary's decision to drop three recommendations from the independent Windrush inquiry. The recommendations in question are the establishment of a Migrants’ Commissioner, an increase in the powers of the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration and the running of reconciliation events. We discuss the reasons behind the judicial review with the CEO of the Black Equity Organisation, Dr Wanda Wyporska.

Angie Thomas is the global bestselling author of the novel The Hate U Give which was published in 2017, it became a best-seller and a film. Now, she has turned her hand to writing for younger readers with her new book Nic Blake And The Remarkables. Angie joins Jess Creighton to discuss.

Presented by Jess Creighton Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

DJ Kavita Varu, Former international footballer Professor Laura McAllister, 'Crown to Couture', Author Curtis Sittenfeld Apr 06, 2023

Kavita Varu is a lawyer from Sheffield and a single mother of two who hit rock bottom just as we went into lockdown three years ago. She decided to learn how to DJ, bought some decks and taught herself. She started doing live sessions on social media, has since played in Ibiza and Amsterdam and recently won the Inspiring Indian Women She Inspires Rising Star award.

Scientists believe that they have found a new way to administer a drug to prevent post-natal haemorrhage, which is thought to cost the lives of seventy thousand women a year globally. This makes it one of leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide. Tranexamic acid, which is used to control bleeding after giving birth, is usually given intravenously. But after conducting trials in Pakistan and Zambia, researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that it worked well if injected into the body via a muscle.

Academic and former international footballer Professor Laura McAllister has made history as the first Welsh woman to be elected to UEFA's executive committee. With a background in sports governance, Laura McAllister says she's on a mission to use her seat at the table to modernise the game and reflect the growth of the sport.

Iconic red-carpet looks from Lizzo and Phoebe Waller-Bridge go on display alongside the historic frocks that inspired them this spring. Crown to Couture at Kensington Palace gives audiences the exclusive chance to see Lizzo's spectacular 2022 Met Gala dress and Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Monique Lhuillier gown from the 2019 Emmys alongside original Georgian couture like the Silver Tissue Gown worn at the court of Charles II. We hear from Polly Putnam the curator of the exhibition.

Romantic Comedy is the new novel from bestselling author Curtis Sittenfeld. Sally, a successful comedy writer in her own right meets Noah a global celebrity and she is thrown into turmoil. Can a 'normal' person date a superstar? It seems to work for her male colleagues who regularly step out with accomplished, beautiful women, so why is Sally so plagued with insecurities? Curtis Sittenfeld joins Anita.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Actor Helen George, 'Stevenage Woman', Author Diana Evans Apr 05, 2023

She is best known for her role as the Poplar-based midwife Trixie Franklin, in Call the Midwife. Helen George has also been a star of Strictly Come Dancing, sung with Elton John and at Buckingham Palace to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. She now brings all her theatrical skills together by stepping into Deborah Kerr's shoes to play the part of Anna in a UK tour of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I.

Is ‘Stevenage Woman’ the new ‘Mondeo Man’? The Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer is being urged to focus on this female swing voter group in a new report by left-leaning think tank Labour Together. But how useful are these profiles and why are they used? And from ‘Workington Man’ to ‘Essex Man’, why are they typically male? We discuss with Rosie Campbell, Professor of politics and Patrick English, Associate Director at Yougov.

A House for Alice is the new novel by Diana Evans, a sequel to the much acclaimed Ordinary People. It is a multigenerational portrait of a black British family, and explores the impact of matriarch Alice’s decision to return to the country of her birth, Nigeria, to live out her later years. Diana joins Nuala in the studio to discuss the inspiration behind the novel.

Did you ever flick through Carole Jackson’s hit book ‘Colour Me Beautiful’ to “find your season”? The popular 1980s trend of ‘getting your colours done’ is back. The hashtag #colouranalysis has 766million views on TikTok and you can even find a filter to work out your colours for yourself. So, as we are once again asking ‘what season am I?” We talk to Journalist Kat Brown who is a big believer in the power of colour, and Nisha Hunjan, founder of Style ME UK, who uses colour analysis.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

WH Power list sports journalist Fiona Tomas, Climate justice activist Mikaela Loach, Narcissistic mothers, WASPI women Apr 04, 2023

On the Woman’s Hour Power List this year, sports reporter Fiona Tomas joins Nuala to discuss the change in kits for the England Women’s football team and her work as a journalist. Climate justice activist Mikaela Loach took the UK government to court for giving tax breaks to fossil fuel companies. Her urgent new book ‘It’s Not That Radical: Climate Action to Transform Our World’ makes the case for tackling the climate crisis in tandem with other inequalities, offering a more hopeful future through practical action. Women affected by the state pension age changes have scored what's been hailed as a major victory in their legal challenge for more compensation. The Government watchdog conceded that part of the investigation into how increases to the state pension age were communicated was flawed and must be reconsidered. The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign represents the 3.6 million women who, in lots of cases, only got 12 months' notice of a six year increase to their State Pension age. Angela Madden, the chair of WASPI joins Nuala. In the next in our series about narcissistic mothers we hear the story of a woman we are calling 'Scarlett'. She cut off all contact with the mother she believes is a narcissist and has no regrets. Alison Kinnaird was rejected by Edinburgh Art School when she applied as a teenager. Now she’s one of the world’s leading glass artists – and says that rejection was the best thing that ever happened to her. She joins Nuala to explain why and to talk about some of the remarkable things she’s created.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

The rise of right-wing female leaders in Europe. Apr 03, 2023

Nuala McGovern talks to Costanza Hermanin from the European University Institute in Florence and Sarah De Lange from the University of Amsterdam about the success of this new breed of female leader.

In Afghanistan, the new school year has started. But for the second year running, a Taliban ban is keeping teenage girls out of school. The BBC World Service has launched a brand-new education series for children in the country aged 11-16 who are deprived from school, including girls whose secondary education has been stopped by the ruling Taliban. It's called Dars, which means 'lesson' in Dari and Pashto, the two national languages in Afghanistan. It is the first multi-platform educational programme for Afghan youth. We hear from one of the presenters of the programme Shazia Haya and one of its producers, Mariam Amam.

Are you afraid of the big, bad wolf? Where does this fear come from? Author Erica Berry was determined to find out after researching wild wolves in her home state of Oregon. In her book ‘Wolfish’ she searches through folklore and literature to see how wolves have become the symbol of predatory men and how that has shaped our fear.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Bob Nettles

Weekend Woman's Hour: Leah Williamson, Performance poet Salena Godden, Sex education in schools Apr 01, 2023

The Conservative MP Miriam Cates said in the House of Commons that children were being exposed to “graphic” and "age inappropriate" material during their sex education classes. The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has decided to bring forward a review of the Department for Education’s Relationships and Sex Education guidance in England. Two parents, Fiona, a listener and parent of four and Clare Page who was concerned about what her daughter was being taught discuss.

Sian Richardson from Pembrokeshire in Wales is Number 12 on our Woman’s Hour Power List 2023. Sian started The Blue-tit Chill Swimmers nearly 10 years ago, a cold water swimming community which now boasts an incredible 100,000 members world-wide. She explains why she’s encouraging people to get in the water and enjoy the outdoors.

Leah Williamson, who took the Lionesses to victory at the Euros in 2022, tops the Woman's Hour Power List 2023. She explains what role her mum plays in her success and talks about male allies in women’s football.

Money and Love: An Intelligent Roadmap for Life’s Big Decisions, is written by Stanford professor emeritus Myra Strober, who is an early feminist economist and Abby Davisson, one of Myra's former pupils who is now a social innovation expert. They give detailed advice about navigating the crossroads of finances within a relationship at different life stages.

Pessimism is for Lightweights is a new collection of poems by the celebrated performance poet Salena Godden. Salena discusses the collection, how poetry can confront misogyny and injustice, and why she personified death as a woman in her debut novel Mrs Death Misses Death.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Paula McFarlane Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

Performance poet Salena Godden, Taiwan's female president, Gambling, addiction, Narcissistic mother, Kelsie Grieg gamer. Mar 31, 2023

Taiwan's first female president, Tsai Ing-Weng, arrived in New York yesterday to criticism from China. She is stopping over in the US on her way to Central America, but may meet with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on her return. China says that if it goes ahead, it could lead to a 'serious confrontation'. To find out more about Tsai Ing-Wen and the significance of this trip, Anita speaks to Tessa Wong, the BBC's Asia digital reporter who regularly reports on China.

Pessimism is for Lightweights is a new collection of poems by the celebrated performance poet Salena Godden. It consists of 30 poems written to celebrate courage and resistance, including poems responding to the Women's march, period poverty and everyday sexism. Salena joins Anita to discuss the collection, how poetry can confront misogyny and injustice, and why she personified death as a woman in her debut novel Mrs Death Misses Death.

Tracey Stevenson describes her experience of using a gambling site. In 2017 she was sent to prison after stealing £1.7 million from the company she worked for, in order to help fund her online gambling addiction. She also works for the St. Giles Trust helping women in the criminal justice system.

We have recently heard from two sisters - we are calling them Charlotte and Louise. One had a revelation in therapy that their mother was a narcissist and the realisation has changed her life. The other is more cautious - she knows their mum could be 'volatile' but she has empathy for her.Ena Miller talk to the two sisters together. What impact has all of this had on their relationship? Can they move forward?

Kelsie Grieg, or Kels as she's known in the gaming world, made history recently when she became the first woman to qualify for the Call of Duty Challengers Elite tournament. She explains how swapped the football pitch for video games after an injury forced her to give up a promising career on the pitch.

Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

Rape Case Court Delays, Going Viral, Love and Money Mar 30, 2023

New figures show that there is still a huge backlog of criminal cases waiting to get to court. And the worst delays are for rape and sexual offences. Reporter Melanie Abbott talks to a man who will wait 6 years after reporting he was raped in 2018, and the impact it has had on him and his mother who has been fighting to help him. We hear from Rape Crisis about their report Breaking Point, which shows a record high of sexual offence cases waiting to be heard, and outlines possible solutions for reducing them.

Anita talks about women, money and love with the authors of a new self help book. Money and Love: An Intelligent Roadmap for Life’s Big Decisions, is written by two American women, Stanford professor emeritus Myra Strober, who is an early feminist economist and Abby Davisson, one of Myra's former pupils who is now a social innovation expert. They give detailed advice about navigating the crossroads of finances within a relationship at different life stages.

Why does everyone want to go viral? And what happens when you do? Anita speaks to writer Julia Boggio who has managed to go viral three times in her life. One of which landed her on the Oprah Winfrey show. But, when Julia wanted to publish her debut novel, Shooters, she was told that she didn’t have enough followers on social media. So, she decided to take matters into her own hands and tried to get her book viral. And it worked. She tells Anita how she managed it.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Hanna Ward Studio Manager: Bob Nettles

Caragh McMurtry on her autism diagnosis. Mar 29, 2023

She talks to Nuala McGovern about how she’s learned to cope with the condition in the elite sports world as well as the work she’s been doing to support other neurodivergent athletes to fulfil their potential.

There’s a new book out, The Equal Parent: how sharing the load helps the family thrive. Paul Morgan-Bentley, head of investigations at The Times, explores why it’s still so rare in this country for parents to spread or split the responsibility of parenthood, particularly early parenthood, and why it’s still expected that women should shoulder this pretty much alone. With him to discuss this and to explore ways the parental load could or should be spread more equally is writer and journalist Nell Frizzell who also has a book out: Holding the Baby: Milk, sweat and tears from the frontline of motherhood.

Lexi is an NHS nurse and mum of four, who succeeded in challenging ‘no kids’ barriers in the private rental market on the grounds that such bans disproportionately affect women. Going forward, the Property Ombudsman has determined that blanket bans on renting to families are in breach of its Code of Practice. This news comes as the charity Shelter publishes data which shows 1 in 5 parents in England have been unable to rent somewhere they wanted in the last five years because they have children. Lexi tells her story and we hear from the solicitor Jo Underwood.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Sue Maillot

The Power List Reveal Programme - Women in Sport Mar 28, 2023

The Woman's Hour Power List 2023 reveal show is here! This is your chance to hear from the women on our list, showcasing the 30 most remarkable women in sport in the UK right now.

Join Nuala McGovern, our judges Jessica Creighton, Ebony Rainford Brent and a studio audience live from the Radio Theatre.

Producers: Emma Pearce and Alex Webb Presenter: Nuala McGovern

Sex education in schools Mar 27, 2023

Earlier this month, the Conservative MP Miriam Cates said in the House of Commons that children were being exposed to 'graphic' and 'age inappropriate' material during their sex education classes. The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has decided to bring forward a planned review of the Department for Education’s Relationships and Sex Education guidance in England.

To shed light on what is being taught in schools, and what this review may cover, Nuala McGovern speaks to a range of stakeholders, including headteacher and President of the Association of School and College leaders Evelyn Forde, director of the Sex Education Forum Lucy Emmerson, academic Dr Sophie King-Hill, and Tanya Carter from the Safe Schools Alliance. We also hear from parents and listeners including young people themselves.

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Baroness Casey Review with Dame Lynne Owens, influencer Georgina Harrison on 'image-based sexual abuse’ Mar 25, 2023

Baroness Louise Casey has published the final report on her review into the Metropolitan Police. A female metropolitan police officer and Deputy Commissioner of the Met, Dame Lynne Owens, discuss the findings.

Known for shows like Love Island and The Only Way is Essex, social media influencer Georgia Harrison talks about her new TV documentary. It follows her successful legal battle against her former partner who filmed and shared a sex video of the two of them without her consent on the OnlyFans website.

Suzi Ruffell is on a mission to find the lighter moments in life as she navigates motherhood, touring the country and anxiety. The comedian's latest show Snappy is a series of confessional stories about settling down, living life with her "bossy toddler" and worrying about absolutely everything.

Mabel Constanduros was a trailblazing female broadcaster and comedian on BBC Radio in the early days of the corporation. She created the sitcom as a genre and brought soap operas to the UK. So why has history forgotten her? Mabel’s great-great nephew Jack Shillito and the academic Jennifer Purcell discuss.

Presenter Anita Rani Producer: Paula McFarlane Editor: Beverley Purcell

Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange Mar 24, 2023

It’s fifty years since six newly elected female traders entered the floor of the London Stock Exchange for the first time after 200 years of exclusion. The number of women working in finance reached a peak in 1997 at almost six-hundred-thousand, but has dropped by more than thirty percent to around four-hundred-thousand last year. Half a century after the first women were allowed onto the floor at the London Stock Exchange, the ‘inequity’ that has held women back in the industry has still not been fully redressed. We talk to Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange and Beryl Gayler, one of the first female dealers there.

Soaps and dramas are increasingly making mainstream issues an integral part of their storylines. Take the current Eastenders storyline following Lola Pearce’s terminal brain tumour diagnosis or Jean Slater’s battle with ovarian cancer in 2019. But what about a drama series that explores a cancer diagnosis through conversations on a social media app? The charity Breast Cancer Now has created the UK’s first group messaging series which consists of voice notes, messages and videos sent between four close friends as they navigate an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis together. Anita is joined by two of the women who inspired the story, Kelly Short and Lurline Thomas, as well as the Associate Director of Nursing and Health Information at Breast Cancer Now, Sally Kum, to discuss whether this could be Wea new way of supporting women with cancer.

Suzi Ruffell is on a mission to find the lighter moments in life as she navigates motherhood, touring the country and anxiety. The comedian's latest show Snappy is a series of confessional stories about settling down, living life with her "bossy toddler" and worrying about absolutely everything. Suzi Ruffell joins Anita Rani.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Duncan Hannant

Hormonal contraception, Ghost children, Narcissism, Mabel Constanduros Mar 23, 2023

Taking any type of hormonal contraception could increase your risk of getting breast cancer, according to a new study by the Cancer Epidemiology Unit at Oxford Population Health, which is part of the University of Oxford. It’s one of the first big studies into this type of birth control assessing the risk of breast cancer. But headlines like this will be alarming, so, what do we need to know and do? Dr Charlotte Porter, Vice President of Speciality at the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Karis Betts, Senior Health Information Manager at Cancer Research UK talk to Anita.

More than 140,000 schoolchildren in England were officially "severely absent" in the summer term of 2022, according to official Department of Education figures, and the number of these pupils, missing at least 50% of classes, is growing. So what can be done about it, and how can the individual contributions of headteachers and teachers make a difference? Anita is joined by Caroline Walker a headteacher in Barrow and Alice Wilcock, Head of Education for The Centre for Social Justice.

What are the traits of a narcissistic mother? In the second of a Woman's Hour series, 'Narcissistic Mothers,' reporter Ena Miller meets 'Louise' and talks to her about her late mother. Louise's sister 'Charlotte' thinks their mother was a narcissist, but 'Louise' isn't so sure.

Mabel Constanduros was a trailblazing female broadcaster and comedian on BBC Radio in the early days of the corporation. She created the sitcom as a genre and brought soap operas to the UK. So why has history forgotten her? Anita Rani speaks to Mabel’s great-great nephew Jack Shillito and the academic Jennifer Purcell.

Presenter: Anita Rani Studio manager: Duncan Hannant

Trust in the Police? Have you say and call Nuala McGovern at Woman's Hour Mar 22, 2023

On a special phone in edition of Woman's Hour we look at trust in the police following the review by Baroness Casey into a toxic culture at the Met Police. She found the 'the force has lost the trust and confidence of the people it is supposed to keep safe' and gave shocking examples of sexism, racism and homophobia. The report was commissioned in the aftermath of the rape and murder of Sarah Everard by PC Wayne Couzens, who has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Since then, we’ve also had the sentencing of former police officer David Carrick, who pleaded guilty to 85 serious offences, including rapes, sexual assaults, false imprisonment, and coercive and controlling behaviour. He is now serving time in jail, for a minimum of 32 years. We want to hear your views - do you trust the police? Would you think twice about asking for help as a woman of colour or if you'd been sexually assaulted? Call Nuala McGovern to have your say on 03700 100 444. Lines open at 0830 Wednesday.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Mangaer: Gayl Gordon

The Baroness Casey Review with Dame Lynne Owens & Claire Waxman, Dance your way home, Narcissistic mother Mar 21, 2023

Baroness Louise Casey has today published the final report on her review into the Metropolitan Police. Joining Nuala McGovern to discuss the findings are a female metropolitan police officer, Deputy Commissioner of the Met Police Dame Lynne Owens and London Victim's Commissioner, Claire Waxman, who works alongside the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that victim's voices are heard and discriminatory barriers are tackled.

The music journalist Emma Warren has written Dance Your Way Home - part-cultural history, part-memoir – which looks at the ordinary dancing we might do in our kitchens when a favourite tune comes on and speaks to the heart of what it is that makes us move. She joins Nuala to discuss why dance is a language that connects and resonates across time and space.

In the first of a new series 'Narcissistic Mothers' Ena Miller meets 'Charlotte' who had a revelation in therapy - she now believes her late mother was a narcissist. How did that shape her life?

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Reality TV star Georgia Harrison on 'revenge porn', ‘Seven Winters in Tehran’, Fairness in sport, Romance on the bus. Mar 20, 2023

Known for shows like Love Island and The Only Way is Essex, social media influencer Georgia Harrison talks to Nuala McGovern about her new TV documentary. It follows her successful legal battle against her former partner who filmed and shared a sex video of the two of them without her consent on the OnlyFans website

A couple’s creative bus stop marriage proposal has captured the hearts of social media users, after Nuala spotted and shared it last week. We hear from Alice Ehrlich who tweeted her to say “this bus stop is where it’s at” after she got on a bus from that same stop and sat next to a man she'd go on to marry...

At the heart of the debate on whether transgender women athletes should compete in women's sport involves the complex balance of inclusion, sporting fairness and safety. It's likely to be firmly under the spotlight again in the coming weeks as World Athletics is expected to make a much anticipated decision on whether they will continue to allow transgender women to compete in female international track and field events. The BBC’s Alex Capstick will give us the latest and Nuala is joined by Dr Seema Patel from Nottingham Trent University and former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies to discuss.

In 2007, when she was just 19 years old, Reyhaneh Jabbari was sentenced to death for the murder of the man who tried to rape her. She spent seven years on death row, dying at the age of 26. She is heralded as a symbol of resistance for women in Iran and now a new documentary tells her story. ‘Seven Winters in Tehran’ brings together secretly filmed footage, and testimonies from family and friends Nuala talks to the director of the film Steffi Niederzoll and Reyhaneh’s mother Shole Pakravan.

Presenter Nuala McGovern Producer Beverley Purcell

Paris Hilton, FGM report, Annie Lennox, Country-pop duo Ward Thomas Mar 18, 2023

Paris Hilton has been called ‘the first influencer’ and is known for being an ‘it-girl’. But behind the paparazzi pictures there’s a darker story. Now for the first time, Paris is telling her story in her own words in her new book Paris: The Memoir. She joins Anita Rani to talk about her life, why she wanted to write her story now, and being a new mother.

A major report has been published looking into the experiences of survivors of FGM in accessing post-FGM healthcare in the UK. Nuala McGovern speaks to Dr Laura Jones, University of Birmingham, one of the lead authors on the report; Mama Sylla, a survivor of FGM who has been recognised by the government for her work in raising awareness of FGM and Juliet Albert, Specialist FGM Midwife at Imperial College.

Multi-award winning singer-songwriter Annie Lennox has been using her voice for activism for the last 15 years. Now, she is fighting to get garment workers across the world a living wage. In a Woman’s Hour exclusive, Anita Rani speaks to her about her charity, The Circle, her belief in Global Feminism, and what it was like to meet Joni Mitchell. They are joined by Kalpona Akter, an ambassador for The Circle who worked in a garment factory when she was just 12 years old.

Ward Thomas are an English modern country-pop duo, composed of twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy. They join Nuala McGovern to talk about their UK tour and brand new album, Music In The Madness, as well as the stigma around country music and how it’s changed.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Singer-songwriter Annie Lennox Mar 17, 2023

Anita and Annie are joined by Kalpona Akter, an ambassador for The Circle who worked in a garment factory when she was just 12 years old.

The government’s first Menopause Employment Champion Helen Tomlinson joins the programme to discuss how she will advise employers on improving workplace support for women experiencing menopause symptoms.

And we hear about a revival of Tennessee Williams’s 1947 drama of passion, delusion and mental illness – A Streetcar Named Desire. Following a run at the Almeida Theatre in January it has transferred to the West End and opens at the Phoenix Theatre in London on Monday. The play dramatizes the experiences of Blanche DuBois, a former Southern belle who, after encountering a series of personal losses, leaves her once-prosperous situation to move into a shabby apartment in New Orleans rented by her younger sister Stella and brother-in-law, Stanley. Patsy Ferran and Anjana Vasan, who play Blanche and Stella respectively, join Anita Rani to discuss their characters and the sisters’ relationship.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Tim Heffer

Paris Hilton, Anneka Rice, Gas & Air, Budget 2023 Mar 16, 2023

Paris Hilton, reality TV star, so-called 'inventor of the selfie,' and business woman, joins Anita to talk about her new book 'Paris: The Memoir.' The former socialite first appeared on-screen in the early noughties with her hit reality TV show, The Simple Life. Now she’s opening up about her life in the spotlight.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has unveiled the contents of the Spring Budget in the House of Commons. What has changed for women? Anita is joined by Sarah Pennells, Consumer Finance Specialist at Royal London and Claer Barrett, Consumer Editor at the FT to discuss the Chancellor’s plans to tackle the cost of living crisis, reform childcare, pensions and benefits.

Some NHS maternity units in England have suspended the use of gas and air, also known as Entonox, in labour wards, after air quality tests showed unsafe levels of nitrous oxide on some maternity wards. Gas and air has been used for decades to help women in labour reduce their pain. But air quality tests have raised the risk of long-term effects for the midwives, nurses and doctors who are exposed to it for a long period of time in often-unventilated labour wards. Gaby Hinsliff, The Guardian columnist has been looking into this developing story.

Nearly 30 years after she last donned her legendary jumpsuit, TV presenter Anneka Rice is back on TV screens with a new series of Challenge Anneka. The original programmes aired in the late 1980s and early 1990s and saw her working on more than sixty huge scale projects, including renovating an orphanage in Romania and building a suspension bridge in Cornwall. She joins Woman's Hour to explain how this work changed the image of women on TV, and to discuss some of her fresh, epic challenges.

Budget 2023 Childcare, FGM report, Sex education in schools, Courting India, Country-pop duo Ward Thomas Mar 15, 2023

Today’s budget announcement is expected to include an expansion of free childcare provision for working parents in England for one and two-year-olds. The plans will be outlined by the Chancellor in full later today. Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies Paul Johnson joins Nuala McGovern to talk through what the changes could mean for parents looking to get back to work.

A major report has been published today, looking into the experiences of survivors of FGM in accessing post-FGM healthcare in the UK. Nuala speaks to Dr Laura Jones, University of Birmingham, one of the lead authors on the report; Mama Sylla, a survivor of FGM who has been recognised by the government for her work in raising awareness of FGM and Juliet Albert, Specialist FGM Midwife at Imperial College.

Are children being exposed to inappropriate materials during sex education classes? Nuala discusses with BBC Education Correspondent, Elaine Dunkley.

How were the origins of Empire and the British arrival in India in the 17 century shaped by the women in the Mughal Harem? The new book Courting India tells the story of the first English embassy to India, with a focus including the children and the women both in and outside of the Mughal Harem that played a significant role behind the scenes. Nuala speaks to it author, Nandini Das, Professor of Early Modern English Literature and Culture at Oxford University.,

Ward Thomas are an English modern country-pop duo, composed of twin sisters Catherine and Lizz.y. They first visited Nashville at the age of 17. They will soon set off on a UK tour, and have a new album, Music In The Madness, which includes themes of Love, family, unity and the healing power of music. They join Nuala to talk about their music and to perform live the song Love Does.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Author and judge Nicola Williams, Abortion in the UK update, Police violence against women Mar 14, 2023

Nicola Williams’ new novel Until Proven Innocent sees the return of Lee Mitchell, a young barrister from a working-class Caribbean background, who is strong-armed into defending a supposedly corrupt racist police officer charged with the death of a 15-year-old pastor's son. Nicola served for many years as a criminal barrister, one of the few black women in that job, and draws on her experience of the criminal justice system in her writing. She joins Nuala to discuss juggling being a part-time Crown Court judge with writing, and how she draws on her legal experience in her books.

Complaints about police officers' treatment of women are highly unlikely to result in action, according to new police data for England and Wales. The National Police Chiefs' Council says nine in 10 complaints were dropped in the six months to March 2022. We hear from Maggie Blyth, the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for violence against women and girls, and Nuala speaks to Sir Peter Fahy, former Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police.

The House of Commons recently approved the introduction of exclusion zones around abortion clinics, and now some experts are recommending that the mandatory authorisation of abortions by two doctors should be dropped. To find out more, Nuala McGovern is joined by Fiona de Londras, Professor of Legal Studies at the University of Birmingham, and Professor Kaye Wellings, co-author of a new London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine abortion study.

Last year, an NHS Digital survey found that 31 per cent of 17 to 24-year-old women had depression and anxiety. What can be done to help them? A new Policy Centre for the Wellbeing of Young Women and Girls is being set up at a Cambridge University college. Dorothy Byrne is the president of all-female Murray Edwards College and the former head of news at Channel 4 Television. She joins Nuala to explain how and why she created this centre.

Karen Krizanovich and Heidi Ellert-McDermott on the Oscars, new Paula Yates documentary, abortion rights in the US Mar 13, 2023

As a new Channel 4 documentary is released, Nuala McGovern hears more about her life from director Charlie Russell.

Who were the female winners at the Academy Awards last night? What were the surprises and omissions? Who gave the best acceptance speeches? We talk to the film critic Karen Krizanovich and speech writer Heidi Ellert-McDermott.

Five women who say they were denied abortions despite risks to their lives are suing the State of Texas. In June last year the US supreme court overturned Roe v. Wade, the law that had made abortion a constitutional right for Americans for nearly half a century. Since the court’s ruling, a dozen states have made abortion illegal and many others have restricted it. We talk to the BBC’s reporter in Washington Holly Honderich about this issue and also hear the latest on the fallout over access to a widely use abortion pill which is becoming increasingly difficult to get.

And women in Berlin will soon be allowed to swim topless in public pools after a ruling by the city’s authorities. Will it catch on elsewhere?

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Michael Milham.

Forever Friends? Mar 12, 2023

What happens when a friendship breaks down? How can you repair it? Should you even try?

In this special Sunday podcast, Nuala McGovern brings together all the interviews from Woman's Hour's 'Forever Friends?' series.

Annie and Lizzie first met at school, and Lizzie said she believed they were ‘kindred spirits’. But soon after Annie’s first child was born, Lizzie decided to cut off contact. They reflect on this period of silence and how their relationship has changed since they have rekindled the friendship.

Daniella and Nataliya – Nat and Dan - also met at school. An argument caused by gossip when they were both 17 led to the break-up of their friendship, but they reunited years later. They are now both in their thirties, living in London. They share their perspectives on how romantic relationships can impact close friendships.

Nina is a Woman's Hour listener who contacted the programme after hearing the series. She wanted to share her experience of repairing a long-term friendship.

Listener Christina was also inspired to reach out after hearing stories of friendship on Woman's Hour. Having ended contact with three close friends in four years, Christina wanted to ask if she was the reason her friendships kept falling apart.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Compilation by Hatty Nash Features produced by Erin Riley

Weekend Woman's Hour: Malala Yousafzai, Grassroots sport, Talking about not having children Mar 11, 2023

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani education activist and the world’s youngest Nobel Prize laureate. Since she was shot by a member of the Taliban at just 15, Malala has spent nearly a decade fighting for the educational rights of girls and women across the globe. Now she’s turning her attention to Hollywood, as Executive Producer of the short documentary film Stranger At The Gate. She shares why she’s made this move into the world of film.

What happens if you and your partner disagree on whether or not to have children? If you have different opinions, do you walk away from an otherwise happy relationship? Relationship counsellor Val Sampson and Woman’s Hour listener Sarah discuss the healthiest ways to navigate the situation.

As the selection of finalists for the Woman's Hour Power List 2023 gets well underway, we speak to one woman who’s been put forward for consideration. Yvette Curtis is the founder of Wave Wahines, a surf club for women and girls. She talks about the power of grassroots sport and the importance of diversity in surfing.

One month after a powerful earthquake devastated parts of Turkey and Syria, hundreds of thousands of people still need adequate shelter and sanitation. But why are women and girls disproportionately feeling the aftershocks of the disaster? Novelist and political scientist Elif Shafak shares updates on the situation.

Willie Mae Thornton, better known as Big Mama Thornton, wrote the hits ‘Ball N’ Chain’ and ‘Hound Dog’ which won Elvis Presley great acclaim. But why is her contribution to rock and roll rarely recognised? The poet, writer and performer Pamela Sneed discusses the life and legacy of Big Mama Thornton.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Hatty Nash

Eurovision entry Mae Muller, Director Raine Allen-Miller, Online bullying Mar 10, 2023

Singer-songwriter Mae Muller has been announced as this year’s British entry for Eurovision, she joins Krupa to discuss how excited she is to represent the UK.

Watch out Notting Hill, there is a new romantic comedy in town… and this time it’s set in Peckham. It’s called Rye Lane, and it stars David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah as Dom and Yas, two twenty-somethings who are both reeling from bad break-ups. It is the directorial debut of Raine Allen-Miller. She joins Krupa to discuss her journey into directing, her love of South London and how to make an unapologetically happy film.

What would you do if someone accused you of bullying them online and it wasn’t true? Well that is what happened to online business consultant and anti-bullying campaigner Lisa Johnson and she has recently won her High Court fight and has been awarded £25,000 in damages. Lisa speaks to Krupa Padhy to tell her story, alongside Lia Perin, a solicitor at Taylor Hampton, a firm specialising in privacy and defamation law.

Krupa is joined by Yvette Curtis, founder of Wave Wahines, to discuss her all female surf club.

Activist Leila Hassan Howe began her fight for racial justice in the early 70s inspired by the Black Panthers in America. She was a founding member of the Race Today Collective, worked for the Institute of Race Relations and became editor of the Race Today journal in 1986. She joins Krupa to talk about her journey as an advocate for the black community and the launch of Race Today’s on-line archive, which makes accessible a crucial resource for exploring the recent history of Black and Asian protest in Britain.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Emma Pearce

Emily Watson, Earthquake, The Lesbian Project, Big Mama Thornton, Cost of childcare Mar 09, 2023

Emily Watson is starring in a new film ‘God’s Creatures,’ set in a remote Irish fishing village. She plays a mother torn between protecting her son and her own sense of right and wrong. When she provides an alibi for him, the lie rips apart their family and local community. Emily joins Woman’s Hour to talk about her character, women in the oyster farming industry and her career up to now.

Krupa Padhy talks to academic Kathleen Stock about The Lesbian Project, a new organisation she is launching today alongside journalist Julie Bindel and the tennis star Martina Navratilova to combat “lesbian erasure” in the UK today. They say they’ve been subsumed into what they describe as “the expanding LGBTQ+ rainbow” which means they’ve lost their autonomous identity with distinct interests and needs.

Willie Mae Thornton, better known as Big Mama Thornton, wrote the song ‘Ball and Chain’ which won Elvis Presley great acclaim. She is one of the architects of rock n roll that has been wiped from the performance canon. The poet, writer and performer Pamela Sneed joins Krupa to discuss the life and legacy of Big Mama Thornton.

One month after a powerful earthquake devastated parts of Turkey and Syria, officials put the number of deaths in Turkey alone at almost 50 thousand, and in Syria, more than 6,000 people are known to have lost their lives. Hundreds of thousands of people still need adequate shelter and sanitation but it’s women and girls in Turkey who are disproportionately feeling the aftershocks, and stories of abuse are beginning to emerge. Krupa talks to Elif Shafak, a novelist and political scientist about the situation.

The cost of childcare in England, Scotland and Wales has risen over the last year by 5.6%. On top of that, less than one in five local authorities in England have enough childcare provision for disabled children. Megan Jarvie, Head of Coram Family and Childcare talks to Krupa about Coram's Family and Childcare report out today, which is calling on the government to review and reform their childcare spending.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Studio Manager: Michael Millham

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly MP, Poet Kim Moore, Chief Fire Officer Sabrina Cohen-Hatton Mar 08, 2023

On International Women’s Day we talk to the foreign secretary, James Cleverly MP, as he travels to Sierra Leone to launch the UK’s new international women and girls strategy.

Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton is one the most senior fire fighters in the UK. The current Chief Fire Officer of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has in her 22 year career covered major incidents such as the London Bridge terror attack, the Finsbury Park terror attack and the aftermath of Grenfell. Last month on Woman’s Hour we discussed the fire service after recent reports hit the headlines of allegations of bullying and sexual harassment of female fire fighters at different services. Last year, an independent review found the London Fire Brigade to be institutionally racist and misogynistic. Just seven percent of fire fighters are women and there are even less in high leadership roles. Sabrina joins Nuala to talk about her new book The Gender Bias The Barriers That Hold Women Back, And How to Break Them, which unpicks why women are judged differently, and how we can tackle those biases, and also tells us whether she thinks the fire service has a problem with women.

Sunday marked the end of the European Indoor Championships in Istanbul, a golden weekend for Team GB women. Keely Hodgkinson retained her 800m title before team captain Jazmin Sawyers won a long jump Gold, earning her a first major title of her senior career with a world-leading jump of seven metres. Jazmin now holds the British Indoor record and joins Nuala.

What is it like to be a poet, a woman and a performer of poetry at this particular moment in time? Kim Moore aims to answer this question in her new book Are You Judging Me Yet? Poetry and Everyday Sexism. The book contains poems from her collection All the Men I Never Married, for which she won the Forward prize last year. She explains to Nuala McGovern why poetry is the perfect medium for exploring sexism.

Writer Heidi Thomas, Angela Saini on the origins of patriarchy, Codeword Mascara Mar 07, 2023

On last night’s Panorama, Twitter insiders told the BBC that the company is no longer able to protect users from trolls, following lay-offs and changes under the owner Elon Musk. Lisa Jennings Young is the former head of Content Design at Twitter, and worked on safety features aiming to protect users from online hate, including misogyny. In October 2022, Lisa's entire team was laid off, and she herself chose to leave in late November. To find out more about her time at Twitter, and how proactive design can protect women and girls on social media, Nuala speaks to Lisa from her home in San Francisco.

Heidi Thomas is best known as the writer and creator of Call The Midwife. Her newest project is a film adaptation of the Alan Bennett play Allelujah. Set in a much-loved geriatric hospital in Yorkshire – The Beth - that’s been earmarked for closure, it stars Jennifer Saunders as the formidable sister in charge. Heidi joins Nuala in the Woman’s Hour studio to talk about what it’s been like to go from writing about the start of life to the end.

Feminism isn’t as modern as we might think, and the patriarchy is more fragile than it appears. That’s the basis of a new book by science journalist Angela Saini. In The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule, Angela uncovers stories of female-led societies, and tells Nuala the lessons they might teach us.

Young women are using codewords to describe their experiences of sex, and in some cases assault, on social media platform TikTok. The hashtag ‘Mascara’ has racked up more than 100 million views over the past month or so, and is the latest code that’s developed to avoid TikTok’s censorship filters. Sophie Smith Galer joins Nuala to discuss this latest trend.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Malala Yousafzai, Festival headliners, Discussing whether or not you want children with a partner, Comedian Jayde Adams Mar 06, 2023

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani education activist and the world’s youngest Nobel Prize laureate. Malala was just 15 when, on the way home from school, a member of the Taliban boarded her bus, asked for her by name, and shot her in the head. In the decade since, Malala has continued to fight for the educational rights of girls and women across the globe through her charity, the Malala Fund. Now she’s turned her attention to Hollywood, most recently as Executive Producer of the short documentary film Stranger At The Gate – which has been nominated for the Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film.

The line-ups for this summer’s festivals are being announced – and there’s a noticeable absence of headlining women. Glastonbury has three men headlining, as does Latitude Festival. Why is there such an imbalance when it comes to female artists and big gigs? What needs to be done to change it? CEO and owner of Green Man Festival Fiona Stewart joins Nuala alongside creator of the F-list directory of female musicians, Vick Bain.

When should you bring up the topic of whether or not you want children with a partner? If you have different opinions, do you walk away from an otherwise happy relationship? Nuala is joined by Relationship Counsellor Val Sampson and listener Sarah to discuss the healthiest way to go about it.

The Bristolian comic and star of last year’s Strictly Come Dancing, Jayde Adams has written a brand new show ‘Men, I Can Save You,’ to explore her relationships with men and learn from how she has been treated in the past. She talks to Woman’s Hour about how she wants to guide men to salvation with humour.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Finding My Voice Mar 05, 2023

Five women. Five inspirational stories.

Earlier this year, Woman’s Hour spoke to women from all different backgrounds and professions about the moment they found their voice. When was the moment they realised they had to speak up? And how did it change them?

For International Women’s Day, Anita Rani brings you all of the interviews from the ‘Finding My Voice’ series, in a one-off special episode of the Woman’s Hour podcast.

Elika Ashoori was an actor and baker who rarely kept up with politics. That is, until 2017 when her father, Anoosheh, was detained by the Iranian authorities while visiting his mother. Over the next five years, she and her family fought for his release and she was forced to go through what she calls a ‘crash course’ in human rights campaigning. Her father was flown back the UK on the same plane as Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe in March 2022. Since then, Elika has dedicated herself to campaigning for the rights of women and girls in Iran, including cutting off her hair on ITV’s Lorraine.

Milly Johnson had always known she wanted to write novels but says, ‘I didn’t think that ordinary girls like me got those sorts of jobs.’ She was a 40-year-old single mum when she got her first publishing deal and now, 21 novels later, she’s a Sunday Times best-selling author and her books have sold over 3 million copies. She describes how she found her voice the moment she started putting the everyday experiences of Yorkshire women into her writing.

Moud Goba fled her home country of Zimbabwe at the age of 20 due to harassment she faced over her sexuality. She is now the Chair of the Board of Trustees for UK Black Pride and has spent over a decade helping other LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers to integrate into their new communities. She explains how she found her voice as an activist once she was finally able to express her sexuality freely.

Shekeila Scarlett was excluded from school when she was 12 years old. Although she was reinstated at the school just 2 months later, the experience made her realised how distant young pupils were from the governors who made decisions about their school. At 26, she’s now the Chair of Governors at Stoke Newington School in Hackney, making her one of the youngest chairs of a school governing board in the UK.

In 2020, Liz Roberts chose to report the sexual assault she suffered at the hands of her brother 50 years previously, when she was just eight years old. During the legal proceedings, she chose to waive her right to anonymity – a right which is automatically granted to victims of sexual offences in the UK. She explains the choice to use her name and why, since her brother’s sentencing, she’s continued to speak publicly about her story.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Hatty Nash

Weekend Woman's Hour: Iranian schoolgirls, the womb, Cynthia Erivo, No More Page 3, UK marriage law changes Mar 04, 2023

Schoolgirls in Iran have been admitted to hospital this week after reportedly being poisoned by gas whilst at school. Many Iranians suspect the poisonings are a deliberate attempt to force girls’ schools to close, although the government has not confirmed. Faranak Amidi, BBC Near East Women's Affairs correspondent and Azadeh Pourzand, human rights researcher at SOAS discuss.

In new book Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began, NHS midwife Leah Hazard seeks to explore the organ she describes as 'woefully under-researched and misunderstood'. She shares what she has learnt from looking into the womb’s past, present and possible future.

Actor and singer Cynthia Erivo discusses her role in the upcoming film, Luther: The Fallen Sun, where she appears opposite Idris Elba. She shares her experience working on the movie version of the musical Wicked, playing the lead role of Elphaba, her 2020 oscar-nominated performance as Harriet Tubman, and her new found liberation in expressing her bisexuality.

Jo Cheetham was studying for a PhD and working as a nanny in London when she read news of an upcoming protest. Before she could talk herself out of it, Jo joined the No More Page 3 campaign team. We discuss her new memoir, Killjoy. Jo talks to us about the power of a grassroots campaign and everyday people doing extraordinary things.

On Monday, the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act came into effect, raising the age of marriage and civil partnership to 18 in England and Wales. It's what campaigners against child and forced marriage have worked towards for many years. We reflect on this social change with two listeners, Judith and Jeanette who willingly got married at 16.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Surya Elango Editor: Louise Corley

Actor Bukky Bakray, Iranian schoolgirls and poisoning, Singer Karen Carpenter reframed, TikTok school protests Mar 03, 2023

Actor, Bukky Bakray, who at 19, became the youngest BAFTA Rising Star Award recipient as well as one of the youngest 'Best Actress in a Leading Role' nominees for her critically acclaimed performance in the film Rocks. Bukky makes her stage debut in the coming of age play Sleepova in which four Black teenage friends explore sexuality, identity, relationships and family as they head towards adulthood while struggling to maintain their friendships. Bukky joins Anita in the studio to talk about her career and the power of female friendship.

Dozens of schoolgirls in Iran have been admitted to hospital this week after reportedly being poisoned by gas whilst at school. Over 1,000 girls have been affected by this since November and many Iranians suspect the poisonings are a deliberate attempt to force girls’ schools to close. The government hasn’t said whether it believes they are premeditated. We hear from Faranak Amidi, BBC Near East Women's Affairs correspondent and Azadeh Pourzand, Human Rights Researcher at SOAS.

So-called 'TikTok protests' have continued to take place in Britain's schools as hundreds of pupils rebelled against teachers over new rules with some clips attracting millions of views. Although the specific grievances vary from school-to-school, the social media trend appears to be spreading, with children in Southampton, Blackpool and Essex staging demonstrations in the last few days that were posted on the platform. Protests over a ban on school skirts at an Oxfordshire school led to police being called and the school being forced to temporarily close. That school has now U-turned on its uniform policy. So where is the balance between standing up for your rights and breaking school rules? Can the two ever be compatible or always at odds. And how can girls and young women in particular learn to find their voice and be listened to? Technology and innovation journalist and author, Becca Caddy, Sangeeta Pillai- the founder of Soul Soutras, and activist, and founder of Love Your Period, Molly Fenton discuss.

It has been 40 years since Karen Carpenter died. The singer and drummer was one half of soft-rock group The Carpenters, whose hit songs became the backdrop to the 1970s. Her death at 32 years of age from anorexia nervosa shocked the world. But did her early death overshadow her musical legacy? Lucy O’Brien has looked back over Karen’s life to write a biography, Lead Sister: The Story of Karen Carpenter.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Diana Parkes, Breast health and sport, Great Stork Derby, No More Page 3 Mar 02, 2023

Diana Parkes, the mother of a woman killed by her pilot husband more than a decade ago has called on the Justice Secretary to intervene over his possible release from prison in November. Anita talks to Diana Parkes, Joanna's best friend Hetti Barkworth-Nanton and the former Justice Secretary Robert Buckland.

Why do breast injuries in sport appear to go under-reported and what are the potential consequences? And can a well-fitting sports bra prevent a woman’s breasts from bouncing a reported 10,000 times during an hour-long run? World leading breast expert Associate Professor Deirdre McGhee from University of Wollongong, Australia joins Anita to discuss breast health and exercise.

When the wealthy financier Charles Vance Millar died, he left no direct heirs, so he decided to leave today’s equivalent of $9 million to the woman who had the most children over the next 10 years. This sparked what became known as “The Great Stork Derby”, a so-called contest that created a media frenzy. It’s the inspiration behind Caroline Lea’s new novel ‘Prize Women’. She speaks to Woman’s Hour about the real historical event.

Jo Cheetham was studying for a PhD and working as a nanny in London, when she read news of an upcoming protest. Before she could talk herself out of it, Jo officially joined the No More Page 3 campaign team. Over three years, Jo protested up and down the country, contended with trolls, gave a group performance on the West End stage and spoke at the Scottish Parliament. In her memoir 'Killjoy' Jo describes everyday people doing extraordinary things and the power of a grassroots campaign.

Presenter: Anita Rani Studio manager: Bob Nettles

Cynthia Erivo, Eating disorder system failures, Writer Christina Patterson, Cancer gene testing Mar 01, 2023

People with eating disorders are being repeatedly failed by the system and radical changes need to be made to prevent further tragedies. That’s according to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman UK, Rob Behrens. He says little progress has been made in the six years since the publication of a report which highlighted serious failings in eating disorder services. Rob joins Nuala to talk about what those failings are, and what needs to be done.

In her memoir Outside the Sky is Blue, writer and journalist Christina Patterson tells her story of what it's like to grow up with a sibling who is mentally ill. Her older sister, Caroline, had her first breakdown when she was fourteen and Christina was nine. Later, Caroline was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was heavily medicated for the rest of her life. Christina joins Nuala to discuss growing up in a family in the shadow of mental illness.

Actor, singer, songwriter, and all round South London superstar Cynthia Erivo joins Nuala to speak about her role in the upcoming film, Luther: The Fallen Sun, where she appears opposite Idris Elba. She’ll also talk about making the movie version of the musical Wicked, where she is playing the lead role of Elphaba, and being one step away from an EGOT (an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony) award winner.

Would you want to know if you were going to get cancer? Journalist Hilary Osborne was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. She regrets not finding out sooner whether she carries the BRCA2 gene. Whereas comedian Michelle Brasier has been told by doctors she has a 97% chance of developing cancer, and is living life to the full. So, how do you face the stark reality of living with a hereditary and life-shortening illness? Hilary and Michelle join to Nuala to talk about their experiences.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lottie Garton

Teachers' strike, Midwife Leah Hazard on the womb, Sexual violence in Ukraine, Best performance by a jumper Feb 28, 2023

As teachers strike again over pay this week we talk to the BBC's Education Editor Branwen Jeffreys. As awards season continues we want to know - who should win best performance by a jumper? Mark Darcey’s reindeer jumper? Cameron Diaz’s knitwear in The Holiday? Fashion journalist Naomi Pike talks to Woman’s Hour about the most iconic knitwear in film - and we also hear from the creator of the most talked about jumpers of the moment. Delia Barry is 83 and personally knitted the jumpers you can see in the Oscar-nominated movie ‘Banshees of Inisherin’. She tells Nuala how she came to knit for films, and what it’s like to be the woman behind the new ‘it’ jumper. The laws surrounding fertility treatment and embryo research in the UK have remained largely unchanged for thirty years. Today a new consultation being held by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) opens. They want to hear from people who have been impacted by fertility treatment. Julia Chain, chair of the HFEA, joins Nuala. There have been accusations of Russian soldiers using sexual violence as a weapon of war during the current conflict in Ukraine. Progress is being made to bring the perpetrators to justice, but it’s slow. Nuala is joined by Anna Mykytenko, senior legal advisor to Global Rights Compliance, and Anna Orel, who works for the Andreev Foundation. In her new book Womb - The Inside Story of Where We All Began NHS midwife Leah Hazard seeks to explore the organ she describes as “woefully under-researched and misunderstood”. She shares with Nuala what she has learnt from looking into the womb’s past, present and possible future.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore Studio Manager: Gayl Gordon

Migrant boat deaths in Italy, Gambling addiction and crime, 60 swims at 60, Getting married at 16 Feb 27, 2023

At least 59 migrants, including 33 women and 12 children, have died and dozens more are feared missing after their boat sank in rough seas off southern Italy. The vessel broke apart while trying to land near Crotone on Sunday. A baby was among the dead, Italian officials said. Bodies were recovered from the beach at a nearby seaside resort in the Calabria region. Nuala speaks to Caroline Davis, BBC Pakistan Correspondent and Annalisa Camilli, journalist for Internazionale magazine in Rome.

A new report from the Howard League of Penal Reform looks at the links between women, gambling and crime. They say women are being let down by a lack of awareness and action to tackle the problem by police, probation and prisons - leaving them without the support they need. Dr Julie Trebilcock, senior Lecturer in Criminology at Brunel University London, and one of the researchers on the project, joins Nuala, along with Tracey whose gambling addiction resulted in a 13 month prison sentence.

We speak to author Sara Barnes, about the challenge she set herself to mark her sixtieth birthday, sixty swims with sixty different people.

Today the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act comes into effect, raising the age of marriage and civil partnership to 18 in England and Wales which means 16 and 17-year-olds will no longer be able to marry or enter a civil partnership under any circumstances, including with parental or judicial consent. It's what campaigners against child marriage have worked towards for many years. We thought it would be interesting on this day of change in the marriage laws in England and Wales, to look back at the experiences of some of you who got married willingly at 16. Nuala talks to listeners Judith and Jeanette.

The Taliban's severe restrictions on women's rights in the country are having a negative impact on the already struggling economy. That's the conclusion of a study by the International Crisis Group – an independent organisation that works on conflict and policy. Since women were barred from university education and work in offices, including NGO's, cuts to foreign donor funds have become more likely, as many western politicians fear their voters will not accept the idea of their taxes helping a country ruled by the Taliban. Nuala is joined now by the BBC's Zarghuna Kargar.

British Ambassador to Ukraine Dame Melinda Simmons, Kirsty Sedgman, Black women and cancer, Eleanor McEvoy and Averil Mansfield Feb 25, 2023

Dame Melinda Simmons, the British Ambassador to Ukraine, joins Hayley Hassall to mark one year on from the Russian invasion. She talks about the impact the war is having on women and girls in the country, as well as the strength and heroism women are showing as they adapt their lives to exist in a constant state of war.

Who decides what’s reasonable or unreasonable? And how do we agree as a society on what is ‘reasonable’ behaviour? Dr Kirsty Sedgman speaks to Nuala McGovern about her new book, ‘On being Unreasonable: Breaking the rules and making things better’, which addresses societal divides over what is, or isn’t, reasonable.

New research from Cancer UK has shown that Black women from Caribbean and African backgrounds are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at later stages. To talk about why this happens and what needs to be done to help black women get diagnosed earlier, Nuala McGovern speaks to Kruti Shroti from Cancer Research UK and Adobea Obeng, who tried three times to get medical help before being diagnosed with incurable breast cancer.

Irish singer-songwriter Eleanor McEvoy joins Nuala McGovern to talk about her newest album, ‘Gimme Some Wine’ and her UK tour. She explains how lockdown gave her time to heal and reflect on her life while creating new music, and how a purple AGA helped her to get over a particularly bad break-up!

Averil Mansfield qualified as a surgeon in the early 1970s, a time when female medics were outnumbered my men eight to one. When she told her consultant she was getting married, his reply was: ‘what a pity!’. She joins Hayley Hassall to talk about her inspirational career and her thoughts on the current state of the NHS.

Presenter: Hayley Hassall Producer: Lottie Garton

Dame Melinda Simmons, British Ambassador to Ukraine, Fully female clergy, Twin sisters on pregnancy & miscarriage; Quilting Feb 24, 2023

It is a year since Russian forces invaded Ukraine. The war has severely impacted social cohesion, community security and the resilience of local communities, especially women and girls. Approximately 5.4 million people have been displaced inside Ukraine, and 8 million people have registered as refugees across Europe. Woman’s Hour speaks to the UK ambassador to Ukraine, Dame Melinda Simmons her only UK interview on this first anniversary.

Leicester Cathedral is celebrating having a fully female clergy team in what it believes might be a first for England. Hayley Hassall speaks to one of the team of 5, the canon pastor Reverend Canon Alison Adams at Leicester Cathedral.

What do you do when something amazing happens to you whilst someone you love is going through something terrible?…a sibling, a best friend…or even a twin. That is what happened to twin sisters Chloe and Lydia. When Chloe was days away from giving birth, Lydia experienced her second miscarriage and it tested their bond to the limit. They join Hayley to share their story.

Do you sew or quilt? ‘The New Bend’ is the name of an exhibition running at the Hauser and Wirth gallery in Somerset until 8 May. It showcases the work of 12 contemporary artists and quilters whose work pays homage to the enduring legacy of the women of the Gee’s Bend Alabama quilters, who were quilting as early as the 19th century in the Alabama Black Belt in America. Hayley is joined by Ferren Gipson - art historian, textile artist and author of ‘Women’s Work: From Feminine Arts to Feminist Art’ to discuss quilting and reclaiming the idea of ‘women’s work’ within the history of art.

Presented by Hayley Hassall Producer: Louise Corley Studio Engineer: Bob Nettles

The UK’s first woman vascular surgeon, South African choreographer Dada Masilo, Benefits of older siblings. Feb 23, 2023

Averil Mansfield was the UK’s first woman vascular surgeon and first female professor of surgery. She qualified as a surgeon in the early 1970s, at a time when only two per cent of her colleagues were female – and was often met with disbelief bordering on amusement when telling people what she did. She talks to Woman’s Hour about her medical achievements, which she downplays to, ‘It’s just glorified plumbing,’ as detailed in her memoir ‘Life in Her Hands.’

A a new app to block child abuse images has received £1.8m pounds of EU funding, with the aim to help combat what has been described as a "growing demand" for child abuse images. According to the NSPCC, child abuse image offences have reached record levels with more than 30,000 reported in the last year. It also revealed that the police have recorded the first child abuse crimes in the metaverse, with eight instances recorded last year. We hear from Rani Govinder, Senior Child Safety Online policy officer from the NSPCC and John Staines, former police officer from E-Safety Training who goes into schools to educate children and teens about online safety.

Dada Masilo is a South African choreographer, who is known for her re-working of classic stories to reflect black female identity. Her latest show is called Sacrifice, inspired by Stravinksy’s iconic ballet Rite of Spring is on a national tour of the UK, and will be performed at the Sadler’s Wells in London this weekend.

Plus the new study from the Cambridge Centre for Family Research which shows that having an older sibling helped keep children well-adjusted during lockdown. Prof Claire Hughes joins Nuala to discuss how older siblings can provide protection from stress.

Presenter Hayley Hassall Producer Beverley Purcell

Black women and cancer, Eleanor McEvoy, Shamima Begum ruling, Yazidi women, A Victorian dress diary Feb 22, 2023

New research from Cancer Research UK and NHS Digital has revealed that Black women from Caribbean and African backgrounds are more likely to be diagnosed with certain types of cancer at later stages, when treatment is less likely to be successful. This study is the first to show that ethnicity is a significant factor in late-stage diagnosis for women with breast, ovarian, uterine, non-small cell lung cancer and colon cancer. Nuala speaks to Kruti Shrotri, Head of Policy Development at Cancer Research UK and Adobea Obeng who sought medical help three times over two years before she was diagnosed with incurable breast cancer.

Eleanor McEvoy is one of Ireland's foremost songwriters and has worked with the likes of U2, Sinead O'Connor and Mary Black. She is the composer and co-performer of A Woman's Heart, the title track for the best-selling Irish album in Irish history, and one of Ireland's favourite folk songs, which recently featured in the award winning Derry Girls. One of Eleanor's songs, Sophie, is used in treatment centres to treat patients with eating disorders. She joins Nuala live in the studio to discuss her UK tour, the inspiration behind the tracks of her most recent album Gimme Some Wine and to perform the track South Anne Street.

In 2014, thousands of Yazidi women and girls were captured as part of an Islamic State Group genocide. While many of the men were shot, women and girls were forced into sex slavery for IS. Today, many of these women and children still live in camps in Iraq as they have nowhere else to go. Now, the Iraqi government says they’re going to close the camps. Nuala McGovern is joined by journalist Rachel Wright and CEO of Bellwether International Rachel Miner to talk about the conditions in the camps and what more needs to be done.

Judges from the Special Immigration Appeals Commission have today decided the removal of British citizenship from Shamima Begum, who left the UK as a 15-year-old schoolgirl to join Islamic State, was lawful. In the hearing last year challenging the decision, her legal team said it ignored the fact that she may have been trafficked into Syria. Nuala is joined by BBC Home Affairs Correspondent Daniel Sandford.

In 1838 a middle-class Victorian woman, Mrs Anne Sykes, was given a diary on her wedding day which she filled over the years with snippets of clothes and household fabrics, carefully annotating each one. Nearly two hundred years later Kate Strasdin, a fashion historian, came across the scrapbook. She spent six years researching the materials she found stuck to the album’s pages and created her own book The Dress Diary of Mrs Anne Skyes about this unique record of the lives of Victorian women.

Nicola Bulley, tearing during childbirth, black women swim, tweakments gone mad? Feb 21, 2023

We discuss the statement released by Nicola Bulley's family following the sad news that that the body found in river Wyre had been formally identified as Nicola Bulley who had been missing for over 3 weeks. They expressed their pain on how their loved ones were treated throughout this ordeal. They called for accountability, and for another family not to go through what they had gone through. Joining Nuala is Zoe Billingham, former head of the inspectorate of Constabulary, Ellen Milazzo from Victim Support and Baroness Helen Newlove, former victim's commissioner for England and Wales. Up to 9 in 10 first-time mothers who have a vaginal birth will have some sort of tear. So, it’s no wonder that tearing is a big worry for expectant mums. Marie Louise, also known as The Modern Midwife, explains to Nuala why tears happen, and what to really expect. Plus, midwife turned inventor, Malene Hegenberger, explains how she created a retractor to help her see tears better when suturing. Why are women from diverse background much less likely to be able to swim than white women? And what can be done about it? Team GB’s first black female swimmer Alice Dearing helped to found the Black Swimming Association along with journalist Seren Jones – they join Nuala to discuss. As London Fashion Week draws to a close today, the Times fashion director, 51-year-old Anna Murphy, reflects on feeling like the only woman of her age in the front row who has not had work done on her face. What she calls the normalisation of ‘tweakments’ is one of the topics explored in her new book Destination Fabulous. She tells Nuala about the changing trends in tweakments, why she finds the term problematic and how to embrace ageing naturally

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Dr Kirsty Sedgman, Esther Webber, Jenny Symmons, Elaine Dunkley, Nadine Benjamin Feb 20, 2023

Who gets to decide about social norms, about what's reasonable and unreasonable behaviour? Is it OK to breastfeed in public, to let your children play in the garden while others are working from home? Can we come together and talk about these things reasonably? According to Dr Kirsty Sedgman, the author of a new book, On being Unreasonable: Breaking the rules and making things better, we're living in an age of division. If she asks, we reimagined the rules of public togetherness, what would get better? What would change for the worse? And for whom?

As MPs return to parliament today, they come back to a new set of proposals by the Standards Committee. It has recently published a report recommending that MPs arrested for serious offences should be banned from the parliamentary estate. We discuss with Esther Webber, Senior UK Correspondent for Politico, and Westminster parliamentary aide and GMB representative Jenny Symmons .

Half of state-funded schools in England for children with special educational needs and disabilities are oversubscribed, new BBC research has found. Schools have been forced to convert portable cabins and even cupboards into teaching spaces due to a lack of space. Head teachers say this puts pressure on staff and makes pupils anxious. Parents say their children are missing education while they wait for places. BBC correspondent Elaine Dunkley who has led the investigation and produced an Iplayer documentary, ‘SEND help’, explains how this situation has arisen.

Nadine Benjamin MBE is a celebrated Soprano. But if it wasn’t for the words of an encouraging high school music teacher, she would never have considered a career in Opera. Now, she’s played in the UK’s most prestigious Opera Houses in shows including La Bohème, Madama Butterfly and the Marriage of Figaro. Last year she performed for the new King. Nadine joins Nuala to talk about her journey into the industry and performs from Songs of Joy which brings together stories told through song and spoken word, celebrating the lived experiences of black and mixed-race composers.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Giles Aspen

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Aimee Lou Wood, Wayne Couzens and Indecent Assault, Nne Nne Iwuji-Eme on African Queens, Nell Mescal Feb 18, 2023

Actor Aimee Lou Wood is best known for her role in Netflix’s Sex Education. Her character - also called Aimee - was at the heart of some of the most iconic storylines that came out of the first three seasons of the show. Now she’s taking to the stage as Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club in London’s West End. She talks about performing in the show and her recent BAFTA Rising Star Award nomination.

The former police officer, Wayne Couzens, who raped and murdered Sarah Everard two years ago, has admitted three counts of indecent exposure. Now academics and criminologists are calling for a change in the way indecent exposure is seen – saying we need to stop the perception of it as a so-called ‘nuisance offence’ and take it more seriously. Jennifer Grant from the University of Portsmouth and the BBC’s Home Affairs correspondent Dominic Casciani discuss allegations against Wayne Couzens that go back to 2015.

A new Netflix series from Executive Producer Jada Pinkett-Smith tells the stories of African Queens. The first focuses on Queen Njinga, a powerful woman who led Ndongo, modern day Angola, through the slave trade and invasions by the Portuguese. One of the writers and former British High Commissioner to Mozambique, Nne Nne Iwuji-Eme explains why it’s so important to hear her story.

Woman's Hour is in the process of putting together our Power List for 2023 - this year focussed on finding 30 of the most powerful women in sport. But what about the power of sport itself? Hayley Compton and Jessica Morgan who say sport got them through very difficult times in their lives explain why.

Coleen Greenwood spent almost two and a half years in a relationship with a man she knew as James Scott. He said he was a divorced firefighter who wanted to marry and go into business with her - but it was all based on a lie. Her story is the subject of a new BBC podcast series Love-Bombed with Vicki Pattison. Coleen talks about the impact the relationship had on her. She is joined by Chris Bentham, who investigated the case.

Nell Mescal is a singer songwriter who writes Indie Folk songs. She’s a rising star whose featured in Rolling Stone Magazine and has been named as an artist to watch by NME. She performs her single ‘Graduating’ live in the studio.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Paula McFarlane Editor: Emma Pearce

Sukhdev Reel on her son Ricky, Aimee Lou Wood, Anita Bhagwandas, Sober dating Feb 17, 2023

Ricky Reel’s body was discovered in the River Thames 25 years ago, a week after he had gone missing following a racist attack when he was on a night out with friends. His case was never solved, the police initially believed he had run away from an arranged marriage and later that his death was an accident. The case is now being re-examined by the Met Police’s major inquiries specialist casework team, due in part to Sukhdev Reel’s relentless campaigning on behalf of her son. She tells Anita why she has never given up on getting justice for her son.

Actor Aimee Lou Wood is best known for her role in Netflix’s Sex Education. Her character - also called Aimee - was at the heart of some of the most iconic storylines that came out of the first three seasons of the show. But now she’s taking to the stage as Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club in London’s West End. She joins Anita in the studio to talk about performing in the show and her recent BAFTA Rising Star Award nomination.

Anita Bhagwandas is an award-winning beauty journalist who describes the beauty industry as one she adores but a place that has ‘never loved [her] back’.Her new book Ugly: Giving Us Back Our Beauty Standards unearths why the word has such power and how we can reclaim it for ourselves. A blend of manifesto and memoir, the book explores how racial, class, and social prejudices shape what society deems ‘beautiful’. She joins Anita to discuss life as a beauty journalist, overcoming self-hatred, and the beauty standards set by Disney princesses.

With movements like Dry January growing in popularity, many women want to question their relationship with alcohol, while also maintaining the possibility of moderation. Anita is joined by the journalist Roisin Kelly who shares what she learned while sober dating, and Ruby Warrington, the author who inspired the sober curious movement, who discusses the art of mindful drinking.

Nicola Sturgeon resignation; Sharon Rose plays Sylvia Pankhurst; The power of sport; Femicide in Europe Feb 16, 2023

As Scotland’s First Minister announces her resignation after nearly a decade in the job we consider her legacy, the reasons for and the timing of her decision to go and consider who might take over with the Scotsman’s Political Editor Alistair Grant and journalist Ruth Wishart.

The musical Sylvia has just opened at the Old Vic celebrating the life of Sylvia Pankhurst – feminist, activist, pacifist, socialist, rebel who was at the heart of the Suffragette movement, with her sister Christabel and mother Emmeline. Actor, singer and musical theatre performer Sharon Rose who plays this lesser-known Pankhurst discusses her role.

Woman's Hour is in the process of putting together our Power List for 2023 - this year focussed on finding 30 of the most powerful women in sport. But what about the power of sport itself? Hayley Compton and Jessica Morgan who say sport got them through very difficult times in their lives explain why.

What is Europe doing to tackle the issue of femicide? Since the start of 2023, there has been a wave of news coverage in Europe on violence against women, and specifically, femicide, the act of killing a woman because she is a woman. The Spanish government has called its second emergency meeting of domestic violence experts after the murder of six women and a young girl since the start of January. And in France, 18 women have been murdered this year, according to the organisation ‘Femicide by a partner or ex partner’. This is despite both countries having introduced measures to fight against gender based violence. Mélina Huet, a journalist at the French news channel LCI and director of the documentary on femicides ‘Protect the Living, Honour the Dead’ and Susana Pavlou, the director of the Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies join Anita to discuss.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Alistair Grant Interviewed Guest: Ruth Wishart Interviewed Guest: Sharon Rose Interviewed Guest: Hayley Compton Interviewed Guest: Jessica Morgan Interviewed Guest: Melina Huet Interviewed Guest: Susana Pavlou

Wayne Couzens and Indecent Assault, African Queens, Sleepovers, Male Pill and Nikki Haley Feb 15, 2023

The former police officer, Wayne Couzens, who raped and murdered Sarah Everard two years ago, has admitted three counts of indecent exposure, one of which happened just four days before he kidnapped and killed Sarah Everard. Now academics and criminologists are calling for a change in the way indecent exposure is seen – saying we need to stop the perception of it as a so-called ‘nuisance offence’ and take it more seriously, as in some cases it can lead to far more serious crimes. Nuala talks to BBC’s Home Affairs correspondent, Dominic Casciani and Jennifer Grant from the University of Portsmouth.

What are your thoughts on children’s sleepovers? Are they a rite of passage or just a big headache? Well, #nosleepovers was trending on social media recently after an American influencer and mum of two, Tara Huck, shared her unpopular parenting opinion: she doesn't allow her children to attend sleepovers. When Netmums did a poll of their UK parents - 63% said they ban sleepovers. So is it the end for sleepovers? Victoria Richards is Editor of Indy Voices at the Independent and hosts multiple sleepovers a year, whereas parenting columnist for Velvet Magazine, Emily Martin, is trying to avoid them for as long as possible.

A new Netflix series from Executive Producer Jada Pinkett-Smith is out today, telling the stories of African Queens. The first focuses on Queen Njinga, a powerful woman who led Ndongo – modern day Angola – through the slave trade and invasions by the Portuguese. To find out more about Njinga, and why it’s so important to hear her story, Nuala McGovern is joined by one of the writers and former British High Commissioner to Mozambique, Nne Nne Iwuji-Eme.

Scientists say that an on-demand, non-hormonal contraceptive pill for men may be a real possibility after successful trials stopped sperm from being able to swim. Tests in mice suggest that it stuns sperm long enough to stop them from reaching the egg. Further tests are needed, but if successful, it could provide a reliable oral contraception. Michelle Roberts is the BBC's Digital Health Editor.

The republican Nikki Haley has announced that she will be running for president next year in the US. She's the first Republican to challenge Donald Trump for the party's presidential nomination. Nikki Haley first made her way onto the political scene back in 2010, when she became the youngest governor in the USA at the age of 39, securing a victory against an all-male field to become South Carolina's first female and Asian-American governor. Since then she has been hailed as a rising star who could potentially change the Republican party's male-dominated image. So what does this announcement mean for American Politics? Daniel Lippman is a reporter for Politico covering the White House in Washington.

Nell Mescal, Professor Hazel Smith, Jean MacKenzie, Fern Brady, Claer Barratt, Stella Creasy MP, Lauren Moss Feb 14, 2023

Nell Mescal is a singer songwriter from Ireland who writes Indie Folk songs. She’s a rising star whose featured in Rolling Stone Magazine, has been named as an artist to watch by NME and is preparing for a summer of live gigs. She joins Nuala McGovern to talk about what inspires her songs, being a young woman in the music industry and performs her single ‘Graduating’ live in the studio.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been photographed five times over recent months alongside his adolescent daughter. The latest photos show a beaming Kim Ju-Ae, who is aged between 9 and 10, standing with her father at a lavish military parade, where at least 11 intercontinental ballistic missiles were shown. So, why is Kim Jong Un revealing his daughter now? There is speculation that she is to be his successor, but is there any truth to that claim? Nuala talks to Professor Hazel Smith is Professorial Research Associate in Korean Studies at SOAS, University of London and BBC Correspondent Jean MacKenzie who is based in South Korea.

Fern Brady is a comedian and writer who has appeared on 8 Out of 10 Cats, Live at the Apollo, and the most recent series of Taskmaster. She has also co-hosted three series of the Wheel of Misfortune podcast for BBC Sounds with fellow comedian Alison Spittle. In 2021, Fern received a diagnosis for autism. In her new book, Strong Female Character, she explores how this has impacted her life, and what it means to be an autistic working-class woman.

We talk about plans to regulate the buy now pay later credit industry with Stella Creasy MP and Claer Barratt from the Financial Times.

And BBC LGBT & Identity Correspondent Lauren Moss reports on a new book which claims that 97.5 per cent of children seeking help at the Gender Identity Development Service (Gids) based at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, had autism, depression or other problems that might have explained their unhappiness.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Gayl Gordon

Love-Bombed a new BBC Sounds Podcast. Can writing a memoir ruin your life? Who are you at work? Knife Crime Feb 13, 2023

Coleen Greenwood spent almost two and a half years in a relationship with a man she knew as James Scott. He said he was a divorced firefighter who wanted to marry and go into business with her - but it was all based on a lie. Her story is the subject of a new BBC podcast series Love-Bombed with Vicki Pattison. Ahead of its launch we speak to Coleen about the impact the relationship had on her; and to DC Chris Bentham, who investigated the case.

A boy and girl, both aged 15, have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey at a park in Warrington. This follows on from an incident last Monday, where a teenage girl was injured in what police have described as a "serious racially aggravated assault". Recent statistics from the Ministry of Justice show that there were 3,500 proven knife and offensive weapon offences committed by children between 2020 and 2021. We hear the latest from BBC's Rowan Bridge in Warrington and from Zoe Cooke, a campaigner against knife crime whose son Byron was stabbed to death in 2021.

Do writers of memoirs focusing on traumatic events need protection? Does the publishing industry need to come up with guidelines to protect writers? Terri White, author of the memoir Coming Undone and Kit de Waal author of Without Warning & Only Sometimes: Scenes from an Unpredictable Childhood discuss.

Plus who are you at work? Workplace consultant Gabriella Braun explain how psychoanalysis can reveal some hidden truths behind our behaviour. From interactions with your boss triggering feelings about your parents, to colleagues setting off old issues of sibling rivalries, Presenter Nuala McGovern Producer Beverley Purcell

Weekend Woman's Hour: Danielle Deadwyler on Oscars snub, disabled parenting, audio porn, ex-Lioness Jill Scott & Salma Hayek Feb 11, 2023

Danielle Deadwyler's extraordinary portrayal of the civil rights activist Mamie Till-Mobley in Chinonye Chukwu’s ‘Till’ has earned her a BAFTA nomination for Best Leading Actress. The film tells the true story of Mamie’s pursuit of justice after her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till, was tortured and lynched in 1955. Danielle discusses grief, Mamie’s legacy, and the ongoing fight for civil rights.

Dorset Police are investigating allegations of abuse in Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service. Nazir Afzal, the former chief prosecutor for North West England & Zoe Billingham, former head of the Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue consider if the fire service has a problem with its culture, and in particular women.

European Champion and Queen of the Jungle, Jill Scott, is one of the most decorated footballers in the country and after announcing her retirement from the sport last year she's turned her attention to the next generation. On Friday she opened a new football pitch in her hometown in South Tyneside. She tells us what she wants the Lionesses' legacy to be.

Salma Hayek Pinault broke barriers in the 90’s as one of the first Latina actresses to establish a successful career in Hollywood. She tells us about her new role as a strong female lead starring opposite Channing Tatum in ‘Magic Mike’s Last Stand’.

We explore the complexities of disabled parenting with Eliza Hull, an Australian musician & disabled parent and Nina Tame. We hear about their new anthology of stories, ‘We’ve Got This’.

What is audio porn? Caroline Spiegel, the founder of an erotic audio app called Quinn and Dr Caroline West, consent educator at University of Galway discuss.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Surya Elango Studio Manager: Bob Nettles Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

Jill Scott - European Champion; Disabled parents; Salma Hayek Pinault Feb 10, 2023

Anita is joined by the European Champion and Queen of the Jungle Jill Scott. Jill is one of the most decorated footballers in the country and after announcing her retirement from the sport last year she's turned her attention to the next generation. Today she is opening a new football pitch in her hometown in South Tyneside and tells Anita what she wants the Lionesses' legacy to be.

The gang-rape of a woman in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, sparked protests yesterday with women calling out the country’s ‘rape epidemic’. The 24-year-old woman was walking with a male colleague in the city’s largest park at 8pm last week when she was attacked and raped by two armed men. The police have said that investigations were ongoing but in a statement warned people to avoid unlit areas of the park in the evening. We hear from Aisha Sarwari, columnist and co-founder Women’s Advancement Hub based in Islamabad and Caroline Davies, the BBC's Pakistan Correspondent

Salma Hayek Pinault is a Mexican American actress, director and producer who broke barriers in the 90’s as one of the first Latina actresses to establish a successful career in Hollywood, appearing in several Robert Rodriguez films including From Dusk Til Dawn. She was Oscar-nominated for her role in Frida, about the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, a film which she also produced. Now she is starring opposite Channing Tatum in Magic Mike’s Last Stand, which perhaps surprisingly, is set mostly in a London theatre. Salma joins Anita in the Woman’s Hour studio to talk about being the strong female lead, and power dynamics in Hollywood.

Being a parent for the first time is challenging for anyone. But when you’re a disabled parent, it brings with it many more complexities, including discrimination from society and medical professionals alike. Eliza Hull, an Australian musician and disabled parent, realised that there was no positive literature around being a disabled parent – so she created it herself. ‘We’ve Got This’ is an anthology of stories from disabled parents about how they’ve overcome challenges to become parents, and how much they love it. We hear from Eliza herself alongside one of the authors, Nina Tame.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Jill Scott Interviewed Guest: Aisha Sarwari Interviewed Guest: Caroline Davies Interviewed Guest: Salma Hayek Pinault Interviewed Guest: Eliza Hull Interviewed Guest: Nina Tame

Audio porn, Earthquake impact on women, Author Ayòbámi Adébáyo, A listener on leaving the Church of England Feb 09, 2023

The number of women watching porn is on the increase, according to one of the world’s most popular sites. They say around a third of its viewers are female and growing. There’s also a new type of porn that is said to be gaining popularity among some women – audio porn. You might wonder, what it is and why it might appeal to women. Caroline Spiegel is the founder of an erotic audio app called Quinn, one of many apps out there, and Dr Caroline West, consent educator at University of Galway and host of the Glow West sexual wellness podcast.

The earthquakes in southern Turkey and northern Syria have killed nearly 16,000 people. As rescuers work to save people still trapped in the rubble, the World Health Organisation has raised concerns that without shelter, water, fuel or electricity, many more lives are at risk. Today the Disasters Emergency Committee launched its appeal to raise funds to provide aid to the survivors. Racha Nasreddine, Director for ActionAid in the Arab Region tells Anita how women and girls are being affected.

On yesterday’s Woman’s Hour we briefly discussed the Church of England’s decision not to back a change in teaching to permit clergy to conduct same-sex marriages. Listener Suzanne Elvidge contacted the programme to share her recent letter to her Bishop and her local clergy explaining why she felt she had no choice but to leave the Church after a lifelong membership. She joins Anita to discuss her decision.

For our series Girl's World, Ena Miller took her dog-eared teenage diary to a school in Glasgow to talk to Saskia, Francesca and Olivia, who are all 14, about changing attitudes to sex and gender.

Six years after her acclaimed debut novel Stay With Me was shortlisted for the Baileys Prize for Women’s Fiction, Nigerian writer Ayòbámi Adébáyo joins Anita to talk about her highly-anticipated second work of fiction, A Spell Of Good Things, a state-of-the-nation story exploring the divide between rich and poor, as Nigeria transitioned back into democracy in 2000.

Jessie Buckley, Jennie Agg, Nazir Afzal, Zoe Billingham, Martine Oborne, Anne Atkins Feb 08, 2023

Nuala McGovern talks to Irish actor Jessie Buckley about her new role as one of an extraordinary ensemble cast in the new film Women Talking. Based on the novel by Miriam Toews, it follows the women of an isolated religious community as they grapple with a huge decision they have to make, as a collective, following the discovery of male violence.

Could God go gender neutral in the Church of England and no longer be referred to only as "he" but also as "they" and "she"? Rev Martine Oborne chair of Women and the Church which campaigns for "gender justice" in the church and journalist Anne Atkins discuss.

Research estimates 1 in 5 women will lose a pregnancy in their lifetime and 1 in 20 will go through it more than once, but no official record is kept of how many miscarriages happen each year. After losing four pregnancies in the space of two years, with no obvious cause, Jennie Agg set out to understand why miscarriage remains such a profoundly misunderstood, under researched and under acknowledged experience. She has written about it in Life, Almost, which documents her path to motherhood and her search for answers.

Dorset Police are investigating allegations that firefighters at Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service had taken photos of women who had died in car accidents and shared the images on a Whatsapp group. In the group, male firefighters are alleged to have made degrading comments about the victims. Several female firefighters also spoke of sexual harassment, including claims a male firefighter demanded sexual favours at the scene of a fire. Nazir Afzal, the former chief prosecutor for North West England who carried out an independent review into the London Fire Brigade last year and Zoe Billingham, former head of the Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue consider if the fire service has a problem with its culture, and in particular women.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Donald McDonald

David Carrick sentencing, Shamima Begum story, Danielle Deadwyler, Carmel McMahon Feb 07, 2023

Former Police Officer David Carrick will be sentenced this morning. BBC correspondent Helena Wilkinson joins Nuala. Shamima Begum left the UK in 2015. Now, for the first time, we have a better idea of what she might have been doing in the four years between then and her re-appearance in a camp in Syria in 2019. We know that she has married an IS fighter, had three children and lost three children in the last eight years – but what else happened? Nuala McGovern is joined by the BBC’s Josh Baker, host of the podcast I’m Not A Monster: The Shamima Begum Story and Dr Gina Vale, a lecturer of Criminology at the University of Southampton who specialises in terrorism. Danielle Deadwyler's extraordinary portrayal of the civil rights activist Mamie Till-Mobley in Chinonye Chukwu’s Till (2022) has earned her a BAFTA nomination for Best Leading Actress. The film tells the true story of Mamie’s pursuit of justice after her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till, was tortured and lynched in 1955. Danielle joins Nuala McGovern to discuss grief, Mamie’s legacy, and the ongoing fight for civil rights. As low-slung trousers come back into fashion and high-waists are all the rage we ask how fashion, age and generation determine where our trousers sit and how we feel about it. Hannah Rogers Assistant Fashion Editor for The Times joins Nuala. In 1993, aged twenty, Carmel Mc Mahon left Ireland for New York, carrying $500, two suitcases and a ton of emotional baggage. It took years, and a bitter struggle with alcohol addiction, to unpick the intricate traumas of her past and present. Carmel has now written a book, In Ordinary Time: Fragments of a Family History.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Janhavee Moole, Julia Golding, Holly Bourne, Sam Quek, Rachel Williams, Ella Whelan, Abbie Cheeseman Feb 06, 2023

Is the world of Young Adult (YA) Fiction getting too dark for our teenagers? Nuala McGovern speaks to YA authors Julia Golding (Finding Sky) and Holly Bourne (The Places I’ve Cried in Public) to discuss where teenagers can find joy and uplift in their reading today, as well as why it’s important to address some of the darker themes in young adult literature.

The latest from Iran where tens of thousands of prisoners have been pardoned with Abbie Cheeseman from The Telegraph.

Commentators Ella Whelan and Rachel Williams debate whether Welsh Rugby Union were right to ban choirs from singing "Delilah" at games.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India – the governing body of the sport - announced last week that the five teams that make up the new Women’s Premier League have been sold to local investors for more than £465 million. This is a remarkable amount, even in India where men’s cricket teams command staggeringly high valuations and life changing for India’s women cricketers who have struggled financially to make ends meet. We hear from BBC Mumbai Sports Reporter Janhavee Moole how it could also change the game for women cricketers around the world.

If you were listening to Woman's Hour last Wednesday you will have heard me speaking to two of our judges for the Woman's Hour Power List - one of Britain’s most celebrated British Paralympians of all time, Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson and Cricket World Cup winner turned broadcaster Ebony Rainford-Brent. Today you will hear from our third judge Sam Quek - Sam was as part of the squad who won Britain’s first ever hockey gold medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016. She was also won gold at the European Championships in 2015. Now she is a team captain - the first female team captain - on BBC1's Question of Sport.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Helena Bonham Carter on ‘Nolly’, Sophie Duker, Happy Valley & kinship care, Emily Atack’ Feb 04, 2023

Helena Bonham Carter tells us about playing Noele Gordon, "the Queen of the midlands", in new ITV drama 'Nolly' written by Russell T Davies. The actress starred in the hugely popular TV soap Crossroads for 18 years until she was sacked very suddenly in 1981.

The TV drama Happy Valley has captured the public’s imagination with the final episode of the final series airing this Sunday. We hear from one listener who contacted Woman’s Hour about how as a kinship carer she has felt “heard” by the drama and Anita also speaks to Dr Lucy Peake the chief executive of Kinship – the UK’s largest charity for kinship carers.

We speak to actor and comic, Emily Atack who is standing up against the men who cyber-flash her daily. Having received unsolicited, unwanted, abusive messages, dick pics and crude images for years she has made a documentary “Emily Atack: Asking for it?” for BBC 2.

It’s 20 years in England since the repeal of section 28 – a law that came in from 1988 to 2003 to ban the ‘promotion of homosexuality’ in UK schools. Professor Catherine Lee of Anglia Ruskin University is a lesbian and taught in schools for every year of section 28. We discuss how this law affected gay or lesbian teachers and students.

Women are able to recall details of sexual assault and rape with accuracy, even if they have drunk – moderate amounts of alcohol, according to a new study from the University of Birmingham. Heather Flowe, Professor of Psychology who led the study tells us about its significance.

The comedian Sophie Duker is on a mission to reclaim the term 'hag' in her new UK stand-up tour of the same name. She tells us about growing up with ‘the princess myth’, embracing ageing and our sexuality

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Surya Elango Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

Happy Valley & kinship care; Conditions at Eastwood Park women's prison, Declining birthrates in China & Japan, Beyonce Feb 03, 2023

A new report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons on conditions at Eastwood Park women’s prison has been released today. We speak to Sandra Fieldhouse, lead for women’s prisons at HMI Prisons about the findings.

The TV drama Happy Valley has captured the public’s imagination with the final episode of the final series airing this Sunday. Catherine Cawood played by Sarah Lancashire is the policewoman who we see bringing up her grandson Ryan after her daughter took her own life. We hear from one listener who contacted Woman’s Hour about how as a kinship carer she has felt “heard” by the drama and Anita also speaks to Dr Lucy Peake the chief executive of Kinship – the UK’s largest charity for kinship carers.

The Grammy's will be held on Sunday in Los Angeles and Beyoncé leads the pack with nine overall nominations. She has also announced her first tour in seven years, which led to the ticket website crashing. The UK concerts are part of a 43-date world tour in support of her Grammy-nominated Renaissance album. Anita discusses her success with Jacqueline Springer, curator Africa and Diaspora: Performance at the Victoria and Albert Museum and music journalist.

China and Japan are seeing a marked reduction in their birth rates which will have a major impact on how their societies function in the next decades. With ageing populations and a birth rate well below the 2.1 replacement level observers are predicting significant problems ahead. By the end of the century China is predicted to drop from more than a billion to around 800 million and Japan’s population will drop from 123 million today to around 75 million. Anita Rani discusses the reasons and implications with Dr Yu Jie, Senior Research Fellow on China Asia Pacific Programme at Chatham House; and Yoko Ishikura an independent business consultant, professor emeritus at Hitotsubashi University who is working with the Japanese Government’s Digital Agency.

Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Alex Kingston plays Prospero at the RSC; Captain Preet Chandi; Alcohol, sexual assault & recall; Folic acid; All good friends? Feb 02, 2023

Women are able to recall details of sexual assault and rape with accuracy, even if they have drunk – moderate amounts of alcohol .A study conducted at the University of Birmingham demonstrated that women who had drunk alcohol up to the legal limit for driving were able to recall details of an assault in a hypothetical scenario, including details of activities to which they had, and had not, consented. Heather Flowe, Professor of Psychology led the study.

A year ago, British Army officer and physiotherapist Captain Preet Chandi (AKA Polar Preet) made history as the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition in Antarctica. Now she’s just broken another world record: the longest ever solo and unsupported Polar ski expedition. The 33-year-old travelled 922 miles across Antarctica, beating the previous record of 907 miles set by Henry Worsley, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, in 2015. Having spent over 70 days on her own, trekking in temperatures as cold as -50C, she speaks to Anita Rani about how she endured such a physical and mental challenge.

Is your partner’s ex a significant person in your life? Are they someone you tolerate - or are they someone whose company you genuinely enjoy? Would you even go so far as to call them a friend? Or even a best friend? The friendship between popstar Katy Perry and the model Miranda Kerr attracted attention this week. Why…because Katy Perry is engaged to Orlando Bloom - who Miranda used to be married to. Katy Perry posted about her friend on Instagram calling her her “sister from another mister” and stating “I love our modern family”. So how realistic or welcome is it to be friends with your partner’s ex? We hear from the journalist Esther Walker.

Adding higher levels of folic acid (otherwise known as vitamin B9) to all flour and rice would stop hundreds more UK babies being born with lifelong disabilities. That's what a group of leading scientists are saying. Women in the UK are advised to take a daily folic supplement before becoming pregnant, to reduce the risk of giving birth to babies with severe abnormalities called neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. But many don't. Anita Rani is joined by Neena Modi, Professor of Neonatal Medicine at Imperial College London.

Best known more recently for her portrayal of River Song, the wife and occasional companion of Dr Who, actor Alex Kingston is currently on stage in Stratford-upon-Avon as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of The Tempest. Women playing what are regarded as traditionally male roles on stage is not unusual these days but Alex explains to Anita why making Prospero a woman and mother surviving exile on a small island makes that role much more powerful.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Professor Heather Flowe Interviewed Guest: Preet Chandi Interviewed Guest: Esther Walker Interviewed Guest: Professor Neena Modi Interviewed Guest: Alex Kingston Photographer: Ikin Yum

Helena Bonham Carter, Power List judges Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Ebony Rainford-Brent, Update on Ian Paterson Feb 01, 2023

Helena Bonham Carter is one of our best known actors – she’s played everyone from Princess Margaret in The Crown and Elizabeth the Queen Mother in The King's Speech, to Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter films, and more recently Enola Holmes’ formidable mother in the Netflix films with Milly Bobby Brown. Helena is now taking on a very different role, that of the Queen of the Midlands Noele Gordon, or Nolly as she was known to her friends; the actress who starred in the hugely popular TV soap Crossroads for 18 years until she was sacked very suddenly in 1981. Russell T Davies has written the three part drama which is released on ITV X on Thursday 2 February. Helena joins Nuala in the studio.

Researchers in Canada estimate that approximately one in eight women are likely to be suffering from an unrecognised brain injury related to domestic violence. Millions of dollars are spent each year in Canada studying the impacts of traumatic brain injuries on professional male athlete’s brains, such as hockey players, whilst very little is known about the injuries suffered by female victims of intimate partner violence. Nuala speaks to Karen Mason, co-founder of the Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury Through Research project, and a former executive director of the Kelona Women’s Shelter in Canada, and Dr Paul van Donkelaar, a clinical neuroscientist at the University of British Columbia who specialises in concussion research.

There's just one more week to get your submissions in for the Woman's Hour Power List, this year focussing on women in sport. It's not just football where the women's game has seen big success - Great Britain’s women’s curling team won a gold medal in Beijing, the 2022 Tour de France Femmes broke records, England and Wales have been confirmed as hosts of Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026 and the list goes on. Nuala is joined by two of our Power List judges Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, one of Britain’s most celebrated British Paralympians of all time, winning 16 medals across five Games, now a cross bench peer in the House of Lords, and Ebony Rainford-Brent, the World Cup winning cricketer and broadcaster.

1500 people who received treatment from jailed breast surgeon Ian Paterson are being recalled by Spire Healthcare, a private hospital company, after their details were recovered from an old computer database. Described as 'one of the biggest medical scandals ever to have hit this country' the man at the centre of it became known as 'the butchering breast surgeon'. Joining Nuala is Jane Kirby, PA Media Health Editor.

Emily Atack, Baroness Catherine Ashton, Sophie Duker Jan 31, 2023

Actor and comedian, Emily Atack has decided to stand up against the men who cyber-flash her daily. Having received unsolicited, unwanted, abusive messages, dick pics and crude images for years she has made a documentary “Emily Atack: Asking for it?” for BBC 2. Emily joins Nuala to discuss why men do this and why she's chosen to speak about it publicly and call for change.

Baroness Catherine Ashton is a Labour peer who served as Europe’s most powerful diplomat between 2009-2014, a turbulent period by anyone’s standards. It was her job to co-ordinate and lead on the EU's response to international crises, including the Arab Spring, Somali pirate attacks, the Iran nuclear deal and the Ukraine uprising followed by Russia’s annexation of the Crimea. Behind the scenes and in front of the cameras she criss-crossed the globe trying to get lasting deals done. Catherine has documented all of this in a new book called And Then What? Inside Stories of 21st Century Diplomacy, and joins Nuala.

What comes to your mind when you think of the word 'hag'? The comedian and recent Taskmaster champion Sophie Duker is on a mission to reclaim the term in her new UK stand-up tour of the same name. She tells Nuala about growing up with ‘the princess myth’, embracing ageing and why it’s so important to be open about sex and sexuality.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

Credit: BBC/Little Gem Productions/Richard Ansett

Hilary Grime on her daugher Phoebe, Catherine Lee on Section 28, Tidying up v mess Jan 30, 2023

Hilary Grime’s daughter Phoebe, a student at Newcastle university, took her own life in June 2021. Hilary has since come together with other bereaved families to form the Learn Network with the aim of preventing future deaths of students by suicide. One of their first targets is to ask the government to legislate for a statutory duty of care for students in Higher Education. Hilary joins Nuala to talk about her daughter Phoebe and why she thinks it's so essential to get a statutory duty of care.

Japan's decluttering and tidying expert Marie Kondo has admitted to 'kind of giving up' on tidying up after having her third child. Joining Nuala to discuss whether to ignore the mess or try to keep on top of it, comedian Helen Thorn, one half of the Scummy Mummies podcast.

In her latest book, Crazy Old Ladies - The Story Of Hag Horror, Caroline Young explores the subgenre of horror movies in the 1950s and 1960s that cast iconic movie stars in often grotesque roles. She joins Nuala McGovern to explain hag horror or 'hagsploitation' and to discuss how actresses were treated in Hollywood as they got older.

It’s 20 years in England since the repeal of section 28 – a law that came in from 1988 to 2003 to ban the ‘promotion of homosexuality’ in UK schools. Professor Catherine Lee of Anglia Ruskin University is a lesbian and taught in schools for every year of section 28. During that time she was a PE teacher in inner-city Liverpool before moving into special educational needs and pastoral leadership in rural Suffolk. So how did this law affect her other gay or lesbian teachers and her students who identified as lesbian or gay? Catherine has written a book Pretended: Schools and Section 28: Historical, Cultural and Personal.

Triathlete and screenwriter Lesley Paterson; Zara Aleena's murder & probation service failings; the Woman's Hour Power List 2023 Jan 28, 2023

Lesley Paterson is a five times world champion triathlete. She’s also a successful screenwriter, who has just been nominated for an Oscar and a BAFTA for Best Adapted Screenplay for the film All Quiet on the Western Front. It’s taken her sixteen years to get the film made. A woman no stranger to endurance, she explains how she used her prize money from her sporting career to help fund the film.

An independent review into Zara Aleena's murder found a catalogue of errors by the probation service. We speak to HM Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell who conducted the review, along with Zara Aleena's aunt Farah Naz.

The Woman's Hour Power List for 2023 is here! Last year was a game-changer for the visibility and perception of women in sport in this country and we want to showcase inspirational women – both on and off the field – who are spearheading and building on this momentum. The chair of judges Jessica Creighton launches the Power List and explains how you can make your suggestion.

What is the role of a best friend at a deathbed? We All Want Impossible Things is a new novel by Catherine Newman exploring the topic. She reveals how her personal experience inspired the book.

During World War Two, a house in Tynemouth was used as a sanctuary for more than 20 Jewish girls fleeing Nazi persecution. They had come to the UK on the Kindertransport. After a BBC investigation, a blue plaque was unveiled there yesterday, Holocaust Memorial Day, celebrating the house's forgotten past and those that found sanctuary there. Two of the girls who lived in the house were Ruth David and Elfi Jonas. We speak to their daughters, Margaret Finch and Helen Strange, about their mothers and their visit to the house.

Holocaust Survivors, Mary Nighy, Dementia and Menopause Jan 27, 2023

During World War Two, a house in Tynemouth was used as a sanctuary for more than 20 Jewish girls fleeing Nazi persecution. They had come to the UK on the Kindertransport. After a BBC investigation, a blue plaque will be unveiled there today, Holocaust Memorial Day, celebrating the house's forgotten past and those that found sanctuary there. Two of the Girls who lived in the house were Ruth David and Elfi Jonas. Anita speaks to their daughters - Margaret Finch and Helen Strange about their mothers and their visit to the house.

Mary Nighy began her acting career at the age of 17, starring in films such as Marie Antoinette and Tormented. The daughter of actors Bill Nighy and Diana Quick, she has since turned director, of TV shows like Industry and Traces but she has just released her directorial debut Alice Darling. The film, starring Anna Kendrick, explores what it might feel like to be trapped inside a coercive, controlling and psychologically abusive relationship. Mary joins Anita Rani to talk about the themes of the film, female friendship and working behind the camera.

Big employers including Tesco, Asda, Natwest and the country's most senior family judge are supporting a scheme that gives time off to parents who are splitting up. A survey of 200 workers by the Positive Parenting Alliance showed that 90 per cent of respondents said that their work was adversely affected. Anita speaks to XY and Sara Davison a divorce coach and author.

How do you differentiate between symptoms of menopause and dementia and when should you be worried? A new brain check-up tool kit from Alzheimer’s Research UK is encouraging people to do more to look after their brains to try to reduce their dementia risk. Research shows that women are generally at a greater risk of dementia - outnumbering the number of men who get the disease by 2:1 worldwide. But as women get older and experience the menopause, they may notice a decline in their memory, feel confused and get brain fog. We also hear about an early study which suggests that HRT may reduce the risk of some women developing Alzheimer's disease.

Launch of the Woman's Hour Power List 2023, Triathlete and screenwriter Lesley Paterson; Chores post Covid Jan 26, 2023

The Woman's Hour Power List for 2023 is here! Last year was a game-changer for the visibility and perception of women in sport in this country and we want to showcase inspirational women – both on and off the field – who are spearheading and building on this momentum to elevate women’s sport. We need your suggestions! The chair of judges Jessica Creighton joins Anita Rani to launch the Power List and explains how you can make your suggestion.

Lesley Paterson is a five times world champion triathlete. She’s also a successful screenwriter, who has just been nominated for an Oscar and a BAFTA for Best Adapted Screenplay for the film All Quiet on the Western Front. It’s taken her sixteen years to get the film made. A woman no stranger to endurance, she explains how she used her prize money from her sporting career to help fund the film. It’s now one of this year’s biggest contenders at the Oscars and BAFTAs.

A transgender woman in Scotland has been convicted of raping two women in attacks carried out before changing gender. Isla Bryson is now in custody and facing a lengthy jail term - but where that sentence should be served is the subject of heated debate. It has led to concerns about the safety of any women held alongside Bryson in a female prison. The Scottish Prison Service says the decision on where transgender prisoners are housed is taken on a case-by-case basis after appropriate risk assessments. Catriona Renton has been following the case for BBC Scotland News and joins Anita.

Claudia Jones, the woman described as the 'founding spirit' of Notting Hill Carnival, is to be commemorated with a blue plaque this year. The feminist, journalist and political activist is one of five women whose achievements and legacy will be marked by English Heritage. Currently, about 14 per cent of the nearly 1,000 blue plaques honour women. Anita finds out more from the freelance journalist and Editor of Soho House, Sagal Mohammed.

WFH, or the hybrid working week, has become the new norm for many of us in the paid workforce since Covid. But how does this affect the amount of unpaid domestic labour and the sharing of daily chores in UK households? Who does the most in your home – men or women? How happy are you with the division of work? What has changed since the lockdowns? Shireen Kanji, Professor of work and organisation at Brunel University and Oriel Sullivan, Professor of Inequalities of Gender, at the Centre for Time Use Research, University College, London discuss a hypothetical chore calculator; what chores are being inputted daily and what’s the emotional result?

Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Bridget Phillipson MP, Catherine Newman, Chanel Contos, Rachel Thompson, Karen Krizanovich, Baroness Altmann Jan 25, 2023

The conservatives and Labour party appear to be agreed on one issue on the political agenda – that is childcare. Both parties realise it will be a key battleground in the general election with polling suggesting it is of particular concern in some of the red wall seat which the conservatives need to hold onto if they are to stay in government. The UK’s childcare system is one of the most expensive in the world and ranked one of the least effective according to a recent report by UNICEF. Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson joins Nuala McGovern in the studio to discuss her party’s plans for reform which she says will compare with Aneurin Bevan’s creation of the National Health Service.

What is the role of a best friend at a deathbed? ‘We All Want Impossible Things’ a new novel by Catherine Newman is funny and rude as well as very sad and it’s a celebration of all sorts of love. Ash's best friend is dying and her heart is breaking but life does go on, until it stops. Catherine Newman joins Nuala to explain what inspired the book

When she was 19, Chanel Contos was playing a drinking game with friends. Someone asked ‘what’s the kinkiest thing you like to do during sex? Her 17-year-old friend replied, ‘It’s not really that kinky, but I guess choking.’ Now 24, and listed as one of the BBC’s 100 Women, Chanel wants to challenge the normalisation of sexual choking (and other acts such as spitting or slapping). She’s joined on the programme by writer Rachel Thompson, author of Rough: How Violence Has Found Its Way Into the Bedroom and what We Can Do about it. They discuss why these acts are so prevalent, and whether women and girls are feeling pressured into them.

Could the state pension age be raised again from 67 to 68 and what would it mean for women? We talk to the former pensions minister and conserative peer Baroness Ros Altmann.

And we hear the latest about female nominations at the Oscars with film critic Karen Krizanovich.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Donald McDonald

The cost of being single, Zara Aleena's murder & probation service failings, menopause and the workplace Jan 24, 2023

An independent review into Zara Aleena's murder found a catalogue of errors by the probation service. HM Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell who conducted the review joins Nuala McGovern along with Zara Aleena's aunt Farah Naz. According to new research being single comes at a price. Single people pay, on average, £860 a month more than people living in couples. So why does it cost an extra £10k per year to live as a single person? And is the independence and freedom that some single people feel worth the price tag? Nicola Slawson is a journalist and founder of The Single Supplement. There's been a long running campaign for working women going through the menopause to get better protection. This morning the government has announced it won't make the menopause a protected characteristic, in the same way things like age and sex are - despite a recommendation from MPs that it should be. The government is commissioning more research into the subject, and cheaper and better access to HRT. But is this enough? Reporter Melanie Abbott gives us the full details of the government's response to calls for more protection. And campaigner Helen Garlick from Henpicked tells us she is calling for more action. A new study will examine the disproportionate number of female teachers developing asbestos related diseases. Backed by teaching unions, it’s hoped the findings will put more pressure on the government to take action on asbestos in school buildings. Nuala will be talking to Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, Dr Mary Bousted, and one woman who lost her mother – a teacher for many years - to asbestos related lung cancer, mesothelioma.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

The Brit Awards. Targeted adverts online. The ages of motherhood. Welsh Rugby. Jan 23, 2023

The Brits scrapped their best male and best female awards last year in favour of gender-neutral prizes. This year no women are on the shortlist for best artist - won by Adele last year - though are nominated in other categories. Social media has been awash with fans of musicians like Charlie XCX, Florence Welch, Mabel and Ella Henderson asking why they'd been overlooked. We hear from journalist Laura Snapes the Guardian's music editor and Vick Bain who's worked in the music industry for 25 years, was the CEO of the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers & Authors and founder of The F-List directory of UK female musicians.

Several former employees at the Welsh Rugby Union have told the BBC about a ‘toxic’ culture of sexism at the organisation. Nuala McGovern is joined by former Wales rugby international and Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi.

Do you ever wonder why you’re being shown particular adverts online? Nuala speaks to one woman, Hannah Tomes, who is being advertised egg donation banks despite having no interest in this – she wonders if she’s being advertised to because of her gender – we will seek to find out if she’s right and speak to the BBC’s Technology Editor Zoe Kleinman.

Figures from the ONS show that there are now twice as many women giving birth over the age of 40 as there are having children under the age of 20. But does the age you become a mother change the way you experience parenting? We hear from two women who had children at very different points in their lives…Lucy Baker the founder of the blog Geriatric Mum and Lauren Crosby Medlicott a freelance journalist who has written about her experience as a young mum.

Presenter Nuala McGovern Producer Beverley Purcell

Weekend Woman's Hour: Michelle Williams, Elizabeth McGovern, former New Zealand PM Helen Clark on Jacinda Ardern Jan 21, 2023

The award-winning actor Michelle Williams discusses her new role in Steven Spielberg's semi-autobiographical film, The Fabelmans. She plays Mitzi, a concert pianist who’s put her artistic ambition aside to raise a family, and is struggling to play a supporting role to her computer genius husband. Michelle explains why she was attracted to the role, and how her work in Dawson's Creek as a teenager set her up for Hollywood success.

On Thursday, the New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced her shock resignation. We discuss with BBC Diplomatic Correspondent James Lansdale, former Prime Minister Helen Clark and the political scientist Lara Greaves from Auckland University.

Wendy Warrington is an NHS nurse and midwife who has been giving medical help and support to women and children in Ukraine since March last year. She tells us about the impact of the war on maternity services in the country.

Afghan police have confirmed that a former Afghan MP and her bodyguard have been shot dead at her home in the capital Kabul. Mursal Nabizada was one of nine out of 69 female MPs who chose to stay in the country after the Taliban returned to power. We speak to Fawzia Koofi, Afghanistan's First Woman Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

The Oscar-nominated actor and Downton Abbey star Elizabeth McGovern shares her experience of playing Martha in a new production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

‘Lucky girl syndrome’ is a new trend taking over TikTok with over 80 million views of the hashtag. The journalist Róisín Lanigan from i-D magazine and psychologist Catherine Hallissey discuss whether it’s just a new take on positive thinking, and whether there is any psychological basis for it.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

Michelle Williams, Long Covid and 25 years of Goodness Gracious Me Jan 20, 2023

The Hollywood actor Michelle Williams began her career aged 16 on the TV drama Dawson’s Creek. Now, at 42, she’s starring in Steven Spielberg’s new film The Fabelmans, based on his own family. She plays Mitzi, a concert pianist who’s put her artistic ambition aside to raise a family, and is struggling to play a supporting role to her computer genius husband. But the crucial relationship portrayed in the movie is the one between Mitzi and her son, Sammy. Michelle joins Anita to explain why she was attracted to the role.

There are an estimated 2.1 million people in the UK experiencing self-reported long covid, according to data from the Office for National Statistics which affects women more than men. But in the NHS priorities and operational planning guidance for 2023-24, no mention was made of Long Covid. Dr Binita Kane is a Consultant Respiratory Physician in Manchester. She also has a daughter with long covid and knows the challenges that causes and is worried that Long Covid has been deprioritised. She is joined by Dr Melissa Heightman, clinical lead for Post Covid services at University College Hospital London, and the National speciality advisor with the long covid programme for NHS England.

Some outfits grab all the attention. Think Lady Gaga's meat dress, Madonna's Cone bra or J Lo in her plunge neck green Versace dress. Well Monday night saw the return of the ITV dating show Love Island but it was the outfit worn by the new host Maya Jama that got everyone talking. It was sexy, and red, and - you might be surprised to know - crocheted. The person who made it is the young designer Sierra Ndagire who joins Anita.

It’s been 25 years since Goodness Gracious Me graced our television screens on BBC 2. It was the first comedy sketch show conceived, written and performed by British Asians. Anita Rani chats with the multi-hyphenate artists, Meera Syal and Nina Wadia from the original ensemble cast. They discuss how they birthed a new “Asian Comedy” genre and its role today, getting spotted in a restaurant by George Michael, and some of their infamous sketches that added a new lens to British women.

Joanna Wolfarth, Jacqui Oatley, Shaista Aziz, Dr Stacey Pope, Róisín Lanigan, Catherine Hallissey. Lara Greaves, Helen Clark Jan 19, 2023

When art historian Joanna Wolfarth was pregnant with her first child, she assumed she would breastfeed, as her mother had fed her. This didn’t go according to plan. In a bid to understand her own feelings and attitudes about feeding her baby, she has just published a new book called Milk: An Intimate History of Breastfeeding . We discuss the shock resignation of New Zealander Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with BBC Diplomatic Correspondent James Lansdale, former Prime Minister Helen Clark and the political scientist Lara Greaves from Auckland University.

The premier league and the football association has been spelling out what they'll do to attract more women both as players and fans. But critics say women players are still too often thought of as an afterthought when it comes to both resources and facilities. And that fans are put off because they are badly catered for and misogyny can be rife in football stadia. We hear from football corrrespondent Jacqui Oatley and Shaista Aziz from the campaign group The Three Hijabis and the Academic Dr Stacey Pope from Durham University.

Do you consider yourself to be a lucky person? ‘Lucky girl syndrome’ is a new trend taking over TikTok with over 80 million views of the hashtag. The concept involves telling yourself that you are the luckiest person in the world, that everything always works out for you - and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The journalist Róisín Lanigan from i-D magazine and psychologist Catherine Hallissey join Anita to discuss whether it’s just a new take on positive thinking, and whether there is any psychological basis for it.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Bob Nettles

Searching for Rosemary Kennedy, 40 years of Madonna, Wendy Warrington - nurse/midwife, Nicola Brookes, Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett Jan 18, 2023

(Photo Amy Ní Fhearraigh by Kip Carroll)

Rosemary Kennedy has often been referred to as the "missing Kennedy". She was the sister of former US President John F. Kennedy and despite been part of one of the most famous families in American politics, very little was known about Rosemary. Until recently. Her story has been brought to life by the Irish National Opera in Least Like the Other – Searching for Rosemary Kennedy at the Royal Opera House. Director Netia Jones and soprano Amy Ní Fhearraigh join Jessica Creighton to discuss the production and its themes.

The First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, told CNN news that it is the women in Ukraine who are bearing the brunt of the war, caring for their children and older relatives, and keeping things going. Someone who knows this only too well is Wendy Warrington, an NHS nurse and midwife who has been going out to give medical help and support to women and children in Ukraine since March last year. She joins Jessica to talk about the situations that she sees every day, and how women really are at the heart of it all.

The Queen of Reinvention, Madonna, has announced her first ever greatest hits tour to mark 40 years since her breakout single, Holiday. She'll be playing 35 dates around the world. Performing hits from her 1983 self-titled debut album to 2019's Madame X. Jess dicusses her influence with Fiona Sturges, Arts writer for The Guardian and the Financial Times.

Yesterday serial rapist David Carrick was formally dismissed by the Metropolitan Police. He pleaded guilty to 24 rapes and multiple sexual offences. Sir Mark Rowley, the Met Commissioner, has apologised to his victims for the force’s failings. The force is currently investigating 1,000 sexual and domestic abuse claims involving about 800 of its officers. For survivors hearing about these cases in the news can be very difficult. Jess speaks to Nicola Brookes who was groomed by a police officer. The independent office of Police conduct said he “knowingly targeted and exploited” her.

During the Covid 19 lockdown, the writer Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett decided - like many of us - to get a pet. She acquired Mackerel, a kitten, whose antics over one year helped her examine her desire and fears about becoming a mother and inspired her to write her latest book ‘The Year of the Cat’. Jessica Creighton asks Rhiannon about cat ladies and the extraordinary cat characters of her childhood, and the deeper themes of her book - anxiety and recovery from trauma, family love and why she used to say, “I’m not sure I want children.”

Presented by Jessica Creighton Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

Elizabeth McGovern, Pat Cullen, David Carrick, The Wife of Bath Jan 17, 2023

Elizabeth McGovern was Oscar nominated for her portrayal of Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime and, by the age of 21, had played leading roles in Once Upon A Time In America followed by The Handmaid’s Tale and The Wings of the Dove. She is probably best known though for playing Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey. She is now on stage starring in Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? The actress and musician joins Jessica to discuss her varied career so far and what drew her to the role of Martha.

A misconduct hearing today will formally dismiss David Carrick from the Metropolitan Police, after he admitted twenty-four counts of rape and multiple sexual assaults. Carrick was finally stopped when one woman reported him in October 2021. Sir Mark Rowley, the Met Commissioner, has apologised to Carrick's victims, and says the force is currently also investigating 1,000 sexual and domestic abuse claims involving about 800 of its officers. Jessica is joined to discuss by Shabnam Chaudhri, who served as an officer in the Met for 30 years.

Tomorrow will see the start of a second round of strikes by the Royal College of Nursing. The RCN says that this will be the biggest walkout so far, affecting 55 trusts in England - that's 11 more than last month. They are calling for a pay rise of 5% above inflation, with inflation currently sitting at 14%. The government says the demands are unaffordable and pay rises were decided by independent pay review bodies. NHS staff in England and Wales - including nurses - have already received an average increase of 4.75%. The union says that there will be a further two strikes in February in England and Wales, unless there is movement on pay by the end of this month. Pat Cullen is the General Secretary and Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing, and joins Jessica.

Today marks the 250th anniversary of the UK in the Antarctic following the first voyage of James Cook in 1773. In contrast to Cook’s all-male crew in the 18th century, the UK’s current polar leadership includes several women. What is it like to be a female leader in this field? Jessica Creighton is joined by Jane Rumble, the Head of Polar Regions Department at the UK Foreign Office, Professor Dame Jane Francis, the Director of the British Antarctic Survey and Captain Milly Ingham, the Captain of HMS Protector, The Royal Navy’s ice patrol ship to find out.

One of literary history’s favourite characters – Alison the Wife of Bath – from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales is re-examined in a new book by Professor Marion Turner from Oxford University. Marion tells Jessica how the lusty life story of the medieval Alison who married five times has inspired other writers from Shakespeare to Zadie Smith.

Actor Patricia Hodge, Online Safety Bill, Returning to work Jan 16, 2023

Patricia Hodge has been gracing the stage and screen for over five decades. Well known for her iconic performances in 80s TV series Rumpole of the Bailey and The Life and Loves of the She-Devil. She is currently starring in a revival of the 1941 Lillian Hellmann play Watch on the Rhine at the Donmar Warehouse and plays Fanny. Patricia joins Krupa to discuss the role and how opportunities for women in the film, TV and theatre industry have evolved throughout her career.

The much discussed Online Safety Bill returns to the House of Commons tomorrow. The path for the Bill which seeks to make Britain “the safest place in the world to be online” still looks far from certain. The BBC’s Disinformation and Social Media Correspondent Marianna Spring joins us to discuss what the points of contention are. Krupa is also joined by the former Culture Secretary Baroness Nicky Morgan and Lord Richard Allan who was Director of Policy in Europe for Facebook for 10 years.

A new drama starting tonight focuses on the experience of three women returning to front line NHS jobs following maternity leave. Krupa will be chatting to the female paediatrician and surgeon who helped inform and inspire the characters on screen about their own experiences of returning to such high pressure roles whilst juggling motherhood.

Afghan police have confirmed that a former Afghan MP and her bodyguard have been shot dead at her home in the capital Kabul. Mursal Nabizada, was one of 9 out of 69 female MPs who chose to stay in the country after the Talian returned to power in August 2021. Krupa speaks to Fawzia Koofi, Afghanistan's First Woman Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Emma Pearce

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

Weekend Woman's Hour: saris, speaking to kids on Andrew Tate, breast cancer history, donor conceived children, Eleanor Williams Jan 14, 2023

We speak to listeners on how best to talk about Andrew Tate and other social media influencers who are spreading misogynistic messages online. We talk to Dr Emily Setty, Senior Lecturer at the University of Surrey who does research in schools with young people about sex and relationships & Michael Conroy, founder of Men at Work, an organisation that trains professionals how to have constructive dialogue with boys.

Listener Hayley got in touch to share her own story, not only of being a donor conceived person herself, but of using a donor to conceive her own children too. She explains why she thinks it’s so important to be open and honest about your child’s conception.

22-year-old Eleanor Williams who claimed she had been trafficked and raped by an Asian grooming gang was convicted of perverting the course of justice. She will be sentenced in March but we consider the possible impact her conviction could have on how rape is reported, how it’s handled by the police and whether women are believed. We hear from the former chief prosecutor for the north west Nazir Ali and Maggie Oliver, the former senior police officer who became a whistle-blower for exposing the poor handling of the Rochdale child sex abuse ring case by her own force.

We hear from Joanna Bourke who is the Gresham Professor of Rhetoric on the history of breast cancer.

The Offbeat Sari exhibition will include 90 examples of innovative saris – including the first ever sari worn at the Met Gala and a foil jersey sari worn by Lady Gaga. We talk to the exhibition's curator Priya Khanchandani.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Surya Elango Editor: Louise Corley

Female conductors, Talking to children about Andrew Tate, Jenny Beavan, FGM and Pub birth. Jan 13, 2023

Women conductors are in the limelight this week with a film called “Tar”, which opens in cinemas today, starring Cate Blanchett depicting the life of Lydia Tár - a fictional world-renowned composer-conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic. The American conductor Marin Alsop famously observed that women are more likely to lead a G7 country or become four-star generals in the US Army than they are to be the principal conductor of a big orchestra. Anita Rani speaks to one our listener Emma Warren who got in touch with us as she is the only woman on her choral conducting course at The Royal Academy and Joséphine Korda who has just been announced by Opera North as their latest Female Conductor Trainee.

Yesterday we talked about Andrew Tate and other social media influencers who are spreading misogynistic messages online. Several listeners got in touch to tell us about how their children have come across this kind of material and with concerns about how best to talk about it with them. Anita is joined by Dr Emily Setty, Senior Lecturer at the University of Surrey who does research in schools with young people about sex and relationships and Michael Conroy founder of Men at Work, an organisation that trains professionals how to have constructive dialogue with boys.

Jenny Beavan has spent over 40 years dressing the greats of Hollywood for film and screen. She is an 11 time Oscar nominated (and 3 time Oscar winning) costume designer, whose work you will be familiar with from films such as Sense and Sensibility, The King’s Speech, and Mad Max: Fury Road. She has just been longlisted for the BAFTA Award for Best Costume Design for her work on Mrs Harris Goes to Paris. The film tells the story of Ada Harris, played by Lesley Manville, a cleaning lady who – unsurprisingly – travels to Paris, after she sees a Dior dress belonging to one of her clients and is determined to own one of her own. Jenny joins Anita to tell us about the process of recreating old Dior designs and the transformative power of that perfect dress!

More than 25 years ago, the World Health Organisation made a commitment to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation across the world. Despite this, around eight thousand women and girls each day go through FGM. To understand why this is still happening, Anita Rani will hear from WHO researcher Dr Christina Pallitto and charity CEO Nkatha Mugao, who helps women and girls in Kenya who have been cut, and is working to stop FGM.

Natasha Kaplinsky, Misogynist influencers, Professor Joanna Bourke, Dr Rebecca Gomperts Jan 12, 2023

Natasha Kaplinsky has become the first female president of the British Board of Film Classification, which is responsible for setting age guidelines for films, videos and DVDs, as well as content on some streaming services. The journalist, presenter and former newsreader for the BBC, Sky and Channel 5 joins Anita for her first broadcast interview about the role since her appointment in November. She'll discuss what drew her to the job, which topics concern parents the most and how she'll judge today's cultural sensitivities around sex, violence and language.

Andrew Tate appeared in court earlier this week and is continuing to be held on charges of rape and human trafficking in Romania – charges his lawyer claims have “no evidence.” One of the top ten most Googled individuals of 2022, a kickboxer turned life coach and former contestant of Big Brother, he gained popularity for his online videos which contained misogynistic content. But Andrew Tate is not the only person spreading those views on social media, there are a host of other men who have that space. So who are they preaching to and why are their messages so popular? Anita speaks to journalist Harriet Hall who interviewed Andrew Tate as part of an investigation into misogyny online for Cosmopolitan magazine and Dr Bettina Rottweiler from University College London who specialises in the relationship between misogyny and different types of violence.

Professor Joanna Bourke has been looking into the history of breast cancer. How did the one-step radical mastectomy persist as the most common way to deal with the disease until relatively recently? How was breast cancer racialized, with many doctors in the US who believed that black women could not get it? And why are women encouraged to reconstruct their missing breast after surgery? Joanna is the Gresham Professor of Rhetoric, and is giving a lecture on the cultural history of breast cancer this evening, which will also be available to watch online. She joins Anita in studio.

Dr Rebecca Gomperts has spent her career providing abortions in places where the procedure is restricted or illegal. Her first venture, Women on Waves, saw her using a converted fishing trawler to travel into international waters and perform the procedures on board. Then she started an online service shipping abortion pills to women, using her Austrian medical license to stay within the law. Most recently her attention has turned to the US in the wake of the overturning of Roe vs Wade. She joins Anita Rani to discuss how her work has changed.

The Offbeat Sari exhibition, Iran latest, coldwater swimming and is AI pushing the boundaries of art? Jan 11, 2023

The Offbeat Sari exhibition will include 90 examples of innovative saris – including the first ever sari worn at the Met Gala and a foil jersey sari worn by Lady Gaga. Krupa Padhy talks to the exhibition's curator Priya Khanchandani.

BBC Journalist Faranak Amidi brings us the latest from Iran and we look at LOAB, the internet character created by artificial intelligence. Described as having the 'eerie face of a middle-aged woman with dead eyes, a vacant stare and a disturbing grimace', she's become an online viral phenomenon. Steph Swanson, the artist who created LOAB, explains her work and we hear from Tabitha Goldstaub, who chairs the UK’s Artificial Intelligence Council, and Mhairi Aitken, from the Alan Turing Institute.

In February 2003, a woman called Lana Clarkson was found dead at the Hollywood mansion of the iconic music producer Phil Spector. It was a global news sensation, with Spector insisting that the 40-year-old actor – whom he had only met that evening - had killed herself with his gun. A new Sky documentary series called Spector re-examines what happened almost 20 years ago, and speaks to her family and friends for the first time.

And are you one of those people who loves jumping into the sea or a river at this time of year to feel the benefit of cold water swimming? Well, if so, the British Medical Journal has said that swimmers should be told more about the risks of a lung condition known as SIPE - swimming-induced pulmonary oedema. Dr Ruth Williamson is a cold water swimmer and Acting Chief Medical Officer at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. She tells us how to spot SIPE and what to do about it, if you fear you have it.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Michael Millham

Photo Credit; : Bikramjit Bose

The Letters of Edith Thompson, Women in Westminister, Donor-conceived Children, Lucy Rout on Dragons' Den Jan 10, 2023

One hundred years ago Edith Thompson and her lover Frederick Bywaters were hanged for the murder of her husband Percy, even though there was no evidence that she was involved with the killing. What condemned Edith were the letters that she had written to Freddy, which were interpreted by the law as incitement to murder. Laura Thompson has brought the letter together in a book Au Revoir Now Darlint. She joins Nuala to discuss the story and why the case still resonates a century later.

A report out today by the charity the Fawcett Society has found a ‘toxic and exclusionary’ culture in Westminster which they say risks pushing out women MPs and having a damaging effect on democracy. Nuala is joined by Jemima Olchawski, CEO of the Fawcett Society as well as the Conservative MP Maria Miller who is Chair of the APPG on Women and Parliament and the Labour MP Stella Creasy who has campaigned for better maternity rights for MPs.

When Nuala spoke about donor conceived children on Woman’s Hour last week, listener Hayley got in touch to share her own story, not only of being a donor conceived person herself, but of using a donor to conceive her own children too. She explains why she thinks it’s so important to be open and honest about your child’s conception.

Dragons' Den has returned to our TV screens and the Dragons were impressed by Lucy Rout's pitch. The 28 year old became the first entrepreneur in 20 series to receive investment and a job offer from Peter Jones alongside investment backing from two other dragons. Lucy is the founder of Tabuu, a business that sells stylish pill cases with the aim of removing the stigma around taking medication. Lucy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the 25, and following reconstruction of her digestive system has to take medication every time she eats. She talks to Nuala about her illness and her experience in the Den.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

Impact of Eleanor Williams case, miracle baby, women in early animation, teachers' strike Jan 09, 2023

Last week we reported how 22-year-old Eleanor Williams who claimed she had been trafficked and raped by an Asian grooming gang was convicted of perverting the course of justice. She will be sentenced in March but we consider the possible impact her conviction could have on how rape is reported, how it’s handled by the police and whether women are believed. We hear from the former chief prosecutor for the north west Nazir Ali and Maggie Oliver, the former senior police officer who became a whistle blower for exposing the poor handling of the Rochdale child sex abuse ring case by her own force.

Whether it's rail, nurses, ambulance staff or postal workers strikes are becoming an increasingly common part of life. Could teachers across the UK be the next to follow? This week sees some teachers in Scotland striking with unions in England, Wales and NI. balloting their members in the coming days. Three quarters of teachers are female. Nuala talks to a teacher with nearly 30 years experience Michelle Richards and Natalie Perera, Chief Executive of the Education Policy

Hira Ahmad is the first woman with Bruck Syndrome, a brittle bone condition, to give birth to a healthy baby. The 28-year-old gave birth to baby girl Dua last January l and now wants to share her story to inspire others with similar conditions. She was given specialist care in St George's Hospital, London led by Professor Asma Khalil, consultant in obstetrics and maternal foetal medicine.

Until recently, it was believed that the early pioneers of animation had all been men. That consensus was shattered when historian Mindy Johnson uncovered the previously unseen work of the animator Bessie Mae Kelley from the 1920s. Kelley’s films are now the earliest surviving hand-drawn animations by a woman (before this the earliest woman’s work was from the 1950s.) Mindy joins Nuala McGovern to discuss gender bias in film history and why this discovery is so ground-breaking.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Beverley Purcell

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Ecofeminist Vandana Shiva, how to quit well, Shekeila Scarlett Jan 07, 2023

The author and environmental activist Vandana Shiva has released a new book, Terra Viva to coincide with her 70th birthday. She discusses her life campaigning for climate justice and equality, as well as what she thinks of the current climate situation.

According to reports in the Telegraph this week, Rishi Sunak has shelved plans to reform childcare services put forward by his predecessor, Liz Truss. The plans were looking at increasing free childcare support and changing the staff-child ratio. What will this mean for parents who need childcare and for those working in the industry? We hear the CEO of the Early Years Alliance Neil Leitch and the Deputy Director of UK Onward, Adam Hawksbee.

New year, new job? If you’re thinking of leaving a job we discuss the art of quitting well. Sometimes leaving is the right thing to do, but how do you do that without destroying everything you’ve worked hard for? We hear from Mandy Dennison Director of Engagement from the International Federation of Coaching UK, and Karen Danker from Women Returners, which helps women returning to the work place after an extended break.

In our series Finding My Voice we’re talking to women about the moment they realised they had something to say or stand up for. Shekeila Scarlett was excluded from school when she was 12 years old. Although she was reinstated at the school just 2 months later, the experience made her realised how distant young pupils were from the governors who made decisions about their school. At 26, she’s now the Chair of Governors at Stoke Newington High School in Hackney, making her one of the youngest chairs of a school governing board in the UK.

This year in the UK children conceived by sperm, egg or embryo donation who turn 18 will be able to request information that identifies their donor. This includes the donor’s name, birth name, date of birth and address, as long as the information is on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s register. It’s a result of a change in the law in April 2005 meaning tha the first of those children conceived after the law changed will have their eighteenth birthdays this year. To discuss the implications for donors, children conceived by donor as well as their families are Clare Ettinghausen, Director of Strategy & Corporate Affairs at the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the UK’s Fertility Regulator. And Nina Barnsley Director of the Donor Conception Network which is a UK based charity supporting donor conception families.

You might have spent this first week of January planning where you want to go, what you want to do and who you want to be in 2023, but have you made any financial new year’s resolutions? Statistics show that more than a third of us (35%) will make a financial new year’s resolution this year. We hear from the consumer editor of the Financial Times and presenter of the FT's Money Clinic podcast, Claer Barrett as well as the budget savvy mum, Gemma Bird also known as @MoneyMumOfficial on what we can all do when it comes to financial planning.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Photo credit: Kartikey Shiva

Financial planning, Susan Cronin, Friends forever - Christina, Finding my voice - Liz Roberts Jan 06, 2023

You might have spent this first week of January planning where you want to go, what you want to do and who you want to be in 2023 But have you made any financial new year’s resolutions. Statistics show that more than a third of us will make a financial new year’s resolution this year. Will you be ‘manifesting’ money in the year ahead? Anita Rani is joined by the consumer editor of the Financial Times and presenter of the FT's Money Clinic podcast, Claer Barrett as well as the budget savvy mum, Gemma Bird also known as @MoneyMumOfficial on social media.

A new ITV documentary, A Murder in the Family, re-lives three shocking murders in the UK as told by the family members closest to the events. One of those is Jennifer Cronin, who was 72 when she was killed by her daughter’s ex-husband, Kieren Lynch. In March 2018, Kieren went to Jennifer’s house and set himself and Jennifer on fire, resulting in both of them dying from their injuries. Jennifer’s daughter Susan witnessed the incident and speaks to Anita Rani.

Over the last few months we have been exploring the joys and difficulties of female friendship. When a friendship goes wrong can you fix it and should you try? A listener we are calling Christina contacted us to say she has lost three long-standing friendships in the last four years. This is her side of the story, she acknowledges that, but she is asking herself some big questions. Jo Morris went to meet her.

In our series Finding My Voice we’re talking to women about the moment they realised they had something to say or stand up for. In 2020, Liz Roberts chose to report the sexual assault she suffered at the hands of her brother 50 years previously, when she was just 8 years old. During the legal proceedings, she chose to waive her right to anonymity – a right which is automatically granted to victims of sexual offences in the UK. She joins Anita Rani to discuss the choice to use her name and why, since her brother’s sentencing, she’s continued to speak publicly about her story.

Ecofeminist Vandana Shiva, how to quit well, Fay Weldon Jan 05, 2023

The author and environmental activist Vandana Shiva has released a new book, Terra Viva to coincide with her 70th birthday. She joins Anita Rani to discuss her life campaigning for climate justice and equality.

Eleanor Williams, a 22 year old woman from Barrow-in-Furness, who claimed she had been trafficked by an Asian grooming gang has been convicted of perverting the course of justice. Her false Facebook post about being trafficked and beaten was shared more than 100,000 times and led to protests in the local area. The North of England Editor for the Guardian Helen Pidd has been following the story and has interviewed some of her victims, Helen joins Anita to discuss the case.

New year, new job? Today we discuss the art of quitting well. Anita is joined by Mandy Dennison Director of Engagement from the International Federation of Coaching UK, and Karen Danker from Women Returners, which helps women returning to the work place after an extended break.

In our series Finding My Voice we’re talking to women about the moment they realised they had something to say or stand up for. Moud Goba fled her home country of Zimbabwe at the age of 20 due to harassment she faced over her sexuality. She is now the Chair of the Board of Trustees for UK Black Pride and has spent over a decade helping other LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers to integrate into their new communities. She joins Anita Rani to discuss how she found her voice as an activist once she was finally able to express her sexuality freely.

We hear the Woman's Hour archive from 2015 following the death of novelist Fay Weldon.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Emma Pearce

Photo credit: Kartikey Shiva

The only woman in a group of men, Children conceived by donors, Finding My Voice, Face masks Jan 04, 2023

What is it like to be the only woman in a group of men? Is it isolating? Intimidating? Or, can there be a certain, maybe shameful, thrill of being included as ‘one of the lads’? To discuss, Nuala speaks to Immy Humes, a documentary filmmaker who has spent years gathering archive images of all-male groups including exactly one woman, which she published as a collection in her book ‘The Only Woman’. They are also joined by Emma John, a sports journalist and author of ‘Self Contained’, her memoir of single life. She’s spent her career covering cricket and rugby, often as ‘the only woman’ surrounded by male friends and colleagues.

This year in the UK children conceived by sperm, egg or embryo donation who turn 18 will be able to request information that identifies their donor. This includes the donor’s name, birth name, date of birth and address, as long as the information is on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s register. It’s a result of a change in the law in April 2005 meaning that the first of those children conceived after the law changed will have their 18th birthdays this year. Nuala discusses the implications for donors, children conceived by donor as well as their families, with Clare Ettinghausen, Director of Strategy & Corporate Affairs at the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the UK’s Fertility Regulator. And Nina Barnsley Director of the Donor Conception Network which is a UK based charity supporting donor conception families.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that 1 in 45 people in England have covid – and the UK Health Security Agency are now advising people to wear face masks if they are ill and need to leave the house, and to keep ill children home from school. So what does this mean? Are we going to get back to wearing face masks everywhere? Nuala McGovern speaks to the Times Science Editor Tom Whipple to get the latest on the situation, and government covid advisor Professor Susan Michie to hear how we should be changing our behaviour.

In our series Finding My Voice we’re talking to women about the moment they realised they had something to say or stand up for. Nuala speaks to Shekeila Scarlet. She was excluded from school when she was just 12 years old. After an appeal process that eventually reversed the decision, she was reinstated at the school. But seeing her case debated by a board of governors made her realise the importance of having young people involved in school governance. At 26, she’s now the Chair of Governors at Stoke Newington School in Hackney, making her one of the youngest chairs of a school governing board in the UK.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer : Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

Harriet Walker, Elika Ashoori, Dr Henrietta Hughes, Sarah Graham, Neil Leitch, Adam Hawksbee Jan 03, 2023

There’s a growing trend in women not wearing bras. To talk about this Nuala McGovern is joined by the Fashion Editor of The Times, Harriet Walker. She’ll talk about bra trends up to now, and why this might not be the best of them.

According to reports in the Telegraph, Rishi Sunak has shelved plans to reform childcare services put forward by his predecessor, Liz Truss. The plans were looking at increasing free childcare support and changing the staff-child ratio. Nuala McGovern will be looking at what the postponing of these reforms means for parents who need childcare, as well as those working in the industry, speaking to the CEO of the Early Years Alliance Neil Leitch and the Deputy Director of UK Onward, Adam Hawksbee.

In our series Finding My Voice we’re talking to women about the moment they realised they had something to say or stand up for. Elika Ashoori was an actor and baker who rarely kept up with politics. That is, until 2017 when her father, Anoosheh, was detained by the Iranian authorities while visiting his mother. Over the next 5 years, she and her family fought for his release and she was forced to go through what she calls a ‘crash course’ in human rights campaigning.

We look at the "gender health gap" with the Patient Safety Commissioner for England - Dr Henrietta Hughes. . A GP by training and previously a medical director at NHS England she was appointed in July and took up the post in September. She'll be joined by the health journalist Sarah Graham who has a new book out, Rebel Bodies: A guide to the gender health gap revolution

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Bob Nettles.

Turning your passion into a business with Deborah Meaden and Lynne Franks Jan 02, 2023

Are you harbouring a dream of turning your passion into a business? Today we hear from women already doing it and find out what support's out there for women taking up the challenge. Deborah Meaden, Dragons Den investor, entrepreneur and host of the Big Green Money Show joins Krupa Padhy to discuss #Passionintobusiness

Sam Jackman is the creator and founder of a post-mastectomy breast form. She developed it after her mum complained about her discomfort with the traditional silicone gel prosthesis she was using following breast cancer treatment. Sharon McBean from Birmingham wanted a music box with a young Black ballerina twirling around for her daughter (so it looked like her). She couldn't find one anywhere so started to manufacture and sell her own. And Joan D’Arcy in North West Scotland tells us about her non-profit business looking for local solutions to stop plastic pollution generated at sea.

We also hear from social entrepreneur and founder of the SEED Women’s Enterprise Network, Lynne Franks. She started her own PR consultancy back in 1975 and now supports and mentors women running or hoping to run their own business. Plus Sarah Ronan, board member of Parental Pay Equality and part of the Women’s Budget Group unpicks the latest statistics around self-employment and women in the UK and Yvonne Sampson, Head of enterprise at GC Business Growth Hub in Manchester, explains what support they offer to women with their business ideas.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Deborah Meaden Interviewed Guest: Sam Jackman Interviewed Guest: Sarah Ronan Interviewed Guest: Yvonne Sampson Interviewed Guest: Lynne Franks Interviewed Guest: Sharon McBean Interviewed Guest: Joan D'Arcy

Sally Wainwright, drink spiking, Gurinder Chadha and Debbie Wiseman Dec 31, 2022

Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth joins Krupa Padhy to talk about the new figures released by the National Police Chiefs Council which say there were nearly five thousand cases of needle and drink spiking recorded by forces across England and Wales between September last year and August this year.

Do you remember the first time you really felt ‘seen’? For a special bank holiday programme, all about representation, hear a conversation between Bridgerton actress Charithra Chandran and her hero Gurinder Chadha, who directed the iconic film Bend It Like Beckham.

As part of a new series called Finding My Voice, Jessica Creighton speaks to the author Milly Johnson about the moment she realised her success lay in embracing and enhancing her Yorkshire voice, instead of trying to supress it.

The scientist Dr Jess Wade joins Jessica Creighton to talk about the representation of women in science, and how she’s trying to improve that by joining the Wikipedia community of volunteers and creating pages for women in science and all their achievements.

The writer and director Sally Wainwright joins Krupa Padhy ahead of the final series of Happy Valley to discuss how she created the iconic character of Catherine Cawood, and why Sarah Lancashire was perfect for the part – and her mum was her best script editor.

What’s the best way for you to feel rested? Does music come into it? Jessica Creighton speaks to the award-winning composer and conductor Debbie Wiseman OBE about the relaxing and restful impact the right music can have, not just on our mind, but on our body and our heartbeat too.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Lottie Garton

Paulina Porizkova - former supermodel, Vivienne Westwood, Sally Wainwright, Servicewomen & sexual assault, Annus horribilis Dec 30, 2022

Dame Vivienne Westwood died yesterday at the age of 81 but she has been called the ‘undisputed Queen of British Fashion’. She made her name with her controversial punk and new wave styles in the 1970s and went on to dress some of the biggest stars in fashion. She was well known for her androgynous designs, slogan T-shirts and irreverent attitude towards the establishment and would use her platform later to bring the causes she cared about like climate change to the forefront. Barjis Chohan is a fashion designer in London who got her first break fresh out of college working with Dame Vivienne Westwood

The multi Bafta-winning BBC drama Happy Valley returns to our screens on New Year’s Day. It’s a long awaited third series – the first came out in 2014, and the second in 2016. It centres on police Sergeant Catherine Cawood (pron. Kay-ward) - played by Sarah Lancashire - and her family in West Yorkshire and is the brainchild of writer and director Sally Wainwright, whose other TV credits include Last Tango in Halifax, Scott and Bailey and Gentleman Jack. Krupa speaks to Sally, who is considered to be one of our greatest television dramatists.

Hundreds of servicewomen have experienced sexual abuse during their training at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, according to Salute Her UK. Their figures show that 177 women have sought help for cases spanning more than 20 years. Paula Edwards, CEO of Salute Her UK discusses the ‘toxic culture’ of sexual assault in the military. Salute Her UK is the sister charity of Forward Assist - which supports military veterans struggling to adjust to civilian life. It is the only UK gender-specific support service to offer therapy and interventions for survivors of in-service sexual abuse.

Even if you don’t know her name, you will almost certainly recognise her face. A former supermodel Czechoslovak-born Paulina Porizkova appeared on the covers of numerous top magazines around the world during the 1980s and 1990s, including Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Glamour and Cosmopolitan. In 1988 she became one of the highest-paid models in the world as the face of Estee Lauder. She also acted in many movies and TV shows and was on the judging panel on cycle 10 of America’s Next Top Model. Her novel, A model Summer, was published in 2007. She has now written a memoir, No Filter: The Good, the Bad, and The beautiful.

2022 marks thirty years since Queen Elizabeth II used the term annus horribilis (worst year) in her Ruby Jubilee speech to describe a personal low point. As we approach the New Year, some of us may, instead of celebrating, be looking back at our own personal annus horribilis. But how do we cope when all the bad news seems to come at once? And after a worst year, how do we feel hopeful for a better one? Emily Dean is a radio host and author of Everybody Died So I Got A Dog. Ella Risbridger is a food writer whose books describe how she found solace from grief and mental illness through the comfort of cooking. They both join Krupa Padhy to discuss how we can cope with the lowest points in life.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Barjis Chohan Interviewed Guest: Sally Wainwright Interviewed Guest: Paula Edwards Interviewed Guest: Paulina Porizkova Photographer: Jill Greenberg Interviewed Guest: Ella Risbridger Interviewed Guest: Emily Dean

Life beyond menopause, Maggie Blyth on needle spiking, Turning the Tide, Jealousy in friendships Dec 29, 2022

If 2022 was the year of talking about menopause could 2023 be the year of looking at life beyond it? Joining Krupa to discuss the positive side of life after menopause is Caryn Franklin, fashion and identity commentator. Her latest audio book is SKEWED: Decoding Media Bias, which explores why women and girls are educated to fear ageing. And Supriya Nagarajan who made a life-changing decision during the menopause to focus on her first love - performing the traditional music of her south Asian roots.

According to the National Police Chiefs Council, nearly 5,000 cases of needle and drink spiking were recorded by forces across England and Wales between September 2021 and August 2022. There were more than 2500 cases of spiking by needle, with women accounting for three quarters of the victims. However, only three per cent of blood samples sent for analysis were found to “contain a controlled drug that supports a spiking incident”, so potential victims of spiking are being urged to report to the police and get tested quickly - as some substances can leave the body within 12 hours. Krupa is joined by Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, the National Police Chiefs Council lead on violence against women and girls.

A new film and exhibition called Turning the Tide looks at the role of women in the renewable energy sector through movement and dance. The short film features women in graceful action at landmarks such as the Humber Bridge, and at an offshore wind turbine blade factory in Hull. Created in partnership with the Women's Movement 100 project which is celebrating the 100 years of female suffrage, it's the brainchild of choreographer Freddie Garland, who has done similar projects recognising women in industry in Sheffield and Newcastle. She speaks to Krupa along with Louise Smith, one of the dancers in the film and director of the University of Hull's Aura Innovation Centre.

A new historical drama begins this evening on BBC Two, about the ill-fated French queen Marie Antoinette. The award-winning French costume designer Madeline Fontaine is the woman who was tasked with recreating the sumptuous and extravagant outfits that are paraded around Versailles on the show. She joins Krupa.

Is it OK to be jealous of your friends? With the festive period in full swing, it can be a time of feeling envious of people gathering and having a good time on social media – but how do we tame the green-eyed monster that can surface when we see that our friends are happy and doing well? Krupa is joined by female friendship coach Danielle Bayard Jackson and journalist and author Claire Cohen to discuss.

Finding My Voice. Afghanistan. Do you live with a 'man child'? Colourism. The great Christmas Sandwich debate Dec 28, 2022

When did you realise you you had something to say or something you want to stand up for. In the first in our series "Find My Voice" Jessica talks to Milly Johnson the author of 20 novels which have sold over 3 million copies worldwide. She’s the winner of the Romantic Novelist Association's Outstanding Achievement Award, as well as Channel 4’s Come Dine With Me – Barnsley edition. But all that success seemed like a pipe dream, until she got her first book deal at the age of 40.

As the UN Security Council calls on the Taliban to revoke its ban on women in Afghanistan working for aid agencies - we look at the impact it will have on humanitarian operations in a country heavily dependent on aid.

When our reporter Ena Miller gave birth to her baby called Bonnie just over a year ago - she expected to receive the standard comments..."Oh she's so beautiful, aww look at her little nose, she's so cute, aww what a big baby..." she did get those but she also got negative remarks from friends and strangers about the colour of her baby's skin. Ena realised she was not alone and went to meet two other mothers Fariba and Wendy to talk about their experiences and ask for their advice.

Plus do you live with a ‘man-child’? Research shows that it’s a real phenomenon, and can damage the relationship dynamic between a man and a woman, typically meaning the woman is less sexually interested. Professor @SarivanAnders joins @JessCreighton1 to tell us more

And the Christmas Sandwich. Is it more popular than Christmas lunch? What should be in them? How important is the bread you choose? And can you ever add gravy? Nell Carter who reviews Christmas sandwiches is in the studio to tell us.

Presenter Jessica Creighton Producer Beverley Purcell

On Being Seen: Actor Constance Wu, Zara McDermott, Dr Jess Wade, filmmaker Gurinder Chadha & Bridgerton's Charithra Chandran Dec 27, 2022

What does it mean when you are the first to 'be seen'? In 2018, Constance Wu received a Golden Globe Best Lead Actress nomination. She was the first Asian woman in 44 years to be named in the category for her historic role in Crazy Rich Asians, the first Hollywood film in 25 years to feature an all-Asian cast. After a tweet bemoaning the hit Chinese American sitcom Fresh Off The Boat, which launched her career, she was ‘cancelled’ by many from her own community. Wu talks to us about the pressures of representation and being seen.

What is our responsibility in what we show people? Zara McDermott, social media influencer, former Love Island reality TV star and now filmmaker, talks to us about the responsibility we have in reflecting a balanced and authentic image of ourselves online. In Zara’s recent BBC Three documentary, Disordered Eating, she questions her responsibilities as a social media influencer.

How can we help others be seen? Dr Jess Wade is a physicist from Imperial College London who creates wiki profiles for women in science. Wikipedia is the largest and most-read reference work in history, yet Jess says only 19 percent of profiles are of women. She tells us how and why she hopes to change that.

What if you see yourself in someone but choose the path not taken? Rotherham listeners, Becky and her mum Jackie, discuss how they do and don’t see themselves in each other.

If you met your hero, what would you say to them? An intergenerational conversation between two women who inspire each other: Gurinder Chadha is the Director of the landmark film Bend It Like Beckham which turned 20 this year, and Charitha Chandran plays Edwina Sharma in season two of the hit Netflix period drama Bridgerton.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Surya Elango

Boxing Day on Rest Dec 26, 2022

This is your time to rest.. you have permission. Lie on the floor, or sit on a chair, get yourself comfortable... close your eyes if you'd like... take a deep breath in... and exhale...

How much do you rest? Do you prioritise it? Maybe you feel you don't have time to rest! Or maybe you feel guilty for taking time out? Jessica Creighton discusses the theme of Rest with her guests.

The presenter and author of The Art of Rest Claudia Hammond defines what rest is - and isn’t; discusses some of the most restful activities, gives a ‘Prescription for Rest’ and explains why she has a box containing a crochet hook and some seeds.

The Reverend Lesley Jones, Rector at The Parish of Jarrow of Simonside, and Anna Katharina Schaffner, Professor of Cultural History at the University of Kent, discuss the day of rest and the ‘rest cure’ – which involved drinking four pints of milk and eating mutton chops!

The nature geek Melissa Harrison takes us on a country walk near her village and describes how nature rests in winter.

Composer Debbie Wiseman explains how music can promote a feeling of restfulness and demonstrates with some of her favourites from Beethoven to Brahms and her own composition Together.

British athletes discuss how they use rest to perform at the highest level. The Former athlete and Olympic medallist Anyika Onuora and sport climber and five times National Champion Molly Thompson-Smith share their stories of how necessary it was in aiding their recovery from illness and injury.

And a former magazine editor Marianne Jones commissioned hundreds of pieces about stress, but ignored her own potentially fatal burnout. She recalls the warning signs that led her to become a relaxed woman.

Presented by Jessica Creighton Producer: Louise Corley

Janelle Monae; Zara Aleena's aunt - Farah Naz; Marathon runner Christine Hobson, folk singers Bryony Griffith & Alice Jones Dec 23, 2022

Photo credit: John Wilson/Netflix The Grammy nominated singer and actor Janelle Monae joins Krupa to discuss playing the role of Andi Brand in Netflix's Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. They also discuss politics, including Janelle's thoughts on the rights of marginalised groups in the US as well as fashion and Janelle's love of dressing in the nude on holiday.

In the early hours of June 26 this year aspiring lawyer Zara Aleena, 35, was sexually assaulted before she was killed by a man who had been released from prison less than two weeks before. She was attacked as she walked home from a night out along busy Cranbrook Road in Ilford, east London, an area she knew well and where she felt “safe”. Krupa speaks to Zara’s aunt – Farah Naz – about Zara, losing her and the family’s reaction to the murderer being allowed to stay in his cell rather than come to court to be sentenced last week.

Sixty nine year old Christine Hobson from West Yorkshire has become the oldest woman to complete the Antarctic Ice Marathon. Braving the extreme weather conditions with minus 50C temperatures, she completed the marathon last Wednesday in just eight hours and 33 minutes. She has also now achieved the incredible feat of having run 117 marathons on seven continents.

The fiddler and folk singer Bryony Griffith and singer, instrumentalist and percussive step dancer, Alice Jones are established solo artists at the heart of the UK folk scene. They have joined forces and earlier this year they released an album of Yorkshire songs and folklore: “A year too late and a month too soon” - which went to No.6 in Mojo folk albums of the year. They join Krupa Padhy live in the studio to discuss the tradition and to perform a Yorkshire Christmas song - Early Pearly, which they've recorded to raise funds for homeless charities.

Presented by Krupa Padhy Producer: Louise Corley

Returning to your childhood bedroom at Christmas, Iranian dolls, Lilia Giugni Dec 22, 2022

Over the festive period, many people will be returning to stay in the home they grew up in. But when is the right time to clear out a childhood bedroom after its occupants have left home? Should you turn it into a study, pottery studio, or holiday rental the moment the kids have stepped out the door? Or preserve it as a shrine filled with old A Level notes, soft toys, and 90s posters?

The protests in Iran are now entering their fourth month with no sign of abating. They were sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old who died in custody after being detained by morality police. But Woman's Hour has been in touch with one group of women who are rebelling in a quieter way, with the revival of a simple but ancient tradition. The tradition of making handmade dolls to pass from generation to generation. It's therapeutic, but still proving to be a small but powerful act of defiance. Tanaz Assefi, an artist originally from Iran, is in touch with a woman inside the country who's been travelling around towns and villages collecting handmade dolls.

How have women been affected by the digital revolution of the last 30 years? Lilia Giugni will be joining Krupa Padhy to talk about her book "Threat: Why Digital Capitalism is Sexist and How to Resist".

Plus the latest on the progress of the Scottish Gender Recognition Reform Bill. And one day after excluding women from university, we find out more about reports that the Taliban have banned girls from primary schools, effectively instituting a total ban on education for women and girls.

Presenter Krupa Padhy Producer Clare Walker.

ADHD in women, Prof Lucy Easthope, Debbie Dec 21, 2022

The number of female patients being prescribed medication for ADHD has more than doubled in recent years. The reasons for this include time spent at home during lockdown really getting to know ourselves and, increasingly, videos on social media sites. #ADHDinwomen has 2.3 billion views on TikTok. To discuss this Hayley is joined by Dr Jo Steer, a Clinical Psychologist and Josie Heath-Smith who discovered she had ADHD after watching videos online.

Today sees ambulance workers across most of England and Wales walk out over pay, joining nurses, rail and postal workers who have been on strike in recent weeks. Health chiefs have warned of "extensive disruption" and a health minister has said people should take "extra care". One woman who has been keeping a close eye on all of this is Professor Lucy Easthope, Professor of Risk and Hazard at Durham University, co founder of the After Disaster Network and author of When The Dust Settles - she joins Hayley Hassall on the programme.

The Taliban has banned women from attending universities in Afghanistan. Hayley Hassall is joined by the Diplomatic Correspondent for The Times, Catherine Philp, who has recently returned from Afghanistan.

The 23-year-old singer Debbie is one to watch. Signed to the same record label as the rapper Stormzy, she features on his latest album This Is What I Mean. Debbie joins Hayley Hassall to discuss growing up with gospel music and how her pop career blossomed while studying finance at university.

According to new research from the homeless charity Shelter 1 in every 100 children in England will wake up homeless this Christmas. CEO of Shelter Polly Neate joins Hayley Hassall to explain why and what she thinks needs to be done.

Presenter: Hayley Hassall Producer: Emma Pearce

Nurses on strike, comedian Cally Beaton, teacher Andria Zafirakou, root smudging Dec 20, 2022

Two nurses, Heather who is a Specialist Community Nurse for a London NHS Trust and Mary, who works as an A&E nurse in Leeds, explain why they are joining the picket line today. Cally Beaton had a high-flying career as a TV executive. But she swapped the boardroom for the comedy club after receiving career advice from none other than Joan Rivers. Cally joins Jessica Creighton to describe how she has now achieved her comedy goal by making her debut appearance on the Christmas Special of Live at The Apollo’ at the age of 53. Breaking up for the Christmas holidays is exciting for a lot of children but for some it means a stop to one guaranteed warm meal a day in a heated place. We’re joined by teacher Andria Zafirakou, who’s seeing children come to school hungry and unwashed. Lockdown caused a lot of us to change our habits permanently including when it comes to our hair. Lots of people let their natural grey take over – and now there’s even a trend emerging where people are purposefully showing their roots. Hairdresser Sofia Sjoo joins Jess. For those who are grieving the loss of a loved one - Christmas time can be a very difficult period – even more so when it’s the first Christmas without them. One listener got in contact us with to suggest that we feature an item at this time on how to talk to parents whose child or children have died. Ruth’s son Fergus was just twelve years old when he died of cancer in May this year. She joins me now.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Jane Horrocks, Frances O'Grady, Iran, French women Dec 19, 2022

Actor Jane Horrocks joins Krupa Padhy to discuss her new Radio 4 drama about her relationship with the singer-songwriter and actor Ian Dury. Jane had been looking back at her early adulthood, coming across old love letters from Ian and her own diary entries which inspired her to create the drama about their tumultuous one year relationship.

We speak to Frances O'Grady, the outgoing General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress who leaves after a decade in the job. She talks to Krupa Padhy about the current wave of industrial action across the public sector, the highs and lows of the job and her plans for the future as she prepares to join the House of Lords as a Labour Party peer.

Following ongoing nationwide protests, the Iranian government has intensified its crackdown. Two men have been executed since the beginning of the month, and local human rights activists say at least 328 people have been killed and nearly 15,000 others have been detained, as of last month. One of those arrested at the weekend is Taraneh Alidoosti, one of Iran’s best known actresses. Krupa is joined by Saba Zavarei from the BBC Persian Service and Dr Rowena Abdul Razak who teaches international history at the London School of Economics and specialises on Iran.

When you hear the phrase 'the French woman' what comes to your mind? Maybe you think of a sexy accent, fashionable clothes, perhaps the word 'chic'? With the return of Netflix's Emily in Paris we wanted to look at the stereotype of the French woman. Do these ideals hold or is it, to borrow a French word, just a cliché? To discuss Krupa is joined by the Director Charlotte Seegers whose film She's French explores these ideas, and also by the UK based French journalist Marie Le Conte.

Claudia Winkleman, Nurses' strike, Baroness Kidron and Online Safety Bill, Iran diaries, Actor Naomi Ackie, Medieval women Dec 17, 2022

How to hang the loo roll to where to store the mustard - TV presenter Claudia Winkleman on the domestic tasks that need to done a certain way in the home.

The Health Minister Helen Whately on what the government is doing to resolve the row over nurses' pay.

The latest on the online harms bill with Baroness Beeban Kidron, the founder of the 5Rights Foundation which campaigns to make the digital world safer for children and young people.

British actor Naomi Ackie on playing Whitney Houston in new film Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance.

Following the death in custody of 22 year old Mahsa Amini who had been detained by the Iranian morality police for not wearing her headscarf correctly, we hear the anonymous diaries of female protestors in the country.

The discovery of an ancient female burial site in Northamptonshire has been described as one of the most important finds ever discovered in Britain. This woman is thought to be a Christian leader of significant wealth and her jewellery is considered an outstanding example of craftsmanship for this early medieval period. Lyn Blackmore, from the Museum of London and Irina Dumitrescu, Professor for Medieval English Literature at the University of Bonn discuss.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Playing Whitney - Naomi Ackie; Sarah de Lagarde; Being Cared for at Christmas; False Eyelashes Dec 16, 2022

Sarah de Lagarde was commuting home on the London Underground when she slipped through the gap between the platform edge and the train at High Barnet station. She was run over by two tube trains. She lost her right leg and arm as a result and spent two months in hospital before being discharged on December 1st. She is now learning how to walk again and is fundraising for a new bionic arm. Sarah joins Anita to share her extraordinary story of survival and recovery.

British actor Naomi Ackie takes centre stage in the new biopic, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance which comes out on 23 December. Naomi spent a year learning to talk, sing and move like Whitney for the blockbuster film which documents the life and career of the woman who became one of the bestselling music artists of all time, known simply as ‘The Voice.’

We’re getting into the swing of the Christmas party season now with many of us making up for lost time during the pandemic, glamming up with false eyelashes. According to a recent poll, eyelash extensions are one of the top beauty treatments requested by consumers - for example, there was a 795% increase on searches for Russian Lashes in 2019. But how can we best wear and care for false eyelashes? And what are the alternatives? To find out more Anita is speaks to the columnist Sali Hughes and Consultant Ophthalmic and Oculoplastic Surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Hawkes.

Over the Christmas period, it is estimated that more than 950,000 disabled people across the UK will need paid in-home care. The narrative surrounding carer workers has often been one of self-sacrifice and pity for having to work over Christmas - but what is it like as the person who needs care to share your Christmas day with people who aren’t your family? Lady-Marie Dawson-Malcom was a physical training instructor in the British army, a mother to a six-month-old daughter and was preparing to take part in her first London marathon, when she sustained a C5 complete spinal cord injury after a fall – meaning she requires 24/7 in home care. She joins Anita to describe her experience.

Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

Claudia Winkelman, Kate Bingham, Baroness Kidron, Helen Whately Dec 15, 2022

Strictly Come Dancing’s Claudia Winkelman in conversation with Emma Barnett about the domestic tasks that need to done a certain way in the home; starting with how to hang a toilet roll.

Health Minister Helen Whately is questioned about the historic strike by members of the Royal College of Nursing.

Dame Kate Bingham the woman who led the UK’s Vaccine Taskforce talks about her concerns regarding our readiness to tackle the next pandemic. She says the UK’s going 'backwards' in this area and is 'baffled' by the decisions to 'dismantle' many of the capabilities she helped set up.

And Baroness Beeban Kidron, the founder of the 5Rights Foundation which campaigns to make the digital world safer for children and young people brings us the latest on the online harms bill.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Bob Nettles

Baroness Cumberlege, Nurses' strike, Balaclavas, Iran diaries, Whistleblowing Dec 14, 2022

Two and a half years ago Baroness Cumberlege wrote a report looking at two drugs and a medical device which caused women or their babies harm. She made a list of recommendations to support victims and prevent future, avoidable damage. Yesterday she appeared in front of the Health and Social Care Select Committee and expressed her frustration at the slow progress of the Department of Health on this issue. She updates Emma Barnett about her concerns.

Nurses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are due to start strike action tomorrow. Since we spoke to the general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing Pat Cullen yesterday on this programme, the RCN has been urged to do more to 'avoid patient harm' and 'alleviate unnecessary distress' for dying patients on strike days by the Chief Nursing Officer for England Ruth May, and the chief nursing officers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as the NHS's head of cancer care. Emma is joined by BBC health reporter Jim Reed and then Baroness Watkins, cross bench peer and a nurse for 50 years. She's also Visiting Chair of Nursing at Kings College London, and is hoping that the strike will be called off.

In this cold weather, we’re all reaching for our winter woollies. One of the things you may be wearing is a balaclava, that piece of headwear that covers your head and chin traditionally knitted by your grandma. These winter warmers originated during the Crimean War and they’re having a moment this year, thanks to big name fashion brands, Gen Z’s and Tik Tok and Instagram influencers. Fashion writer Tiffanie Darke is here to tell us how we can be warm and stylish.

Protests have been taking place across Iran since mid-September after the death in custody of a 22-year-old woman, Mahsa Amini who had been detained by Iranian morality police for not wearing her headscarf correctly. Over the last two and a half months, women living in Iran have been sending their thoughts and diaries in secret to the BBC’s Saba Zavarei. They come in the form of voice notes, writings, videos and drawings, which the women then destroy on their phones in case they are searched. These diaries show the everyday risks and dangers that women face, as they continue to protest in Iran.

We speak to the Elizabeth Gardiner the CEO of the Whistleblowing charity Protect about what protection is available for women who do put their careers on the line to report malpractice and wrongdoing.

Hilary McGrady DG of the National Trust. RCN's Pat Cullen. Dance like no-one's watching Dec 13, 2022

Hilary McGrady, the Director General of the National Trust, one of Britain's biggest heritage organisations and the custodian of hundreds of our finest castles, great houses and beaches and countryside. They’ll be discussing some of the recent controversies that’ve left to criticisms that it’s become too politicised in recent years. Critics say that in its pursuit of becoming more accessible to more people it’s fallen short of its original remit to acquire and preserve Britain’s heritage. After four years in the job, Emma Barnett speaks to Hilary about what she sees as her greatest achievements to date and her vision for the National Trust in the future.

Thursday will see the first ever national strike action in the Royal College of Nursing's 106-year-old history. This comes after talks between the nursing union and the government dramatically collapsed last night. We hear from Pat Cullen the General Secretary and Chief Executive of the RCN.

With Christmas party season in full swing for the first time in three years, many of us will be taking to the dancefloor. But how often do we truly get to dance like no one is watching? As we get older, do the opportunities become more scarce, and the internal shame more inhibiting? What are the songs - and who are the dance partners - which force us onto the floor? Emma Barnett is joined by the queen of the kitchen disco herself, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and comedian Ania Magliano to discuss the joy of losing yourself on the dancefloor.

Former F1 driver David Coulthard on why he's determined that women are not forgotten when it comes to Formula 1.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell Photo Credit. John Millar. National Trust.

Marina Litvinenko, Sexual Harassment, Medieval Woman Dec 12, 2022

It’s been 16 years since the fatal poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko, who had exposed corruption in Russia and died in a hospital in London after ingesting tea which contained a radioactive substance. His wife, Marina Litvinenko, brought the case to the European Court of Human Rights in 2021 which upheld that Mr Litvinenko had been the victim of a FSB assassination “probably” approved by Putin. Russia denies any involvement. Marina joins Emma to discuss the upcoming ITVX drama Litvinenko.

The government has announced that street harassment will be made a crime in England with jail sentences of up to two years. The Home Secretary Suella Braverman who has backed the move says ‘every woman should feel safe to walk our streets’. But what’s the reality? Reporter Ellie Flynn recently went undercover to highlight the experience of sexual harassment experienced by girls and women in the UK today. She joins Emma to talk about her new documentary.

The discovery of an ancient female burial site in Northamptonshire has been described as one of the most important finds ever discovered in Britain. This woman is thought to be a Christian leader of significant wealth and her jewellery is considered an outstanding example of craftsmanship for this early medieval period. Emma is joined by Lyn Blackmore, from the Museum of London and Irina Dumitrescu, Professor for Medieval English Literature at the University of Bonn.

It's been revealed that the author JK Rowling is founding and personally funding a new female only service for survivors of sexual violence in Edinburgh. We are joined by the BBC's David Wallace Lockhart and The Daily Telegraph's Suzanne Moore who broke the story.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

The Silent Twins, Beryl Cook, whistleblower Helen Evans, Kate Winslet and mothers and sons at Christmas. Dec 10, 2022

Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance star in the brand new film, ‘The Silent Twins’, which tells the story of June and Jennifer Gibbons, twin girls who only spoke to each other, and no one else. We hear the actors speaking about what it meant to them to play these remarkable twins. Also the former investigative journalist, Marjorie Wallace, who campaigned for the twins and wrote a book with them.

Hear from the daughter-in-law of the late artist Beryl Cook, alongside art critic Rachel Campbell-Johnston, as a new exhibition of Beryl’s work opens in New York. Emma Barnett talks to them about Beryl painting women enjoying themselves in pubs and clubs, as well as why her artwork means so much to people.

Anita Rani speaks to the Oxfam GB whistleblower Helen Evans, who features in a new documentary about female whistleblowers. She discusses not only the impact the decision had on her at the time, but the consequences to her life going forwards, and what happened afterwards.

Academy award-winning actor Kate Winslet joins Emma Barnett to speak about her newest project on Channel 4, ‘I am…Ruth’. In it, she acts alongside her real-life daughter in a story that tackles the mental health issues caused by smartphones and social media. Plus, hear why she thinks women in their 40s are going into the best time of life.

How do you decide which side of the family to spend Christmas with? Krupa Padhy speaks to one mother who feels like she’ll lose her sons once their wives or girlfriends take control of the festive season, as well as a relationship psychiatrist on how to avoid these kinds of tensions.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Rose Ayling-Ellis in As You Like It, Whistleblower: Helen Evans, Children with Mothers in Prison Dec 09, 2022

The Canadian Grammy winning singer Celine Dion, who had a mega hit with the track 'My Heart Will Go On', has revealed her diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome, an incurable, rare neurological disorder that causes muscle rigidity and episodes of severe spasms. In an emotional video, shared with her 5.2 million followers on instagram she announced that the condition will leave her unable to play planned shows in Europe. Music journalist Lisa Verrico discusses what this will mean for her and her career.

You may remember the video that went viral in 2021 of Rose Ayling-Ellis and her Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni dancing in complete silence during their Couple’s Choice dance. Rose is deaf and uses British Sign Language to help her communicate. They wanted to use their dance to show what it is like for the deaf community on a daily basis. She went on to win the show and won a BAFTA after the dance was voted by the public as the Must-See TV Moment that year. Now she’s back on stage in Soho Place theatre’s production of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy As You Like It. She joins Anita Rani to talk about her West End debut in the show and the work she’s doing to make theatre more accessible for deaf audiences.

A new documentary about whistleblowers has just been released. 'When We Speak' follows the stories of three women, Helen Evans a former Oxfam employee who spoke out about sexual exploitation and abuse at Oxfam GB, British intelligence employee Katharine Gun who leaked a memo from GCHQ in the run up to the Iraq war and Rose McGowan who spoke out about sexual abuse in Hollywood. The documentary shares the motivations, experiences and fallout of each of their cases. Joining Anita Rani is one of these whistleblowers, Helen Evans, who until 2015 was global head of Safeguarding at Oxfam.

An estimated 17,000 children are impacted by maternal imprisonment every year but their needs are rarely considered when their mum is arrested, sentenced or sent to prison. So today The Prison Reform Trust has issued an urgent call for action for better support for those who are among the most vulnerable children in society. As part of this call for action, the charity has published a new toolkit to help practitioners, who are involved with these children, ensure they are properly supported, listened to and their needs identified and met. We hear from Layla, one of six children, whose mother was first imprisoned when she was seven, and associate of the Prison Reform Trust, Sarah Beresford project lead for the toolkit.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Lisa Verrico Interviewed Guest: Rose Ayling-Ellis Interviewed Guest: Helen Evans Interviewed Guest: Sarah Beresford

Meghan and Harry Documentary, Carolynne Hunter, Christmas Family Dec 08, 2022

Today sees the release of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s much anticipated Netflix series. To discuss Krupa is joined by Catherine Mayer, author of Charles: The Heart of a King and co-founder of the Women’s Equality Party, and the former Royal photographer Jayne Fincher who was the only woman in the press pack with Princess Diana.

Yesterday on the programme, we spoke to actor Kate Winslet about her new drama I am Ruth on Channel 4. During that interview, Kate told Emma about a donation she made to pay a soaring energy bill for a child’s life support after being moved by the family’s story. Freya, who is 13, has severe cerebral palsy and relies on receiving oxygen for chronic breathing problems. Freya’s mother, Carolynne Hunter, joins us today.

At least nine children across the UK are said to have died recently from complications caused by the Strep A infection. So just how concerned should parents be, and what, if anything, can parents do to protect their children? Professor Devi Sridhar, Chair of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh, joins Krupa.

Sara Collins won the Costa First Novel Prize in 2019 for The Confessions of Frannie Langton, a gothic thriller about a Jamaican maid in 1820’s London. Sara has now adapted her book for television and the four part series is available on the streaming service ITVX from today. Sara joins Krupa in studio.

How do you convince your adult children to spend Christmas with you? We hear from Sue Elliot Nicholls who says she’s already preparing for the fact that her son’s will choose their girlfriends family over her and from relationship psychologist Emma Kenny.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Emma Pearce

Kate Winslet, Professor Sue Black, Chloe Smith, Beryl Cook Dec 07, 2022

Oscar winning actor Kate Winslet stars alongside her real life daughter Mia Threapleton in Channel 4’s female led drama series ‘I am..’. The feature length episode tells the story of Ruth, a mother, who becomes concerned for her teenage daughter’s welfare, after she witnesses her retreating more and more into herself. Freya has become consumed by the pressures of social media and is suffering a mental health crisis. The story was developed and co-authored by Kate and Dominic Savage. Kate talks to Emma about the issues examined in the film and working with her daughter.

This year the Royal Institute Christmas Lectures will be given by Professor Dame Sue Black; one of the world’s leading forensic investigators. She is currently the President of St Johns College Oxford, but her previous achievements include heading the British Forensic Team in Kosovo, identifying victims from the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, and convicting Scotland’s largest paedophile ring. In the lectures she will share the real-life scientific detective process that she uses to identify both the dead and the living. She tells Emma Barnett how she will be separating crime fiction from fact using examples from her own casebook.

Conservative MP Chloe Smith is one of a number of parliamentarians who have already announced they won’t be standing at the next General Election in two years time. Aged only 40 she has served in a range of ministerial positions including her last post when she made it to the cabinet as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions albeit for only seven weeks during Liz Truss’s brief tenure as Prime Minister. What have been her main achievements? and what does she plan to do with her life after leaving the commons?

The work of the British artist, the late Beryl Cook, has been given a new lease of life in a gallery in New York. The exhibition, entitled, Beryl Cook Takes New York, is the first ever exhibition of her work abroad. Cook's colourful pictures documented ordinary people in their every day surroundings and she was known for her robust women and men, all seemingly having a fantastic time. Celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg and Yoko Ono own her work. Emma speaks to Beryl’s daughter in law, Teresa Cook and Rachel Campbell-Johnston about her enduring appeal.

The Silent Twins, the science behind 'mummy brain', Rosie Pearson, Lorien Haynes Dec 06, 2022

The story is that of June and Jennifer Gibbons who grew up in Wales in the 1970s. For years, the two would only speak to each other earning them the name ‘the silent twins’. At 19, they were institutionalised at Broadmoor Psychiatric Hospital indefinitely. They remained there for 11 years. In 1993, they were moved to a less restrictive clinic in Wales. However Jennifer died during transit. The cause of her death has never been fully determined but has been suggested it was part of their pact as twins. Their story has been largely forgotten or left to folklore. It is now being brought to light in a new biographical film that comes out this Friday, called The Silent Twins. We speak to the award-winning actors, Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance, who star as the silent twins. We also hear from Marjorie Wallace, former investigative journalist and founder of mental health charity, SANE, whose book inspired the film.

‘Mummy Brain’ is the term given to feelings of brain fog or memory loss that women experience during and post pregnancy. Despite the fact that 80% of pregnant women will experience this, very little is known about the specific causes. What we do know is that women’s brains change more during pregnancy than at any other time during adulthood. Dr Jodi Pawluski has been researching the topic for over 20 years and has personally experienced ‘mummy brain’ herself. She tells Emma what we currently know about the impact pregnancy and parenthood has on women’s brains - and what more we still are yet to find out.

How much should you tell your children about your past? In the new film ‘Everything I Ever Wanted to Tell My Daughter About Men’, a woman details every relationship she has been in, in the hope that her daughter won't make the same mistakes. The film is backed by Refuge - the charity supporting survivors of domestic violence. It's made by 21 female directors across 23 short films. Then Lorien Haynes, who wrote the script and acted in the films, made one full length movie feature from the short films. All proceeds from the movie will go to Refuge. Emma speaks to Lorien about why she wanted to do this project.

In one of his first big tests as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has had to water down housing targets for local councils - faced by a rebellion from his own backbenchers. The former Northern Ireland and DEFRA minister Theresa Villers led the charge alongside fellow Conservative MP Bob Seeley. Housing Secretary Michael Gove has now offered councils more flexibility over meeting the government-set targets. The 60 rebels had argued they are excessive and undermine local councils. Emma talks to Kitty Donaldson, UK Political Editor at Bloomberg News and to Rosie Pearson, who has been branded by some as the 'Queen of NIMBYs', due to her campaigning on this issue.

Hadley Freeman, Toni Crews, Christmas appeal Dec 05, 2022

We talk to the journalist Hadley Freeman about why she resigned as a columnist at The Guardian newspaper after 22 years in the job. She has accused the publication of “censoring” discussion about gender identity and says she was discouraged from writing about antisemitism. Emma Barnett speaks to Hadley about her concerns and plans for the future. We speak to the parents of Toni Crews, a young mother who died from a rare form of eye cancer back in 2020. Her parents Jo and Jason Crews talk to Woman’s Hour about her life and her decision to waive her anonymity and donate her body to medical science, she is first person in the UK to have done this. Also talking about this ground breaking moment for medical science is Professor Claire Smith who led the team behind the dissection which is shown as part of a documentary that goes out tonight. It's Radio 4’s Christmas Appeal Week. For 96 years, BBC Radio and St Martin-in-the-Fields have been in partnership to raise funds for people who are homeless and urgently need support around the UK. In the last two years, the Radio 4 Christmas Appeal has raised over £9 million for St Martin-in-the-Fields and The Connection at St Martin's benefits from these funds, which help run their resource centre in central London, providing shelter, food, help and advice. This year, the Women’s Development Unit at The Connection has created the first ever census of women who were sleeping rough across London. I’m joined by Eleanor Greenhalgh, the Manager of the Women’s Development Unit & Pam Orchard, CEO of The Connection at St Martins who can share their data exclusively with Woman’s Hour.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour: Rachael Watts, Dr Rosemary Coogan, Part-time Work, Failing the 11 Plus Dec 03, 2022

Rachael Watts was seven years old when Russell Bishop abducted, attacked and sexually assaulted her in 1990. It is a crime that should never have happened, as back in 1987, Russell Bishop had been charged with the murders of two nine-year-olds, Nicola Fellows and Karen Hadaway. But police were unable to secure a conviction when a series of prosecution blunders meant evidence and testimonies failed to stand up in court. Bishop was able to walk free and three years later he abducted and attacked Rachael. Miraculously she survived and it was her testimony which finally meant Bishop was convicted and put behind bars, despite him protesting his innocence.

Dr Rosemary Coogan has been selected as an astronaut by the European Space Agency, becoming the first British woman to join their astronaut corps. She joins us in her first in-depth BBC interview to discuss the tough selection process, upcoming training and hopes for her first mission.

A cross-party coalition has launched a campaign to abolish the 11 plus entry exams. One of the members of the campaign is Jackie Malton, known for her success in the Met Police, and for being the real-life inspiration for the character DCI Jane Tennison in Prime Suspect. Despite getting two masters degrees and a doctorate, she still feels ashamed about failing her 11 plus.

600,000 people in the UK are actively seeking part-time jobs, most of them women – but just twelve percent of jobs advertised in the UK currently offer part-time hours. We discuss with co-founder of Timewise, Emma Stewart MBE, and working mum Shaline Manhertz.

Why is social media obsessed with nurseries and toys in neutral, muted colours? We speak to Hayley DeRoche who coined the term ‘sad beige clothes for sad beige children’, and journalist Martha Alexander.

Anoushka Shankar, UTIs, Sad Beige Children Dec 02, 2022

Anoushka Shankar is a respected sitarist and composer who has just received two Grammy nominations for her new live album Between Us. She joins Anita to talk about the her new song, In Her Name, in memory of the young girl from Delhi, referred to as Nirbhaya, who 10 years ago was gang raped on a bus and was subjected to an attack so badly that she died from her injuries. The incident sent shockwaves across the world and led to the introduction of new anti-rape laws in India.

An estimated half of all women will suffer from a urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime – so why has testing been such an inexact science until now? Some patients have their infections missed entirely, or, on the flipside, they receive unnecessary or incorrect antibiotics which may leave them host to an antibiotic resistant strain. But a new test could be about to change that. Dr Emma Hayhurst is part of a team of scientists developing a new test for UTIs that could provide a diagnosis in just 40 minutes. She joins Anita, along with Dr Agnes Arnold-Forster, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who last year executive produced a documentary film on the experience of living with a chronic UTI.

Why is social media obsessed with nurseries and toys in neutral, muted colours? Anita speaks to the writer and librarian Hayley DeRoche, who coined the term ‘sad beige clothes for sad beige children’. She tells us about her viral videos which skewer the beige aesthetic. And journalist Martha Alexander explains why she has resigned herself to a life of multicolour with her daughter.

Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley

Rachael Watts, Danielle De Niese, Royal race row Dec 01, 2022

Rachael Watts has spent her life hiding a secret. Now 40, she was seven years old when Russell Bishop - known as the Babes in the Wood murderer - abducted, attacked and sexually assaulted her in 1990. It is a crime that should never have happened, as back in 1987, Russell Bishop had been charged with the murders of two nine-year-olds, Nicola Fellows and Karen Hadaway. But police were unable to secure a conviction when a series of prosecution blunders meant evidence and testimonies failed to stand up in court. Bishop was able to walk free and three years later he abducted and attacked Rachael, leaving her for dead. Miraculously she survived and it was her testimony which finally meant Bishop was convicted and put behind bars, despite him protesting his innocence. However, in 2018, forensic scientists presented new DNA evidence and Bishop received two life sentences for the murders of Nicola Fellows and Karen Hadaway. Ever since her attack, Rachael’s family have fought to protect her privacy, hoping she could lead as normal life as possible. Rachael has never done a broadcast interview about what happened to her. But since Russell Bishop’s death in January this year, she decided she wanted to tell her story.

Danielle de Niese has been hailed as 'opera’s coolest soprano' by New York Times Magazine. She has starred in the West End musical 'Man Of La Mancha' alongside Kelsey Grammar, hosted at the BBC Proms, performed on stage with LL Cool J, and sung in a Ridley Scott movie. She is now taking over the theatres in London in the build up to Christmas. She joins Emma to discuss her recent performance at the Royal Opera House in La Boheme, current role as the angel Clara in the new opera It’s A Wonderful Life at the ENO, and to perform a sneak preview from the forthcoming immersive experience of Handel’s Messiah.

'Where are you really from?' It's a question the black British charity boss Ngozi Fulani was asked repeatedly at an event earlier this week at Buckingham Palace, she's told the BBC the experience was 'abuse'. Lady Hussey has resigned since the incident. The Palace described the remarks as 'unacceptable and deeply regrettable'. A spokesperson for Prince William said 'racism has no place in our society'. We hear from Ngozi and Emma speaks to Professor Nicola Rollick, author of The Racial Code.

Dr Rosemary Coogan, Contraceptive Pill, Failing the 11+ Nov 30, 2022

Dr Rosemary Coogan has been selected as a career astronaut by the European Space Agency (ESA), becoming the first British woman to join their astronaut corps. She joins Emma in her first in-depth BBC interview to discuss the tough selection process, upcoming training and hopes for her first mission.

On Monday’s Woman’s Hour, we heard from the American TV show host Ricki Lake who has produced a new documentary The Business of Birth Control. The programme looks at the side effects of the hormonal contraceptive pill and it’s relationship with women’s liberty. Today Emma Barnett is joined by Dr Helen Munro, the Vice-President of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare.

A cross-party coalition is launching a campaign to abolish the 11 plus entry exams. One of the members of the campaign is Jackie Malton, known for her success in the Metropolitan Police, and for being the real-life inspiration for the character DCI Jane Tennison in Prime Suspect. Despite getting two masters degrees and a doctorate, she still feels ashamed about failing her 11 plus exam. Jackie joins Emma Barnett.

We hear the first major speech from Camilla, Queen Consort, as she hosts a reception on violence against women and girls.

A listener we are calling Christina contacted us after she heard a recent documentary on Radio 4 about benzodiazepines or Street Valium. Christina recognised what she heard. Her daughter, who we are calling Beatrice, became addicted to Xanax after taking it to deal with the extreme anxiety she experienced after the coronavirus lockdown. Beatrice has given us permission for her story to be told. Christina joins Emma Barnett to discuss her experiences.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

(photo credit: ESA - P. Sebirot)

Part-time work, sexual violence in conflict, graphic novel No Surrender Nov 29, 2022

Today is day two of an international conference held here in the UK to prevent sexual violence in conflict and Emma Barnett will be talking to Lord Ahmad, who’s the Prime Minister’s special Envoy on this issue. It’s ten years since the conference began and Woman’s Hour will be looking at what progress has been made to date as well as hearing the testimony of Lejla Damon who was born after her mother was raped in the Bosnian conflict of the 1990s. Adopted by a British couple, she is now a campaigner raising awareness about rape as a weapon of war and the fallout for victims. 600,000 people in the UK are actively seeking jobs with part-time hours, most of them women – but just twelve percent of jobs advertised in the UK currently offer part-time hours. Those that do are mostly for low paid jobs. That’s according to new research from social enterprise & flexible working experts Timewise. Emma will be speaking to the co-founder of Timewise, Emma Stewart MBE about the impact this is having on both living standards and businesses as well as hearing from one highly successful working mum who’s desperate for more part time work whilst recovering from bone cancer, but has found it impossible to find anything that reflects her impressive skillset. Sisters Sophie and Scarlett Rickard have brought the suffragette story to life in a new graphic novel called No Surrender. Based on the 1911 novel by the real life suffragette Constance Maud, they hope to make it accessible to a modern audience in a time when protest, and modes of protest, are being debated more than ever in the UK. They tell Emma about their creative process, being women in the world of comics, and living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Ricki Lake talks about latest project. Sexual abuse in the navy. China protests. Camilla's Squad. Nov 28, 2022

Ricki Lake is widely known for her American talk show in the '90s and early 2000s. She's an actor and a producer as well as an independent filmmaker. Emma talks to her about her role as Executive Producer, on a new documentary "The Business of Birth Control" which looks at the complex relationship between hormonal birth control and women's health and liberation.

The head of the Royal Navy has defended the way the service handles allegations of rape and sexual abuse. Admiral Sir Ben Key says the Navy had changed how it investigates complaints. His defence follows a very memorable interview earlier this month with a woman we called 'Catherine' . She called for the complaints process to be made independent of the Royal Navy. He gave his response on yesterday's Broadcasting House.

Over the weekend we learned that Camilla, the Queen Consort, has created a squad of her own. Rather than opting for ladies-in-waiting, she will instead be helped by "Queen's companions". Camilla has picked six of her closest friends and their role will include helping her at public events. We hear from journalist Claire Cohen, author of 'BFF? The Truth about Female Friendship.'

Extraordinary protests in China grew over the weekend as people in cities across the country demonstrate their frustration at President Xi Jinping’s zero-covid approach, with some people calling for him to resign. Noticeable among these protestors are the numbers of young women, being called the ‘prominent voices’ of the action. Yuan Ren is a Chinese journalist and former editor of Time Out Beijing, and Isabel Hilton is the founder of China Dialogue, a non-profit independent organisation that works to promote an understanding of China's challenges,.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Weekend Woman’s Hour: stalking, long-term relationships and why they fail, women boxers, the clitoris, Andrea Riseborough Nov 26, 2022

To mark ten years since stalking became a specific crime in England and Wales, we speak to crime reporter and presenter Isla Traquair. In her day job Isla is used to confronting murderers and travelling to dangerous places but it was in a quiet village in Wiltshire where her stalking ordeal took place. In August this year Isla's neighbour, Jonathan Barrett, was found guilty of stalking. This followed what Isla calls a 7 month period of terror from March to September 2021.

99% of all boxers are men and it remains a male dominated sport in all areas. We speak to Susannah Schofield OBE who hopes to harness the growing appetite for women’s sport with the recent successes of women’s football and rugby by convincing the BBC to show women's boxing.

New research shows the clitoris actually has over 10,000 nerve endings. 20% more than the previously suggested amount from studies on cows in the 1970s. Does this increase in number matter? We ask science journalist Rachel E Gross and Dr Brooke Vandermolen, an NHS Obstetrics and Gynaecology Registrar.

Why is it that we so often struggle or fail in long term relationships? We’re talking instead about unremarkable everyday behaviours that help to end a marriage. We speak to couples therapist, Joanna Harrison and relationship coach, Matthew Fray.

The actor Andrea Riseborough tells us about playing Mrs Wormwood in the new Matilda the Musical film. The film is an adaptation of Tim Minchin’s hit West End musical of the same name. It stars Emma Thompson as Mrs Trunchbull, Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey and Stephen Graham as Mr Wormwood. She talks about playing one of Roald Dahl’s most famous characters and her life off camera, meeting Patti Smith for the first time.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Surya Elango Editor: Emma Pearce

Women Boxers, Naming Sexual Predators, Fathers & Daughters, Sexual Health over 65 Nov 25, 2022

The comedian Katherine Ryan has been in the news this week after she spoke out on a recent documentary with Louis Theroux about confronting an alleged sexual predator while making a tv show. She says this ‘star’ has sexually assaulted women she knows and despite it being an ‘open secret’ in the industry no one has managed to nail him down because he has ‘very good lawyers’. In the documentary she refuses to name the alleged sexual predator and then was called out on this on social media. But what is there to gain for women who name sexual predators in this way?

Comedian Grace Campbell and Psychologist Dr Holi Rubin discuss the complexities of father and daughter relationships with Anita off the back of a new film Aftersun. It stars Paul Mescal, is directed by Charlotte Wells and has been applauded for the way it presents the bond between a father and daughter.

Last month women’s boxing made history when Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall fought in front of a sell-out crowd at the 02 arena to become the World Middleweight Champion. Not only was it the first-ever all female card in the UK but also the first time that two female boxers headlined at a major British venue. Despite this these developments 99% of all boxers are men and it remains a male dominated sport in all areas. One woman trying to change this is Susannah Schofield OBE. With her longstanding career in business and coaching she is using her knowledge, skills, and experience to ensure that women boxers get the same opportunities as their male counterparts, through her organisation championing female boxers. She hopes to harness the growing appetite for women’s sport with the recent successes of women’s football and rugby by convincing the BBC to show women's boxing.

A recent report by the Local Government Association said “the largest proportional increase in gonorrhoea and chlamydia was seen in people aged over 65” leading up to the pandemic. But why are older people so often left out of the conversation about sexual health? Anita Rani is joined by Elaine Kingett, 70, who found herself widowed and having to buy condoms for the first time in her 50s and Professor Kaye Wellings, who is currently working on the next action plan on older adults and sexual health for the government.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Harriet Johnson Interviewed Guest: Polly Vernon Interviewed Guest: Grace Campbell Interviewed Guest: Dr Holi Rubin Interviewed Guest: Susannah Schofield Interviewed Guest: Elaine Kingett Interviewed Guest: Prof Kaye Wellings

Lady Glenconner, Ukraine, Clever girls, The Clitoris Nov 24, 2022

Lady Glenconner, Anne Tennant, the eldest child of the fifth Earl of Leicester, was lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret for three decades. She says her mother brought her up to cope with a fundamental truth of her class and time: women must put up and shut up, and so had been taught to smile through life in high society despite the brutality of a husband who left her deaf in one ear. After the success of her first memoir three years ago a second has just been published. Joining Emma live in the studio she explains why she was compelled to write Whatever Next? Lessons From An Unexpected Life.

President Zelensky has accused Russia of "crimes against humanity" after a new missile barrage caused blackouts across Ukraine. Yesterday we heard of a two day old baby dying when a maternity unit was bombed in the southern Zaporizhia region. How are these developments affecting women and girls? Emma hears from Jess Parker, BBC Correspondent in Ukraine at the moment. This Saturday, the Ukrainian Institute in London, alongside other organisations, have organised an event to discuss sexual violence in the war in Ukraine. Emma talks to one of the speakers, Anna Kvit, a research fellow at University College London looking into women in war and their response to war.

With the release of Matilda the Musical in cinemas this week, Emma Barnett speaks to author and podcaster Daisy Buchanan and QI Elf and writer Anne Miller about being so-called 'girly swots' at school and how it has shaped them in adulthood.

You may have heard that the clitoris has 8,000 nerve endings, but that number comes from a 1970s study on cows. New research shows the clitoris actually has over 10,000 nerve endings. Does this increase in number matter? Emma asks science journalist Rachel E Gross and Dr Brooke Vandermolen, an NHS Obstetrics and Gynaecology Registrar.

Long-term relationships and why they fail, football and politics, Brain of Britain, Susan Seidelman Nov 24, 2022

Some may say that football and politics don't go together but anyone watching yesterday's matches might think otherwise. The Iranian team declined to sing their anthem & Wales fans showed their support for LGBTQ+ rights last night by wearing rainbow bucket hats. So how useful are these shows of solidarity? Laura McAllister, the ex-Wales footballer & Beth Fisher, freelance sports reporter & ambassador for the LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall discuss. Why is it that we so often struggle or fail in long term relationships? We’re not talking about major marriage infractions such as infidelity, domestic abuse or gambling away the family’s savings. We’re talking instead about unremarkable everyday behaviours that help to end a marriage. Guests are Joanna Harrison, author of Five Arguments All Couples (Need to) Have and why the washing up matters and Matthew Fray, author of This is how your marriage ends: A hopeful approach to saving relationships. Yesterday Radio 4’s Brain of Britain saw its first ever all-women final. 2022 champion Sarah Trevarthen joins Emma Barnett to discuss her victory, as well as her experiences undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer while taking part in the show. Becky Howell, the co-founder of feminist quiz zine Quizogyny, also joins us to talk about the rise of women in quizzing. Susan Seidelman is an American film director, whose ground-breaking feature film Desperately Seeking Susan is considered one of the 100 greatest films directed by a woman. Susan joins Emma to discuss why the film is still relevant today, how she witnessed Madonna’s rise to success and her long career as a female director.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore Studio Manager: Tim Heffer

Andrea Riseborough, Egg Freezing, Women in Qatar Nov 23, 2022

The actor Andrea Riseborough has taken on roles ranging from Margaret Thatcher to Stalin’s daughter. But now she’s playing someone quite different: Mrs Wormwood in the new Matilda the Musical film, which will be released in cinemas on Friday 25th November. The film is an adaptation of Tim Minchin’s hit West End musical of the same name, and stars Emma Thompson as Mrs Trunchbull and Stephen Graham as Mr Wormwood. Andrea joins Emma Barnett to discuss what it’s like capturing the camp, comedy, and darkness of one of Roald Dahl’s most famous and reviled characters.

As Jennifer Aniston speaks publicly for the first time about her fertility struggles and says she wishes someone had told her to “Freeze your eggs. Do yourself a favour”, Emma talks to one woman who’s put her future on ice, and a lecturer in Women’s Health from UCL who’s warning against women viewing egg freezing as a guaranteed insurance policy.

In the run up to the men’s football World Cup 2022 being held in Qatar, it was the England women's footballers who were the most outspoken about staging the tournament in a country which outlaws being gay and where women’s rights are severely curtailed. On Woman’s Hour yesterday we asked if there was any point in further protests as fans now clamour to enjoy the game – today we ask Rothna Begum, Senior Women’s Rights Researcher at Human Rights Watch, how the tournament is affecting women in Qatar.

Tampax has been causing quite a stir on social media after a Tweet they posted went viral. Putting its own spin on the popular 'You are in their DMs' memes about men approaching women flirtatiously on social media, the tampon company explicitly referenced how its products are used by women in a tweet on Monday, writing, 'You're in their DMs. We're in them. We are not the same'. The post has racked up more than 360,000 likes and 73,600 retweets proving that there were plenty of fans, but critics accused the brand of going too far and calling people to #BoycottTampax. Emma speaks to Chella Quint, the founder of Period Positive, a menstruation education advisor, comic and author of the books 'Be Period Positive' and 'Own Your Period'.

Ten Years of Stalking Laws: 'Changing attitudes is harder than changing the law' Nov 21, 2022

To mark ten years since stalking became a specific crime in England and Wales Woman's Hour has a special programme looking at what’s changed in that time. We have exclusive data on how this is being dealt with by police. The BBC's Gemma Dunstan joins Emma Barnett in the studio to go through the findings.

One question we wanted to answer is what efforts have been made to get to the crux of the problem; to stop stalkers from stalking. Woman's Hour were granted extremely rare access to one of the three specialist stalking units around the UK. These units brings together police, psychologists, probation staff and victim advocates to decide the best steps to take to minimise the risk of stalking incidents. Emma Barnett visited the London Unit which has been in operation for 4 years. We are joined by the crime reporter, presenter and podcast host Isla Traquair. In her day job Isla is used to confronting murderers and travelling to dangerous places but it was in a quiet village in Wiltshire where her stalking ordeal took place. In August this year Isla's neighbour, Jonathan Barrett, was found guilty of stalking. This followed what Isla calls a 7 month period of terror from March to September 2021, she joins Emma in the studio.

How are police dealing with a huge rise in the number of stalking cases? Emma puts this question and others to to Paul Mills, Deputy Chief Constable for Wiltshire Police. He is also the National Police Chief's Council lead for Stalking and Harassment.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Weekend Woman's Hour: BBC 100, Auntie Beeb with Mel Giedroyc, Incels, Women in Space Nov 19, 2022

Monday marked 100 years since the BBC began broadcasting on radio. To celebrate that centenary, we commissioned a poem by Kim Moore and created a soundscape to show how much women’s lives, and the noises that surround them, have changed - using BBC archive from the 1920s right through to the present day.

Why did the BBC get its nickname ‘Auntie’? And what kind of aunt would she be? We discuss with television presenter and comedian Mel Giedroyc and historian of the BBC, Professor Jean Seaton.

‘The Secret World of Incels’ is a Channel 4 documentary that gives a window into the lives of Incels and explores what makes them engage with these misogynist online forums that have led to some horrific acts of violence. We discuss with its presenter Ben Zand and Dr Kaitlyn Regehr.

The Internet Watch Foundation has been tracking the increasing trend of perpetrators grooming children online and coercing them into sexually abusing themselves on camera. The foundation has recognised a lot of what they are seeing as Category A, the most severe kind of sexual abuse, due to it including penetration with an object. A snapshot study out yesterday looks into the objects being used, and how they are everyday domestic items that can be found in the household. We hear from Susie Hargreaves, CEO of the IWF, and Vicki Green, CEO of the Marie Collins Foundation. The story contains content that some listeners may find distressing.

What does the Artemis moon mission mean for women? We speak to Llbby Jackson from the UK Space Agency.

The Big Swing is the world’s first double female-fronted big band. It is led by jazz musicians Georgina Jackson and Emma Smith who aim to elevate female visibility in the big band world. They join us in the studio for a special performance.

Jill Goldston, Internet Watch Foundation report, Getaway Girls in Leeds, Cash for Babies Scandal Nov 18, 2022

The Internet Watch Foundation has been tracking the increasing trend of perpetrators grooming children online and coercing them into sexually abusing themselves on camera. The foundation has recognised a lot of what they are seeing as Category A, the most severe kind of sexual abuse, due to it including penetration with an object. Some of the child victims of this online sexual abuse are as young as 7 years old. For the first time, a snapshot study out today looks into the objects being used, and how they are everyday domestic items that can be found in the household. We hear from Susie Hargreaves, CEO of the Internet Watch Foundation, and CEO of the Marie Collins Foundation, which supports child victims of online abuse, Vicki Green. The story contains content that some listeners may find distressing.

She's been on screen in nearly 2,000 different film and TV appearances and yet she may have completely escaped your notice. Now the woman thought to be Britain's most prolific extra - Jill Goldston - has become the actual star of a short film called "Jill, Uncredited". She joins Anita in the studio to talk about her life lived just out of focus behind some of the world's biggest movie stars.

It's Children in Need tonight so we thought we'd look at one of the projects it funds. Getaway Girls is a charity which first opened its doors to women and girls in Leeds 35 years ago initially offering girls a safe space to go to make friends and learn new skills to empower them and help grow their confidence. Over the years it has worked to support girls who have experienced difficulties at home from domestic violence, exploitation or sexual abuse to newly arrived refugees. Getaway Girls has received funding from BBC Children in Need since 2010 and this year in partnership with BBC Radio 2 it has a new home thanks to the DIY SOS the Big Build team. Alia Nessa, Operations Manager at Getaway Girls talks about the project.

We speak to Judith Kilshaw who was once seen as Britain’s ‘most hated woman'. She caused outrage internationally after she and her husband paid a fee to adopt twin babies in the US. The case led to a change in UK adoption law and now she is speaking out in a new documentary which tells the stories of the three mothers involved. Naomi Angell, head of Adoption, Surrogacy and fertility law unit at Osbornes Law explains how the legal situation has changed.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Susie Hargreaves Interviewed Guest: Vicki Green Interviewed Guest: Jill Goldston Interviewed Guest: Alia Nessa Interviewed Guest: Judith Kilshaw Interviewed Guest: Naomi Angell

The Big Swing’s Georgina Jackson and Emma Smith. Bronwyn Curtis, Vicky Pryce, Dr Kaitlyn Regehr and Ben Zand Nov 17, 2022

The Big Swing is the world’s first double female-fronted big band. It is led by jazz musicians Georgina Jackson and Emma Smith. On Friday 18th November they will be performing at EFG London Jazz Festival and Cadogan Hall, where they will present their own unique interpretations of the old-school big band jazz tradition, adding their own brand of style and charisma. They join Emma to discuss why they felt the need to elevate female visibility in the big band world and to perform live.

Of an estimated 18,000 incels, or involuntary celibates, globally, 2500 of them are based in the UK. ‘The Secret World of Incels’ is a Channel 4 documentary that gives a window into their lives and explores what makes them engage with these misogynist online forums that have led to some horrific acts of violence. Presenter, Ben Zand tells us about his experience of entering what he describes as a world full of men ‘addicted to hopelessness’. And Dr Kaitlyn Regehr, an Associate Professor in Digital Humanities discusses her concerns over the normalising of incels into our culture and the growing impact on boys and young men.

Are you struggling to make ends meet with inflation at upwards of 11% with rising energy and food prices eating into your budget? Later today the Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt will announce the government’s plans for the economy. What will it means for you and for women in all sectors of the economy, whether you’re in work, on benefits or on a pension? We talk to Bronwyn Curtis is an expert in finance and commodities and Vicky Pryce is chief economic adviser at the Centre for Economics and Business Research.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Managers: Andrew Garratt and Steve Greenwood.

Poet Joelle Taylor, Fantasy Football and Yusra Mardini and Sally El Hosaini Nov 16, 2022

Poet Joelle Taylor won the Polari Prize last night and the TS Eliot Prize in January this year. Over a long career as a writer for the page and the stage she has explored butch lesbian counterculture and told the stories of the women in underground communities fighting for the right to be themselves. She joins Emma Barnett to explain how joining the literary establishment fits with a lifetime of protest.

As Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Dominic Raab stands in for Prime Minister's Questions today, despite accusations of bullying, we look at how MPs and the macho culture of Westminster can be called to account without an ethics advisor, since Lord Geidt resigned earlier this year. Emma speaks to Pippa Crerar political editor of The Guardian and Christine Jardine, Liberal Democrat MP Edinburgh West, spokesperson for Cabinet Office, Women and Equalities and Scotland, who yesterday tabled a bill asking for parliament to appoint an ethics advisor if the conservative party fails to do so.

We speak to director Sally El Hosaini about her new film The Swimmers which is based on the true story two Syrian sisters who fled Damascus in a dinghy boat in order to escape war and build a new life for themselves. One of those sisters, Yusra Mardini, will also be speaking to Emma Barnett about how she feels about her story being turned into a film.

Fantasy Football is a hugely popular online game which requires building a make believe team of real world players who compete in the Premier League. But the growth of women managers has exceeded that of men in the last five years, rising by 112%. With the Premier League taking a break for the first ever winter World Cup, we explore the challenges early female participants of Fantasy Football have faced and what their participation in the game, and a growing interest in football, could have on the sport.

Practical advice for anxious mothers. Burns specialist Professor Fiona Wood. Iran protests Nov 15, 2022

The imagery around pregnancy is often of glowing women doing yoga with calm expressions. For many women through it can be a time of anxiety about the birth, the baby, the future. All perfectly natural but it can be hard to ask for or access help. A new book ‘Break Free From Maternal Anxiety’ A self-help Guide for Pregnancy, Birth and the First Postnatal Year’ offers CBT-based support. One of the authors Dr Catherine Green joins Emma Barnett to share professional and personal experience.

We hear from Professor Fiona Wood a world leading burns specialist the reluctant subject of a new book ‘Under Her Skin’. She was the first female plastic surgeon in Western Australia (in 1991) and has been named Australia’s Most Trusted Person and National Living Treasure becoming a household name after she led a team that helped saved the lives of people injured in the Bali bombing.

Women continue to lead protests in Iran. But many Iranians say speaking out against the regime brings real risks. Now according to State Media a court in Iran has issued the first death sentence to a person arrested for taking part. We get the latest from Faranak Amidi the BBC's Near East Women's Affairs Reporter and Rushanara Ali the Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Bow about what she wants the UK Government to do.

A tribute to Sue Baker one of the original members of the Top Gear team who's died.

Plus tampon tax campaigner Laura Coryton on new research which suggests at least 80% of the savings, as a result of the tax ending two years ago has been absorbed by retailers. Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

BBC 100 - Kim Moore poem with women's voices, Auntie Beeb with Mel Giedroyc, former MP Anne Milton on Gavin Williamson Nov 14, 2022

Today it is 100 years since the BBC began broadcasting on radio. To celebrate that centenary, we have commissioned a poem by Kim Moore and created a soundscape to show how much women’s lives, and the noises that surround them, have changed - using BBC archive from the 1920s right through to the present day. We also ask why did the BBC get its nickname ‘Auntie’? And what kind of aunt would she be? To mark 100 years since the BBC started daily radio broadcasts, Emma Barnett is joined by television presenter and comedian Mel Giedroyc and historian of the BBC Professor Jean Seaton.

Sir Gavin Williamson resigned from the cabinet last week following allegations of bullying; the Labour MP Charlotte Nichols has claimed there is a "whisper list" of 40 politicians to never accept a drink from or be alone with; and claims have emerged over the weekend that civil servants at the Ministry of Justice were offered “respite or a route out” when Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab was reappointed last month. Emma asks Anne Milton, the former deputy chief whip who has accused Gavin Williamson of subjecting MPs to “unethical and immoral behaviour" - whether we can infer a 'blokeish' culture in politics. We also hear from Isabel Hardman, Assistant Editor at the Spectator.

Anna Sorokin was born to an ordinary family in Moscow, before moving to Germany as a teenager. But upon arriving in New York, she transformed herself into Anna Delvey, a German multimillionaire heiress with a trust fund in Europe. She used this persona to lead a lavish lifestyle and conned friends, big banks and hotels into thinking that her fortune could cover the luxury she desired. But it was all a con. She was found guilty in 2019 of theft of services and grand larceny, having scammed more than $200,000 (£145,000) and spent almost four years in jail. In her first radio interview since being released, Anna Delvey joins Emma.

Weekend Woman's Hour: LeAnn Rimes, Women in the Royal Navy, Althea McNish Nov 12, 2022

The Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and actress LeAnn Rimes joins us in the studio. Her unforgettable ballad "How Do I Live" holds the record as Billboard’s Hot 100 all-time #1 hit by a female artist. She talks about the inspiration her latest album, God’s Work.

A woman who served in the Royal Navy for 20 years speaks for the first time about how she was raped and sexually assaulted during her career. The woman who we are calling Catherine says that when a senior colleague discovered she was pregnant, they suggested that an appointment be made for her to have an abortion.

The Conservative MP Sarah Atherton serves on the Defence Select Committee, and led an inquiry last year into the experiences of women in the armed forces, which heard from 4200 women, including some 9% of women currently serving in the armed forces. The Atherton report found that 64% of female veterans and 58% of currently-serving women reported experiencing bullying, harassment or discrimination during their careers. She gives her response to Catherine’s story.

Lotte Wubben-Moy has become the latest women’s football player to say she won’t be watching the World Cup in Qatar, because of where it’s being held and their stance on homosexuality and equal rights. Suzy Wrack from the Guardian tells us why women speaking out about this is so significant.

Althea McNish was the first Caribbean designer to achieve international recognition and is one of the UK’s most influential textile designers. There’s currently a major retrospective of her, Althea McNish: Colour is Mine at the Whitworth in Manchester. Rose Sinclair, Lecturer in Design Education at Goldsmiths, University of London, co-curated the exhibition.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Louise Corley

LeAnn Rimes, Professor Julie Cupples, Fiona Macintosh, Ebinehita Iyere, Professor Asma Khalil Nov 11, 2022

The Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and actress LeAnn Rimes released her first album, Blue, aged 13 and at 14 she won "Best New Artist”. Her unforgettable ballad "How Do I Live" holds the record as Billboard’s Hot 100 all-time #1 hit by a female artist. She joins Anita Rani to talk about the inspiration her latest album – god’s work – which features artists including Ziggy Marley and Aloe Blacc.

We’ll be getting an insight into what life behind bars is like for female activists in Nicaragua. Professor Julie Cupples, an Academic who has written about the country and spent time doing fieldwork for her thesis, will be speaking to Anita Rani along with Fiona Macintosh an author who was in Nicaragua at the time of political revolution in the 1980’s. They’ll both be sharing their experiences of women trying to push for revolution in the country.

A new report ‘Girls Speak: Pushed Out, Left Out’ from the charity Agenda Alliance highlights the problem of persistent adultification in schools which often leads to extra harsh discipline for Black and dual heritage girls. Anita speaks to Ebinehita Iyere who collaborated on the report joins Anita.

With early indications that COVID-19 rates are beginning to rise ahead of winter and a predicted flu wave, the UK Health Security Agency and NHS say it’s essential that pregnant women come forward and get protected. Anita is joined by Claire who contracted covid-19 when she was pregnant & Professor Asma Khalil, Professor of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine at St George’s University Hospital, University of London.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Michael Millham

Woman in the Royal Navy 'was raped on ship' Nov 10, 2022

A woman who served in the Royal Navy for 20 years speaks for the first time about how she was raped and sexually assaulted during her career. Speaking to Emma Barnett on Woman’s Hour she describes experiencing several other incidents of sexual harassment during her time serving, including a colleague putting his penis on her shoulder. She says that when a senior colleague discovered she was pregnant, they suggested that an appointment be made for her to have an abortion.

The Conservative MP Sarah Atherton serves on the Defence Select Committee, and led an inquiry last year into the experiences of women in the armed forces, which heard from 4200 women, including some 9% of women currently serving in the armed forces. The Atherton report found that 64 percent of female veterans and 58 percent of currently-serving women reported experiencing bullying harassment or discrimination during their careers. Sarah joins Emma to give her response to Catherine’s story.

Lieutenant colonel Diane Allen, served for 37 years in the Army before resigning last year. She has previously called for a Me Too moment across the military. Diane has a website- forwarned - where she collates testimony from serving and former service personnel and joins Emma Barnett.

At 53, Jenifer Aniston has opened up for the first time about spending years ‘throwing everything’ at trying to conceive, following years of speculation. There are so many stories of eventual happy endings for those on the infertility road. But what about those how who don’t have that? Emma Barnett is joined by Caroline Stafford, a baker, who shares her own experiences of what happens when things don’t work out.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Women's Rugby League World Cup, Matt Hancock in the jungle, Friends Forever - Nina, US midterms Nov 09, 2022

England's Rugby League Women's team play their next World Cup match against Papua New Guinea tonight. Joining Emma to talk about how to get more women involved in the game are the official Women's Ambassador for the Rugby League World Cup Jodie Cunningham and the Captain Emily Rudge. Jodie is also an Ambassador for the RLWC's Social Impact Programme which champions inclusive volunteering. We hear from volunteer Jenny Robinson, who is a wheelchair user and has learning disabilities, who says it's changed her life.

Whether you choose to watch or not, you won’t have escaped the news that reality show I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! is back on TV and that Matt Hancock, the former Health Secretary during the pandemic, who had to resign over breaking his own rules when an affair with an aide was exposed by the newspapers - is due to make his first appearance in the jungle camp in Australia tonight. Christine Hamilton, media personality and author, married to former Conservative MP Neil Hamilton - came third in the first series of I'm a Celebrity 20 years ago - back in 2002. She gives her view to Emma, as does Dr Cathy Gardner, who brought a judicial review on the government's discharge policy of hospitals to care homes at the beginning of the pandemic against Matt Hancock, the NHS and Public Health England – and won.

Results are being declared in the US midterm elections. The Republicans currently have the most seats in the House of Representatives but it is still unclear which party could gain control of the Senate. Abortion has played a role in these elections, with the first batch of exit polls showing that for 3 in 10 Americans, abortion was the most important issue. The Democrats ran campaigns that focussed on abortion rights and poll as the most trusted party with this issue, but has the importance of abortion rights been overplayed? Emma speaks to Amanda Taub, writer for The New York Times.

Over the last few weeks we've been talking about the power and the pain of female friendship. A Woman's Hour Listener we are calling Nina contacted us - she was listening to one of the episodes exploring whether friendships can be repaired - and it really chimed with her. Our reporter Jo Morris met Nina at her home to hear her story.

Textile designer Althea McNish, Albanian female asylum seekers, endurance athlete Jenny Tough Nov 08, 2022

Following, Elon Musk’s announcement that Twitter will permanently suspend any account on the social media platform that impersonates another, Nuala McGovern is joined by crime writer, Denise Mina who changed her twitter display name to ‘Elon Musk’. Jenny Tough is an endurance athlete who's best known for running and cycling in some of world's most challenging events. For a forthcoming film - SOLO - she set herself an audacious objective: to run – solo and unsupported, across mountain ranges on six continents, starting with one of the most remote locations on earth in Kyrgystan. She joins Nuala to describe how mountains give her a sense of home and why travelling solo is a “force for joy”. We speak to Anti Trafficking Social worker Lauren Starkey and Human rights Journalist about new research that suggests Albanian women are more likely to have their asylum applications approveddue to the threat they face from trafficking. They’ll be sharing the experiences of some of the women with Nuala McGovern and give us an insight into the dangers that female asylum seekers face day to day. Textile designer Althea McNish was the first Caribbean designer to achieve international recognition and is one of the UK’s most influential and innovative textile designers. There’s currently a major retrospective of her, Althea McNish: Colour is Mine at the Whitworth in Manchester on tour from William Morris Gallery, Walthamstow. Rose Sinclair a Lecturer in Design Education at Goldsmiths, University of London co-curated the exhibition.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Lorna Luft on White Christmas. Mussolini's daughter. COP 27 Nov 07, 2022

Hailing from theatrical royalty, daughter of Judy Garland, actor and singer Lorna Luft is recognised as an iconic star of stage and screen. About to embark on a UK tour playing housekeeper Martha Watson in the much-loved musical White Christmas, she joins Emma Barnett to explain what draws her back to this role time after time.

The Prime Minister is in Sharm El Sheikh for this year's COP27 UN climate change summit - after coming under some pressure to attend in person. But 110 country leaders will be there. Money will feature high on the agenda and is sure to be a sticking point in negotiations. Leaders of those representing developing countries want developed nations like the US, UK and those of the EU to pay for the "loss and damage" they've suffered. We hear from Elise Buckle co-founder of SheChanges Climate and environmental campaigner Georgia Elliott Smith who is not going to this COP

A new biography of Edda Mussolini highlights her pivotal role in 1930s Italy during one of the most violent periods in human history. As the daughter of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini she was a powerful proponent of the fascist movement. Author of a new book all about her - Edda Mussolini the Most Dangerous Woman in Europe. - Caroline Moorehead joins Emma Barnett to talk about her role as a key role player and not just a witness to twentieth century European history.

And we want your help. A listener got in touch to describe how, in a discussion with a male colleague about the gender pay gap, she was told to ‘not take it personally’ and ‘calm down’. She'd like you tips on how to as she puts it "tackle this rebuttal often used by men to silence women who attempt to challenge male dominance in the work place”

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Beth Mead, Female doctors and the menopause, Donna Patterson, Policing, Shonda Rhimes & Betsy Beers, Caroline and Rose Quentin Nov 05, 2022

Beth Mead was Player of the Tournament at the Euro's earlier this year, and runner-up in the Ballon d'Or which decides the best player in the world. Beth plays for Arsenal in the Women's Super League, and has a new book out called Lioness: My Journey To Glory.

After Donna Patterson's maternity leave, her employer Morrison’s gave her a full-time role, despite her only working part time. She represented herself in a tribunal and she won a £60k pay-out for maternity discrimination.

Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers are the producing partners behind some of the biggest American TV dramas of modern times – Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, and Bridgerton.

A report by the Police watchdog, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary - into eight forces in England and Wales, has warned that hundreds of police officers have been cleared to serve when they should have failed vetting procedures. Sir Peter Fahy, the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police from 2008 to 2015 gave his reaction.

One in five female doctors say they have considered early retirement due to menopause symptoms. A new report warns that without better support there could be ‘an exodus’ of female doctors from the NHS. Dame Jane Dacre, President of the Medical Protection Society, and Dr Nadira Awal, a GP who specialises in women's health discuss.

Mother and daughter acting duo, Caroline and Rose Quentin are appearing in a new touring production of the George Bernard Shaw play, Mrs Warren’s Profession. They discuss their relationship and their first experience of working together.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Anne Longfield, Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Sudha Bhuchar, Claire Mason, Romy Gill Nov 04, 2022

Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers are the producing partners behind some of the biggest American TV dramas of modern times – and they are always female character led. They include Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, and of course the Netflix hit Bridgerton – adapted from Julia Quinn’s racy novels set in the Regency era in England. The first series was released at the end of 2020, and is well known for having racially diverse cast and steamy sex scenes. Anita Rani speaks to Shonda and Betsy about their work and new projects.

We hear how primary school pupils, as well as youngsters from middle class ‘leafy suburbs’, are being lured into gangs and county lines drug running according to Anne Longfield in her new report for the Commission on Young Lives.

A new project, led by Lancaster University, has created memory boxes, designed to help women whose babies are taken into care at birth while a court determines their child’s future. We hear why these ‘Hope boxes’ are so important to the women who developed the idea and Research Fellow, Claire Mason who supported them. And discuss why the number of newborns in care proceedings in England and Wales has increased over the past decade.

The actor and playwright Sudha Bhuchar discusses ‘Evening Conversations’ currently on stage at the Soho Theatre in London.

And Inspired by the epic Himalayan scenes featured in Bollywood films, chef and food writer Romy Gill details her journey from Kashmir to Ladakh, sharing recipes she learned along the way.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Michael Millham

Dame Sharon White - Chair of John Lewis, Beth Mead, Caroline and Rose Quentin Nov 03, 2022

Dame Sharon White is the first ever female chair of John Lewis Partnership and was recently named the UK’s most influential black person in the 2023 Powerlist. She became the chair of the John Lewis Partnership in January 2020 just as the Covid pandemic hit and is responsible for turning around the fortunes of John Lewis and Waitrose in what is widely seen as the most challenging time in the company’s history. She joins Emma.

The accolades just keep coming for Beth Mead, she won the Golden Boot - meaning she scored the most goals - and Player of the Tournament at the Euro's earlier this year, and last month she was runner-up in the Ballon d'Or which decides the best player in the world. Beth, who plays for Arsenal in the Women's Super League, has a new book out called Lioness: My Journey To Glory and joins Emma in the studio.

Men Behaving Badly star Caroline Quentin is joined by her daughter Rose for a new touring production of the George Bernard Shaw play, Mrs Warren’s Profession. They play Mrs Warren and her daughter Vivie, who suffers a crisis of conscience when she discovers that her comfortable life has been funded by her mother’s work in the sex industry. Caroline and Rose join Emma to discuss their relationship and their first experience of working together.

Cat Power, US Midterms, Hope Boxes, writer Yasmin El-Rifae Nov 02, 2022

Chan Marshall, better known by her stage name Cat Power, is an American singer, songwriter and producer. After three decades in the music industry, she has eight original albums under her belt but has also made three cover albums. The most recent saw her singing everything from the work of The Pogues to Lana Del Rey. This Saturday she will be recreating Bob Dylan’s iconic 1966 Royal Albert Hall concert. It was one of the most controversial tours in the history of rock & roll, where Dylan enraged fans for electrifying his songs. Power will be performing them in the same order as Dylan himself: the first half of the show will be acoustic before an electric band join her for the second half. Chan joins Emma to talk music, motherhood and honouring a rock and roll icon.

With just five days to go until the US midterms, Emma takes a look at what matters to women voters. On Monday we heard from a former Republican strategist, today Emma will be joined by Democratic Party political strategist and former head of EMILY’s List, Stephanie Schriock.

A new project, led by Lancaster University, has created memory boxes, designed to help women whose babies are taken into care at birth while a court determines their child’s future. We hear why these ‘Hope boxes’ are so important to the women who developed the idea and Research Fellow, Claire Mason who supported them. And discuss why the number of newborns in care proceedings in England and Wales has increased over the past decade.

We revisit the events of the Egyptian protests in 2012-2013 in Tahrir Square in Cairo, with the author Yasmin El-Rifae. Her book, ‘Radius, A Story of Feminist Revolution', tells the story of the women and men who formed Opantish – Operation Anti-Sexual Harassment and Assault to intervene in the spiralling cases of sexual violence against women in the square. The group members often risked assault themselves and Yasmin was also one of their organisers.

What's a feminist city look like? Female doctors and the menopause. Jan Etherington on bickering. Nov 01, 2022

Glasgow has become the first city in the UK to officially adopt a feminist town-planning-approach. Emma Barnett speaks to the woman behind the proposal Scottish Green Councillor Holly Bruce and the author of ‘Feminist City’ Leslie Kern. What's a feminist city look like and what changes can we expect to see in Glasgow.

One in five female doctors say they have considered early retirement due to menopause symptoms. A new report warns that without better support there could be ‘an exodus’ of female doctors from the NHS. Emma talks to Dame Jane Dacre, President of the Medical Protection Society, a not-for-profit protection organisation for healthcare professionals, who conducted the survey. Plus, Dr Nadira Awal, a GP who specialises in Women’s Health.

The Treasury has warned of "inevitable" tax rises as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak seeks to fill a "black hole" in public finances. They agreed "tough decisions" were needed on tax rises, as well as on spending. The Treasury gave no details but said "everybody would need to contribute more in tax in the years ahead". So how did we get here, what are the changes announced in a couple of weeks' time likely to be and how will they affect you? We hear from two women in the know Claer Barratt the consumer editor at the Financial Times and Dame DeAnne Julius a Fellow in Global Economy and Finance at Chatham House, and a founder member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of England

Plus Jan Etherington the writer of Radio 4’s comedy Conversations from a Long Marriage joins Emma to discuss the highs and lows of bickering.

Producer Beverley Purcell Presenter Emma Barnett

Donna Patterson, Running in the dark, Tammy Faye Musical Oct 31, 2022

After Donna Patterson's maternity leave, her employer Morrison’s gave her a full-time role, despite her only working part time. She represented herself in a tribunal and she won a £60k pay-out for maternity discrimination. Donna joins Emma Barnett in the studio.

As the clocks go back - and the nights draw in- it can get harder to find the motivation to get outdoors and exercise as the couch beckons. At the weekend the Olympic champion cyclist Chris Boardman wrote about this issue as he was aware that his wife and daughters were affected by this. Rather than putting the onus on women to keep safe he wants men to take more responsibility, he joins Emma alongside Robyn Vinter, the North of England correspondent of the Guardian, who is a runner and also wrote about this issue very recently.

Tammy Faye – A New Musical tells the story of rise and fall of American TV evangelists Tammy Faye and her husband Jim Bakker, who preached to millions across the country via their own television satellite channel PTL, Ministry and theme park. The musical written by James Graham features original songs by Elton John and Jake Shears of the Scissor sisters. Olivier award winning actor Katie Brayben takes on the role of Tammy at the Almeida theatre in London.

It’s just one week until the midterm elections in the United States. The Republican Party are widely expected to take the House of Representatives – but the Senate could still go either way. So what does this mean for women in America, and how could their opinions on political issues such as Roe v Wade swing the vote? Emma Barnett talks to republican political strategist and talk show host Jennifer Kerns.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Weekend Woman’s Hour: climate activist Vanessa Nakate, rogue landlords, deepfake porn, Goth fashion, the state of child care Oct 29, 2022

According to the OECD, the UK is the third most expensive country for childcare. ‘March of the Mummies’ organised by the campaign group Pregnant then Screwed are demanding for government reform. Its founder Joeli Brearley told Elaine Dunkley why.

25-year-old Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate who launched her own climate movement in 2019 protesting outside the gates of the Ugandan parliament. Now a UNICEF ambassador she joined Jess to discuss her book ‘A Bigger Picture’ and what COP27 next week.

A new BBC documentary looks at how deepfake technology is being used to create hardcore pornography of women without their consent. Presenter of the documentary Jess Davies and leading deepfake and synthetic media expert Henry Ajder joined Krupa.

In a report out this week, MPs say too many women who’ve survived domestic abuse are ending up in appalling accommodation operated by rogue landlords who exploit housing benefit loopholes to cash in on a ‘gold rush’ of taxpayers’ money. Krupa talked to Becky Rogerson, CEO of Wearside Women in Need & the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Select Committee for Housing and Communities, Clive Betts Labour MP.

Fashion librarian Katie Godman's book 'Gothic Fashion - From Barbarian to Haute Couture' traces the roots of this long-lived, popular and adaptable look. She joined Jess and listeners share their stories of when and why they went Gothic.

Flo & Joan, the multi-award winning British musical comedy duo Nicola and Rosie Dempsey. They cover everything from women’s safety to dating apps to mental health through their witty comedy songs. Their sell-out 140-date international tour, Sweet Release, has just been extended.

Presenter: Elaine Dunkley Producer: Surya Elango Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

Childcare in the UK: does it need an overhaul? Oct 28, 2022

According to the OECD, the UK is the third most expensive country for childcare. An estimated 1.7 million women in England are prevented from doing more hours of work by childcare issues, while a UNICEF report this week shows that almost 1 in 5 parents on low incomes are skipping meals to pay for it. On Saturday, 12,000 mums will descend on 11 locations across the UK to demand government reform in a ‘March of the Mummies’ organised by the campaign group Pregnant then Screwed. Its founder Joeli Brearley tells us why.

From tax-free childcare to the 30 free hours offer, why do we have the childcare policies that we do? Who are they supposed to target and who really benefits? We discuss with Christine Farquharson, senior research economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies and Megan Jarvie, Head of Family and Childcare at the charity Coram.

The number of childcare providers in England has dropped by 4000 between March 2021 and March 2022. A survey of 2,000 early years providers in March found 30% were currently operating at a loss, while 34% said they expected to be in 12 months' time. Meanwhile a 2020 report from the Social Mobility Commission shows that one in eight nursery workers earned less than £5 an hour. To discuss the challenges facing the sector, we speak to Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance and Jennie Bailey, owner of a nursery in Hampshire.

What are the opportunities and challenges of employing working parents? Elaine Stern is a mother of three and owner of a marketing and production agency employing 35 workers. She discusses how requests for flexible-working or a lack of accessible affordable childcare can impact on business.

How can we arrive at an accessible, affordable, high quality childcare system in the UK? We ask our panel, including Jemima Olchawski CEO of the Fawcett Society, whether government proposals to deregulate the childcare sector will work, how other countries compare to the UK, and whether the sometime conflicting needs of parents, children, providers and employers can be reconciled.

Presenter: Elaine Dunkley Producer: Lucy Wai Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Joeli Brearly Interviewed Guest: Megan Jarvie Interviewed Guest: Christine Farquharson Interviewed Guest: Jennie Bailey Interviewed Guest: Neil Leitch Interviewed Guest: Elaine Stern Interviewed Guest: Jemime Olchawski

Rogue refuges update, Una Marson, Agony aunts, Iran Oct 27, 2022

In a shocking report out today MPs say too many women who’ve survived domestic abuse are ending up in appalling accommodation operated by rogue landlords who exploit housing benefit loopholes to cash in on a ‘gold rush’ of taxpayers’ money. Some women and their children find themselves housed in mixed-sex provision, or even alongside their perpetrators. The current rules mean anyone can set up what is called Exempt Accommodation if they offer care, support, or supervision that is ‘more than minimal’. One provider left a loaf of bread and some jam to achieve that standard. Others say fitting CCTV is enough to qualify. The All Party Parliamentary Select Committee on Levelling Up Housing and Communities make a number of recommendations aimed at stopping unscrupulous operators getting enhanced housing benefit without providing the wraparound support and staff they’re meant to offer survivors of domestic abuse. Krupa Padhy talks to the Chair of the Committee Clive Betts Labour MP and Becky Rogerson, CEO of Wearside Women in Need.

In 1691, a journalist called John Dunton was having an affair and realised there was no one he could ask for advice about it without revealing his identity. Realising his situation couldn’t be unique, he invited readers of his newspaper to submit their problems. Today agony aunt columns are the mainstay of the back pages of our newspapers and magazines. But why do we still seek comfort from the written advice of strangers? Krupa Padhy is joined by best-selling author and Sunday Times Style agony aunt Dolly Alderton, and author of ‘Never Kiss A Man in a Canoe,’ Tanith Carey.

Yesterday marked 40 days since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini who died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly wearing her hijab “improperly”. Thousands of mourners gathered near Amini’s grave in her hometown of Saqqez where Iranian police reportedly fired live rounds and tear gas at the crowds. Protests have taken place across the country since Mahsa’s death on 16th September and women have been at the forefront of the movement, removing their headscarves and cutting their hair in public in solidarity. Faranak Amidi, the BBC's Near East women affairs reporter, joins Krupa.

On Woman’s Hour we talk about girls a lot, how we raise them, keeping them safe, their mental and physical health but we don’t often talk to them. For an occasional series called Girl’s World, Ena Miller went to talk to India and Alice at their school about their lives, the things they think about, chat about and worry about. She took along her teenage diary to jog her memory about the secret world of the teenage girl.

When Una Marson became the BBC's first black radio producer and presenter in the 1940s, she brought Caribbean voices and culture to a global audience. Krupa speaks to actor Seroca Davis on playing Una in BBC2’s documentary-drama ‘Una Marson, Our Lost Caribbean Voice’.

Hygiene Poverty, Hanna Flint, Lumberjills Oct 26, 2022

The new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has appointed his team of top ministers but out of 31 members there are only seven women in his team. The BBC’s Leila Nathoo joins Jessica alongside Dr Meryl Kenny.

Film critic and journalist Hanna Flint has been covering film and culture for nearly a decade. She's now written a book, Strong Female Character: What Movies Teach Us in which she reflects on how cinema has been the key to understanding herself and the world we live in. She joins Jessica Creighton in the studio.

The latest inflation figures show the cost of household items like shower gel, toothpaste and shampoo rose by up to 11% from the same time last year. It's led to 3.2 million people saying they are no longer able to afford hygiene products. Ruth Brock is Chief Executive of the charity The Hygiene Bank and joins Jessica alongside Bryony, a mum from the South of England, who explains how it's impacting her.

Flo & Joan are the multi-award winning British musical comedy duo Nicola and Rosie Dempsey. They cover everything from women’s safety to dating apps to mental health through their witty and irreverent comedy songs. Their sell-out 140-date international tour, Sweet Release, has just been extended. They will be performing for us live in the studio.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Women’s Timber Corps - or ‘The Lumberjills’ as they were affectionately called. During World War Two Britain was so desperate for wood it was forced to step-up home-grown timber production. But with a lack of men to saw, manage and count the trees, meant that women from all over the UK stepped into the roles. Joanna Foat, author of Lumberjills: Stronger Together joins Jessica.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Emma Pearce

New PM priorities, Libby Squire's mum, Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate, Gothic fashion Oct 25, 2022

Twenty-one year old university student Libby Squire disappeared after a night out with friends in Hull in January 2019. Last year 24 year old Pawel Relowicz was jailed for 27 years for her rape and murder. A new Sky documentary 'Libby, Are You Home Yet?'available to watch on Sky Crime from 27th September and streaming service Now explores the case. Libby's mother Lisa joins Jess to explain why she wants to meet her daughter's killer, and the need for earlier intervention in 'lower level' sexual offences. Photo credit Sky.

As Rishi Sunak becomes the UK's first British Asian Prime Minister and the third leader in seven weeks, what will be his priorities and how will that impact issues that particularly affect women? Jess speaks to Conservative MP Caroline Nokes, the Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, and BBC political correspondent Ione Wells.

A key theme of this years COP27 climate summit is expected to centre around who pays for damage already being seen in countries across the world. It's a major concern for the climate activist Vanessa Nakate. Vanessa is 25, she's from Uganda and, inspired by Greta Thunberg’s school strikes in Sweden, launched her own climate movement in 2019 protesting outside the gates of the Ugandan parliament. Now a UNICEF ambassador she joins Jessica to discuss her book, A Bigger Picture, and what she wants to hear from world leaders ahead of COP27.

For an occasional series called Girl’s World Ena Miller went to talk to girls at their schools about their lives and how they express their opinions. Alice and India are 13 and they go to school in Stroud.

Are you or have you ever been a Goth? Black clothes, eyeliner, big boots, lashings of lipstick' ...sound familiar? Fashion librarian Katie Godman's book 'Gothic Fashion - From Barbarian to Haute Couture' traces the roots of this long-lived, popular and adaptable look. She joins Jess and listeners share their stories of when and why they went Gothic.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Dianne McGregor

Artist and conservationist Sophie Green, Deepfake porn, British gymnastics Oct 24, 2022

In China, the leader Xi Jinping has moved into a historic third term in power. He has just revealed his senior leadership team at the 20th Communist party congress in Beijing, and for the first time in 25 years, no women were included. We discuss what this means for women in China.

A new BBC documentary looks at how deepfake technology is being used to create hardcore pornography of women without their consent. Presenter of the documentary Jess Davies and leading deepfake and synthetic media expert Henry Ajder join Krupa, alongside campaigner Kate Issacs who has been impacted by this form of image-based sexual abuse.

In the next episode of Friends Forever? Dan and Nat have been best friends for 20 years but romantic relationships have put a strain on their friendship. How do you cope if you think your mate's boyfriend is bad for her? Jo Morris explores the tricky business of having a best mate and a partner.

British Gymnastics have just published ‘Reform 25’, their 40 point response to the Whyte Review. The report was highly critical of the organisation saying it was enabling a toxic culture that prioritised profit over the wellbeing of young athletes, and encouraged an era in which they were subjected to shocking levels of emotional and physical abuse. Sarah Powell the new CEO of British Gymnastics joins Krupa Padhy, along with Claire Heafford, co-founder and campaign director of Gymnasts 4 Change.

Sophie Green is an artist and conservationist. In her paintings she highlights some of the planet's most endangered animals and next month her work will be showcased in a new exhibition called Impermanence at the Oxo Tower Gallery in London.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Actor Geena Davis. Harry Dunn's Mother. Choreographer Jasmin Vardimon. Oct 22, 2022

Geena Davis is a two-time Academy award-winning actress, known for her role as Thelma in Thelma & Louise, among countless other parts she has played. She joins Jessica Creighton to talk about her impressive career as an actress, athlete and model – as well as why she’s such a champion of female representation in media, and why she chose the title of her new memoir, ‘Dying of Politeness’.

Anne Sacoolas on Thursday admitted causing the death of 19 year old motorcyclist Harry Dunn in August 2019. Harry’s mother Charlotte spoke to Anita Rani about how she’s feeling after the trial, and how her and Harry’s family have kept up the fight for justice over the last three years.

Choreographer Jasmin Vardimon talks to Jessica Creighton about her new production, ALiCE, inspired by Alice in Wonderland, and looks at how current cultural themes that we wouldn’t expect, including how women change through puberty and the menopause, are central to the classic story.

Domestic abuse figures in England and Wales are going up. Woman’s Hour has been hearing about sides of the issue we don’t really talk about. Winifred Robinson, presenter of the Radio 4 series, ‘Boy in the Woods’ talks to Krupa Pahdy about what it is that makes women want to stay with their abusers – and filmmaker Deeyah Khan tells Jessica Creighton about her new documentary, ‘Behind the Rage’, which focuses on the men who are violent towards their partners.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

Charlotte Charles, Ella Robertson McKay, Rainbow Murray, Cerys Hafana, Sejal Majithia and Sejal Sachdev , Girls World series Oct 21, 2022

Anne Sacoolas - a US citizen - has admitted causing the death of 19 year old Harry Dunn, outside an airbase in Northamptonshire in 2019. Yesterday, she appeared at the Old Bailey via video link and pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. She'd been charged with causing death by dangerous driving -- but her guilty plea to the lesser charge was accepted. She will be sentenced next month. Her family and campaigners have worked tirelessly to get justice for Harry. In a radio exclusive, we hear reaction from his mother Charlotte Charles.

After weeks of political turmoil Liz Truss resigned yesterday after just 45 days as Prime Minister. Her resignation has triggered a second Tory leadership election in just four months. But why did her leadership fail? Was there something inherently wrong with her leadership style or was this about gender? We hear from Ella Robertson McKay National Chair of Conservative Young Women, and from Rainbow Murray, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University.

Cerys Hafana is one of the few people in the world who plays the Welsh triple harp. At the age of just 21, she has made her mark on the Welsh folk music scene, with a second album which ‘mangles, mutates, and transforms’ the canon. She'll be playing one of the tracks from the new album live in the studio.

And Anita Rani will be speaking to Sejal Majithia and Sejal Sachdev the women behind a new exhibition Ugandan Asians A Living History which reflects on fifty years since the expulsion of Asians by Idi Amin. They’ll be giving us an insight into what women and their families went through during and after expulsion and how it’s shaped communities today.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Managers: Tim Heffer & Bob Nettles

Jayde Adams, Liz Truss' future, Phobias Oct 20, 2022

Comedian Jayde Adams and her Strictly Come Dancing partner Karen Hauer speak to Woman’s Hour about their performance on Saturday’s show which was dedicated to Jayde’s late sister Jenna Adams. They’ll be talking about how their journey dancing as a female sex couple has been, reflecting on the public support and reaction, as well as giving us an insight into what’s in store for their next dance.

A recent poll by YouGov found that half of Conservative members now think Liz Truss should resign. Krupa is joined by two of them: Sally-Ann Marks who is chairman of Maidstone and the Weald Conservative Association and Seena Shah is formerly the National Chairman of Conservative Young Women, and now a board member for Conservatives in the City.

We hear from a woman we're calling Sarah who is living on the estate where Rikki Neave, the six year old boy was killed in 1994, lived. Presenter Winifred Robinson met Sarah by chance when she was investigating why it took twenty years for Rikki’s killer to be brought to justice which resulted in the recent series “The Boy in the Woods” which has just been aired on Radio 4. She was living in a situation comparable with the Neave family. Krupa Padhy speaks to Winifred and you can hear her exclusive interview with Sarah and we’ll also be talking to child protection expert Sarah Humphreys.

Women are twice as likely to suffer from phobias than men. Kate Summerscale joins Krupa to discuss her new book, The Book of Phobias and Manias: a history of the world in 99 obsessions.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Emma Pearce

Sterilisation in the United States, Carmen Callil, Kate Beaton, #StayAtHomeGFs, Helen Gittos & East Kent Maternity Report Oct 19, 2022

An independent review launched after up to 15 babies died at a hospital trust will be published later this morning. The report into maternity services at East Kent Hospitals, which is expected to be "harrowing", examined up to 200 cases involving mothers and babies. The medical experts reviewed an 11-year period from 2009 at two hospitals in Margate and Ashford. Two mothers who lost their babies at a hospital trust at the centre of a maternity scandal say they felt they were blamed for the deaths. Earlier our presenter Krupa Padhi spoke to one of those mothers Helen Gittos as she and her husband Alan, and other families, waited to be allowed to read the report. They lost their daughter Harriet in 2014.

The cartoonist Kate Beaton has written a memoir about her time working in the oil fields of Canada aged 21 to pay off her student debt. Her memoir 'Ducks' tells of her loneliness and vulnerability in the male-dominated space and the kindness she found there too. The dirty machinery and blasted landscapes alongside the Northern Lights inspired her as an artist and her book offers a rare insight into the lives of the people who surface our oil .

Carmen Callil, the publisher and writer who championed female writers and transformed the canon of English literature, has died of leukemia aged 84. She founded the feminist imprint Virago Press, where she published contemporary bestsellers including Margaret Atwood and Maya Angelou. She worked with writers such as Angela Carter, Alan Hollinghurst and Toni Morrison. She was also the first publisher of Hilary Mantel. We discuss her life with chair of Virago Press, Lennie Goodings, a long-term friend and former colleague of the late publisher and writer.

Child-free women in the 20-something age bracket are sharing videos outlining what their day-to-day lives look like as #StayAtHomeGFs on TikTok. The hashtag has garnered 170 million posts and refers to one partner in a relationship whose role is to stay at home to look after their breadwinner boyfriend who goes to work and funds their lives. The content appears to be quite aspirational for many. We discuss the trend with the digital culture commentator Hannah Van de Peer and Alex Holder, a personal finance expert and author of Open Up: Why Talking About Money Will Change Your Life.

Google searches for sterilisation peaked in the US in the aftermath of the overturning of Roe v Wade – and the morning after pill sold out. It’s even made some women rethink whether or not they want children, and reports suggest younger women are even considering permanent sterilisation so they can’t become pregnant again. 23-year-old Olivia from Massachusetts joins Krupa, alongside USA correspondent Holly Honderich and NHS gynaecologist Dr Larisa Corda, to chat about the implications of female sterilisation.

Presenter: Krupa Padhi Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Helen Gittos Interviewed Guest: Kate Beaton Interviewed Guest: Lennie Goodings Interviewed Guest: Hannah Van de Peer Interviewed Guest: Alex Holder Interviewed Guest: Holly Honderich Interviewed Guest: Dr Larissa Corda

Actor Geena Davis. Sibling age gaps. Modern slavery and working rights. Oct 18, 2022

In her memoir "Dying of Politeness" the Oscar winning actor Geena_Davis talks about her roles from a housewife-turned-road warrior and an amnesiac assassin to the mother of a rodent, and the president of the United States. Plus she shares with Jessica Ceighton how she could have swapped acting for athletes and her passion for female representation.

Many of you got in touch after the journalist Merope Mills voiced her anger at her 13-year-old daughter Martha's preventable death in hospital. Jessica Creighton speaks to consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Virginia Davies about some of the broader medical issues you raised - from feeling that doctors and other medical staff were sometimes arrogant and often weren’t listening to your concerns about patient care to whether there needs to be a change in hospital culture.

Survivors of modern slavery could be contributing to the UK economy and helping to address skills shortages, but instead are being held back by bureaucratic red tape, that’s according to a new report by Hestia the leading provider of modern slavery support in London and the Southeast. The want for survivors to be given a temporary right to work as soon as they enter the system. We hear from a survivor "Trinny" and Alison Logier Head of Modern Slavery services about the impact this could have both for survivors and society as a whole.

What's it like to be the youngest child with large age gaps between you and your siblings? And what can parents do to help ease the difficulties that might occur?

Presenter Jessica Creighton Producer Beverley Purcell

Choreographer Jasmin Vardimon, Behind the Rage with Deeyah Khan, Met Police report, Motorcycling Oct 17, 2022

Jasmin Vardimon is one of the UK’s leading choreographers and was awarded an MBE for services to dance in the late Queen’s final birthday honours list in June. This month Jasmin is bringing ALiCE - a new interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice in Wonderland - to the Sadler’s Wells. She is also opening a purpose-built dance centre in Kent where the Jasmin Vardimon Company will be based. She joins Jessica to talk about her work.

Deeyah Khan is an Emmy, Bafta and Peabody winning filmmaker. Deeyah’s films have previously covered topics such as abortion in America, white supremacy, and why people become terrorists. Her latest film looks at domestic violence in the United States, hearing from voices rarely heard on the topic, the men who perpetrate violence towards their partners. Deeyah joins Jessica.

Baroness Casey's interim report into the Metropolitan Police's disciplinary procedures has found that hundreds of Met police officers have been getting away with misconduct and even breaking the law. The new Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has today called for officers to be sacked, after the report found that their internal disciplinary system is racist and misogynist, and allegations of sexual misconduct or discrimination are less likely to result in a case to answer than other claims. It also found that repeat misconduct offenders have remained in post, with just 13 out of 1,809 officers with more than one case against them being sacked since 2013. Jessica speaks to Shabnam Chaudri, formerly a Detective Superintendent with the Metropolitan Police.

Membership of the Women's International Motorcycle Association has increased by 50% in the last two years. And the world’s largest all-female biker meet took place in Leicestershire this summer, with over 1,500 women in attendance. But why is the number of female motorcyclists accelerating? Jessica talks to Karina Artun AKA Bike Like a Mum on Instagram, who started learning to ride in lockdown, and Sheonagh Ravensdale, Communications Director of the British Motorcyclists Federation.

Women are selling sex to cope with the cost of living crisis, according to the English Collective of Prostitutes who have seen call levels to their helpline rise by a third in the last few months. Many women are turning to sex work for the first time, while others are returning, having left it behind. Pregnant Then Screwed have also been contacted by women in a similar position. Jessica speaks to a sex worker called Evie and Niki Adams of the English Collective of Prostitutes, a network of sex workers and supporters campaigning for the decriminalisation of prostitution.

Nicole Hockley, Juliet Stevenson, Women protesting in Iran, Sue Townsend's legacy Oct 15, 2022

Nicole Hockley lost her son Dylan when he was 6 years old, during the Sandy Hook school shooting in Connecticut in 2012. She talks about her son, her feelings of loss, her activism and her reaction to the trial of Alex Jones, where a jury decided he should pay nearly 1 billion dollars in damages.

Do you feel comfortable voicing your opinion? Are you afraid of the ‘cancel culture’? Actress Juliet Stevenson is in a new play that address the issue of differing opinions in the modern world – she explains why she thinks we’ve lost free speech in this country.

Women in Iran are continuing to protest in the wake of the death of Mahsa Amini. Iranian women have a strong history of protesting – author Kamin Mohammidi discusses.

This week marks 40 years of Sue Townsend’s ‘The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole’. English Professor Emma Parker and writer Cathy Rentzenbrink join us to talk about the enduring legacy of Adrian Mole.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

The Staves live, Nicole Hockley, Manisha Tailor, Women and body art Oct 14, 2022

This week, in a defamation trial in the US, Alex Jones, founder of the Infowars website, was ordered to pay nearly one billion dollars in damage to eight families and an FBI agent. He had falsely claimed a mass shooting of twenty young children between ages of 6 and 7 and six adults at the Sandy Hook elementary school in Connecticut in 2012 was a hoax. Because of his lies grieving families were harassed and threatened by his followers. Nicole Hockley’s six year old son Dylan was killed in the shooting and was part of the defamation case and awarded millions in damages. Nicole joins Anita to discuss her response, and her ongoing work as the co-founder of the Sandy Hook Promise, which works to protect children from gun violence.

Manisha Tailor MBE is the assistant head of coaching for the under 9's to 16's at QPR Football Club. She is the only person of South Asian heritage to be working as a coach in English professional football. She discusses her new book ‘Dream Like Me: South Asian Football Trailblazers’.

National Album Day returns for its 5th year tomorrow and this year turns the spotlight on debut albums. Previous themes include women in music and the 1980s. With activity across BBC Sounds, Anita hears from indie folk trio The Staves. The three sisters from Hertfordshire released their debut album ‘Dead, Born and Grown’ exactly ten years ago and have just re-issued a special edition on recycled vinyl. Jessica, Emily and Camilla perform live in the Woman's Hour studio..

Would you wear a necklace made from your own bacteria? Or a pair of earrings formed from human tears? Anita Rani talks to two women who are using bodily materials – often their own – to make art. Chloe Fitzpatrick grows human bacteria to create the dyes used in her jewellery pieces and has amassed millions of views on TikTok for her videos documenting the process. Alice Potts’ innovative work with crystals has allowed her to create beautiful crystal structures out of tears, urine, and sweat.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Nicole Hockley Interviewed Guest: Manisha Tailor Interviewed Guest: Camilla Staveley-Taylor Interviewed Guest: Emily Staveley-Taylor Interviewed Guest: Jessica Staveley-Taylor Photographer: Sequoia Ziff Interviewed Guest: Chloe Fitzpatrick Interviewed Guest: Alice Potts

Actor Juliet Stevenson. 40 years after Adrian Mole the legacy of Sue Townsend. Paralympian now dancer Ellie Simmonds Oct 13, 2022

The Doctor’ first opened at the Almeida in 2019 Juliet Stevenson’s performance was described as ‘one of the peaks of the theatrical year’. Now on stage in London’s West End the play has again been highly applauded by the critics. Juliet joins Emma Barnett to discuss playing Dr Ruth Wolff, medical ethics, identity politics, anti-Semitism, media witch hunts and the way institutions protect themselves against criticism.

It’s been 40 years since The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ by Sue Townsend was published. On New Year’s Day 1981 Adrian lives in Leicester. His parent’s relationship is rocky, money is tight. He is worried about his spots and the length of his penis and he yearns for Pandora a girl from school who is from the posh part of town. Joining Emma are Dr Emma Parker, Associate Professor of English working on Twentieth Century women’s writing at Leicester University and the writer Cathy Rentzenbrink. What does the diary of a teenage boy tell us about the lives of girls and women in the early 80's?

We hear from the Miriam Cates, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge who yesterday at PMQ's asked Liz Truss about the charity Mermaids which offers support around gender and identity to children and young people up to 25 years old and is currently the subject of a regulatory compliance case by the Charity Commission.

Plus Paralympian swimmer Ellie Simmonds talks about her Strictly Come Dancing journey and the impact of the online trolling she's received since taking part in the show.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell PHOTO CREDIT. Ruth Wolff

Erin Doherty in The Crucible, Strip clubs, Brazilian butt lifts, Angela Lansbury Oct 12, 2022

Based on the Salem trials in Massachusetts in 1692, where young girls accused their elders of satanism, a new production of Arthur Miller's modern classic The Crucible has just opened at the National Theatre in London. Actor Erin Doherty, best known for her portrayal of a young Princess Anne in Netflix series The Crown, plays Abigail Williams, the girl whose spurned affections spark the witch hunt. She joins Jessica.

Strip clubs in Edinburgh will be banned from April next year, but the venues and the strippers who work in them are fighting the decision. Supporters of the ban say it's upholding the Scottish Government's strategy on Violence Against Women and Girls which says stripping encompasses and engenders violence against women and girls. But strippers say it will impact their ability to earn a living and force them into dangerous working conditions at underground clubs. Jessica is joined by Tess Herrman from the Union of Sex Workers and also by former Labour councillor and Scotsman columnist Susan Dalgety.

Dame Angela Lansbury, who won international acclaim as the star of the US TV crime series Murder, She Wrote, has died at the age of 96. The three-time Oscar nominee had a career spanning eight decades, across film, theatre and TV. She was born in London in 1925. When she moved to New York, she was discovered by a film executive who gave her, her first role as a maid in the 1944 film Gaslight. In 1973, Woman's Hour presenter Sue McGregor caught up with Dame Angela when she was performing in the stage show Gypsy.

As university students settle in, are you experiencing empty nest syndrome? Listener Natalie Paddick got in touch to tell us about her feelings of loss now that all her children have left home. She joins Jessica along with author Celia Dodd who's written about the Empty Nest subtitled, 'Your Changing Family, Your New Direction'.

For our occasional series Girl’s World, Ena Miller went to talk to 14-year-olds Ruby, Nyima and Azelea at their school in Stroud.

A Brazilian butt lift is a procedure where fat, usually from the stomach and back, is injected into the buttocks to change their shape and size. In 2018 - after the death of Leah Cambridge who had flown to Turkey to have the surgery - the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, or BAAPS, advised their members not to perform them. But this week they've released new recommendations they hope will make the procedure safer. Joining Jessica are the President of BAAPS, Marc Pacifico, and director Louise Coleman whose documentary The Bottom Line is on ITV Hub.

Helen O'Hara, International Day of the Girl, photojournalist Anastasia Taylor-Lind on Ukraine Oct 11, 2022

The Royal College of Nursing, the world's biggest nurses' union, has a culture of bullying and misogyny, according to an internal report. Jessica Creighton speaks to Pat Cullen, the General Secretary and Chief Executive of the RCN who commissioned the report. Helen O’Hara is a violinist and composer who plays the ear catching violin on the massive No.1 hit Come on Eileen. She joins Jessica to explain why she chose to become a key member of Dexy’s Midnight Runners rather than join a symphony orchestra, how she picked up her violin again after a long break to raise her sons, and the story behind the title of her memoir – What’s She Like. Today is International Day of the Girl, a global day of action for girls rights. The CEO of the charity Plan International, Rose Caldwell is the CEO of Plan International UK & the Welsh Social Justice Minister Jane Hutt will join Jessica Creighton to discuss how to get more women into leadership and where we are with achieving gender equality. At the end of the Coperni show during Paris Fashion Week, two men spray painted a white dress onto model Bella Hadid. After a few minutes the dress moved with Hadid’s body like a regular, fitted fabric as she walked down the runway. Will we all be spraying on our clothes in the future? We speak to sustainable fashion journalist Megan Doyle to find out more. The war in Ukraine may have reached its culmination with the Russian invasion earlier this year, but for people living on the front lines, the fighting has been constant since 2014. Photojournalist Anastasia Taylor-Lind joins Jessica to discuss her work and new upcoming exhibition at the Imperial War Museum.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Countdown to COP27, Amy Loughren, Poet Cecilia Knapp Oct 10, 2022

With this year’s UN Climate Conference – COP27 – just under a month away, political leaders and activists are preparing to visit Egypt which will host the event this year. Climate activist Farwiza Farhan and Patience Nabukalu join Jessica to talk about the power that women hold when it comes to climate conservation.

Amy Loughren is the woman who helped to secure the conviction of notorious serial killer Charles Cullen. Cullen was a nurse who administered lethal doses of medication to patients in multiple hospitals and nursing homes in America throughout his 16-year career. In 2006 he pleaded guilty to 29 murders and is currently serving a life sentence for his crimes. Amy was a critical care nurse who worked the night shift with him at his final place of employment and collaborated with detectives to secure his confession. Her story is now being told in Netflix's new film The Good Nurse, starring Eddie Redmayne as Charles Cullen and Jessica Chastain as Amy.

Friday night saw an historic match between England and the USA, it was the fastest-selling England football game – men’s or women’s – at the new Wembley stadium. Another historic moment saw the original Lionesses finally get caps for their first international game in 1972. They weren’t recognised by the FA at the time but thanks to the reserve goalie of the team Sue Whyatt, who text in to Woman’s Hour earlier this year, they were presented with their caps on Friday night. Sue Whyatt joins Jessica.

Cecilia Knapp is a poet, playwright and novelist and was the Young People’s Laureate for London 2020-21. She won the Ruth Rendell Award in 2021 which honours the writer who has had the most significant influence on literacy in the UK in the past year. She has also been shortlisted for many poetry awards - including the 2022 Forward prize. She joins Jessica to talk about her debut collection Peach Pig, which candidly explores loss, motherlessness, the complicated relationships women have with their bodies, and grief.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Emma Pearce

Merope Mills on her daughter Martha, Actor Sheila Atim on Woman King, Women in the armed forces, Truss impersonators Oct 08, 2022

Merope Mills’ 13-year-old daughter Martha died in hospital in August 2021. An inquest concluded that her death had been preventable, and the hospital has apologised. Merope, who is Editor of the Guardian’s Saturday magazine, says her daughter would be alive today if doctors had not kept information from them about her condition, because as her parents they would have demanded a second opinion.

The award-winng British-Ugandan actor Sheila Atim on her new film ‘The Woman King’. She plays the warrior Amenza, part of the Agojie, an all-female army who battle fearlessly against marauding European slavers to protect their empire in 19th century Dahomay, in West Africa.

A year on from the Atherton Review which found women in the armed forces were being let down with a majority reporting they had suffered bullying harassment or discrimination we hear from Emma Norton from the Centre for Military Justice about what progress has been made.

As the Prime Minister delivered her first speech at the Tory party confernece, the impressionists have been busy at work. Politicians have always been their lifeblood especially our Prime Ministers. Jess Robinson who does many of the famous female voices for Spitting Image and Jan Ravens from Radio 4's Dead Ringers discuss. . Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Sheila Atim, Péju Alatise, Amanda Wakeley, Emma Norton Oct 07, 2022

Anita Rani talks to Sheila Atim the award-winning British-Ugandan actor about her new film ‘The Woman King’. She plays the warrior Amenza, part of the Agojie, an all-female army who battle fearlessly against marauding European slavers to protect their empire in 19th century Dahomay, in West Africa. Her role is Lieutenant to Nanisca (AKA Viola Davis), the formidable head of that female military regiment.

A year on from the Atherton Review which found women in the armed forces were being let down with a majority reporting they had suffered bullying harassment or discrimination we hear from Emma Norton from the Centre for Military Justice about what progress has been made.

A new sculpture by Nigerian artist Péju Alatise, Sim & The Glass Birds, can be seen in this year's Frieze Sculpture 2022 in London's Regents Park. Sim & The Glass Birds is a four-panel life-sized sculptural composition featuring the figure of a young girl and glass birds in flight highlighting the plight of marginalised young girls and the issue of child labour in Nigeria . Peju joins Anita in the studio.

Amanda Wakeley OBE is one of Britain's best-loved designers. She has three British Fashion Awards and has dressed everyone from Diana, Princess of Wales to Beyoncé but a downturn during the pandemic saw her company collapse into administration. She’s now started her own podcast called Style DNA by Amanda Wakeley. She talks to Anita about starting over again, turning 60 and her never-ending love for a good white shirt.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Tim Heffer

Merope Mills on her daughter Martha, Rugby World Cup preview, Truss impersonators, Iran update Oct 06, 2022

Merope Mills’ 13-year-old daughter Martha died in hospital in August 2021. She had sustained a rare pancreatic trauma after falling off a bike on a family holiday, and spent weeks in a specialist unit where she developed sepsis. An inquest concluded that her death had been preventable, and the hospital has apologised. Merope, who is Editor of the Guardian’s Saturday magazine, says her daughter would be alive today if doctors had not kept information from them about her condition, because as her parents they would have demanded a second opinion. She joins Emma for her only broadcast interview.

As the Prime Minister Liz Truss jets off to Prague to a meeting of a new political club of nations, the summit of the European Political Community - the impressionists have been busy at work. Politicians have always been their lifeblood especially our Prime Ministers. Jess Robinson who does many of the famous female voices for Spitting Image and Jan Ravens from Radio 4's Dead Ringers join Emma.

It has been three weeks since the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who fell into a coma hours after being detained by morality police on 13 September in Tehran for allegedly breaking the strict law requiring women to cover their hair with a hijab, or headscarf. She died in hospital three days later. It sparked widespread unrest in Iran which has moved to the classroom where schoolgirls have been removing their hijabs. Meanwhile the protests are going global. Last week British Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe cut her hair and yesterday a video was posted in which 50 high profile French women also cut their hair in support, including the actor Juliette Binoche. On Tuesday Abir Al-Sahlani, MEP for the Swedish Centre Party made a speech in the European Parliament where she cut her hair while standing behind a podium. Abir joins Emma along with Faranak Amidi,

This Saturday marks the start of the Women's Rugby World Cup. It's being held in New Zealand and England are the runaway favourites. Wales and Scotland are also taking part and Northern Ireland, who play as Ireland, failed to qualify. To give us a preview Emma is joined by Ali Donnelly, podcast host and author of Scrum Queens, the story of women's rugby and Rocky Clark, England's most capped player (men and womens). Rocky represented England in the last four World Cups, lifting the trophy with her team in 2014.

Nicola Rollock, Sexsomnia, Liz Truss, Anonymity prior to charge, Nadine Shah Oct 05, 2022

Nicola Rollock, Professor of Social Policy and Race at King's College London and an expert on racial justice, has a book out, The Racial Code: Tales of Resistance and Survival. in which she explores the hidden rules of race and racism, how they maintain the status quo, the pain and cost of navigating everyday racism and how to truly achieve racial justice.

The Crown Prosecution Service has apologised unreservedly to a woman whose rape case was dropped after defence lawyers claimed she had an episode of a rare sleep walking condition called ‘sexsomnia’. In what is believed to be the first case of its kind in the UK - the CPS now says it was wrong to drop the case and it should have gone to court. The BBC followed Jade McCrossen-Nethercott’s case as events unfolded over three years. Emma speaks to Jade and Emma Ailes, the producer and director of the BBC 3 documentary : SEXSOMNIA: CASE CLOSED? about why she began following Jade's case.

The Home Secretary Suella Braverman has signalled that she may consider giving anonymity to criminal suspects as she feels a “media circus” jeopardises a fair trial. Speaking to an audience of Young Conservatives at the Conservative Conference in Birmingham, her comments came in answer to a question referring to the high profile cases of singer Sir Cliff Richard and Harvey Proctor, a former Conservative Member of Parliament, who were falsely accused of sexual abuse and never charged. Currently, alleged victims of sexual offences receive lifelong anonymity under UK law but there is no law against naming a suspect. So what effect would it have, particularly on women, if anonymity were given? Joining Emma is Lady Nourse who was cleared of 17 counts of historical child sex abuse involving a boy under the age of 12 in 2021, and Mark Williams-Thomas, an investigative journalist and former detective who exposed Jimmy Savile as a paedophile.

When was the last time you tried something completely new? After over a decade in the music industry, 4 successful albums, and a Mercury Prize nomination under her belt, Nadine Shah has turned her hand to acting for the first time. The singer, songwriter, and musician talks to Emma Barnett about fear of failure, updating Shakespeare, and learning to act for her debut role as Titania in Matthew Dunster and Jimmy Fairhurst’s production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

It’s exactly a month since Liz Truss became leader of the conservative party and today she makes her first speech in that new role to the party faithful at their conference in Birmingham later this morning. Instead of the usual honeymoon period a new leader can expect to enjoy she has been beset by adverse publicity after the unveiling of chancellor’s mini budget almost two weeks ago. It led to huge market unrest with the pound plunging to record lows against the dollar. Emma speaks to Kirsty Buchanan, her former Special Advisor.

Alex Scott, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Molly Russell inquest Oct 04, 2022

Alex Scott is one of the most high profile names in women’s sport. The former Lioness started playing football for Arsenal when she was just eight years old, later, as a semi-professional player for the club she washed the men's team kit to earn extra money on the side. Alex went on to play for England 140 times and now presents on the BBC and Sky Sports. She has recently released her memoir entitled ‘How (Not) to Be Strong’ and joins Emma in the studio.

Last Friday after two weeks of the inquest into the death of Molly Russell in 2017 coroner Andrew Walker concluded Molly died from an act of self-harm while suffering depression and the negative effects of online content. He said the images of self-harm and suicide she viewed "shouldn't have been available for a child to see" and that social media content contributed "more than minimally" to her death. Her father, Ian has called for urgent changes to make children safer online. Emma Barnett speaks to Merry Varney, the family’s lawyer.

It's just five weeks until the midterm elections in the United States. Emma is joined by the Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the first woman in US history to be elected both as a Governor and as a Senator for New Hampshire, a small but decisive State.

In 2012, having been lost for over 500 years, the remains of King Richard III were discovered beneath a car park in Leicester. The search had been orchestrated by an amateur historian, Philippa Langley, whose unrelenting research had been met with incomprehension by her friends and family and with scepticism by experts and academics. Emma speaks to Philippa Langley.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Gentle parenting, Truss and leadership, Indicator offences Oct 03, 2022

What is a gentle parent? Does it really mean never saying ‘no’ to your child? And how did #gentleparenting attract more than 2.6 billion views on TikTok? Emma Barnett talks to TikTok content creator Kelly Medina Enos and psychologist Dr Penelope Leach about the rising popularity of this parenting approach.

Only yesterday the Prime Minister Liz Truss said her government would be sticking to the measures announced in the mini budget ten days ago. But this morning the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng, has reversed the tax cut proposal that has led to volatility in the value of sterling and pressure on interest rates and inflation. Is it strong leadership to admit mistakes and move on or will it blight the premiership of Liz Truss? Emma is joined by the Times journalist Rachel Sylvester, and then business leader Nicola Horlick to discuss new research showing that just a third of girls want to be the boss in their future careers.

We learned last week that the charity Mermaids is to be investigated by the Charity Commission. This is after an undercover investigation by the Telegraph newspaper claiming that Mermaids is supplying breast binders to children without parental consent. These are devices that are used to bind up the breasts in order to give the appearance of a flatter chest. Emma speaks to Lauren Moss, the BBC’s LGBT and Identity correspondent who has been following the story.

Wayne Couzens is serving a whole life sentence for the rape and murder of Sarah Everard in 2021. He has appeared this morning at The Old Bailey at a plea hearing for two flashing offences he allegedly committed prior to this. Couzens was not actually asked to enter a plea however, amid ongoing industrial action by barristers, so we don't know yet know whether these charges will lead to a trial. We explore the subject of so-called ‘indicator’ offences, those low-level offences which could lead to more serious crimes. Emma is joined by Zoe Billingham, Former Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary who was responsible for inspecting 15 police forces & Kieran McCartan - Professor of Criminology at the University of the West of England.

We speak to Sam and Alena Cox, a married couple of artists whose Kent home is attracting a lot of attention. Sam is an artist known for his doodles and he has gone everywhere in his home with his paintbrush and spray can. It's black and white all over - from the external walls to the toilet lid and even Alena’s tutu.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Hilary Mantel’s writings on endometriosis, women in politics, nursing, family whatsapp, the orgasm gap Oct 01, 2022

Record numbers of nurses are quitting the NHS in England, according to new data analysis by the Nuffield Trust for the BBC. More than 40,000 have left the health service in the past year. Another report published this week from NHS Providers said the squeeze on pay amid rising inflation is forcing nurses and other staff to stop contributions to their pension, skip meals and take on second jobs. Anita Rani speaks to Molly Case, a clinical specialist nurse, working in the community in South London.

We talk about family WhatsApp group chats. They can be a source of great joy or great annoyance. We speak to author Nina Stibbe and Journalist Nell Frizzell who has been looking into this.

Regarded as one of the greatest English-language novelists of this century, Dame Hilary Mantel was perhaps less well known for her brilliant writing on chronic illness. Throughout her life the author suffered from a severe form of endometriosis. Emma speaks to writer Sarah Perry, author of the Essex Serpent, who has had her own experience of chronic illness and Eleanor Thom, author of Private Parts, how to really live with endometriosis.

Giorgia Meloni's election as the Prime Minister of Italy is just the latest victory for a woman on the right of the political spectrum. The vast majority of European women who have had true executive power come from the right, starting with Margaret Thatcher. Emma speaks to Professor Matthew Goodwin and the academic Costanza Hermanin to discuss why the Left have had fewer female leaders. 'Ladies shall we have some fun?' We speak to sex and relationship expert Oloni, who built an online community by speaking openly about sex and relationships. We discuss her new book 'The Big O'.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Surya Elango Editor: Emma Pearce

Mel Shilling, Meera Narandan, Ella Saltmarshe, Lina Prestwood, Chi-chi Nwanoku, Nadia Gilani Sep 30, 2022

A woman posted a thread on Mumsnet about wanting to take time off work while going through a break up with father or her child, the responses she got were mixed. We want to know whether you would ever consider this but also would you be open about taking time off to help deal with a break up? We speak to relationship expert Mel Schilling and blogger Meera Narandan.

We talk to Chi-chi Nwanoku from Chineke! Orchestra – Europe’s first professional majority Black and ethnically diverse orchestra – and hear music from their new album

The Yoga Manifesto – a new book by Nadia Gilani and we’ll be joined by one of the winners from last night’s International Women’s Podcast Awards

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Michael Millham.

Oloni, Women in Politics, Forever Friends? Sep 29, 2022

'Ladies shall we have some fun?' Some of you may recognise this catchphrase and be thinking of the sex and relationship expert Oloni, who built an online community by speaking openly about sex and relationships. Her new book – The Big O – is out and goes into detail about how we can close what she calls ‘the orgasm gap’. Oloni joins Emma.

The Bank of England’s intervention yesterday to calm financial markets after the government’s mini-budget came hot on the heels of the International Monetary Fund warning that the measures are likely to fuel the cost of living crisis. One woman who’s been advising the IMF over the past 20 years is Ngaire Woods, now Professor of Global Economic Governance at the University of Oxford, she joins Emma.

Giorgia Meloni’s election as the Prime Minister of Italy is just the latest victory for a woman on the right of the political spectrum. The vast majority of European women who have who had true executive power - party or government leaders – come from the right, starting with Margaret Thatcher. The academic Costanza Hermanin from the European University Institute in Florence joins Emma Barnett to discuss why the Left have had fewer female leaders, alongside Professor Matthew Goodwin from the University of Kent, who has written a number of books including National Populism: The Revolt Against Liberal Democracy.

We've been talking about female friendship in the last couple of weeks and focussing on what happens when friendship goes wrong. Can you fix a friendship that has broken and should you try? Daniella and Nataliya - Dan and Nat - are both 33 and they live in London. Jo Morris talked to them, separately, about their long friendship and what it means to them.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Women and Labour, Zarifa Ghafari, Leicester women united Sep 28, 2022

Sir Keir Starmer delivered his speech to the Labour Party conference yesterday. It comes as YouGov polling shows women would be more likely than men to vote Labour if an election were held now. What's behind this? Former Tony Blair aide for over 10 years Baroness Sally Morgan joins Emma Barnett alongside Anoosh Chakelin Britain Editor at the New Statesman.

Actor Gwyneth Paltrow decided to pose naked, mostly covered in gold body powder, and then posted her photos on social media saying she had learned to accept 'the marks and the loosening skin, the wrinkles' that come with turning 50 and her decision was 'more about the female gaze and just a sense of fun'. Is there power to be gained from going naked? Emma speaks to economist and author Dr Victoria Bateman who protested against Brexit naked on TV, and walked naked into the drinks reception at the Royal Economic Society Conference.

A group of grandmothers, mothers, sisters, aunts and daughters from Leicester have called for an end to the clashes involving mainly young men from sections of the Muslim and Hindu communities. The tensions in the city, which started last month following an India and Pakistan cricket match and the spread of misinformation on social media, resulted in large-scale disorder on 17th September on the east side of the city. This has led to nearly 50 arrests, 158 crimes being recorded and nine people being charged. The arrests have included people from outside of the city. The group of South Asian women of Muslim, Hindu and Sikh faiths in Leicester issued a joint statement at the weekend saying "As strong proud Asian women, we know that when Leicester is united, it can never be defeated.” Joining Emma are local Labour Councillor Rita Patel who is Hindu and Yasmin Surti, a Muslim mother of three and Secretary of the Federation of Muslim Organisations in Leicester.

Zarifa Ghafari was the youngest woman to become a mayor in Afghanistan, before having to flee the country last year after threats on her life by the Taliban, once again back in charge. Zarifa sadly knows first hand the brutality of the regime, as only weeks after another assassination attempt on her life failed in 2020, the Taliban killed her father. Her story forms the basis of a new Netflix documentary called In Her Hands and a book called Zarifa. She joins Emma from Germany, where she and her mother, fiance and six siblings now live in safety.

Author Kamila Shamsie. People smugglers. Family WhatsApp Group. Sep 27, 2022

In her new novel "Best Of Friends" the award winning writer Kamila Shamasie explores the personal and political in Karachi in 1988 and London now. Fourteen year old Maryam and Zahra have been friends for 40 years but can they ever really know each other?

Tonight's File on 4 will highlight the shortcomings of the Police and the National Referral Mechanism – the government pathway set up to provide financial, emotional and legal support as well as access to safe accommodation to victims of trafficking – and reveal how British survivors are being let down by the system. Emma talks to reporter Annabel Deas and we hear from a woman we're calling "Isobel" who is currently at risk of trafficking and lives in fear of her life. She was last trafficked earlier this year when she was gang raped and badly beaten by a gang who have abused her for over a decade. Her abuse began when she was 13 years old.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Photo credit; Alex von Tunzelman

26/09/2022 Sep 26, 2022

Women's voices and women's lives - topical conversations to inform, challenge and inspire.

Women gambling, Male friendships, Anna Fedorova, Catherine Mayer, Sheep shearing and Beige flags Sep 24, 2022

The number of women gambling is expected to rise as the cost of living crisis continues. Hear Jo’s story of what happened when she became addicted to gambling, and advice on the warning signs and how to get help from the chief executive of GambleAware Zoe Osmond.

When Max Dickins needed to find himself a best man, he realised that he had no male friends. When he discovered that this is something lots of men go through, he decided to write a book with hints and tips for men, as well as what they can learn from the women in their lives about how to keep friendships.

As the war in Ukraine goes on, musicians are providing hope and peace for Ukrainians. Piano soloist Anna Fedorova explains what she’s achieved through the power of music alongside the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra.

The royal family is going to have a new, slimmer, shape in future. Royal biographer Catherine Mayer tells Emma what this means for Prince Andrew in particular, as well as the future of the monarchy under King Charles.

Sheep shearer Marie Prebble tells us how she set a brand new women’s world record for sheep shearing – which involved months of training, and eight hours straight of holding wriggling sheep.

Caitlin McPhail and Helen Thorn discuss dating in the modern world – including the small signs on online dating profiles that show someone’s a little bit boring, and how to let your true personality shine on dating platforms.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

World record sheep shearer, Cuts to part-time work benefits,Seoul Femicide, Actors:Hayley Mills & Rula Lenska, Author Ira Mathur Sep 23, 2022

Sheep farmer Marie Prebble speaks to Woman’s Hour about how she sheared 370 sheep in eight hours to set a new world record in female sheep shearing. She’ll be giving us an insight into what it takes to prepare for such an event and telling us a bit more about being one of the few female sheep farmers in the UK.

More than 100,000 people in part-time work could face a benefit cut if they fail to properly look to do more hours, Kwasi Kwarteng is set to announce in his mini-budget today (Friday). The new rule will require benefit claimants working up to 15 hours a week to take new steps to increase their earnings or face having their benefits reduced. Part time work is essential to those in unpaid care roles, which are mostly held by women, so we wanted to find out how the new rules will affect these women.

In Seoul last Wednesday, a 28-year-old woman was killed in a subway restroom, one day before her alleged killer was due to be sentenced on charges of stalking her. Her death has shocked the nation and prompted calls for a tightening of Korea's recent anti-stalking laws. We speak to BBC Seoul correspondent Jean MacKenzie.

The much-loved film and book The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has been adapted for the stage, featuring the acting talents of Academy award-winning actor Hayley Mills and Coronation Street star Rula Lenska. They play Evelyn and Madge, two British retirees who start a new life in a retirement hotel in Bangalore; and join us to discuss how the play tackles misconceptions about ageing.

Ira Mathur’s 'Love the Dark Days' is set across India, England, Trinidad and St Lucia. The memoir follows the author and broadcaster's journey as a child growing up in post-independence India with a Muslim mother and a Hindu father. Having lived with her grandmother, a member of an elite Muslim family, with a history of having colluded with the brutality of the British rule, she realises she has unconsciously imbibed her grandmother’s prejudices of class and race. Ira joins Anita Rani in the Woman’s Hour studio.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Helen Barnard Interviewed Guest: Marie Prebble Photographer: Emily Fleur Interviewed Guest: Jean Mackenzie Interviewed Guest: Hayley Mills Interviewed Guest: Rula Lenska Interviewed Guest: Ira Mathur

Anna Fedorova, Women and Gambling, Iran Demonstrations, The End of Covid, Japan's Under-35s Rejecting Marriage Sep 22, 2022

What role does music play in providing hope and solidarity when facing the horrors of war? The concert pianist Anna Fedorova is a member of the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra which performed in concerts around the world over the summer. Ahead of a documentary on BBC 2 this Saturday called Ukraine's Musical Freedom Fighters, she joins Emma to talk about the experience, how she is continuing to support musicians from the Ukraine and why she feels it is imperative she continues to play the work of Russian composers.

This week President Joe Biden announced that the pandemic is over in the US despite figures showing 400 Americans on average are dying from the virus every day. This comes after the director of the World Health Organisation recently stated that the pandemic remains a global emergency but the end could be in the sight if countries use the tools at their disposal. Here in the UK the latest figures show Covid infections have fallen to their lowest levels since October last year. Fewer than a million people had the virus in the last week of August. So, is the end in sight? And how prepared are we to believe it? Should we accept normality will resume and we can adjust our behaviour accordingly? Emma Barnett is joined by Professor of Epidemiology, Azra Ghani and Professor Pragya Agarwal to discuss.

A new study by the charity GambleAware shows that the cost of living crisis could trigger an increase in women gambling. The survey of more than 1600 women shows that one in four women aged 18-49 who gamble expect to gamble more in the coming months, with 12% of those surveyed already having turned to gambling to try and supplement household income. GambleAware are starting a campaign to target women and break the stigma that prevents them from seeking support. Emma is joined by their Chief Executive, Zoe Osmond and Jo who has been "gamble free" for a year.

Demonstrations have spread across Iran sparked by the death of a 22 year old woman, Mahsa Amini. She died days after being arrested by morality police for allegedly not complying with strict rules on head coverings. As we reported on Tuesday, eyewitnesses said she was beaten while inside a police van after being picked up in Tehran. There have now been protests for five successive days - with incredibly powerful scenes across Iran - women burning their headscarves and cutting their hair in protest and eight people have died. Could this be a turning point in how Iran polices women? Faranak Amidi is the BBC Near East Women Affairs correspondent.

One in three Japanese people under the age of 35 say they have no plans to marry. Women because they enjoy the freedoms of being single and having a career and men because they worry about being able to financially provide for a family. So what is driving this rejection and what will the long term impacts be on Japan? Dr Jennifer Coates is Senior Lecturer in Japanese Studies at the University of Sheffield and Emily Itami is the author of Fault Lines, she grew up in Tokyo and now lives in London.

Photo of Anna Fedorova: Marco Borggreve

Beige Flags, Prince Andrew, The Waste Land poem Sep 21, 2022

We're all aware of red flags, the indicators that a potential partner may exhibit a lack of respect, or interest in your relationship. But a new flag has emerged on dating apps - the beige flag. These are indicators on dating app profiles which suggest a person has nothing of interest to say, and may well be boring. Emma Barnett is joined by Caitlin MacPhail, who coined the phrase, and comedian Helen Thorn.

The period of national mourning following the death of the Queen has ended but will continue for the Royal Family. One senior member of the family who has been the subject of many headlines over the past week is Prince Andrew who stepped down as a working royal in 2019 after a Newsnight interview that addressed his relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He paid a financial settlement to Virginia Giuffre, who had accused him of sexual assault, a claim he denies. Catherine Mayer, author of Charles: The Heart of a King, joins Emma Barnett to discuss what type of monarch King Charles will be and what the future holds for Prince Andrew.

Analysis today by the BBC has found more than half of maternity units in England fail consistently to meet safety standards. Birte Harlev-Lam is Executive Director at the Royal College of Midwives and joins Emma.

The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot is considered one of the most important poems of the 20th century. To celebrate its centenary Lyndall Gordon, author of Hyacinth Girl, tells Emma Barnett about the women who weave a vital thread through the poem; from Eliot’s first wife Vivienne to his hidden muse Emily Hale.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

The Queen's funeral, Male friendships, PM Liz Truss as diplomat, Death of Mahsa Amini in Iran Sep 20, 2022

183 key workers and community volunteers were amongst royals, politicians and world leaders in Westminster Abbey for the Queen’s state funeral on Monday. One woman who was asked to be an eyewitness to this historic day was Lynn McManus, from North Shields, in Tyne and Wear. She's the founder of The Tim Lamb's Children's Centre and Pathways4All, a parent-led charity providing play and leisure for disabled children. She was recognised in the Queen's last Birthday Honours List in June 2022 with an MBE for her services to children with disabilities.

A 2019 YouGov survey found that one in five men have no close friends — twice the proportion for women. What pressure might this be putting on their female partners, to fulfil the role of best friend and hold the social calendar? And what tools can men learn to help maintain friendships? Max Dickins is an author, playwright and comedian, and has written Billy No-Mates: How I Realised Men Have a Friendship Problem. He joins Emma to discuss.

Liz Truss is heading to New York today, making her first foreign trip as Prime Minister as she attends the annual United Nations General Assembly. During her two-day trip she is due to have meetings with US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron. This will be her first test in building international relationships and trust in the UK. So does the former foreign secretary have the interpersonal skills to build strong relationships? Joining Emma to discuss are deputy political editor for the Spectator Katy Balls and Bronwen Maddox the new director and CEO of Chatham House.

A 22-year-old Iranian woman has died days after being arrested by morality police for allegedly not complying with strict rules on head coverings. Eyewitnesses said Mahsa Amini was beaten while inside a police van after being picked up in Tehran last Tuesday, and died on Friday after spending three days in a coma. It is the latest in a series of reports of brutality against women by authorities in Iran in recent weeks. Tehran's police chief says the death of a woman in custody was an "unfortunate" incident he does not want repeated. BBC Woman Affairs correspondent for the Near East, Faranak Amidi joins Emma with the latest.

The Married Women’s Association was formed in 1938 by a former suffragette and its main aim was to ensure that men and women would be treated as equals in the union of marriage - both legally and financially. Their members included the first female barrister and the first female BBC executive, as well as the writer Vera Britain, so why are they not well known, and how influential were they? Dr Sharon Thompson, presenter of the Quiet Revolutionaries podcast, who has also written a book of the same name, joins Emma.

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Julia Gillard, Ophelia Lovibond, Medusa Sep 17, 2022

Julia Gillard, former Australian Prime Minister – and the only woman to have held that role – reflects on the death of Queen Elizabeth II and her status as a global female leader. What will it mean for Australia where King Charles automatically became Head of State last week?

Ophelia Lovibond, best known for playing Izzy Gould in the BBC mockumentary series W1A, discusses her new TV series Minx and playing Carrie Johnson.

In a bid to close stubborn gender pay gaps, several states in the USA have passed laws requiring salary ranges to be clearly stated on all job ads. To discuss the growing trend and whether it is workable in the UK, we hear from money blogger Iona Bain and Radha Vyas, co-founder of the group travel company Flash Pack.

The Hungarian government has tightened abortion laws in the country, meaning women who want to get an abortion will have to listen to vital signs - such as the foetal heartbeat - before being allowed to proceed. Nick Thorpe, the BBC's East and Central Europe Correspondent explains.

'Beehives, Bobs & Blowdries' is an exhibition celebrating the art and skills of hairdressing along with some of the most iconic looks of the past 70 years. Our reporter Tamsin Smith speaks to some of the women perusing the exhibits about some of the looks they've tried over the years.

Since she was a girl the writer and broadcaster Natalie Haynes has been fascinated by Greek Myths. Her fourth novel ‘Stone Blind’ tells the story of Medusa and gets us way beyond snake hair and a deadly gaze to understand why she's become the monster in re-tellings of her story over the centuries.

Pregnant women in Pakistan, Salary transparency, Writer Lottie Mills, Clothes and grief Sep 16, 2022

More than 33 million people have been affected by the flooding in Pakistan. How has the flooding impacted the thousannds of pregnant women. who require maternal health services to ensure a safe pregnancy and childbirth? We hear from midwife Neha Mankani and founder of the Mama Baby Fund.

In a bid to close stubborn gender pay gaps, several states in the USA have passed laws requiring salary ranges to be clearly stated on all job ads. To discuss the growing trend and whether it is workable in the Uk, Anita hears from money blogger Iona Bain and Radha Vyas, co-founder of the group travel company Flash Pack.

For our Girl’s World series, reporter Ena Miller went to talk to 13 year old Alice and India about the drama of their lives, boys and girls and how things have, or have not, changed since Ena was their age. Two years on from winning,The BBC’s Young Writer Award with Cambridge University, Lottie Mills has a book deal. She discusses her writing, and how disabilty is depicted in fiction.

How can clothes help us grieve? 'Wearapy' is a term coined by the fashion psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell who believes that what we wear can help us through times of emotional upheaval. In her new book Big Dress Energy, she describes how wearing her late sister's clothes has helped her confront her grief. She’s joined by Dr Matilda Aspinall, lecturer at UAL London College of Fashion, who has paid tribute to her late grandmother through the act of refashioning her dress.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Julia Gillard, Dame Sheila Hancock, Tree Climbing Champion and Abortion in Hungary Sep 15, 2022

Dame Sheila Hancock tells us about her memories of the Queen. Just short of 90, she has lived her life in parallel. Earlier this year she said: "throughout my life, I have been grateful for the Queen's reassuring presence."

Julia Gillard, former Australian Prime Minister – and the only woman to have held that role – speaks to Emma about the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and her status as a global female leader. What will it mean for Australia, where King Charles automatically became Head of State last week? The current Labor government there led by Anthony Albanese has previously indicated it wants to hold a referendum on whether to become a republic, though Prime Minister Albanese said on Sunday that “now is not a time to talk about our system of government”.

Josephine Hedger has just become the female World Champion Tree Climber – for the fifth time. She joins Emma to chat why she loves braving immense heights at speed – and how it feeds into what she does for a living.

Today marks a significant day for women in Hungary. The government has tightened abortion laws in the country, meaning women who want to get an abortion will have to listen to vital signs - such as the foetal heartbeat - before being allowed to proceed. The Prime Minister Viktor Orban has long sought to boost Hungary's flagging birth rate and his right-wing government prides itself in standing for traditional family values. Nick Thorpe, the BBC's East and Central Europe Correspondent explains how the law has changed.

The role of Princess Anne, Fracking, Medusa Sep 14, 2022

A heartfelt statement was released from from the Princess Royal, who accompanied her mother’s coffin on its long journey from Balmoral to Buckingham Palace. The Royal Editor of the Times Newspaper Roya Nikkhah joined Krupa to discuss the role Princess Anne has played in the Queen's life.

Queen Elizabeth II was the head of state in 15 of the 56 Commonwealth countries. Professor Chandrika Kaul joins Krupa Padhy to discuss the way the Queen led the Commonwealth countries and the challenges King Charles III may face as a monarch, and as a man, as some countries express an interest in becoming a republic.

Liz Truss has announced the ban on fracking will be lifted to help boost the UK's domestic gas supplies. Fracking, which is a controversial method of extracting shale gas, was banned by the Conservatives in 2019 following fears over the risk of earthquakes. Tina Rothery, of the campaign group UK Nanas, joins Krupa.

'Beehives, Bobs & Blowdries' is an exhibition celebrating the art and skills of hairdressing along with some of the most iconic looks of the past 70 years, it opens in The Piece Hall in Halifax on the 17th September. Our reporter Tamsin Smith saw the exhibition when it was in Barnsley and she spoke to some of the women perusing the exhibits about some of the looks they've tried over the years and about where they got their style inspiration from.

Since she was a girl the writer and broadcaster Natalie Haynes has been fascinated by Greek Myths. Her fourth novel ‘Stone Blind’ tells the story of Medusa and gets us way beyond snake hair and a deadly gaze to understand why she's become the monster in re-tellings of her story over centuries.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Emma Pearce

The role of Queen Consort; Samantha Cameron, Ophelia Lovibond, Women's Institute Sep 13, 2022

King Charles the Third is our new monarch. At his accession to the throne, his wife Camilla became Queen Consort, and his daughter-in-law Kate is now the Duchess of Cambridge and Cornwall. Royal Editor at the Daily Mail Rebecca English and historian and author Dr Estelle Paranque join Emma Barnett to talk about what this means for the female royals. Emma also speaks to Diana Parkes about her experience of working with the former Duchess of Cornwall on domestic abuse issues - a cause she has expressed a hope of being able to continue supporting as Queen Consort.

Samantha Cameron, the chief executive of the clothing company Cefinn, and the wife of the former Prime Minister David Cameron, will be attending Her Majesty's funeral on Monday. She speaks to Emma about her memories of The Queen, including being given a medal by her for running around Balmoral. She also offers an insight into what it will be like for the former Duchess of Cornwall to be the partner of a man who is taking on a huge new role.

Ophelia Lovibond is perhaps best known for playing Izzy Gould in the BBC TV mockumentary series W1A. Later this month, you can see her take on the role of Carrie Symonds alongside Kenneth Branagh as Prime Minister Boris Johnson in This England, set during the Covid crisis. But from Wednesday this week you can catch her in the leading role in new series Minx on Paramount Plus. Set in 1970s Los Angeles, Minx centres around Joyce, an earnest young feminist who dreams of producing a magazine by, for and about women but ends up joining forces with a low rent publisher to create the first erotic magazine for women. Olivia joins Emma.

The Women's Institute was formed in 1915, designed to bring together women in rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War. It has evolved over the years and is now the largest voluntary organisation in the UK with more than 212,000 members in over 6,600 groups. The Queen was its longest serving member of 79 years, joining as a young Princess. She was also president of her local WI group at Sandringham in Norfolk - a position she honoured every year. Ann Jones, National Chair of the WI joins Emma.

Woman's Hour special following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Sep 09, 2022

Woman's Hour special following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

We'll be talking to Historians Tracy Borman and Kate Williams. Editor of Hello Magazine Rosie Nixon. Helen Lewis from the Atlantic. And artist Tracey Emin.

Why has the post of women's minister been scrapped? Car park composer, Brown Gal Can't Swim Sep 08, 2022

It's understood that there will not be a specific women's minister in Prime Minister Liz Truss' government. Amber Rudd, former women's minister who held the post whilst Home Secretary - tells Emma why she believes the move is 'regressive' and 'baffling'.

Liz Truss's first day as PM, breaking away from Judaism, Mursal Hedayat Sep 07, 2022

We discuss the latest on Liz Truss’ first full day as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Emma Barnett is joined by Baroness Gabby Bertin who worked with David Cameron for a decade while he was leader and Camilla Tominey, Associate Editor at the Daily Telegraph.

What is it like to break away from a strict religious community? Emily grew up in the Hasidic Jewish community, known for its religious conservatism and social seclusion, but left with her children following a difficult divorce. She tells her story to Emma.

For any woman over fifty who has ever asked ‘What now?’ ‘Who do I want to be?’ comes a book by Sharon Blackie, a psychologist and writer, best known for her ecofeminist book, If Women Rose Rooted. She joins Emma to talk about her new book, Hagitude.

We speak to Mursal Hedayat, a businesswoman who came to the UK as a refugee at the age of 4 and is now being recognised for her entrepreneurial success with her social enterprise that helps people become language coaches.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Strictly's Motsi Mabuse, New PM priorities, Author Holly Bourne on female friendship, Women and cost of living crisis Sep 06, 2022

Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse on her autobiography, Finding my Own Rhythm - from a young dancer in apartheid era South Africa to renowned Latin dance champion and TV star.

Liz Truss is the UK's new prime minister. What will be her priorities? Which women will she promote in her first reshuffle? What will her leadership style be? We hear from Katy Balls; the deputy editor of The Spectator, and Hannah Al Othma from The Sunday Times.

Pregnant women are advised not to drink alcohol, but what about eating fish? The guidance on this can be confusing - with many women avoiding fish altogether when pregnant. But a new study shows that avoiding fish could be the wrong thing to do. We hear from co-author professor Jean Golding who specialises in Paediatric and Peri-natal Epi-deemiology at the University of Bristol.

With inflation running at over ten per cent, it’s understood that Liz Truss – who becomes prime minister later today – is considering a freeze on energy bills as one of her first acts in office. The Women’s Budget Group argue that women are less prepared to face cost of living rises, due to lower wages and savings, and in particular they are concerned about job losses for women working in small businesses which could result from increasing fuel costs. Women make up the bulk of those working in the hospitality, retail and care sectors. Sara Reis is the deputy director at the Women’s Budget Group and joins Jess to discuss their latest report.

Holly Bourne writes fiction for teenagers and adults, and female friendship is central to her books. In her new adult novel Girl Friends, Jess and Fern are millennials whose passionate closeness as teens is central to both of their lives until things fall apart. When they meet more than ten years later they are forced to reassess their friendship and how it was shaped by the sexual politics of the time they grew up in.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Dianne McGregor

Why do Conservatives elect female leaders? Sep 05, 2022

As the Conservative Party looks set to elect its third female leader and prime minister, it has left observers and women in other political parties wondering about the secret of their success. The Labour Party have yet to elect a female leader despite having introduced all women shortlists for the 1997 election which returned a record 101 female Labour MPs to the House of Commons, one of whom was Fiona Mactaggart the MP for Slough. She joins Emma Barnett alongside former cabinet minister and MP for Chipping Barnet Theresa Villiers.

This year, there have been increasing reports of refugees attempting to travel into Europe by sea, with some travelling by dinghy across the Mediterranean and across the channel into the UK. Last week, the Ocean Viking search & rescue ship rescued 466 women, children and men in 10 rescue operations within 60 hours in the Mediterranean, including two heavily pregnant women and a 3-week-old baby. Emma is joined by Rebecca, a British midwife and medical lead on board the Ocean Viking.

Leonardo DiCaprio has been called out for only publicly dating women under the age of 25. It comes as the 47-year-old actor broke things off with his girlfriend Camila Morrone who was 22 years his junior. We discuss why women are responding to the news online with so much humour and mockery with the digital culture commentator Hannah Van-de-peer. Emma also speaks to the relationship psychologist Emma Kenny.

Helen Fields is a criminal barrister turned bestselling author. Her latest novel The Last Girl to Die follows private investigator Sadie Levesque as she investigates murder on the Isle of Mull, far off the coast of Scotland.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Baroness Hale, Gossip, Women and unions, Becoming a mother when yours is dying, 'Frock Up Friday', Fangirls Sep 03, 2022

Baroness Brenda Hale on Roe v Wade and her reaction – as well as if she supports the barrister strikes. She also talks about the differences between the UK and US justice systems, and whether we need to re-evaluate how rape cases are tried in the UK .

How much do you gossip? Two women who rely on gossiping to make a living talk about how much it runs the world, and its importance in politics.

Women are in some of the lowest-paid jobs in the country – but they also make up the majority of trade union members. General Secretary of UNISON, Christina McAnea, talks about why unions are striking and what could happen next.

How does it feel to become a mother when your own mother is dying? Hear one woman’s story of when this happened to her, and expert advice on how to cope with it and look after yourself, as well as everyone else.

It’s the joy of dressing up without the stress of going to the event…Frock Up Friday is something that now involves more than 15 thousand people dressing up every Friday night, and feeling good about themselves. The founders tell us about how we can be involved.

Fan-girls are often ridiculed or called hysterical – but they can do more than just sing a long to songs. A member of the BTS Army and a Korean Culture expert tell us about how fangirls can prompt activism and change.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lottie Garton

'Frock up Friday', Sexual harassment in Parliament, Young Conservative women, Fan Girls, Exercising outside Sep 02, 2022

New sexual misconduct allegations have been made about a cabinet minister and a top Number 10 aide who serve at the heart of Boris Johnson's government according to a Sky News investigation. They've published testimony from two women who give detailed, first-hand accounts of what they claim happened to them when one was assaulted and the other groped by political figures who are both now in senior roles. Liz Bates is the political correspondent at Sky News and presenter of the Open Secret Podcast.

The race to be the next Prime Minister comes to an end of Monday, when either Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak will enter Number 10. Ella Robertson McKay has recently interviewed both candidates as the National Chair of the Conservative Young Women group – which represents female party members under the age of 35. Ella joins Anita to discuss what each candidate is offering to young women and what Ella’s members think the winner should prioritise.

At the start of lockdown in spring 2020 two friends living in Hastings set up a Facebook group for friends to experience the excitement of dressing up on a Friday and getting read to go out when everybody was forced to stay at home. The “Frock up Friday” movement was born and within three weeks the group had 10,0000 members worldwide and now two years later, they number 15,000 and are still growing. The friends who founded the group call themselves the “Mother Frockers” – Beverli Francis and Suzie Simms – and they’ll be joining Anita Rani this morning to talk about their picture book which details many of the fabulous outfits members share, their festival this weekend for online friends to finally meet up in person, as well as their plans for the future.

In July the healthcare charity Nuffield Health published data which showed that 47% of women had done no vigorous exercise in the past year. It was quickly pointed out that there might be lots of reasons for this - lack of time and money for example but there are other factors too. Every Body Outdoors is a group of women who are determined to fight for clothing and kit which fits them and they want to see larger and plus-sized people out and doing exercise, Charlotte Petts joins 5 of the group in the Brecon Beacons as they walk and talk about their campaign and their experiences.

In the third and final part of our Woman’s Hour series on Fangirls we ask: Is there a darker side to being a fangirl? We speak to freelance writer Jessica Lucas

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Liz Bates Interviewed Guest: Ella Robertson Mckay Interviewed Guest: Beverli Francis Interviewed Guest: Suzie Simms Reporter: Charlotte Petts Interviewed Guest: Jessica Lucas

Baroness Hale on Roe v Wade, Women missing out on state pensions; Lara Feigel, Becoming a mother when yours is dying Sep 01, 2022

The former President of the Supreme Court Baroness Brenda Hale joins Emma Barnett to give her reaction to the overturning of Roe vs Wade in the United States. She also talks about abortion law here in the UK, the upcoming barristers' strike and whether rape trials should get priority for court time.

A new campaign is being launched today, exclusively on Woman’s Hour, aiming to help more women who are being underpaid their state pension. Mothers’ Missing Millions is specifically aimed at women who spent time out of paid work bringing up children, mainly in the 1980’s and 1990’s – but did not receive credits for this on their National Insurance record as they should have done. According to the Department for Work and Pensions’ annual report which came out in July, this is now ‘the second largest’ source of error on state pensions. Emma is joined by Steve Webb, the former pensions minister who now works at the corporate consulting firm LCP, which is offering a free guide to how women can fix this for themselves.

Listener Hannah got in touch asking us to talk about being motherless when you’re about to become a mother yourself. In 2017 her mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer when Hannah was 24 weeks pregnant with her first child, and she sadly passed away when her grandchild turned one. Emma speaks to Hannah, as well as consultant perinatal psychologist Julianne Boutaleb.

In her new book, Look! We Have Come Through! Living with D.H. Lawrence, Lara Feigel, Professor of Modern Literature and Culture at King’s College London, tells the story of a pandemic year spent in the company of her partner, her two children and D.H Lawrence. Lara joins Emma to talk about D.H Lawrence and how an author can inform and change your life.

Friends Forever, Fangirls, Period justice and flood victims, Energy crisis and use of public facilities Aug 31, 2022

In a new series 'Friends Forever?' we are looking at key relationships in many women's lives, those with female friends. Specifically we're interested in when things go wrong - when and why friendships fall apart and how devastating that can be. And, whether they can be repaired. Annie and Lizzie were very close at school and after and then their lives diverged. They each told their story to Jo Morris.

More than 33 million people have been impacted by the devastating floods in Pakistan, and over a thousand people have died since mid-June. Emma is joined by two students from Pakistan who have set up Mahwari Justice campaign to get sanitary products to those in need.

In the second part of our Woman’s Hour series on Fangirls we ask: Can fan girls change the world? We speak to Professor Jay Song, Associate Professor in Korean Studies at the University of Melbourne about the political power of fangirls and a member of the BTS Army, Dr Heta Bhatt. We deep dive into the world of K-Pop band BTS & their loyal fandom called the BTS Army, who have been instrumental in shaping politics and socioeconomic issues in Korea and beyond.

The cost of living crisis is having an impact on us all. And while paying a monthly fee to go to the gym may likely be seen by some as non-essential expenditure – some people say using the facilities there like showering can help shave hundreds of pounds off energy bills. Should there be boundaries on what facilities people can use in the public sphere? We are joined on the programme by the money saving expert and mum Gemma Bird. The Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees also chats to us about setting up ‘warm banks’ - those are heated sites like museums and galleries for those unable to afford their energy bills.

Reporter: Jo Morris

Outliving Mum, Women and Unions Aug 30, 2022

How does it feel to reach the age your Mum was when she died? Jo Morris has talked to 3 women who feel a clock ticking. Their stories are all different but they have one thing in common – none of them have felt able to talk about this before. They didn’t want to worry their loved ones or vocalise difficult thoughts.

As the cost of living crisis worsens for families across the country, workers have been voting for industrial action over below-inflation pay offers in what many are describing as the “summer of discontent”. They include transport workers, firefighters, doctors, nurses, teachers, postal workers, civil servants, lawyers and British Telecoms engineers. Women are in some of the lowest paid jobs and now make up the majority of trade union members. We speak to Christina McAnea General Secretary of the UK’s largest union - UNISON – and also to Sarah Boston, author of Women Workers and the Trade Unions. We investigate what role women are playing in both the movement and the strikes.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Gossip: why we love it, why we do it, professional gossips, & its use in novels, films and television Aug 29, 2022

What comes to mind when you hear the word gossip? You’re probably imagining two women together whispering or laughing. Gossip has a bad reputation, but it can be a way of forming and maintaining, friendships. Comedian Rachel Parris and improv-artist Lauren Shearing who she works with on 'Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel, talk about the role gossip plays in their relationship.

Why do we gossip and why's it get such a bad rap when we enjoy it so much? We hear from Dr Kathryn Waddington, Emerita Fellow in Psychology at Westminster University who's researched and written about gossip for 25 years.

In the Middle Ages the word gossip meant ‘women who supported other women during childbirth’ so when did it change into the ‘gossip’ we know today? Historians Professor Melanie Tebbutt from Manchester Metropolitan University and Dr Natalie Hanley-Smith from Oxford Brookes University discuss.

So what if the discovering and reporting of gossip is your profession? Journalist Marie Le Conte, a former diarist for the Evening Standard and Camilla Wright the founder of Popbitch look at the life of a professional gossip.

Sex and relationships are a cornerstone of gossip. It’s often - ‘who is doing what?’ and ‘with whom!?’ But what happens if you broadcast your life to the world? Rubina Pabani and Poppy Jay are the hosts of BBC podcast Brown Girls Do It Too. In the days of social media - how do they find the judgemental gossip mill?

Gossip is often a key strand in storylines in films, TV and novels. Whether it’s introduced for comic effect or used in the build up to the climax of a drama, or to build intrigue in a reality television series Literary critic Alex Clark and film and television critic, Hanna Flint illustrate how.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Guest: Rachel Parris Guest: Lauren Shearing Guest: Dr Kathryn Waddington Guest: Prof Melanie Tebbutt Guest: Dr Natalie Hanley-Smith Guest: Marie Le Conte Guest: Camilla Wright Guest: Rubina Pabani Guest: Poppy Jay Guest: Alex Clark Guest: Hanna Flint

Ukraine sponsorship, Quizzes, Matrilineal communities, Anorexia and sectioning, Public hair loss, Trapezing Aug 27, 2022

Many people are having positive life-affirming experiences of hosting Ukrainian refugees but we have also been contacted by some listeners who are having a trickier time and feel not much is being said publicly about when these situations go wrong. Listener Jane tells us about her experience of taking in a Ukrainian student. We also hear from Dr Krish Kandiah, founder of the charity Sanctuary Foundation.

Roz Unwin shared her passion for quizzing. She took it up over lockdown, and now runs her own quizzes in North London. She joined Emma, along with Alice Walker, who was crowned this year’s Mastermind Champion.

We look at matrilineal communities who trace kinship through the female line and can involve the inheritance of property and titles with Woman’s Hour listener and Professor of Indigenous and Environmental History at the University of Hull, Joy Porter and Dr. Mariaelena Huambachano, Environmental Humanities, Native American and Indigenous Studies at Syracuse University.

Listener Freya shares her experience of having anorexia and being sectioned, and coming out the other side.

Liz emailed to tell us about the unusual way she keeps fit: on a trapeze. She explains how it changed her life, along with Katy Kartwheel - an actress and circus performer, who also teaches aerial skills to people of all ages.

And a listener asked us to raise awareness of a less publicised aspect of the menopause - pubic hair loss. Emma finds out more from the Chair of the Menopause Society Paula Briggs and the Sex Therapist Stella Sonnenbaum.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Dianne McGregor

DJ BB, DJ Ritu, Dame Esther Rantzen, Ros Whitehouse, Dr Caroline Boyd, Joy Porter, Dr Mariaelena Huambachano Aug 26, 2022

On our final day of Listener Week Jessica Creighton brings a host of stories to the table inspired by your requests.

Listener Carol is DJ BB. She got in touch to tell us about taking up DJ’ing in her 50s and setting up an event called ‘She’s In Control’. Nearly 60 she tells us about the negative perception of older women in music and the club scene. DJ Ritu is the same age as Carol but has been in the club scene since her 20s. They both join Jess Creighton to dissect the music and club scene through the lens of an older female DJ.

Have you decided to retire and then changed your mind months or years later? What made you de-retire? Were the reasons financial? Did you miss the mental stimulation or daily structure or the socialising? Jessica Creighton speaks to Ros Whitehouse who, in her early 70’s, felt society was telling her to retire but within months she realised it was a mistake. Dame Esther Rantzen, founder of the Silver Line Helpline, joins them.

We received an email from an anonymous listener who described her experience of being an unwanted child. To discuss this issue, and the impact it can have later in life, Jessica speaks to Dr Caroline Boyd – a peri-natal, chartered clinical psychologist.

And we look at matrilineal communities who trace kinship through the female line and can involve the inheritance of property and titles with Woman’s Hour listener and Professor of Indigenous and Environmental History at the University of Hull, Joy Porter and Dr. Mariaelena Huambachano, Environmental Humanities, Native American and Indigenous Studies at Syracuse University.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Duncan Hannant Photo Credit: Mahaneela

Rosie's Plaques, Anorexia and Sectioning, Hormones and Learning to Trapeze Aug 25, 2022

As Listener Week continues...

Nicky e-mailed us about a group in Norwich called Rosie’s Plaques, who put up blue plaques for the brilliant and daring things women have done over the years. Maggie Wheeler from the group joins Emma Barnett to talk about why they do it.

Alice emailed in as she wants to address the issue of negative connotations around hormones. She feels that more conversations should happen between mothers and their children about hormones and we should be embracing our hormones and the way we behave because of them. Also joining the discussion will be Dr Farah Ahmed, women’s health specialist.

A topic that we feature a lot on Woman’s Hour is eating disorders and the mental health of young people, something that has been particularly highlighted during the pandemic. When it comes to mental health services, we often speak about waiting lists and lack of resources, but one listener, Freya, got in touch because she wanted to share her experience of having anorexia and being sectioned, and coming out the other side.

And Liz emailed to tell us about the unusual way she keeps fit: on a trapeze. It was a friend who persuaded to take it up in her late 40s. She'll be explaining how it changed her life and feels like joy therapy, along with Katy Kartwheel - an actress and circus performer, who also teaches aerial skills to people of all ages.

Listener Week: 106 marathons in 106 days, Universal Basic Income, Widowhood Aug 24, 2022

Emma is joined by listener duo - and world record holders - Fay and Emma who ran 106 marathons in 106 consecutive days. Enduring a gruelling 2,777 miles of running, the pair hope to inspire people to be active while you can, focusing on what the body can do – not what it looks like!

The killing of 9 year old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in Liverpool has shocked the city and the country. Listener Bobby wanted us to discuss women being killed in shootings. Jenny Kirkham, content editor for the Liverpool Echo, joined Emma Barnett.

Listener Ruth Griffin got in touch to say “Please please get someone on to talk about Universal Basic Income!" Trials have been undertaken in Wales, Kenya and Finland, and Ruth asks…"why aren’t we pushing this to be introduced?" Professor Guy Standing is founder and co-President of the Basic Income Earth Network, an NGO promoting basic income as a right, Guy is joined by Ruth Kelly, a fomer Labour MP and Minister and now Senior Fellow at the Policy Exchange Think Tank.

We’ve all heard of Florence Nightingale, but have you heard of Rufaida Al-Asalmiya? Born 2,000 years before her, Rufaida was known for her work in promoting hygiene practices in invasive procedures, she was the first documented user of mobile care units in conflict zones. Listener Sofiya, who herself is a registered nurse and Muslim only just heard about Rufaida a few weeks ago. Sofiya joins Emma alongside writer Dr Shamaila Anwar.

As part of listener week Coral from London wants to know why widowhood is not talked about more - is it taboo? She's joined by Sue from Norwich who has experiences and wisdom to share.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Listener week: Patriarchal wedding practices. Ukraine sponsorship. Rural bullying. Pubic hair loss in menopause Aug 23, 2022

Listener Week: stories suggested by you.

Many of you wanted us to talk about the patriarchal nature of some wedding traditions which seem to have stood the test of time like being walked down the aisle by your dad. Why are they still around and what do they symbolise? We look at their roots with Rachael Lennon, author of Wedded Wife: A Feminist History of Marriage; and journalist Sarah Graham, who planned a feminist wedding.

We regularly cover the health issues women face as they approach the menopause. One listener asked us to raise awareness of a less publicised aspect of the process - which is pubic hair loss. Many women finds this gradually happens from the perimenopause on and unlike when you’re younger, it doesn’t grow back and it's said can exacerbate problems with libido and sexual identity. Emma finds out more from the Chair of the Menopause Society Paula Briggs and the Sex Therapist Stella Sonnenbaum.

The refugees minister, Lord Harrington, has made a plea to the Treasury to double the money given to families hosting Ukrainian refugees. He fears that the cost of living may lead to a quarter of the host households pulling out of the scheme at the end of October when the initial six months is up. Many people are having positive life-affirming experiences, but we have also been contacted by some listeners who are having a trickier time and feel not much is being said publicly about when these situations go wrong.

And advice for a mother who lives in a rural area who emailed about her daughter being bullied from Kidscape’s CEO Lauren Seager-Smith and Consultant Child Psychologist Dr Jane Gilmour.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Listener Week: a basic guide to economics, quizzes, ageing without children Aug 22, 2022

Sarah wrote in suggesting we provide a basic guide to economics. Economics is so central to our lives but few of us, she thinks, are economically literate enough to engage properly with the constant references in the news. Sarah is joined by Rupal Patel, Senior Economist at the Bank of England and co-author of Can’t We Just Print More Money? Economics in Ten Simple Questions. One of our listeners – Roz Unwin – wanted to share her passion for quizzing. She took it up over lockdown, and now runs her own quizzes in North London. She joins Emma, along with Alice Walker, who was crowned this year’s Mastermind Champion. Ageing without children is the subject of our next discussion. Listener Mo Ray, Professor of Health and Social Care at the University of Lincolnshire wanted us to raise awareness of the growing numbers. She says care and ageing policy is still built on the assumption that behind every older person there is at least one adult child ready and able to provide care and support. She joins Emma along with Jenny Collieson, Trustee of the charity AWOC, Ageing without Children. To discuss the realities of the post mastectomy body, Emma speaks to listener Janine, a former nurse from Merseyside. Janine had a bilateral mastectomy as well as bilateral reconstructions, yet remains nipple-less. She emailed in saying “I have no idea where to go to get ‘completed”. Similarly frustrated by the lack of creative and attractive prosthetics, lingerie and fashion for the asymmetric body post her own mastectomy, we hear from Katie, a listener from Leicester who founded a collective called Bionic Boob, made up of artists making knitted boobs, sculptures, body armour and even biodegradable boobs with shelving.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour: Women in Afghanistan, Pockets and women’s clothing, Russia’s Mother Heroine Award Aug 20, 2022

It has been a year since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. The country is in economic crisis, there are droughts and the lives of women and girls have been impacted hugely. We hear from the first female deputy speaker for the Afghanistan Parliament Fawzia Koofi, the former Women’s Minister Hasina Safi and Samira Sayed Rahman, from the International Rescue Committee. They will discuss access to education for girls and what role the international community should play.

We had Beatlemania in the sixties and then and fans of Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, K-Pop’s BTS and Beyonce. But what is a fangirl? We discuss a subculture of women that have often been ridiculed and marred as hysterical, obsessive, juvenile and embarrassing and ask whether fangirls have been misunderstood? We hear from playwright and songwriter, Yve Blake who has created the award-winning musical ‘FANGIRLS’ that’s currently touring at Sydney Opera House and Hannah Ewens, a music writer at Rolling Stone, a former fan girl and author of ‘Fan girls: Scenes from Modern Music Culture’.

New research shows increasing numbers of young women in the UK are suffering injuries and other health problems because of the growing popularity of anal sex among straight couples. Increased rates of faecal incontinence and anal sphincter injury have been reported in women who have anal intercourse according to a report recently published in the British Medical Journal. We hear from one of the authors of the report - Lesley Hunt who is a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - and also from Claudia Estcourt from the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV.

If you're a mother in Russia and have ten children, you'll now be rewarded by the President. That's because Vladimir Putin is bringing back the “Mother Heroine” award which Joseph Stalin introduced in 1944 to encourage large families after tens of millions Soviet citizens died in the Second World War. This time around, women will get a one-off payment of one million roubles - that's £13,500 - after their tenth child is one years old, as long as the other nine children are still alive. Mothers will also get gold medals with the Russian flag on and the country’s coat of arms. Dr Jenny Mathers is a Senior Lecturer of International Politics at Aberystwyth University, and an expert on Russian politics and security.

We have a performance of ‘I do this all the time’ from the artist Self Esteem

And pockets - do you get overjoyed when you realise your dress has pockets, and do you get angry when you realise those new pair of jeans have fake ones? Data tells us that the majority of women want pockets on our clothes but don’t always get them. Comedian Tiff Stevenson tells us about her love for pockets. Fashion historian Amber Butchart delves into the fascinating history of women’s pockets - from tie round the waist bags to the Suffragette suit, she explains how pockets have evolved over time influenced by surrounding, politics and cultures.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Sharon Horgan, Sport and periods, Fangirls Aug 19, 2022

The British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith had to stop running at the European Championships this week because of cramp. She said it was because of her period, and now she's calling for more research into periods and sporting performance. Hepatahlon Olympic Bronze medallist Kelly Sotherton comes onto the programme, as well as Dr Richard Burden who's co-lead on Female Health & Performance at the English Institute of Sport

We talk to Sharon Horgan and Eve Hewson, about a new black comedy series they're in called Bad Sisters. It's all about five Irish sisters, and four of them hate their brother-in-law. They're desperate for the fifth sister to be rid of him. What will they do?

We speak to Lena Kulakovska, who escaped Ukraine when she was 36 weeks pregnant and is now safely settled in Devon. She's just had a baby daughter, so what are her plans for her and her three young children?

We hear once again from listener Titania. She sent us an email when we put the call out to tell us how it feels to reach the age your Mum was when she died. We hear her story.

And we start a new series about fangirls. This week we go beyond the stereotype of the hysterical girl who's obsessed with someone famous. We ask instead what does being a fan bring to your life? We're joined by playwright and songwriter, Yve Blake, who's created the award-winning musical FANGIRLS and Hannah Ewens, a writer at Rolling Stone, former fangirl and author of Fangirls: Scenes from Modern Music Culture.

Alison Rodgers, Dan Scorer, Ros Coward, Anita Anand, Sarah Class, Tracey Cox, Dr Tristram Wyatt Aug 18, 2022

If you’re a social media user you may well be familiar with the concept of vabbing – vaginal dabbing – where you use vaginal fluid as a perfume behind the ears and neck. Proponents claim it acts as an aphrodisiac to would-be lovers by spreading pheromones. Emma Barnett talks to sex expert Tracey Cox and the evolutionary biologist Dr Tristram Hunt. Have you tried it? Does it work? And is it sanitary?

Adam Downs is one of 15 people with learning disabilities who is in a high security hospital. He is currently at Rampton Secure Hospital with serial killers, murderers and paedophiles even though he has never been convicted of an offence. Ex-patients include Charles Bronson, Ian Huntley and Stephen Griffiths. His mother Alison Rodgers and Dan Scorer from the learning disability charity Mencap talk to us about their campaign for him to be cared for in the community. They say at least 2000 people with learning disabilities and or autism are currently being detained in inpatient hospital units in England and the Government is not reaching the targets they set.

It’s almost 25 years since Diana Princess of Wales was killed in a car crash in Paris. She once famously said “being a princess isn’t all it’s cracked up to be” so what is the life of a princess in the modern royal family and how are our perceptions of that role influences by fiction and culture. Emma Barnett talks to Anita Anand the presenter of the Radio 4 series “Princess” which looks at famous historical and fictional princesses and also to writer and journalist Ros Coward who’s co-authored a new book “Diana: Remembering the Princess”

Award winning musician Sarah Class who has composed and produced the music for the series ‘BBC Africa’ narrated by Sir David Attenborough, plays live in the studio ahead of her appearance at the Earth Prom concert at the Royal Albert Hall on 27th August, as part of the BBC Proms series.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Britain's secret war babies, Naomi Stadlen, Health impacts of anal sex Aug 18, 2022

Mary Phillips was born to a white British mother and an African American GI father – who she never met. She was one of around two thousand mixed-race children born into white, rural communities after the second world war. She joins Emma Barnett to tell the story of how she found her four half siblings in America, decades later, and what she found out about her father.

Who do Conversative-voting young women want to be their next Prime Minister? Woman's Hour can reveal new data from Ella Robertson McKay, National Chair of the Conservative Young Women group.

New research shows increasing numbers of young women in the UK are suffering injuries and other health problems because of the growing popularity of anal sex among straight couples. Emma Barnett talks to one of the authors of the report, Lesley Hunt who is a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and also to Claudia Estcourt, from the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV.

In her three books about mothering, the psychotherapist Naomi Stadlen has made visible the work, loving and teaching that mothers do. She joins Emma who herself has a much-thumbed copy of Naomi's first book 'What Mothers Do - especially when it looks like nothing'.

The dating app Tinder is celebrating its tenth birthday. The launch of the app in 2012 and other digital platforms has changed how many people meet their long or short term partners. But not everyone thinks online dating has improved romance for the better. Aurora Townsend is the founder of Planet Theta and George Rawlings is co-founder of Thursday.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Musician Self Esteem, Baroness Minouche Shafik and Female Astronomers Aug 16, 2022

Self Esteem is creating pop with purpose, tackling the patriarchy, sexual abuse and toxic relationships to a fun danceable beat. She is nominated for this year's Mercury Prize for her second album Prioritise Pleasure and joins Emma in the studio.

The cost of living crisis has been a central point of contention between the two candidates vying to be our next Prime Minister. Emma is joined by Baroness Minouche Shafik, Director of the London School of Economics. Previously deputy governor at the Bank of England - touted by many as the favourite to have replaced Mark Carney as the Governor of the Bank when he stood down in 2019, instead Andrew Bailey took the role and recently declared a recession is likely.

Before 1900, a woman who wanted to study the stars had to have a father, brother, or husband to provide entry. Now in a new book ‘The Sky Is for Everyone’, thirty seven leading women working in the field of astronomy, who have broken down barriers tell their personal stories of scientific success. Two of the women featured in the book are Cathie Clarke, Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics at the Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge and Professor Carole Mundell, the Hiroko Sherwin Chair in Extragalactic Astronomy, Head of Astrophysics at the University of Bath, and President of the UK Science Council.

It’s been two weeks since the Lionesses brought home the Euro 2022 trophy. Last week the England Captain Leah Williamson spoke on this programme about the importance of ensuring girls have the chance to play football. Emma is joined by Richard, not his real name, whose daughter played for the Crystal Palace junior team but has recently heard her team has been cut.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Women in Afghanistan one year after the Taliban took control, Children's Commissioner Rachel de Souza Aug 15, 2022

It has been a year since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. The country is in economic crisis, there are droughts and the lives of women and girls have been impacted hugely. Emma is joined by an expert panel including the first female deputy speaker for the Afghanistan Parliament Fawzia Koofi, the former Women’s Minister Hasina Safi and Samira Sayed Rahman, from the International Rescue Committee. They will discuss access to education for girls, what role the international community should play and the situation for Afghan refugees in the UK.

Over the weekend we learnt the Crown Prosecution Service - the CPS - said it isn't going to be prosecuting any of the people who were arrested at a vigil for Sarah Everard who was murdered last year. We hear from Barrister Pippa Woodrow of Doughty Street Chambers in London who's represented two of the women in this case.

The government says it wants to improve how victims are treated in the criminal justice system across England and Wales. As part of that aim, there's a draft Victims Bill. It wants to give more weight to what a victim of crime says, improve support for victims so they can recover better, and make it easier for victims to maintain contact with the criminal justice system and stay connected. But the Children's Commissioner says the experience of children as victims needs special attention in this Bill, as they have different needs to adults. The Children's Commissioner for England, Rachel de Souza, tells us more.

Plus are you pro-pocket? Data shows the majority of women want them, but clothes don’t always have them. We’re joined by comedian Tiff Stevenson to talk about her love for them and fashion historian Amber Butchart, who delves into their history.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Weekend Woman's Hour: Leah Williamson, Women and Partition, Afghan women's radio Aug 13, 2022

Having led the England women’s team to Euro 2022 victory, the Lionesses' captain, Leah Williamson, reflects on the Euro 2022 victory and answers young listeners' questions.

The Armed Forces are not reaching their targets in terms of recruiting women. The MOD is hoping to increase the proportion of women in the armed forces to 30% by 2030 but they have not met the target set for 2020. We discuss with Lauren Godier-McBard and Ria Jackson.

It's the end of an era - the actor playing Peggy in The Archers is hanging up her mic at the age of 103. June Spencer has played the matriarch since 1951. Her last appearance was on Sunday's omnibus edition. Felicity Finch who plays Ruth Archer, shares how the rest of the cast has reacted to the news.

It’s been described as one of the most seismic events of the 20th century, but how did the Partition of India affect women? The split led to violence, disruption and death with women facing kidnapping, rape and forced suicide. It was a time of huge destruction and disruption but it was also a time of courage, compassion and survival of the women who overcame trauma to somehow rebuild their lives. We hear from Shruti Kapila, Professor of Indian History at Cambridge University and Ritu Menon, feminist publisher and writer, and author of Borders & Boundaries: Women in India’s Partition.

BBC Afghan have a new radio programme called 'Women' which focuses on women and girls, especially those in rural areas. It's presented by Shazia Haya in Pashto, and Aalia Farzan in Dari who fled their home country last August when the Taliban retook control. Faranak Amidi is the presenter of World Service's The Fifth Floor and caught up with Shazia and Aalia.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Lisa Jenkinson

The Partition of India in 1947 and its impact on Women Aug 12, 2022

It’s been described as one of the most seismic events of the 20th century, but how did the Partition of the former imperial domain of British India into two countries, India and Pakistan, affect women? The split led to violence, disruption and death with women facing kidnapping, rape and forced suicide. It was a time of huge destruction and disruption but it was also a time of courage, compassion and survival of the women who overcame trauma to somehow rebuild their lives. We hear from Shruti Kapila, professor of Indian History at Cambridge University and Ritu Menon, feminist publisher and writer, and author of Borders & Boundaries: Women in India’s Partition, as they discuss the stories of women at this time.

Marvel, famous for its superhero comics, series and films has bought the story of Partition alive on screen in the new hit series Ms Marvel which features a Muslim female superhero for the first time. But is entertainment a good way to bring historical events to a new audience and generation? We hear from Fatima Asghar one of the writers responsible for an episode in the series dedicated to Partition. She explains how her own family story has influenced her writing.

The poet and musician Amrit Kaur uses her love of music to help raise awareness of the women whose lives were affected by Partition. She started learning the Indian classical instrument at the age of 13 and since then has travelled the world using music to share the struggles of women through her music, which also includes the use of Punjabi folk songs. She performs a Punjabi poem written by Amrita Pritam.

How are the events of the 1947 Partition remembered and understood by the younger generations? How does this type of trauma affect generations to come? We speak to three young women Unzela Khan, Dr Binita Kane and Amrit Kaur to talk about how the events of 1947 have shaped their lives and how it's contributed to who they are today.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

England Captain Leah Williamson Aug 12, 2022

Having led the England women’s team to Euro 2022 victory, Lionesses captain Leah Williamson joins Woman’s Hour for a very special programme. Leah joins Jessica Creighton to reflect on winning England’s first major trophy since 1966 and to discuss the future of women’s football both at the elite level and in schools. She also talks about her passions outside of football, including being a DJ. Jessica and Leah speak to Radio 1’s Adele Roberts and Dr Kelly Jakubowski, from Durham University who is an expert in music and psychology, about how you find the perfect track for a celebration. And, fashion and football aren't necessarily two things you'd put together, but they are two topics very close to Leah's heart. She expresses herself through her clothes and will talk about her love of unisex fashion. We will also speak to an original Lioness, Sue Whyatt, to discuss how far the game has come.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Emma Pearce

Weekend Woman's Hour: Recognition for first England women's football team, Harriet Harman MP & the poet Lady Unchained Aug 10, 2022

In a report published on Friday, the Joint Committee on Human Rights says the Government bears ultimate responsibility for the pain and suffering caused by public institutions and state employees that railroaded mothers in the 1950s, 60s and 70s into unwanted adoptions in England and Wales. Anita Rani speaks to Harriet Harman MP, who is Chair of the Joint Committee on Human Rights and Veronica Smith, founder member of the Movement for an Adoption Apology.

TikTok has become one of the most popular social media apps in the world. We hear from author and content creator Tova Leigh who contacted us to say she has noticed more and more disturbing content on the site that encourages violence against women and girls, and BBC Technology reporter Shiona McCallum.

The first international England Women’s football match was in November 1972. 50 years on, we speak to Woman’s Hour listener and reserve goalkeeper for the England team, Sue Whyatt who says the team are still waiting for their 'caps; and we hear from the honorary secretary of the Women’s Football Association, Patricia Gregory who co-organised that match.

Jersey has elected its first ever female Chief Minister. In elections last month, more women won seats in Jersey’s States Assembly than ever before. Emma Barnett speaks to Kristina Moore, a former journalist and TV presenter, to find out how her first few weeks in office are going.

From picking up the pen to survive in prison and since her release, Lady Unchained has made it her mission to become an advocate for life after prison. She is a poet, performer, and award winning broadcaster. We speak to her as she releases her debut poetry book: Behind Bars: On punishment, prison & release.

Tennis icon Serena Williams, Recruiting women to the armed forces, Afghan women radio, Stem cell donors, Women and bodybuilding Aug 10, 2022

It looks like Serena Williams is leaving tennis. She's won 23 grand slam titles and four Olympic golds but has suggested it's time to move on. She's made the announcement in Vogue, where she's said retirement - "causes a great deal of pain. I hate it." So she hasn't explicitly said she's giving up but she's given a large hint, saying she wants to focus on her family. Jessica Creighton speaks to former tennis player, Jo Durie and sports journalist Natasha Henry about the tennis icon.

The Armed Forces are not reaching their targets in terms of recruiting women. The MOD is hoping to increase the proportion of women in the armed forces to 30% by 2030 but they have not met the target set for 2020. One of the barriers to change is thought to be visibility - new research has found the UK public knows little or nothing about female veterans. Lauren Godier-McBard led the research and Ria Jackson is an RAF veteran and founder of the blog The V word.

BBC Afghan have a new radio programme called 'Women' which focuses on women and girls, especially those in rural areas, in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It's presented by Shazia Haya in Pashto, and Aalia Farzan in Dari who fled their home country last August when the Taliban retook control. It aims to inform, educate and empower its listeners. Faranak Amidi is the presenter of World Service's The Fifth Floor. She spoke to Shazia and Aalia.

This spring more than two million people had registered to become potential blood stem-cell donors in the UK. That’s regarded as a milestone by DKMS, which is the biggest stem cell-register in the UK. And it gives one mother in Northern Ireland some much-needed hope. Anne Greer’s youngest son is in a critical condition in hospital. Daniel was fit and well, but in May after complaining of back pain that was coming and going, he was diagnosed with leukaemia. The family want people around the world to donate blood to see if their stem cells are a life-saving match for Daniel.

On Woman’s Hour we talk about girls a lot, their safety, their mental and physical health but we don’t often talk to them. For an occasional series called 'Girl’s World' Ena Miller went to talk to groups of girls at their schools in their friendship groups, not necessarily about the big ‘issues’ but about what makes them laugh, who they laugh with…what they care about. Today, India and Alice are both aged 13 and they live in Stroud.

Today we're going to be talking about women in the world of elite bodybuilding where in the UK alone there will be more than 200 female bodybuilding shows this year. Kate Bishop - co-creator of the book Core which includes 42 photos of ‘muscly women’ doing what the book describes as 'subverting the archetype of femininity' and one of the bodybuilders in the book, Louise Plumb, discuss.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Natasha Henry Interviewed Guest: Jo Durie Interviewed Guest: Laura Godier-McBard Interviewed Guest: Ria Jackson Interviewed Guest: Shazia Haya Interviewed Guest: Aalia Farzan Interviewed Guest: Anne Greer Reporter: Ena Miller Interviewed Guest: Kate Bishop Interviewed Guest: Louise Plumb

Brit and Mercury Prize-winning singer Heather Small, Chronic illness, Abortion Aug 09, 2022

The British-born actor and singer Olivia Newton-John has died at the age of 73. Best remembered for playing the iconic role of Sandy in the musical film Grease. We pay tribute with Stockard Channing who played Rizzo in Grease, and the film critic Karen Krizanovich and Olivia Moore who is currently playing her in the stage version in London's west end.

Brit & Mercury prize winner Heather Small on ‘Colour My Life’, her first album in sixteen years. For the album, she teamed up with the London Metropolitan Orchestra to re-imagine all of her Top 10 hits as well as release new songs and covers.

What is it like to live with a chronic but hidden illness? Poppy Nash is a textile artist who lives with type 1 diabetes and one of her latest works The Art of Dying 2.0 is a full-scale installation of bedclothes and bedding, examining the experience of living in isolation as a ‘vulnerable’ person through the pandemic. Ione Gamble lives with Crohn’s disease. She’s the founder & editor of the art, fashion and culture publication, Polyester and has now written a book, Poor Little Sick Girls.

The overturning of Roe v Wade in the USA has put abortion very much at the top of the news agenda. Our 2019 series in which women spoke, often for the first time, about their abortions seems even more relevant now. Today, a woman we are calling Kerry talks about the abortion she had when she was 18 and her certainty then and now that this was the right choice for her.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Dianne McGregor

Child strip searches, Dr Sam Roberts of NICE Aug 08, 2022

In 2020, a black 15-year-old schoolgirl, known as Child Q, was strip-searched by police while on her period after being wrongly suspected of carrying cannabis. A safeguarding report on the incident concluded it was unjustified and racism was "likely" to have been a factor. New data published by the Children’s Commissioner has found what she calls a “concerning” number of children have been strip-searched by the Metropolitan Police without an appropriate adult present. BBC reporter Celestina Olulode joins Jessica to talk us through this data and we also hear from Jacqueline Courtenay, a mother from North London who organised a rally about this issue.

It's the end of an era - the actor playing Peggy in The Archers is hanging up her mic at the age of 103. June Spencer has played the matriarch since 1951. Her last appearance was on Sunday's omnibus edition. Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall was a big fan of Peggy's, calling her, "a true national treasure who has been part of my life, and millions of others, for as long as I can remember". Felicity Finch who plays Ruth Archer, has known June for a long time and tells Jessica how the rest of the cast has reacted to the news.

Following the launch of the Women's Health Strategy we speak to the new chief executive of NICE - the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. The agency makes recommendations to the NHS in England and Wales on medicines, treatments and procedures. Dr Sam Roberts took up the post in February 2022. Before joining Nice, she was Managing Director of Health and Care at Legal and General but began her career in clinical practice and spent some time working as a junior doctor in a London hospital.

How does it feel to reach the age your Mum was when she died? Our reporter Jo Morris talked to three women whose stories are different but who all feel that the age their Mum passed away has shaped their lives. First, Rachel lives in Devon with her family. Even people who know her really well, don’t know about a feeling she’s been keeping secret.

The Commonwealth Games ends today and what a couple of weeks it's been. England have come second, after Australia, in the medals table with Scotland 6th, Wales 8th and Northern Ireland 10th. Across all sports there have been a lot of success for the home nations women. Jessica is joined by Jeanette Kwakye, former Olympic athlete and BBC broadcaster.

England's netballers - the Roses, School exclusions, South Asian women in WWII, Rape survivors and therapy, Women artists Aug 05, 2022

This time last week we were looking forward to the big match: The Lionesses at the European Championship Final at Wembley. We hoped, but we just couldn't predict what would happen, but what a great moment when they won against Germany! But don't let the success of women's football overshadow the sport that's been with us all along: netball. At the Commonwealth Games, the English team - known as the Roses - are in the semi-final tomorrow, up against Australia. If they win, they'll be in the final on Sunday. And don't forget: the Roses WON at the Commonwealth Games last time around, four years ago. We speak to ex-Roses captain, Ama Agbeze.

In the last normal academic year before the pandemic, 7,894 children were permanently excluded from English state schools. However, the data shows that certain groups of children are more likely to be excluded than others. Boys are three times more likely than girls, children on free school meals are four times more likely than other children, and Gypsy Roma, Travellers of Irish heritage, and black Caribbean children are all significantly more likely to face school exclusion than white British children. To explore why these disparities exist, Anita is joined by Dr Amelia Roberts, deputy director of UCL’s Centre for Inclusive Education; Jason Arthur, CEO of Mission 44, a charitable foundation which aims to support disadvantaged young people; and Lisa Smith, chair of the Advisory Council for the Education of Romany and Other Travellers.

When we think about the World War II war effort, Indian women in saris are not the first people that come to mind. Social historian Kiran Sahota has been researching the role of Indian women in the war, and has curated her research into a documentary and exhibition, which is currently on tour in the UK.

There’s been anger from counsellors and psychotherapists about new guidelines around access to rape victims therapy notes. The changes introduced by the CPS were first reported exclusively by Woman’s Hour back in May when solicitors raised concerns. Now five leading bodies representing psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors have raised their own concerns. Newsnight reporter Anna Collinson has been looking into the story. We also hear from Dame Vera Baird, the Victims Commissioner for England and Wales.

According to the art market, men are 10 times better at painting than women, with men’s art valued ten times more than women’s. Now, a new Radio 4 documentary, 'Revaluating Art' explores why. Its creator, Mary-Ann Sieghart explains.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Ama Agbeze Interviewed Guest: Dr Amelia Roberts Interviewed Guest: James Arthur Interviewed Guest: Lisa Smith Interviewed Guest: Kiran Sahota Interviewed Guest: Vera Baird Interviewed Guest: Anna Collinson Interviewed Guest: Mary-Ann Sieghart

Manipulating body images in ads. National Poet of Wales Hanan Issa . Abortion stories. Nancy Pelosi Taipei visit. Aug 04, 2022

Last week we talked about the Spanish equality ministry’s summer campaign promoting body positivity on the beach featuring diverse women of different shapes and sizes. But the campaign has received a lot of criticism since as it used multiple women’s images without their permission. We hear from one, Juliet Fitzpatrick who had a double mastectomy, who believes her face was manipulated and put onto the body of another woman - who had only one of her breasts removed.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's controversial visit to Taipei in the face of warnings from Beijing. Pelosi has hinted she’d attracted China’s annoyance not for becoming the highest ranking US official to visit Taiwan in a quarter century, but because she’s a woman. Nancy Soderberg is an American foreign policy strategist and former US ambassador to the UN. And we are also joined by Isabel Hilton, the founder of China Dialogue. Good morning

Poetry is the space where I go to make sense of the world' - the the words of Hanan Issa an Iraqi-Welsh poet from Cardiff who was recently appointed as the next National Poet of Wales. She joins Jessica to explore some of the themes which influence her work and talk about what the new role means to her.

Since Roe v Wade was overturned in the US more women are telling their stories but secrecy and shame still surrounds abortion. In 2019 we asked you ‘have you had an abortion? How did you feel about it then and how do you feel about it now? Over the past few week's we've given you the opportunity to hear some of the stories again. Today in the fourth episode of the series we hear from a woman in her 60's we are calling "Alison".

And Chrysta Bilton talks to us about her new book Book - A Normal Family: The Surprising Truth About My Crazy Childhood (And How I Discovered 35 New Siblings)

Presenter Jessica Creighton Producer Beverley Purcell PHOTO CREDIT; Sue Lacey

Euros 22 legacy, Kansas and abortion rights, Dance music and women, Sam Smith, Juliette Pochin Aug 03, 2022

Kansas is the first state in the US to decide in a referendum to protect abortion rights in a major victory for pro-choice groups. What impact could this have across the rest of America after the overturning of Roe vs Wade? Professor Fiona De Londras, Chair of Global Legal Studies at Birmingham Law School updates us.

The Lionesses win is still being celebrated, with thousands gathering in Trafalgar Square on Monday to celebrate. The women’s game, however, has a history of being dramatically underfunded compared to the men’s and currently 37% of schools don’t offer girls’ football in PE. To change this, the government has announced a £230 million investment into improving grassroots football… but will it work? Former English international footballer Rachel Yankey and Francesca Brown, the founder and chief executive of Goals4Girls discuss their hopes for women’s football and the lasting legacy of the Euro win.

We’re looking at dance music on the programme today. A new report has found that just 5% of dance music in the UK charts has a female as the lead artist. The report also looks at gender equality issues at festivals, and how ‘The Male Gaze’ places pressure on women in the industry. The Radio 1 DJ Jaguar joins Jessica, alongside Nicola Davies, the report’s lead author.

Sam Smith was the first, and youngest woman to ever run a stockbroking company in the UK, and she often found herself the only woman in a room or trading floor. She's one of just nine female CEOs of companies in the FTSE 100 index, and has decided to step down from her role at the firm she founded FinnCap Group PLC. So what are her reflections on how things have changed for women in the 24 years since she joined the world of finance?

Last year she turned 50 - at the same time her daughter left home for university. Thrown by how much it affected her, Juliette Pochin, a record producer working with artists ranging from Alfie Boe through to Harry Styles and the London Symphony Orchestra, has come out from behind the studio and written a cabaret show Music, Mayhem and a Mezzo. She is making her debut at the Edinburgh Fringe from the 5th to the 13th August.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Professor Fiona de Londras Interviewed Guest: Rachel Yankey Interviewed Guest: Francesca Brown Interviewed Guest: Jaguar Interviewed Guest: Nicola Davies Interviewed Guest: Sam Smith Interviewed Guest: Juliette Pochin

Commonwealth Games, Body image and mental health report, Lizzo and Beyonce lyrics, Personality disorders Aug 02, 2022

The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham are underway and for the first time in a major multi-sport event, more medals will be awarded to women than men, with the medal programme confirming a total of 136 events for women compared to 134 for men. Jessica speaks to BBC Sports presenter Clare Balding as well as the first ever female Chef de Mission for Team Scotland, who for the first time have more women competing in their team than men.

Six weeks after pop star Lizzo changed the lyrics of her song because it contained an ableist slur, Beyonce has been criticised for using the same term. In her new song ‘Heated’, which is co-written by hiphop star Drake, the slur is used twice. In a statement, Beyonce said the term wasn't used intentionally in a harmful way, and will be replaced. Hannah Diviney is a writer and Disability Activist from Sydney, who went viral for calling out both Lizzo and Beyonce.

The impact of body image on mental and physical health is "wide-reaching" according to a new wide-ranging report out today by the Health and Social Care Committee which calls for e.g. for the Government to introduce a law so "commercial images" which feature bodies which have been doctored in any way - including changing body proportions or skin tone - are legally required to carry a logo to let viewers know they have been digitally altered. And the Government to speed up the introduction of a promised licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures to prevent vulnerable people being exploited. Jessica hears from Jeremy Hunt is Chair of the Committee, and Dawn Steele, a patient trustee to the board of the Joint Council For Cosmetic Practitioners.

Penelope Campling is a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. Over the course of her 40-year career, she has seen many changes in the way we treat serious mental illness. She spent twenty years running the NHS personality disorder unit in Leicester. She has now retired from the NHS, still practising as a psychotherapist, and has just published her second book, Don’t Turn Away: Stories of Troubled Minds in Fractured Times.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Dianne McGregor

Women's Euro 2022 Aug 01, 2022

In today's Woman's Hour we dedicate the programme to Women's Football after the Lionesses won the Euro 2022 Championship last night.

Rebecca Myers is a journalist for The Times and a prominent voice in Women's Sport, she joined Andrea to give a match report and described some of her favourite moments.

What will the legacy of last night’s Women’s Euro 2022 be? The former lioness and second highest goal scorer for England Kelly Smith joins Andrea Catherwood alongside Dame Heather Rabbatts, Dame Heather was the first female board member of the Football Association when she joined in 2012.

We will also discuss the grass roots of the game and what more oppurtunities could be given to girls who want to play at school and beyond, Andrea speaks to Baroness Sue Campbell the Director of Women’s Football at the FA.

David Kogan negotiated the sale of the TV rights for the Women’s Super League and is a long time advisor to the FA, he joins Andrea to discuss what next for the business side of the sport.

Neither the Wales nor Scotland women’s football teams qualified for the Euro 2022 tournament, but will England’s victory, and Northern Ireland’s involvement in the group stages, be a boost for all the nations of the UK? The Scottish crime writer and football fan Val McDermid joined us alongside Laura McAllister, former Wales international team captain and currently deputy chair of UEFA's Women's Football committee and Caragh Hamilton, a midfielder for the Northern Ireland team.

And Evelyn, a seven-year-old goalie from Leeds, has written a poem in honour of her favourite Lioness.

Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Emma Pearce

Actor Samantha Womack, The Lionesses win, Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, Dear Daughter podcast, Jane Roe's daughter, The Home Edit Jul 30, 2022

The actor Samantha Womack on her new role as the White Witch in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

As the Lionesses reach the final of the Euros on Sunday let's not forget that the FA, the Football Assocation, banned the women's game for fifty years. Jacqui Oatley, the first female Match of the Day commentator, reflects on the women's game.

Women with learning disabilities die on average 26 years younger than the general population. In her first interview since taking up the role of chair of trustees at the learning disability charity Mencap, Dame Carolyn Fairbairn tells Emma about why the life, and death, of her sister Diana Fairbairn, who had learning disabilities and cerebral palsy, has inspired her new campaigning role to improve support for people with learning disabilities.

Namulanta Kombo on her award winning podcast 'Dear Daughter', which started with her idea of writing letters to her young daughter with advice for life.

Norma McCorvey is the real person behind the Roe vs Wade court case of 1972. Her eldest daughter Melissa Mills discusses what her mum would have made of the court case she was so central to being overturned.

Friends and business partners Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin have become stars of pandemic feel-good TV with their Netflix show Get Organised with The Home Edit. They go into someone’s home and transform a cluttered space into something beautiful and functional.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Fiona Govan, Louisa McGeehan, Tom Bennett, Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson, Namulanta Kombo, Helen Wood. Jul 29, 2022

We talk to journalist Fiona Govan based in Madrid who writes for Olive Press about the controversy surrounding a new ad campaign in Spain proclaiming “All Bodies are Beach Bodies”. Posters including women of all shapes and sizes, including women with mastectomies with a slogan “Summer Belongs to Us too.” Helpful messaging? Or “absurd” as some opposition politicians claim which is creating “a problem where it doesn’t exist”.

Should children who misbehave be excluded permanently from school? Recently, Southwark Council in London hit the headlines when it urged its headteachers to sign up to an ‘Inclusion Charter’ to avoid school exclusions. Some campaigners argue that excluding troubled children leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and puts them at risk of becoming part of a world of crime. Others say that it is necessary to exclude pupils who are disrupting the education of others or pose a danger to staff and other children. Anita is joined by Louisa McGeehan, chief executive of Just for Kids Law, a legal charity for children and young people; Tom Bennett, School Behaviour Advisor to the Department for Education, and Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson, headteacher of Anderton Park Primary School in Birmingham.

We talk to Namulanta Kombo about her award winning podcast “Dear Daughter” which started with her idea of writing letters to her young daughter with advice for life.

And the writer and comedian Helen Wood who wrote shows such as ‘The Usherettes’ and ‘The National Trust Fan Club’ tells us about her latest production ‘Let’s Talk About Philip’ which explores the the mystery and secret surrounding her brother’s death 32 years ago.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Sue Maillot

Clea and Joanna from The Home Edit, Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, Menopause report Jul 28, 2022

Friends and business partners Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin have become stars of pandemic feel-good TV, with their Netflix show Get Organised with The Home Edit. They go into someone’s home – be it a Hollywood celebrity or a stressed family of five - and transform a cluttered space into something beautiful and functional. The emphasis is firmly on giving busy women back some time and headspace through better organisation of their homes. Clea and Joanna join Emma to give some pro tips and explain how they got the business off the ground with a little help from Hollywood actor and exec Reese Witherspoon.

Women with learning disabilities die on average 26 years younger than the general population. This shocking figure is contained in a new report which investigates health inequalities for people with learning disabilities, and the resulting premature and, often, entirely avoidable deaths. In her first interview since taking up the role of Chair of Trustees at the Learning Disability charity Mencap, the former Director General of the CBI Dame Carolyn Fairbairn tells Emma about why the life, and death, of her sister Diana Fairbairn, who had learning disabilities and cerebral palsy, and who died last December, has inspired her new campaigning role to improve support for people with learning disabilities.

As the Women and Equalities Committee in Parliament releases its final report into the overlooked impacts of the menopause, Emma speaks to the Chair of that Committee, Conservative MP Caroline Nokes, about the actions she wants the government to now take up. These include consulting on making menopause a protected characteristic under the Equality Act – meaning employers would have to make reasonable adjustments for menopausal women in the workplace.

Last month, we asked listeners about the matriarchs in their lives, the redoubtable women whose stories deserve to be told. Today, listener Kate from Cambridge tells her Grandmother ‘Babushka’s story.

Jane Roe's daughter, Lionesses semi-final, Voices of Power and Women's Health Apps Jul 27, 2022

It’s been just over a month since Roe vs Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court in the United States. On this programme we’ve covered the aftermath of this ruling many times, but what about the woman at the centre of it all? Jane Roe, or a name you might be less familiar with, Norma McCorvey, the real person behind the Roe vs Wade court case of 1972. Her eldest daughter, Melissa Mills, joins Emma Barnett to discuss what her Mum would have made of the court case she was so central to, being overturned.

Last night the England women’s team won in a decisive 4-0 victory against Sweden in the Euro semi-final at Bramall Lane. Emma speaks to BBC sports commentator Robyn Cowen, former England player, Anita Asante and sports commentator Jacqui Oatley about what this means for the sport.

A new oratorio, Voices of Power, that contemplates the nature of female power across the centuries is set to make its world premiere at Hereford Cathedral tomorrow. Composed by Luke Styles and set to libretto by Jessica Walker, it features the thoughts from seven women from across two millennia, including the likes of Boudica, Margaret Thatcher and Eleanor Roosevelt. Luke and Jessica join Emma to discuss.

Period and fertility tracking apps have been growing in popularity for years, but new analysis reveals the majority share sensitive personal data, with experts warning it could be used to target women with tailored advertising. We speak to Fatima Ahmed, obstetrician, gynaecologist and ORCHA'S clinical lead for women’s health.

Samantha Womack as the White Witch in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Jul 26, 2022

After an eight month UK tour the children’s classic, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe comes to London's West End with Samantha Womack - best known for playing Ronnie in Eastenders - taking on the role of the White Witch.

Following last night's first TV debate Emma's joined by two women who will have a vote but have yet to decide whether to back the former chancellor Rishi Sunak or the foreign secretary Liz Truss. Sally Ann Marks is the chairman of the Maidstone and Weald Conservative Association and Lizzie Hacking is Deputy Chairman of the Hastings and Rye Conservative Association.

If I said the phrase ‘girly drink’ to you, what image would it conjure up? A sweet cocktail, a fizzy wine? Or would you challenge the very notion that some drinks are for women and others for men? To discuss the history of women’s consumption of alcohol and their involvement in making it, Emma is joined by the historian and writer Mallory O'Meara, whose new book is called Girly Drinks – A World History of Women and Alcohol and Melissa Cole, beer writer and author of The Ultimate Book of Craft Beer.

Plus as wedding season is upon us - some people will spend thousands on their special day. However Nell Frizzell, an author and journalist whose new novel is called Square One, had a different approach. How surprised was she that when she tweeted that she'd spent just four pounds on the fabric for her dress and her shoes cost one pound went viral.

And the woman now campaigning for rights for women to get time off work after a miscarriage after losing three babies herself..

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

The vegan stock car racing driver Leilani Münter, Lynne O'Donnell, Abortion stories Jul 25, 2022

The BBC’s first Green Sport Awards has announced the winner of its Evergreen Award. Leilani Münter is an American former professional stock car racing driver whose environmental activism has been central to her career. Leilani used her race car as “a 200mph billboard” to get environmental messages in front of the 75 million race fans in the USA. Leilani joins Emma.

A new reoprt by MPs says the NHS in england is facing its worst staffing crisis in history. Women make up 77% of NHS staff. Dame Jane Dacre is a Professor from UCL Medical School and contributed to the report joins Emma alongside Dr Radhika Vohra who is a GP and menopause specialist.

It’s almost a year since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan. Lynne O’Donnell has years of experience reporting from the country and decided to return earlier this month. She says she was detained, abused and threatened by the Taliban. Lynne is safely out of Afghanistan and joins Emma Barnett.

Following the overturning of Roe v Wade in the US more women have talked about having had an abortion but many never speak openly about their experiences. In a series first broadcast in 2019 we hear five different personal testimonies from women. Today, a woman who felt her mental health was at risk when she found she was pregnant 10 months after the birth of her third child.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Weekend Woman's Hour: Vicky Pattison, Bananarama, Women's Health Strategy Jul 23, 2022

TV personality Vicky Pattison shot to fame on the reality show Geordie Shore, where her extreme party-girl lifestyle in Newcastle was lived out in front of the cameras. Now, she’s taking a long, hard look at her past in a new documentary which centres around her father’s struggle with alcoholism for most of his adult life. She explains how this has, in part, contributed towards her own unhealthy relationship with drinking.

England's first ever Women's Football team will finally be recognised with caps for a match that took place in 1972. Sue Whyatt, the reserve goalkeeper of the team shares what this recognition means to her and her teammates.

Earlier this week the government launched its much awaited Women’s Health Strategy for England. We discuss with Women's Health Minister Maria Caulfield; Dame Professor Lesley Regan, the newly appointed Women's Health Ambassador; and BBC Health Correspondent Catherine Burns.

Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward from Bananarama come into the Woman's Hour studio to talk about how it all started, their friendship and their new album, Masquerade.

At least 20 Iranian feminists, most connected to Iran's #MeToo Movement, have written a letter of complaint to Instagram and Facebook after they were bombarded with thousands of fake followers. They say they've been deliberately targeted and want META - the owner of the social media platforms - to take action. We speak to one of the women affected, Samaneh Savadi, an Iranian women’s rights activist based in the UK.

The author RJ Palacio discusses the 10th anniversary of her bestselling children's book Wonder, and shares her top tips for writing a book.

Presenter: Paulette Edwards

Bananarama, The Baby, Tour De Femmes Jul 22, 2022

Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward from Bananarama come into the Woman's Hour studio to talk about how it all started, their friendship and their new album, Masquerade.

The Baby is a new TV drama about a woman who suddenly gets a baby. It literally lands in her arms without warning. What's she going to do when she never wanted a baby in the first place? We have Michelle de Swarte who plays 38-year-old Natasha who finds herself with the baby, and Executive Producer Naomi De Pear.

This Sunday we've got the Tour de France Femmes. It’s been called a “seminal” moment for women’s cycling because for the first time women will be able to wear the yellow jersey across eight days of gruelling cycling. We have Dani Every from British Cycling and cyclist Elinor Barker, an Olympic gold medallist and five-time world champion.

This week the government launched its Women's Health Strategy, pledging to take women's health much more seriously, at every stage of a woman's life. Period education is only briefly mentioned, but we talk to Chella Quint, teacher and period campaigner, about her ideas to get it into the school curriculum for boys and girls.

Vicky Pattison, Women's Darts, Period Loss and Iranian Feminists Cyberattack. Jul 21, 2022

TV personality Vicky Pattison shot to fame on the reality show Geordie Shore, where her extreme party-girl lifestyle in Newcastle was lived out in front of the cameras. Now, she’s taking a long, hard look at her past in a new documentary which centres around her father’s struggle with alcoholism for most of his adult life. She explains to Nuala McGovern how this has, in part, contributed towards her own unhealthy relationship with drinking.

We look ahead to this weekend’s historic event in the world of women’s darts as the World Matchplay tournament which takes place in Blackpool is the first female tournament to be fully televised. We catch up with the woman known as ‘Queen of the Palace’, Fallon Sherrock, about her career, her success and also about how the sport has grown.

Did you know that diet and exercise can cause period loss, even if you're considered to be a generally healthy person? FHA – functional hypothalamic amenorrhea – is when over-exercising, under-eating or stress causes the body to stop menstruating. It's estimated that FHA affects between 2-5% of women, with 30% of women who exercise, including elite athletes considered to be at peak health, experiencing period loss. On Tiktok, the hashtag #periodloss has over 2.9 million views, and is full of women talking about their experiences with FHA. Nuala is joined by Martha Williams, a Senior Clinical Advice Coordinator at Beat, a charity working to tackle eating disorders, and Olivia Nevill, an online fitness coach who has experienced FHA.

At least 20 Iranian feminists, most connected to Iran's #MeToo Movement, have written a letter of complaint to Instagram and Facebook after they were bombarded with thousands of fake followers. They say they've been deliberately targeted and want META - the owner of the social media platforms - to take action. They say they're under a "coordinated cyberattack". Because the bots have made their accounts unmanageable, they've had to put their accounts on private mode which limits their social media reach and the community they're trying to build. Nuala is joined by Samaneh Savadi, an Iranian women’s rights activist based here in the UK.

England's Lionesses Quarter Final against Spain; Women's Health Strategy; Women and the Web; Jul 20, 2022

Today the government launches its much awaited Women’s Health Strategy for England. For generations women have lived with a healthcare system that is designed by men, for men. Despite making up 50 percent of the population and living longer than men, women have been under-represented in research, with little known about some female-specific issues, spending a greater proportion of their lives in ill health and disability, with growing geographic inequalities in women’s life expectancy. Having spoken to nearly 100,000 women the government say this will reset the dial on women’s health. Krupa Padhy speaks to Women's Health Minister Maria Caulfield and Dame Professor Lesley Regan the newly appointed Women's Health Ambassador.

Tonight England's Lionesses will take on Spain in the quarter finals. The two teams will go head to head in Brighton, in what will be the first knockout game of the tournament. Although both are strong teams, England and Spain have previously competed against each other 15 times resulting in the Lionesses winning twice as many games as their opponents. England have also been scoring more goals than any team has ever done in the group stage. BBC Women's Sport Reporter, Jo Currie gives us an overview of the brilliant Lionesses taking to the pitch this year.

Tim Berners Lee is often credited as the inventor of the World Wide Web. But who are some of the women who played an instrumental role in building the internet and the technology that surrounds it? We hear about Karen Spärck Jones, Sophie Wilson and Hedy Lamarr. And with a fifth of women in the UK experiencing online harassment and abuse, how can the internet be made more friendly to women? Krupa Padhy speaks to Charlotte Webb, who teaches internet equality at University of the Arts London and is the co-founder of the Feminist Internet and to Dame Stephanie Shirley who founded an all-women software company in the 1960s.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Marie Caulfield Interviewed Guest: Dame Professor Lesley Regan Interviewed Guest: Catherine Burns Interviewed Guest: Jo Currie Interviewed Guest: Dame Stephanie Shirley Interviewed Guest: Charlotte Webb

Surviving in Scrubs, Male Contraception, Little Women Opera, Caps for England Women's Team Jul 19, 2022

It’s being called medicine’s Me Too moment. Two female doctors have launched an online campaign gathering testimony about sexual harassment and a culture of sexism in the world of health care. Dr Becky Cox and Dr Chelcie Jewitt join Krupa to explain why they launched Surviving in Scrubs.

Last week we looked at radical solutions to the ageing population and slowing birth rate, including a tax on the childfree. One country which has taken a unique approach is Hungary which introduced tax breaks and loans to encourage women to have more children in 2019. The BBC’s Nick Thorpe’s joins Krupa to discuss how successful the policy has been.

Back in 1972, the very first England Women's Football Team beat Scotland in their first international victory, but unlike the men’s team, the Lionesses were not awarded official caps. Pressure has been mounting for the Football Association to recognise the 1972 team with caps. The reserve goalkeeper, Sue Wyhatt, joins us as the FA announce they will award the caps.

The male contraceptive pill has been talked about for decades but so far has never got past the research stages. There is a current clinical trial though that is already yielding good results – however it’s not a pill, it’s a gel. It’s also had positive feedback from the couples who tried it. Krupa is joined by Dr Diana Blithe, who leads the Contraceptive Development Program at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in the US.

The UK premiere of Little Women opens at Opera Holland Park later this week. The award winning director Ella Marchment, joins Krupa Padhy, along with Charlotte Padham, who makes her professional debut as Jo.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Emma Pearce

R J Palacio, Dr Nneka Ikeogu, Rajini Vaidyanathan, Dr Radikha Vohra and Dr Jo Mountfield Jul 18, 2022

American author R J Palacio talks to Krupa Padhy about her latest novel "White Bird"

Following the overturning of Roe V Wade in the US more women have talked openly about having had an abortion but many never speak openly about their experiences. In a series first broadcast in 2019 we hear five different personal testimonies from women. Today, a woman we are calling Amanda who only came to terms with her abortion 25 years later.

How can learning your child’s ‘love language’ help you become a better parent? Child and Educational Psychologist, Dr Nneka Ikeogu, talks us through the 5 languages of love and explains how children give, and receive, love using them.

We hear from the BBC’S South Asia Correspondent Rajini Vaidyanathan about how the economic crisis in Sri Lanka is affecting families across the country

And how do women's bodies respond to extreme heat? We talk to GP Dr Radikha Vohra and Dr Jo Mountfield from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Gayl Gordon

Picture Credit: Heike Bogenberger

Artist, Elsa James; Forced adoption and unmarried mothers; Ukrainian refugees; Chef, Fatmata Binta Jul 15, 2022

A formal apology should be issued by the government to the thousands of unmarried mothers in England and Wales who had their babies taken for adoption in the 50s, 60s, 70s. In a report published today, the Joint Committee on Human Rights says the Government bears ultimate responsibility for the pain and suffering caused by public institutions and state employees that railroaded mothers into those unwanted adoptions. Harriet Harman MP is Chair of the Joint Committee on Human Rights.

Fulani chef Fatmata Binta has won the world's most prestigious gastronomy prize, the 2022 Basque Culinary World Prize, an international achievement award for chefs who improve society through food. Fatmata is the first African to receive the award, and won for her work celebrating nomadic food culture and exploring west African cuisine through her Dine on a Mat pop-up restaurant.

What shape does a life take after fleeing a war? It's nearly five months since Russia invaded Ukraine and families across the UK are trying to redefine their 'normal' after being displaced. Many will be housed in temporary accommodation; others will be living with host families. While safety and the promise of a new home will bring comfort and relief, sharing a domestic space with strangers can bring its own set of challenges. Anastasia Skelton is an Ukrainian living in the UK who is currently volunteering as a coordinator in Canterbury, helping to match refugees with host families. And Kate Daniels is a family therapist and senior lecturer in clinical psychology at Christchurch University. She has set up a project to equip host families with the emotional skills necessary to make the transition as easy as possible for the people displaced by war.

The artist and feminist activist Elsa James tells us about exploring her identity as a black woman living in Essex in her latest exhibition 'Othered in a Region that has Been Historically Othered'. She has lived in the county for more than 20 years but asks ‘Is being in Essex diluting my black identity’? She also examines the lives of historical black female figures as well the women who came over as nurses as part of Windrush and who made their homes in Essex.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Harriet Harman Interviewed Guest: Veronica Smith Interviewed Guest: Fatmata Binta Interviewed Guest: Anastasia Skelton Interviewed Guest: Kate Daniels Interviewed Guest: Elsa James Film Still: Andy Delaney

Global Abortion Rights, Do women worry more?, Bees, Matriarchs Jul 14, 2022

Since the overturning of Roe vs Wade in the United States here on Woman’s Hour we’ve looked at what this will mean for women in America, and also what the status of abortion is here in the UK. But what right do women around the world have to an abortion and could the overturning of Roe vs Wade in America lead other countries to follow suit? Macarena Saez is from the NGO Human Rights Watch and joins Emma.

A new study shows women are now twice as likely as men to be extremely worried about their lives and those around them, after the pandemic. Journalist Eleanor Morgan and Charlotte Faircloth from UCL join Emma to discuss.

The latest in our series about matriarchs, the redoubtable women in your lives. Today listener Alexandra on her fabulous Auntie Lilla who bred miniature Shetland ponies was 6'3" and a bit terrifying.

Jersey has elected its first ever female Chief Minister – the equivalent of the island’s Prime Minister. Politics on the island has been largely male, white and middle class for years. But in elections last month, more women won seats in Jersey’s States Assembly - the equivalent of Jersey’s Parliament - than ever before. Emma Barnett catches up with Kristina Moore, a former journalist and TV presenter, to find out how her first few weeks in office are going.

Bees and other essential insects that we rely on to pollinate our crops are threatened by harmful pesticides according to a group of women campaigners who have launched a petition this week. We hear from Anabel Kindersley who is the co-owner of Neal’s Yard Remedies and the leader behind the #StandByBees campaign and Ben Woodcock, a scientist from UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Poet- Lady Unchained. The Conservative leadership. Covid. Telford. Abortion memories Jul 13, 2022

Conservative MPs start voting in the first round ballot to see who will take over from Boris Johnson as Conservative Party leader and Prime Minister - 4 women and 4 men ,after the candidates were reduced to eight contenders. Some of the policy areas being debated are familiar: tax, immigration and our relationship with the EU. Some are less so and quite new to the political battlefield as defining issues for the candidates, such as what do each of them think constitutes being a woman. It is also striking that the political ghost of one woman is being invoked left, right and centre - Margaret Thatcher. Emma talks to Mrs Thatcher's former private secretary, Caroline Slocock. We also talk to Ella Robertson McKay the National Chair of the Conservative Young Women - which is made up of women under the age of 35. She reveals the results of a poll of their membership which asked who they want to be Prime Minister.

Cases of Covid have been rising rapidly in the UK in recent weeks and new data in a report out today from the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee shows that by the end of May 2022 nearly three million adults in England are unvaccinated. While overall uptake has been high, it has been low with particular groups - including pregnant women and some ethnic minorities. We talk to Marian Knight, Professor of Maternal and Child Population Health at Oxford University.

Obvious evidence of child sex crimes in Telford was ignored for generations leading to more than 1,000 girls being abused, an inquiry has found. Agencies blamed children for the abuse they suffered, not the perpetrators, and exploitation was not investigated because of "nervousness about race". Chairman Tom Crowther QC said the abuse had thrived unchecked for decades. His report makes 47 recommendations for improvement by agencies involved. West Mercia Police has apologised "unequivocally" for past events as has Telford & Wrekin Council. Emma talks to Richard Scorer, a solicitor with Slater and Gordon who has represented many victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.

In 2019 we asked our listeners ‘Have you had an abortion? How did you feel about it then and how do you feel about it now?’ 5 women told us about their personal experience of having an abortion. Today, a woman we are calling Clare remembers getting on the bus in her school uniform to access an abortion more than 30 years ago.

When ‘Lady Unchained’ was 21, she was sentenced to two and a half years in prison following a fight in a club when trying to protect her sister. Picking up the pen to survive in prison, she began to write and perform poetry. Since her release, Lady Unchained has made it her mission to become an advocate for life after prison - a poet, performer, award winning broadcaster. She is the Founder and Creative Director of Unchained Poetry, an artistic platform for artists with lived experience of the criminal justice system, and runs poetry workshops in prisons and in Women Centres. We speak to her as she releases her debut poetry book: ‘Behind Bars: On punishment, prison & release’, a culmination of her work during and after prison.

Misogyny on social media, How we choose MPs; Am I Normal with Sarah Chaney; Matriarchs - Zoe's nan Jul 12, 2022

The online platform TikTok has become one of the most popular social media apps in the world, with more than one billion monthly active users. Young people in particular love watching and creating videos and the content is often funny and upbeat. But author and content creator Tova Leigh contacted us to say she has noticed more and more disturbing content on the site that encourages violence against women and girls.

Following the slew of sleaze and misconduct allegations against MPs at Westminster is there an argument for a change in the way our parliamentarians are selected? Would greater scrutiny of individual applicants at an early stage avoid some of the issues encountered over the last few years and could it lead to greater female representation? Emma Barnett talks to the political journalist Michael Crick who has recently founded the twitter thread Tomorrow’s MPs which monitors political party selection processes, and to the former Deputy Chief Whip of the Conservative party who served as MP for Guildford for many years, Anne Milton.

A few weeks ago we asked listeners about the matriarchs in their lives, the redoubtable women whose stories deserved to be told. We got so many great stories that we decided to hear some of them on air. Today, listener Zoe from the Peak District on her nan May Mythen. She had 15 children, refused to send her learning disabled son to an institution as was common in the 1940's and inspired her grand-daughter Zoe to be brave and try stand-up comedy.

Normal is a term we bandy about all the time, but have you ever stopped to think about what it actually means, and whether it’s helpful as a concept? Sarah Chaney is the author of Am I Normal? The 200 Year Search For Normal People (And Why They Don’t Exist). She joins Emma to explain why she believes that women in particular have been hard done by in the history of the so-called norm.

Angélique Kidjo, Taxing the child free, Recognition for first England footie team Jul 11, 2022

Angélique Kidjo is a 5 time Grammy Award winner from Benin who has been called "Africa's premier diva". Later this month she will be headlining the WOMAD world music and dance festival. She’ll be talking on Woman’s Hour about why she sings in five different languages and how music can be a greater force for change than politics.

A recent article in the Sunday Times asked whether we should tax the childfree. It got a lot of attention and Sarah Harper, Professor of Gerontology at Oxford University joins Emma to discuss, as does Daisy Buchanan, an author and podcast host who has chosen to be child free.

The first international England Women’s football match was in November 1972, England vs Scotland. Neither team were awarded with ‘caps’ which are awarded to players whenever they represent their country in an international match. Nicola Sturgeon awarded the 1972 Scottish Women’s team with their long awaited caps before the Women’s World Cup final last year. The 1972 England Women’s team are still waiting to receive theirs. 50 years on from that first match, we speak to Woman’s Hour listener and a 1972 goalkeeper for the England Women’s football team, Sue Whyatt and the honorary secretary of the Women’s Football Association, Patricia Gregory who co-organised the first international women’s England v Scotland match in November 1972.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Sally Phillips, Nusrat Ghani MP and vice-chair of The 1922 committee, Women's football, Anti-depressants, Soul singer PP Arnold Jul 09, 2022

The actor Sally Phillips on her latest film on Sky Cinema 'How to Please a Woman. Set in Western Australia, Sally plays fifty-something Gina who, having just lost her job, feels invisible and stuck in a sexless marriage, and sets up an all-male house cleaning service that also offers sexual services. Photo © SUCH FEISTY DAMES PTY LTD

As Boris Johnson prepares to step down we hear from Nusrat Ghani the Conservative MP for Wealden and vice-chair of The 1922 committee that represents backbench conservative MPs. The members of the 1922 Committee wield a lot of power in the Conservative Party and runs the selection process for new leaders.

Charlotte Carew Pole the Director of Women2Win, an organisation which aims to increase the number of Conservative women in Parliament.

The rise in women being prescribed anti depressants. Dr Nighat Arif a GP who specialises in women's health explains.

The American soul singer PP Arnold found fame in the 1960s as an Ikette with the Ike and Tina Turner Revue . Her autobiography is called Soul Survivor,

As the Women's Euros get under way, veteran players share their stories.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Order of Women Freemasons' Grand Master Zuzanka Penn; Actor Sally Phillips; Childcare Costs; Rebecca Humphries Jul 08, 2022

The actor, writer and comedian Sally Phillips best known for Smack the Pony, the Bridget Jones trilogy, Miranda, Veep and, of course, Radio 4’s very own award-winning 'Clare in the Community' returns to our screens next week in the third series of Sky’s popular parenting comedy Breeders. And on Sky Cinema from today she takes the starring role in a new film ‘How to Please a Woman’. Set in Western Australia, Sally plays fifty-something Gina who, having just lost her job, feels invisible and stuck in a sexless marriage, and sets up an all-male house cleaning service that also offers sexual services.

With the school holidays having already started in Scotland and Northern Ireland and fast approaching in England and Wales, the charity Pregnant Then Screwed surveyed 28,000 parents, 99% women, on their childcare plans for the summer. From the data they found 1630 women who had had an abortion in the last five years said childcare costs had influenced their decision and nearly 1 in 5 of them had made that choice solely based on childcare costs. Joeli Brearley, founder of the charity joins Anita to explain why this unexpected results are such a cause for concern.

Freemasons are known for their white aprons, mysterious symbols and secret handshakes. To the outside world their rituals, which are shrouded in mystery, appear cult like. But for over a hundred years female freemasons have been gathering to conduct initiations and ceremonies like their male counterparts. The Order of Women Freemasons has several thousand members while Freemasonry for Women has about 700. So what is the appeal of becoming a member of an organisation that is shrouded in mystery? I am joined by Grand Master Zuzanka Penn of the Order of Women's Freemasons and Gaelle Ndanga from Freemasonry for Women.

Actor and writer Rebecca Humphries had often been called crazy by her boyfriend. But when paparazzi caught him kissing his Strictly Come Dancing partner, she realised the only crazy thing was believing she didn't deserve more. Posting her thoughts on social media, a flood of support poured in, but amongst the well-wishes was a simple question with an infinitely complex answer: 'If he was so bad, why did you stay?'. Rebecca joins Anita Rani to talk about her new book ‘Why Did You Stay: a memoir about self-worth’. They explore why good girls are drawn to darkness, whether pop culture glamourises toxicity, when a relationship 'rough patch' becomes the start of a destructive cycle, if women are conditioned for co-dependency, and - ultimately - how to reframe disaster into something magical.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Sally Phillips Interviewed Guest: Joeli Brearley Interviewed Guest: Zuzanka Penn Interviewed Guest: Gaelle Ndanga Interviewed Guest: Rebecca Humphries

Nusrat Ghani MP for Wealden and vice-chair of The 1922 committee Jul 07, 2022

As Boris Johnson prepares to step down we hear from Nusrat Ghani the Conservative MP for Wealden and vice-chair of The 1922 committee that represents backbench conservative MPs. Dubbed "the men in grey suits", the members of the 1922 Committee wield a lot of power in the Conservative Party and runs the selection process for new leaders.

Also joining Emma is Katie Perrior who worked as a political advisor at 10 Downing Street under Theresa May and previously for Boris Johnson and David Davis. She is now chair of INHouse Communications Charlotte Carew Pole the Director of Women2Win, an organisation which aims to increase the number of Conservative women in Parliament. Journalist Sonia Purnell and author of Just Boris: A Tale of Blond Ambition

Plus the latest from Westminster from BBC political Correspondent Ione Wells

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Emma Harth

PP Arnold. Labour and Women. Estonian Women Defence Organisation. European Women’s Football Championships Jul 06, 2022

As Boris Johnson starts what could be seen as one of his toughest days yet as Prime Minister - after two of his most senior ministers dramatically quit, Emma Barnett speaks to The Sun's Political Reporter Noa Hoffman, who broke the story about MP Chris Pincher, and Conservative Baroness Kate Fall, who was the Deputy Chief of Staff to David Cameron when he was in No 10.

The American soul singer PP Arnold started out singing gospel at church and found fame in the 1960s as an Ikette with the Ike and Tina Turner Revue. She moved to London for a solo career, supporting the Rolling Stones and enjoying success with hits such as The First Cut is the Deepest and Angel of the Morning. In a career spanning more than 50 years, she has worked with artists from Eric Clapton and The Small Faces to Barry Gibb, Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene and Primal Scream. She has appeared in musicals including Starlight Express, and most recently has performed solo at Glastonbury. She has now written her story in Soul Survivor, and she joins Emma to discuss her life and music

A group of Labour Party MPs and Peers is challenging the party's decision to turn down an application by Labour Women’s Declaration to have a stall at this year’s Conference in Liverpool in September. Known as LWD, they describe themselves on their website as “a movement to raise the profile of women’s sex-based rights within the Labour Party and the wider socialist movement.” We speak to one of those challenging the decision, Baroness Dianne Hayter - who is a former Chair of the Labour Party’s ruling body, the NEC.

Maria Klandorf is one of a thousand women in Estonia who have joined the Women’s Defence Organisation. The women, who range from school teachers to architects, are all receiving training in the Estonian Defence League. They say they’re preparing for any future potential invasion by Russia.

Today is the first day of the European Women’s Football Championships and tonight’s first England game against Austria at Old Trafford is sold out. After getting to the semi-finals three consecutive times at major tournaments, can the Lionesses harness the tactical experience of their relatively new manager Sarina Wiegman and the love of the roaring home crowds to get to the Final this time? We hear from Lioness and midfielder Ella Toone on her thoughts for the team and the championship. And Emma is joined live by Gabby Logan, the BBC’s Women’s Euros lead presenter and ex-Lioness, Fara Williams, England’s most-capped player and a BBC Women’s Euros pundit.

All-women team travelling to Ukraine border, Euro 2022, Parenting adult children Jul 05, 2022

As part of a charity mission this month an all-women team are travelling from the UK to Ukraine with much needed supplies and plan to return with 28 refugee women and children, and their pets. Two of the women on the trip are Barbara Want and Suzanne Pullin.

As a former top civil servant says that No 10 did not tell the truth when it said the PM was unaware of formal complaints about Chris Pincher's behaviour we hear from BBC Correspondent Ione Wells and Dr Helen Mott who helped draw up the independent complaints and grievance scheme at Wesminster in 2018.

Half of all children in lone-parent families are now living in poverty according to a new report. We speak to the co-author of the report, Xiaowei Xu, a Senior Research Economist at the IFS, and Victoria Benson, Chief Executive of Gingerbread.

Tomorrow the Women’s Euros will begin - England and Northern Ireland are taking part and 2022 looks like it'll be a huge year for the women’s game with matches shown on terrestrial TV, record attendances, greater visibility and awareness. A new exhibition Goal Power! at Brighton Museum celebrates the achievements of the trailblazers in the women's game and Charlotte Petts spoke to some of them.

There's no doubt it's challenging being a parent when your children depend upon you for pretty much everything. But what about later on, when they are supposedly independent and all grown up? Surely it gets easier. Not necessarily according to authors of two new books, Celia Dodd and Annette Byford join Emma in the studio.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Policing & domestic abuse, Breastfeeding, Football, The business of porn Jul 04, 2022

A joint investigation by The College of Policing and Fire & Rescue Service and the Independent Office for Police Conduct has found that there are ‘systemic deficiencies’ in the way some police forces deal with allegations of domestic abuse against their own officers. We discuss with Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blythe, National Police Lead for Violence Against Women and Girls; David Tucker, Head of Crime and Criminal Justice, College of Policing and Nogah Ofer from the CWJ.

It's a big year for women's football and the Women's Euros begin on Wednesday but women have long been playing the beautiful game. An exhibition at Brighton Museum called Goal Power! Women's Football 1894-2022 features the stories of veteran players and Charlotte Petts asked them for their memories.

A new study has shown that children who are born at or just before the weekend to disadvantaged mothers are less likely to be breastfed, due to poorer breastfeeding support services in hospitals at weekends. Co-author of the study, Professor Emla Fitzsimons from the UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies and Clare Livingstone, professional policy adviser and lead on infant feeding for the Royal College of Midwives join Emma.

It's probably no surprise to hear that porn is a multi-billion dollar business and a huge monopoliser of the internet. A new podcast series, Hot Money by Financial Times reporters Patricia Nilsson and Alex Barker explores how the business of online porn works and finds out who is actually in control. Patricia Nilsson joins Emma.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour: The law on abortion, Aparna Sen, Being lesbian in the military Jul 02, 2022

The overturning by the US Supreme Court of the landmark Roe v Wade ruling has prompted many of you to get in touch to share your reactions and experiences. But what does the law in the UK say about a woman’s right to an abortion? We hear from Professor Fiona De Londras, the Chair of Global Legal Studies at Birmingham Law School.

Aparna Sen is one of India's best loved and most successful film directors. Her career has spanned 40 years and she's explored issues around mental health, sexual abuse and infidelity. Aparna is in England for the London Indian Film Festival.

Have you ever noticed the queue for the women’s toilets is much longer than the queue for the men’s? Two Bristol university graduates have tried to resolve this issue, by inventing female urinals. They joined Emma to explain how it works.

How do you heal and get through a break up? Annie Lord is Vogue’s dating columnist. She joins Emma Barnett to talk about her debut book, Notes on Heartbreak. A candid exploration of the best and worst of love, she talks about nursing a broken heart and her own attempts to move on in the current dating climate; from disastrous rebound sex to sending ill-advised nudes, stalking your ex’s new girlfriend and the sharp indignity of being ghosted.

Welsh singer and dancer Marged Siôn is with us. She's in the band, Self Esteem and appears in a new Welsh-language short film called Hunan Hyder which means self-confidence). She talks to us about trauma, healing and appearing on stage with Adele!

Dame Kelly Holmes came out as a lesbian last week. The Olympic champion served in the army in the late 1980s, when you could face prison for being gay as a member of the military. Dame Kelly spoke of her worry that she would still face consequences if she were to let her sexuality be known. It wasn’t until 2000 that a ban on being gay and serving in the Army, Navy or RAF was lifted. Emma Riley was discharged from the Royal Navy in 1993 for being a lesbian.

An American pregnant woman who was on holiday in Malta this month couldn't get an induced medical miscarriage when she needed it because of the country's strict abortion laws. Andrea Prudente ended up going to Mallorca to get treatment, where she’s recovering in a hotel.

Aparna Sen, Midwives, Marged Sion Jul 01, 2022

Aparna Sen joins us in the studio. She's one of India's best loved and most successful film directors. Her career has spanned 40 years and she's explored issues around mental health, sexual abuse and infidelity. Aparna is in England for the London Indian Film Festival.

The number of NHS midwives in England has fallen by over 600 in a year, according to figures by the Royal College of Midwives. We talk to Birte Harlev-lam from the Royal College of Midwives, as well as a midwife in the West Midlands. What's the reason behind this drop?

We talk about what it's like to be a plus-sized actor. A new Matilda film is coming out starring Emma Thompson who will play Miss Trunchbull. It means she'll wear a fat suit for the role. Two plus-size actors, Katie Greenall and Samia La Virgne, give their reaction to the casting, and share their experiences of being a bigger actor.

Welsh singer and dancer Marged Siôn is with us. She's in the band, Self Esteem and appears in a new Welsh-language short film called Hunan Hyder which means self-confidence). She talks to us about trauma, healing and appearing on stage with Adele!

And we catch up with Gina Harris who at 82 has cycled from Lands End to John O'Groats. It took a month and she faced rainy days and tired legs!

Annie Lord, Menovests, Roe v Wade, The Fellowship Jun 30, 2022

How do you heal and get through a break up? Annie Lord is Vogue’s dating columnist. She joins Emma Barnett to talk about her debut book, Notes on Heartbreak. A candid exploration of the best and worst of love, she talks about nursing a broken heart and her own attempts to move on in the current dating climate; from disastrous rebound sex to sending ill-advised nudes, stalking your ex’s new girlfriend and the sharp indignity of being ghosted.

The overturning by the US Supreme Court of the landmark Roe v Wade ruling has prompted many of you to get in touch to share your reactions and experiences. One listener, Nicola, wanted to tell us about her mum - who died after having a legal termination that should have been safe, in 1968. Closer to home there's been a high-level summit about buffer zones at abortion clinics. Emma speaks to Scotland's Green MSP, Gillian Mackay, who has drawn up a members bill which aims to introduce protest-free buffer zones around clinics. And what does the law in the UK say about a woman’s right to an abortion? We hear from Professor Fiona De Londras, the Chair of Global Legal Studies at Birmingham Law School.

The senior backbench Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith and some of his fellow MPs were given the opportunity this week to find out first hand exactly how uncomfortable a menopausal hot flush can be, especially when you’re in the workplace. As part of an event raising awareness around the country’s shortage of HRT, Sir Iain and some his colleagues from both sides of the House of Commons, tried out a so-called MenoVest, a special piece of clothing fitted with heat pads, to simulate the extreme discomfort which many menopausal women have to live with. Emma speaks to Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Lesley Salem, who had the idea to create the vest.

The Fellowship is a play which looks at the children of the Windrush generation and the relationship between Marcia and Dawn, two black sisters struggling to take care of their dying mother whilst juggling their turbulent personal lives. Emma speaks to Director Paulette Randall and actor Suzette Llewellyn, who plays Marcia.

Ghislaine Maxwell sentencing, Minister for Justice in Ireland, Dame Deborah James, Trans sport, music education Jun 29, 2022

Ghislaine Maxwell has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for helping former financier Jeffrey Epstein abuse young girls. We speak to Equality Lawyer Georgina Calvert Lee about her statement in court where she said she empathised with the victims, and hoped her prison sentence would allow them "peace and finality".

The killing of Ashling Murphy in Tullamore, County Offaly in Ireland in January 2022 sparked a huge public outcry, and has been seen as a watershed moment in how the country tackles violence against women and girls. Ireland has launched its third national Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based violence strategy. Emma speaks to the Minister for Justice in Ireland, Helen McEntee about what's in it.

Dame Deborah James has died aged 40 from bowel cancer. The cancer campaigner, blogger, broadcaster and former teacher had been receiving end-of-life care at home. She was given a damehood in May in recognition of her fundraising. Emma speaks to Steve Bland, husband of Rachael Bland, GP Dr Ellie Cannon, and Julia Bradbury who has spoken about her journey with breast cancer.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries has told UK sporting bodies that "elite and competitive women's sport must be reserved for people born of the female sex". We get the details from our reporter, Jane Dougall.

The National Plan for Music Education was published by the UK government last Saturday. Called The Power of Music to Change Lives, their ambition is for every pupil to have at least one hour of high quality music education a week. We speak to Veronica Wadley, Baroness Fleet, the chair of the advisory panel that published the report, and YolanDa Brown who contributed to it as a MOBO award-winning saxophonist and Chair of Youth Music.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Chloe Bennett

Andrea Prudente, Zara Aleena, Women in Science, Loo queues at festivals Jun 28, 2022

An American pregnant woman who was on holiday in Malta this month couldn't get an induced medical miscarriage when she needed it because of the country's strict abortion laws. Andrea Prudente ended up going to Mallorca to get treatment, where she’s recovering in a hotel. She joined Emma.

Zara Aleena, 35, was assaulted as she walked home in East London in the early hours of Sunday. The Met Police believe she was the victim of an "opportunist stranger attack". She died later in hospital. Emma speaks to Andrea Simon, Director of End Violence Against Women Coaltion and Zoe Billingham, former Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary about women's safety.

Women in science are less likely to have their contributions recognised than their male counterparts - for example on a scientific paper or named on a patent - according to new analysis. A team of economists in the US found that women often have to work twice as hard as men to earn credit. But what's it like for women in science here in the UK? Monica Grady, CBE is a Professor at the Open University. She joins Emma as does co-author of the US study, Professor Julia Lane from the Wagner School of Public Policy at NYU.

Have you ever noticed the queue for the women’s toilets is much longer than the queue for the men’s? Two Bristol university graduates have tried to resolve this issue, by inventing female urinals. They joined Emma to explain how it works.

We have an update on Roe v Wade being overturned with the attorney Rebecca Kiessling and Jessica Arons from the American Civil Liberties Union.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Being lesbian in the military, Roe v Wade overturned, Shireen Abu Aqla Jun 27, 2022

Dame Kelly Holmes came out as a lesbian last week. The Olympic champion served in the army in the late 1980’s, when you could face prison for being gay as a member of the military. Dame Kelly spoke of her worry that she would still face consequences if she were to let her sexuality be known. It wasn’t until 2000 that a ban on being gay and serving in the Army, Navy or RAF was lifted. Emma Riley was discharged from the Royal Navy in 1993 for being a lesbian, she joins Emma in the studio alongside Caroline Paige, joint Chief Executive of Fighting with Pride.

American women are starting this week with a newly re-drawn map of the United States, in light of the Supreme Court's landmark overturning of Roe vs Wade last Friday, which gave women constitutional right to get an abortion nationwide. Today, abortion is legally banned in at least nine US states - with more to follow as so called trigger laws clear the necessary hurdles. For some this is a time of huge shame, sorrow, bafflement and fear - the clock turned back on women's rights. For others - the supreme court's decision represents a victory - the success of a long fought battle against abortion being a nationwide right in America. But for women who are pregnant now and don't want to be - especially in states where even abortion providers are unclear if they will be prosecuted should they go ahead - what should they do? Emma hears from BBC correspondent in Washington DC Holly Honderich, journalist Hadley Freeman and Dr Jan Halper-Hayes, former Global Vice President for Republican Overseas.

A memorial service will be held in London tomorrow for the Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Aqla who was killed while reporting in the occupied West Bank last month. On Friday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the bullet had been fired by Israeli security forces - something the Israel Defence Force disputes. Emma is joined by the BBC’s Middle East Correspondent Yolande Knell to talk about Shireen.

It's the first day of Wimbledon, and current world number 11 Emma Raducanu makes her centre court debut this morning, playing against Alison Van Uytvanck. This is her second Wimbledon, but her first since winning the US open last year. Molly McElwee is the women's sport reporter for The Telegraph and gives the lowdown on Emma’s form.

On Weekend Woman’s Hour: Kate Bush, Olivia Harrison, Amanda Blanc, Althea Gibson, frozen embryos and women in comedy Jun 25, 2022

In a world exclusive, Kate Bush speaks to Emma Barnett about being discovered by a new generation and making it to number 1 in the UK singles charts 44 years after her first chart-topper Wuthering Heights. Running Up That Hill was first released in 1985 and its use in the Netflix hit series Stranger Things has made Kate Bush a social media and streaming sensation.

The physical and emotional challenges of in vitro fertilisation, or IVF, never fade from your memory - whatever the outcome. But what happens when you have been lucky enough to have a child or children and you still have frozen embryos in storage you are sure you will not use? You can donate to another couple in need, to science, let them be discarded or continue to preserve them. Alison Murdoch, Professor of Reproductive Medicine at Newcastle University and two women who have faced this join Emma.

The comedians Katherine Ryan and Sara Pascoe have been making headlines in recent weeks following comments they made on Katherine’s new TV show. Both revealed instances when they’ve worked with men they believe to be predatory and despite complaining these men have not been reprimanded. Emma is joined by Kathryn Roberts who quit comedy because of her experiences and also by Chloe Petts who will be performing her show Transience at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer.

Olivia Harrison has penned a book of poetry called "Came the Lightening" to celebrate her husband, George Harrison's life, more than twenty years after his death.. As lead guitarist of The Beatles, his most famous songs included While My Guitar Gently Weeps, and Here Comes the Sun. What prompted her to share her memories in poetry? She tells Emma.

As Wimbledon is set to begin on Monday, we discover the story behind Althea Gibson the first Black woman to win Wimbledon in 1957 and 1958. Writer and performer Kemi-Bo Jacobs was so inspired by her that she has written a one-woman play, 'All White Everything But Me' about her. She joins Anita to tell her more.

The Treasury's Women in Finance Charter has published its annual review looking at gender diversity within the financial sector in the UK for 2021. Amanda Blanc is CEO of Aviva, the UK’s leading insurer and leads the Women in Finance Charter and speaks to Emma about the review as well as her experiences of sexism as one of a handful of female FTSE 100 bosses.

Althea Gibson, Bill of Rights, Sexual assault at festivals, Miscarriage & stroke, Viking Festival - Up Helly Aa Jun 24, 2022

On Wednesday the government announced plans to create a new ‘Bill of Rights’ to Parliament, that will replace the current Human Rights Act. It argues that these reforms will ‘reinforce freedom of speech, enable us to deport more foreign offenders and better protect the public from dangerous criminals’. But organisations that work with female victims of crime say this is a direct attack on women’s rights. They say the Human Rights Act is an important weapon when it comes to victims and survivors’ ability to seek justice.

Next Monday is the start of this year’s Wimbledon and today we discover the story behind Althea Gibson the first Black woman to win Wimbledon in 1957 and 1958. Despite many obstacles her achievements, now more than 60 years ago, led seven-times Wimbledon winner, Serena Williams, to describe her as the ‘most important pioneer for tennis’. Writer and performer Kemi-Bo Jacobs was so inspired by her that she has written a one-woman play about this trailblazer, now on stage at the Alphabetti Theatre in Newcastle.

With festival season well underway, the Association of Independent Festivals has re-launched the Safer Spaces campaign which tackles sexual assault and harassment at festivals. Over 100 festivals have signed up to their charter, and will be rolling out their policies over the summer. Anita Rani is joined by Kate Osler, who is on the non-executive board of the Association of Independent Festivals and is secretary director for the El Dorado festival where she is currently setting up for next weekend, and Bea Bennister, who co-founded Girls Against, a non-profit organisation fighting sexual assault at live music events.

Women who have suffered multiple miscarriages and stillbirths are at greater risk of stroke, according to new research published by the British Medical Journal. The data looked at over 600,000 women around the world, and in particular women aged between 32 and 73 who were then followed up for an average of 11 years. Professor Gita Mishra is from the University of Queensland, School of Public Health and the senior author on this project.

As far as festivals go, Shetland's famous Up Helly Aa fire festival has to be one of the most spectacular. It takes place in January and remembers the Vikings who used to rule the Shetland islands 1,000 years ago. Warriors parade through the streets by torchlight as visitors from across the world gather to watch the spectacle and the day culminates with the dramatic burning of a replica Viking long ship. But women and girls have never been allowed to take part in Lerwick - which is the capital of Shetland - until now. It was announced earlier this week there will no longer be gender restrictions. Johan Adamson is a campaigner from the group Up Helly Aa for Aa and Amy Gear is codirector of arts organisation Gaada who looked at the equality of Up Helly Aa for of their projects.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Hannah Couchman Interviewed Guest: Victoria Atkins Interviewed Guest: Kemi-Bo Jacobs Interviewed Guest: Kate Osler Interviewed Guest: Bea Bennister Interviewed Guest: Professor Gita Mishra Interviewed Guest: Johan Adamson Interviewed Guest: Amy Gear

Decisions about embryos, Female wildlife rangers, Amanda Blanc, Nude images and teens Jun 23, 2022

The physical and emotional challenges of in vitro fertilisation, or IVF, never fade from your memory - whatever the outcome. But what happens when you have been lucky enough to have a child or children and you still have frozen embryos in storage you are sure you will not use. None of the choices you face are easy – to donate to another couple in need, or to science, to let them be discarded or continue to preserve them. We hear from Alison Murdoch, Professor of Reproductive Medicine at Newcastle University and two women who have come to different conclusions about what they will do.

A new study of over 5000 teenagers in 46 schools has found that more than a third of teenage girls who sent nude images of themselves had been pressured into doing so. Researchers found that girls felt “shamed” when their nude images were leaked, while boys said that the leaking could lead them to gain social status. It also revealed that 34% of girls were first asked to send a nude when they were 13 or younger. Emma is joined by Soma Sara, the founder of Everyone's Invited - a safe place for survivors to share their stories anonymously - and Ruby Wootton, associate director from Revealing Reality, one of the authors of the study - which was done in collaboration with PHSE, that's the national body for personal, social, health and economic education.

Being a ranger in the wild - protecting animals from poachers, leading conservation efforts and sometimes putting yourself in the line of fire - isn't often a job taken on by women. In fact, less than 11% of the global wildlife ranger workforce is female - something many in the sector want to change. Holly Budge is a British adventurer who’s founded World Female Ranger Week following a successful World Female Ranger Day last year. Purnima Devi Barman is a conservationist from the state of Assam in north-eastern India who set up her own 'Stork Army' to save one species of bird. They both join Emma on the programme.

The Treasury's Women in Finance Charter has published its annual review looking at gender diversity within the financial sector in the UK for 2021. Amanda Blanc is CEO of Aviva, the UK’s leading insurer and leads the Women in Finance Charter and speaks to Emma about the review as well as her experiences of sexism as one of a handful of female FTSE 100 bosses.

Kate Bush, Lynn Fitch, Cost of living, Electroconvulsive therapy Jun 22, 2022

In a world exclusive, today Kate Bush gives Emma Barnett her reaction to being discovered by a new generation and making it to number 1 in the UK singles charts 44 years after her first chart-topper Wuthering Heights. Running Up That Hill was first released in 1985 and its use in the Netflix hit series Stranger Things has made Kate Bush a social media and streaming sensation. We also speak to Caitlin Moran about how rare it is to hear from Kate and why she is inspired by her songs.

A report out today has found that the number of abortions has increased over the course of the pandemic. The cost of living has been cited as a key factor for this rise at an uncertain time in the economy and with job insecurity. Mary-Ann Stephenson is co-director of the Women's Budget Group, an independent body which analyses the impact of government policy on women.

A decision is also expected any day from the US Supreme Court on whether to overturn Roe v Wade – the historic 1973 ruling which has guaranteed women access to abortion nationwide. At the centre of this legal challenge, is a woman who is being hailed by some as the lawyer who could end Roe v Wade. She is the Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch…and the BBC’s Holly Honderich joins Emma to explain more.

Twice as many women than men are receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) according to researchers at the University of East London. ECT is used to treat a range of mental health issues including severe depression, long-lasting mania, and catatonia. But an FOI request to twenty NHS Trusts has also revealed that older women are also more likely to be receiving treatment. They are concerned it causes memory loss and that patients are not given sufficient information to make informed decisions before they give consent to treatment. Emma is joined by one of the lead researchers, clinical psychologist Dr Chris Harrop and by Dr Trudi Seneviratne, Registrar of the Royal College of Psychiatry.

Emma speaks to the writer, DJ and broadcaster, Annie Mac on what has been a big week for music. They discuss Beyonce’s new single, Break My Soul, which marks a change of musical genre for her as it’s a House track. They talk about the history of house music and it’s cultural shifts and about Kate Bush and Glastonbury 2022.

Celebrating midwinter in sub-Antarctic. Olivia Harrison on celebrating her husband though poetry. Jun 21, 2022

As we celebrate the summer solstice on the other side of the world it's the shortest day or mid-winter. For the first time the British Antarctic Survey have an all-female team wintering on Bird Island in the sub-Antarctic. Midwinter is a moment of celebration for the teams on sites. The Bird Island Research Station Leader, Imogen Lloyd, joins Emma to tell her about the work they're doing.

Olivia Harrison has penned a book of poetry called "Came the Lightening" to celebrate her husband, George Harrison's life, more than twenty years after his death.. As lead guitarist of The Beatles, his most famous songs included While My Guitar Gently Weeps, and Here Comes the Sun. What prompted her to share her memories in poetry?

A court support service that helps thousands of people who cannot afford a lawyer could be under threat after having its government funding changed. The Chief Executive of Support Through Court Eileen Pereira explains what any loss of core-funding could have on the women they support.

A new story suggests that Boris Johnson may have spoken to Downing Street aides about getting his wife, Mrs Carrie Johnson, two roles while she was living in Number 10 with the Prime Minister as his fiancee. Sources told the Daily Mirror that the Prime Minister raised possible new environmental roles for her in autumn 2020, either on the COP 26 summit or with the Royal Family. His closest advisors are said to have vetoed both suggestions - but what questions does this raise about her being the victim of sexism and the idea of her as a private citizen? We hear from Daily Mirror Political Editor Pippa Crerar

Plus a new coming-of-age TV series was released on Amazon Prime – The Summer I Turned Pretty, The characters are supposed to be 15 and 16 year olds, but the majority of the cast are in their early 20’s. Why are films and television shows that focus on the teenage experience so often played by older actors? We hear from Alex Hart an English and History Student at Durham University and Tianna Haffenden a young actor.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

#MeToo in Comedy, Prom Dresses, Crowd Surfing Jun 20, 2022

The comedians Katherine Ryan and Sara Pascoe have been making headlines in recent weeks following comments they made on Katherine’s new TV show. Both revealed instances when they’ve worked with men they believe to be predatory and despite complaining these men have not been reprimanded. Emma is joined by Kathryn Roberts who quit comedy because of her experiences and also by Chloe Petts who will be performing her show Transience at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer.

School proms return this year, but with more and more families feeling the pinch during the cost-of-living crisis, some students are missing out on this milestone event as they can't afford a dress. Across the UK, pop-up shops for preloved dresses are helping relieve the financial burden for disadvantaged teenagers. We speak to two women involved in such intiatives.

When Amy Maynard offered to take in a Ukrainian lady called Iryna, she didn’t realise the other struggle Iryna had been dealing with – fertility. Her first round of IVF was successful until she had a stillbirth, and she has one embryo left in Kyiv. Amy has now decided to raise money for Iryna and her husband Sergey, so they can have the chance to have a family of their own.

Have you ever tried crowd surfing before? One woman decided she would try her hand at it and won a competition. Amanda Mansell from York has been crowned 'Middle-Aged Crowd Surfing Champion'. She had never done it before but now thinks more women should be doing it.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Weekend Woman's Hour: The Whyte Review into British Gymnastics, Lea Ypi, Rosie Kinchen on horticultural therapy Jun 18, 2022

Following a two-year investigation into bullying, abuse and discrimination the Whyte Review into British Gymnastics is finally published. We hear from ex-gymnast Claire Heafford, co-founder and campaign director of Gymnasts 4 Change, and Sarah Moore, lawyer and partner at Hausfeld who are acting on behalf of 38 former elite gymnasts against British Gymnastics in relation to allegations of abuse.

In her prize-winning memoir, Free: Coming of Age at the End of History, Lea Ypi describes what it was like to grow up in Albania under a strict communist regime. Lea joins us to talk about her extraordinary coming-of-age story in Europe's last Stalinist outpost.

Rosie Kinchen explains how horticultural therapy helped her overcome depression after having her second child. She discusses finding solace in a community garden.

Her newspaper only launched 14 weeks before the outbreak of war in Ukraine, but the Kyiv Independent now has over two million followers on Twitter, and has been described by Time Magazine as: "The world's primary source for reliable English-language journalism on the war." We speak to the Editor of the newspaper, Olga Rudenko.

A new film, Below the Belt, documents the reality of living with endometriosis. We hear from director Shannon Cone.

Listener Christian Peake inherited a huge stack of canvasses painted by her grandmother, the artist Maeve Gilmore, whose artistic work had been over-shadowed by her more famous husband Mervyn Peake. As time went on though she became increasingly determined to get Maeve’s work the recognition she feels it deserves. Her grandmother's first exhibition is now on at Studio Voltaire in Clapham, London.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

The Whyte Review into British Gymnastics, Women’s Health Ambassador, the Future of Cars Jun 17, 2022

Following a two year investigation into bullying, abuse and discrimination the Whyte Review into British Gymnastics is finally published. We hear from ex-gymnast Claire Heafford, co-founder and campaign director of Gymnasts 4 Change, and Sarah Moore, lawyer and partner at Hausfeld who are acting on behalf of 38 former elite gymnasts against British Gymnastics in relation to allegations of abuse.

It’s has just been announced that Professor Dame Lesley Regan has been appointed as the first ever Women’s Health Ambassador for England. She’ll support the implementation of the upcoming Government led women’s health strategy, which aims to close the gender health gap and ensure services meet the needs of women throughout their life. We hear from her about what she hopes to achieve in this new role.

This summer marks two years since the start of Covid-19. We hear from psychologist Ciara Dockery at Gurls Talk, the community-led non-profit organisation, about why they are encouraging young women and girls to write a letter to their pre-pandemic selves.

What is the future of cars? Linda Zhang is the Chief Engineer of the Ford F-150 Lightning pick-up truck, the newly-electrified version of the USA’s most popular vehicle. She is in the UK to take part in the BBC World Service’s Future of Cars event staged at the Science Museum with the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851. She tells us why bringing out an electric version of this monster vehicle is so important and why young people and women want to drive it.

A house in Hackney, which in the early 20th century sheltered hundreds of stranded and abandoned South and East Asian Nannies – known as Ayah’s, has been commemorated with a blue plaque. Historian Dr Rebecca Preston tells us who these women were and their importance to British and international history.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Women reporting the war in Ukraine, SEND consultation, Red Dress project, former Olympic Athlete, Anyika Onuora Jun 16, 2022

Her newspaper only launched 14 weeks before the outbreak of war in Ukraine, but the Kyiv Independent now has over two million followers on Twitter, and has been described by Time Magazine as: "The world's primary source for reliable English-language journalism on the war." Emma speaks to the Editor of the newspaper, Olga Rudenko about the challenges female journalists are facing in Ukraine. She also discusses how her and her team, which are mostly women, launched their newspaper just weeks after being fired from their previous newspaper that was owned by an oligarch.

In a Woman's hour exclusive, two women whose disabled sons died after failing to get their Special Educational Needs supported in the right schools, have written an open Letter to two Secretaries of State warning that the system must change. Ministers are consulting until July 22 on how to make the SEND system better. Our reporter Carolyn Atkinson tells us more, and Emma speaks with Amanda Batten, chair of the Disabled Children’s Partnership and Susie who spent £10,000 battling the system to get her disabled child into an appropriate school.

Since 2009, the artist Kirstie Macleod has been working on The Red Dress project. This involves pieces of this red silk dress travelling around the world to be embroidered by mostly female artisans, many of whom have been marginalised and live in poverty. After 13 years, 46 countries and 343 embroiderers, the dress is finally finished.

And, former Olympic Athlete Aniyka Onuora may have stepped away from the track, but in her new memoir: "My hidden race" she details her personal experience with professional sports, racism and sexism, mental health, and growing up in a Nigerian household in 1990’s Liverpool. She joins Emma in the studio.

The housing crisis and women with Vicky Spratt, Rising Covid rates, Christian Peake on Maeve Gilmore Jun 15, 2022

Last week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled his "benefits to bricks" plan to tackle the UK housing crisis - the chronic shortage of homes to rent and buy and climbing property prices. According to the charity Shelter at present across the UK there are currently 17.5 million adults without safe, secure or stable homes. If you include children in this number – it is 1 in 3. A new book Tenants is about people on the frontline of Britain's housing emergency – and describes particularly how a shortage of homes is affecting women. The author is journalist Vicky Spratt, housing correspondent for the I newspaper, and she joins Emma in the studio.

Covid rates appear to be rising again and some experts are predicting a new wave of the virus over the summer. In the week to 2nd June, 1 in 65 people in the UK were testing positive – up from 1 in 70 the previous week. But do we actually need to worry about it – and if so, what should we be should we be doing to protect ourselves? Emma will be getting the thoughts of Professor Devi Sridhar, who’s chair of global public health at Edinburgh University, and sits on the Scottish Government Covid-19 Advisory Group.

Listener Christian Peake was given a huge stack of canvasses painted by her grandmother the artist Maeve Gilmore who had died when Christian was 11 and whose artistic work had been over-shadowed by her more famous husband Mervyn Peake. A busy teacher and mother, Christian didn't really know what to do with them. As time went on though she became increasingly determined to get Maeve’s work the recognition she feels it deserves. She has created an online gallery at maeve_gilmore_archive on Instagram and her grandmother's first exhibition is currently on at Studio Voltaire in Clapham, London.

A new report by healthcare charity Doctors of the World reveals that some migrant women have been charged up to £14,000 for NHS maternity services in England. The survey of 257 migrant women - including undocumented, refugee and asylum seeking women - shows that over a third have received a bill for maternity care. The bills range from £296 to £14,000 with half of those receiving a bill being charged more than £7000. To discuss the findings Emma is joined by Anna Miller, Head of Policy and Advocacy at Doctors of the World, and we hear from Kemi, who received a bill for £4900 after having an emergency caesarean section.

Apparently, the naked dress is in - catwalk models and celebrities have been wearing dresses with depictions of the female form on them - some have gilded sculpted breasts with prominent nipples. Fashion journalist, Letty Cole gives her thoughts on this eye-catching new fashion trend.

Menopause in Parliament, Rebel Wilson, Women and Gaming, Sibling Sexual Abuse, Growing up in Albania. Jun 14, 2022

The House of Commons is going to become a 'menopause-friendly' employer. Speaker of the Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle said after he signed a Menopause Workplace Pledge yesterday, that he hopes to "break the taboo" around the menopause. Practical adjustments could be included in Westminster, such as well-ventilated rooms and fans, flexible working and breathable uniforms. But will a pledge in Parliament have any impact of the lives of women across the UK? Journalist and author of Cracking The Menopause, Mariella Frostrup and academic and author Dr Lara Owen join Emma to talk about changing the culture around menopause.

The Australian actor Rebel Wilson has revealed she is in a relationship with a woman. Last Friday, she shared a picture with her new partner on Instagram saying she had found her "Disney princess". But it was revealed the following day, the Sydney Morning Herald wrote they'd known about the relationship before it was public. Their celebrity reporter said he had given Wilson 1.5 days to provide comment for a story. That report sparked widespread criticism on social media, with LGBTQ+ campaigners saying it was unacceptable to put pressure on people to come out. The paper has since removed that gossip column and offered an apology. Emma is joined by the journalist and feminist campaigner Julie Bindel to discuss.

Lea Ypi, professor of Political Theory at the London School of Economics, has written a prize-winning memoir, Free: Coming of Age at the End of History. Lea grew up in Albania and for the first eleven years of her life, it was one of the most isolated countries in the world, Europe’s last Stalinist outpost. Then, in December 1990, the regime collapsed. Lea joins Emma to talk about her extraordinary coming-of-age story.

A new report funded by the Home Office suggests that sexual abuse of a child by their brother or sister – sibling sexual abuse – may be the most common form of sexual abuse within the family. Many experts say it is not given enough attention and resources need to be set aside to support families dealing with this. Emma speaks to reporter Livvy Haydock and Stephen Barry, who is the Lead Clinician at 'Be Safe' Bristol, part of the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health partnership NHS Trust.

Fancy taking your rage at the patriarchy out on a computer game? Well a developer in Plymouth has come up with The Glass Ceiling Games, where you fire slingshots back against catcalls, slice machetes at unsolicited nude photos, and point a ray-gun against mansplaining. So does it make a difference when women write computer games? Emma is joined by Hannah Wood creative director of The Glass Ceiling Games, and Karla Reyes, a game designer and Head of Business Development at Code Coven - an award-winning game development accelerator for underrepresented talent.

Young women and poverty, Below the Belt, British Gymnastics, Rosie Kinchen, Grenfell Tower anniversary Jun 13, 2022

New research from the Young Women’s Trust paints a bleak picture for many young women as they come out of the pandemic and into the cost of living crisis, with young mums experiencing particular disadvantages. We hear from young mums Charlotte and Jyndi, and speak to Claire Reindorp CEO of the Young Woman’s Trust.

Rosie Kinchen found herself deeply depressed after the birth of her second child. After rescuing an ailing houseplant she started dragging herself out of the house to look at plants in supermarkets and garden centres. The Ballast Seed is her memoir.

Nearly two years ago in July 2020 a significant number of gymnasts, and parents of gymnasts, made allegations about mistreatment within the sport of gymnastics to British Gymnastics. Eloise Jotischky, a former elite acrobatic gymnast and now 19, has become the first to win a civil case against them for the abuse she experienced in the sport. British Gymnastics has admitted full liability and reached a settlement. BBC Sports correspondent, Natalie Pirks joins me now.

A new film, Below the Belt, directed by Shannon Cohn features four women with endometriosis. Shannon who previously directed Endo What joins Emma.

One of the UK's worst modern disasters, it will soon be the fifth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire. Seventy-two people died. The artist Tuesday Greenidge is sewing a quilt the size of Grenfell Tower to "symbolise justice" for survivors and the people affected. The singer Sophie DeMasi was involved in a song called West Side Story which came out this year in honour of the anniversary. They join Emma to discuss how art can help in the aftermath of such tragedy.

Dame Emma Thompson, Binner or Flusher, Spare Rib & Virago at 50, Surgeon Ian Paterson, Dolly Alderton Jun 11, 2022

Oscar-winner Dame Emma Thompson on women's pleasure and full frontal nudity in her latest acting role in Good Luck To You, Leo Grande.

Are you a 'flusher' or a ‘binner’? New research says 2.4 million tampons are flushed down UK toilets every day leading to sewer blockages and pollution. We talk to Martha Silcott who's developed a simple product to encourage you to bin and Daisy Buchanan who says more needs to be done to make a product which flushes without causing environmental harm.

In 2017 surgeon Ian Paterson was jailed for 20 years after being found guilty of 17 counts of wounding with intent. Mr Paterson was diagnosing cancer when there wasn’t any and cutting his patients open for no reason, performing unnecessary and damaging surgery. He also carried out unregulated "cleavage-sparing" mastectomies, in which breast tissue was left behind, meaning cancer returned in many of his patients. Ahead of a new ITV documentary Emma speaks to the whistleblower who raised concerns about Ian Paterson – Mr Hemant Ingle, and one of Paterson’s victims Debbie Douglas, who is still campaigning for a change in the law to prevent anything like this from happening again.

50 years ago this month the first edition of the iconic feminist magazine Spare Rib was published. Also in that year - 1972 – and inspired by its founders, Rosie Boycott and Marsha Rowe, Carmen Callil founded the book publisher Virago which still gives a voice and platform to female writers today. Emma hears from the three trailblazing women.

Can platonic love survive romantic love as we grow up? The writer Dolly Alderton on her new BBC TV series, an adaptation of her 2018 memoir ‘Everything I Know About Love’.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Binner or Flusher, Ms Marvel, Feral Girl Summer Jun 10, 2022

Are you a 'flusher' or a ‘binner’? We’re talking about getting rid of tampons and towels. What makes you decide whether to flip that bin lid, or just drop and flush? New research is out which says 2.4 million tampons are flushed down UK toilets every day leading to sewer blockages and pollution. We talk to Martha Silcott who's developed a simple product to encourage you to bin and Daisy Buchanan who says more needs to be done to make a product which flushes without causing environmental harm.

She's finally arrived! Ms Marvel the latest character from the Marvel universe. What's special about her? Marvel’s first Muslim superhero. Newcomer Iman Vellani, stars as Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel. We speak to Hafsa Lodi, a Pakistani-American journalist and author all about the series.

Nellie Bly was the most famous American woman reporter of the 19th century. Her investigation of what was called back then an "insane asylum" sparked outrage, legal action, and improvements in the way that patients were treated. Louisa Treger’s new book ‘Madwoman’ is a fictional reimagining of Nellie's early life and her time at the asylum. We also have Martine Croxall, BBC news presenter who was chose Nellie Bly as her specialist subject on Celebrity Mastermind.

Last year we talked about "Hot Girl Summer". This year we're talking about "Feral Girl Summer". On TikTok, the hashtag alone has already been viewed more than seven million times. But what's this trend all about, and should we celebrate it? Olivia Petter, relationships writer at The Independent and Lydia Venn, Features Editor at The Tab discuss.

Dame Emma Thompson. Brandon Lewis MP. Dame Paula Rego. Childcare. Jun 09, 2022

Oscar-winner Dame Emma Thompson has graced our screens for four decades. As an actor, she's played all kinds of women, from her role as Elinor Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility to her heart-breaking Karen in Christmas favourite, Love Actually. But now she's taking on a different kind of acting role. Good Luck To You, Leo Grande tells the story of Nancy Stokes, a 55-year-old widow (played by Thompson) who decides to hire a significantly younger male sex worker, played by the Irish actor, Daryl McCormack. She joins Emma to talk about women's pleasure, full frontal nudity and the #MeToo movement.

Abortion was decriminalised in Northern Ireland two and half years ago, following a vote by MPs in Westminster. But despite this significant intervention, abortion in the province has been called “a post-code lottery,” with some women still travelling to England to get one. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, has stepped in and last month he announced new regulations to speed things up. He's on record saying, "I'm determined to ensure that women and girls in Northern Ireland can access abortion services in the same way as those living in the rest of the UK." But what might slow down progress is the stalemate that Stormont is in once again, after elections last month, and the political tension around the Northern Ireland protocol. So, just how quickly will abortion become more available in Northern Ireland? Emma Barnett talks to Brandon Lewis.

The renowned Portuguese-British artist Dame Paula Rego has died at the age of 87. Last year she had a retrospective exhibition at Tate Britain and over a six-decade career she was known for characters inspired by fiction, fairy tales and her own life, and for focussing on women's rights. Emma talks to the Director of the Tate, Maria Balshaw and the art historian Lisa Modiano.

If you’re a woman and you have a baby it’s going to cost you £70,000 in lost earnings over the next decade according to new research from the Think Tank, the Social Market Foundation, which is setting up a cross party commission to tackle the spiralling costs of childcare. Emma talks to Director of the Foundation James Kirkup about its findings, and one woman working as a senior mental health nurse who says she takes home just £100 a week after childcare costs. We also get the view of the Early Years Alliance, a charity that represents child minders, nurseries and pre-schools.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Alison Carter

Photo credit: Nick Wall © GoodLuckLeoLimited

Sarah Brown, Dr Julia Shaw, Ian Paterson Jun 08, 2022

This year marks 20 years since Sarah and Gordon Brown lost their daughter Jennifer, who died ten days after being born seven weeks prematurely. In a search for answers, they founded the Jennifer Brown Research Laboratory in 2004, which looks into the causes and consequences of premature birth. Around 1 in 13 babies in the UK are born prematurely –before 37 weeks. Sarah is Chair of the charity Theirworld and tells Emma about the latest research.

It's been over a year since Sarah Everard was adbucted, raped and murdered by a serving police officer, Wayne Couzens, who's now in prison for life. The vigil that followed in London followed to remember Sarah, ended up with clashes with the police and arrests. Now it's been reported that some police officers thought the event was an anti-police protest. The Evening Standard newspaper has printed what certain officers have told Westminster magistrates court this week. They say they faced resistance when they tried to break up the crowd, had feared being attacked, and were branded “murderers” by some people in the crowd. At the moment, six people are being prosecuted by Scotland Yard over the vigil. Jamie Klinger is one of the founders of Reclaim These Streets, which tried to organise the vigil.

Psychologist and co-host of BBC podcast Bad People Dr Julia Shaw’s new book Bi: The Hidden Culture, History and Science of Bisexuality combines her own experiences of being bisexual and her background in the psychological sciences to explore and celebrate a sexual identity she says remains marginalised and forgotten.

It's been described as "one of the biggest medical scandals ever to hit this country". In 2017 surgeon Ian Paterson was jailed for 20 years after being found guilty of 17 counts of wounding with intent. Mr Paterson was diagnosing cancer when there wasn’t any and cutting his patients open for no reason, performing unnecessary and damaging surgery. He also carried out unregulated "cleavage-sparing" mastectomies, in which breast tissue was left behind, meaning cancer returned in many of his patients. Ahead of a new ITV documentary being broadcast this weekend, Emma speaks to the whistleblower who first raised concerns about Ian Paterson – Mr Hemant Ingle, and one of Paterson’s victim’s Debbie Douglas, who is still campaigning for a change in the law to prevent anything like this from happening again.

Joan Armatrading, Spare Rib and Virago at 50, Defra Minister Victoria Prentis MP, Mermaids Jun 07, 2022

The singer songwriter Joan Armatrading received an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contemporary Song Collection in 1996. Best known for hits such as Love And Affection, Me Myself I and Drop The Pilot, she has released more than 20 studio albums. Later this week Joan will receive The Music Producers Guild Outstanding Contribution Award. She joins Emma to discuss her music and this latest achievement.

50 years ago this month the first edition of the iconic feminist magazine Spare Rib was published. It set out to offer an alternative to existing women’s magazines at a time when the women’s liberation movement was challenging women’s secondary place in society. Also in that year - 1972 – and inspired by its founders, Rosie Boycott and Marsha Rowe, Carmen Callil founded Virago – the book publisher which still gives a voice and platform to female writers today. Tonight a party is being held at the British Library in celebration, and Emma is joined by all three women.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has won the backing of a majority of Tory MPs in a confidence vote despite a significant revolt against his leadership. He won 59% of the vote, meaning he is now immune from a Conservative leadership challenge for a year. In all, 211 Tory MPs voted they had confidence in the PM's leadership while 148 voted against him. We've since heard from a number of male MPs, but where are all the female MPs? Vanishingly few women from the Conservative Party have spoken publicly on this - especially from the rebel side. Emma is joined by Victoria Prentis, Minister of State for the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.

Every year HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria kill more than 5 million people. Much has been done to try to eradicate these diseases, and international donor funds are intent on curing them by 2030. The UK has historically been one of the main donors, but due to the covid-19 pandemic, priorities have shifted and some funds have been redirected. The Kenyan campaigner Maurine Murenga, who lives with HIV herself, is asking for the international community to bring their attention back to these deadly diseases. She joins Emma in the studio.

If you happened to be strolling along the seafront at Plymouth at the start of the Jubilee weekend you may have looked down and spotted a very large gathering of mermaids sunning themselves. Pauline Barker organised the event to kick off celebrations in the city by the sea, and to try and break a Guiness world record - she tells Emma how it went.

Writer Dolly Alderton. Sue Biggs CBE on moving on from her role as the RHS's DG. Jun 06, 2022

Can platonic love survive romantic love as we grow up? Emma Barnett talks to to the writer Dolly Alderton about her new BBC TV series, an adaptation of her 2018 memoir ‘Everything I Know About Love’,

A round-up of the weekends events for the Queen's platinum jubilee from Roya Nikkah - royal editor of The Sunday Times and Dame Prue Leith on being part of the final part of the final pageant on the Mall.

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s largest gardening charity For the last 12 years Sue Biggs CBE has been its director general. She's been pivotal in creating and carrying out a huge investment programme. As she prepares to step down later this month, she talks to Emma Barnett about her work over the last decade and her plans for the future.

The non-fatal strangulation law comes into effect tomorrow as part of the Domestic Abuse Act, following a successful campaign by groups such as the Centre for Women's Justice and cross-party MPs and peers. We discuss its significance and next steps with Nogah Ofer from the Centre for Women's Justice and forensic physician Dr Catherine White, who is calling for specialist training for groups who work with victims of NFS.

Plus as Boris Johnson faces a vote of No Confidence in the Commons this afternoon, we hear from attorney general for England and Wales Suella Braverman and our deputy political editor Vicky Young. Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Grease stars Olivia Moore & Jocasta Almgill, Female Bouncers & the Power of Silence Jun 04, 2022

As the nation celebrates the Queen’s 70 year reign this jubilee weekend we ask what impact will the changes to primogeniture mean for future British monarchs? We hear from five historians, Alison Weir, Lady Antonia Fraser, Jung Chang, Tracey Borman and Kate Williams.

Author Julie Myerson’s new book is Nonfiction, a novel about a couple struggling with a daughter who is addicted to heroin. It's partly inspired by the experience of her own son's drug addiction. Julie joins Andrea Catherwood to talk about addiction, maternal love and the ethics of novel writing.

Grease IS the word! We meet actors Olivia Moore and Jocasta Almgill, who are taking on the roles of Sandy and Rizzo in a new production of one of the best-loved musicals of all time.

The Women’s Prize for Fiction has launched a campaign to encourage more men to read novels by women. Research, conducted for Mary Ann Sieghart’s The Authority Gap, found that of the top 10 bestselling female fiction authors, including Austen, Atwood and Agatha Christie, only 19% of their readers are men. We hear from Kate Mosse a best-selling novelist, playwright and founder director of the Women’s Prize for Fiction.

What’s it like to be a female bouncer? With the industry saying staff shortages are impacting their ability to keep people safe, they are making plans to hire more women. Michael Kill is CEO of the Night Time Industries Association and Carla Leigh is a Door Supervisor and is setting up her own security business focusing on getting women in to the industry.

Tahmima Anam is an anthropologist and a novelist. She's a big fan of silence and believes it can be harnessed to challenge sexism and expose bad behaviour.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Karen Dalziel

PHOTO CREDIT: Manuel Harlan

'Our Greatest Queens' with Anita Rani and Lady Antonia Fraser, Alison Weir, Kate Williams, Tracy Borman and Jung Chang Jun 03, 2022

As the nation celebrates the Queen’s 70 year reign this jubilee weekend we have our own tribute to Her Majesty with a special programme to champion some of the other great Queens in history. Anita Rani brings five eminent historians together to champion their candidate including Lady Antonia Fraser on Marie Antoinette, Kate Williams on Liliʻuokalani the last Queen of Hawaii, Tracy Borman on Elizabeth I, Jung Chang on Empress Dowager Cixi from China and Alison Weir on Eleanor of Acquitaine. They consider what each brought to their reign and the nature of Queenship. What traits do all queens share including Elizabeth II ? and what impact will the changes to primogeniture mean for future British monarchs?

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson and Flora McWilliam Studio Engineer: Duncan Hannant

Kate Garner, Carly Perry, Kelly Lindsey, Kate Mosse, Bonnie Tyler, Dame Susan Ion, Charlotte Proudman Jun 02, 2022

The songwriter and pianist Kate Garner is the daughter of Chas Hodges of Chas and Dave fame. Chas’s mother, Daisy, recorded a special tribute to the Queen for the silver jubilee back in 1977. But to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Kate has decided to continue the family tradition and has penned her own song called Platinum Queen. She performs live and tells Nuala McGovern how her song prompted a response from the Queen herself.

For the first time this year the Women’s FA Cup Final was played on the same weekend as the men’s and matches are seeing record attendance levels. Despite all this success a recent study has found that 86% of players in the Women’s Super League and Championship wanted or needed clinical support at some point during their playing years. The Lead author of the report, Carly Perry ,from the University of Central Lancashire found that only 50% of clubs represented by participants offered psychological support. She joins us alongside Kelly Lindsey from Lewes FC which is the only club in the world to pay it’s men and women’s teams equally.

The Women’s Prize for Fiction has launched a campaign to encourage more men to read novels by women. Why? Because the stats are currently alarming. The research, conducted for Mary Ann Sieghart’s The Authority Gap, found that of the top 10 bestselling female fiction authors, including Austen, Atwood and Agatha Christie, only 19% of their readers are men. In comparison, for the top 10 bestselling male authors the split in readers is much more even at 55% men and 45% women. In other words, women are prepared to pick up novels by men, but men are much more reluctant to read novels written by women, regardless of the genre. We talk to Kate Mosse a best-selling novelist, playwright and founder director of the Women’s Prize for Fiction.

Jubilee Birthday honours with singer Bonnie Tyler and nuclear engineer Dame Susan Ion and Charlotte Proudman on the fallout from the Heard/Depp libel trial in the USA.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineers: Tim Heffer & Donald McDonald

Tahmima Anam, Genome Sequencing, Twinnie Jun 01, 2022

Tahmima Anam is an anthropologist and a novelist. She's a big fan of silence and believes it can been harnessed to challenge sexism and expose bad behaviour.

We talk about the pros, cons and ethics of genome sequencing for new-borns. A new pilot will be running shortly, so we speak to Vivienne Parry, Head of Engagement at Genomics England and Rebecca Middleton, who has an inherited brain aneurysm disorder and is a member of the panel representing parents and health care professionals.

Do you know what "fexting" is? Do you do it? It's in the headlines because the First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, has admitted that she 'fexts' with her husband. It means fights over text. So we're asking is it a good way to row? Behavioural psychologist and relationship coach, Jo Hemmings helps us out.

In Japan abortion pills are illegal, but that's due to change by the end of the year. However it looks like a woman who's in a relationship will need permission from her male partner before she gets them, plus the cost could be out of reach for many. We speak to women rights campaigner, Kazuko Fukuda, and the BBC's Mariko Oi in Tokyo.

And we've got Twinnie, the singer and songwriter from York. She describes her music as country pop, and her new track is called Welcome To The Club.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe talks to Emma Barnett Jun 01, 2022

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe talks for the first time to Emma Barnett for this special Woman’s Hour programme.

In this exclusive interview she reveals the full story of her imprisonment in Iran. Nazanin explains how she survived solitary confinement, how the love of her daughter kept her alive and what Prime Minster Boris Johnson told her about the real reason for her imprisonment.

Nazanin was arrested in April 2016 after visiting her parents in Iran with her 21 month-old daughter Gabriella, on her way back to Britain. For the next six years the charity project manager was detained by the Iranian regime.

She was sentenced to five years for plotting to overthrow the Iranian Government, and then in 2021, sentenced to another year for propaganda against Iran. Nazanin has always refuted those allegations as strongly as she could, stressing that she was in Iran on holiday visiting her family.

Her husband Richard Ratcliffe mounted a tireless campaign to free his wife, including twice going on hunger strike. In March 2020, as Covid took hold in Iran, Nazanin was temporarily released to her parents’ home under house in Tehran.

On 17 March this year, she was finally allowed to come home and be reunited with her husband and daughter. Her release, along with fellow British-Iranian national Anoosheh Ashoori, came after negotiations and diplomatic efforts that had intensified in the preceding months.

At the same time the UK Government paid a £400 million debt to Iran dating back to the 1970s although both governments have said the two issues should not be linked.

CREDITS Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Woman’s Hour Sarah Crawley Producer Director John O’Rourke Executive Producer Tanya Hudson Executive Editor Woman’s Hour Karen Dalziel

Grease stars Olivia Moore and Jocasta Almgill. Author Julie Myerson. Restorative justice. May 31, 2022

Grease IS the word! We meet actors Olivia Moore and Jocasta Almgill, who are taking on the roles of Sandy and Rizzo in a new production of one of the best-loved musicals of all time.

Author Julie Myerson’s new book is Nonfiction, a novel about a couple struggling with a daughter who is addicted to heroin. It's partly inspired by the experience of her own son's drug addiction. Julie joins Andrea Catherwood to talk about addiction, maternal love and the ethics of novel writing.

As we await the verdict in the Heard / Depp libel trial, we look at the ramifications. Some say that neither party comes out of it well, but there are also serious concerns that this televised court case is harmful to victims.

New sentencing guidelines regarding child sexual offences come into force today. Child abusers will now face tougher sentences for the act of planning or facilitating sex offences even if sexual activity doesn't occur or the child doesn’t exist, for instance, where police pose as children in sting operations. We hear from Gabriel Shaw, Chief Executive of the charity NAY-PAC, National Association for People Abused in Childhood.

And for the first time in Scotland, some victims of rape and domestic abuse will be able to formally meet those who harmed them. In a process called restorative justice, victims of crime, such as sexual abuse or assault, can ask for a face-to-face meeting with the perpetrator. Andrea talks to Gemma Fraser, head of Restorative Justice Policy at Community Justice Scotland, and Ashley Scotland, Chief Executive of the charity Thriving Survivors, which will offer a specialist service for cases involving sexual harm.

Presenter Andrea Catherwood Producer Beverley Purcell PHOTO CREDIT; Manuel Harlan

Hannah Fry, Female Bouncers, Ukrainian Refugees May 30, 2022

Hannah Fry is a professor in the Mathematics of Cities at UCL, a best selling author, a TV presenter and a podcaster. But in January 2021, her life changed when she found out she had cervical cancer. At just 36 years old, with two young daughters, she was faced with her own mortality. She turned to the statistics to find out what she was facing. But what she found within them shocked her. As a way of coping with the diagnosis, she started filming her treatment and has turned it into a deeply personal documentary: Making Sense of Cancer.

What’s it like to be a female bouncer? With the industry saying staff shortages are impacting their ability to keep people safe, they are making plans to hire more women. Michael Kill is CEO of the Night Time Industries Association and Carla Leigh is a Door Supervisor and is setting up her own security business focusing on getting women in to the industry.

Over 60 thousand Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the UK since the beginning of the war. Most of those are women and children as most men have been banned from leaving Ukraine. Anya Abdulakh is from the charity Families4Peace, which is helping newly arrived Ukrainians in London. She is working with women like Maria and Olena who both came to the UK from Kyiv in recent weeks. Anya, Maria and Olena speak to Paulette.

Do you know what a tweenager is? A listener got in touch and told us she was struggling to work out how to support and understand her 11-year-old daughter. In focusing on teenagers have we neglected younger children? Dr Tara Porter is a Clinical Psychologist and she argues that the 'tween' years lay the groundwork for the teens. She joins Paulette Edwards to offer insights and advice.

Presenter: Paulette Edwards Producer: Emma Pearce

Weekend Woman's Hour: Amara Okereke as Eliza Doolittle, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, Sean O'Neill on his late daughter's ME May 28, 2022

Part of our exclusive Woman’s Hour interview with Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. She reveals the full story of her imprisonment in Iran to Emma Barnett. Nazanin explains how she survived solitary confinement, how the love of her daughter kept her alive.

Anita Rani speaks to documentary photographer Joanne Coates about her exhibition and book 'Daughters of the Soil' looking at the role of women in farming; a culmination of a year’s research where she explored the role of women in agriculture in Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. We also speak to arable farmer, Christina Willet, who farms with her son in Essex.

This month, the health secretary announced a new plan to tackle ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in England. A listen back to our interview with Sean O’Neill, a senior writer for the Times, whose eldest daughter Maeve, passed away last October at the age of 27, after suffering from ME since she was a teenager.

A recent landmark report called ‘Broken Ladders’ has revealed 75% of women of colour have experienced racism at work, 27% having suffered racial slurs and 61% report changing themselves to fit in. Produced by the Fawcett Society and the Runnymede Trust, ‘Broken Ladders’ explores and documents the experiences of 2,000 women of colour in workplaces across the UK, showing the entrenched racism that women of colour endure throughout their careers. Zaimal Azad, senior campaigns officer at the Fawcett Society spoke to Jessica Creighton.

We speak to and hear a live performance from Amara Okereke who has taken on the role of a life time as Eliza Dpolittle in My Fair Lady. Amara, who is 25 has been called 'the new face of British theatre' and has been performing at The Coliseum in London.

Producer: Surya Elango Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

The play Lotus Beauty, Women in Agriculture & America’s Sterilisation policy May 27, 2022

The play Lotus Beauty set in a beauty salon in Southall tells the story of the Punjabi immigrant women it serves where culture meets the desire to fit in. The beauty salon is a backdrop for exploring themes such as domestic abuse, suicide, and a desperation for belonging. We hear from the plays Director Pooja Ghai, and from Kiran Landa, who plays the character Reita.

In 1973, two Black girls - Minnie Lee and Mary Alice Relf - were sterilised without their knowledge in Alabama by a government funded organisation. The summer of that year, the Relf girls sued the government agencies and individuals responsible for their sterilisation. By 1979, the US Department of Health, Education and Welfare was ordered to establish new guidelines for the government’s sterilisation policy. A new book, Take My Hand, draws inspiration on this landmark case and explores the history of compulsory sterilisation against poor, Black and disabled women and girls in America. We hear from the author - Dolen Perkins-Valdez.

We hear from the documentary photographer Joanne Coates who has a new photography exhibition and book Daughters of the Soil looking at the role of women in farming . This work is a culmination of a year’s research where she explored the role of women in agriculture in Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.

The poet Charly Cox takes us through her latest collection inspired by a piece of research by the dating website Plenty of Fish. It found that 51% of people have secretly brought a friend along on a date with them. Charly tells us about her own experience and some of the stories behind the eight poems she has written about blind dates and dating.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Photo credit: Robert Day

ABBA Voyage, rape disclosure, Katie Hickman, cost of living, women of colour & racism in the workplace May 26, 2022

Amongst all his other difficulties, Boris Johnson has promised to improve the outcome for rape victims, saying he will fix the system. It was a pledge made after the murder of Sarah Everard. Today, long awaited guidelines on evidence in trials have been published which campaigners say will do just the opposite. They'll deter women from coming forward because police and prosecutors will STILL be allowed to ask for personal records like medical and therapy notes and even school reports. We discussed this last month - when our reporter Melanie Abbott heard that draft guidelines prepared by the Crown Prosecution Service were being overturned. She joins us to tell us the latest.

Bravehearted is a new book that explores the extraordinary story of the women of the American ‘Wild West’ during the 19th century. Whether they were the hard-drinking hard-living poker players and prostitutes of the new boom towns, 'ordinary' wives and mothers walking two thousand miles across the prairies pulling their handcarts behind them, Chinese slave-brides working in laundries, or the Native American women displaced by the mass migration, all have one trait in common: extreme resilience and courage in the face of the unknown. We speak to author and historian, Katie Hickman about a period of history she believes has never been as well-documented by women as this.

The Living Wage Foundation has said that women are being disproportionately impacted by the cost of living crisis as they are more likely to be in low paid work. Today the government is set to announce support, the Financial Times’ Clear Barrett joins Jessica on the programme to discuss how this could help you.

One of the most successful pop groups in history is back! 40 years since their last concert, ABBA, are once again performing. Well almost… Agnetha, Freida, Benny and Björn spent 5 weeks performing their songs in motion capture suits so that their movements could be captured and turned into ABBA-TARS. The end result? A digital, 360-degree, immersive concert experience which feels like you’re watching ABBA, from the 1970s, perform in front of you. Producer Svana Gisla has kept the whole production on track for five years.

A recent landmark report revealed 75% of women of colour have experienced racism at work, 27% having suffered racial slurs and 61% report changing themselves to fit in. Produced by gender equality organisation, the Fawcett Society, and the race equality think tank, the Runnymede Trust, ‘Broken Ladders’ explores and documents the experiences of 2,000 women of colour in workplaces across the UK, showing the harmful and entrenched racism that women of colour endure at every stage of their career journey. Zaimal Azad, senior campaigns officer at the Fawcett Society joins Jessica Creighton.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Vera Baird Reporter: Melanie Abbott Interviewed Guest: Katie Hickman Interviewed Guest: Claer Barrett Interviewed Guest: Svana Gisla Photo Credit: Baillie Walsh Interviewed Guest: Zaimal Azad

Roxanne Tahbaz, Mina Smallman, Amara Okereke on playing Eliza Doolittle May 25, 2022

It has been just over two months since Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori returned to the UK from detention in Iran, and were reunited with their families. But for the family of London born businessman and wildlife conservationist Morad Tahbaz it’s been a different story. The family said they expected their father to be part of the same deal but he was only released on furlough and swiftly returned to prison. His daughter Roxanne Tahbaz joins Emma.

On yesterday’s programme Nazanin paid tribute to those who campaigned for her release and in particular the ordinary women who supported her cause. Two of those women are retired primary school teacher Linda Grove and Freya Papworth from the organisation FiLia who organised a 24 hour fasting relay hunger strike. Both join Emma in the studio.

Amara Okereke has taken on the role of a life time as Eliza Dolittle in My Fair Lady. Amara, who is 25 has been called 'the new face of British theatre' and has been performing at The Coliseum in London to rave reviews. She joins Emma to talk about the show.

Mina Smallman has spoken to Woman's Hour several times to talk about her grief after the murder of her daughters Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman. Two weeks ago the two former police officers who took photos of her daughters and shared them with colleagues were back in court to try and get their sentences reduced. Mina was in court to see that happen, she joins Emma.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Mary Anning statue, Sean O'Neill and daughter's death from ME, Social care May 23, 2022

This month, the health secretary announced a new plan to tackle ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in England. Woman’s Hour is joined by Sean O’Neill, a senior writer for the Times, whose eldest daughter Maeve, passed away last October at the age of 27, after suffering from ME since she was a teenager. Emma also talks to Dr Charles Shepherd, medical advisor to the ME Association.

ITV's reality TV show Love Island has dropped its fast fashion sponsors for more sustainable, preloved fashion for its next season. Love Island is known for setting fashion trends with contestants often wearing several outfits in each episode. But this time the outfits will be from Ebay and they will be second-hand. Emma is joined by Natalie Binns who is a fashion buying and sustainability sourcing consultant for several independent brands.

In the last of our series Threads Listener Jeanie remembers her marvellous Aunty Mary whose Land Girl jacket holds so many happy memories.

Tens of thousands more youngsters will end up in care unless radical changes are made to child protection a major new review has warned. Polly Curtis, journalist and author of Behind Closed Doors: Why we break up families and how to mend them, joins Emma to discuss the findings of the report.

A statue of the 19th-century fossil hunter Many Anning was unveiled this weekend, on Saturday, in Lyme Regis in Dorset. Mary was a fossil hunter who made many significant discoveries. Her bronze statue is thanks to a local 15-year-old schoolgirl called Evie Swire, who campaigned for Mary to be immortalised Evie is at school today, but Emma is joined by her mother Anya Pearson.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore Studio Manager: Tim Heffer

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Siobhan McSweeney, Anne-Marie Duff, Mel C May 21, 2022

Do you know much about nuns? Many people don’t, but some nuns in the US are turning to social media to bring religion into the 21st century. Sister Monica Clare from the Community of St John the Baptist went viral on Tik Tok after followers wanted to know her skin routine - now she answers people’s questions about being a nun. She joins Krupa as does Siobhan McSweeney, who plays fictional Sister Michael in Derry Girls to talk all about nuns.

Actor Anne-Marie Duff talks to Emma about her new role as Constance, a working class matriarch from the Midlands in a new play that spans five decades of the lives, and deaths, of the Webster family. ‘The House of Shades’ by Beth Steel is on at London’s Almeida Theater until 18th June.

Are you happiest when you’re in the office or do you prefer to work from home? Are you contemplating leaving a role because it’s no longer flexible? Dr Jane Parry, Associate Professor of work and employment at Southampton Business school and Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff speak to Emma about recent work from home data.

After Little Mix said goodbye to their fans with their final show on Saturday before going on hiatus, it seems that for the first time in decades, Britain is without a major girl band. Emma is joined by Melanie Chisholm from the Spice Girls and music journalist, Jacqueline Springer.

Women attending abortion clinics in the UK can face “regular harassment” according to a report from BBC Newsnight. Anti-abortion groups who gather outside services say they’re holding “prayer vigils” and offering help but some patients say they have been so distressed they’ve had panic attacks or even felt suicidal. Now charities are calling for protected areas outside all services which activists cannot legally enter. BBC Newsnight Correspondent Anna Collinson speaks to Krupa about it.

A new exhibition exploring female spiritual beings in world belief and mythological traditions around the globe opens at the British Museum this week. Feminine power: the divine to the demonic is the first exhibition of its kind to bring together ancient sculpture, sacred artifacts and contemporary art from six continents. Belinda Crerar, Exhibition Curator at the British Museum and Dr Janina Ramirez, a British Art Historian and author of Goddess a book for children written to accompany this exhibition join Krupa.

Photo Credit: Channel 4

US singer/songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman, Laura Bates, Menstrual leave/abortion reform in Spain, Feminine power & goddesses May 20, 2022

It’s been ten years since the writer and activist Laura Bates founded the Everyday Sexism project, giving a platform to thousands of women to document their everyday experiences of sexism, harassment and assault. In her new book, ‘Fix the System Not the Women’ she argues we have wasted decades telling women and girls how to fix things, how to fix themselves, how to stay safe, it hasn’t worked because women were never the problem in the first place. She is calling for systematic reform of our key institutions and societal systems that she says are failing to protect women.

Spanish women with severe Menstrual symptoms could be entitled to three days of leave a month - extended to five in some circumstances - if a draft bill going through the Spanish parliament is approved. It would make it the first legal entitlement of its kind in Europe. The bill is part of a package of reforms that could also overturn laws passed by the previous government, including 16 and 17 year old girls no longer needing parental consent to have an abortion. Maria Ramirez is a journalist and Deputy Managing Editor from ElDiario an online investigative and political news service based in Madrid.

A new exhibition exploring female spiritual beings in world belief and mythological traditions around the globe opens at the British Museum this week. Feminine power: the divine to the demonic is the first exhibition of its kind to bring together ancient sculpture, sacred artifacts and contemporary art from six continents. It will look at how femininity has been perceived across the world, and how feminine power has been used in deities, goddesses, demons, saints and other spiritual beings. Belinda Crerar is Exhibition Curator at the British Museum and Dr Janina Ramirez is a British Art Historian and author of Goddess a book for children written to accompany this exhibition

Two-time Grammy nominee Beth Nielsen Chapman has had a career spanning 40 years. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016, Nashville-based Beth, has released more than a dozen albums and written number one hits and songs recorded by the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Bette Midler, Elton John and Neil Diamond. Beth joins Krupa to discuss her music and to perform her bluesy new single ‘Hey Girl’ (We Can Deal With It) an anthemic reaction to the ‘Me Too’ movement, a song Beth calls her “celebratory shout out to our sisters making their way in the world.”

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Laura Bates Interviewed Guest: Maria Ramirez Interviewed Guest: Belinda Crerar Interviewed Guest: Dr Janina Ramirez Interviewed Guest: Beth Nielsen Chapman

Actor Anne Marie Duff, Chinese feminism, the story of Henrietta Howard May 19, 2022

Actor Anne Marie Duff talks to Emma Barnett playing a working class matriarch in a new play that spans five decades of the lives, and deaths, of the Webster family.

Last September 19, 2021, Sophia Huang Xueqin, the Chinese journalist who kick-started China’s #MeToo movement, disappeared. We find out what has happened to her from BBC Eye journalist Jessie Lau who's been investigating her disappearance,. Plus writer and journalist Lijia Zhang explains what it's like to be a feminist in China.

Plus Anna Eavis the Curatorial director at English Heritage tells us the the story of Henrietta Howard, Countess of Suffolk, and mistress of King George II, as Marble Hill, a Palladian villa built in the 1720s for her, prepares to open to the public following its restoration

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell Photo credit; Helen Murray

Helen Fitzgerald, Abortion Clinic Harassment, Nuns and Juliet Stevenson on Acting Your Age May 18, 2022

Helen Fitzgerald grew up in rural Australia as one of 13 siblings. Her new novel Keep Her Sweet looks at what happens when 'normal' sibling rivalry turns into something else. She joins Krupa to explain why she's so fascinated by the dark corners of family life.

When was the last time you saw a nun? It feels like a very old-fashioned vocation – and there are less and less in the public eye now. But some nuns in the US are turning to Tik Tok to bring religion into the 21st century through social media. The Daughters of St Paul are known as the ‘media nuns’ on Tik Tok, they do skits and dances, and have millions of followers worldwide. Then Sister Monica Clare from the Community of St John the Baptist went viral because she was on Tik Tok and everyone wanted to know her skin routine…now she answers people’s questions about being a nun. And, of course, we’ve got everyone’s favourite - less PC nun – Sister Michael from Derry Girls, played by Siobhan McSweeney.

Women attending abortion clinics in the UK can face “regular harassment” according to a report from BBC Newsnight. Anti-abortion groups who gather outside services say they’re holding “prayer vigils” and offering help but some patients say they have been so distressed they’ve had panic attacks or even felt suicidal. Now charities are calling for protected areas outside all services which activists cannot legally enter. More than 100,000 women in the UK attended abortion services targeted by activists in 2019, according to latest data from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, which is a leading provider of abortions. Anna Collinson is the Newsnight Correspondent who compiled the report.

It’s four years since journalist and actor Nicky Clark founded the Acting Your Age Campaign. Incensed by the lack of middle-aged women on stage, television and in film, and rarely seeing stories of women like herself portrayed, she has attracted a lot of support from women such as Meera Syal, Tracy-Ann Obermann and MP Jess Phillips. Actor and fellow-supporter, Juliet Stevenson joins Nicky and presenter Krupa Padhy to explain why it appears male actors on screen ‘have a whole life and women have a shelf life’ and why this campaign is necessary.

Kate Rusby, Gay Women and Sport, Motor Racing May 17, 2022

Kate Rusby is one of the UK’s leading folk singers. She joins Andrea Catherwood to talk about her latest album 30: Happy Returns. She's collaborated with musicians such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, K. T. Tunstall and Richard Hawley to sing new versions of her old songs and to celebrate thirty years of making music.

The footballer Jake Daniels has come out as gay. He's the first current male professional footballer to do so, which shows you how unusual it is. So, is it harder to be yourself in the men's game compared to the women's? With us on Woman's Hour is the footballer Lianne Sanderson who's won 50 international caps for England and was the first professional female player to come out 12 years ago, and Dr Rachael Bullingham, who's a senior lecturer at the University of Gloucestershire and specialises in homophobia in women's sport.

We speak to the BBC's Sarah Rainsford who's covering the war in Ukraine about the Wives of Azov. Their husbands are part of the Azov Regiment who are seen as heroes in Ukraine because they've been defending Mariupol, but they've been trapped for more than two months in a steel works. Overnight some of them managed to get out of there.

Paula McGowan's autistic son died when because he was given anti-psychotic drugs, despite warnings from him and his family. His death was described as ‘avoidable’. Paula is now on the brink of achieving her goal which is that all health and social care staff must, by law, undergo mandatory training in autism and learning disability awareness. We speak to Paula, as well as Alexis Quinn, who's been involved in piloting the training.

Girl Bands, Period Tracking Apps, Couples Therapy May 16, 2022

After Little Mix said goodbye to their fans with their final show on Saturday before going on hiatus, it seems that for the first time in decades, Britain is without a major girl band. Emma is joined by Melanie Chisholm from the Spice Girls and music journalist, Jacqueline Springer.

We discuss recent work from home data with Dr Jane Parry, Associate Professor of work and employment at Southampton Business school and Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff.

In the wake of the tragic killings of toddlers Star Hobson and Arthur Labinjo Hughes, a government report is expected to be published shortly looking into what went wrong. Social workers had failed to act on warnings from relatives, which meant the children were not removed from their abusive homes. But a BBC One Panorama explores a different perspective - what about when children’s services intervene too far, too fast – and when they act unethically, even unlawfully towards children and their parents, causing lifelong trauma in the process? One local authority in Herefordshire has been severely and repeatedly criticised by a high court judge for breaching children’s human rights through what the judge called “appalling” social work practice. Woman’s Hour talks to Panorama Reporter Louise Tickle about her investigation.

Women in the US have been raising concerns about period and pregnancy tracking apps on phones. BBC Technology reporter Shiona McCallum and Jillian York from the American digital rights group, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, join Emma to discuss.

Relationships for many of us are just downright fascinating. Susanna Abse is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist and joins Emma to discuss her new book.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Weekend Woman's Hour: Emeli Sandé, Abi Morgan, Sophie Willan May 14, 2022

Emeli Sandé is one of Britain’s most successful songwriters - with 19 million singles sold; including three number one singles, six million albums and four BRIT awards. Emeli joins Emma to discuss her music and career.

How are disabled children being affected by the war in Ukraine? There are claims that thousands have been forgotten and abandoned in institutions unable to look after them. The human rights organisation, Disability Rights International, has carried out an investigation. Their Ukraine Office Director, Halyna Kurylo joins Emma.

‘Alice’s Book’ by Karina Urbach tells the story of Karina's grandmother Alice Urbach. Before the Second World War Alice wrote a cookbook called Cooking the Viennese Way! - but when books by Jewish authors couldn't be distributed, Alice was taken off it. Karina talks about her family history, intellectual theft by the Nazis and her mission to restore Alice Urbach’s name to her cookbook.

Abi Morgan is a BAFTA and Emmy-award winning playwright and screenwriter whose credits include The Iron Lady, Suffragette and The Hour. She has now written her first book - This Is Not A Pity Memoir - about an extraordinarily tumultuous period in her and her family's life.

Last weekend the Baftas saw Sophie Willan, the actress and creator of Alma’s Not Normal, take home an award for best female performance in comedy. The sitcom is based on Sophie’s own experience of growing up in care, and focuses on her relationship with the women in her family. Sophie dedicated her win to her grandmother, Denise Willan, who sadly passed away half-way through filming the show.

Watching Eurovision tonight? Two hundred million people are expected to watch it, live from Turin. Representing the UK this year is Sam Ryder. He's doing well at the moment and is second favourite to win behind Ukraine. The UK really hasn’t done very well over recent years, but twenty-five years ago we won it with Katrina and The Waves and Love Shine a Light. Katrina joins Anita.

Alice Urbach, Your children's friends, Katrina and The Waves May 13, 2022

‘Alice’s Book’ by Karina Urbach tells the story of Karina's grandmother Alice Urbach. Before the Second World War Alice wrote a cookbook called Cooking the Viennese Way! but when books by Jewish authors couldn't be distributed, Alice was taken off it. Karina talks about her family history, intellectual theft by the Nazis and her mission to restore Alice Urbach’s name to her cookbook.

The Taliban have ruled that Afghan women will have to wear the full face veil for the first time in decades. It comes soon after the Taliban reversed their decision to allow girls to go to secondary schools. We catch up with Hasina Safi, who used to be the women’s minister in Afghanistan and is now a refugee in the UK, still living in an hotel. She joins Anita to discuss her reaction to this latest news and her hopes for the future of women in Afghanistan.

Babies as young as six months recognise differences like skin colour according to research. So what’s the best way to talk to young children about race? Does it matter how diverse a child social circle is? And what about their parents' friendship groups? Tineka Smith is the author of Mixed Up: Confessions of an Interracial Couple and has a young son, and Uju Asika is an author, parenting blogger and has two teenage boys.

Watching Eurovision tomorrow? Two hundred million people are expected to watch it, live from Turin. Representing the UK this year is Sam Ryder. He's doing well at the moment and is second favourite to win behind Ukraine. The UK really hasn’t done very well over recent years, but twenty-five years ago we won it with Katrina and The Waves and Love Shine a Light. Katrina joins us.

Michelle Kholos Brooks, Monica McWilliams, Mandy Garner, Cecilia Floren, Sophie Willan May 12, 2022

H*tler’s Tasters is a dark comedy about the young women who have the “honour” of being Adolf Hitler’s food tasters. The play explores the way girls navigate sexuality, friendship, patriotism, and poison during the Third Reich. Emma Barnett talks to its award winning playwright, Michelle Kholos Brooks After a record number of women are elected to Stormont we talk to Monica McWilliams an academic, peace activist, human rights defender and former politician who co-founded the Women’s Coalition political party in 1996 and was a signatory to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

A new survey by Working Wise has flagged that many working women are concerned about the gaps in work they've taken and what impact those gaps will have on their pension. The author of the research Mandy Garner tells us about her findings and we hear from Cecilia Floren who is worried about her pension.

On Sunday, the Baftas saw Sophie Willan, the actress and creator of Alma’s Not Normal, take home an award for best female performance in comedy. The sitcom is based on Sophie’s own experience of growing up in care, and focuses on her relationship with the women in her family. Sophie dedicated her win to her grandmother, Denise Willan, who sadly passed away half-way through filming the show. She joins Emma to talk about their relationship and the importance of grandparents.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Giles Aspen Photo Credit: Hunter Canning

Jules Montague on diagnosis, Abortion in the US, A scratch and sniff T-shirt, Disabled children in Ukraine May 11, 2022

In former consultant neurologist Jules Montague's new book, The Imaginary Patient, she looks at how they can be influenced by many external factors. Who gets to choose which conditions are "real" or not, and is that a helpful question to ask? And what implications does that have for women? She joins Emma.

Michael Gove, The Levelling Up Secretary, confirmed that there will be no emergency budget to help with the cost of living, even though the Queens Speech yesterday said that the Government would help. New research says that an estimated 1 and a half million households in the UK will struggle to pay food and energy bills over the next year. Sarah Pennells is a Consumer Finance Specialist at the Pensions Provider Royal London and has been gathering data on this.

How are disabled children being affected by the war in Ukraine? There are claims that thousands have been forgotten and abandoned in institutions unable to look after them. The human rights organisation, Disability Rights International, has carried out an investigation. Their Ukraine Office Director, Halyna Kurylo joins Emma.

It’s been just over a week since the the publication of a leaked draft document from the Supreme Court, which suggests Justices are set to overturn the landmark Roe v Wade, ruling, which gave women in American an absolute right to an abortion. To discuss what this means for women in America Emma is joined by Associate Professor Emma Long and State Senate candidate Leslie Danks Burke.

There'll be no emergency budget to help with the cost of living, even though the Queens Speech yesterday said that the Government would help. That's been confirmed by Michael Gove, The Levelling Up Secretary, this morning.

We've been celebrating the emotional power of old clothes in our series Threads. Zoe, who was known as 'strawberry girl' on her small university campus in Liverpool tells us about her 'scratch-and-sniff' t-shirt.

Abi Morgan, Toddlers running errands, Suzie Miller May 10, 2022

Abi Morgan is a BAFTA and Emmy-award winning playwright and screenwriter whose credits include The Iron Lady, Suffragette, Sex Traffic, The Hour, Brick Lane and Shame. She is the creator and writer of BBC drama, The Split. She has now written her first book. This is not a Pity Memoir about an extraordinarily tumultous period in her and her family's life.

Prima Facie starring Jodie Comer, best known for her role as Villanelle in Killing Eve, is making her West End debut. Both star and play have been performing to glowing reviews. It is an incisive investigation into the criminal justice system, how it deals with sexual assault and then fails those seeking justice through it. A one-woman show, it tells the story of a criminal defence barrister who is raped by a colleague. Suzie Miller, who wrote the play, joins Emma Barnett in the Woman’s Hour studio.

Would you let your 2 year old walk to the shops on their own? The long running Japanese TV show Old Enough!, which has become available to stream on Netflix, follows kids as young as 2 while their parents send them off on their first ever errand away from home. Unknowingly followed by undercover TV camera operators. It has sparked debate about how much freedom we give our toddlers in the UK.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Artificial wombs, exam stress, and celebrating the role of grandmothers May 09, 2022

Childbirth is something that more than 80% of women go through in their lifetime. But could that be about to change? Sci-Fi author Helen Sedgwick thinks we’re just a generation away from external, artificial wombs being used for childbirth. But what does this mean for the concept of motherhood and a woman’s place in society? Anita is joined by Helen and designer of an artificial womb Lisa Mandemaker.

Exam season is upon us - Highers have begun in Scotland and A-levels and GCSEs start on the 16th May and finish on the 28th June, but maybe your kids have end of year exams coming up too. As a parent what is the best way to support your child? Especially if they have important exams looming but are doing everything they can to pretend that they don’t? Or perhaps you have the opposite problem and your child is paralysed with anxiety. How do you engage the teenage brain and support your child with their revision? Anita is joined by Dr Jane Gilmour, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

What does your grandmother mean to you? The South African musician Toshi has released a new song – Khokhoba – which means ‘getting old’ in her native language of Xhosa. The song is dedicated to her grandmother and we hear about the spiritual and societal role that elderly women and grandmothers play in the Xhosa culture.

Sex Parties have gone from being fringe underground raves to large, well-established sell-out club nights, in the last few years! Why are we seeing a resurgence the sex party? We hear from Dr Kate Lister, Sex Historian and Author of A Curious History of Sex & Miss Gold, who runs One Night Parties, a sex party in London. They discuss how Covid-19 has changed the way we approach sex, the female gaze and hedonism through history

Emeli Sandé, Depp v Heard, Afghanistan May 09, 2022

Emeli Sandé is one of Britain’s most successful songwriters. With 19 million singles sold including three number one singles, 6 million albums and four BRIT awards (including Best Female twice!). Emeli joins Emma to discuss her music, and has a specially recorded version of There Isn’t Much – a track written with Naughty Boy and Shaq, from her new album Let’s Say For Instance.

Over the weekend in Afghanistan the Taliban ordered that all women must wear a burqa in public. It's the latest blow to women's rights in the country since the Taliban took power in August last year. Yalda Hakim is an International Correspondent for the BBC and spoke to us about this development.

What is it like to run a fashion magazine? We ask Kenya Hunt, who became the first black Editor-in-Chief at Elle UK when she took over the role in March. With print readership in decline, and the fashion industry reeling from the pandemic, how does she plan to keep women reading magazines?

Depp v Heard. It’s the court case that has gripped not just America but the whole world. The actor Johnny Depp is suing his ex-wife Amber Heard for defamation over an article in which she said she was a victim of abuse. The BBC’s Holly Honderich joins Emma to discuss this very public trial.

Anna Kent is a humanitarian aid worker, NHS nurse and midwife. She was 26 when she joined Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders) for her first assignment in South Sudan in 2007. She has subsequently worked as a midwife across the world including Ethiopia, Haiti, Bangladesh and the UK. She has now written a book, Frontline Midwife: My Story of Survival and Keeping Others Safe.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Photo credit: Olivia Lifungula

Weekend Woman's Hour: Peggy Seeger, Exam Stress, Candice Carty-Williams May 07, 2022

Emma talks to Peggy Seeger who has enjoyed six decades of success with her music. Peggy was married to the singer Ewen McColl. Together they revitalised the British Folk Scene during the 50s and 60s. Now 86 years old, Peggy's own songs have become anthems for feminists, anti-nuclear campaigners and those fighting for social justice.

Exam season is upon us - Highers have begun in Scotland and A-levels and GCSEs start on the 16th May, but maybe your kids have end of year exams coming up too. As a parent what is the best way to support your child? Anita is joined by Dr Jane Gilmour, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Candice Carty-Williams described her very successful first novel Queenie as 'the black Bridget Jones'. She has described her new novel People Person as her ‘daddy issues’ book and in it she celebrates families of all sorts. Her aim, she says, is to make visible the people she knows and the experiences she has had.

As Anne Robinson announces she's stepping down as the host of the Channel 4 quiz show Countdown, Emma Barnett catches up with her. Robinson was the first female to ever host the show, with 265 episodes under her belt since she joined just a year ago.

It’s been just over a year since the former husband of ITV presenter Ruth Dodsworth was jailed for coercive controlling behaviour and stalking. In a new ITV Tonight programme ‘Controlled By My Ex Partner: The Hidden Abuse' Ruth explores the crime of coercive control and what needs to be done to stop it.

Milli Proust, writer and floral designer in West Sussex, and Georgie Newbery, a flower farmer, discuss the growing trend of cut flower gardening.

Sex Parties have gone from being fringe underground raves to large, well-established sell-out club nights, in the last few years. We hear from Dr Kate Lister, Sex Historian and Author of A Curious History of Sex and Miss Gold - who runs One Night Parties, a sex party in London.

Adele Roberts, Homes for Ukraine - Judith and Oksana, Sylvia Young, Ruth Dodsworth May 05, 2022

Radio 1’s Adele Roberts won Radio Times’ Moment of the Year award at the Audio and Radio Industry Awards this week, for the moment when she spoke to her listeners about being diagnosed with bowel cancer. She joins Emma to talk about her ongoing treatment and how she’ll celebrate when it’s done.

Judith Hutchinson has been trying to house Ukrainian citizen Oksana Melashchuk and her two children for several weeks now. Oksana’s visa finally came through yesterday, and both women are able to join Emma from Judith’s house in Hampshire.

This week a law professor wore an identical dress to the Queen of Spain while receiving an award from her. Have you ever turned up to an event in the same outfit as someone else? Were you mortified or did you style it out? We hear your experiences and Emma asks Lisa Armstrong, head of fashion at The Telegraph for her tips on how to handle it.

50 years since its humble beginnings in the East End of London, the Sylvia Young Theatre School has worked with and trained the likes of Dua Lipa, Daniel Kaluuya and a ‘very naughty’ Amy Winehouse. Now 82, Sylvia Young tells us how the school got its name, why she expelled her own daughter and offers a few insights into her long list of notable alumni.

It’s been just over a year since the former husband of ITV presenter Ruth Dodsworth was jailed for coercive controlling behaviour and stalking. In a new ITV Tonight programme ‘Controlled by My Ex Partner? The Hidden Abuse', Ruth explores the crime of coercive control and what needs to be done to stop it.

04/05/2022 May 04, 2022

As Anne Robinson announces she's stepping down as the host of the Channel 4 quiz show Countdown, Emma Barnett catches up with her. Robinson was the first female to ever host the show, with 265 episodes under her belt since she joined just a year ago. After a career as a national newspaper journalist, she found fame in 2000 hosting the BBC quiz show The Weakest Link. Her acerbic wit led to her becoming labelled the “Queen of Mean”.

For months now the apparent increasing shortage of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has caused uproar, igniting debates in Parliament and triggering the appointment of an HRT tsar. A Channel 4 documentary earlier this week on the subject also talked about the use of testosterone to help with some menopausal symptoms. Dr Paula Briggs, Chair Elect of British Menopause Society and Consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health at Liverpool Women’s Hospital discusses her concerns and unpicks the potential impact of using testosterone.

The homelessness charity Shelter has found that nearly 230,000 private renters in England have been served with a formal no-fault eviction notice, known as a 'Section 21 eviction' in the last three years, since the Government first committed to scrap this form of eviction in April 2019. The charity has also found that while women and men are equally served these kinds of evictions by their landlords, they impact women more. Shelter is calling for the government to ban these kinds of evictions. Its Chief Executive Polly Neate joins Emma as does Lily, who was served a no-fault eviction notice in January 2022.

Do you grow flowers in your garden? Have you ever thought about specifically growing flowers like you’d grow vegetables - in rows so you could pick them in order to have flowers for your home? It's a trend which has grown over the past 10 years amongst gardeners. Growing your own flowers means you can enjoy seasonal bouquets at a fraction of the cost of shop-bought blooms. Emma finds out more from Milli Proust, writer and floral designer in West Sussex , whose book Seed to Bloom is out in June, and Georgie Newbery - a flower farmer and founder of Common Farm Flowers in Somerset.

Increasing numbers of women are reporting problems after having thread lift treatments, often known as “lunchtime facelifts”. Save Face, a national register of accredited practitioners of non-surgical cosmetic treatments, which campaigns to improve safety standards, says the number of complaints about the treatments by unregulated practitioners have more than doubled in the past year. Emma talks to its Director Ashton Collins.

Presenter - Emma Barnett Producer - Alison Carter

Candice Carty-Williams, Russian Feminist Protestors, Roe v Wade May 03, 2022

Candice Carty-Williams described her very successful first novel Queenie as 'the black Bridget Jones'. In the opening chapter of her new novel People Person absent father Cyril climbs into his gold jeep and drives around London collecting the five half-siblings he has sired, introduces them all for the first time and buys them an ice-cream. Candice has called this her ‘daddy issues’ book and in it she celebrates families of all sorts. Her aim, she says, is to make visible the people she knows and the experiences she has had. She joins Emma in the studio.

Overnight - according to a leaked draft of a court document - we learnt that the US Supreme Court could be about to overturn the nationwide right to an abortion. The New York Times writer Amanda Taub tells us what this means for women in America.

Despite laws preventing protest or even coverage of the war, many women and female-led groups in Russia have found a way to express their opposition to the invasion of Ukraine. One of them is the Feminist Anti-War Resistance, which has over 32,000 followers on the social media app Telegram. We’re joined by one of their founders, Ella Rossman, who also researches Russian feminist activism at UCL.

The latest in our series 'Threads' about the feelings and memories associated with the clothes we just can't part with. Listener Vanessa joins Emma to tell her story.

A new 3D female anatomy model is being used to better treat women. The new digital tool will provide a better understanding of the female anatomy and help to prevent women getting incorrectly diagnosed. Professor Claire Smith is using it with her students at Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Women and Folk Music May 02, 2022

This May bank holiday Emma looks at women and the tradition of folk music. You may have a stereotypical image of a woman in a floaty dress walking through a flower meadow - but we want to challenge that. From protest songs and feminist anthems - it's not all whimsy in the world of folk.

Emma talks to Peggy Seeger who has enjoyed six decades of success with her music. Peggy was married to the singer Ewen McColl. He wrote the song "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" for her. Together they revitalised the British Folk Scene during the 50s and 60s, working on the BBC Radio Ballads; ground-breaking documentaries - which wove a story from the words of real people working in the mining and fishing industry or building the M1 motorway with sound effects, and songs. Now 86 years old, Peggy's own songs have become anthems for feminists, anti-nuclear campaigners and those fighting for social justice.

Emma examines the uncomfortable elements of folk music, and how artists are finding ways of reinterpreting old songs, or writing new ones to represent missing narratives and stories. Who were the female tradition-bearers, writers and performers and the often forgotten collectors - those who would record and notate traditional songs handed down orally from generation to generation? And what is being done to improve the gender equality and diversity in folk music?

Emma is joined by: Peggy Seeger http://www.peggyseeger.com/about Fay Hield https://fayhield.com/about.html Anne Martin https://www.annemartin.scot/ Amy Hollinrake https://www.amyhollinrake.com/about Rachel Newton http://www.rachelnewtonmusic.com/about.html Grace Petrie https://gracepetrie.com/ Angeline Morrison https://linktr.ee/angelcakepie

Peggy Seeger and Grace Petrie will be playing at Norfolk & Norwich Festival's 250th anniversary later this month.

TV presenter Julia Bradbury, Dame Margaret Beckett, Aunties, Porn in Parliament, BMX champion Bethany Shriever, Jude Rogers Apr 30, 2022

The TV presenter Julia Bradbury on her TV documentary and life after her breast cancer diagnosis.

The longest serving MP, Dame Margaret Beckett on standing down as an MP in the next election.

The "aunties" - the older women in the community who we should respect but for some may be judgemental as well as motherly. Podcaster and writer Tolly Shoneye and Anchal Seda discuss.

The Attorney General and cabinet member Suella Braverman on the allegations that an unidentified Conservative MP has been accused of watching porn in the House of Commons.

BMX Olympic and world champion Bethany Shriever on being named Action Sportsperson of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards.

Music journalist Jude Rogers on her new book The Sound of Being Human, part memoir, part exploration of how music is interwoven into our lives from before birth to beyond the grave.

Presenter:: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Maya Sondhi, Aunties, Consulate Failings Apr 29, 2022

Maya Sondhi has made a name for herself in television dramas like Silent Witness and Line Of Duty. But now she's in the writer’s chair, and she's behind a new police drama called DI Ray. It follows DI Rachita Ray who's promoted to join a ‘Culturally Specific Homicide’ investigation. Rachita suspects there's something else going on here.

Rebecca Hilsenrath from The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman talks about failings of the Foreign Office when dealing with a 2018 rape complaint in Turkey. She describes how a British woman who was raped when she was on holiday went to the Consulate for help but was told, "Carry on with your holiday and enjoy it." The woman, who's remaining anonymous, first complained about the response she got from Consulate officials, and then how the Foreign Office dealt with it. Her complaint’s been upheld.

We have our last part of Life After Divorce. Today we're hearing from Sita who talks about getting divorced from her wife. They didn't have children or shared assets but, she says, in a way that made the split harder to deal with.

And we talk about the "aunties". You know: they're the older women in the community who we should respect. But to be honest, they might be suffocating and judgemental as well as motherly. We speak to podcaster and writer, Tolly Shoneye who honoured her Nigerian aunties in her book, Keep the Receipts, and Anchal Seda who's a podcast host and author of What Would The Aunties Say.

Julia Bradbury, Porn in Parliament, Female Life of Pi Apr 28, 2022

The presenter Julia Bradbury talks to Emma about her new documentary Breast Cancer and Me.

Conservative Party Whips are conducting an investigation after two female MPs say they witnessed a colleague watching porn on his mobile phone in the House of Commons. The Attorney General Suella Braverman joined Emma, along with the feminist and activist Dr Helen Mott who's been involved in advising parliament in it's cultures of sexism and violence against women.

Music journalist Jude Rogers has written a book, The Sound of Being Human, part memoir, part exploration of how music is interwoven into our lives from before birth to beyond the grave. She joins Emma to talk about the power of music.

The ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme was introduced last month by the Government in an attempt to encourage UK citizens to sponsor Ukrainians who are fleeing the war. Judith Hutchinson is one such sponsor and has supported Oksana Melashchuk, a Ukrainian citizen, and her two children. Last week she drove them from Romania to Calais. A month on and Oksana still awaits her visa despite her children having been issued them, meaning she can't enter the UK -- she's currently waiting in Dunkirk. Emma spoke to Judith.

Payal Mistry has made history as the first woman to play the role of Pi in the West End production of Life of Pi. Payal usually plays the role of Rani, Pi’s sister, but understudies the title role. She joins Emma to discuss the experience and why she thinks more shows should cast both men and women as understudies.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce

Bethany Shriever, Sian Ruddick, Katherine Gordon, Debbie Cook, Meg Mason, Ruth Evans, Tamanna Rahman Apr 27, 2022

Bethany Shriever’s win at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 gave the British Olympic team its first ever gold medal in BMX racing even though she had to launch a crowdfunding appeal to stand a chance of qualifying for the games. What does this latest award mean for her and BMX racing?

In the wake of the Sarah Everard murder, Boris Johnson said he’d stop at nothing to jail more rapists’ and promised to fix the system which means just 1.3% of cases result in a charge. Our reporter Melanie Abbott has been investigating new guidelines on evidence gathering issued by the Crown Prosecution Service and Emma Barnett talks to Sian Ruddick who is an independent sexual advisor who works with victims of sexual assault.

In 1958, The Great Leap Forward was a campaign led by the Chinese Communist Party to reconstruct the country and its economy which resulted in mass starvation and famine. Thousands of people fled to the neighbouring state of Hong Kong, which was a British colony at the time and many children – often girls - living in overcrowded Hong Kong orphanages were adopted by British families in the sixties. We hear from two of those children Katherine Gordon and Debbie Cook and their remarkable start to life.

After the DJ Tim Westwood faces multiple allegations of sexual misconduct - which he strenuously denies - we talk to Tamanna Rahman and BBC Producer Ruth Evans.

Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason is a funny novel about mental illness and families and love of all sorts. Martha Friel is loved and hilarious and clever but she sometimes cries for days. When she was 17 she had a breakdown which has shadowed her life since then. At 40 she finally gets a diagnosis which helps her to understand why she is as she is. So why did Meg Mason decide not to name Martha's illness in the book? She explains her decision to Emma.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Managers: Tim Heffer & Michael Millham

Dame Margaret Beckett MP. Author Susan Cain. And helping women get a job. Apr 26, 2022

Dame Margaret Beckett is one of Britain's most celebrated and respected female politicians and will be talking to us about her decision to stand down as an MP at the next elections She was first elected in October 1974. and has been described by Keir Starmer the leader of her own party as a “legend” and a “trailblazer”. She talks about the highlights of her time in politics and her plans for the future.

Job interviews can be intimidating at the best of times, but not knowing how to present yourself, what to expect and what to wear can be a huge barrier and it’s easy to get trapped in a cycle of failed interviews and unemployment. Over the last eight years the charity Smart Works has been providing outfits and bespoke coaching to help women re-enter the job market. Most of the referrals come from the Government funded employment agency JobCentre Plus. We talk to Mims Davies Minister for Employment at the Department for Work and Pensions and Kate Stephens the CEO of the charity

Now the Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has struck a deal to buy Twitter. Can he balance safety with free speech, and what does this mean for women? we hear from journalist Helen Lewis, staff writer at The Atlantic and former technoology columnist, who has recently left Twitter.

And we hear from best selling author Susan Cain who's best known as the author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, Her new book is called Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole. She tells Emma why she believes sadness can be a positive force in our lives.

Presented by Emma Barnett Produced by Beverley Purcell

Ladies of Letters with Tessa Peake-Jones and Gwyneth Strong; Caroline Nokes MP on Angela Rayner Apr 25, 2022

Only Fools and Horses stars Tessa Peake-Jones and Gwyneth Strong will perform together in a touring stage adaptation of Ladies of Letters. The pair famously played Raquel and Cassandra - the wives of Del Boy and Rodney. They join Emma to discuss the stage show, working together again, and of course, the iconic sitcom.

The Prime Minister has been in touch with the Labour Deputy leader, Angela Rayner -- to make it clear he regards claims about her reported in yesterday's Mail on Sunday as misogynistic. The paper said some Tory MPs had suggested she tried to distract the Prime Minister in the Commons by crossing and uncrossing her legs. Emma gets the reaction to the story of Conservative MP and Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, Caroline Nokes,

Today the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Women in the Penal System publishes a report on women’s health and well-being in prison. Co-chair of the group, Conservative MP Jackie Doyle-Price talks exclusively to Woman’s Hour about the steps needed to improve to the health of women offenders, and prevent increasingly high levels of self-harm. Why despite many reports over the last fifteen years are these needs still not being met?

How has the pandemic impacted the prevalence of child sexual abuse imagery online? Emma discusses the findings of the upcoming Internet Watch Foundation annual report with BBC Look East reporter Jon Ironmonger, who has been given exclusive access before its publication on Tuesday.

In our series Threads we have been finding out the stories behind the items of clothing that women can't bear to part with. Today. Lisa on a black and white checked jacket which her Mum bought for her first trip abroad in 1967 and which Lisa commandeered years later for a job in an upmarket department store.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Francis Fricker, baby loss, female con artists, the metaverse and online safety bill, women and boxing Apr 23, 2022

A professional woman who was continually called "good girl" by her boss has won an employment tribunal. Frances Fricker was told by her boss which photo to put on her work profile because HE thought it was the most attractive. The judge in the tribunal found that Frances, an accounts executive with a consultancy company called Gartner, had been sexually harassed at work, and because she fought against the harassment by taking a grievance, she was treated even worse. He also described the culture where she worked as laddish and toxic. She joins us on Woman’s Hour.

The footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez have announced the death of their baby boy at birth. The couple were expecting twins. Their baby girl survived. We speak to Clea Harmer is CEO of the charity Sands and Katie Harris, who lost one of her twin daughters, Abikara, during pregnancy.

We meet Rhian from Wet Leg, the indie rock band whose debut album shot straight to number 1 last week.

We explore the Metaverse; a fast-growing sector that isn’t covered by the Online Safety Bill. We talk to Carol Voredmon MBE, who has campaigned for online safety for 20 years as well as Catherine Allen, CEO of Limina Immerse.

We hear from Maria Konnikova, author of ‘The Confidence Game: Why We Fall For It Every Time’ on the psychology of the female con artist.

Can boxing transform lives? We speak to Chanika, one of the young women taking part in Idris Elba’s Fight School, a television series currently airing on BBC and available on iplayer. We also hear from Rachel Bower, one of the boxing coaches on the show. Rachel is a former National Boxing champion and a Metropolitan police sergeant.

Wet Leg's Rhian, HRT shortage, Women and boxing Apr 22, 2022

The indie band Wet Leg went straight to number 1 last week with their debut album. Their songs are witty: all about love, sex, parties and breakups. We speak to one of the band members, Rhian Teasdale.

When it comes to losing weight why is the word “diet” used less and less these days? The diet industry is worth billions, but lots of people think the word itself is unhelpful. We talk to Dr Saira Hameed, an NHS Consultant who specialises in obesity medicine at Imperial College London. She's also the author of The Full Diet. And we also have Rhiannon Lambert, who's a Nutritionist.

Can boxing transform lives? The actor Idris Elba thinks it might and he's got a series called Fight School which is currently on BBC 2. He’s recruited a group of eight young men and women, giving them an intensive boxing course with the aim of improving confidence and resilience. There's another goal which is to compete in an amateur fight. Chanika is one of the young women taking part, and Rachel Bower is one of the boxing coaches on the show. Rachel is also a former National Boxing champion and a Metropolitan police sergeant. They come into the Woman's Hour studio to speak to Anita.

When it comes to getting HRT, MPs have been accused, once more, of betraying millions of menopausal women by failing to improve access to it as they promised. In October ministers announced a 'menopause revolution' but the plan to cut the cost of HRT doesn't come about until next April and now tens of thousands of women are suffering because of a nationwide shortage. But what's the impact of not having your gel or patch? Anita is joined by Dr Nighat Arif, a GP, plus author and documentary maker Kate Muir.

Bonnie Langford celebrates 50 years of performing, Frances Fricker, Divorce - a male perspective, Lipoedema treatment Apr 21, 2022

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Kirsty Starkey Interviewed Guest: Bonnie Langford Interviewed Guest: Frances Fricker Reporter: Henrietta Harrison Interviewed Guest: Sharie Fetzer

Bonnie Langford was just seven years old when she performed as Bonnie Butler at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in Gone With The Wind. She has since appeared in everything from Gypsy to Cats and Chicago. In more recent years she has played Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street at London’s Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and brought her unique portrayal of Roz in Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5, The Musical. Bonnie joins Krupa to discuss her career spanning 50 years on stage and her current role as Evangeline Harcourt in Anything Goes.

A professional woman who was continually called "good girl" by her boss has won an employment tribunal. Frances Fricker was told by her boss which photo to put on her work profile because HE thought it was the most attractive. The judge in the tribunal found that Frances, an accounts executive with a consultancy company called Gartner, had been sexually harassed at work, and because she fought against the harassment by taking a grievance, she was treated even worse. He also described the culture where she worked as laddish and toxic.

In the latest in our series about Life after Divorce we hear a male perspective - Ryan, not his real name, is 34 and has two young children. He met his wife in his early twenties and married in 2015 but their relationship began to deteriorate after kids came along and they began the divorce process in November 2020. His own parents divorced when he was young. More than 40% of marriages end in divorce – and most of us will have been affected by one - whether it be our own, our parents’ or our children’s. Yet we don’t speak easily about the process or the fallout. In Life After Divorce our reporter Henrietta Harrison, who has recently been through a divorce herself, is speaking to listeners at different stages of the process.

It’s estimated that Lipoedema effects up to 1 in 10 women in the UK. It’s the build up of fat cells in the bottom, legs and sometimes the arms. Until recently the most common type of treatment was liposuction – which permanently removes fat cells – but as of last month the regulator NICE has said liposuction can no longer be used as a treatment in the UK – deeming it unsafe and ineffective. We hear from Sharie Fetzer from Lipoedema UK and a patient who was halfway through her liposuction treatment when the rules changed.

Catherine Allen, Carol Vorderman, Jo Moseley, Mark D’Arcy, Sophia Smith Galer, Mary Portas Apr 20, 2022

Stand up Paddleboarding or SUP is fast becoming one of the most popular water-sports in the UK. Jo Moseley was 51 when she started the sport and she tells us why we should all get on a board and start paddling.

We’ll be joined by Mary Queen of Shops – that’s Mary Portas – who’s one of the UK's leading voices on retail and brand communication. She is in parliament today calling on the government to amend a law governing how companies are run to better reflect their social and environmental responsibilities.

Sticking with parliament, we hear about the government's plan to help regulate content and tech companies with the On Line Safety Bill. The BBC’s parliamentary correspondent sets out what is and isn’t going to be included in the legislation and we hear from Carol Vorderman and Catherine Allen from the Institute of Engineering and technology about their concerns surrounding the safeguarding of young people in the metaverse.

And the author and journalist Sophia Smith Galer tells us about her new book: ‘Losing It: Sex Education for the 21st Century’ which delves into the sex myths that impact the lives of young people and why we should be taking sex education more seriously.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Tim Heffer Photo Credit: Linn Van De Zandern

Fiona Hill, Baby loss, Why do we lie? Apr 19, 2022

As the Ukraine conflict rages on, questions have arisen over what the endgame is for Russian President Vladimir Putin. There have been continued reports of rape and violence being used against Ukrainian civilians by Russian soldiers. Durham-born Fiona Hill, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, has been a foreign policy adviser for three United States Presidents. Seen as one of the foremost experts on Russia, she joins Krupa live in the studio to talk about the invasion and what happens next.

The footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez have announced the death of their baby boy at birth. The couple were expecting twins. Their baby girl survived. Clea Harmer is CEO of the charity Sands, she joined Krupa alongside Katie Harris, who lost one of her twin daughters, Abikara, during pregnancy.

Women live longer than men in the UK but new analysis shows that life expectancy for women living in the poorest 10 percent of areas in England is lower than overall life expectancy in any OECD country except Mexico. Figures from 2019 show that millions of women living in the most deprived areas of England can expect to live 78.7 years compared to 86.4 in England’s wealthiest areas. Jo Bibby is from The Health Foundation and Alice Wiseman is the Director of Public Health in Gateshead.

Why do we lie? Do men and women lie differently? In her new book The Social Superpower, Kathleen Wyatt looks at lies from many perspectives and reveals her own history of lying.

The latest in our series Threads about the emotional resonance of old clothes. Listener Helen tells the story of the skirt she made from bits of curtain and old dresses to go to the Reading Festival in 1973.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Emma Pearce

The Female Con Artist Apr 18, 2022

Today we're looking at the female con artist.

Have you watched Inventing Anna, the series about Anna Sorokin who duped New York's banks, hotels and high society into believing she was a multi-millionaire heiress?

Or The Dropout, about Silicon Valley entrepreneur Elizabeth Holmes who claimed she had invented a technology that could test for diseases with just a pinprick of blood?

Their cases have inspired countless TV series, movies, podcasts, books and even plays. But why are they so popular and what does it say about us as consumers of these tales?

We explore what role their gender played in achieving their deceit and the coverage they've received. We'll also discuss the history, psychology and cultural depictions of the female con artist, and hear from a woman who Anna Sorokin left with a bill for $62,000.

We're joined by Sara O'Brien, senior technology reporter at CNN Business; Vicky Baker, BBC journalist; Kathryn Claire Higgins, media scholar at LSE; Dr Nicola Harding, criminologist at Lancaster University; Maria Konnikova, author of The Confidence Game; Alice Porter, journalist; Tori Telfar, author of Confident Women; and Rachel deLoache Williams, author of My Friend Anna.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Beverley Purcell

Weekend Woman's Hour: Anya Taylor-Joy, Arlene Phillips and Oti Mabuse, Lone Female Ukrainian Refugees Apr 16, 2022

The Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police has met and personally apologised to three victims of grooming gangs in Rochdale for failures in the investigation of the sexual exploitation of children. The apology comes exactly a decade after the 2012 trial that resulted in some members of the gangs being convicted for their crimes. We hear from Maggie Oliver, the former detective who blew the whistle on the police’s failure to tackle these crimes.

Anya Taylor-Joy's decision to leave school at 16 to pursue a career in acting has certainly paid off. In 2020, in the first month of its release – a staggering sixty-two million households watched her play chess prodigy Beth Harmon in the Netflix mini-series 'The Queen’s Gambit'. She discusses her latest film – The Northman - a brutal and bloody viking revenge epic.

In August 2018, Kylie Moore-Gilbert, an Australian-British academic travelled to Iran to attend a seminar and conduct academic research. At Tehran airport on her way back home to Australia, she was arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Accused of espionage, she was imprisoned and later convicted and given a ten year sentence. She was released in November 2020 as part of a prisoner exchange deal negotiated by the Australian government. She’s written about those 804 days, in a new book The Uncaged Sky.

The UK government has been told to stop matching lone female Ukrainian refugees with single men. The UN has intervened following concerns that women and sometimes children are at risk of sexual exploitation. Under the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, British hosts must link up with refugees themselves, leaving tens of thousands of people to resort to unregulated social media groups to connect. We hear from Louise Calvey, Head of Services and Safeguarding at Refugee Action and Times reporter, Shayma Bakht.

With over 100 million record sales, an Academy Award, a Grammy, and an award from The Council of Fashion Designers of America, very few artists have a catalogue that matches the iconic Cher. A new musical, touring the UK - “The Cher Show” - tells the story of the Goddess of Pop’s meteoric rise to fame. The director and choreographer behind the show are two Strictly Come Dancing legends - Arlene Phillips and Oti Mabuse.

Diane Morgan, Clinic Investigation, Divorce Apr 15, 2022

The actor, writer and comedian Diane Morgan. She started her career as a stand-up but you may know her best as the ill-informed interviewer Philomena Cunk, or laid back Liz in the parenting sitcom Motherland, or even Kath in Ricky’s Gervais series After Life. She’s also written, directed and starred in her own comedy series Mandy about a woman who's got big dreams but can’t be bothered to do the work to get there, and whose short lived jobs are a disaster. Now she's in Inside Number 9 on BBC 2.

Police in Northern Ireland are investigating a clinic in Belfast which claims to help infertile couples have a baby. The police investigation follows a BBC Northern Ireland documentary called The Babymaker Uncovered. The clinic is called Logan Wellbeing and Medical and is run by Ruth Ellen Logan who claims that she was trained in America. She's been offering treatments like massage and reflexology, as well a IV drips and vitamin injections. Women who are desperate for a child, including some who are medically menopausal, have spent thousands. We speak to reporter, Jennifer O’Leary and fertility expert Professor Alison Murdoch.

In the second part of our new series on divorce, our reporter Henrietta Harrison meets Amina who talks about the impact it's had not just on her but on her parents too.

And we talk to Kate Jayden who's completed 100 marathons in 100 days. She was raising money for charity and describes what kept her putting one foot in front of the other.

Meera Syal in 'Roar', Women prisoners facing racism report, 'Goblin mode', Single women Ukrainian refugees, Esme Young Apr 14, 2022

Described as 'darkly comic feminist fables' ‘Roar’ is a new eight-part drama series adapted from Cecilia Aherne's short story collection. Each episode shines a spotlight on women's experiences and how women navigate through other's perceptions of them as well as their own. Comedian, writer, playwright, singer, journalist and actor, Meera Syal, plays ‘The Woman Who Returned her Husband’. She joins Chloe Tilley.

A new report highlights the experiences of over 260 Black, Asian, minority ethnic and foreign national women in the twelve prisons across England. Their accounts of indirect and direct racism have been described as shocking and distressing The report is compiled by the Criminal Justice Alliance in collaboration with the Independent Monitoring Boards. Nina Champion is Director of the Criminal Justice Alliance and Dame Anne Owers is National Chair of the Independent Monitoring Boards and the former Chief Inspectorate of Prisons.

Have you got an inner goblin? Do you ever let it out? Not washing for days, slobbing in bed, binge watching TV series in one sitting, eating random things left at the back of your fridge with melted cheese on… these would all be considered ‘goblin mode’. You might do it in private but would you post pictures to social media for the world to see? Well this has become a new trend taking over TikTok with videos using the hashtag gaining over 2.1 billion views. So why are generation Z women turning their back on the gym going, smoothy drinking, ‘It’ girl whose aim is self-improvement, to reveal their inner goblins to the world? To explain more we hear from Ione Gamble, writer and editor-in-chief of Polyester zine and podcast and Halima Jibril, writer and editor of Ashamed zine.

The UK government has been told to stop matching lone female Ukrainian refugees with single men. The UN has intervened following concerns that women and sometimes children are at risk of sexual exploitation. Under the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, British hosts must link up with refugees themselves, leaving tens of thousands of people to resort to unregulated social media groups to connect. More than 200,000 people in Britain have applied to host refugees under the scheme but just 28,500 visas have been issued so far. We hear from Louise Calvey, Head of Services and Safeguarding at Refugee Action and Times reporter, Shayma Bakht. She posed as a 22 year old Ukrainian woman online and within minutes was inundated with inappropriate messages.

Esme Young has been at the cutting edge of the fashion industry for over 50 years. From launching her own label Swanky Modes, dressing stars like Grace Jones and Cher and more recently being one half of the judging duo on The Great British Sewing Bee. Esme joins Chloe to discuss her new book, 'Behind The Seams', where she recounts iconic outfits and raucous parties and the clothes in her wardrobe she just can't part with.

Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Meera Syal Interviewed Guest: Nina Champion Interviewed Guest: Dame Anne Owers Interviewed Guest: Ione Gamble Interviewed Guest: Halima Jibril Interviewed Guest: Louise Calvey Interviewed Guest: Shayma Bakht Interviewed Guest: Esme Young

Dame Barbara Woodward; Maggie Oliver on police apology to grooming victims Apr 13, 2022

Throughout April the UK holds the presidency of the United Nation’s Security Council as the world focuses its attention on the war in Ukraine. The woman who takes on that role is Dame Barbara Woodward who’s the UK’s Permanent Representative to the UN. She talks to Emma about her priorities and plans for a new global code of conduct to improve the pursuit of justice for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

The Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police has met and personally apologised to three victims of grooming gangs in Rochdale for failures in the investigation of the sexual exploitation of children. The apology comes exactly a decade after the 2012 trial that resulted in some members of the gangs being convicted for their crimes. We hear from Maggie Oliver, the former detective who blew the whistle on the police’s failure to tackle these crimes.

Two new authors, Georgina Scull and Tanya Shadrick, both open their books with a description of how they came very close to death in their thirties. The experience changed them radically. Their books are Regrets of the Dying and The Cure for Sleep. They join Emma to talk about what they have learnt.

This week, Alice Walker from Derbyshire became the oldest female winner of the BBC quiz show Mastermind. She was 66 when the grand final was recorded - she has turned 67 now, and joins Emma to talk about her specialist subject the Peak District and Morris dancing in clogs.

Actor Anya Taylor-Joy, Rosie Duffield MP, Amber Heard and Johnny Depp, Celia Paul and Gwen John Apr 12, 2022

The debate over sex and gender filters through to many areas of our lives today whether its about women-only spaces, trans athletes competing in sporting events or our use of language to define what a woman is. It’s now being put centre stage of the local elections next month by a new campaign called "Respect my Sex if you want my X”. The campaign run by Women Uniting UK is urging voters – both men and women - to quiz prospective candidates canvassing on the doorstep with questions like “What is a woman?” or “What is more important, sex or gender?” The Labour MP Rosie Duffield talks about her support for the group and why she believes the issue could have an impact next month as well as on the wider political landscape.

The sequel to Johnny Depp and ex-wife Amber Heard's bitter legal battle is coming to America. - Virginia to be more precise. After losing the first round - a libel trial set in the UK - Depp, is suing Heard, for $50m (£38m) over a piece she wrote in The Washington Post in which she claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse. She is suing back, with a $100m counterclaim against him. His legal team successfully argued that the trial should be held in Virginia - home to two Washington Post offices and where the paper is physically published. It's expected to last up to seven weeks and will in many ways be a rerun of the London trial, exposing lurid details about their relationship, with accusations of abuse aimed at both sides. BBC Media and Arts Correspondent, David Sillito joins Woman's Hour standing outside Fairfax County Circuit Court in Virginia.

Anya Taylor-Joy's decision to leave school at 16 to pursue a career in acting has certainly paid off. In 2020, in the first month of its release – a staggering sixty-two million households watched her play chess prodigy Beth Harmon in the Netflix mini-series 'The Queen’s Gambit'. More recently, you may have seen her play Gina Gray in the final series of 'Peaky Blinders'. She discusses her latest film – The Northman - a brutal and bloody viking revenge epic.

The artist Celia Paul currently has an exhibition at the Victoria Miro Gallery in London, called Memory and Desire, and her latest book is called “Letters to Gwen John”. Gwen John was a Welsh artist who worked in France for most of her career. Her brother Augustus John was more famous during her lifetime, but her beautiful paintings, mainly of female sitters, often reading in domestic settings, have gained wider attention since her death. Celia Paul shares much in common with Gwen John: both studied at the Slade, and both were models and lovers of older artists - Gwen had a relationship with Auguste Rodin and Celia with Lucian Freud. Celia joins Emma.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Rosie Duffield Interviewed Guest: David Sillito Interviewed Guest: Anya Taylor-Joy Interviewed Guest: Celia Paul

The Cher Show with Oti Mabuse and Arlene Phillips, Kylie Moore-Gilbert Apr 11, 2022

With over 100 million record sales, an Academy Award, an Emmy, a Grammy, three Golden Globes and an award from The Council of Fashion Designers of America, very few artists have a catalogue that matches the iconic Cher. A new musical, touring the UK - “The Cher Show” - tells the story of the Goddess of Pop’s meteoric rise to fame. The director and choreographer behind the show are two Strictly Come Dancing legends - Arlene Phillips and Oti Mabuse. They both join Emma to discuss the new show and their own careers.

In August 2018, Kylie Moore-Gilbert, an Australian-British academic travelled to Iran to attend a seminar and conduct academic research. It was her first visit to the country. At Tehran airport on her way back home to Australia, she was arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Accused of espionage, she was imprisoned and later convicted and given a ten year sentence. She spent over two years in prison, half of it in solitary confinement. She was released in November 2020 as part of a prisoner exchange deal negotiated by the Australian government. She’s written about those 804 days, in a new book The Uncaged Sky, and speaks to Emma from Melbourne.

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak, his wife Akshata Murty and their finances have been in the headlines for several days now. Emma gets the latest from the woman behind the story, Economics Editor for the Independent, Anna Isaac. Anna broke the news that Ms Murty was a 'non-domicile' resident - meaning she doesn't have to pay tax to the UK authorities on any income that she earns outside Britain, something that is entirely legal. 48 hours after the story broke last Wednesday, Ms Murty announced that she would pay UK taxes on her worldwide income.

The actor Sienna Miller has said she took the step of freezing some eggs at 40, following the pressure she felt to have more children. Professor Imogen Goold has been looking into how women make decisions to delay fertility including in this way – and she questions the assumption often made in the media and in medicine that women are not properly informed, and make poor decisions about how long they can wait to have children. Imogen joins Emma to discuss, ahead of a lecture she is giving at Gresham College called Freezing Eggs and Delaying Fertility: Law, Ethics and Society, at 1pm on Monday 11 April. It can be viewed online for free. Professor Imogen Goold is Visiting Professor of Medical Law at Gresham College, and Professor of Medical Law at Oxford University.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Ellie Simmonds, No-fault divorce, Educating Afghan girls and SMS education Apr 08, 2022

We explore No Fault Divorce. The biggest reform of divorce law for 50 years comes into force- changing a law that dates back to Henry VIII. We hear from listener, Helen, currently going through a divorce.

The Paralympic five time gold medallist Ellie Simmonds was born with achondroplasia, the most common type of dwarfism. A new drug currently being trialled in the NHS and now approved for use in the USA aims to help children with achondroplasia grow taller. In a new BBC documentary: A World without Dwarfism, Ellie raises the question if cutting edge medicine can stop disability in its tracks, should we use it?

There are reports that women in Ukraine have been raped in front of their children, and Russian soldiers have filmed what they're doing. We discuss why rape in war happens, justice and trauma with Dr Jelke Boesten, Professor of Gender and Development at King's College London.

It’s been over two weeks since the Taliban went back on their plans to allow girls in Afghanistan to return to school. Sara Wahedi, a tech entrepreneur explains her new idea of helping Afghan girls access education - through SMS on their phones.

On Thursday, 100 individuals and their families wrote to the Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, asking him to appoint Donna Ockenden to conduct an independent review of maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust. They are members of an online support group for those affected by unsafe maternity services and have shared harrowing accounts of their experiences. Sarah Hawkins talks about the death of their daughter, Harriet, on 17th April 2016 as a result of a mismanaged labour.

Presented by Andrea Catherwood Producer: Surya Elango Editor: Louise Corley

Saffron Hocking, French presidential elections, Midwives, Afghan girls and SMS education, Author Jendella Benson Apr 08, 2022

The new season of Top Boy currently on Netflix, shines a light on the reality of life for those involved in London drug gangs and the people who live around them. This season covers social issues such as deportation, homophobia and child neglect, with the character Lauryn’s experience of domestic violence being a central storyline. Actor Saffron Hocking, who plays Lauryn on the show joins us to talk about her portrayal of the issue.

Sunday 10th April sees the first round of the French Presidential elections. According to the latest polls the two candidates likely to go through to the next round are the current President Emmanuel Macron and The National Rally’s Marine Le Pen. She’s rebranded her party and herself for this latest attempt. The Economist's Sophie Pedder joins us to discuss the potential first female President of France.

Just over a week ago Woman’s Hour devoted a whole programme to the long awaited and landmark Ockenden Report into maternity services at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust - in what has been described the biggest maternity scandal in the NHS's history. We had a huge response from our listeners as well as a significant number of midwives. We speak to two - Sarah and Ruth.

It’s been just over two weeks since the Taliban went back on their plans to allow girls in Afghanistan to return to school. Schools were set to open nationwide after months of but at the last minute the education ministry abruptly announced girls' secondary schools would stay shut. Sara Wahedi, a tech entrepreneur joins us to explain her new idea of helping Afghan girls get access to education - through their phones.

Do you know much about ‘farming’? Author Jendella Benson has released her debut novel, Hope and Glory, which explores the topic of private fostering - ‘farming’ - which was common amongst British West African communities during the 50s-70s and even into recent years. Jendella joins us to talk all about writing her first book and reflecting the experiences of those in her community.

Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Claire Fox Photo Credit: Joseph Sinclair

Grace Lavery, Maternity Services Nottinghamshire, Life After Divorce Apr 07, 2022

Grace Lavery is an Associate Professor of English, Critical Theory, and Gender and Women’s Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Originally from the West Midlands, Grace moved to the States in 2008, and transitioned in 2018. She is an activist as well as an academic, and has now written a memoir called Please Miss – A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Penis.

This morning 100 individuals and their families have written to the Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, asking him to appoint Donna Ockenden to conduct an independent review of maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust. They are members of an online support group for those affected by unsafe maternity services and have shared harrowing accounts of their experiences. Jack and Sarah Hawkins join Emma to talk about the death of their daughter, Harriet, on 17th April 2016 as a result of a mismanaged labour. At the time both of them worked for Nottingham University Hospital Trust and their medical knowledge meant that when they were told she had "died of an infection" they knew this was inaccurate.

As we discussed in yesterday’s phone-in no fault divorce came into effect in England and Wales yesterday. More than 40% of marriages end in divorce – and most of us will have been affected by one - whether it be our own, our parents’ or our children’s. In a new series Life After Divorce our reporter Henrietta Harrison, who has recently been through a divorce herself, meets other divorcees to hear their stories and share experiences. We begin with Amanda - not her real name - who is 51 and split from her husband 12 years ago when he came out as gay.

Woman's Hour Phone-In: No-Fault Divorce Apr 06, 2022

The biggest reform of divorce law for 50 years comes into force today. As ‘no-fault divorce' comes into practice Woman's Hour are opening our phone lines to listen to what YOU have to say on the changes. We want to hear your experiences of ending your marriage and what difference you think these new measures will make? Would this change have made your divorce more amicable? Have you postponed getting divorced waiting for this reform to come into force and have already booked an appointment at the solicitors? Or are you considering divorce and this conversation has made it feel a bit less daunting?

Join our phone-in today.

You can call us on 03700 100 444.

The lines will open at 8am.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Helen Marriott

Rape in war, Single-sex spaces, No-fault divorce Apr 05, 2022

Reports are coming through that Russian soldiers have raped women in Ukraine. There are reports that women have been raped in front of their children, and soldiers have filmed what they're doing. We hear the latest from BBC correspondent Emma Vardy, and discuss why rape in war happens, justice and trauma with Dr Jelke Boesten, Professor of Gender and Development at King's College London.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has now given guidance about single-sex spaces. This is for spaces like toilets, prisons and changing rooms. We talk to Baroness Kishwer Falkner, chair of the EHRC.

David Gauke, who used to be Secretary of State for Justice, comes on the programme to talk about the new divorce system. When he was in post he thought the system was making a difficult situation worse. He said that the law should allow people to move on constructively when divorce is inevitable, and that this would really help children.

A new book called Lessons in Chemistry follows the rise of an unconventional TV cook called Elizabeth Zott. Set in1960s America, her career as a chemist takes a detour when she becomes the star of a much-loved TV cooking show. She's a cross between Julia Childs and Marie Curie, and what she says dares her female TV viewers to reconsider not just the dinner menu, but their place in the world. We speak to the author, Bonnie Garmus.

Ellie Simmonds: British Paralympian swimmer, Gynaecology waiting lists, Threads, Ukranian Dancers, Meriel Beale, Apr 04, 2022

The Paralympic five time gold medallist Ellie Simmonds was born with achondroplasia, the most common type of dwarfism. A new drug currently being trialled in the NHS and now approved for use in the USA aims to help children with achondroplasia grow taller. In a new BBC documentary: A World without Dwarfism, Ellie raises the question if cutting edge medicine can stop disability in its tracks, should we use it?

More than half a million women across the UK are on gynaecology waiting lists. This speciality has seen the steepest rise in waiting times in England since the pandemic began – it is now 60% bigger than it was in 2020. The needs of those waiting range from first outpatient appointments, scans, right through to surgery. The BBC’s Health Correspondent Catherine Burns talks through the figures. And Alicia Kearns the Conservative MP for Rutland and Melton also joins Emma.

Last night, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a powerful pre-taped message to the Grammy Awards. He urged musicians to "fill the silence" left by Russian bombs "with your music". At the heart of his plea was to keep Ukrainians and their identity top of people's minds. It has just emerged that The National Gallery has altered the title of one of the painting by Edgar Degas’ paintings from Russian Dancers to Ukrainian Dancers”, after calls by Ukrainians on social media. The painting depicts a troupe of female dancers dressed with garlands and ribbons appearing to reflect the national colours of Ukraine. Mariia Kashchenko, the Ukrainian born founder and director of the Art Unit joins Emma.

Over the last couple of weeks we've been hearing about the emotional power of clothes in our series Threads . Today, it's the turn of listener Lucy from Oxfordshire whose very short beaded black dress holds special memories of the day she and her now husband became 'official' .

This week the Metropolitan Police announced that actor Noel Clarke will not face a criminal investigation over sexual offence allegations, which he has always denied, because the information given " would not meet the threshold for a criminal investigation." Emma Barnett speaks to Meriel Beale who co-ordinated a letter in the Guardian with 2000 signatures from people calling for reform to the UK film and TV industry after the allegations were made against Clarke. What are women saying to her about power and consent within the UK film and TV industry?

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Catherine Burns Interviewed Guest: Alicia Kearns Interviewed Guest: Mariia Kashchenko Interviewed Guest: Ellie Simmonds Interviewed Guest: Meriel Beale

Sister Bliss, DC Comics character, Nubia, the Ockenden Review, Lucy Easthope, Ukrainian MPs, Listener Dorothy Apr 02, 2022

Do you have a soundtrack to your life that you return to again and again? Or have music that powers you through? DJ Sister Bliss and Goldsmiths Professor Lauren Stewart, who studies the psychology and neuroscience of music, explore the power of music to affect our mood and well-being.

The Ockenden Review was published this week, led by midwife Donna Ockenden, into the maternity care provided to patients by the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust over a 20 year period. We hear from Kayleigh Griffiths, who lost her baby in 2016 who fought for years for the Review and Maria Caulfield, the Minister for Primary Care and Patient Safety.

In our series Threads we've been talking to listeners about the clothes they've hung on to. Dorothy tells us about a dress she wore age 14 at a barn dance in Hereford .

The Women's Diplomatic Battalion of Ukraine, a small group of women MPs have been criss-crossing Europe to garner international support for their war-torn country. Alona Shkrum, from the Batkivschyna party, Olena Khomenko and Mariia Mezentseva, from the Servant of the People party discuss their fight for their country.

Have you heard of Nubia from the DC comic books? She’s the adopted sister of Wonder Woman and DC’s first Black superwoman introduced in the 70s before disappearing from comics for decades. Nubia returned last year in a new book. We hear from cartoonist, Robyn Smith who illustrated the book.

Whenever there’s a catastrophic event somewhere in the world Lucy Easthope is likely to get a phone call .S he talks about her new book “When the Dust Settles”.

Presenter Anita Rani Producer Claire Fox.

Photo Credit: BBC/Freemantle Media Limited/Pete Dadds

Nubya, Justyna Wydrzynska, Ramadan and Parasocial relationships Apr 01, 2022

Have you heard of Nubia from the DC comic books? She’s the adopted sister of Wonder Woman and is DC’s first Black superwoman introduced in the 70s before disappearing from comics for decades. Nubia returned last year in the new comic book Nubia: Real One, which is set in modern day America and tells the story of her teenage life. Anita talks to the cartoonist, Robyn Smith who illustrated the book about the importance of representing Black women and their stories in comics.

Next week, Justyna Wydrzynska from Poland will be the first pro-choice activist to appear in court, charged with breaking the country's strict abortion law. On the 27th January 2021 Poland enforced an near-total abortion ban. It is now only allowed in cases of rape or incest or when the pregnancy threatens the life of the mother. Justyna provided miscarriage-inducing tablets to a pregnant woman. Unlike in other countries where abortion is banned, women in Poland are not criminalised for illegal termination of pregnancy; instead it is those who order or carry out an abortion that face penalties. Anita is joined by Justyna and Dr Sydney Calkin, from Queen Mary University.

Are you familiar with parasocial relationships? It’s a psychological term to describe when someone thinks they have a friendship or bond with a person they have never met before or spoken to face-to-face. The most common parasocial dynamic exists between celebrities and their fans. But is it healthy? And do women often pay the price? Anita explores this with Gretchen Robertson, a psychotherapist whose clients include influencers and vloggers, and Flossie Clegg - a YouTuber and Digital Content Creator with over 700,000 subscribers.

Ramadan begins this weekend. It’s the month when Muslims refrain from eating or drinking between dawn and sunset to give more time for self-reflection, prayer and identify with the hungry. Statistics from Dubai show that women spend twice as much time in the kitchen during this time in Muslim communities around the world, which is a paradox given that it’s also a time of eating less. Much of the pressure comes from the preparation of the Iftar meals which end each day of fasting; an important time for families and communities to come together in homes and mosques. To discuss the issues are Shelina Janmohamed, Vice President of Islamic Marketing at Ogilvy and best selling author of Love in A Headscarf, and journalist and broadcaster Remona Aly.

Donna Ockenden and The Ockenden Review Mar 31, 2022

Today we are dedicating the whole programme to the biggest maternity scandal in the NHS's history - leading to headlines across newspapers today stating childbirth is not safe for women in England. Those are the stark words of the midwife Donna Ockenden - the author of the long awaited Ockenden Review - published yesterday. Her mission? To find out what went on under the care of those working for the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust over a 20 year period. She concluded 201 babies and nine mothers could have survived if the Trust had provided better care, learned from mistakes and crucially listened to women.

Along with several other key guests she joins Emma to discuss her findings and where we go from here.

Presenter Emma Barnett. Producer Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Kayleigh Griffiths Interviewed Guest: Maria Caulfield Interviewed Guest: Donna Ockenden Interviewed Guest: Dr Jo Mountfield Interviewed Guest: Prof Soo Downe

Sister Bliss, Lucy Easthope, Rachel Maclean on Domestic Abuse Plan, Ockenden Review Mar 30, 2022

Do you have a soundtrack to your life that you return to again and again? Emma explores the power of music to affect our mood and well being with DJ and song writer and Sister Bliss and Professor Lauren Stewart from Goldsmiths who studies the psychology and neuroscience of music.

Whenever there’s a catastrophic event somewhere in the world Lucy Easthope is likely to get a phone call about it. She’s one of the country’s foremost disaster planners and long experience has taught her that the line between our everyday lives and catastrophe is a fine one. Name almost any global disaster of the last twenty years from 9/11 to the UK’s 7/7 terrorism attacks, the Grenfell fire, to earthquakes, plane and train crashes and you’ll find she’s been there behind the scenes with the clear up operation. She helps identify bodies, support the survivors and carry out the painstaking process of retrieving and returning invaluable, tattered possessions to the bereaved. She joins Emma Barnett to talk about her life and new book “When the Dust Settles”.

The government has today published its Domestic Abuse plan, bringing in new measures with the aim to tackle perpetrators and prevent abuse in the first instance. This includes plans to create the first national register of domestic abusers as well as offer more funding for victim support helplines and health services. This follows the Domestic Abuse Act introduced last year which updated the definition of domestic abuse to recognise a range of behaviours as abusive as well as establish children as victims too. But will these new measures protect women from domestic abuse and focus on taking tough action against perpetrators? Emma is joined by Rachel Maclean the Safeguarding Minister.

The second and final report into one of the biggest NHS maternity scandals in history has just been unveiled. The Independent Review into Maternity Services at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust , led by midwife Donna Ockenden, has examined nearly nine thousand maternity cases in which mothers and babies may have been harmed or died, over almost twenty years. Emma speaks to BBC Health Correspondent.

Ella Jarmulska, Dr Caitlin Dean, Nicola Cutcher, Professor Marian Knight, Rose Gallagher, Threads, Marion Lees McPherson Mar 29, 2022

Emma Barnett speaks to Ella Jarmulska a Polish entrepreneur who wants to provide safer car rides to families fleeing the war in Ukraine. Displaced and disoriented, often with no idea where to go next, refugees are forced to put their trust in strangers. Trafficking rings are notoriously active in Ukraine and neighbouring countries in peace time. The fog of war is perfect cover to increase business.

Today sees the launch of a new campaign which calls for health professionals, the media, retailers and the public to ditch the term ‘morning sickness’ and refer to ‘pregnancy sickness’ instead. We talk to Dr Caitlin Dean, a nurse specialist in this area and to the co-founder, of the ‘Not Morning Sickness’ campaign Nicola Cutcher.

As the end of free testing draws near, we talk to Rose Gallagher from the Royal College of Nurses about who will pay for Covid tests for staff in the NHS. We’ll also consider the latest Government statistics which show just over half of pregnant women in England have had at least one covid jab with Professor Marian Knight the head of national surveillance of Covid hospitalisation in pregnancy.

In our series Threads we've been talking to listeners about the clothes they've hung on to. They'll never end up in the charity shop bag, they hold powerful emotions. Dorothy sent us a photo of a beautiful dress she wore age 14 at a barn dance in Hereford - happy memories.

And Marion Lees McPherson from the Society of Women Organists tells us how they're taking on the inequality of the ecclesiastical organ scene with men represent 90 per cent of permanent directors of music and organists in English and Welsh cathedrals.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineer: John Boland

Ukrainian MPs, Women Surgeons, Remember Monday Mar 28, 2022

We speak to 3 MPs who are members of the Women’s Diplomatic Battalion of Ukraine. They are Olena Khomenko, Mariia Mezentseva and Alona Shkrum. They're all about shuttle diplomacy, pressing their case for international help.

Coverage of the Oscars has been dominated by Will Smith's punch in defence of his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Nimco Ali, Independent Government Adviser on Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls and comedian, Shapi Korsandi give us their reaction, and discuss the messages a punch sends out.

Women make up more than half of all medical students but far less that that go on to work as surgeons. Researchers from King’s College London found that just 16 per cent of consultants and 34 per cent of registrars working across 10 surgical specialities are female. Roshana Mehdian-Staffell is a surgeon working in Trauma and Orthopaedics and speaks to Emma about the difficulties of going up the career ladder if you're a female surgeon.

We speak to the country-pop trio Remember Monday who are making a splash on Tik-Tok. Holly-Anne Hull, Lauren Byrne, and Charlotte Steele first met as sixth formers and bonded over John Mayer and harmonies. Now they’ve been singing together for a whole decade. They discuss why they sing in multi-story car parks, juggling their own careers alongside the band, and how their friendship has kept them together over the years.

Body hair, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe speaks out, UK ambassador to Ukraine, Actor Ruth Wilson, Kinship care, Duvets Mar 26, 2022

TV shows go to huge lengths with their sets, costumes and wigs to make you feel like you’re looking back at the past but why – given hair removal is a fairly modern development – is body hair so rarely seen? We hear from historian Dr Marissa C Rhodes.

After Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe expressed her opinions at a press conference this week, 'ungrateful' started trending online. Reaction from Gina Miller who took the government to court and won over how it tried to implemented Brexit without approval from Parliament and Emily Thornberry a former shadow foreign secretary.

Best known for The Affair and Luther, and more recently playing her own grandmother in a BBC drama, actor Ruth Wilson on her two latest roles – on the London stage in The Human Voice and on screen in True Things.

Melinda Simmons on her role as the British Ambassador to Ukraine. She left Ukraine on 7th March 2022 eleven days after the Russian invasion and is now in Poland.

Woman’s Hour understands that the Independent Review of Social Care in England is set to recommend that there should be a renewed focus on alternatives to care with a major focus on kinship care. The Chief Executive of the charity Kinship, Dr Lucy Peake, and kinship carer Meyrem discuss.

Journalist Sally Peck on the joys of swapping one duvet for two in the bed with her husband.

Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Dianne McGregor

Separate duvets, Asma Khan, South Asian women in Regency England Mar 25, 2022

Ammu, a term used mostly in South Asian Muslim homes for mother, is the title of Asma Khan’s new book. Part memoir, part cookbook 'Ammu' is a celebration of the food she loves to make but also of the woman who nurtured her and taught her to cook. Drawing on her experiences during the pandemic, the chef and founder of the acclaimed restaurant Darjeeling Express, celebrates the power of home cooking and the link between food and love.

How important are your sleeping arrangements in a relationship? Recently the journalist Sally Peck swapped one duvet for two in bed with her husband, and now she can’t imagine going back. Sally joins Chloe to explore what difference this simple change made to her marriage.

The second series of Bridgerton starts today and features Simone Ashley, a British actor of South Asian descent, in a lead role. She plays Kate Sharma, who has recently arrived in London and quickly draws the attention of Anthony Bridgerton. But what was life really like for South Asian women in Britain during this era? Professor Durba Ghosh lectures on Modern South Asia, the British empire and Colonialism at Cornell University.

Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Asma Khan Interviewed Guest: Sally Peck Interviewed Guest: Professor Durba Ghosh

Actor Ruth Wilson. Kinship Care. Rear Admiral Jude Terry. Body hair in history. Mar 24, 2022

Best known for The Affair and Luther, and more recently playing her own grandmother in a BBC drama, actor Ruth Wilson joins Emma to talk about her two latest roles – on the London stage in The Human Voice and on screen in True Things.

Jude Terry is the first female Rear Admiral in the Royal Navy’s history. Since joining the Navy in 1997, she has served aboard HMS Scott, and spent two spells with helicopter carrier HMS Ocean, during operations in the Baltic and the Gulf. Two months into her post, Emma talks to her about her new role.

What’s the best way of looking after children who can no longer stay with their birth parents when a family breaks down? Woman’s Hour understands that the Independent Review of Social Care in England is set to recommend that there should be a renewed focus on alternatives to care with a major focus on kinship care. As the charity Kinship sets out its vision of what needs to change, Emma talks to its Chief Executive, Dr Lucy Peake, and to Meyrem, about what it’s like to be a kinship carer.

Woman's Hour delves into the archive to remember Madeleine Albright, the first US Secretary of State.

As the Taliban announces girls will not be allowed to attend secondary school, we hear the voices of girls heartbroken by the decision and the reaction of Malala Yousafzai.

Why don't women in period dramas have body hair? TV shows go to huge lengths with their sets, costumes and wigs to make you feel like you’re looking back at the past but why – given hair removal is a fairly modern development - is body hair so rarely seen? Historian, Dr Marissa C Rhodes joins Emma to discuss.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Alison Carter

Photo Credit: Jan Versweyveld.

Ash Barty retires from tennis, Growing up in poverty, Shame, Threads, Men and sexual entitlement Mar 23, 2022

Ash Barty, the Australian three time grand slam champion is retiring from tennis. Her achievements are matched only by her fellow player, Serena Williams. Andy Murray tweeted "Happy for Ash, gutted for tennis. What a player". We hear from Gigi Salmon, tennis commentator for the BBC who has interviewed Ash Barty many times over the years, and has been at all her three major wins.

The concept of shame first named in the bible when Eve plucked the apple from the tree of life is invariably seen as negative force in society. But in a new book by the author Cathy O Neil she suggests that shame can be a powerful and sometimes a useful tool for good: when we publicly shame corrupt politicians, abusive celebrities or predatory corporations. She joins Emma Barnett to discuss hew new book ‘The Shame Machine: Who Profits in the New Age of Humiliation’. The government is under increasing pressure to tackle Britain’s cost of living crisis in its spring statement today. With rising food and fuel costs, inflation at the highest rate for 30 years and a record increase in household energy bills, households are facing mounting pressures to pay the bills. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation estimates that 1.8 million children today are growing up in very deep poverty. What’s it like to grow up in poverty? And how does it shape you? Skint is a new BBC 4 series of drama monologues all about the lived experience. Kerry Hudson grew up in extreme poverty and has written Hannah’s story.

Woman's Hour listener Fran heard one of the conversations in our series Threads which explores the emotional power of old clothes. She remembered a tiny dress and cardigan which she last wore more than 60 years ago. I spoke to her and asked her to describe them. ‘Am I That Guy?’ is a new Radio 4 documentary about sexual entitlement that puts men at the forefront of the conversation. Instead of telling women how to protect themselves from danger it focuses on how men can improve their behaviour. Graham Goulden is a consultant on Police Scotland’s viral ‘Don’t Be That Guy’ campaign and a contributor to the doc.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Gigi Salmon Interviewed Guest: Kerry Hudson Interviewed Guest: Felicity Hannah Interviewed Guest: Cathy O'Neill Interviewed Guest: Graham Goulden

Who was Ellen Wilkinson? Mary-Ellen McGroarty from the UN World Food Programme, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe speaks out. Mar 22, 2022

Who was Ellen Wilkinson? Poet and playwright Caroline Bird aims to tell us all about her as her new work Red Ellen goes on tour.

Yesterday Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe faced a room of journalists and cameras. She knew what she wanted to say, and what she didn't want to say after six years away from home. Despite the trauma she's been through why do some people feel she needs to express more gratitude? What are their reasons? And how surprising is it to see these comments? We hear from Gina Miller who took the Government to court - and won - over how it tried to implemented Brexit without approval from Parliament. Emily Thornberry a former Shadow Foreign Secretary.

With millions experiencing food insecurity in Afghanistan what impact does this have on women’s rights? Emma speaks to Mary-Ellen McGroarty, director of the United Nations World Food Programme in Afghanistan.

Are you someone who can’t help but pick up a gossip magazine? Do you love nothing more than finding out about the latest celebrity break up? Chartered clinical psychologist Dr Hamira Riaz; and Dr Aisha K. Gill, Professor of Criminology at the University of Roehampton discuss why do we do it and whether it's good for us to watch relationships breakdown in public.

And the study from Cardiff University that suggests that hybrid working may encourage more women to take up local politics.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Maggie Murray, Melinda Simmons, Emma Beddington and Sandy Black, Tina Backhouse, Matthew Greenwood Mar 21, 2022

A new exhibition, Photographing Protest: Resistance through a feminist lens, features striking protest images by women and explores how images of resistance resonate across generations from 1968 to the present day. Maggie Murray, a prolific photographer of protest, whose images feature throughout the exhibition. As a founding member of Format photo agency, she documented ground-breaking protests of the 1980s and 1990s and tells Emma about her work.

Currently based in Warsaw, Melinda Simmons has been the British Ambassador for the Ukraine since September 2019. She left Kyiv on 19 February 2022 and only finally left Ukraine on 7th March 2022 eleven days after the Russian invasion. She joins Emma to discuss Putin, Ukrainian refugees and the support role she and her team are now playing for Ukrainian citizens from Poland.

We talk about the cost-of-living crisis and the ends some women are going to to make ends meet with Matthew Greenwood head of debt at the Centre for Social Justice.

Would you wear the same dress for 100 days? Could you do it? Emma Beddington made it to 40 days wearing the same dress as a challenge. We speak to her and Sandy Black, Professor of Fashion and Textile Design and Technology, about the power, sustainability and history of wearing the same item over and over again.

Are you struggling to get hold of your HRT? Menopausal women are reporting being forced to turn to the so-called black market as demand for prescriptions in England has doubled in the last five years. We speak to Tina Backhouse the General Manager of Theramex, one of the largest suppliers of HRT to the UK market about what is causing the current problems.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Tim Heffer

Photo credit: Maggie Murray

Weekend Woman's Hour: Foreign Secretary Liz Truss MP on Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's release, Barbara Lisicki & Cook for Ukraine Mar 18, 2022

As Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe comes home after six years in Iranian detention, Emma spoke to the Foreign Secretary Liz Truss MP about what it took to secure her release along with another British-Iranian hostage Anoosheh Ashoori.

In true popstar fashion, singer Rihanna announced her pregnancy in January with a New York photoshoot alongside her boyfriend, the rapper ASAP Rocky, wearing a bright pink coat, with layers of gold jewellery and chains resting on her new baby bump. And since that announcement, she’s been seen wearing a number of eye-catching outfits. But is there a bump fashion revolution coming? And what could this mean for the everyday pregnant woman? We speak to celebrity stylist Jennifer Michalski-Bray and pregnant content creator Zara Bentley.

The history of civil rights changed when Barbara Lisicki met Alan Holdsworth. The two were disabled cabaret performers in the 1980s when they met, fell in love and founded the disabled people’s Direct Action Network (DAN). They became the driving force behind the campaign that ultimately led to the passing of the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act. A new BBC Two drama, Then Barbara Met Alan, tells their story. Anita Rani hears from the real-life Barbara Lisicki, and Ruth Madeley, the actor who plays her.

Even in the face of war, food has a special power in bringing people together. Russian Chef Alissa Timoshkina and Ukrainian Chef Olia Hercules are best friends who have joined forces to set up Cook for Ukraine, a culinary campaign raising funds to support the humanitarian effort in Ukraine. They are encouraging people to celebrate Ukrainian and Eastern European culture by cooking traditional food. They talk about their experiences as friends from opposing frontiers.

Presented by Anita Rani Produced: Surya Elango Editor: Louise Corley

Barbara Lisicki & Ruth Madeley, US basketball player Brittney Griner, Red Nose Day, Inclusive Britain, Native children in the US Mar 18, 2022

Brittney Griner is 6 foot 9. She's an American basketball player, some say she's the greatest female basketball player of all time and she is currently being detained in Russia on drug charges that could carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Overnight Russian courts have extended her detention for two more months. All this while tensions between Russia and the States remain tense and her family worry she may be used as a political pawn. Molly McElwee, the Telegraph's Women's Sports reporter explains.

To mark Red Nose Day Ena Miller visits a Comic Relief supported project helping survivors of domestic abuse. At Tower House Horses they use equine assisted learning to help women improve their mental health and recover their confidence. A woman we are calling Sophie tells her story and Susie, one of the co-founders of the project, explains how horses help women who have been through trauma.

Yesterday the government set out its plans to address racial disparities in the UK with changes to policing, health and education. Inclusive Britain: the government response to the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities sets out 70 plans including ones to tackle the differences in maternal health to ones referring to police powers. There also includes a plan to get a diverse panel of historians to, as the report puts it, ‘develop a new knowledge rich History Curriculum by 2024 exploring Britain’s historical past’. But how would that actually work in practice?

Kendra Mylnechuk Potter was adopted into a white family and raised with no knowledge of her Native background. A new film 'Daughter of a Lost Bird' currently showing at the Human Rights Watch Film Festival follows Kendra as she connects with her birth mother April, also a Native adoptee, and discovers her Lummi homelands in Washington state. Her story has parallels with many of those children affected by the 1958 Indian Adoption project, where Native children in the US were removed from their families and placed in white homes, dubbed by some as' cultural genocide'. In the late1970s the Indian Child Welfare Act came into force which prioritised keeping native Indian children within their own tribes. Anita speaks to Kendra and to the filmmaker Brooke Pepion Swaney.

The history of civil rights changed when Barbara Lisicki met Alan Holdsworth. The two were disabled cabaret performers in the 1980s when they met, fell in love and founded the disabled people’s Direct Action Network (DAN). They became the driving force behind the campaign that ultimately led to the passing of the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act. A new BBC Two drama, Then Barbara Met Alan, tells their story. We hear from the real-life Barbara Lisicki, and Ruth Madeley, the actor who plays her.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Molly McElwee Interviewed Guest: Susan Little Interviewed Guest: Dr Angelina Osborne Interviewed Guest: Stella Dadzie Interviewed Guest: Brooke Pepion Swaney Interviewed Guest: Kendra Mylnechuk Potter Interviewed Guest: Ruth Madeley Interviewed Guest: Barbara Lisicki Photo Credit: BBC/Dragonfly

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss MP on Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe's release Mar 17, 2022

As Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe comes home after six years in Iranian detention, Emma speaks to the Foreign Secretary Liz Truss MP about what it took to secure her release along with another British-Iranian hostage Anoosheh Ashoori.

Diane Dodds, Child Q and Stripsearch, Charlotte Mendelson, Cook for Ukraine Mar 16, 2022

The recent resignation of DUP First Minister, Paul Givan, from Stormont last month, has left people in Northern Ireland without a properly functioning government. On top of that, an election is coming - one that could bring massive political change if recent polls are to be believed. Leading unionist and DUP MLA Diane Dodds joins Emma on the programme to discuss Brexit, the Northern Ireland protocol and cooperation in Stormont.

A damning new report has revealed how a black schoolgirl was strip searched by the Metropolitan Police while on her period after being wrongly suspected of carrying cannabis. The review conducted by City & Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership took place without another adult present at the girl's secondary school in Hackney in 2020. The report states that during the search the girls "intimate body parts" were exposed and she was made to take off her sanitary towel. Emma speaks to Antoinette Bramble, Hackney's Deputy Mayor and cabinet member for children's services and Shabnam Chaudri, a former Detective Superintendent at the Metropolitan Police.

Charlotte Mendelson's new books features the Hanrahans a big, arty family living in their bohemian North London home. Ray and Lucia are both artists, she has surrendered her career for his and their grown-up children seem dazzled by their outrageous, talented father. But, things are not as they seem and family secrets are bubbling under the surface. Charlotte joins Emma.

Even in the face of war, food has a special power in bringing people together. Russian Chef Alissa Timoshkina and Ukrainian Chef Olia Hercules are best friends who have joined forces to set up Cook for Ukraine, a culinary campaign raising funds to support the humanitarian effort in Ukraine. They are encouraging people to celebrate Ukrainian and Eastern European culture by cooking traditional food. They join Emma Barnett to talk about their experiences as friends from opposing frontiers.

Is maternity fashion changing? Marina Ovsyannikova, Caroline Lucas MP & Dame Sue Ion, South Korean new PM, Surnames, Threads Mar 15, 2022

Marina Ovsyannikova is an employee of Russia’s state Channel One television interrupting the channel’s main news programme on Monday night in an extraordinary act of protest against Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. She burst on to the set of the live broadcast of the nightly news on Monday evening, shouting: “Stop the war. No to war.” - holding a handwritten sign to the same effect. The protest was welcomed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky who mentioned it in his televised address last night.. And within hours of her protest, more than 40,000 people had left comments on the journalist's Facebook page, with many praising her for taking a stand. Professor of International Relations at London School of Economics, Tomila Lankina joins Emma.

In 2020, The Woman’s Hour Power List celebrated 30 inspiring women whose work is making a significant positive contribution to the environment and the sustainability of our planet. Today, we talk to the Green Party MP Caroline Lucas, who topped that List. Can the UK afford its net zero policies? With the cost of living rising, and the impact of the war in Ukraine, are Britain's plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions too expensive? Joining Caroline to discuss will be engineer and nuclear industry expert, Dame Sue Ion.

In true popstar fashion, singer Rihanna announced her pregnancy in January with a New York photoshoot alongside her boyfriend, the rapper ASAP Rocky, wearing a bright pink coat, with layers of gold jewellery and chains resting on her new baby bump. And since that announcement, she’s been seen wearing a number of eye-catching outfits. But is there a bump fashion revolution coming? And what could this mean for the everyday pregnant woman? Celebrity stylist Jennifer Michalski-Bray and pregnant content creator Zara Bentley join us.

Last week South Korea picked a new president: Yoon Suk-yeol. He is a conservative who defeated his liberal rival Lee Jae-myung. During his campaign he promised to abolish the Ministry for Gender Equality, denying that women face discrimination. South Korea has one of the worst women's rights records in the developed world, although modest gains have been made over the last few years. But that has ignited an anti-feminist backlash among many young men who see feminism as reverse discrimination, taking away their jobs and opportunities. So what does Yoon Suk-yeol’s election mean for women? Emma is joined by Laura Bicker, the BBC’s Soeul Correspondent and the feminist South-Korean film-maker Youjin Do.

Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has revealed he is officially changing his name to incorporate his mother Carmen's surname - Larbalestier. He says that he wants her name to continue on with the Hamilton name, and that he doesn't understand why "when people get married then the woman loses her name." It is understood that he will include it as a middle name rather than a surname. Dr Jane Pilcher, Associate Professor of sociology, Nottingham Trent University discusses what impact a high profile man taking this step could have.

Purnima tells the story of a beautiful hand-knitted dress she brought with her to the UK when her family was expelled from Uganda by Idi Amin. The latest in our series Threads.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Professor Tomila Lankina Interviewed Guest: Caroline Lucas Interviewed Guest: Dame Sue Ion Interviewed Guest: Jennifer Michalski-Bray Interviewed Guest: Zara Bentley Interviewed Guest: Laura Bickers Interviewed Guest: Youjin Do Interviewed Guest: Dr Jane Pilcher Interviewed Guest: Purnima Shah

Plaque for women priests, Young women coming off the Pill, Electric cars Mar 14, 2022

On Saturday a ceremony took place at Bristol Cathedral to replace a plaque that marked the day women priests were first ordained by the Church of England, in 1994. The original plaque only listed the names of the men who attended the ceremony, and not the 32 women who had made history that day. Almost 30 years later, the plaque finally displays the women’s names. Emma speaks to Reverend Angela Berners-Wilson, the first woman to be ordained by the church, and the Bishop of Bristol, Right Reverend Vivienne Faull, who led the ceremony on Saturday.

A pregnant woman who was photographed being carried on a stretcher - following the bombing of a maternity hospital in the southern port of Mariupol in Ukraine last Wednesday - is reported to have died, along with her baby. The attack on the hospital caused outrage around the world. 4000 children have been born in Ukraine since the war began nearly three weeks ago. Emma is joined by Louise Callaghan, Foreign Correspondent at The Sunday Times.

Marked as a breakthrough in female contraception the Pill has been used for over six decades. 28% of women say it remains their preferred form of contraception, followed closely by the male condom. However, more recently on social media some young women are documenting their decisions to come off it. Emma is joined by Dr Jane Dickson, Consultant in sexual and reproductive health care, and former vice president of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, and Lottie Drynan who stopped taking the pill just over a year ago, after being on it for 13 years, and has been documenting her journey on Instagram.

We know that women are more environmentally conscious when shopping for the household - but there’s one area where that doesn't seem to be the case - cars. There are now over 600,000 plug-in electric vehicles in the UK, but a new study has found that 20% of women haven’t even considered buying an electric car. We speak to Erin Baker, Editorial Director at AutoTrader about why women are less likely to opt for electric vehicles.

It's been deemed a 'victory for women'. A campaign group has won a legal challenge against the Metropolitan Police over the force's handling of a vigil for Sarah Everard. Sarah Everard was murdered by serving Met police officer Wayne Couzens - and the vigil was to be near where she was killed in Clapham in London during Covid lockdown. But when the group got in contact with the police they were told that it would be illegal and could face fines over 10,000 pounds each and possible prosecution. So they cancelled the original plan but a spontaneous vigil and protest took place anyway. Anna Birley, the founder of Reclaim These Streets speaks to Emma.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Women and Equalities Minister, Rachael Denhollander & USA Gymnastics, Betty Boo Mar 12, 2022

Why in 2022 is there no position in the Cabinet solely dedicated to the job of Women and Equalities? Why is it always tagged onto another cabinet role? We hear from Amber Rudd who juggled the job of being Home Secretary, while she was also Work and Pensions Secretary and from Shadow Women and Equalities Minister Anneliese Dodds, who's also Chair of the Labour Party.

There have been elections in India this week and one journalist who’s been covering them is Rana Ayyub. She’s an Indian, Muslim journalist who writes for the Washington Post but she’s based in Mumbai. At the moment she’s under extreme pressure because of her work. She's experiencing serious online abuse, so much so that international monitoring groups worry that her life is in danger.

Anne Dickson's book, A Woman In Your Own Right: The art of assertive, clear and honest communication, was first published 40 years ago. It has been in print ever since. Anne outlines the skills and techniques she pioneered and why they are still relevant today.

Our TV screens are full of Ukrainian refugees - mainly women and children - who are fleeing their country. However, we're increasingly seeing women who are staying. We hear from the Ukrainian MP, Inna Sovsun.

In 2016 Rachael Denhollander became the first woman to publicly accuse the USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar of sexual assault. Rachael talks about her fight for justice and the impact on elite gymnastics culture.

The singer and songwriter Betty Boo is back. The platinum success artist made a name for herself in the 1990s for her unapologetic attitude, and combination of Pop and Hip Hop music. Betty Boo has now released her first solo single in almost three decades.

Betty Boo, Rana Ayuub, Baroness Helena Kennedy QC Mar 11, 2022

She’s been credited with inspiring the likes of the Spice Girls and Madonna – singer and songwriter Betty Boo is back. The platinum success artist made a name for herself in the 1990’s for her unapologetic attitude, and combination of Pop and Hip Hop music. Betty Boo has now released her first solo single in almost three decades. She joins Anita Rani to reflect on her career and music

There have been elections in India this week and one journalist who’s been covering them is Rana Ayyub who joins us live. She’s an Indian, Muslim journalist who writes for the Washington Post but she’s based in Mumbai. At the moment she’s under extreme pressure because of her work. She's experiencing serious online abuse, so much so that international monitoring groups worry that her life is in danger. She’s also had police charges filed against her. She says it’s because she’s an outspoken critic of the Indian Government and the Indian Prime Minister, Narenda Modi, and they don’t like her shining a light on how the BJP, which is the Hindu ruling party, treats Muslims in the country.

This week a misogyny act for Scotland created exclusively for women has been recommended to the Scottish government by Baroness Helena Kennedy QC following a year of Chairing the Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland Working Group. She’s been credited with inspiring the likes of Spice Girls and Madonna – singer and songwriter Betty Boo is back. The platinum success artist made a name for herself in the 1990’s for her unapologetic attitude, and combination of Pop and Hip Hop music. Betty Boo has now released her first solo single in almost three decades. She joins Anita to reflect on her career and music.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Gayl Gordon

Figs in Wigs & 'Little Wimmin', Former Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill, Rachael Denhollander & USA Gymnastics Mar 10, 2022

Northern Ireland politics are once again in flux and the government can't really function. At the beginning of February, Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill lost her role in Stormont after First Minister Paul Givan, a member of the DUP, resigned. In her role as Deputy over the years, she worked closely with former DUP leader and First Minister Arlene Foster. Now she could be on track to become the first Nationalist First Minister of Northern Ireland. In her first interview with Woman's Hour, she joins Emma.

When you think of Little Women, you might not think of climate change, astrology or contemporary feminism. However, all-female performance collective Figs in Wigs have updated the classic for a new generation in Little Wimmin, a surrealist theatre show. What starts as a faithful adaptation of the book gradually becomes an absurdist and hilarious commentary on the issues facing women today. We discuss with cast members Sarah Moore and Alice Roots. In 2016 Rachael Denhollander became the first woman to publicly accuse the USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar of sexual assault. Her stand led to hundreds of other women coming forward to tell their stories of how Nassar had also abused them under the guise of medical treatment. Their testimony, as well as the discovery of tens of thousands of child sexual abuse images on his computer, eventually led to his imprisonment. Rachael talks about her fight for justice and the impact on elite gymnastics culture.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Michelle O'Neill Interviewed Guest: Sarah Moore Interviewed Guest: Alice Roots Interviewed Guest: Rachael Denhollander Photographer: Rosie Collins

Joss Stone, Maya Forstater Mar 09, 2022

With worldwide sales in excess of 15 million albums, the Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Joss Stone is without question among the most iconic soul singers of the modern era. She rose to fame at the age of 13 by winning a BBC talent competition and more recently won The Masked Singer. Joss has now reunited with legend Dave Stewart for her new album Never Forget My Love.

In an exclusive interview in the week that her employment tribunal case continues, Maya Forstater speaks to Emma about losing her role at a company in 2019, after she had posted tweets and had conversations about sex and gender. She took her case to an employment tribunal on the basis that, amongst other claims, she had been discriminated against because of her belief – that biological sex is real, important, immutable and cannot be conflated with gender identity. Maya lost the preliminary hearing, on the basis that her beliefs were not protected under the Equality Act 2010, but she appealed and in June 2021 that decision was overturned. The ruling meant that gender critical beliefs are a protected philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010. This week the next part of her employment tribunal starts, and it will decide whether her employer discriminated against her because of her belief.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Mangaer: Tim Heffer

Women and Equalities Minister. Celebrating the achievement of mothers. Ukraine refugees. Mar 08, 2022

Why in 2022 is there no position in the Cabinet solely dedicated to the job of Women and Equalities? Why is it always tagged onto another cabinet role? Emma talks to Amber Rudd who juggled the job of being Home Secretary while she was Work and Pensions Secretary too. Plus, Shadow Women and Equalities Minister Anneliese Dodds, who's also Chair of the Labour Party.

When the war in Ukraine was just unfolding we spoke to Iryna Terlecky who's Chair of the Association of Ukrainian Women in Great Britain. Since then she's has been busy responding to the refugee crisis by representing the Ukrainian community in meetings with the Government, talking to both Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, and with the Home Secretary Priti Patel. Emma spoke to her about what she makes of the latest government response to what's going on.

Do you think motherhood gets enough recognition? We meet Agnes Agyepong, the founder of the Glomama Awards, a space celebrating the achievements of mothers, and one of this year’s winners, Safiyya Vorajee.

Plus, why more and more organisations are seeking out staff and volunteers with direct experiences to help them front campaigns, fundraise and inform policy. We hear from Tom Quinn, Director of External Affairs at Beat, the UK’s Eating Disorder Charity and Miriam Taylor, a psychotherapist and author who specialises in trauma about why is it so important to have people with what's termed "lived experience" and why safeguards must be in place to protect them.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

HER Ensemble, Dame Margaret Hodge MP, Surrogacy & IVF in Ukraine, Anne Dickson Mar 07, 2022

Emma speaks to BBC Ukraine correspondent Zhanna Bezpiatchuk about the situation in Ukraine. Today the Commons discuss the long-awaited Economic Crimes Bill. A cross party alliance of MPs will be tabling amendments to strengthen the bill. Amongst them is Labour MP, Dame Margaret Hodge who has been calling for tougher anti-corruption laws for many years, and has said there are "worrying loopholes in the bill". She joins Emma Last year, just 5% of the classical music pieces performed worldwide were written by women. That’s the highest percentage recorded to date. When the violinist Ellie Consta found this out she brought together a string orchestra called Her Ensemble to perform a range of music written by women. Ellie and violinist Sarah Daramy-Williams joins Emma. Anne Dickson's book, A Woman in your own Right: The art of assertive, clear and honest communication, was first published 40 years ago. It has been in print ever since. Anne joins Emma to outline the skills and techniques she pioneered and to discuss why she believes they are as relevant today as they were 40 years ago. One of the unforeseeable consequences of the war in Ukraine is how it has affected the hundreds of people from the UK and Ireland who visit the country every year to undergo fertility treatment or use Ukrainian surrogates. This has left families in a quandary about whether or not to continue treatment, and worried about the welfare of surrogate mothers and what could happen to any babies born during the conflict. Emma hears from Senator Mary Seery Kearney who is campaigning for surrogate women to be given refuge in Ireland and from Rend Platings who was due to return there this month for her next round of IVF.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour: Priya Ragu, Women in the Ukraine, Inheritance laws Mar 05, 2022

Swiss-Tamil singer Priya Ragu has been shortlisted in the BBC Sound of 2022 Poll – joining Adele, Jessie J and Celeste. She tells us how her music plays homage to her heritage and is a fusion of traditional Tamil music, RnB and Soul, which she uniquely calls ‘Ragu Wavy’.

All week we've been covering Ukraine. We hear from Lesia Vasylenko, a Ukrainian MP who describes her new reality of being trained to use an assault rifle to defend her family and her country and Olena Symonenko who decided to flee Kyiv, and has escaped to Poland with her 6 year old son.

If the Mona Lisa could speak what would she say? A new novel by Natasha Solomons gives voice to the painting and lets her tell her own story. We speak to Natasha and the Da Vinci expert Professor Martin Kemp.

A person guilty of manslaughter or murder is already prevented from inheriting their victim’s estate by what’s known as the Forfeiture Rule. But should that law be extended to somebody guilty of domestic abuse? We speak to MP Florence Eshalomi, who is attempting to change the law. We also hear Tom Guha's story. He has had to deal with exactly this issue since his mother died and his stepfather’s behaviour was found to have a direct link to her death.

Swiss-Tamil singer Priya Ragu, who has been shortlisted in the BBC Sound of 2022 Poll -joining Adele, Jessie J and Celeste, talks to Anita about how her music plays homage to her heritage and is a fusion of traditional Tamil music, RnB and Soul, which she uniquely calls ‘Ragu Wavy’.

Danielle Marin is the author of Top Girl, a book exploring her first-hand experiences with drug dealing, gangs and violent crimes. Danielle wants people to know about young women who get caught up in this kind of lifestyle, and how she found a way out.

And in our new series called Threads, celebrating the emotional power of old clothes, listener Sarah tells us about a very special pair of knickers, given to her by her dear friend Ruth on her 21st birthday almost 40 years ago.

Priya Ragu, Olena Symonenko, Mountain climbing Mar 04, 2022

We have music and chat from the Swiss-Tamil singer Priya Ragu who has been shortlisted in the BBC Sound of 2022 Poll – joining Adele, Jessie J and Celeste. She tells us how her music plays homage to her heritage and is a fusion of traditional Tamil music, RnB and Soul, which she uniquely calls ‘Ragu Wavy’.

The number of refugees leaving Ukraine has reached a million. If you were listening last week you'll remember the heart-breaking interview we did with Olena Symonenko. She had decided to flee Kyiv, and was down in a bunker with her 6 year old son. She had left her flat, which she had lived in as a child and all her adult life: and just as well she did, because her block of flats had been bombed and was on fire. She sent us a picture. We've been keeping in touch with Olena all week, tracking her journey and she's now in Poland.

Sharmadean Reid is the Founder and CEO of The Stack World. Her mission is to create economic and social empowerment for women through technology and media. She has been building Women's communities for 16 years, starting with a print magazine called WAH which she created while at university. She tells us about The Stack World, and how the platform helps women entrepreneurs to monetise their micro communities through buying and selling from each other.

We celebrate the emotional power of old clothes and today we hear from Sarah who tells us about the Janet Reger frilly knickers she received from her friend Ruth on her 21st birthday nearly 40 years ago.

Mountains have long inspired climbers to write about their adventures. It’s been a male dominated field but we hear from two women who are inspiring the next generation of climbers. The author and poet Helen Mort tells us about her memoir ‘A Line Above the Sky’ and author Amy McCulloch talks about her adult fiction debut ‘Breathless’.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Women's safety, Paralympics Mar 03, 2022

'Enough'. That’s the name of a new communication campaign launched by the Home Office this week to tackle violence against women and girls. It comes in the week of the anniversary of the abduction and murder of Sarah Everard in London, by a serving police officer. So one year on, where are we in the fight to deal with violence against women and girls? We speak to Labour MP Dame Diana Johnson who is the chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, and to Woman's Hour listeners Polly and Rebecca about their concerns.

The Winter Paralympics begin tomorrow in Beijing and ParalympicsGB are sending 24 athletes to compete - the biggest British Winter Paralympic team in nearly thirty years. There are five female athletes including alpine skier Menna Fitzpatrick, who won four medals in Pyeongchang four years ago. Jessica discusses our medal prospects with Andy Stevenson, 5 Live’s Paralympic Winter Games reporter; and the International Paralympic Committee's decision not to allow Russian or Belarussian athletes to take part with Rebecca Myers, journalist at The Sunday Times.

On Sunday the BAFTAs red carpet rolls out to recognise the very best in British film. One of the nominees in the short film category is about a small and unique community in the heart of South London - locals at the London Palace Bingo Club. Their beloved club is being forced to close down, and the film follows the regulars who have depended on it for years. Jessica speaks to the director Jo Prichard. The film is available to stream on the Bertha DocHouse website this weekend.

Danielle Marin is the author of Top Girl, a book exploring her first-hand experiences with drug dealing, gangs and violent crimes. Danielle wants people to know about young women who get caught up in this kind of lifestyle, and how she found a way out. She joins Jessica.

Dr Suzanne Simard & plant intelligence, Refugee women, Scottish govt & GRC, Inheritance laws & abusers, Sexist uniforms Mar 02, 2022

For over thirty years Dr Suzanne Simard has done ground-breaking research on plant communication and intelligence. She is Professor of Forest Ecology at the University of British Columbia and the author of a gripping scientific memoir, Finding the Mother Tree, in which she reveals the highly complex ways trees interact and communicate. Suzanne joins Jessica in the studio.

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, around 660,000 refugees, most of whom are women and children, have now fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries in the past six days. That's according to the latest data from the UN Refugee Agency. They say Europe could face it’s largest refugee crisis this century. Many have fled to Poland where they have been welcomed in cities like Warsaw. But while many countries are opening their arms to refugees, the charity CARE International UK is warning that women and girls can be particularly at risk during widespread displacement in war situations, as they can face exploitation while trying to reach safety. Suzy Madigan is the charity’s Senior Humanitarian Advisor on Gender and Protection.

The Scottish Government is expected to introduce its long-awaited Gender Reform Bill at Holyrood tomorrow - a law that would make it easier for transgender people to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate. The BBC's Scotland correspondent Lorna Gordon joins us to discuss.

A person guilty of manslaughter or murder is already prevented from inheriting their victim’s estate by what’s known as the Forfeiture Rule. But should that law be extended to somebody guilty of domestic abuse? MP Florence Eshalomi is attempting to change the law after one of her constituents wrote to her. Tom Guha has had to deal with exactly this since his mother died and his stepfather’s behaviour was found to have a direct link to her death. Tom clarifies the circumstances and Florence Eshalomi explains why she wants to alter the inheritance rules.

Last month a new high-end sushi restaurant in Surrey came under scrutiny for publishing a dress code that asked women to wear “sexy black ankle-strap heels with a form-fitting top” or “bodycon dresses”. The restaurant has since apologised and changed the “sexist” uniform requests. Anna Sebastian is a Hospitality Consultant who has experience with hotels, bars and restaurants. Claire Curzon is the Managing Director of Brighter Directions – a marketing and communications agency. Both Anna and Claire discuss how attitudes towards women and dress codes have changed.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Dr Suzanne Simard Photographer: Diana Markosian Interviewed Guest: Suzy Madigan Interviewed Guest: Lorna Gordon Interviewed Guest: Florence Eshalomi Interviewed Guest: Tom Guha Interviewed Guest: Anne Sebastian Interviewed Guest: Clare Curzon

Lucy Cooke on the female of the species, Furniture poverty, Threads Mar 01, 2022

You might be forgiven for thinking that the females of most animal species are passive, maternal and monogamous – because that’s been the long-standing scientific consensus. But now the zoologist and broadcaster Lucy Cooke wants to expose the stereotypes and bias that lie beneath our common understanding of how the sexes work in the wild. Her new book is called Bitch - A Revolutionary Guide to Sex, Evolution and the Female Animal. You may also have heard her presenting a current Radio 4 series called Political Animals. Lucy joins Jessica to discuss redefining the female of the species.

Furniture poverty is when someone is unable to afford or access essential items. including white goods, beds, and carpets and curtains. In 2017 around 400,000 children in the UK didn’t have their own bed to sleep on, and in 2020 at least 4.8m people were living without at least one essential household appliance. These figures are expected to have risen during the pandemic, and expected to rise further with the cost of living crisis - with soaring inflation and household bills. Jessica speaks to a woman we are calling April - who tells us about her experience of furniture poverty, and Claire Donovan from End Furniture Poverty.

Following a trend across South America, last week Colombia decriminalised abortion during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. It means increased abortion access for women in the largely Catholic country. Jessica speaks to Marge Berer, the Co-ordinator of the International Campaign for Women's Right to Safe Abortion and to Marianna Romero from the Centre for Study of State and Society in Argentina, about the change in Colombia.

Jessica speaks to Lana Kozak, a 20 year old journalism student in the UK, about wanting her mum to be able to join her here.

We start a new series ‘Threads’ exploring the significance of old clothes. What is the oldest piece of clothing in your wardrobe? Do you have something that doesn’t fit anymore, but you just can’t bear to throw away? Why do clothes hold such strong memories and nostalgia? Today we meet listener Emma Nabarro-Steel, who contacted us with a song she wrote about this same topic, and the dress that means a lot to her.

Ukrainian women on the front line, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, Dangerous women and I, Mona Lisa Feb 28, 2022

As the conflict continues in Ukraine, we've seen footage of predominately women and children fleeing the country. But that is just one aspect of this conflict. There are also many women who have stayed in Ukraine and signed up to fight. Back in December, Ukraine's Ministry of Defence expanded the number of women who are eligible for mandatory service in the armed forces. They will be joining the 57,000 or so women, aged 18 to 60, already serving. But is there an appetite for more women to sign up? And what roles are they likely to play? Jessica Creighton hears from Lesia Vasylenko, a Ukrainian MP who describes her new reality of being trained to use an assault rifle to defend her family and her country and Dr. Olesya Khromeychuk, Director of the Ukrainian Institute, London.

President Joe Biden has nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, calling her "one of the nation's brightest legal minds". She will be the first black woman to serve in the court's 232-year history if confirmed and would mean four women may sit together on the nine-member court for the first time. Kimberly Peeler-Allen the co-founder of Higher Heights, an organisation that builds the collective political power of Black women, discusses the significance of her nomination.

If the Mona Lisa could speak what would she say? A new novel by Natasha Solomons gives voice to the painting and lets her tell her own story. Natasha and the Da Vinci expert Professor Martin Kemp join Jessica.

What does it mean to be a “dangerous woman”? That is something Dr Jo Shaw of the University of Edinburgh has been studying and has led to a new book with fifty essays from different women reflecting on the topic from around the world. The idea that women are dangerous individually or collectively permeates many historical periods, cultures and areas of contemporary life. It has been used to describe the Labour MP and human rights activist Shami Chakrabarti, and Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who was labelled by the Daily Mail as “the most dangerous woman in the UK”. But what lies behind this label and what does it say about the power dynamics with which women live with today? Jessica speaks to Dr Jo Shaw of the University of Edinburgh and the journalist Bidisha, whose essay is part of the collection.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Diana Parkes, Ukraine, Unmodified bodies, Joanna Scanlan, Margaret Atwood Feb 26, 2022

In an exclusive interview, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and future Queen Consort talks to Emma about her work with domestic abuse survivors. They are joined by Diana Parkes whose daughter Joanna Simpson was battered to death by her estranged husband in 2010.

Olena Symonenko tells us about her escape to a safer part of Ukraine only to find out that her apartment that she had lived in all her life had been hit by a bomb.

The actress and writer Joanna Scanlan known for her many roles in TV shows such as Getting On and The Thick of It, talks about her BAFTA nominated film After Love.

Do we change our bodies because we want to or because we are being pressured to conform by society? Cambridge Professor of Political Philosophy Clare Chambers considers this question and concludes that the unmodified body is under attack, particularly for women, who are constantly given the message that their body is not good enough just as it is. Her new book is Intact – A Defence of the Unmodified Body.

Margaret Atwood's latest collection of essays, Burning Questions, gathers together her essays and other occasional non-fiction pieces from 2004 to 2021. The literary legend talks culture wars, feminism and grief.

Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Dianne McGregor

Ukraine, Matchgirls' strike of 1888, Equal pay deal for US women’s national football team, and Briony Greenhill Feb 25, 2022

A pivotal moment in the history of trade unions and women’s rights is to be marked by English Heritage with the placement of a blue plaque commemorating the 1888 matchgirls’ strike in East London. Curatorial Director of English Heritage, Anna Eavis, tells us about the protest, its real role in the Labour movement and why it has been so misconstrued throughout history.

Millions of people across Ukraine are this morning making choices they never dreamed they'd have to make. Olena Symonenko told us about her escape to a safer part of the city only to find out that her apartment that she had lived in all her life had hit by a bomb overnight. The BBC Correspondent Sarah Rainsford told us about conversations she's been having with people on the ground in South East Ukraine and from Iryna Terlecky, the Chair of the Association of Ukrainian Women in Great Britain, about the work they are doing to help families in Ukraine.

Earlier this week the US Women’s national football team reached a $24 million settlement with the US Soccer Federation, which will guarantee equal pay with the men’s team and give players millions in back pay. Women’s soccer is incredibly popular in the US, the players are household names and having won the World Cup numerous times, are considered the best team in the world. But they have been fighting this battle for equal pay for six years. We speak to Cindy Parlow Cone, the president of the United States Soccer Federation about how they hope to push FIFA to equalise World Cup pay. We also hear from journalist Molly McElwee about whether it is the big win it is touted to be.

What sound does my body make? That's the question singer and musician Briony Greenhill asks in her work. Briony is a vocal improviser - meaning she writes her songs entirely out loud, on the spot, without notation. She gives us a demonstration of how we can vocally improvise ourselves, and tells us about her debut album Crossing the Ocean.

Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall, Diana Parkes, David Trickey, Baroness Floella Benjamin Feb 24, 2022

Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall is now at the heart of the royal family. In her ascension day message which begins a year of celebrations to mark seventy years on the throne, the Queen said that once Prince Charles becomes King, her sincere wish is that Camilla will be at his side as Queen Consort.

It's recognition for her loyalty, and her work campaigning on a variety of causes and in particular that of domestic abuse. It was a meeting in 2016 with a woman called Diana Parkes that inspired the Duchess.

Diana's daughter Joanna Simpson was battered to death by her estranged husband in 2010 with their two children within earshot. After the killing, Diana setup a foundation to help transform the lives of children impacted by domestic violence and it was at a meeting of the charity SafeLives that she first met the Duchess. In our interview we reunite them at Clarence House to hear how her story has inspired the work of a future Queen.

Emma also speaks to the clinical psychologist David Trickey from the child mental health charity the Anna Freud Centre and to Baroness Floella Benjamin who campaigned to get the new Domestic Abuse Act through parliament and she’s also a Vice President of the children’s charity Barnardos.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Editor: Karen Dalziel Studio Manager: Bob Nettles

Margaret Atwood, Harriet Harman MP, Joanna Scanlan, Sportswomen's urinary incontinence Feb 23, 2022

Margaret Atwood's latest collection of essays, Burning Questions, gathers together her essays and other occasional non-fiction pieces from 2004 to 2021. She is the author of more than fifty books of fiction, poetry and critical essays. Her novels include Cat's Eye, The Robber Bride, Alias Grace, and The Blind Assassin which won the Booker prize in 2000. Her 1985 classic, The Handmaid's Tale, was followed in 2019 by a sequel, The Testaments, which was also a Booker Prize winner (with Bernadine Evaristo's Girl, Woman, Other). Margaret joins Emma to talk about culture wars, free speech, feminism, grief and being in your 80’s.

The Labour MP Harriet Harman has called for a full investigation into how a housing association failed to realise that a female tenant had apparently been left dead in her south London flat for more than two years. Harriet joins Emma to talk about this happening in her constituency, and also how she has been coping since the sudden death of her husband Jack Dromey last month.

"There was urine flying through the air" - a new report out today in the Telegraph lays bare what it calls the ‘incontinence crisis’ blighting elite women's sport. Female athletes are overwhelmingly at risk of pelvic-floor dysfunction, leading to urinary incontinence which has, according to this report, become normalised in certain sports. Anna Kessel, Women’s Sport Editor at The Telegraph, joins Emma.

The actress and writer Joanna Scanlan is known for her many roles in TV shows such as Getting On, No Offence and The Thick of It. She’s just been nominated for a BAFTA leading actress award for the film After Love. Set in Dover, she plays a white English woman called Mary Hussain who converted to Islam at marriage, but following the unexpected death of her husband many years later uncovers a secret about him across the channel in Calais.

Image: Margaret Atwood Credit: Luis Mora

Competitive cheerleading, Criminal records, Professor Clare Chambers Feb 22, 2022

One in six people in England and Wales have a criminal record. A new campaign #Fairchecks spearheaded by charities Transform Justice and Unlock reveals the experiences of women whose lives have been ruined by minor offences as much as 30 years on. To coincide with the Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill, going through the final stages of parliament, they are asking for amendments to shorten the time people must disclose their conviction, helping to give some people’s a fairer chance at a fresh start. Emma is joined by Rachel, now 36, who acquired a criminal record at the age of 19, and by Angela Cairns, CEO of Unlock. Do we change our bodies because we want to or because we are being pressured to conform by society? Cambridge Professor of Political Philosophy Clare Chambers considers this question and concludes that the unmodified body is under attack, particularly for women, who are constantly given the message that their body is not good enough just as it is. Her new book is Intact – A Defence of the Unmodified Body. Last September the Children’s code came into effect in the UK. Its purpose is to protect children's online data. Instagram and Apple are amongst nine tech firms under investigation by the Information Commissioner for breaches of the Code - following complaints lodged by the charity 5Rights which fights for children's digital rights. Emma is joined by its founder Baroness Beeban Kidron. The reputation of cheerleading has changed in recent years thanks to programmes such as Netflix docuseries Cheer and its recognition as an official Olympic sport. Emma discusses its growing popularity in the UK with Team England coach Angela Green and cheerleader (and engineer) Pokuwa Strong.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Disabled children and exercise, Women escaping domestic abuse, and 'rent farming', Whistler's Woman in White Feb 21, 2022

Today Woman's Hour has an exclusive investigation into the women who have survived domestic violence but are being exploited a second time by ‘rent farming’. These women, trapped in what is known as 'exempt accommodation' after fleeing abuse, say they often come out more traumatised than when they moved in. We reveal the legal loopholes which allow landlords to receive higher - enhanced - housing benefit, which they're meant to spend on wrap around support to get tenants' lives back on track. But many don’t and are accused of financially ‘gaming the system’.

Later this week the Royal Academy is opening an exhibition called Whistler’s Woman in White: Joanna Hiffernan. Very little is known about Joanna, she was an Irish model who became Whistler’s confidante and muse for at least two decades. But Professor Margaret MacDonald from Glasgow University, who is the curator of the exhibition, has been trawling through the archives for decades, to find out all she can about her; shining a light on Joanna's partnership with Whistler and the iconic paintings she inspired.

Last week the UK's Chief Medical Officers published their first ever guidelines on physical activity for disabled children and young people. They suggest 20 minutes of exercise per day and balance activities 3 times a week. An infographic of the advice was created with the help of disabled children and their families. We speak to two mums, Tina and Carly, about the importance of the advice and how their sons were involved in the making of the infographic.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Nicole Jacobs Interviewed Guest: Professor Margaret MacDonald

Mina Smallman, Workplace Fertility Officers, Covid Jabs for kids, Suffragist Lydia Becker Feb 19, 2022

Mina Smallman, the mother of the murdered sisters Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman is one of the key women who called for Dame Cressida Dick to resign from her position as Metropolitan Commissioner. As negotiations continue on when Dame Cressida will leave, we get Mina’s reaction.

Do we need a family planning one as well? Lawyer Natalie Sutherland has become one of Britain’s first fertility officers and Becky Kearns is co-founder of ‘Fertility Matters at Work.’ They talk to us about why more companies should consider appointing one.

During lockdown, full-time carer and former history teacher, Joanna Williams sat down at her kitchen table and wrote the biography of 'The Great Miss Lydia Becker.' She thought the world needed to know about the 19th Century Manchester suffragist - beyond the few lines she had found in a text book.

Children aged between 5-11 in all four nations of the UK are to be offered a low dose of the Covid vaccine. Dr Elizabeth Mann, an immunologist at the Lydia Becker Institute at the University of Manchester and Naomi Grimley, BBC Global Health Correspondent joins us.

Prince Andrew has reached an out of court settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who had accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was 17. He has always denied the allegations and hasn't admitted any liability. Georgina Calvert-Lee, an employment and equality lawyer at McAllister Olivarius and expert on NDAs and MP Jess Phillips, Labour's Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding discuss.

One mum in the US was left shocked when she told her nurse one of her twin daughter's names, only to be laughed at for it. She posted a video to her TikTok account which went viral. We talk to SJ Strum, who has a YouTube channel and blog which offers baby naming advice.

Reimagining ‘Jekyll and Hyde’. Author Charmaine Wilkerson. Forensic Scientist Professor Angela Gallop Feb 18, 2022

The National Theatre is embarking on a seven week tour of secondary schools. Their radical reimagining of ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ with two female leads will be watched by more than 10,500 students from across the UK, bringing live theatre to underserved areas like Doncaster, Sunderland and Wigan. It aims to create conversations about issues like Police sexual abuse, violence against women and online misogyny. Emma discusses the play with its director, Kirsty Housley.

35-year-old Christina Yuna Lee was attacked and stabbed in her New York apartment after a man followed her into her building. Her murder has caused outrage in the city amid questions about the vulnerability and safety of the Asian community in the city. Communtiy activist Grace Lee joins us from New York.

Author Charmaine Wilkerson’s debut novel Black Cake tells the story of how the inheritance of betrayals, secrets, memories, and even names, can shape relationships and history. She joins Krupa to discuss how stories shape our identity and how secrets can impact families across generations.

Choosing a name for your child is a personal decision and sometimes you just have to realise not everyone is going to like it. But one mother in the US mum was left shocked when she told her nurse one of her twin daughter's names, only to be laughed at for it. Elizabeth-Leslie Edwards, posted the video to her TikTok account where it went viral with over one million views. We hear from SJ Strum who has has a YouTube channel and blog which offers advice on baby naming.

Plus forensic scientist Professor Angela Gallop will be telling us all about 'How to Solve A Crime' . And will we see Hillary Clinton enter the Presidential race in 2024.

Presenter Krupa Pardy Producer Beverley Purcell

Women protest in India over hijab bans, Comedian, Isabelle Farah, Parents attacked by their children, Feb 17, 2022

Schools in the Indian state of Karnataka reopened yesterday after protests broke out in response to the state government trying to ban women wearing the hijab in classrooms. The issue gained widespread attention after videos and images of girls wearing hijab getting heckled while being denied entry to school went viral. Protestors took to the streets to condemn the decision, and women have marched in solidarity in cities across India. Divya Arya, BBC woman’s affairs journalist and Sumayyah Khan, a law student at the Aligarh Muslim University in Uttar Pradesh join Krupa Padhy.

It's been announced that children aged between 5 and 11 in all four nations of the UK are to be offered a low dose of the covid vaccine. Children are at a much lower risk of becoming severely ill from a Covid infection, so the health benefits of vaccinating them are smaller than in other age-groups. Also, many will have some protection from already having caught the virus. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises governments across the UK, have been weighing up the evidence for immunising five to 11-year-olds. It concluded vaccination should go ahead to prevent a "very small number of children from serious illness and hospitalisation" in a future wave of Covid. Dr Elizabeth Mann, an immunologist at the Lydia Becker Institute at the University of Manchester and Naomi Grimley, BBC Global Health Correspondent discuss.

Isabelle Farah is a British Lebanese actor, comedian, and writer. Following an undergraduate degree in French and Film Studies, she trained as a classical actress. She started doing stand up comedy in 2017 and has since gigged across the UK and internationally. Her one woman comedy show, Ellipsis, about grief, authenticity and punchlines, enjoyed a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe last summer, and is currently on at the Pleasance Theatre in London. She explains the personal event that inspired it.

New research funded by the Home Office has found that a tenth of domestic abuse cases involve parents being attacked by their children. These findings are based on almost 67,000 reports investigated by Lancashire police, of which 7,171 involved a child over 16 abusing a parent or parental figure. The reports show that abuse was more likely to be intimidating or coercive behaviour than outright violence and the age of the abuser averaged at 27 years old. Nicola Graham-Kevan is a professor of criminal justice psychology at the University of Central Lancashire and led the research. Kat Wilson is a senior support worker at Woman's Aid.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Dr Elizabeth Mann Interviewed Guest: Naomi Grimley Interviewed Guest: Divya Arya Interviewed Guest: Summayyah Khan Interviewed Guest: Isabelle Farah Interviewed Guest: Nicola Graham-Kevan Interviewed Guest: Kat Wilson

Virginia Giuffre, Child Protection, Lydia Becker Feb 16, 2022

An out-of-court settlement has been reached between Prince Andrew and Virginia Giuffre. She'd accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was 17. He's always denied it and hasn't admitted any liability. We examine what the settlement means for Virginia Giuffre with the lawyer, Georgina Calvert-Lee and Jess Phillips MP, who's Labour's Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding.

There have been some desperately sad news reports recently about children who've been killed by those they loved and trusted. We talk in depth about child protection? Are vulnerable and at-risk children being removed quick enough from their families? Or do we have a system which takes too many children away without trying other ways to help first? We speak to author and journalist, Polly Curtis who's been investigating this issue as well as Alison Bavidge from the Scottish Association of Social Workers

Do you know who Lydia Becker was? She was a suffragist, and one of our listeners really got into her during lock-down. Joanna Williams sat down at her kitchen table and wrote a book about her. It helped her cope with being a full-time carer to her husband.

Did you know that women led Bronze Age immigration to Orkney? New research led to the finding. We speak to Dr. Maria Pala from the Archaeogenetics Research Group at the University of Huddersfield to find out more.

Mina Smallman Feb 15, 2022

Mina Smallman whose daughters were killed in a London park gives her reaction to the latest revelations from the Metropolitan police.

Vladimir Putin could launch an invasion of Ukraine "almost immediately", the UK believes as diplomatic efforts continued to avert a war in eastern Europe. Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned on Monday an invasion could take place within 48 hours as he urged Russia's president to step back from the "edge of a precipice". We hear from two women on the ground in Ukraine.

We have health & safety officers, diversity officers, and even wellness officers in the workplace. Do we need one for family planning as well? We speak to lawyer Natalie Sutherland, who has just become Britain’s first Fertility Officer, and, Becky Kearns, Co-founder of ‘Fertility Matters at Work’ to find out why more companies should consider appointing one.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Imtiaz Dharker, Catherine Nicholson and Agnes Poirier, Clare Murphy, Dr Alison Smith Feb 14, 2022

The award-winning poet Imtiaz Dharker has specially selected her favourite "Love Poems" together in a beautiful collection for the Folio Society. There are recent and ancient poems, poems that talk about the animal magnetism of love and others of more profound devotion, but they have all been arranged carefully to speak across centuries and cultures. Imtiaz also shares with Emma her writing tips for those who want to compose something for the person they love today.

A record number of women are standing in the French presidential elections in April across the breadth of the political landscape. It’s the first election since the global #metoo movement and commentators are considering whether this could have an impact on the outcome. We hear from Catherine Nicholson who is the European Affairs Editor at France 24 TV and Agnes Poirier UK Editor of L'Express.

At-home early abortions were introduced at the start of the pandemic to prevent the number of people visiting clinics, but the legislation is due to expire next month. We speak to Clare Murphy, boss of BPAS, about her fears for pregnant women if the government revokes the measures.

You may have been online searching for long-lost members of your family - trying to build that family tree. But now there's a chance to search pictures of relatives too. The National Portrait Gallery has teamed up with the website Ancestry to upload thousands of portraits of well-known and ordinary people it has in their collection. But the gallery has also announced a competition giving the public the chance to submit their own family photos to be selected and displayed. Dr Alison Smith from the National Portrait Gallery tells us how people can make their entries.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Giles Aspen

Weekend Woman's Hour: Marian Keyes, Donna McLean, Mansion Hunters Feb 12, 2022

Marian Keyes writes funny, clever novels about the tough stuff in life. Her new novel Again, Rachel revisits Rachel Walsh whose story of recovery from addiction was told in the 1997 novel Rachel's Holiday. Marian explains how her own experience of addiction and recovery shapes the stories she tells.

In the glamorous world of luxury property selling high-end homes can be a cut-throat business. Sophie Leigh and Chloe Cable from the reality show Mega Mansion Hunters discuss their uphill struggle to become successful women in the industry.

Donna McLean first heard about undercover cops having relationships with female activists in 2010 when Mark Kennedy, an undercover police officer who had spent years pretending to be an environmental campaigner, was unmasked. She didn’t realise until years later she was also a victim of the Spy Cops scandal. She has written a memoir Small Town Girl: Love, Lies and The Undercover Police.

A group of mothers in Massachusetts exorcise their pandemic frustrations by screaming in a group in the middle of a football field. Could the craze come to the UK? We speak to Professor Pragya Agarwal and Dr Rebecca Semmens-Wheeler

Last week’s Levelling Up white paper has promised a devolution deal to every part of England that wishes to have one by 2030. But what impact has devolution had on female political representation? We discuss with Jemima Olchawski, Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society; Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire; and Jackie Weaver, Chief Officer of the Cheshire Association of Local Councils.

Brit-award winning singer-songwriter Kate Nash introduces her new song Imperfect, and shares her experience of learning to wrestle for Netflix series GLOW.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

Cressida Dick, Tukwini Mandela, Sheila Ferguson Feb 11, 2022

Dame Cressida Dick, the first woman to lead the Metropolitan Police has resigned. We've covered every twist and turn of the many high profile crimes against women and girls involving the Met Police over the last two years. We get reaction from Kristina O'Connor, the daughter of Des O'Connor, who has her own experience of inappropriate Met Police behaviour. Also, Jamie Klingler from Reclaim These Streets, Zoe Billingham who's the former Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary and Harriet Wistrich, Director of the Centre for Women's Justice.

We hear from Tukwini Mandela, one of Nelson Mandela's oldest grandchildren. Thirty two years to the day, Nelson Mandala was released from Robben Island. Tukwini is here to explore how much the UK population really knows about black history.

We speak to Marie Penman who left her job with the charity-side of Raith Rovers football club because it signed David Goodwillie. He was the player who a Scottish civil court found to have raped a woman.

Sheila Ferguson. who used to be one of the Three Degrees. is now in a new production of Chicago which is on tour. Sheila joins Anita to talk about new love, dating and hanging out with musical legends when she first started out.

Licoricia, Kate Nash, Devolution and Samantha Jones Feb 10, 2022

Today the Prince of Wales will unveil a statue of Licoricia, a Medieval Jewish woman outside where she once lived on Jewry Street, Winchester. The statue is hoped to inspire women and provide education on the UK’s Jewish history. Emma is joined by Rebecca Abrams author of ‘Licoricia of Winchester: Power and Prejudice in Mediaeval England’, on why Licoricia’s story is so important.

Brit-award winning singer-songwriter Kate Nash, known for her expressive and honest lyrics sung in a North London accent, is coming to venues again very soon. She's got a tour, a fifth album and even a musical coming out this year. You may have seen her in the series, GLOW on Netflix based on the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling from the 1980s and she's got a new single, 'Imperfect' out tomorrow along with a new video in the theme of 'Galantine's Day.' She joins Emma live from LA to talk all about releasing new music and learning how to wrestle.

Boris Johnson has just made Samantha Jones the most powerful woman in No. 10. No, not the Sex and City character but a former nurse and NHS boss who has been hired as the Prime Minister's first 'Chief Operating Officer'. This is part of the reform of Downing Street he promised after Sue Gray's report on the so-called partygate scandal was released last week. In this new post, Samantha Jones will apparently examine how Number 10 is run and help set up the Office of the Prime Minister. Emma is joined by Rosa Prince, Editor of The House - which is Parliament's magazine - to find out more about her and the role.

Last week’s Levelling Up white paper has promised a devolution deal to every part of England that wishes to have one by 2030. But what impact has devolution had on female political representation? We discuss with Jemima Olchawski, Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society and Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, the only female metro mayor in England and Jackie Weaver, Chief Officer of the Cheshire Association of Local Councils.

Sculpture of Licorcia by Ian Rank Broadley.

Marian Keyes, Women making crypto art, Self-harm in women's prisons Feb 09, 2022

Marian Keyes writes funny, clever novels about the tough stuff in life. Her books feature addiction, break-ups, poor mental health with women at the heart and lots of good men as well. Her new novel Again, Rachel revisits Rachel Walsh whose story of recovery from addiction was told in the 1997 novel Rachel's Holiday. 25 years later Rachel has come full circle and is now working at the rehab facility where she got into recovery all those years ago. Marian joins Emma to explain how her own experience of addiction and recovery shapes the stories she tells and why happy endings are so important to her.

Voice messages left on a crisis hotline ignored for six weeks. More self-harm incidents than any other women's prison. Violence high and a regime that's uncaring and punitive. These are the findings of an inspectorate report out today into Foston Hall, a women's prison in Derbyshire. Four other women's prisons in England have recently been inspected too. Across the board, self-harm has increased in women's prisons during the pandemic, much more than in men's prisons. Emma is joined by Sandra Fieldhouse who leads on women's prisons for Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons.

The crypto art marketplace has taken off over the past couple of years - with some pieces raking in millions - but surprise, surprise, it is nearly as male-dominated as traditional auction sales. For some female artists though, it has been life-changing. That is especially the case for the Scottish artist Anna Louise Simpson, a divorced mother of two, who is with us this morning. We are also joined by Micol Ap who runs VerticalCrypto Art, a media hub and studio dedicated to NFT art.

For the last week, the media has been full of the aftermath of the Prime Minister's remarks to the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer - that he had failed to prosecute Jimmy Savile for sexual assault while Director of Public Prosecutions. A claim that is false, but was seized upon by a group of people who surrounded Starmer on Monday evening. But how has all of this affected Savile's many victims? We hear from one of them, Dee Coles, who told us how outraged she was, and how upset. Emma speaks to Maggie Oliver, a former detective who now runs the Maggie Oliver Foundation which helps victims and survivors of sexual abuse.

Group screaming, Kim Leadbeater, Breast cancer treatment, Separated fostered siblings, Lazy Susan Feb 08, 2022

Downing Street has said the Prime Minister will not be apologising for claiming that the Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer, while Director of Public Prosecutions failed to prosecute Jimmy Saville for sexual assault - a claim that is false. There have been renewed calls for Boris Johnson to retract the comments after Sir Keir was targeted yesterday by a gang of protestors near Parliament - some of whom could be heard shouting "paedophile protector". The Prime Minister has described the demonstrators' behaviour as "disgraceful". It brings to the fore the issue of MPs and their public safety. Kim Leadbeater is the sister of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox, and now represents her sister's former constituency of Batley and Spen for Labour. She speaks to Emma.

New analysis says that almost 300,000 people were unable to see a cancer specialist within two weeks of an urgent referral between April and November last year. The research, which used information from the House of Commons library and was commissioned by the Labour Party, found that more than 90,000 of those breaches were for people who may have breast cancer. As the Prime Minister promises new targets to tackle the backlog, Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Now, Baroness Delyth Morgan explains what this means for breast cancer patients.

Have you ever felt like you wanted to scream from the top of your lungs? You’d be in good company. Last month, a group of Massachusetts mothers in the US decided to get all their pandemic frustrations off their chests by shouting in a group in the middle of a football field. It has inspired others women around the US to do the same. Could this craze come to the UK? Behaviour and data scientist, Professor Pragya Agarwal, decided to start screaming with her daughters during lockdown. Dr Rebecca Semmens-Wheeler explains why it might feel good but might not be the healthiest way of feeling better.

A new BBC Three documentary presented by reporter Ashley John-Baptiste explores sibling separation in the UK care system. What is the impact for a child in foster care to be separated from their sisters or brothers? Rachel Musekiwa and Keilagh Brinkley are two young women who were both separated from their siblings in care. They tell us their experiences.

A new all-female sketch show called Lazy Susan premiered this month on BBC Three and iPlayer. The series features some hilarious new characters from the comedy duo Freya Parker and Celeste Drin, alongside some of those best-loved from their stage shows. Unique and powerful women, like this pair of comedians, are taking over comedy from every direction. That's according to the Director of BBC Comedy, Shane Allen, who says: “Five years ago there were still articles asking where all the funny women were." Freya and Celeste join Emma

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Kim Leadbeater Interviewed Guest: Baroness Delyth Morgan Interviewed Guest: Professor Pragya Agarwal Interviewed Guest: Dr Rebecca Semmens-Wheeler Interviewed Guest: Rachel Musekiwa Interviewed Guest: Keliagh Brinkley Interviewed Guest: Freya Parker Interviewed Guest: Celeste Drin

Knitted Sandringham, Donna McLean, Language of reproduction Feb 07, 2022

The celebrations to mark her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee have officially begun. with events up and down the country over the coming months. One woman who's preparing her own very special tribute to the Queen is 92 year old Margaret Seaman. Margaret made headlines last year with her 'knitted Sandringham' which painstakingly recreated the palace and grounds of the Queen's Norfolk estate. Margaret joins Emma from her home in Great Yarmouth.

Imagine finding out the love of your life never existed. Donna McLean first heard about undercover cops having relationships with female activists in 2010 when Mark Kennedy, an undercover police officer who had spent years pretending to be an environmental campaigner, was unmasked. She didn’t realise until years later she was also a victim of the Spy Cops scandal. Over 40 years, British police officers were sent undercover to infiltrate left-wing activist groups. Over 30 women, so far, have found out the men they fell in love were actually spying on them. In 2015 a message from an old friend turned Donna’s life upside down. She found out the 2 year long relationship she’d had with locksmith Carlo was in fact a lie. He was an undercover police officer. She has written a memoire Small Town Girl: Love, Lies and The Undercover Police.

You may have heard the term 'pregnant people' being used in place of 'pregnant women'. It's intended to be inclusive of trans men and nonbinary people who are having a baby. Today a global group of women's health experts publish an article in the journal Frontiers of Global Women's Health, arguing that there are unintended consequences to shifting the language of reproduction in this way. They say these include compromising the accuracy of some medical research and results, and the dehumanisation of women by using terms that refer to them only by body part or function - for example 'cervix haver' or 'birth-giver'. Jenny Gamble, Professor of Midwifery at Coventry University, is one of the co-authors of the article and joins Emma.

The Gilded Age is a new TV series created by Julian Fellowes - of Downton Abbey fame - which follows the lives of high society women in 1880s New York. But who are the real historical figures who inspired the series? We speak to social and fashion historian Elizabeth Block.

Lata Mangeshkar, one of India's most beloved singers, has died aged 92. Described as the 'nightingale of Bollywood', she had a career that spanned more than half a century and her voice was the soundtrack to hundreds of Bollywood films. Her funeral took place earlier today in India, attended by Prime Minister Modi and stars of the entertainment industry. Two days of national mourning will follow. To reflect on her extraordinary legacy, Emma is joined by BBC presenter Nikki Bedi.

Image: Sandringham as knitted by Margaret Seaman Credit: Keiron Tovell

World record Atlantic rowers, Police culture, Women and investing Feb 05, 2022

Two women with no previous rowing experience have smashed the world record for the fastest female pair to row across the Atlantic. We hear from Jessica Oliver and Charlotte Harris who rowed 3000 miles over 45 days in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, battling 30 ft waves, sharks and sleep deprivation. Photo credit Atlantic Campaigns

Vile text messages have come to light which were shared between police officers belonging to the Metropolitan Police. The IOPC has said: "We believe these incidents are not isolated or simply the behaviour of a few 'bad apples'." The Met has said that it is 'sorry'. We hear reaction from Zoe Billingham, former Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary. And we hear from listener Amanda,. Her son, George, is planning to join the Police later this year and she is worried but he is determined to be part of the change.

Big investment firms are missing out on up to 2.37 trillion pounds of potential investment because of their poor record in attracting female investors. That was a warning this week from the giant investment bank BNY Mellon, which revealed only 28% of women feel confident in investing their money. Anne-Marie McConnon is the bank's chief client experience officer, and she tells us more about their findings. She’s joined by Sarah Turner the founder of Angel Academe, a network for mostly-female angel investors.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

British Vogue, Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 & Mummy Bloggers Feb 04, 2022

The cover of British Vogue’s February 2022 issue has made history. It’s the first Vogue cover to feature nine black models, titled Fashion Now. The issue celebrates the rise of African models in high-end fashion, styled by Vogue’s first Black Editor-In-Chief Edward Enninful and Brazilian photographer, Rafael Pavarotti. Undeniably it’s been met with celebration but also some nuanced criticism. We hear from Chelsea Mtada, the Arts and Culture Editor at Guap Magazine.

We discuss the new legal duties being put on parents who educate their children at home. Parents in England will have to let the local authority know and register their child accordingly. If they don't, they'll be penalised. We hear from Charlotte Ramsden President of the Association of Directors of Children's Services and Gabriella Rook, a young trustee from Education Otherwise, the longest standing and largest home-education charity in England and Wales.

The Winter Olympics 2022 in Beijing officially begin on Friday. Around 3000 athletes from 91 nations will compete for one of the 109 gold medals on offer. So who are the women among the Great Britain hopefuls? We hear from the four time Olympian and BBC Ski Sunday Presenter Chemmy Alcott and from Katie Smith Olympic Reporter from BBC Sport.

Big investment firms are missing out on up to 2.37 trillion pounds of potential investment because of their poor record in attracting female investors. That was a warning this week from the giant investment bank BNY Mellon, which revealed only 28% of women feel confident in investing their money. Anne-Marie McConnon is the bank's chief client experience officer, and she tells us more about their findings. She’s joined by Sarah Turner the founder of Angel Academe’s, a network for mostly-female angel investors.

Social media is filled with bloggers and influencers – so how does someone stand out? Lockdown has seen a trend in a new kind of ‘insta mums’ – who are bringing humour and a dose of reality to motherhood. Both Molly Gudger and Louise Boyce have built platforms on telling it like it is when it comes to parenting.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Photographer credit: Rafael Pavarotti

Stacey Dooley, Police culture, Novice rowers become champions, Afghan women update, Anne Boleyn Feb 03, 2022

Stacey Dooley has been presenting television documentaries for over 10 years – on everything from drug cartels in Southern Spain to illegal pornography in South Korea. Now the Sunday Times bestselling author has released a new book, exploring the state of mental health in the UK. ‘Are You Really OK?’ looks at – amongst other things – issues of PTSD, depression, psychosis; and what causes these things. Stacey reveals what she’s learnt.

Yesterday on the programme we discussed the culture of policing in the light of misogynistic, discriminatory and violent texts exchanged between serving officers between 2016 and 2018. They were revealed as part of an IOPC investigation at Charing Cross police station in London. These revelations follow the murder of Sarah Everard and the treatment of Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman by serving Metropolitan Police officers. We asked how can a toxic culture be changed? A mother, Amanda, contacted us while we were on air. Her son, George, is planning to join the Police later this year and she is worried but he is determined to be part of the change. They both join Emma.

Two women with no previous rowing experience have smashed the world record for the fastest female pair to row across the Atlantic. Jessica Oliver and Charlotte Harris rowed 3000 miles over 45 days in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, battling 30 ft waves, sharks and sleep deprivation. They join us to discuss the experience.

Some of Afghanistan's public universities reopened yesterday for the first time since the Taliban took over the country, with female students joining their male counterparts heading back to classes. Girls are still not allowed to attend secondary schools, and women remain barred from many jobs outside the health and teaching sector. This is unfolding against the backdrop of a major humanitarian crisis. Fawzia Koofi, the former Vice President of the National Assembly in Kabul and women's rights activist, updates us.

You know the rhyme “divorced beheaded died, divorced, beheaded, survived.” The first women to lose her head at the hands of Henry VIII was Anne Boleyn - and her story is so often characterised by that tragic outcome that we may have overlooked the fact that she was a feminist and ahead of her time. This is the view of Dr Owen Emmerson who has curated an exhibition at Hever Castle - Anne's childhood home - called Becoming Anne: Connections, Culture, Court. But can she be seen as a feminist when the word hadn't even been invented? Emma is joined by Owen and Tracy Borman, the Tudor historian and Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces who is currently writing a book about the relationship between Anne Boleyn and her daughter Elizabeth.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Stacey Dooley Interviewed Guest: Jessica Oliver Interviewed Guest: Charlotte Harris Interviewed Guest: Tracy Borman Interviewed Guest: Dr Owen Emmerson

Gloria Allred, Monica Ali, Val McDermid Feb 02, 2022

Gloria Allred is probably the best known women’s rights lawyer in the US. Equally loved, feared and deemed controversial by some, for nearly half a century she's represented women in high profile cases involving Bill Cosby, Jeffrey Epstein, Harvey Weinstein, R Kelly, Donald Trump. She talks to Woman's Hour about the situation facing the Duke of York, the possible retrial of Ghislaine Maxwell & her admiration for Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Vile text messages have come to light which were shared between police officers belonging to the Metropolitan Police. The IOPC has said: "We believe these incidents are not isolated or simply the behaviour of a few 'bad apples'." The Met has said that it is 'sorry'. We get reaction from Zoe Billingham, former Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary and Shabnam Chaudhri, who served as an officer in the Met for 30 years.

Monica Ali wrote her bestseller Brick Lane nearly 20 years ago. Her new book is called Love Marriage. It's about two families who are brought together when Yasmin and Joe fall in love.

Scottish crime writer, Val McDermid, has stopped sponsoring a football club that's been part of her life since she was a baby. She's finished supporting Raith Rovers because it's signed up David Goodwillie who, in a Scottish civil case in 2017, was found to have raped a woman. He was fined £100,000. Val says she can't see herself ever going back to Raith Rovers.

Carrie Johnson, Supreme Court nominee, Women & work in the 17th century, Rising popularity of thongs, MMR Feb 01, 2022

As the Prime Minister apologises for a failure of leadership, accepting Sue Gray's report, and promises to overhaul Number 10 - his place of work and home - what of Carrie Johnson? And concerns about the blurring of lines...

The pandemic has changed the way some women work and has blurred the boundaries between home and work for many. A new book by Professor Laura Gowing of King’s College London called 'Ingenious Trade' unearths the stories of women at work in 17th Century London and shows how crucial to their identity paid employment was.

For those who remember the late 90s and early noughties, thongs were a defining emblem of popular fashion, often poking out of denim and low-rise trousers. Today, clothes retailers are seeing a surge in their thong sales since 2019, and with the resurgence of ‘y2k’ style among young people, it seems that thongs are back.

Joe Biden announced last week that he'd fulfil his campaign promise of the first black female justice just as Justice Stephen Breyer said he would retire. Biden said that it was long overdue in his opinion and that he will reveal his choice of a younger, liberal judge by the end of February. While many Americans welcome diversity in the Supreme Court, Biden has also faced criticism for playing identity politics. Emma discusses this with Kimberly Peeler-Allen who is the co-founder of Higher Heights, an organisation that builds the collective political power of Black women and Lawrence Hurley, Reuters U.S. Supreme Court Correspondent.

Latest data from the UK Health Security Agency shows that more than one in ten children starting school in England are at risk of measles because they haven't had their jabs. Vaccine rates for the MMR, which helps protect five-year-olds against measles, mumps and rubella, have fallen to their lowest level in a decade. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, there's been a concerning drop in the number of children receiving these vaccinations on time, with some parents perhaps not wanting to burden the NHS or unaware doctors were still offering appointments.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Caroline Slocock Interviewed Guest: Caroline Wheeler Interviewed Guest: Professor Laura Gowing Interviewed Guest: Alizé Demange Interviewed Guest: Letty Cole Interviewed Guest: Kimberly Peeler-Allen Interviewed Guest: Lawrence Hurley Interviewed Guest: Professor Helen Bedford

Sarah Brown sings Mahalia Jackson, Performative activism, Over-exercising Jan 31, 2022

Nikki da Costa is former director of legislative affairs at No 10. She has a piece in the Times this morning saying that 'No 10 failed us when we needed our leaders most'. Nikki joins Emma for an exclusive broadcast interview.

Sarah Brown has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry. She grew up singing gospel in a Pentecostal church, which first inspired her love of Mahalia Jackson’s music. To mark the 50th anniversary of Mahalia’s death, Sarah has released an album in tribute to her heroine.

Last week Mars Wrigley announced a rebranding of the iconic M&M mascots. The green M&M character will be losing her high heels to be replaced with sneakers. We ask whether this kind of ‘activism branding’ leads to any significant change? Lee Edwards is a Professor of Strategic Communication and Public Engagement at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Carly Lewis-Oduntan is a freelance features writer.

Following allegations of abuse against footballer Mason Greenwood posted first on social media, Women's Aid CEO Farah Nazeer joins Emma to discuss the ramifications of making allegations on social media before going to police? Regular exercise is something we all know can help your mental health and reduce your stress levels. But is there a point when it becomes unhealthy? The mental health charity Mind is concerned people may be getting overly reliant on exercise and are urging ‘exercise addicts’ to build in rest days. Hayley Jarvis, Mind’s Head of Physical Activity and 21 year old Catherine join Emma.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucina Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour: Dr Koshka Duff, Tareena Shakil, 'Corona Lisa', Midwife Shortage, Six The Musical Jan 29, 2022

Dr Koshka Duff, an assistant professor of politics at Nottingham University has received an apology and compensation from the Met Police after officers were caught on CCTV using sexist, derogatory and unacceptable language during a 2013 strip search. In her first broadcast interview since the apology, she speaks to Emma about that experience and why it has taken so long to get an apology.

Chloe Slevin, a 3rd year nursing student at University College Dublin has been painting well-known masterpieces - with a Covid-19 twist. Her latest creation? The 'Corona Lisa' which sees the famous Mona Lisa in full PPE, which she plans to auction off for charity. She joins Emma to talk about all about her paintings.

Tareena Shakil is the first British woman to be found guilty of joining the so-called Islamic State. She was jailed for travelling to Syria with her son - who was a one year old baby at the time, in 2014. She speaks to Anita about why she left the UK to join a terrorist organisation - and why she's speaking out.

Midwives are being ‘dangerously overworked’ according to a former NHS midwife. Piroska Cavell, who worked for years across the UK as a midwife and Dr Mary Ross-Davie from the Royal College of Midwives speak to Emma about the challenges facing midwives working on the frontline:

Plus do you remember the rhyme for Henry VIII's six wives? Well a musical about them has just opened on Broadway following rave reviews on the West End. Six the Musical follows all six wives, as they take the microphone in a ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ style sing-off. Co-director Lucy Moss, co-director and co-writer of the show, and Tsemaye Bob-Egbe, who plays Henry VIII’s fifth wife Katherine Howard, join Emma to discuss its success.

Tareena Shakil, Nabihah Iqbal & Libby Heaney, Death Doulas Jan 28, 2022

Tareena Shakil is the first British woman to be found guilty of joining so-called Islamic State. She was jailed for travelling to Syria with her baby son to join ISIS. That was in 2014 when she was 24. She didn't last long in Syria and fled. A trial in the UK followed and it came to light that she lied to police when they questioned her and some of her social media posts encouraged others to do the same as her. She tells her story to Anita Rani, and describes her hopes for the future.

Libby Heaney and Nabihah Iqbal are combining music production and AI for their piece Cascade. It's an exploration of the River Thames and includes field recordings of the Thames, AI generated sounds and visuals.

One Big Bag is a film installation about a young death doula. That's a carer who supports someone who's dying and their families. Its creator is artist Every Ocean Hughes. She joins Hermione Elliott who's a doula herself, and Dr Helen Frisby.

Opera arias reinvented, Holocaust survivor Rachel Levy Jan 27, 2022

We’re all too familiar with operatic heroines, dying tragically on stage. The arias they sing are often completely beautiful, the skill of the composers not in doubt, but the stereotyping does modern women no service. It’s a dilemma that award winning, all women string quartet Zaïde address in a new project entitled No(s) Dames. They have teamed up with counter tenor Théophile Alexandre to showcase arias of tragic heroines by seventeen different composers. The twist is that it is male Theophile who sings the arias. First violinist Charlotte Maclet joins Emma.

Today is National Holocaust Memorial Day and the Prince of Wales, as chairman of the National Holocaust Memorial Trust has commissioned the portraits of seven Holocaust survivors all of them now in their nineties, whose childhoods were spent surviving the Nazis. The portraits will be displayed at the Queen's Gallery as a living memorial to the six million innocent men, women and children who lost their lives in the Holocaust and whose stories will never be told. A 60-minute BBC Two documentary Survivors: Portraits of the Holocaust will air tonight at 9 pm and has followed the creation of the artworks and the relationship between artists and sitters. Emma is joined by one of the survivors - Rachel Levy - who was painted by the artist Stuart Pearson Wright.

Image: Quatuor Zaïde quartet with Théophile Alexandre Credit: Julien Benhamou

The Corona Lisa, Dr Koshka Duff, Magistrates and Revolutionary women Jan 26, 2022

Chloe Slevin, a 3rd year nursing student at University College Dublin has been painting well-known masterpieces - with a Covid-19 twist. First came 'The Girl with the Surgical Mask' after the famous 'Girl with the Pearl Earring' then she did a version of one of Michaelangelo's famous works. But her most recent painting is that of the 'Corona Lisa' - the Mona Lisa in full PPE and surgical mask, which she's auctioning off for LauraLynn, Ireland's only children's hospice. She joins Emma to talk about her paintings and what it's been like as a trainee nurse during the pandemic.

Emma speaks to Dr Koshka Duff who was detained in 2013 after offering a legal advice card to a black teenager during his stop-and-search. On CCTV footage, officers can be heard laughing about her hair, clothes and talking about her underwear. The Metropolitan Police have now apologised and paid the academic compensation for their "sexist, derogatory and unacceptable language".

The Ministry of Justice, this week, has announced an unprecedented recruitment drive, to boost the number of magistrates by 4,000. It’s part of a £1 million campaign to make the magistracy more representative of the communities it serves. They’re aiming to attract people from a wide range of backgrounds, from teachers, bricklayers, stay-at-home mums, and any individuals who can display reason and sound judgment. The step is expected to free up an estimated 1,700 extra days of Crown Court time annually and new recruits are expected to help tackle the backlog of criminal cases caused by the pandemic. Emma speaks to Amie Canham from North Yorkshire, a new Magistrate, as well as Bev Higgs, Chair of the Magistrates Association.

Women were contributing to the development of British politics and democracy long before they were agitating for the vote. Very few of them are well known today but all of them contributed something to the world we now inhabit, that’s according to Nan Sloane who has written a history of radical, reformist and revolutionary women from the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789 to the passing of the Great Reform Act in 1832. Her book is called Uncontrollable Women.

Six the Musical, Author Hannah Jewell on 'snowflakes', Women in Ukraine Jan 25, 2022

Six the Musical is currently on stage at the Vaudeville Theatre in London. The show follows Henry VIII’s six wives, as they take the microphone for the first time in a ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ style sing-off. Originally written by two Cambridge University students and showcased at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017, it has since taken London’s West End by storm and has just opened on Broadway. Joining Emma are Lucy Moss, co-director and co-writer of the show, and Tsemaye Bob-Egbe, who plays Henry VIII’s fifth wife Katherine Howard in a brand new London cast.

Boris Johnson is under renewed pressure after Downing Street admitted staff gathered inside No 10 during the first Covid lockdown to mark his birthday in June 2020. A spokesperson said staff had "gathered briefly" to "wish the Prime Minister a happy birthday", adding that he had been there "for less than 10 minutes". There have been recent suggestions that No 10 would benefit from having more women in high profile roles to sort out what has been reported to be a 'lad's lair'. Baroness Kate Fall was Deputy Chief of Staff for David Cameron while he was Prime Minister, and joins Emma.

Are the youth of today oversensitive, mollycoddled and intellectually weak? Is cancel culture spiralling out of control? According to journalist and writer Hannah Jewell, author of new book We Need Snowflakes: In defence of the sensitive the angry and the offended, the term ‘snowflakes’ has been used to demonise young people who care passionately about fighting racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and economic inequality.

As Russian troops mass on the border with Ukraine, and NATO warns of a risk of fresh conflict in Europe, Emma speaks to BBC Ukrainian Service journalist Irena Taranyuk about the pressures and decisions facing women in her country right now.

The MP Sir Edward Leigh, who himself suffers from rosacea, has tabled a debate on the link between skin problems and poor mental health to be held at Westminster Hall later today. He joins Emma Barnett to discuss his concerns alongside the consultant dermatologist Dr Penelope Pratsou who also speaks on behalf of the British Skin Foundation.

Female Offender Strategy, Midwife shortage, Zara Rutherford, Annalena Baerbock Jan 24, 2022

Concerns that the criminal justice system is not responsive enough to the specific needs of women are longstanding. In June 2018 the government published its Female Offender Strategy. It sought to reduce crime, pressure on services and the cost of dealing with women in the CJS, and to improve outcomes for women at all points in the system. The National Audit Office have just released a report examining the success of that strategy so far and are critical of the government’s efforts in implementing it. Kate Paradine, Chief Executive of Women in Prison joins Emma.

Midwives are under a ‘worrying amount’ of pressure and are being ‘dangerously overworked’ according to former NHS midwife, Piroska Cavell. According to a survey by the Royal College of Midwives from October 2021, over half of their members considering leaving the profession due to the current situation. Emma speaks to Piroska about her own experience of being a midwife on the front line and Royal College of Midwives’ Dr Mary Ross-Davie about the challenges facing maternity services.

Nineteen year old Zara Rutherford has become the youngest woman ever to fly solo around the world. Her journey spanned 5 months, 32,000 miles and five continents. And to top it all she only got her pilot’s licence two years ago.

Who is Annalena Baerbock? The new German foreign minister met with her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov last week in Moscow, and delivered a warning that her country was prepared to pay a high price to defend its values, if Russia invades Ukraine. Why is her role in the diplomacy significant, and how did she become Germany’s first female foreign minister? Emma speaks to Michaela Kuefner, Chief Political Editor at Deutsche Welle.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Piroska Cavell Interviewed Guest: Dr Mary Ross-Davie Interviewed Guest: Zara Rutherford Interviewed Guest: Kate Paradine Interviewed Guest: Michaela Kuefner

Weekend Woman's Hour: Tracey Emin, Ashling Murphy, Adult Literacy Jan 22, 2022

Artist Tracey Emin shares why she wants an artwork she donated to the government’s art collection to be removed from display in Number 10 Downing Street.

Last Wednesday afternoon, 23-year-old school teacher Ashling Murphy was killed while jogging along the banks of the Grand Canal in Tullamore, Ireland. The case has shocked the nation and revived concerns about women’s safety in public spaces in Ireland and the UK. We speak to Irish Times reporter Jade Wilson and veteran women's rights activist Ailbhe Smyth.

In 1969 Muriel McKay was kidnapped after being mistaken for Rupert Murdoch’s wife. The story dominated front pages for weeks, and hundreds of police worked the case. After 40 days Arthur and Nizamodeen Hosein were arrested, and later jailed, but Muriel was never found. We hear about the re-opening of the case from Muriel's daughter, Dianne McKay.

Woman to Woman is the all-star group founded in 2018 and features musical artists Beverley Craven, Julia Fordham and Judie Tzuke. They now have a new album and a new collaborator, singer-songwriter Rumer. We catch up with member Julia Fordham.

Nearly seven million adults in the UK have very poor literacy skills – many of whom are too ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help. What impact can struggling to read and write have on a woman’s life long-term? Ginny Williams-Ellis is the CEO of Ready Easy UK and Sarah Todd used Read Easy back in 2015.

Plus do you practice self-love? Thirty Things I Love About Myself is a new comedic novel by Radhika Sanghani. It's been inspired by her own journey to loving herself – culminating in not one but two nude portraits of herself.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Sarah Crawley

Mary Ward, Georgina Lucas & Ladette Culture Jan 21, 2022

We discuss the life of Mary Ward the 17th century Catholic nun who actively championed education for girls - and even spent time in prison for her cause. Now, almost four hundred years after her death, Mary Ward's legacy lives on via a network of almost 200 Mary Ward schools worldwide – including St Mary's School in Cambridge. She is considered the first sister of feminism and a pioneer of female missionary work. Sister Jane Livesey and Charlotte Avery headmistress at St Mary’s school for girls tell us about her life and legacy.

We hear from Jo Richards from British Wheelchair Basketball about the start of the British Wheelchair Basketball Women's Premier League which begins on Saturday live on the BBC. The league is the first of its kind worldwide, and the UK's first women's professional Para-sport league.

What do you remember about ‘ladette culture’? It was a term first coined in 1994 to describe young women who behaved boisterously, assertively and loved a drink. Some considered it a feminist movement – allowing girls to act ‘just like men’. Comedian Shappi Khorsandi – who grew up in the 90’s – explores ladette culture in her new comedy stand up tour. Professor Angela Smith teaches Language and Culture at the University of Sunderland. Shappi and Angela both join Anita to discuss the significance of this time, and how our attitudes have changed.

On 17th November 2019, Grey Atticus Fox was born, nine weeks early to author Georgina Lucas and her partner Mike. Weighing just three and a half pounds, he was taken to the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit and put on a ventilator. But less than two weeks later, a devastating prognosis left Georgina and Mike with an agonising decision of whether to withdraw Grey's life support. Georgina writes movingly about this experience and its aftermath in her memoir If Not For You.

Woman to Woman is the all-star group founded back in 2018 and features musical artists Beverley Craven, Julia Fordham and Judie Tzuke. Now the trio are back with a new album, new tour and a new collaborator- singer-songwriter Rumer. Anita will speak to member Julia Fordham about their reunion, working with Rumer and their latest singles.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

The future of IVF. Self-love. Reclaim These Streets judicial review. ENB's Tamara Rojo. Jan 20, 2022

Scientists from the University of Edinburgh are preparing to begin testing a new IVF treatment which could allow women to freeze their eggs at a much younger age and increase the likelihood of successful pregnancies in older women. Professor Evelyn Telfer, chair of reproductive biology at the University discusses how this research could change fertility treatment in the future.

We hear from artist Tracey Emin about why she she wants an artwork she donated to the government’s art collection removed from display in Number 10 Downing Street. and following Christian Wakeford's defection to the the Labour Party Anna Soubry, who left the Conservative Party to sit as part of a group of independent MPs which later went on to become Change UK ,shares what it's like to defect and whether it works out politically.

The world-renowned ballet dancer and artistic director of English National Ballet, Tamara Rojo, joins us following her decision to step down from her role after ten years to become the artistic director of San Francisco Ballet,

Today the High Court hears the judicial review brought by Reclaim These Streets. They are challenging the Metropolitan Police’s handling of a vigil - in memory of Sarah Everard, and in opposition to violence against women. Reclaim These Streets co-founder Anna Birley tells us why they're seeking the review. .

Plus do you practice self-love? If so how, do you do it? ‘Thirty Things I Love About Myself’ is a new comedic novel by Radhika Sanghani. It's inspired her own journey to loving herself – culminating in not one but two nude portraits of herself front and centre in her home.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Georgina Ballantine - record-breaking fisherwoman, Dame Rachel de Souza, Dianne McKay, Rising cost of living, Rachel Krantz Jan 19, 2022

The Raise the Roof project in Perth in Scotland, is gathering the lesser-known histories of a number of influential and fearless women to feature in the new Perth City Hall Museum when it opens in early 2024. A list of over 50 women who have lived in Perth over the centuries – from a witch to a pioneering photographer and the first female MP has been drawn up. But it is down to a number of different community groups to decide which women will be celebrated. They will work with an artist to help tell their stories and a wire statue of each of those women will be displayed around the city. Chloe Tilley is joined by Anna Day the Cultural Public Programme Manager at Perth & Kinross Council and the artist Vanessa Lawrence.

The Children's Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, has warned that thousands of children have "fallen off the radar" of schools. She is launching an inquiry to find young people who are not attending school in the wake of lockdown. On the programme Dame Rachel de Souza told BBC Woman’s Hour that between 80,000 and 100,000 children were not on any school rolls at all. This was inaccurate. The Office of the Children's Commissioner for England subsequently confirmed that Dame Rachel misspoke and that this figure actually relates to the number of children who were persistently absent from school in Autumn 2020, following the first Covid-19 lockdown. They also confirmed that the number of children not on school rolls is unknown.

In 1969 Muriel McKay was kidnapped after being mistaken for Rupert Murdoch’s wife. The story dominated front pages for weeks, and hundreds of police worked the case. After 40 days Arthur and Nizamodeen Hosein were arrested, and later jailed, but Muriel was never found. The brothers never confessed to their crimes, or revealed the whereabouts of Mrs McKay’s body. Until now. Dianne McKay is Muriel’s daughter and joins Chloe.

With inflation at a 10 year high, energy bills on the increase, and average pay rises failing to keep up with the rise of the cost of living, and not forgetting an increase in national insurance coming this way, millions of people will find themselves worse off in 2022. The number of households spending at least 10 per cent of their family budgets on energy bills – is set to treble overnight to 6.3 million households when the new energy price cap comes into effect on April, that’s according to research by the Resolution Foundation, who’ve dubbed 2022 the year of the squeeze. And new analysis by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation says that low income families could spend on average 18 percent of their income after housing costs on energy bills.

How would you respond to starting a relationship and being told by your new partner he was looking for a committed partnership—just one that did not include exclusivity? Author and journalist, Rachel Krantz had to address just this and embrace it with her ex partner Adam. She was nervous, yet intrigued and so Rachel decided to give it a go. Seeing whether she could cope with, and enjoy, both of them dating other people. In her debut memoir, ‘Open, An Uncensored Memoir of Love, Liberation & Non-Monogamy’ Rachel candidly shares with the reader her experiences of exploring Brooklyn sex parties and being part of the swinger community.

Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Dame Rachel de Souza Interviewed Guest: Dianne McKay Interviewed Guest: Helen Barnard Interviewed Guest: Victoria Benson Interviewed Guest: Anna Day Interviewed Guest: Vanessa Lawrence Interviewed Guest: Rachel Krantz

Netball, Ashling Murphy, Adult Literacy, Universities & NDAs Jan 18, 2022

Yesterday on Woman's Hour we talked about the outpouring of grief in Ireland and beyond about the murder of Ashling Murphy. Today we are looking at solutions to ending violence against women. Sarah Benson, CEO Women's Aid Ireland joins Chloe. Universities are being called on to end the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements to silence complainants in sexual harassment cases by signing up to a new pledge today. Higher Education Minister Michelle Donelan MP joins Chloe to discuss her concerns that some establishments are also using the legally-binding contracts to deal with other problems such as abuse, and other forms of misconduct which stops the victims from speaking out and protects the reputations of perpetrators. Nearly seven million adults in the UK have very poor literacy skills – many of whom are too ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help. What impact can struggling to read and write have on a women’s life long-term? Ginny Williams-Ellis is the CEO of Ready Easy UK, a charity offering free one-to-one reading coaching. Sarah Todd used Read Easy back in 2015. Has sharing the realities of parenting gone too far? Journalist Rose Stokes is pregnant and has been getting loads of horror stories of birth and parenting from friends, family and strangers. We talk to her, and psychotherapist Anna Mathur. Former England Netball captain Ama Agbeze on the Vitality Roses defence of their Commonwealth title later this year. Tonight they take on World number one's Australia in London in the annual Quad series. We'll look how that win in 2018 developed the elite game in England.

Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Lucinda Montefiore Picture credit: Steven Paston/PA Wire

Winter Olympics; Ashling Murphy; Gender roles and parenting; Investing in female-founded companies Jan 17, 2022

The Winter Olympics begin on 4th February in Beijing and Team GB will be sending around 50 athletes with the hopes of bringing back a clutch of medals. The run up to the Games has been challenging – Covid has made competition extremely difficult for athletes and there have been diplomatic rows over China’s human rights records - but who are our medal prospects? Chloe Tilley speaks to Georgina Harland, Britain’s first ever female Chef de Mission and Lizzy Yarnold, Britain’s most successful Winter Olympian.

On Wednesday afternoon, 23-year-old school teacher Ashling Murphy was murdered while jogging along the banks of the Grand Canal in Tullamore, Ireland. It is believed that she was assaulted and killed by a man acting alone. The case has shocked the nation and revived concerns about women’s safety in public spaces in Ireland and the UK. We speak to Irish Times reporter Jade Wilson and veteran activist Ailbhe Smyth, who spoke at a vigil for Ashling outside Irish parliament.

Women diagnosed with cervical cell changes following cervical screening can be unprepared for the experience - they can feel ashamed, isolated and frightened, that's according to new research by Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust. Kate Sanger is head of policy, from the Trust.

In a recent interview on Woman’s Hour one guest talked about the limits having a child has placed on her and said she’d “make a better father than mother”. We explore what motherhood and fatherhood mean and the gender roles parents take on in society today. Lawyer Lucy McGrath is the biological mother of a six year old. She’s also her family’s main bread winner and known as mum. Her wife is mummy and the full time care giver. Do same sex relationships model alternative parenting styles or simply replicate the same power dynamics in a different guise? Lucy joins Emma Barnett to discuss the issues with the academic Dr Charlotte Faircloth.

£29.4 billion was invested into UK tech companies in 2021. A record amount. Yet female founded companies only saw 1.1% of it. Down from 2.4% in 2020. Why are female run businesses finding it so hard to get investment funding? Debbie Wasskow OBE, entrepreneur and founder of Allbright, and Samira Ann Qassim, founder of Pink Salt Ventures, explain some of the problems women founders face when starting-up businesses - including finding funding.

Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Jade Wilson Interviewed Guest: Ailbhe Smyth Interviewed Guest: Georgina Harland Interviewed Guest: Lizzy Yarnold Interviewed Guest: Kate Sanger Interviewed Guest: Lucy McGrath Interviewed Guest: Dr Charlotte Faircloth Interviewed Guest: Debbie Wasskow Interviewed Guest: Samira Ann Qassim

Weekend Woman's Hour: Anti vaccine mandate, Witchcraft, Helen Pankhurst Jan 15, 2022

A midwife from a maternity unit tells us why she and over thirty of her colleagues are refusing to have the Covid jab. We hear from the Royal College of Nursing who want the Government to pause the vaccine mandate for NHS staff immediately because of the threat to an already understaffed NHS. And we speak to Professor Ian Jones, a Virologist at the University of Reading about the science of infection and transmission.

Almost 300 years after the Witchcraft Acts were repealed, a bill has been bought forward in the Scottish parliament to pardon those convicted. This comes after a two-year campaign to clear the names of nearly 4,000 people accused of witchcraft. We are joined by Zoe Venditozzi, co-founder of the campaign, and Marion Gibson, Professor of Renaissance and Magical Literatures at the University of Essex.

Helen Pankhurst, the great-granddaughter of Suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst, talks about the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill which the House of Lords will debate on Monday. Reflecting on historical and global parallels, she talks about the role of protest in the fight for equality.

Skin issues in adolescence can shape lives. We speak to Dr Tess McPherson, the current president of the British Society of Paediatric and Adolescent Dermatology, and Maia Grey, an acne positivity blogger who has lived with acne since her early teens.

We are joined by British actor Adjoa Andoh and the award-winning British composer Julie Cooper, who have collaborated on the title track of a new album called Continuum. Julie wrote the music and Adjoa responded with a poem called "Hold out the Heart", capturing the emotions of the pandemic.

Midwives refusing the vaccine, Spiking inquiry, 50 years of diet & fitness with Rosemary Conley, Slam poetry Jan 14, 2022

A midwife from a maternity unit tells us why she and over thirty of her colleagues are refusing to have the Covid jab. They will all lose their jobs when the Government’s vaccine mandate for NHS staff comes into force on April 1st, putting the unit at risk, and leaving pregnant women wondering what it means for them and their babies. We also hear from the Royal College of Nursing who want the Government to pause the vaccine mandate for NHS staff immediately because of the threat to an already understaffed NHS. And we speak to Professor Ian Jones, a Virologist at the University of Reading about the science of infection and transmission, and the impact on the NHS workforce and their patients.

Diet and fitness expert Rosemary Conley CBE celebrates fifty years of keeping Leicestershire - and the rest of the country - fit. Rosemary was 25-years-old when she held her first class in a local village hall in 1972. Since then, she's written 36 books, presented dozens of fitness videos and continues to run classes in the county. She joins Anita to talk about the changes she's seen when it comes to women's diet and fitness and what we all can do to keep ourselves healthy.

This week doyenne of the slam poetry and performance scene Joelle Taylor won the TS Eliot Poetry Prize. Fellow poet and slam champion Kat Francois explains why it matters and why women should give slam a try.

The House of Commons' Home Affairs Committee is exploring the scale of the problem of spiking in nightclubs, pubs. festivals and house parties. Zara Owen, a student at Nottingham University who believes she was spiked with a needle last October while on a night out with friends, and Dawn Dines, the founder of Stamp Out Spiking UK both gave evidence to the committee this week.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Emma Gannon on her new book (Dis)connected, Virginia Giuffre US civil case, Helen Pankhurst Jan 13, 2022

How can we have a healthier relationship with tech, the internet and social media? In her new book Disconnected, podcaster Emma Gannon looks at how we can take back control, set boundaries, and unlearn bad habits from doomscrolling to having opinions for opinion’s sake. She also reflects on whether a constructive call-out culture is more beneficial than cancel culture online.

Helen Pankhurst, the granddaughter and the great-granddaughter of Suffragettes, Sylvia and Emmeline Pankhurst talks about the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill which the House of Lords will debate on Monday. Helen argues our right to protest which is a fundamental part of democracy, is under threat. Reflecting on historical and global parallels, she argues that protest is both a safety valve and catalyst for change in the fight for equality, including women’s rights, race, disability, social inequality and climate.

Plus can theatre be used as a health and wellbeing tool to support women’s understanding of their relationship with sex? A Play About Sex partners academic research with creative practice to find out. Independent theatre producer, Hannah Farley-Hills explains how.

Prince Andrew is to face a civil case in the US over allegations he sexually assaulted a woman when she was 17, after his legal bid to have it thrown out failed. To help us understand the detail of why it was unsuccessful we hear from Dominic Casciani our Home and Legal Affairs Correspondent. Plus Georgina Calvert-Lee, an employment and equality lawyer at McAlister Olivarius, an expert on NDAs and settlements looks at what justice might look like from Virginia Giuffre's position

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Safety of Women; Sarak Sak; Adjoa Andoh and Julie Cooper; Women on Coins; Adolescent Skin Jan 12, 2022

Adjoa Andoh is British actor who has graced stage and screen and is perhaps best known as Bridgerton's Lady Danbury - but you may not be aware that in addition to being a director and producer she is also a writer. She has collaborated with the award-winning British composer Julie Cooper on the title track of a new album called Continuum. Julie wrote the music and Adjoa responded with a poem called "Hold out the Heart" capturing the emotions of the pandemic and timed to the ebb and flow of the music. Adjoa and Julie join Emma to talk about composing the album and their musical journey during lock down.

This week the US Mint began circulating quarters honouring the writer, poet, performer and activist Maya Angelou. She is the first black woman to ever feature on a US coin. But four other women have also been commemorated by the American Women Quarters Program So why have they been chosen and what is the history of women appearing on coins? Ema Sikic is World Coins Specialist for Baldwins.

Prime Minister, Boris Johnson is under pressure to state whether he broke his own Covid rules at PMQs with some of his own MPs venting their frustration to their consituents, the media and online. The Prime Minister has so far declined to say whether he attended a drinks party at Downing Street during lockdown in May 2020. But the journalist Claire Cohen has written about the wave of fury felt by some women about the fact that Sarah Everard was lured into a car by former Metropolitan police officer Wayne Couzens on the pretext that she had broken lockdown rules. A new app to protect women that has the backing of the Home Office has been criticised, Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett is a journalist who says it wouldn't have stopped her attacker.

The BBC’s latest hard-hitting true crime drama, Four Lives, recounts how police failings led families to fight for justice after the so-called 'Grindr killer' Stephen Port murdered four young men. Emma is joined by Sarah Sak, the mother of the serial killer’s first known victim Anthony Walgate and who is played by Sheridan Smith in the three-part series.

Skin issues in adolescence can shape lives. Dr Tess McPherson is the current president of the British Society of Paediatric and Adolescent Dermatology (BSPAD) and an NHS dermatologist working in Oxford. She has developed a specialist service for adolescents to support their skin and the psychological impact of their conditions, which has been running for 10 years. Maia Grey is an acne positivity blogger who is now 27 but has lived with acne since her early teens.

Rhian Graham, Who is Sue Gray?, Hopeline19 Jan 11, 2022

Who is Sue Gray, the civil servant tasked with investigating the Downing Street parties and has she been put in an impossible position? Caroline Slocock former private secretary to Margaret Thatcher and John Major and political journalist Jane Merrick discuss. Rhian Graham along with three other defendants were cleared of criminal damage by Bristol Crown Court after toppling the statue of the 17th century slave trader Edward Colston. Rhian joins Emma. Nearly 5000 messages have been left on a free phone number set up to allow people to give messages of thanks for NHS staff. Hopeline19 was founded by psychotherapist Claire Goodwin-Fee. She argues that NHS workers are not receiving enough mental health support. Hopeline19 grew out of Frontline19, a service offering mental health support to NHS workers that Claire established in March 2020. We all know how complicated relationships can be – especially when it comes to our parents. What is the best way to cope when we find ourselves stuck in the middle of our parents’ relationship? How can we learn to step back from being the family relationship therapist? We hear about two women’s experiences – listener Shely and life coach Diana Higgins. The pandemic put the brakes on everyone’s lives. For freelance journalist Lucy Holden, it has been a time for reflection. At the age of 30 she was forced to move back home with her parents and take stock of a wild decade lived in the fast-lane - a mechanism to avoid the pain and trauma of her past. She joins Emma to talk about her upcoming memoir: Lucid: A memoir of an extreme decade in an extreme generation. Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Helena Merriman, Bus driver Tracey Scholes, Pardons for women tried as witches Jan 10, 2022

Three years ago, BBC radio broadcaster Helena Merriman received a shock diagnosis related to hearing loss after giving birth to her son. This prompted her to explore how people handle life-changing news about their health in a new radio series called Room 5 that airs on Radio 4 this week. Helena joins Emma to discuss the power of resilience.

One of the first female bus drivers in the UK says she is fighting to keep her job after a new bus design left her unable to reach the pedals. Emma speaks to Tracey Scholes from Manchester who says that because of her height - five feet - she can no longer drive the new buses safely. The bus company involved say other staff of a similar height to Tracey are able to drive the vehicles safely.

New figures from the Office of National Statistics show that an estimated 1.3 million people in the UK have "long Covid" – defined as symptoms lasting more than four weeks. We know that women are more likely to be affected by long Covid, and that it can also occur in children. Dr Nisreen Alwan is Associate Professor in Public Health at the University of Southampton.

In Sudan, thousands of people have again taken to the streets of the capital, Khartoum, to protest against military rule, following the resignation of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. Reports from medics on the ground say more than 50 people have lost their lives since a military coup took place in October last year. For several years, there has been continued unrest in the country, and headlines around the world have shown women at the forefront of the revolution and pro-democracy movement - but is that the full story? And how are things for women there now? Raga Makawi, a Sudanese democracy activist and editor at African Arguments and Will Ross, the BBC's Africa Editor join Emma.

Almost 300 years after the Witchcraft Acts were repealed, a bill has been bought forward in the Scottish parliament to pardon those convicted. This comes after a two-year campaign to clear the names of nearly 4,000 people accused of witchcraft, of whom well over half were executed. Zoe Venditozzi co-founded the campaign and co-hosts the Witches of Scotland podcast. Marion Gibson is Professor of Renaissance and Magical Literatures at the University of Essex and author of Witchcraft: the basics.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Putting your life on the page, Dr Lin Berwick, Poorna Bell Jan 08, 2022

We explore why so many of us want to put our lives on the page. Can writing stand in for therapy? What are the ethical and moral considerations of such sharing. Julia Samuel is a psychotherapist and the author of Grief Works.

Dr Lin Berwick MBE has cerebral palsy quadriplegia and became totally blind at the age of 15. She also has partial hearing loss and is a permanent wheelchair user. Now in her seventies, she has been a fierce advocate and ambassador for people with disabilities and their carers, and has written a new book On A Count of Three all about what it's like having a carer - and what she thinks carers should know.

Military mums rally in protest at the decision to award former Prime Minister Tony Blair a knighthood. Hazel Hunt, whose son Richard died in Afghanistan, is considering sending back the Elizabeth Cross that her family had received as a mark of protest.

Many of us will be thinking about making a change for the better now that we're in a new year. Poorna Bell, author and journalist, gives us some inspiration and talks about getting stronger, both emotionally and physically. Poorna took it literally and started weight lifting after illness and bereavement.

'Collector culture' - the swapping, collating and posting of nude images of women without their consent - is on the rise. To understand why Anita is joined by Professor of Law at Durham University, Clare McGlynn and Zara Ward, senior practitioner at the Revenge Porn Helpline.

Southall Black Sisters was founded in 1979 to address the needs of Asian, African-Caribbean and minority women and to empower them to escape violence. Pragna Patel was one of the founders of Southall Black Sisters and Wednesday was her last day as Director. We talk to Pragna about her 30 years in activism.

Preet Chandi/'Polar Preet'; 'Collector culture'; Playwright, Nell Leyshon; Drones & night street safety; Novelist, Nikki May; Jan 07, 2022

British Army officer and physiotherapist Preet Chandi has made history as the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition in Antarctica. 'Polar Preet' trekked 700 miles in 40 days, facing temperatures of -50C, poor visibility and fatigue along the way. She used skis, and dragged a 90kg pulk (a sled) for between 10-12 hours a day. Preet catches up with us from the Union Glacier camp in Antarctica.

'Collector culture' - the swapping, collating and posting of nude images of women without their consent - is on the rise. But unlike revenge porn, it is not a crime. Now survivors are demanding a change in the law. To understand why Anita is joined by Professor of Law at Durham University, Clare McGlynn and Zara Ward, senior practitioner at the Revenge Porn Helpline.

Cecil Sharp is known as the godfather of English folk music. In a bid to preserve the English folk song at the turn of the twentieth century, when many in the musical world didn't believe England had a musical tradition of its own, he collected and memorialised thousands of traditional English folk songs from rural communities in England. However, less is known about the people he collected these songs from. FOLK is a new play at Hampstead Theatre in London written by Nell Leyshon, the British dramatist and novelist born in Glastonbury, Somerset. She tells us the true story of Louie Hooper and Lucy White, two half-sisters from Somerset who Cecil Sharp collected hundreds of songs from.

A UK tech company is pitching to provide security for women out alone at night who fear for their safety. Drone Defence is hoping to secure government funding to deliver AI drones fitted with spotlights and a thermal camera which would be summoned on an app by an individual who are concerned a predator may be near by. Could this be a solution to a recent survey which showed one in five women fear going out at night alone or does it present a serious privacy risk without tackling the underlying issue of violence against women? We talk to Richard Gill the founder of Drone Defence and to Silkie Carlo the Director of Big Brother Watch.

Born in Bristol and raised in Lagos, Nikki May is Nigerian-British. At 20, she dropped out of medical school, moved to London, and began a successful career in advertising. Now aged 56, her debut novel Wahala has just been released and is already being made into a six part drama series for the BBC. It is the story of three thirty-something friends living in London - Ronke, Simi and Boo. Their bond is tested and their lives start to unravel when glamorous high flying Isabel explodes into their friendship group.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Preet Chandi Interviewed Guest: Professor Clare McGlynn Interviewed Guest: Zara Ward Interviewed Guest: Nell Leyshon Interviewed Guest: Richard Gill Interviewed Guest: Silkie Carlo Interviewed Guest: Nikki May

Jamie-Lee O'Donnell, Dr Lin Berwick, Women in the 1921 Census Jan 06, 2022

Jamie-Lee O’Donnell is best known for playing the wise cracking Michelle in Channel 4’s Derry Girls, the comedy series about a group of teenagers growing up in 1990's Northern Ireland. Jamie-Lee has swapped the school uniform for a prison uniform for new drama Screw on Channel 4, about working in a men’s prison.

This time last year shocking footage coming from Washington DC, as supporters of Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building, captured the world's attention. Two women, who were part of that riot, were among the people who died. The event in America is now simply known as January the Sixth. Helen Lewis, writer for the Atlantic Magazine joins Emma to discuss the the significance of the event a year on.

The Pope has come under fire by some and been supported by others for comments during his weekly general audience at the Vatican in which he lamented that some married couples opt to remain childless and instead transfer their love to cats, dogs and other animals. We get your views and those of Cathy Adams, a maternal ambivalence blogger.

Dr Lin Berwick MBE has cerebral palsy quadriplegia and became totally blind at the age of 15. She also has partial hearing loss and is a permanent wheelchair user. She wasn't expected to live past her teens and has needed care 24/7 all her life. Now in her seventies, she has been a fierce advocate and ambassador for people with disabilities and their carers, and has written a new book On A Count of Three all about what it's like having a carer - and what she thinks carers should know.

Today sees the unveiling of the 1921 census records. Details of the census are always kept secret for 100 years, apart from broad statistics. This census for the first time includes details of divorce and also where people worked. Melanie Abbott reports and Emma speaks to Dr Michala Hulme, a social historian and genealogist from the University of Birmingham.

Scottish Government consultation on gender recognition laws, Hazel Hunt, Pragna Patel, Rosie de Courcy & Megan Nolan Jan 05, 2022

How widely is the Scottish Government consulting on its plans to allow people to legally change sex without a medical diagnosis? Emma Barnett speaks to Lisa Mackenzie from MurrayBlackburnMackenzie, an Edinburgh-based policy analysis collective who say the SNP is breaking a manifesto promise, by only meeting with groups representing trans rights since last May’s Holyrood election.

Military mums rally in protest at the decision to award former Prime Minister Tony Blair a knighthood. Hazel Hunt, whose son Richard died in Afghanistan, is considering sending back the Elizabeth Cross that her family had received as a mark of protest.

Southall Black Sisters was founded in 1979 to address the needs of Asian, African-Caribbean and minority women and to empower them to escape violence. Pragna Patel was one of the founders of Southall Black Sisters and today is her last day as Director. We talk to her about the chages she’s witnessed and the role she’s held for over 30 years.

It's ten years since the popular fiction writer Maeve Binchy died and forty years since her first best seller Light a Penny Candle was published. What has been her legacy for the generation of Irish women writers that followed and what is the role of editors in creating best-sellers? We talk to Rosie de Courcy Senior Editor at Head of Zeus publishers and Maeve's long-time editor, and Irish author and journalist Megan Nolan.

Taking photos or video recordings of breastfeeding mothers in public without their consent is to be made a crime in England and Wales, punishable by up to two years in prison. We catch up with the woman who started the campaign Julia Cooper.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Donald McDonald

Poorna Bell, Scars, Adele Parks Jan 04, 2022

Many of us will be thinking about making a change for the better now that we're in a new year. Poorna Bell, author and journalist, gives us some inspiration and talks about getting stronger, both emotionally and physically. Poorna took it literally and started weight lifting after illness and bereavement.

We hear from Dr Ann Olivarius a lawyer who specialises in sexual abuse, harassment and discrimination. She explains the technicalities of the civil claim against Prince Andrew, the Duke of York.

We speak to Detective Inspector Lucy Thomson and Jackie Sebire about the murder of 12 week old Teddie Mitchell. The investigation is covered in a new two-part special of Channel 4's 24 Hours in Police Custody.

We have episode 4 in our series about scars.

And Adele Parks’ latest novel called Both of You is a 'missing persons story' with a twist. We find out that the female protagonist is leading a double life as a bigamist. The book looks at what leads someone to have two marriages on the go, and the complexities around it.

Putting your life on the page with Ann Patchett, Cathy Rentzenbrink, Julia Samuel and Arifa Akbar Jan 03, 2022

Today, Emma and guests explore why so many of us want to put our lives on the page. What stops us, what gets in the way and is it always a good idea? Is getting published the answer or are there are other ways to tell your stories. How different is writing personal essays or a memoir to creating a fictional world? Can writing stand in for therapy? What are the ethical and moral considerations of such sharing? To discuss these and many other questions Emma is joined by prize-winning author Ann Patchett, Sunday Times bestseller Cathy Rentzenbrink, psychotherapist and writer, Julia Samuel and journalist and author Arifa Akbar.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour: Sarah Ransome, Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Donna Ward Jan 01, 2022

British woman Sarah Ransome says she wanted to be at Ghislaine Maxwell trial when it started: not to testify but to see justice take its course. Like the four women who gave evidence, she says she's also a victim of Epstein's and Maxwell's. She tells us more about her story and Harriet Wistrich, founder of Centre for Women's Justice discusses the wider impact this case could have.

Sheila Watt-Cloutier, is a world renowned human rights and climate change activist, who has made it her life's work to protect her Inuit culture and the Arctic regions where Inuit live, in Greenland, Canada and Alaska. She was born in Arctic Canada and launched the first legal petition linking climate change to human rights.

We discuss the word 'spinster' and what it really means with Australian author Donna Ward. Her new book She I Dare Not Name: A Spinster's Meditations on Life., explores the meaning and purpose she has fought to find in a life lived entirely accidentally without a partner or children.

BBC History is launching a 100 objects collection to mark 100 years of the BBC in 2022. Head of History Robert Seatter gives us a sneak peak into a few objects which represent the history of women at the BBC including a 1930s job advert looking to recruit the first women TV announcers, a cookbook by Madhur Jaffrey and a 1920s scrapbook from Evelyn Dove, the first black female singer to perform on BBC.

British women weren't allowed to visit the Antarctic until 1983 but now scores of women are making major contributions to polar science. Morgan Seag who has just submitted her PhD in gendered institutional change in 20th century Antarctic science to the University of Cambridge and Jo Johnson who has visited Antarctica seven times tell us more.

Sarah Ransome, Scars, Sequins Dec 31, 2021

Today Andrea Catherwood talks to Sarah Ransome. She wanted to be at Ghislaine Maxwell trial when it started: not to testify but to see justice take its course. Like the four women who gave evidence, she says she's also a victim of Epstein's and Maxwell's. She says Ghislaine Maxwell, "starved and berated and swindled me while demanding I be raped daily".

This week we've been talking to women about their scars. Today we hear from Emily on the self-harm scars she no longer needs to hide.

We speak to Fiona Chesterton who discovered family secrets to do with illegitimacy. It started with a letter on her doorstep which revealed she was due a surprise inheritance. The tale is told in her new book Secrets Never To Be Told.

And it's the time of year that we should be putting on our sequins but covid may well put a stop to that. Never mind: we're still discovering when and how they became such a big part of celebrating. Now though there's an environment aspect to consider and some brands are rejecting them because they're made of plastic. Dress historian, author and broadcaster Amber Butchart joins Andrea Catherwood to discuss all things sequin.

Ghislaine Maxwell verdict, Novelist Susie Boyt, Girls' education in Afghanistan, Disability rights activist Abia Akram Dec 30, 2021

Ghislaine Maxwell is facing the prospect of spending the rest of her life in jail after a jury in New York found her guilty of grooming and sex trafficking teenage girls to be abused by the sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. What impact will this high profile case have on future cases f alleged sexual abuse against women and girls? Andrea talks to Harriet Wistrich, who is the founder and director of the Centre for Women’s Justice and a solicitor.

It's now 100 days that teenage girls in Afghanistan have been banned from going to school in the majority of provinces. Yesterday, former prime minister Gordon Brown who is now UN special envoy for global education said 'we're sleep-walking towards the biggest humanitarian crisis of our times in Afghanistan. Andrea discusses the situation, particularly for women and girls, with the BBC Correspondent Yalda Hakim.

We've been talking to women about their scars. Today Laura, a burns survivor, tells her story

Many will have had empty chairs at the Christmas dinner table this year, for lots of different reasons. In Susie Boyt's novel Loved and Missed there is a particularly memorable Christmas dinner scene. In order to see her daughter on Christmas Day Ruth has to improvise. Susie joins Andrea to describe how people try to help and love others in the most difficult of circumstances.

Abia Akram is a Pakistani disability rights activist. She is the founder of the National Forum of Women with Disabilities in Pakistan, and a leading figure within the disability rights movement in the country as well as in Asia and the Pacific. She has been named as one of the BBC's 100 Women in 2021. She joins Andrea to discuss how she became involved in this work and what more there is to do.

Presented by Andrea Catherwood Producer: Louise Corley

Donna Ward on reclaiming spinsterhood; Comedian Liz Kingsman; Scars - Jayne; BBC 100 Objects Dec 29, 2021

Australian author Donna Ward’s new book She I Dare Not Name: A Spinster's Meditations on Life explores the meaning and purpose she has fought to find in a life lived entirely accidentally without a partner or children. Donna speaks to Chloe from Melbourne.

Over the next few days we're talking to women about their scars. They all talk about physical and emotional pain they've experienced and having to deal with other people’s reactions on a day to day basis. They also explain how they came to terms with the skin they are in. Ena Miller went to meet Jayne in Shropshire and heard her story about surviving a flesh eating bug.

Comedian Liz Kingsman, best known as a member of cult sketch group Massive Dad, is making major waves with her solo debut, One-Woman Show, which she is performing at the Soho Theatre from 5 January. She tells Chloe what inspired her.

As the BBC prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary through the lens of 100 objects, we get a sneak peek at a few items in the collection. The BBC’s Head of History Robert Seatter explains the significance of a 1930s press cutting of the BBC looking to recruit the first women TV announcers, a cookbook by Madhur Jaffrey and a 1920s scrapbook from Evelyn Dove, the first black female singer to perform on BBC.

Image: Donna Ward Credit: Amanda Ford

Women of Snow and Ice; Sheila Watt-Cloutier; Antarctic Women; Nancy Campbell and Cold Water Swimming Dec 28, 2021

Sheila Watt-Cloutier, is a world renowned human rights and climate change activist, who has made it her life's work to protect her Inuit culture and the Arctic regions where Inuit live, in Greenland, Canada and Alaska. Sheila was born in Kuujjuaq in Arctic Canada where she lived traditionally, travelling only by dog team for the first ten years of her life. She was elected as President of the Inuit Circumpolar Council in 1995 and launched the first legal petition linking climate change to human rights - work that led to her being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Nancy Campbell is captivated by the stark, rugged beauty of ice and its solid but impermanent nature. Her book The Library of Snow and Ice is about her time spent living in Upernavik, a small town in north-western Greenland and the traces left by explorers of the Arctic and Antarctic. Her recent book Fifty Words for Snow looks at the origins and mythologies of snow around the globe. She shares with Emma her fascination for snow, ice and its place in our world.

British women were banned from visiting Antarctica until 1983 when Janet Thomson was finally granted passage by the British Antarctic Survey. But now scores of women are making major contributions to polar science, especially those working on the stability of ice shelves and sheets. So how did women break through the ice ceiling to create opportunities and become leaders in their fields? Emma speaks to Morgan Seag who has just submitted her PhD in gendered institutional change in 20th century Antarctic science to the University of Cambridge and Jo Johnson who has visited Antarctica seven times with the British Antarctic Survey. We also hear from Dr Alison Banwell, a British glaciologist and research scientist who is currently based at the University of Colorado Boulder and her team conducting research on the ice right now; Rebecca Dell and Laura Stevens.

Heading to the cold of the Arctic and the Antarctic wrapped up in the right gear is one thing but there are some women that actually choose to immerse themselves in freezing water, even in winter here in the UK. Hayley Dorian is one of them, she has set up a swimming group called Wild Sea Women who meet to embrace the waves in North East England and South-West Scotland . But are there benefits of cold water swimming? Emma finds out from Hayley and Dr Heather Massey who works in the Extreme Environments Lab at the University of Portsmouth.

A Woman's Hour Christmas mixtape Dec 27, 2021

Emma Barnett looks back over her first year at Woman’s Hour, from holding those in power to account to hearing from women who found themselves in the most ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. Clemency Burton-Hill explains the choice she felt she was presented with after a brain haemorrhage. ‘Annie’ describes how home-schooling three children while trying to work made her feel that she was failing at everything. Lady Lavinia Nourse and Amanda Knox spoke exclusively about the experience of being cleared of the most serious crimes. Plus, knitting patterns as code and what can go wrong when you are being sawn in half by Paul Daniels.

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Claire Foy, Joan Collins & the musical collaboration of Carol Ann Duffy and Kathryn Williams Dec 25, 2021

The award winning actor Claire Foy tells us about playing the Duchess of Argyll in the BBC One TV series A Very British Scandal on Boxing Day. Margaret Argyll was branded a nymphomaniac by her husband the 11th Duke of Argyll in their explosive 1963 divorce hearing and he was granted a divorce on the grounds of his wife’s adultery.

As schools shut for the Christmas break, the government, head teachers and trade unions are contingency planning for widespread absence due to Omicron in the New Year. We hear from Jacquie White the General Secretary of the Ulster Teachers Union about calls for retired teachers to return to work to plug the gaps and also from Mary Bousted the General Secretary of the National Education Union.

Karen Teasdale-Robson from Blaydon, near Newcastle has gone to extraordinary lengths to make sure her father, Bryan isn't forgotten when he dies. Her dad for the majority of his life was a poet and a songwriter but an assault ten years ago left him with a brain injury. Care workers told Karen to prepare for the worst earlier this year, which led her to release a recording of lullaby he had written for her almost 60 years ago, to ask for the public's help in re-recording it.

We talk to Dame Joan Collins about her new BBC documentary “This is Joan Collins” which is on air over Christmas. Not shy of voicing her opinions, she reflects on her life, relationships, and seven decades in showbusiness.

Former poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy and Mercury-nominated songwriter Kathryn Williams have released a new album 'Midnight Chorus'. They tell us about their collaboration and how they avoided the clichés of Christmas.

Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

The ladies of the Posh Club Dance Club. A Musical Family Christmas. Volunteering. Dec 24, 2021

The ladies of the Posh Club Dance Club on what it means to them to be able to perform the dance of the flamingos, shimmy to dancehall music and feel like stars.

Volunteering reached a record high during the pandemic. According to a government survey, 62% of respondents volunteered last year. Thousands volunteer for Crisis, a national charity for homeless people whose Crisis at Christmas campaign provides accommodation and support for people at Christmas. We hear from Jemma Kelehe, a shift leader at the women’s accommodation in London, who has volunteered for Crisis at Christmas for 20 years.

Civil Chartered Engineer, Era Shah, talks about the lack of diversity in STEM.

Vox Duo soprano Karla Grant and mezzo soprano Julia Solomon tell us about their debut single a new version of “O’ Holy Night”, in collaboration with classical group the Earthtones Trio.

Plus ahead of new BBC2 programme A Musical Family Christmas, we're joined by author and lecturer Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason to discuss her favourite Christmas songs and raising seven talented musicians.

And the woman who's re-created the film The Holiday to see if she could find love.

Presenter Chloe Tilley Producer Beverley Purcell

Joan Collins, Prof Sharon Peacock, Jacquie White & Mary Bousted, Kayley Inuksuk Mackay & Tiffany Kuliktana Ayalik, Usma Saeed Dec 23, 2021

We talk to Dame Joan Collins about her new BBC documentary “This is Joan Collins” which is on air over Christmas. Not shy of voicing her opinions, she reflects on her life, relationships, and seven decades in showbiz. She’s also had a hugely successful literary career but the role which brought her most worldwide fame was playing Alexis in the TV series Dynasty – at the height of its success it was watched by 150 million people a week.

Public health expert Professor Sharon Peacock who founded COG UK, the Covid-19 Genomics UK consortium, tells us about their work tracking mutations and variants of concern. They have been hugely successful in this, and were responsible for identifying the Alpha variant last December. Sharon joins us to discuss genome sequencing, the threat posed by Omicron and how she went from dental nurse to microbiologist.

As schools shut for the Christmas break, the government head teachers and trade unions are contingency planning for widespread absence due to Omicron in the New Year. We talk to Jacquie White the General Secretary of the Ulster Teachers Union about calls for retired teachers to return to work to plug the gaps.

Music from Inuit throat singers Kayley Inuksuk Mackay and Tiffany Kuliktana Ayalik.

And foster parent Usma Saeed tells us how she tries to make every Christmas magical for the children she looks after. Being Muslim she doesn’t normally celebrate the festival herself but now she’s got the tree, the stockings and Santa’s mince pies at the ready.

Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: John Boland.

Susie Dent, Emma Fuller, Charlie Jeer, Stephen Wright, Under Pressure series with Hawra and Mustafa on stillbirth Dec 22, 2021

Countdown Star and lexicographer Susie Dent on our favourite festive words, how chocolate, Marzipan, Chipolata, Tinsel and Glögg got their names and some of the festive greetings in different languages.

As the jury deliberate over their verdict in the Ghislaine Maxwell trial we talk to the journalist Stephen Wright. Maxwell is the former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein and is charged with eight counts of sex trafficking and other crimes.

Following the infamous #May2020 Boris Johnson photograph, we hear from one woman - Emma - who lost her daughter Ruby that same day, and couldn’t say goodbye in person.

Nineteen-year-old doorman Charlie Jeer has gone viral on TikTok for talking about the sexual harassment he has experienced whilst working in clubs. Charlie recalled that one night he was groped up to 10 times. He's gained millions of views on his videos and says he wanted to start a conversation about working in the industry.

And in the final part of our series “Under Pressure” we look at the issue of baby loss and how an American study from 2010 found that couples who had experienced stillbirth were 40% greater risk of their relationship ending.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Tim Heffer

Carol Ann Duffy and Kathryn Williams, Care worker shortages, Peng Shuai, Divisive TV Dec 21, 2021

Former poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy and Mercury-nominated songwriter Kathryn Williams have released new album 'Midnight Chorus'. We ask them about their collaboration and how they avoided the clichés of Christmas.

With added pressure from Covid and fewer staff because of Brexit, the demand for care workers has risen. In October this year there were 130,000 vacant care worker posts in England, leaving many people without the care they need. Last week, government advisors said that care worker jobs should be placed on the shortage occupation list, which would make it easier for employers to hire and sponsor migrant workers in these roles. What would this mean for the care sector? Emma speaks to Karolina Gerlich, executive director of The Care Workers Charity and Louise Arnold, Managing Director of Peninsula care homes.

There has been widespread concern for the safety of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai since she posted sexual assault allegations against a former top political figure a few weeks ago. She disappeared and then returned saying she was safe and well. Now the tennis player has denied saying she was sexually assaulted. What are we to make of this? Emma speaks to Kerry Allen, China Media analyst for BBC Monitoring.

The Christmas Radio Times is out and we now know what TV we can look forward to watching over the festive period. But can TV divide a household rather than unite it? Are women the gatekeepers of family TV? Or do men rule the remote? Professor of Media and Communications, Catherine Johnson, has looked at the impact lockdown has had on our family TV watching styles, and journalist Emma Beddington tells us what she’ll be tuning into in her house.

Last week on the programme, we heard from Jess Duckworth - a junior doctor who has combined her two passions - music and medicine - to create an EP of relaxing music. We asked to hear about your side hustles, and the things you love doing. Today we meet two listeners; Lucy Symons is the stadium announcer for her local football club and Jenny Fyall runs her own pumpkin patch in Aberdeenshire.

Claire Foy as the Duchess of Argyll, Janey Godley, Karen Teasdale-Robson, Edwina Paisley Dec 20, 2021

Emma Barnett talks to the award winning actor Claire Foy about playing the Duchess of Argyll in the BBC One TV series A Very British Sacandal this Christmas. Margaret Argyll was branded a nymphomaniac by her husband the 11th Duke of Argyll in their explosive 1963 divorce hearing and he was granted a divorce on the grounds of his wife’s adultery.

The Scottish comedian Janey Godley tells us about her recent diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The sixty year old is best known for her parody voiceovers of Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of her daily press briefings made during lockdown. Just a month ago Janey Godley was forced to cut short her UK tour when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

The father-daughter bond can for some be a difficult one - but for others, a joy. Karen Teasdale-Robson from Blaydon, near Newcastle has gone to extraordinary lengths to make sure her father, Bryan isn't forgotten when he dies. Her dad for the majority of his life was a poet and a songwriter but an assault ten years ago left him with a brain injury. Care workers told Karen to prepare for the worst earlier this year, which led her to release a recording of lullaby he had written her almost 60 years ago, to ask for the public's help in re-recording it

And Edwina Paisley on her work as the Director of Space Programmes at the satellite communications company Inmarsat.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Produer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Bob Nettles

Weekend Woman's Hour: Tamsin Greig, bell hooks, Grandparents and childcare Dec 18, 2021

Actor Tamsin Greig on starring as the formidable theatrical agent Peggy Ramsay in the revival of ‘Peggy For You’, at the Hampstead Theatre. She also talks about her role in “wild” hospital comedy Green Wing, playing Debbie in The Archers since 1991, and Friday Night Dinner.

Journalist Ash Sarkar and Professor Heidi Safia Mirza discuss the legacy and significance of the American feminist author and activist bell hooks, who died this week aged 69.

Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth - the national police co-ordinator for violence against women and girls - unveils her new strategy and gives her opinion on whether misogyny should be made a hate crime.

In November 2020 a family court found that the conservative MP Kate Griffiths' then husband, Andrew Griffiths (also a former conservative MP and former minister) raped, abused & coercively controlled her. These were civil proceedings, so the finding was based on the balance of probabilities, rather than the criminal standard of probable doubt. As is the norm in family cases, this information was private and not made public. But following a successful application by journalists, supported by Kate Griffiths, the details of this case, with both parties' names attached, were published last week. Andrew Griffiths has denied allegations made by his ex-wife and ‘adamantly denied’ rape. We hear from Dr Charlotte Proudman, the barrister who represented Kate Griffiths.

The company SAGA has decided to give employees who've just become grandparents some special leave. They say it's about helping new grandparents celebrate but also it's to highlight how important older workers are, not just to the company but to families and wider society. One of our listeners, Linda, who looks after two of her grandchildren, talks about her experience.

During a recent Business Questions in Parliament Jacob Rees Mogg took a moment to mark the feast of St Æthelgifu, and called the medieval abbess one of Britain’s leading saints. But was she? What do we really know about Æthelgifu and the other leading medieval women at this time? We talk to Florence Scott, a historian of early medieval England.

Fridge Girl, Gen Z, bell hooks Dec 17, 2021

Ebony Louise Barrett has now become Fridge Girl, after a video she put on TikTok went viral. It was a tall, free-standing fridge falling on top of her as she danced. She's OK, but even Janet Jackson has picked up on it. How has it changed her life?

Three young women from Generation Z talk about the big social issues of the year, and why they feel the label 'woke', which is often attached to this age group, is off the mark. We have Maisie Thompson from Manchester, Jessie Stevens from Devon and Mia Manttan from London.

Inspirational quotes from an American author and feminist called bell hooks are being shared. She died this week at home in Kentucky. She was considered a trailblazer in feminism and published 40-odd books. We've got two of her admirers: Ash Sarkar and Heidi Safia Mirza.

We speak to Elaine Parker who's just set up a new app which she hopes will make online dating safer. She was inspired to create it because of the bad experience she had with a man she met online. She explains to Anita how it works.

And we continue our Food Fridays with Julie Lin MacLeod, who's the founder of a Malaysian restaurant in Glasgow’s southside. She's also opened a second restaurant during the pandemic. She talks about bringing people together through food, creating a positive working environment, and how the pandemic has changed the amount we eat for Christmas dinner.

Lucy Chappell; Æthelgifu the Medieval Abbess; Women on Boards; Women and Festive TV. Dec 16, 2021

During a recent Business Questions in parliament Jacob Rees Mogg took a moment to mark the feast of St Æthelgifu, and called the medieval abbess one of Britain’s leading saints. But was she? What do we really know about Æthelgifu and the other leading medieval women at this time? We talk to Florence Scott, a historian of early medieval England, studying for a PhD at Leeds University, and who runs the blog Aelfgif-who?

A new survey shows that for the first time more women than men are sitting as non executive directors on boards. But at the same time nine out of ten executive directors are still men. We talk to Tessa Bamford from Spencer Stuart the organisation that conducted the research and also to Ann Cairns Executive Vice Chair of Mastercard who is also the lead non-executive board member of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

On Tuesday we talked about pregnant women getting jabbed, getting the booster and fears that some women have about how it will affect their fertility. All pregnant women have been able to get COVID-19 vaccines since April, when the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised they should be offered two vaccine doses at the same time as the rest of us based on their age and clinical risk group. Despite this, the government has come under fire for months for not encouraging enough pregnant women to get vaccinated, with many women concerned about what they see as mixed messages coming at them. So what needs to be done to get more pregnant women vaccinated and get the booster? Professor Lucy Chappell is the Chief Scientific Officer for the Department of Health and Social Care.

The Christmas Radio Times is out and we now know what TV we can look forward to watching over the festive period. But can TV divide a household rather than unite it? Are women the gatekeepers of family TV? Or, do men rule the remote? Professor of Media and Communications, Catherine Johnson, has looked at the impact lockdown has had on our family TV watching styles. Journalist Emma Beddington tells us what she’ll be tuning into in her house.

Picture of Æthelgifu courtesy of illustrator Pollie Scott.

Quaranteens, New police strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, Jess Duckworth Dec 15, 2021

There is no doubt that the pandemic is still affecting people's social lives, but perhaps the most affected are teenagers or 'quaranteens'. Many young people have missed out on major social milestones - parties, teen romances and opportunities to be with their mates - which can be so formative. What is the impact of missing out on these experiences? And how can adults best support 'quaranteens'? Emma talks to Laverne Antrobus, a consultant child and educational psychologist.

The woman charged with co-ordinating the national police response in England and Wales to violence against women and girls unveils her strategy on Woman’s Hour. Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth is the new national police co-ordinator for violence against women and girls. The aim is give the 43 police forces around the country a uniform approach, and make women and girls feel safer in their daily lives. We’ll also get reaction to the new strategy from Amelia Handy from Rape Crisis Centres.

It’s been a particularly stressful couple of years for staff working in the NHS, including junior doctors like Jess Duckworth. When she isn’t busy with patients at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital, she is treating herself and others in the hospital to some relaxation with her piano playing. Combining her two passions – music and medicine - she’s researched the types and style of music people find relaxing, and it’s resulted in a second EP to be released in February next year, The Piano Doctor Volume II – A Year of Reflective Piano Music. The single ‘Into The Light’ is out this week.

Statistics out this morning show UK inflation has increased to 5.1 per cent last month - the highest in a decade - after prices rose across the economy including for fuel and food bills. Some observers are talking about she-flation with some of the poorest in society - often women on low and part time work - being affected more. Professor Heather McGregor, Head of the Business School at Heriot Watt University joins Emma to discuss.

Actor Tamsin Greig. Pregnant women and the booster jab. Volunteering. Miss World at 70. Dec 14, 2021

Actor Tamsin Greig on her latest role as the legendary agent Peggy Ramsay.

The Prime Minister has announced that all over 18s in England are being offered a Covid-19 booster vaccination. But as he sets out this new target has that message reached pregnant women? Emma talks to Dr Viki Male a Reproductive Immunologist based at Imperial College London

Tens of thousands of volunteers are needed to come forward to support the NHS booster campaign. Do you plan to volunteer? What are the benefits of volunteering?

And as Miss World celebrates being 70, we hear from women who protested against it in the 1970's.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

PHOTO CREDIT; Shaun Webb.

Grandparents providing childcare, Kate Griffiths MP's barrister Charlotte Proudman; Under pressure - Fibromyalgia Dec 13, 2021

The company SAGA has decided to give employees who've just become grandparents some special leave. They say it's about helping new grandparents celebrate but also it's to highlight how important older workers are, not just to the company but to families and wider society. So if you're a grandparent providing childcare for your kids, what's the cost? What does it take out of you, time-wise and energy wise? How much are you saving your kids? And do you see it as a precious thing you’ll never have the chance to do again, or after a while is it too much pressure? We hear from one of our listeners Linda who looks after two of her grandchildren and Shireen Kanji, a Professor of Work and Organisation at Brunel University.

New Covid measures are being introduced across the UK, because of the threat posed by the Omicron variant. In England it's known as Plan B, and mandates mask-wearing, working from home and Covid passports. However, around 75 Conservative MPs are expected to rebel as it's put to a vote in the House of Commons on Tuesday. As parliament debates these new restrictions, where do you stand on taking personal responsibility for containing the virus, and how will it affect your Christmas? To discuss, Emma is joined by Guardian journalist Lucy Mangan and Lucy Fisher, Deputy Political Editor at The Telegraph. In November 2020 a family court found that the conservative MP Kate Griffiths' then husband, Andrew Griffiths (also a former conservative MP for the same Staffordshire seat and former Conservative minister) raped her in her sleep, abused & coercively controlled her. These were civil proceedings, so the finding was based on the balance of probabilities, rather than the criminal standard of probable doubt. As is the norm in family cases, this information was private and not made public. But following a successful application by journalists, supported by Kate Griffiths - the details of this case, with both parties' names attached, were published last Friday. In the recent judgement, judges from the Court of Appeal referred to the ‘mother's right to tell her story.’ Andrew Griffiths has denied allegations made by his ex-wife and ‘adamantly denied’ rape. Dr Charlotte Proudman, the barrister who represented Kate Griffiths joins Emma.

The next in our series Under Pressure which looks at what happens to relationships when life gets in the way. Carla and Brendon met at school. Their lives looked to be on track and then everything changed when Carla was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Jo Morris reports.

The nominees for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2021 have been revealed. There have been 66 recipients of the award, but only 13 of these have been women. Anna Kessel, Women’s Sports Editor at The Telegraph talks to Emma about the women on the shortlist and who is favourite to win.

Jazz musician Zoe Rahman, IVF regulation, County Lines, Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace Dec 11, 2021

Musician and composer, Zoe Rahman has won a MOBO, a British Jazz Award, and this week Zoe was awarded the ‘Impact Award’ at the 2021 Ivors Composer Awards.

Julia Chain the chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, made a plea for the 1990 Act governing fertility clinics and practice in this country to be updated. She argues that after 30 years, the science and culture around IVF has changed so much, and that the law needs to catch up.

This week Ministers revealed a 10-year drugs strategy which includes £300m for combating more than 2,000 county lines gangs. Sahira Irshad and Jen Jones are part of Mums United, a group of local mothers fighting against rising gang violence in Sheffield.

23-year-old Vee Kativhu was told Oxford university wasn't for people like her - she proved her teachers wrong by graduating recently from there with a degree in in Classical Archaeology and Ancient History. She's now studying International Education Policy at Harvard. Her popular Youtube channel gives out studying tips and she has a new book out - Empowered: Live Your Life with Passion and Purpose.

Last week the government set out how it will improve life for women in the armed forces, in response to the Women in the Armed Forces report which came out in July. It found that service-women who were victims of bullying, harassment, discrimination and serious sexual assault were being ‘denied justice’ by a ‘woefully inadequate’ military complaints process. We heard from the Secretary of State for Defence, MP Ben Wallace.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Catfishing, Caribbean Christmas Food & Gloves Dec 10, 2021

Catfishing is the practise of using a fake profile to start an online romance. The podcast Sweet Bobby has been shining a light on this issue through the story of Kirat Assi, a 42-year-old radio presenter who started a relationship with a person she thought to be Bobby, a handsome cardiologist, via Facebook. However, when he repeatedly fails to visit her in person, she slowly comes to learn his true identity. She shares her story with Anita, and is joined by investigative journalist Alexi Mostrous who explains the current legislation around catfishing.

Is the world of horse racing being forced to face up to its own #metoo moment this week? A light has been shone on the bullying and harassment endured by professional jockey, Bryony Frost, on and off the track by a male jockey who has now been banned for 18 months, with three months suspended. We hear from race trainer Gaye Kelleway, the first woman to ride a winner at Royal Ascot, and from Annamarie Phelps, the Chair of the British Horseracing Authority.

Earlier this week, Ministers revealed a 10-year drugs strategy, allocating £780m in funding for the drug treatment system in England. This will include £300m for combating more than 2,000 county lines gangs. County lines is a form of criminal exploitation where urban gangs persuade, coerce or force children and young people to store drugs and money and/or transport them to suburban areas, market towns and coastal regions. Anita speaks to two mothers whose respective families and communities have been impacted by county lines gangs. Sahira Irshad founded Mums United in Sheffield, a charity led by mothers to tackle youth violence and child drug exploitation. She is joined by Jen Jones a volunteer mother from the group.

Chef and food-writer Keshia Sakarah is a second-generation West Indian of Montserratian and Barbudan heritage. Her restaurant Caribe' celebrates the diverse cuisine of the Caribbean, representing dishes from across the region. Keshia joins Anita to talk about the traditions and history behind Caribbean Christmas food.

From the hand-knitted mittens to the Bluetooth-enabled glove that acts like a phone, the humble glove has been linked to honour, status and identity but also to decadence and deceit. Dr Anne Green, Emeritus Professor of French at King’s College London tells us about her new book Gloves. An Intimate History.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Jazz pianist Zoe Rahman, Allegra Stratton's resignation, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, Germany's abortion law Dec 09, 2021

Jazz musician Zoe Rahman has been described as one of the brightest stars on the contemporary jazz scene. She takes influence from her English, Irish and Bengali heritage to write music with swing, lyricism and intimacy. She’s a MOBO Award winner, British Jazz Award winner and now an Ivors Composer Award winner. She speaks to Emma - unfortunately we aren't able to include her live music performances in the podcast for copyright reasons.

We discuss the resignation of senior government advisor Allegra Stratton over the Downing Street party video, with Daily Mail columnist Sarah Vine and the Mirror's Political Editor Pippa Crerar.

Richard Ratcliffe, the husband of British-Iranian detainee Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe talks to Emma about his recent 21 day hunger strike outside the Foreign Office in London and his ongoing campaign to secure his wife's release from Iran, and he and their daughter face another Christmas without her.

German leader Angela Merkel has officially left office after 16 years and a new chancellor, Olaf Scholz has been confirmed. His party, the centre-left Social Democrats now have a substantial majority in a three-way coalition government. But the new chancellor has already faced opposition from conservatives over plans to reform abortion law. How will he impact the lives of women in Germany? Chief Political Editor, Michaela Kuefner from Deutsche Welle, joins Emma to discuss.

The revival of Sex and the City – a new series called And Just Like That… airs tonight on Sky TV. It comes at the same time as a brand new TV show on Prime – Harlem – focuses on four ambitious best friends navigating relationships and careers. Emma speaks to Dr Kadian Pow – who teaches Sociology and Black Studies at Birmingham City University.

Image: Zoe Rahman Credit: Ilze Kitshoff

Christmas Parties, Afghan Families in Hotels, Hypothalamic Amenorrhea Dec 08, 2021

Allegra Stratton has found herself at the centre of a political storm. ITV footage shows her rehearsing a TV news conference and dealing with tricky questions about Christmas parties during covid lockdowns. Staff are laughing and joking. We speak to political journalist Pippa Crerar, who broke the original story of the Downing Street party as well as other gatherings. We also get reaction from Jo Lawrence who has a catering company, and whose Mum sadly died of covid last year.

We talk about women in chess with Woman Grandmaster and nine time British woman's chess champion Jovanka Houska and Aga Milewska, Director of Women’s Chess at the English Chess Federation.

An Afghan mum, who's in a hotel with her family, is having to move to her third hotel since she got here a few months ago. We find out what life is like for her and her children, and speak to Judith Dennis from The Refugee Council about why this constant moving is happening.

We hear from Tanya Borg whose daughters are still in Libya, after their father took them there in 2015. She said: "It breaks my heart. Why is nobody doing anything? I'm going to try and get them back until I die." Tanya was granted full custody by British and Libyan courts, but the girls are still missing and thought to be with their grandmother.

The writer, musician and mum of three, Izzy Judd, tells us about her past disordered eating and obsession with 'clean' diets which she believes were problems when she was trying to get pregnant. Dr Fatima Husain, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, explains more about the condition of Hypothalamic Amenorrhea.

Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace, Education activist Vee Kativhu, Pregnancy and homelessness Dec 07, 2021

Emma speaks to the Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace, about the government’s plans to improve women’s experiences in the armed forces. In particular she asks him to explain why the government has rejected calls for rape or sexual assault committed in the military to be tried in civilian courts, away from military courts.

Education activist Vee Kativhu talks to Emma about why she set up her own YouTube channel, Empowered by Vee, shortly after arriving at the University of Oxford.

Today, the Law Commission has published a major report on hate crime. One of the areas examined was the proposal to make misogyny a hate crime and so a criminal offence. To the disappointment of a coalition of women's rights campaigners, the Law Commission has said the move would not solve the “real problem” of hostility or prejudice directed against women because of their sex or gender. Emma is joined by criminal law commissioner, Professor Penny Lewis from the Law Commission. and Sue Fish, the former constable of Nottinghamshire police.

Imagine expecting your first child and at the same time being homeless or facing homelessness in the near future. Emma is joined by Laura Jones, founder of PETRA, a project which helps young mothers and mothers-to-be with housing and Jade Toogood, a mother and former resident of a Petra Project home.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Under Pressure, Julia Chain, Hyaluronidase Dec 06, 2021

In our series Under Pressure we've been looking at what happens to relationships when couples are put under extreme strain: how do they cope? Today we hear from Kate and Annie who live in Northumberland.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. In March, Julia Chain was announced as the new chair of the HFEA. Now Julia is calling for the 1990 Human Fertilization and Embryology Act to be updated. She joins Emma to discuss the changes she wants to see.

We talk to Deborah Bull and Jill Baldock about how dancing can lift your mood.

A report out today from the Institute for Fiscal Studies says there's been 'almost' no progress towards closing the gender pay gap in the last 25 years. Professor Lucinda Platt, who's on the panel of the IFS Deaton Inequalities review, and who researches inequality at the London School of Economic, explains why not.

If your facial fillers aren’t to your liking, or worse injected in a dangerous spot, you can get them dissolved with a substance called hyaluronidase. But women are reporting nasty side effects including swelling, tissue loss, burning sensations and headaches. A cosmetic surgeon, Daniel Ezra, is studying this to try to establish exactly what's going on. We hear from him as well as our reporter Melanie Abbott.

Brene Brown on emotions, Stepmums, Women in the Army, Poet Kim Moore, Morning after pill costs, Chef Ravinder Bhogal Dec 04, 2021

Brené Brown's Tedx talk 'The Power of Vulnerablity' is one of the most viewed talks in the world with more than 50 million views. Her new book 'The Atlas of the Heart' takes on a journey through 87 of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. Photo credit: Randal Ford.

Calls for Boots, the chemist to permanently reduce the price of the morning after pill. With campaigner Rosie Stokes, and the Labour MP Diana Johnson.

More than 4,000 women gave evidence to the Defence Sub-Committee on Women in the Armed Forces for its landmark inquiry, which was published earlier this year. This week the Ministry of Defence responded to the recommendations from that inquiry. We heard from Sarah Atherton, Conservative MP and Chair of the Defence Sub Committee.

Raising awareness of the complexities and realities of being a stepmum today, with Katie Harrison, host of a a new podcast 'You're Not My Mum: The Stepmum's Side' and Suzie Hayman, a counsellor and spokesperson for the parenting charity Family Lives and author of 'Be A Great Step-Parent.'

The poet Kim Moore on her new collection 'All the Men I Never Married'.

Alternative Christmas food ideas with the chef and restauranter Ravinder Bhogal. She shares her houghts on creating some rich adaptations of everything from brussel sprouts and ham to samosas and mathi.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Photo credit: Randal Ford

Rise in menopause tribunal cases; Brené Brown; Women's FA Cup Final; Ravinder Bhogal; Ghislaine Maxwell trial update Dec 03, 2021

Brené Brown has always called herself a mapmaker and in her sixth and newest book, the Atlas of the Heart, out this week, she takes us on a journey through 87 of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. Her TEDx talk “the power of vulnerability” is one of the top five most viewed TED talks in the world with more than 50 million views. She joins Anita.

This Sunday marks 100 years since women's football was banned by the English Football Association. Because of Covid the Women's FA Cup final, traditionally played in May, will take place with Arsenal taking on Chelsea and shown live on the BBC. Kelly Simmons, director of the Women's Professional Game at the Football Association; and Jen O' Neill, editor of football magazine She Kicks discuss the game.

The number of tribunal cases in which employees are alleging menopause related discrimination is on the rise. Analysis of the Courts and Tribunals Service has shown that menopause was cited ten times in the first six months of 2021, and could rise to 20 by the end of the year, if the rate continues as it is. Research by Menopause Matters earlier this year found five cases in 2018, and 16 in 2020. Although these figures appear very small, nearly one million women are said to have left work due to menopausal symptoms and there is currently a Women and Equalities Committee inquiry looking into workplace practices around the menopause. So what can be done to prevent a situation getting as far as a tribunal? I’m joined by Lauren Chiren, who runs Women of a Certain Stage, providing coaching, mentoring and training on the menopause at work and Sinead Casey, a partner with the law firm Linklaters, who advise employers on workplace issues including menopausal women, and has been looking at the recent uptake in cases.

Over the next few Fridays we’ll be looking at alternative Christmas food ideas and who better to start off with than Ravinder Bhogal, journalist, chef and owner of Jikoni, her restaurant in London. Always challenging traditional notions of food preparation she joins Anita to share her thoughts on creating some rich adaptations of everything from brussel sprouts and ham to samosas and mathi. And tells us why Christmas is a particularly special time for her and her family. The British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell has been in court all week in New York City on sex trafficking and other charges. She’s challenging claims that she groomed underage girls for convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein for sexual abuse. He died in prison in 2019. She’s been in a US jail since her arrest last year. We hear from Stephen Wright, Associate Editor at the Daily Mail currently in New York City covering the Ghislaine Maxwell trial.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Brené Brown Interviewed Guest: Kelly Simmons Interviewed Guest: Jen O'Neill Interviewed Guest: Lauren Chiren Interviewed Guest: Sinead Casey Interviewed Guest: Ravinder Bhogal Interviewed Guest: Stephen Wright

Joanna Chiu; Modern Stepmums; Angela Merkel's military farewell Dec 02, 2021

The Women’s Tennis Association has suspended all events in China over concerns for the Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai. Her safety has become a matter of international concern after she posted sexual assault allegations against former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli and then disappeared from public view. She has since reappeared and has said she is safe and well but there are still concerns for her wellbeing. Last week China’s foreign ministry said it was not a diplomatic matter and the issue had been maliciously hyped up. In a timely new book, 'China Unbound: A New World Disorder', the journalist Joanna Chiu says that for far too long western societies have mishandled or ignored Beijing’s actions, out of narrow self-interest. She believes decades of wilful misinterpretations have, over time, become complicit in the toxic diplomacy, human rights abuses, and foreign interference China engages in today. Joanna speaks to Krupa Padhy about Peng Shuai, the #metoo movement in China and her work as founder and chair of NuVoices, which highlights and supports women working on the subject of China.

Back in the summer a parliamentary report came out about women in the armed forces. It was put together by the Defence Sub-Committee on Women in the Armed Forces which gathered evidence from four thousand women involved in the army now and in the past. It made for very bad reading. Stories of bullying, harassment, discrimination came to light, as well as sexual assault and rape. That report duly went to the Government, which today makes public whether or not it's upheld the Committee's recommendations.

Pregnant women say they are worried about catching Covid at work and not is enough is being done to keep them safe, that's according to a recent survey by the UK maternity rights charity Maternity Action. It recently surveyed just over 400 women who worked in different settings from offices to factories and chemical plants. Ros Bragg is the director at Maternity Action

A new podcast "You're Not My Mum: The Stepmum's Side" was launched last week on BBC Sounds. Katie Harrison is the host and she's passionate about raising awareness of the complexities and realities of being a modern stepmother. She joins Krupa Padhy to talk about some of the challenges along with Suzie Hayman who is a counsellor and spokesperson for the parenting charity Family Lives and author of "Be A Great Step-Parent."

Today Angela Merkel receives her official farewell as Germany’s chancellor, it’s a position she has held for the last 16 years. A special ceremony will take place in Berlin this evening where music of the Chancellor’s choice will be performed by a military band. More than a few eyebrows have been raised after the Chancellor picked a track by Nina Hagen also known as the Grandmother of Punk Rock. BBC Berlin Correspondent Jenny Hill and historian Katja Hoyer join Krupa Padhy to discuss Angela Merkel’s legacy, her musical choices and Nina Hagen.

Mississippi abortion law at the Supreme Court; Poet Kim Moore; England women's football win Dec 01, 2021

The US Supreme Court is set to hear a case on a Mississippi abortion law, which would ban abortion at 15 weeks of pregnancy. It was signed in 2018 by the state's then Republican Governor, Phil Bryant. But it was blocked by several lower courts, so didn't come into effect. Now, Mississippi is asking the Supreme Court to rule in favour of their law and overturn the landmark case of Roe v Wade, which legalised abortion nationwide. Our reporter Melanie Abbott spoke to Jenny Ma, Senior Staff Attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights, which represents the last abortion clinic in Mississippi and Amanda Taub, a reporter for the New York Times, joins Chloe live.

Many of us have probably scribbled a poem to past lovers, but imagine writing a whole book dedicated to them. The poet Kim Moore has done just that with her new collection All the Men I Never Married. She joins Chloe to talk about the impact of those different relationships and the contradictions and complexities of desire.

Last Saturday while talking to football fans outside the Castellani stadium in Empoli after a Serie A match, Greta Beccaglia, an Italian journalist with Toscana TV, was assaulted live on air. A fan appeared to spit in his hand before slapping the journalist on her bottom. Beccaglia has since filed charges after police managed to identify the man. Investigative journalist, Alessia Cerantola joins Chloe Tilley to explain why this story has caused such a stir in Italy.

Last night in their World Cup 2023 qualifier the Lionesses - England Women's football team - beat their opponents Latvia 20-0. Whilst a great win, and one that saw Manchester City's Ellen White become the top scorer ever for England, what does that score line actually tell us about the structure of the women's game - are such results a failing of trying to mimic the way men's football is organised and does it need overhauling? Chloe speaks to BBC Women's Sport reporter Jo Currie.

Emily Ratajkowski, Republicanism in Barbados, Josephine Baker Nov 30, 2021

Emily Ratajkowski is an American model, entrepreneur & writer. She rocketed to fame aged 21 when she took part in Robin Thicke’s music video, Blurred Lines. At the time Emily argued that the provocative display of her body represented a form of feminist empowerment. In her first book, My Body, she argues something more nuanced.

The chemist Boots is in the firing line from campaigners. For Black Friday, Boots halved the price of the morning-after-pill and now campaigners want the reduced price to become permanent. Emma is joined by journalist Rose Stokes & Diana Johnson, Labour MP. Yesterday was big news for the Caribbean island of Barbados, as it cuts ties with the British Crown to become a republic. The country has sworn in its first president - Dame Sandra Mason. Celestina Olulode reporter for BBC World Service, joins Emma from Barbados.

89-year-old barrister Margaret Owen OBE recently embarked on a 6-day hunger strike to raise awareness of the case of British-Iranian detainee Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe. Margaret’s protest followed the 21-day hunger strike by Nazanin’s husband Richard Ratcliffe. She joins Emma to talk about the experience and what she wanted to achieve.

American-born French singer & dancer Josephine Baker is about to become the first black woman to be immortalised in the Pantheon mausoleum in Paris. She broke boundaries in the 1930s with performances mocking colonialism and became an international star. She was also a resistance fighter for France during World War II and had a role in the civil rights movement in the US. Research fellow at Trinity College, Cambridge Adjoa Osei joins Emma.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2021; Ghislaine Maxwell court case; Adoption breakdown;Anorexia & relationships; Nicola Adams Nov 29, 2021

Vivianne Miedema of the Netherlands and Arsenal has been crowned the winner of BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2021. The annual award from the BBC World Service is voted for by football fans from around the world. She is the all-time leading scorer in the FA WSL (women’s super league) and has scored more goals at the international level for the Netherlands than any other player, across both the women's and men's teams. This month, November 2021 she became the first player in the history of the WSL to score against every team they have faced, after scoring against Manchester United.

The British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell is due to go on trial in New York City today on sex trafficking and other charges - in a highly anticipated trial. She is expected to challenge claims she groomed underage girls for convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein for sexual abuse. He died in prison in 2019. She has been in a US jail since her arrest last year. Laura Pullman is the Content Editor at the Sunday Times and is the former New York Correspondent and Stephen Wright is Associate Editor at the Daily Mail who joins the programme from outside the court in New York.

Nicola Adams OBE is officially Great Britain’s most successful female boxer of all time. She won gold at the London Olympics in 2012 and repeated the achievement in Rio in 2016. She is the only female boxer in the history of the sport to have won every major title available to her; Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth. So, it’s not a surprise that Amazon Prime Video have made a documentary about her. Lioness: The Nicola Adams Story explores her difficult upbringing and her battles with sexism, racism and homophobia to get in the ring. We find out how a girl from a council estate in Leeds became a #Lioness.

In the first part of a new series 'Under Pressure' Zoe and James explain how 'Ed' which is the name they gave Zoe's eating disorder changed their lives. How is a relationship impacted when life stuff happens?

We don’t often hear about adoptions that break down, but last week former BBC Scotland health correspondent Eleanor Bradford wrote about her "heart-breaking" decision to return her adopted son to the care system. She said she was unable to cope with her son’s “extremely challenging” behaviour and that she was “furious about the lack of support for adoptive parents” in Scotland. Eleanor Bradford joins Emma to share her experience along with the chief executive of Adoption UK, Sue Armstrong Brown.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Stephen Wright Interviewed Guest: Laura Pullman Interviewed Guest: Vivianne Miedema Interviewed Guest: Nicola Adams Interviewed Guest: Eleanor Bradford Interviewed Guest: Sue Armstrong Brown

Weekend Woman's Hour: Beverley Knight, Melanie Sykes, Cinderella Nov 27, 2021

‘The Drifters Girl’ is a musical which tells the story of Faye Treadwell, one of the first Black women to manage a vocal group in the US. Singer and actor Beverley Knight plays Faye.

We discuss the ongoing appeal of the Cinderella story with Faye Campbell who is playing Cinderella at York Theatre Royal and Dr Nicola Darwood who recently co-edited a new book with Alexis Weedon called Re-telling Cinderella: Cultural and Creative Transformations.

On Tuesday Sikh Women’s Aid launched a report into domestic abuse and child sexual abuse within the Sikh community. Conducted via anonymous surveys sent out over the summer, the survey of nearly 700 respondents showed that 70% had experienced domestic violence and 35% had experienced child sexual abuse or exploitation. To tell us more about this report and what can be done to help the issue, we're joined by the co-founder of Sikh Women's Aid and co-author of the report, Sahdaish Pall.

We used to have YOLO, then FOMO, now we have HOGO. Post lockdown, the fear of missing out no longer plagues us. We have become too comfortable sitting on our sofas watching TV. The effort of putting good clothes on and leaving the house is too much. This hassle of going out (HOGO) has been blamed by the hospitality industry for an increase in the number of no-shows at restaurants and paid-for live events. We talk to psychotherapist and author of Happy Relationships: At Home, Work and Play, Lucy Beresford and actor Sadie Clark whose play, Algorithms, is on at Soho Theatre in December.

TV and radio presenter Melanie Sykes has just announced that she’s been diagnosed with autism at the age of 51. She says it's 'truly life changing, or rather life affirming… and so many things make sense’. She tells us more.

Presenter Zara McDermott’s new BBC documentary explores sexual harassment, teenagers, and what impact school is having. We speak to Zara and two contributors who feature in the documentary - activist Zan Moon and 14 year old Trinity.

Arwa Mahdawi, Cinderella & Sexual Harassment in Schools Nov 26, 2021

Do women make better leaders? If so, what can they teach us? Strong Female Lead - Lessons From Women in Power, a new book by the journalist Arwa Mahdawi, argues that a rigid and masculine model of leadership is not up to tackling the complex problems we are facing in the world today. Arwa says ‘If we want to save the world, it’s time we stopped telling women to act like men and started telling everyone to lead like women.’ She draws on the pandemic and beyond, to showcase the leadership skills women are displaying that she believes everyone can learn from.

This week MPs have backed a ban on virginity testing in England, after the government called it "indefensible". Anyone helping girls or women get the tests, which includes an intrusive vaginal examination, could face up to five years in prison. But campaigners have also said they want a ban on hymenoplasty, a practice involving cosmetic surgery to reconstruct the hymen. Natasha Rattu, CEO of Karma Nirvana, an organisation that supports victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage, tells us why this further step needs to be taken.

Presenter Zara McDermott’s new BBC documentary explores sexual harassment, teenagers, and what impact school is having. We speak to Zara and two contributors who feature in the documentary - activist Zan Moon and 14 year old Trinity.

This week the Home Affairs Select Committee released a report revealing that only one in five of an estimated 15,000 eligible claimants had applied to the Windrush Compensation Scheme, and only 5% of victims have been compensated. They’ve called for the scheme to be transferred from the Home Office to an independent organisation. We’re joined by lawyer Jacqueline McKenzie to discuss the findings.

We discuss the ongoing appeal of the Cinderella story with Faye Campbell who is playing Cinderella at York Theatre Royal and Dr Nicola Darwood who recently co-edited a new book with Alexis Weedon called Re-telling Cinderella: Cultural and Creative Transformations.

Fabric a hidden history of material. Sweden's first female PM. Domestic violence and femicide in Turkey. Nov 25, 2021

Do you ever pause to think about where the cotton t-shirt, woollen jumper or silk blouse you're wearing have come from? Victoria Finlay's new book Fabric weaves history, anthropology and myth to tell us the stories of different kinds of cloth, how they are made, why we wear them and the industries that have sprung up around them.

As the Court of Appeal clears the names of seven former Post Office clerks who were convicted of false accounting, Pauline Stonehouse tells us about how she's finally been able to put the false allegations behind her and the impact they've had on her life.

Within hours of Magdalena Andersson, a former finance minister becoming Sweden's first female Prime Minister, she's resigned and the government has fallen. What's behind her decision to stepdown? Why's it taken Sweden so long to catch up with their Nordic neighbours and have a woman at the top? We hear from the BBC’s reporter in Sweden, Maddy Savage and Drude Dahlerup - professor emerita of politics at Stockholm University.

Plus as we mark White Ribbon day – a day when many people across the world come together to say no to violence against women, we look at the situation in Turkey where more than one in three women have experienced domestic violence and the number of femicides is rising. A new film Dying to Divorce, filmed over five years, tells the story of two survivors who works for the platform We Will Stop Femicide to get justice for others, and is the UK’s official entry for Best International Feature film at the Oscars. Emma talk to its director Chloe Fairweather and the Turkish lawyer Ipek Bozkurt.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Photographer Katia Marsh

Sheila Rowbotham; Sikh Women's Aid; Stella Creasy; HOGO; Motherhood & elite sport Nov 24, 2021

Yesterday Sikh Women’s Aid launched a report into domestic abuse and child sexual abuse within the Sikh community. Conducted via anonymous surveys sent out over the summer, the survey of nearly 700 respondents showed that 70% had experienced domestic violence and 35% had experienced child sexual abuse or exploitation. To tell us more about this report and what can be done to help the issue, we're joined by the co-founder of Sikh Women's Aid and co-author of the report, Sahdaish Pall.

Writer and historian Sheila Rowbotham helped start the Women's Liberation Movement in Britain. She organised and spoke at its first conference at Ruskin College, Oxford, she went on to encourage night cleaners to unionize and she wrote many ground breaking boojavascript:void(0)ks, including Women, Resistance and Revolution, Woman's Consciousness, Man's World and Hidden from History. This all happened in the 1970s and Sheila writes about it in her second and latest memoir, 'Daring to Hope: My life in the 1970s'. She joins Emma to discuss the many momentous feminist events of that decade.

We used to have YOLO, then FOMO, now we have HOGO. Post lockdown, the fear of missing out no longer plagues us. We have become too comfortable sitting on our sofas watching TV. The effort of putting good clothes on and leaving the house is too much. This hassle of going out (HOGO) has been blamed by the hospitality industry for an increase in the number of no-shows at restaurants and paid-for live events. We talk to psychotherapist and author of Happy Relationships: At Home, Work and Play, Lucy Beresford and actor Sadie Clark whose play, Algorithms, is on at Soho Theatre in December.

Motherhood and elite sport has felt like a taboo topic for many athletes in the past. Now official pregnancy guidance for Olympic and Paralympic athletes and sport governing bodies has been introduced for the first time by UK Sport. To discuss why this has been introduced now and how it will impact elite sportswomen, Emma is joined by five-time Olympic archer Naomi Folkard who contributed to UK Sport’s consultation for the guidance and The Telegraph’s Women’s Sport reporter Molly McElwee.

The judgment on the SEISS discrimination verdict appeal is expected today at 10.30am. It follows a claim by the campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed of indirect discrimination due to the way the Self Employed Income Support Scheme was calculated. Introduced in spring 2020 to give financial help to self-employed workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the group argued SEISS was unlawful because it disproportionately affected women who had not worked because of their pregnancy and childbirth.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Sahdaish Pall Interviewed Guest: Sheila Rowbotham Interviewed Guest: Stella Creasy Interviewed Guest: Lucy Beresford Interviewed Guest: Sadie Clark Interviewed Guest: Naomi Folkard Interviewed Guest: Molly McElwee Interviewed Guest: Jolie Brearley Photographer: Sally Fraser

MP Caroline Nokes, Beverley Knight, Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai Nov 23, 2021

Last week, Caroline Nokes, former minister, Conservative MP and the chair of the Women and Equalities Committee - accused the Prime Minister's father of groping her 18 years ago at a Conservative Party Conference. Stanley Johnson has so far declined to comment on the allegation, saying he has no recollection of it. Caroline talks to Emma.

‘The Drifters Girl’ is a musical which tells the story of Faye Treadwell, one of the first Black women to manage a vocal group in the US. Singer and actor Beverley Knight plays Faye and joins Emma to discuss this remarkable woman.

Peng Shuai is one of China's top tennis players, but there are global concerns over her safety after she accused the former Chinese vice-premier, Zhang Gaoli, of raping her in 2018. We talk to Cindy Yu Broadcast Editor at The Spectator.

Have you ever been affected by persistent, unexplained pain in your vulva? Vulvodynia is a chronic condition that is thought to affect up to 16% of women. Emma is joined by Claudia Chisari, a PHD researcher in Vulvodynia at King’s College London and Sheren Gaulbert, who suffered from Vulvodynia for 10 years.

Joan Rhodes could bend steel bars , lift two men at a time, and rip phone books apart. Often described in the press as the strongest woman in the world, she became friends with Marlene Dietrich and even performed for the Royal Household at their Annual Christmas bash. Triona Holden got to know her before she died, and has written her biography ‘An Iron Girl in a Velvet Glove: The Life of Joan Rhodes.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore Photo credit of Beverley Knight: @Johan Persson

Melanie Sykes, Menopause, Marching Midwives Nov 22, 2021

TV and radio presenter Melanie Sykes has just announced that she’s been diagnosed with autism at the age of 51. She says it's 'truly life changing, or rather life affirming… and so many things make sense’. She tells us more.

Colin Pitchfork, the man who murdered and raped Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth but was released from prison recently, has been sent back to jail for breaking his licence conditions. We speak to the former Justice Secretary, Robert Buckland, who always maintained that Pitchfork should remain behind bars. We also hear from Dawn's uncle, Philip Musson.

David Salmon comes onto the programme to talk about his wife, who took her life last year after suffering extreme menopausal symptoms. He wants other men to pick up on signs that the women in their lives may be struggling.

We have the fourth episode of our series on toxic relationships.

And we hear why thousands of midwives took to the streets at the weekend to voice their concerns about safety. Kay King from March With Midwives Alliance and White Ribbon Alliance UK speaks to us.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Stonewall, Pride & Prejudice (Sort Of), Parcopresis Nov 20, 2021

Nancy Kelley is CEO of Stonewall, the largest LGBT rights charity in Europe. She speaks about her organisation’s work and gives her reaction to recent high-profile withdrawals from Stonewall’s Diversity Champions workplace inclusion scheme, including the BBC.

This week the cricketer Azeem Rafiq candidly described the racism he's suffered. We talk to the MP Naz Shah and Halima Khan who works in grassroots cricket about the impact of his testimony.

For millions of families, the past 18 months have been defined by grief. A growing online community, mainly fronted by young women, is helping others to find support through loss. We're joined by Amber Jeffrey, founder of The Grief Gang podcast, and Helen Smith who has an Instagram page called Lockdown Grief.

Parcopresis is the inability to defecate or go for a poo without a certain level of privacy. The condition is also known as shy bowel and it can stop people from feeling comfortable about going at work, while out and about or even while sharing a toilet with a new partner. What causes this anxiety and why do more women suffer than men? We ask Eleanor Morgan, author of Hormonal: A Conversation About Women’s Bodies, Mental Health and Why We Need to be Heard and Professor Siwan Thomas-Gibson, a consultant gastroenterologist.

Pride and Prejudice (sort of) is a sweary, anarchic reboot of the classic Jane Austen novel by Scottish writer Isobel McArthur, in which an all-female cast of five play all of the characters. We're joined by Isobel and her co-performer Tori Burgess.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

The UK’s only female arm-wrestling referee Kath Whitaker Nov 19, 2021

What comes to your mind when you think of ‘arm wrestling’? Burly men taking each other on to see who’s the strongest in a testosterone charged atmosphere? Well now there is a woman at the heart of this sport in the UK. Kath Whitaker is the UK's only female arm-wrestling referee and is preparing to make her debut at the national championships in Birmingham this weekend.

This week the cricketer Azeem Rafiq candidly described the racism he's suffered. No one could fail to be moved by his testimony on Tuesday, and the other interviews he's given since - sometimes very emotional. His comments will have triggered something in people who've experienced what he's talking about, and know it’s true. We talk to the MP Naz Shah and Halima Khan who works in grassroots cricket.

A new report by the Prison Reform Trust has just launched a new report on how long sentenced women are “invisible” in prison policy and practice. We hear from “Jane”, a former long-sentence prisoner who talks about her experience of jail and by Julia Killick a trustee from the Prison Reform Trust

In the third of our series on toxic relationships we hear from a woman we are calling Katy who feels that her earliest experiences shaped what she looked for and needed from her partners.

And we’ve music from Yazz Ahmed a British-Bahraini trumpet player and composer who is a pioneering figure in jazz in the UK.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineer: Tim Heffer

Cast of Pride & Prejudice (sort of); Nancy Kelley, CEO of Stonewall; Frida Kahlo Nov 18, 2021

Nancy Kelley is CEO of Stonewall, the largest LGBT rights charity in Europe. She speaks to Emma about her organisation’s work and gives her reaction to recent high-profile withdrawals from Stonewall’s Diversity Champions workplace inclusion scheme, including the BBC.

Pride and Prejudice (sort of) is a sweary, anarchic reboot of the classic Jane Austen novel by Scottish writer Isobel McArthur, in which an all-female cast of five play all of the characters. Originally written for a summer season in Glasgow’s Tron theatre, after a 6 month regional tour the all-singing and dancing reinterpretation has landed in London’s West End to much applause. Isobel and her co-performer, Tori Burgess, are live in the studio.

Frida Kahlo: the famous Mexican artist whose images go far beyond galleries, is being described as having the last laugh this week. Reproductions of her work are everywhere and her face and style adorn merchandise wherever you go. But this week in New York she broke a record. A self-portrait featuring her husband, Diego Rivera, who it's widely acknowledged treated her badly but also whom she adored, sold for a whopping 34.9 million dollars. It's the highest price ever paid, at auction, for a Latin American artwork. And - here's the twist - it's more than Diego ever got for his work. Ruth Millington, an art historian and critic discusses.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Nancy Kelley Interviewed Guest: Isobel McArthur Interviewed Guest: Tori Burgess Interviewed Guest: Ruth Millington

Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth; Britney Spears; Losing a parent young; Jane Austen's early work and Food and Memory Nov 17, 2021

Two months ago the then head of the policing inspectorate Zoe Billings warned of an “epidemic of violence” against women and girls. She urged police chiefs to “get a grip” of the situation and called for it to be given the same priority as terrorism threats. On her recommendation the Home Office and National Police Chiefs Council which represents the 43 police forces In England and Wales have now funded a new post to coordinate action on the issue and have appointed Detective Chief Constable Maggie Blyth to do the job. She joins Emma Barnett ahead of a policing summit being held in the capital at the end of the week to talk about her new role and future plans.

Britney Spears has addressed fans and supporters for the first time since her 13 year conservatorship was lifted by a judge in Los Angeles last Friday. The conservatorship was set in up 2008 after the US pop star faced a mental health crisis. Her father, Jamie Spears, was in charge of the conservatorship but stepped down in 2019 citing health reasons. Britney has previously called the conservatorship “abusive” amid claims that her father was spying on her and illegally recording her conversations. But what does Britney's social media post reveal about her? Emma is joined by Jennifer Otter-Bickerdike professor of Popular Music at the BIMM Institute whose latest book is called Being Britney: Pieces of a Modern Icon.

Jane Austen is known and loved for six novels - four published towards the end of her short life and 2 published after her death. In a new book 'Jane Austen Early and Late' Freya Johnston of St Ann's College Oxford argues that the teenage writing contained in three notebooks deserves to be better known and that it sheds new light on her later work.

For millions of families, the past 18 months have been defined by grief. And an online growing community, mainly fronted by young women, is helping others to find support through loss. New research by Marie Curie reveals that around half of people in the UK think we don’t talk enough about death and dying as a society. Emma speaks to two young women about their own experiences. Amber Jeffrey is the founder of The Grief Gang podcast. Helen Smith has an Instagram page called Lockdown Grief.

Eating Well with Dementia is a new community written recipe book from West Yorkshire. Inspired by the work of their local dementia cafe and cooking group, the book was developed by Young Dementia Leeds, a community service supporting people living with early onset dementia and their families. Emma Barnett speaks to Liz Menacer, Service Manager at Young Dementia Leeds and Diana Harris-Smith whose late husband was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2016. They explore the role of food, memory and dementia.

Actor Rose Ayling-Ellis in Strictly; Tracey Neville; Rape as a weapon of war; She-cession; Photographing Angela Merkel Nov 16, 2021

Last weekend Rose Ayling-Ellis and her partner Giovanni Pernice danced part of their routine on Strictly with a silent section in tribute to the deaf community. Rose thanked her partner by saying "I feel very thankful for your determination to make this dance the most positive, happy dance, it can be, because you know that being deaf, there's nothing wrong, it's such a joy to be deaf". Rose, who normally stars in EastEnders, is one of many female deaf actors to grace our screens. Sophie Leigh Stone was the first deaf actress to win a place at RADA and to take part in Doctor Who. Gabriella Leon plays Jade Lovall in Casualty. Even Eternals - the latest Marvel movie - stars Lauren Ridloff as the deaf superhero Makkari. So what effect is this increased visibility of deaf women having on the deaf community? Emma is joined by Camilla Arnold, a friend of Rose Ayling-Ellis and the BBC's first deaf series producer and Teresa Waldron, the managing director of Deaf-initely Women, a charity supporting deaf women in Derby.

While the sleaze debate rumbles on in parliament, this morning the Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is announcing a new campaign to stop sexual violence against women and girls in conflict around the world. This includes more than £20 million of new funding to tackle the issue. She will be speaking at the Gender Equality Advisory Council today to seek a new global agreement to condemn the use of rape and sexual violence as weapons of war as a “red line” on a par with chemical weapons. The campaign is a response to a report by the Gender Equality Advisory Council, an independent group of experts convened by the Prime Minister under the UK's G7 Presidency. We hear from Baroness Arminka Helic, a Conservative Peer in the House of Lords. She started off a UK government programme to tackle sexual violence in conflict zones that was then launched by former foreign secretary Lord William Hague and Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie.

Former netball England International and England head coach Tracey Neville MBE is supporting a new campaign - ‘Coach the Coaches’ - to encourage young women from deprived areas to use sport to help improve their metal health AND their career opportunities. The campaign aims to give 16-24 year olds the skills needed to become coaches. We ask the Former England Netball head coach why she wanted to support the campaign.

The Bank of England has warned against women working from home and that not returning to the office will result in ‘two track’ career development. We discuss this with the Resolution Foundation’s Research Director Lindsay Judge and Emma Stewart MBE, Co-Founder of Timewise, a flexible working consultancy.

Angela Merkel is stepping down as German chancellor after 16 years in power, bringing to an end a political career that has spanned more than three decades. Back in 1991, when Angela was Minister for Women, the photographer Herlinde Koelbl began a study called ‘Traces of Power’, using Angela as one of her photographic subjects. This event took place across a thirty year period, and the results are now displayed in a new book ‘Angela Merkel: Portraits 1991-2021'.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Baroness Arminka Helic Interviewed Guest: Camilla Arnold Interviewed Guest: Teresa Waldron Interviewed Guest: Tracey Neville Interviewed Guest: Herlinde Koelbl Interviewed Guest: Lindsay Judge Interviewed Guest: Emma Stewart

Kirsten Dunst, 'Laddish' culture in the armed forces, Teacher Joanna Harriott, Shy bowel, Child to parent abuse Nov 15, 2021

Kirsten Dunst started in the acting business when she was just three years old - you may know her from films such as Marie Antoinette, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Virgin Suicides and Spiderman. She joins Emma to talk about her latest film - The Power of the Dog - written and directed by the award winning Jane Campion.

Is there a 'laddish' culture within the British Armed forces? And is it necessary in order to prepare – mainly men - for armed battle and conflict? Emma discusses culture within the Services with the Labour MP, mayor and former army major Dan Jarvis.

Children as young as four have been reported to police for abusing their parents, and according to police force Freedom of Information data, 42,000 incidents were instigated by adolescents and children aged 19 and under between January 2018 and June 2021. This abuse can range from physical, verbal and emotional abuse such as punching, kicking, threatening with knives, swearing or hurling demeaning insults. It is a relatively unacknowledged and under-researched form of abuse, with little support offered to families. It is also gendered with more mothers experiencing it than fathers. Emma is joined by the domestic abuse commissioner Nicole Jacobs, and Sharon, a grandmother who is looking after her nine year old grandson.

Parcopresis is the inability to defecate or go for a poo without a certain level of privacy. The condition is also known as shy bowel and it can stop people from feeling comfortable about going at work, while out and about or even while sharing a toilet with a new partner. The knock on effect of this is often constipation and according to The Bowel Group Report 2020 one in seven adults suffer from constipation and 60% of that number are women. What causes this anxiety, why do more women suffer from men and what are the long term health implications of this? Emma asks Eleanor Morgan, author of Hormonal: A Conversation About Women’s Bodies, Mental Health and Why We Need to be Heard and Professor Siwan Thomas-Gibson, consultant gastroenterologist and specialist endoscopist at St Mark's National Bowel Hospital in London.

Joanna Harriott is in her 50th year of being a teacher. She has worked in west Belfast her entire career and in the same school, St John the Baptist School, since 1973. She tells Emma why she doesn't want to give it up.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Mary Robinson, Huma Abedin, Daddy Issues Nov 13, 2021

Mary Robinson, once President of Ireland and now the Chair of The Elders, has been at COP26 in Glasgow all fortnight. She explains why the climate challenge ahead is so emotional.

The BBC has withdrawn from a workplace diversity scheme run by Stonewall. On behalf of the BBC, we hear from Rhodri Talfan Davies, who is Director of Nations and sits on the corporation's Executive Committee.

Huma Abedin worked as Hillary Clinton’s private top aide and long-time advisor for 25 years. She was also the wife of ex-congressman Anthony Weiner, when a sexting scandal sent him to prison, destroyed their marriage and derailed her boss’ bid to become President in 2016. Emerging from the wings of American political history to take command of her own story, she’s just released her memoir.

Daddy Issues. It's an insult now but it started out as a psychological term to explain the importance of father figures. But what exactly are Daddy Issues, how real are they? Katherine Angel, author of ‘Daddy Issues’, and Angharad George-Carey, host of the Daddy Issues podcast joins us.

Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn is defending the OnlyFans pictures that led to her exit from the long-running soap. Sarah - who has played the character of Mandy Richardson on the show since 1996 - was reportedly axed after refusing to delete her OnlyFans social media account.

And people living in Syston, Leicestershire have been treated to an incredible life-size knitted soldier that has appeared at the War Memorial Clock Tower. It is the work of the mysteriously named "Knitting Banksy", an anonymous woman who has been surprising locals with her stunning creations. We hear from Samantha Noble, reporter for BBC East Midlands Online, who's been in contact with Knitting Bansky.

Mary Robinson, Rose Tremain, Daddy Issues Nov 12, 2021

Mary Robinson, once President of Ireland and now the Chair of The Elders, has been at COP26 in Glasgow all fortnight. She explains why the climate challenge ahead is so emotional.

Rose Tremain's new novel called Lily begins with a baby being abandoned by her mother outside a London park in Victorian London. She’s rescued from prowling wolves by a young police officer and Lily's life as a foundling child begins. It's a story of revenge and, as often with Rose Tremain's work, the setting might be historical but there are contemporary parallels.

Daddy Issues. It's an insult now but it started out as a psychological term to explain the importance of father figures. But what exactly are Daddy Issues, how real are they and what do you do if you think you have them? Katherine Angel, author of ‘Daddy Issues’, and Angharad George-Carey, host of the Daddy Issues podcast joins us.

And today is Single’s Day in China. It's the world’s biggest shopping spree. It's supposed to honour those who are not in a romantic relationship, and sales tempt people to treat themselves. It brings in more money than Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined. We talk to Nina Yu of Hylink, China’s largest digital advertising agency, about the scale and origins of the event. We also find out about changing attitudes towards being an unmarried or ‘leftover’ woman in China with Dr Ye Liu, a sociologist from King’s College London.

Noor Inayat Khan: secret agent; BBC & Stonewall; Female MPs, Parliamentary standards & second jobs; Tim Stanley Nov 11, 2021

The BBC has withdrawn from a workplace diversity scheme run by Stonewall. Last night the BBC director general, Tim Davie, said it was “unquestionable” that its ongoing participation in the scheme “has led some organisations and individuals to consider that the BBC cannot be impartial when reporting on public policy debates where Stonewall is taking an active, campaigning, role”. On behalf of the BBC Emma is joined by Rhodri Talfan Davies, who is Director of Nations and sits on the corporation's Executive Committee.

With the latest on the row over standards in public life – and the activities of MPs in particular. Is there a reason why there are more men in the line of fire than women? We hear from former Conservative MP Anna Soubry and Dr Hannah White, Deputy Director at the Institute for Government.

'Whatever Happened to Tradition?' is a book by Daily Telegraph journalist Tim Stanley. He argues that the Western tradition is anti-tradition, that we have a dangerous habit of discarding old ways and old knowledge. Sometimes, he argues, we used to do things better and we ignore this at our peril. Emma talks to Tim about his views on family, feminism, culture, sexuality, gender relations and more.

During World War Two, hundreds of women served as agents in the Special Operations Executive, a branch of military intelligence which specialised in espionage and sabotage behind enemy lines. We’re joined by history teacher Shalina Patel to tell their remarkable stories, and to look at how they are commemorated today.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Rhodri Talfan Davies Interviewed Guest: Anna Soubry Interviewed Guest: Hannah White Interviewed Guest: Tim Stanley Interviewed Guest: Shalina Patel

Barbara Taylor Bradford; Police conduct; Knitting Banxy; Astronaut Nicole Stott Nov 10, 2021

Barbara Taylor Bradford's latest novel A Man Of Honour is a prequel to her first - the 1979 blockbuster A Woman of Substance. It's the story of Shane O'Neill who leaves County Kerry in 1899 at the age of 13 and travels to Leeds to work for his uncle. Known as Blackie on account of his dark hair and eyes, he is a handsome and ambitious grafter - and when he meets young servant Emma Harte on a foggy moor a great friendship begins. Barbara joins Emma in studio.

Misogyny and misconduct in the police force has been placed under the microscope following the murder of Sarah Everard in March. Wayne Couzens, a serving Metropolitan police officer, raped and murdered Sarah after kidnapping her in a fake arrest. Couzens is also believed to have been in a WhatsApp group with five police officers who are currently being investigated for gross misconduct, having allegedly shared "discriminatory" messages - including misogynistic content. Claire Bassett is the Deputy Director General of the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and has been leading a wider investigation into inappropriate use of group chats and social media across the police force. She says she’s found there to be a harmful “canteen culture" online.

Space tourism is now more of a reality. Last month, at the age of 90, William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk in Star Trek became the oldest person to venture into space on Jeff Bezos second human spaceflight. But for millions of us it is still just a pipedream. But not for my next guest - Nicole Stott who has done it - not once but twice - first in 2009 and then in 2011. The former NASA astronaut and engineer spent over 3 months living and working on the International Space Station and travelling on the space shuttle. In her new book Back to Earth she chronicles her experience in space, and how lessons there could help people on earth. She joins Emma to describe her earthrise moment, and why we must all become crew members not passengers to fight climate change.

People living in Syston, Leicestershire have been treated to an incredible life-size knitted soldier that has appeared at the War Memorial Clock Tower. Created to honour Remembrance Day tomorrow, it is the work of the mysteriously named "Knitting Banksy", an anonymous woman who has been surprising locals with her stunning creations. Apart from the knitted soldier, she has also created 23 post box toppers, earning fans across social media and even from celebrities such as Line of Duty actor Stephen Graham. Joining Emma is Samantha Noble, reporter for BBC East Midlands Online, who's been in contact with Knitting Bansky.

Image: Barbara Taylor Bradford Credit: Julian Dufort

Update on Afghan women; Huma Abedin; UTIs; Elizabeth Denham; 'Buyer's Remorse' Nov 09, 2021

It was reported over the weekend that a women's rights activist called Frozan Safi was murdered, after she thought she was being taken to safety. She had been contacted and promised safe passage to Germany, but that never happened. It was a trap. We also heard yesterday about the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. When BBC correspondent John Simpson described what he'd seen and the people he'd met he was moved to tears, live on the radio. We hear from a woman now living in the UK - Shukria Barakzai, previously a government minister in Afghanistan and BBC World News correspondent, Yalda Hakim.

Huma Abedin worked as Hillary Clinton’s private top aide and long-time advisor for 25 years. She was also the wife of ex-congressman Anthony Weiner, when a sexting scandal sent him to prison, destroyed their marriage and derailed her boss’ bid to become President in 2016. Emerging from the wings of American political history to take command of her own story, she’s just released her memoir 'BOTH/AND'. Exploring themes of addiction, motherhood, the power of therapy, faith and shame, Huma explains why she chose to publicly stand by her husband.

Is that must have pandemic purchase now gathering dust in your home? According a a new survey, one in 10 of us have regrets when it comes to items bought during the pandemic Gaming equipment, home gyms, bikes, musical instruments, kitchen appliances such as bread makers, garden furniture, pizza ovens and hot tubs all appeared on the regret list. A survey of 4,000 people found some had sold or given away the items they regretted buying. We hear from retail analyst Catherine Shuttleworth.

Our data – and how it is used – is at the heart of political decision making and debate today. It’s part of all our lives - from the digital cookies we sign up to every time we click on a website to the introduction of Covid passports on our mobile devices; and it’s valuable to the tech companies businesses and governments who use it. Elizabeth Denham, heads the Information Commissioner’s Office. In charge of how our data is used, she's responsible for everything from nuisance telephone calls to data breaches and has most recently overseen the deployment of England's contact tracing app and the Test and Trace programme. As she prepares to leave her role at the end of the month, Emma Barnett speaks to Elizabeth about the big issues facing the industry and in particular the impact they will have on women.

Last month, the winner of the Max Perutz science writing award was announced – an annual competition for Medical Research Council PhD students. This year’s winner is Vicky Bennett – for her article on treating Urinary Tract Infections. Vicky joins Emma to discuss her research, and why she thinks UTI’s – something most commonly experienced by women – need more attention within medicine.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Huma Abedin Interviewed Guest: Catherine Shuttleworth Interviewed Guest: Elizabeth Denham Interviewed Guest: Shukria Barakzai Interviewed Guest: Yalda Hakim Interviewed Guest: Vicky Bennett

Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn, the military and women, Russia advisor Fiona Hill, New induction guidelines Nov 08, 2021

The Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, has called for an extraordinary meeting today of senior army leaders. Concerns about the culture of the military are on the agenda, in particular towards women. Mr Wallace has said he will raise the case of Agnes Wanjiru, a Kenyan woman who died in 2012, last seen in the company of two British soldiers. Emma talks to journalist Hannah Al-Othman and Emma Norton, director of the Centre for Military Justice.

Fiona Hill was the top Russia advisor in the Trump administration. The daughter of a coal miner and midwife, she grew up in Bishop Auckland in the 60s, moving to the U.S. to escape the class and accent discrimination she faced in the UK. She has written about her experiences in a new memoir, There Is Nothing For You Here: Finding Opportunity In The 21st Century.

Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn is defending the OnlyFans pictures that led to her exit from the long-running soap. Sarah - who has played the character of Mandy Richardson on the show since 1996 - was reportedly axed after refusing to delete her OnlyFans social media account. The platform is often used as a means for people to sell pornographic photo and video content to paying subscribers. Sarah joins Emma.

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence has published new guidelines on the induction of labour for pregnant women with what has been called a u-turn on their original proposals in the summer. Elizabeth Duff, senior policy advisor at the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and Asma Khalil, Consultant Obstetrician at St George's Hospital in London and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists explain what these changes mean.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Amanda Knox, COP26, Kathleen Stock, Lily Cole Nov 06, 2021

Fourteen years ago this week, 21-year-old British student Meredith Kercher was sexually assaulted and killed in a brutal attack in her apartment in the Italian city of Perugia. As the world's media descended, a narrative quickly emerged around Amanda Knox - Meredith’s American flatmate - and her then boyfriend Rafaele Sollecito. After being found guilty and serving four years in prison, Amanda was fully exonerated by the Italian Supreme Court on appeal in 2015. Amanda Knox talks to Emma about trying to restore her reputation, losing control of her identity, and speaking out.

The starting gun has fired on COP26 - we hear from Laurence Tubiana, France's Climate Change Ambassador and Special Representative for COP21, and Amber Rudd - Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change at the time of Paris and the then leader of the UK's COP21 negotiating team.

Kathleen Stock was, until last week, a professor of philosophy at the University of Sussex. In the last few years she has become better known for her gender critical views, contributing to the highly charged public debate over trans rights and what she and others see as the re-defining of the word ‘woman’. She gives an exclusive interview to Emma Barnett.

We meet the first woman to write a James Bond novel. Award-winning author Kim Sherwood is to write three new books set in the iconic world of James Bond.

Rachel Wood & Dr Penny Coombes Monicah Kamandau, Brianna Fruean & Farhana Yamin , Dani Larkin, Dr Asma Khalil Nov 05, 2021

Following last week’s astounding discovery of a set of Roman sculptures on the HS2 rail link route in Stoke Mandeville, we hear from the lead archaeologist for HS2 contractor Fusion Rachel Wood and also from Dr Penny Coombes, a Teaching Associate in Roman Archaeology at the University of Sheffield.

Studies consistently show that women are more vulnerable than men to the impacts of climate change. This is due to women being more likely to live in poverty, more likely to be dependent on the land and natural resources in their day to day lives, and less likely to hold positions of power that could bring about change. Given the stakes, we ask if these women from developing countries are being heard at the climate conference COP26? Anita Rani talks to Monicah Kamandau from Kenya, Brianna Fruean from Samoa and Farhana Yamin, an expert in environmental law and giving a voice to vulnerable nations in international climate negotiations.

When you look back over your relationships do you see patterns? Today the story of a woman we are calling Katy who feels that her earliest experiences shaped what she looked for and needed from her partners.

And Dani Larkin, a folk musician from the Armagh-Monaghan border joins Anita live in the studio, along with her banjo, to perform her new single – Bloodthirsty!

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineer: Bob Nettles.

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Amanda Knox, HPV vaccine success, HRT prescriptions, Stockard Channing and 'Night, Mother Nov 04, 2021

Fourteen years ago this week, 21-year-old British student Meredith Kercher was sexually assaulted and killed in a brutal attack in her apartment in the Italian city of Perugia. Her death was a shocking and unimaginable loss to her family. But sadly her name did not become the most memorable in the murder investigation that followed. As the world's media descended, a narrative quickly emerged around Amanda Knox - Meredith’s American flatmate - and her then boyfriend Rafaele Sollecito. Dubbed 'Foxy Knoxy', the story became about a sexually voracious femme fatale and her accomplice, who it was said killed Meredith in a drug-fuelled sex game gone wrong. After being found guilty and serving four years in prison, Amanda was fully exonerated by the Italian Supreme Court on appeal in 2015. Amanda now lives back in Seattle, is married, and has just had a baby - having built a career as a writer, podcaster, and campaigner against wrongful conviction. In an exclusive interview with Woman’s Hour and Newsnight, Amanda Knox talks to Emma about trying to restore her reputation, losing control of her identity, and speaking out about the film Stillwater starring Matt Damon, which she says drew on and profited from her story without her consent.

Since 2008, 12 and 13-year-old girls have been offered a vaccine against human papilloma-virus - or HPV - with a view to helping prevent cervical cancer. Now a new study published today in The Lancet has found that it doesn't just help, but has the potential to almost wipe the disease out completely. Cervical cancer rates in women who had HPV jabs as teenagers were found to be lowered by as much as 90% compared to those who hadn't. And as the vaccine is now also given to boys, it dramatically decreases the amount of virus circulating in the population to infect women who can't take the vaccine. Professor Dame Lesley Regan, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at St Mary's Imperial College and past president of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists discusses what it means for women's health.

The cost of repeat prescriptions for hormone replacement therapy in England is to be significantly reduced. The Labour MP for Swansea East, Carolyn Harris, had put forward a Bill to make HRT free, as it is currently in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland where there are no charges for prescriptions. Although the Government didn’t support the change in full, it announced at the end of last week that women would only have to pay for one prescription charge a year – potentially saving over £200 annually. The Government also announced that they will be setting up a menopause taskforce, which will be co-chaired by Carolyn Harris, who says it is time to revolutionise menopause support.

Though best known for playing Rizzo in the film Grease, First Lady Abbey Bartlet in the television series The West Wing, and Julianna Margulies’ mother Veronica in The Good Wife, multi-Emmy award-winning actor Stockard Channing is a Broadway veteran nominated for multiple Tonys. Currently on stage at the Hampstead Theatre in London in ‘Night Mother’ - a tense two-hander play that takes place over a single evening – she joins Emma to discuss her latest performance and first as a London resident.

Professor Kathleen Stock; Royal Ballet principal Leanne Benjamin; Richard Ratcliffe Nov 03, 2021

Kathleen Stock was until last week a professor of philosophy at the University of Sussex. In the last few years she has become better known for her gender critical views, contributing to the highly charged public debate over trans rights and what she and others see as the re-defining of the word ‘woman’. This year she published a book called Material Girls: Why Reality Matters for Feminism, in which she argues that we are in an era of Emperor’s New Clothes, that it isn’t possible for people to change their biological sex, and that someone’s sex should sometimes takes precedence over their gender identity. She is also clear that “Trans people deserve lives free from fear. They deserve laws and policies that properly protect them from discrimination and violence. But as she says…laws and policies based around gender identity are not the right route.” She gives an exclusive interview to Emma Barnett.

Leanne Benjamin OBE was principal for 20 years with the Royal Ballet. As one of the most important ballet dancers of the past 50 years, she looks back on her career spanning from 18 to 49, in her new autobiography, ‘Built for Ballet’.

Richard Ratcliffe, the husband of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe who's still detained in Iran, is on hunger strike again in Whitehall, close to government buildings. Today is Day 10. He wants the government to do more to secure Nazanin's release. She's been held in Iran for five years on spying charges - which she denies - and recently lost her appeal against a second prison sentence. Richard joins Emma from outside the Foreign Office in Whitehall.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Kathleen Stock Interviewed Guest: Leanne Benjamin Interviewed Guest: Richard Ratcliffe

COP26 Nov 02, 2021

The starting gun has fired on COP26, and the UK now has less than two weeks to get around 200 countries over the line towards stronger commitments on climate action. It's not going to be easy. Of the 25 COPs that have gone before, only one produced concrete targets for change. That was the 2015 Paris climate conference - aka COP21 - where two new ideas were launched onto the international stage: keeping average global temperature rises below 1.5C, and the notion of aiming for 'net zero'. Women were at the forefront of the Paris negotiations and we unite three of those women in a Woman's Hour COP special - Laurence Tubiana, France's Climate Change Ambassador and Special Representative for COP21 - who many recognise as the main architect of the Paris Agreement; Amber Rudd, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change at the time of Paris and the then leader of the UK's COP21 negotiating team; and Jennifer Morgan, one of a group of women who brought the idea of Net Zero to the global stage during Paris. She is now Executive Director of Greenpeace International. They discuss women's role in Paris's success, the origin story of net zero, the successes and failings of global governments in delivering on their promises, and their hopes for COP26 bringing about necessary change.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Lily Cole, Hasina Safi, Youmna Mouhamad Nov 01, 2021

Lily Cole is a model, actor, filmmaker, entrepreneur, podcast host and environmental activist. She's written a book about the climate, offering solutions to global challenges. She now lives in Portugal but we speak to her from COP26 in Glasgow. We also speak to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg who sets the scene for us in Glasgow.

We go back to Hasina Safi, who used to be Women's Minister in Afghanistan. Now she's a refugee in the UK, living in an hotel. We find out how things are for her and her family since we spoke to her last month.

We speak to Dr Youmna Mouhamad who's designed a new comb to make conditioning and combing afro hair easier and less painful. She explains how she came up with idea and how she moved from a concept to a engineered product.

And finally Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green about secondary school children getting vaccines, and protests outside schools. Labour are now calling for exclusion zones around schools to "stop the spread of misinformation".

Monica Lewinsky revisited, 'Teen-ternity' leave, Wigs, Late-life libido, Young climate activists Oct 30, 2021

The details of US President Bill Clinton’s affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky and the 1998 impeachment proceedings may be unfamiliar to some young women today. Impeachment: American Crime Story on BBC Two, aims to reframe the Clinton scandal from the perspective of the women it engulfed. Jessica Bennett from the New York Times and Sarah Baxter, former deputy editor of The Sunday Times discuss.

The BBC Specialist Disinformation Reporter Marianna Spring who appeared in front of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee this week to present the findings from her BBC Panorama investigation into the rising online abuse against women.

Should parents be allowed ‘teen-ternity’ leave? Suzanne Alderson on why she wants employers to allow parents to take leave to help teenagers who are struggling.

Ahead of the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference, COP26 starting this Sunday, Zaqiya Cajee, a pre-loved fashion advocate and Mikaela Loach climate justice activist and fifth year medical student talk about how to engage people on climate change action and their hopes for the conference.

The wig designer Angela Cobbin has written her memoir. My Name Is Not Wigs. She tells us about about becoming a theatrical wig designer for countless plays, musicals, TV shows and films over five decades.

Your libido as you age with Scottish storyteller, Marie Louise Cochrane and sex expert Tracey Cox.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Dianne McGregor

Monica Lewinsky Revisited: A new generation learn about the political scandal of the 1990s Oct 29, 2021

Monica Lewinsky is a name that most people will know. But for a whole new generation of women, including younger millennials who were children at the time, the details of US President Bill Clinton’s affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky and the 1998 impeachment proceedings it led to may be unfamiliar. Impeachment: American Crime Story on BBC Two, aims to reframe the Clinton scandal from the perspective of the women it engulfed. Jessica Creighton talks to Jessica Bennett from the New York Times and Sarah Baxter, former deputy editor of The Sunday Times. Ahead of the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference, COP26 starting this Sunday, Zaqiya Cajee, a pre-loved fashion advocate and Mikaela Loach climate justice activist and 5th year medical student talk about how to engage people on climate change action and their hopes for the conference. Nisha Katona, founder of the Mowgli Indian street food restaurants talks about her new book, setting up in business and her role with the government's newly formed Hospitality Council that aims to help the sector recover post pandemic. And we all know we should be doing our pelvic floor exercises: babies or no babies, young or old. But do we do them? Elaine Miller who's a pelvic physiotherapist based in Edinburgh is so passionate about getting women to do their exercises she does a stand-up gig about them; wears a giant vulva costume, and wants you to count-down to Christmas with a daily squeeze and lift. She says exercises can truly improve your pelvic floor, and in turn prevent all types of problems that you’d never think would be linked to a weak pelvic floor. Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineer: Gayl Gordon

'Maid' - new word-of mouth hit series; Toni Tone; Access to coils; Women in the UK military; Oct 28, 2021

Women in the military are suffering serious long term physical and mental health problems because of widespread bullying and sexual harassment. Research by the University of Oxford, King’s College London and the charity Combat Stress found over 20% were sexually harassed, over 5% were sexually assaulted and over 20% were emotionally bullied. Laura Hendrikx, is the author of the study which was published in the BMJ Military Health Journal. She and Chloe Tilley are joined by veteran Colonel Ali Brown.

Have you been watching Maid on Netflix? The 10-part series is a word-of-mouth hit, about a single mother in the US who flees her abusive partner and takes up cleaning for wealthy clients to support her and her daughter. Inspired by the 2019 memoir 'Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive', it tackles poverty, domestic abuse, motherhood and homelessness. Rachael Sigee, a freelance journalist and TV critic and Caron Kipping, a divorce and separation coach and Independent Domestic Violence Advocate, herself a survivor of domestic abuse, discuss why it's so popular.

The Lowdown, the world's first review platform for contraception, has found that women prefer the coil to any other contraceptive method. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCS), such as the implant, injection, the hormonal and copper coil tend to be those chosen most frequently. However, during the pandemic, the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) has found a steep fall in access to these LARCS. Alice Pelton Founder of the Lowdown and Dr Asha Kasliwal, President of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health Care, discuss.

Blogger Toni Tone has thousands of followers across social media - many of whom call her “the big sister I never had”. Her work on relationships and female empowerment have been shared by the likes of Demi Lovato, Khloe Kardashian and Oprah Magazine. Toni’s new book of ‘I Wish I Knew This Earlier’ is a Sunday Times bestseller, and details her advice on the complicated, and sometimes painful, world of dating. Toni joins Chloe to discuss.

Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Laura Hendrikx Interviewed Guest: Colonel Ali Brown Interviewed Guest: Rachael Sigee Interviewed Guest: Caron Kipping Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs Interviewed Guest: Alice Pelton Interviewed Guest: Dr Asha Kasliwal Interviewed Guest: Toni Tone

A scheme to help Afghan refugees like Amir housed in hotels up and down the country to access swimming and fitness facilities. Oct 27, 2021

We talk to an Afghan family housed in one of the many hotels which have become home for thousands of others like them. Many families and children often struggle to exercise which has an impact on their physical and mental health. BBC producer Sue Mitchell a keen swimmer is working with them to enable them to be able to make use of hotel and local authority swimming pools to to help them while they wait for news about permanent accommodation, benefits and education.

With COP26 being held in Glasgow next week we talk to investment director, Maike Currie to talk about why sustainable investing matters more to women than men, and how you can invest to save the planet - and make it a better place.

In the second of our series, our reporter Milly Chowles looks at toxic relationships and talks to Jo who felt compelled to always seek out ups and downs and drama. And we talk about late life libido with Scottish storyteller, Marie Louise Cochrane and sex expert Tracey Cox.

Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Duncan Hannant.

Budget 2021. Toxic Relationships. Theatrical wig maker Angela Cobbin. Oct 26, 2021

Budget 2021: What do you want to change? We hear from Mary-Ann Stephenson, Director of the Women’s Budget group, an independent not-for-profit organisation that monitors the impact of government policies on men and women When you look back over your past relationships do you see patterns? Whether it’s being drawn to bad boys, ending up with narcissists or falling for someone who needs looking after, it’s not unusual for us to end up in the same kind of toxic relationships again and again. So how do you break the pattern? Four women shared their very personal experiences with Woman’s Hour reporter Milly Chowles - today Nina's story.,

Angela Cobbin, wig designer and MBE has written a memoir. My Name Is Not Wigs takes readers through her beginnings as a hairdressing student in the early 60s to becoming a theatrical wig designer for countless plays, musicals, TV shows and films over five decades. She joins Chloe live in the studio - with a wig in hand - to talk all about it.

Plus as Princess Mako a member of the Japanese royal family marries her college sweetheart Kei Komuro we talk to Hanako Montgomer a Japan reporter for Vice News about why she'll be forced to forfeit her royal status. A Japanese law which doesn't apply to men.

Presenter Chloe Tilley Producer Beverley Purcell

'Net zero' - what is the general public willing to do to get us there? Challenging online abuse, Suffragette trees Oct 25, 2021

Last week, a whole new set of climate-related phrases entered the Oxford English Dictionary including global heating, eco-anxiety and net zero. But despite being increasingly used in conversation, do people really know what terms like 'net zero' mean - and what is the general public willing to do to get us there? Prof Becky Willis from Lancaster University set up a research project called the Net Zero Diaries to try and find out. She talks about the latest results along with Pearl, who took part in the study. Chloe Tilley is also joined by Aneaka Kellay from the People Powered Retrofit project, to discuss what people on all sorts of budgets can do to reduce the carbon emissions from their homes.

Staffing shortages have long been a problem for the UK's maternity services. There aren't enough midwives joining the profession and too many are deciding to leave. A survey by the Royal College of Midwives earlier this month found that over half were considering quitting thanks to burnout and concerns about safety and quality of care. Now the President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Dr Edward Morris, has told the Guardian newspaper about his 'increasing concerns' about the 'immense pressures' facing maternity staff as we enter another winter with rising Covid cases. So is there a crisis in labour wards? We hear from a London-based midwife and Dr Jo Mountfield, Consultant Obstetrician at University Hospital Southampton

Over a century ago suffragettes planted an arboretum of 47 trees in Batheaston, each representing an activist. Today only one tree survives – a black pine planted by suffragette Rose Lamartine Yates in 1909. We discuss the history of the “suffragette wood” and plans to propagate the seeds of the last surviving tree with Dr Cynthia Hammond and artist Lucy Neal.

We speak to BBC Specialist Disinformation Reporter Marianna Spring who is appearing in front of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee this week to present the findings from her BBC Panorama investigation into the rising online abuse against women, and how social media algorithms are promoting hate.

Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Aneaka Kellay Interviewed Guest: Professor Becky Willis Interviewed Guest: Pearl Hassan Interviewed Guest: Dr Jo Mountfield Interviewed Guest: Dr Cynthia Hammond Interviewed Guest: Lucy Neal Interviewed Guest: Marianna Spring

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny discuss their new novel, the Singer Ella Eyre & the Science of Knitting Oct 23, 2021

The former presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton has a new book out, “State of Terror”, a political thriller written with the award winning author Louise Penny. The two women were already friends before deciding to pen the novel which features a President who “smells of meat” and appears to resemble Donald Trump and a British Prime Minister who’s “a twit” and seems to have a more than a passing resemblance to Boris Johnson.

According to a new survey on mental wellbeing in agriculture, 58% of women in farming experience anxiety compared to 44% of men. What's the reason behind it? How much impact has Brexit and the pandemic had on the problem? We discuss with Alicia Chivers, Chief Executive of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, and East Yorkshire pig farmer Kate Moore.

Campaigner Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah is raising awareness of asthma and the health problems that can be caused by air pollution. Last year her daughter, Ella, became the first person in Britain to have air pollution listed as the cause of death after an inquest. She died in 2013 aged nine. Now Rosamund is calling on Boris Johnson to “set an example for the whole world” with ambitious clear air goals.

Are you a keen knitter? Have you ever considered that patterns for knitting your jumpers, hats or gloves could be seen as having parallels to computer coding? Do we undervalue the scientific aspects of some female-dominated skills? Emma speaks to Shetland knitter and pattern writer Hazel Tindall - aka World's Fastest Knitter - and to Sue Montgomery, who went viral in 2019 for knitting data into a shawl.

After undergoing vocal cord surgery, MOBO and Brit award-winning singer songwriter Ella Eyre is back on her first headline tour in six years. She reveals how she's had to learn how to sing again - and how the experience has inspired a new musical direction.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny, HPV kits, Aspire to adventure Oct 22, 2021

The former presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton has a new book out, “State of Terror”, a political thriller written with the award winning author Louise Penny. The two women were already friends before deciding to pen the novel which features a President who “smells of meat” and appears to resemble Donald Trump and a British Prime Minister who’s “a twit” and seems to have a more than a passing resemblance to Boris Johnson. Anita Rani talks to the duo about their collaboration and some of the uncanny parallels between “State of Terror” and global politics today.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus – Cancer Research UK estimates around 8 out of 10 people will be infected at some point in their lives. HPV spreads through sexual activity. In most people, it doesn’t cause any problems and goes away on its own, but HPV can increase a woman’s chance of developing cervical cancer. Gynaecological charity The Eve Appeal have found a ‘worrying’ trend in HPV kits being sold online by private companies, advertised alongside misleading information. Tracie Miles is a gynaecologist cancer specialist nurse at The Eve Appeal. Mercedes Gleeson is someone who has been open about her own experience with HPV.

Anita is joined by two guests who are trying to encourage women to get outside and go on adventures. Army Officer Preet Chandi is preparing for a solo, unsupported trek across Antarctica to the South Pole in November. She will be the first Asian woman to do this. Dr Geeta Ludhra set up a walking group in the Chilterns to encourage women from diverse backgrounds to get out on smaller scale adventures in the UK to connect with nature and feel the health benefits.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Singer Ella Eyre; Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah; Sofie Hagen; Neonatal deaths & stillbirth disparities; Covid & Xmas plans Oct 21, 2021

Over the summer it's been tempting to think that the pandemic is almost over. But last night, Health Secretary Savid Javid insisted that "life is not back to normal". 49,000 people tested positive for Covid-19 yesterday - levels we haven't seen since the end of last year - and he warned that they could hit 100,000 a day over winter. But despite all this, the government has decided not to implement its so-called Plan B - which would include mandatory mask wearing, working from home and vaccine passports. Instead its encouraging people to get their booster jabs, and advising people to make their own decisions on mask wearing and socialising more outside. But will the public, who've already seen one Christmas fall into oblivion, be willing to change their behaviour for a second winter?

Campaigner Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah is raising awareness of asthma and the health problems that can be caused by air pollution. Last year her daughter, Ella, became the first person in Britain to have air pollution listed as the cause of death after an inquest. She died in 2013 aged nine. Now Rosamund is calling on Boris Johnson to “set an example for the whole world” with ambitious clear air goals. The Environment Bill was debated in the House of Commons yesterday (Wednesday). Rosamund discusses her work and the changes she wants to see.

Lockdowns and working from home have changed how we dress but 'fat people don't have the luxury of wearing the dressed down look'. That's according to the activist and stand-up comedian Sofie Hagen who says that society dictates that people who are over-weight have to look like they are trying. She and Emma discuss the pressures she believes exist.

Mortality rates remain exceptionally high for babies from ethnically diverse backgrounds despite overall rates of stillbirth and neonatal death rates having fallen. Neonatal death rates are 73% higher than those living in the least deprived areas. With Asian babies 60% higher than white babies, and 43% greater for babies of Black ethnicity. Emma is joined by Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of SANDS, and Professor of Perinatal & Paediatric Epidemiology, Elizabeth Draper part of the MBRRACE team who collect and analyse the numbers and rates of baby deaths in the UK.

After undergoing vocal chord surgery, MOBO and Brit award-winning singer songwriter Ella Eyre is back on her first headline tour in six years. She reveals how she's had to learn how to sing again - and how the experience has inspired a new musical direction.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Harriet Baldwin Interviewed Guest: Professor Stephen Reicher Interviewed Guest: Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah Interviewed Guest: Sofie Hagen Interviewed Guest: Clea Harmer Interviewed Guest: Professor Elizabeth Draper Interviewed Guest: Ella Eyre

Baroness Ruth Davidson; The science of knitting; Spiking by injection Oct 20, 2021

Former Scottish Conservative leader – the recently ennobled Baroness Davidson of Lundin Links - will be giving her maiden speech in the House of Lords on Friday as part of a debate on assisted dying. She used to be against amending the law on assisted dying but had a change of heart last year. She explains why to Emma.

The Home Secretary Priti Patel has requested an urgent update from the police following a spate of recent cases where women's drinks have been spiked. With multiple reports also emerging of women being spiked by injection in clubs in Glasgow and Nottingham, journalist and author Lucy Ward last night shared texts from her student daughter on Twitter- Lucy speaks to Emma.

Are you a keen knitter? Have you ever considered that patterns for knitting your jumpers, hats or gloves could be seen as having parallels to computer coding? Do we undervalue the scientific aspects of some female-dominated skills? Emma speaks to Shetland knitter and pattern writer Hazel Tindall - aka World's Fastest Knitter - and to Sue Montgomery, who went viral in 2019 for knitting data into a shawl.

Women Talk Back, a feminist society at Bristol University is filing a legal case today against Bristol Students' Union, after they say they were sanctioned by the union for running women-only meetings. This issue came to a head last March when they refused admission at one of their events to a trans woman. Raquel Rosario Sanchez is the President of the group and joins Emma.

A company that speed-grows coral in the Bahamas is among the winners of the inaugural Earthshot Prize – the new annual awards created by the Duke of Cambridge to reward people trying to save the planet. There were five winners announced at the star-studded ceremony in London on Sunday, each receiving £1m. Alannah Vellacott is Coral Vita's Coral Restoration Specialist and takes Emma through the process and why it's so important.

Dame Eileen Atkins; Equal pay; Harassment in Parliament; Composer Charlotte Bray Oct 19, 2021

In our final discussion to mark our 75th anniversary we look at the issue of equal pay. This was identified as the area women most want to see change in their daily lives and 70% of those asked said they had experienced inequality in this area. Emma Barnett talks to Baroness Kishwer Falkner who’s head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission which regulates the Equality Act and also to Emma Satyamurti a lawyer leading a group action for equal pay by female staff working in Morrisons.

Dame Eileen Atkins joins Emma to talk about the journey from being Tottenham's answer to Shirley Temple to hugely respected actor for stage, screen and TV. Her memoir is called 'Will She Do?'

Today MPs are going to debate new government plans that would mean members who are suspended for sexual harassment or bullying could face a by-election. Labour want the measure to apply retrospectively - so that it would include the Conservative MP Rob Roberts who was suspended from Parliament for six weeks in May after an independent panel found he had sexually harassed a former employee. He did not face a petition to trigger a by-election due to a loophole in parliamentary procedure - because the panel that handed down his suspension doesn't have those powers. BBC political correspondent, Chris Mason, explains.

Composer Charlotte Bray has composed new song cycle called Crossing Faultlines. Believed to be the first of its kind to address the topic of women in the workplace, the song cycle explores themes of mentorship, discrimination and ambition. The piece was commissioned as part of a new recital programme dream.risk.sing: elevating women’s voices, an initiative conceived to express women’s stories through song. Emma is joined by Charlotte Bray, Samantha Crawford and Lana Bode.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Anna Lacey

Interviewed Guest: Baroness Kishwer Falkner Interviewed Guest: Emma Satyamurti Interviewed Guest: Eileen Atkins Interviewed Guest: Charlotte Bray Interviewed Guest: Samantha Crawford Interviewed Guest: Lana Bode

Women pig farmers and mental health. Modern slavery. The cave woman rebuilding her business after Covid. Oct 18, 2021

According to a new survey on mental wellbeing in agriculture, 58% of women in farming experience anxiety compared to 44% of men. What's the reason behind it? How much impact has Brexit and the pandemic had on the problem? We discuss with Alicia Chivers, Chief Executive of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, and East Yorkshire pig farmer Kate Moore.

Conservative MP Sir David Ames, who was killed on Friday had been in Parliament since 1983 . Issues raised by the people he represented were top of his agenda. When a woman called Carla came and told him about how her life was blighted by endometriosis, he took up the cause. We hear from the former Labour MP for Dewsbury, who he worked with on this issue while she was in the House, despite them being politically poles apart.

We've been following the work of the Salvation Army who have the Home Office contract to support all victims of modern slavery in England and Wales and have been given exclusive access to their annual report which shows that demand for their services is soaring. Young Albanian women make up the largest group of survivors who escape from their traffickers after being sexually exploited. Many of these women are waiting to hear if the Home Secretary will appeal against what's described as a landmark High Court ruling last week. It was brought by a Vietnamese woman who was trafficked to the UK and if upheld will affect hundreds of others like her. We hear from Ahmed Aydeed from law firm Duncan Lewis the woman's solicitor. Plus reporter Carolyn Atkinson talks to a survivor and to Kathy Betteridge, Major Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery at the Salvation Army.

Plus Emma the Yorkshire woman who spent over a hundred hours in a cave. Lisa Bowerman owns Stump Cross Caverns, She runs the caves as a family business and they'll usually a big attraction for tourists. She explains why she hopes the stunt will give the business a lift post-covid..

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Cush Jumbo, Predatory marriage, Equality in 2021, Tall women and dating, Sexual assault, consent and 'grey areas' Oct 16, 2021

Cush Jumbo, star of The Good Wife and The Good Fight on her latest role playing Hamlet.

Predatory marriage involves a vulnerable adult being led into a marriage, which financially benefits their new spouse. We hear from Daphne Franks, who believes that her mother was a victim of a predatory marriage.

Your responses to our poll on equality in 2021.

What's it like for tall women when it comes to dating? Comedian Andrea Hubert, and Sarah Ivens, author of Get Real discuss.

In her new book Rough, Rachel Thompson looks at how violence has found its way into the bedroom. A study released this summer set out to gauge the extent of violence against women. One shocking finding revealed that half of respondents had "woken up to their male partner having sex with them or performing sex acts on them whilst they are asleep." Rachel Thompson and Dr Jessica Taylor, co author: Understanding the Scale of Violence Committed Against Women in the UK Since Birth.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Dianne McGregor

Tall women and dating, Vicky Featherstone on Maryland, Blackfishing, Equality in housework, Keisha the Sket Oct 15, 2021

The average height of a female in the UK is 5ft 3in. What is life like for women at the other end of the spectrum, especially when it comes to dating? Jessica Creighton is joined by the author of Get Real, Sarah Ivens, who at 6ft would be introduced to dates as 'Queen Kong' or 'Miss Stretchy', and married at 6 ft 3 in in a pair of diamanté heels; and Andrea Hubert, 6ft 1in whose creative comebacks about her height paved the way to her becoming a comedian.

Normally it would take a playwright like Lucy Kirkwood two years to write a play and get it onto the stage. However the relentless news of violence against women and the abuse of police powers in recent weeks compelled her to script a thirty minute piece called Maryland in just a few days and send it to the Royal Court Theatre in London. That was three weeks ago...two weeks ago it opened on stage. The Royal Court’s Artistic Director, Vicky Featherstone joins Jessica Creighton to explain why.

After struggling with her mental health whilst part of girl-band Little Mix and then quitting late last year, Jesy Nelson has just launched her solo career with a video for her single 'Boyz' that's been criticised for 'blackfishing'. So what is that and why is it problematic? Jess is joined by Leah Mahon, journalist at the Voice online.

The Woman’s Hour poll to mark our 75th anniversary found the place where women feel most unequal is in the home - specifically in terms of housework. 75% of the women said the division of chores wasn’t fair but interestingly it was only named as the fifth most important area in which to achieve equality. Jessica talks to Professor Ann Oakley whose seminal book The Sociology of Housework looked at these issues way back in the seventies and also by Professor Rosie Cox who has written a number of books on gender roles.

In 2005 the story of Keisha the Sket started being shared by young people on a now defunct early internet platform. The story is told in energetic street slang. Keisha, 17, lives in Hackney, London. She's lively and funny - she is also preyed upon. She wants and enjoys sex and is looking for love but she is sexualised by the men and boys around her. Her lack of control of her life gets her into dangerous situations and the word 'sket' - promiscuous girl or woman - follows her around. It's been called a classic of Black British culture and is now being published for the first time in book form. Jade LB began writing Keisha's story when she was only 13 and joins Jessica to talk about her creation and the mixed feelings she has had about it over the years.

Singer, Sophie Ellis-Bextor; Breast reconstruction delays; Urban hermits; Predatory marriage; Oct 14, 2021

Sophie Ellis-Bextor has seven albums, five children, a podcast and her Live Kitchen Discos during lockdown were a means of virtual escapism for many, and became weekly moments of united sequined catharsis. She joins Emma to discuss her memoir Spinning Plates: Music, Men, Motherhood and Me.

Claudia Webbe, a former Labour MP for Leicester East, who now sits as an independent, was found yesterday guilty of one charge of harassment and is awaiting sentencing. She has vowed to remain an MP while she appeals against the conviction but the Labour party has called for her to resign, strongly condemning her actions. Those actions include threatening a woman with sending naked photos of her to her family and that she would throw acid in her face. We hear from solicitor Ayesha Nayyar, who has acted for a number of acid attack victims and campaigns for better support for survivors.

Surgeons say women are being refused reconstructive breast surgery on the NHS, even though there are now ways of performing the operation more quickly. The confederation of British surgery say the procedure can be reduced from the traditional 8-12 hours down to 2-3, and hospital stays from 7 days to just 72 hours. Yet surgeons say many NHS Trusts still deem breast reconstruction as ‘cosmetic’, and are performing less than two-thirds of the amount of reconstructions they were pre-Covid.

There are an estimated 1000 hermits living in Italy - and the majority of them are women. The history of female hermits goes back hundreds of years, with many choosing to remove themselves from a life of marriage and domesticity to a world of study, devotion and freedom from the expectations of society. But what is it like to be a hermit living in the modern world? Emma speaks to urban hermit Julia Bolton-Holloway about the misconceptions people have about the eremitical life, her journey from university lecturer to Anglican nun and now Catholic hermit - and how she balances a life of poverty, chastity and obedience with a dedication to actively helping those most in need.

Predatory marriage involves a vulnerable adult being led into a marriage which financially benefits their new spouse. We discuss with Daphne Franks, who believes that her mother was a victim of a predatory marriage; and Dr Rachael Clawson, Associate Professor in Social Work at the University of Nottingham.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Ayesha Nayyar Interviewed Guest: Nicola Johnston Interviewed Guest: Dhalia Masud Interviewed Guest: Julia Bolton-Holloway Interviewed Guest: Daphne Franks Interviewed Guest: Dr Rachael Clawson Interviewed Guest: Sophie Ellis-Bextor Photographer: Laura Lewis

Lucy Mangan, Girls & Education in Afghanistan, Sexual Assault, Consent & 'Grey Areas' Oct 13, 2021

Who does what in your home? Sourcing school shoes? Calling the plumber? Sorting the threadworms? In her debut novel 'Are We Having Fun Yet?' author and columnist Lucy Mangan reveals the comic diary of Liz who is 'outwardly mute, inwardly mutinous' as she does her best to keep the domestic show on the road.

In her new book Rough, Rachel Thompson looks at how violence has found its way into the bedroom. A study released this summer set out to gauge the extent of violence against women. One shocking finding revealed that half of respondents had "woken up to their male partner having sex with them or performing sex acts on them whilst they are asleep." Emma discusses these findings and the impact on women with Rachel and Dr. Jessica Taylor, co author: Understanding the Scale of Violence Committed Against Women in the UK Since Birth.

For 26 days teenage girls in Afghanistan haven't been able to go to school. The Taliban has banned them from secondary schools. If girls don't go to secondary school, that means they're unlikely to go to further education or university. Under their new government, Taliban officials said that women will be allowed to study and work in accordance with the group's interpretation of Islamic religious law. Emma discusses the current situation with Yalda Hakim, presenter on BBC World; and a teacher in Afghanistan.

Presented by Emma Barnett

Cush Jumbo on playing Hamlet; Reaction to our equality poll; Day of the Scientist Oct 12, 2021

Radio DJ Emma Wilson believes that the policeman Wayne Couzens who kidnapped, raped and murdered Sarah Everard exposed himself to her in an alleyway some 13 years ago. Emma reported it to the police at the time – no action was taken, but she has decided to speak out now because when she did report it she was not happy with the response.

One of the key findings of our equality poll to mark our 75th anniversary has been the extent to which women don’t feel equal when it comes to issues of sexual abuse and exploitation. Almost 70% of the women we asked said it was a concern and the issue is currently front and centre of the news agenda following the murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa to name just two women. Emma Barnett talks to the writer Joan Smith and the former Victims Commissioner the Conservative Peer Baroness Newlove who is unimpressed by Boris Johnson’s unwillingness to recognise misogyny as a hate crime and is trying to change the law on the issue.

Probably best known to most for her television role as lawyer Lucca Quinn in The Good Wife and then the follow-up series The Good Fight, Cush Jumbo is currently playing Hamlet at the Young Vic in London. Delayed for a year by the pandemic, the play sold out months before opening. As the first woman of colour to play the part in a major production on a British stage she joins a list that goes back to 1741 of UK female actors playing the Prince of Denmark. Cush joins Emma.

On Radio 4's Day of the Scientist, we looks at women's trust in science. The latest Public Attitudes to Science survey found that women are less likely to feel connected to science in their everyday lives; less likely to actively engage with science; and were less trusting of scientists and media reporting of scientific issues. What's going on to put women's faith in science on such shaky ground? Emma speaks to Megan Halpern, assistant professor in the history, philosophy and sociology of science at Michigan State University, and Dr Emily Dawson from University College London, who researches how people learn about and engage with science – and why so many women are being put off.

Image: Cush Jumbo in Hamlet at the Young Vic Credit: Helen Murray

As we mark our 75th anniversary, how do you feel about equality in 2021? Your chance to have your say Oct 11, 2021

To mark our 75th anniversary last week we commissioned a poll to explore how you feel about equality in 2021 and how much progress you believe women have made since the first episode of Woman’s Hour was broadcast in 1949

Over two thirds of the women we spoke to said it was down to experiences of sexual exploitation and abuse while three while three quarters put it down to inequality within their homes because of the unfair division of housework..

What your reality? At the heart of our Poll the gap between the equality the law says we should have as women and the reality of our lives.

How's your life compare to that of your mother or grand mother? How do you think we can achieve equality both in the home and in the workplace...

What would help? Is more flexibility in the workplace and the same rewards as your male colleagues the answer. Or is the lack of childcare or help with older relatives that you care for the thing that's holding you back?

What change or changes would you most like to see over the next 75 years?

Lines are open at 8am on Monday morning. Text us on 84844 . On social media it’s @BBCwomanshour or you can email us via our website .

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Weekend Woman's Hour: 75th Birthday, Mina Smallman, Celibacy, Professor Anita Hill Oct 09, 2021

Baroness Brenda Hale is a former judge who served as the first female president of the Supreme Court. She has written a book, Spider Woman, that spans her life and work.

We hear from Professor Anita Hill who thirty years ago faced an all-male, all-white Senate Judiciary Committee—led by the then, Senator Joe Biden—to testify that her boss, Supreme Court Justice nominee Clarence Thomas, had sexually harassed her. It was a landmark moment for these issues and inspired countless women to come forward with their stories, to file complaints, and even to run for office; creating an unintentional trail blazer.

Abi Sampa describes herself as a "weird warbling electric Veena player". She trained as a dentist and then appeared on The Voice in 2013, where she wowed the judges with her unique style of as a fusion of western pop and Indian classical music.

Over the last few years, the figures around celibacy have generally been on the rise - particular amongst young women. What’s to be gained from making this life choice? Anita speaks to sex therapist Danielle Bennett, and two women who have experience with celibacy. Laura Kennedy is in her 30’s and was celibate for six years. Shirley Yanez is in her 60's and became celibate as part of a conscious change in lifestyle.

Mina Smallman, the mother of Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry, the sisters who were murdered in a North London park last year, speaks to us about her grief and women's safety.

Joan Diana Gayford nee Wilson joined the BBC as a talks producer shortly after the Second World War. Not long after a new programme hit the airwaves. 75 years later, you can hear Emma talking to Diana Gayford who was working on Woman’s Hour when it first came to air at 2pm on 7th October 1946.

Musician & singer, Abi Sampa; Celibacy; Chinaza Onyechi; Femicide Oct 08, 2021

Over the last few years, the figures around celibacy have generally been on the rise - particular amongst young women. What’s to be gained from making this life choice? And what should one know before deciding to become celibate? Anita speaks to sex therapist Danielle Bennett, and two women who have experience with celibacy. Laura Kennedy is in her 30’s and was celibate for six years. Shirley Yanez is in her 60s and became celibate as part of a conscious change in lifestyle.

Chinaza Onyechi has always dreamed of becoming a film maker but she says like other children from a Nigerian background she was encouraged to take up a more traditional career like law, medicine or engineering. But she is now one step closer to that film-making dream, after being awarded the MetFilm School's first Black Student of Talent scholarship. The scholarship covers full tuition fees for a year and could be worth around £50,000 depending on the course.

Susan Ogilvy rediscovered learning in her seventies. As a botanical artist from Somerset, she started a journey into painting nests she serendipitously found. This was the start of an ornithological education, specifically into birds nests. Ogilvy has since painted more than fifty bird nests from life, each time marvelling at its ingenious construction. They have been collated in her new book, Nests. The first in a genre that has been dominated by male authors with very little focus on birds nests.

Do gender-neutral terms, such as "homicide" and "murder," systematically ignore targeted violence against women? Should femicide be seen as a separate category? If women are being killed specifically because they're women, does that matter? Do motives matter? Anita is joined by Karen Ingala Smith, co-founder of Femicide Census and Chief Exec of Nia, a charity that runs services for women and girls who have been subjected to sexual and domestic violence and abuse.

Abi Sampa describes herself as a "weird warbling electric Veena player". She trained as a dentist and then appeared on The Voice in 2013, where she wowed the judges with her unique style of as a fusion of western pop and Indian classical music. She joins Anita to explain how she plays the electric Veena and to describe her performances with the orchestral Qawwalli Project, reviving old Sufi poems and putting their own spin on them musically with a western orchestral style.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Danielle Bennett Interviewed Guest: Laura Kennedy Interviewed Guest: Shirley Yanez Interviewed Guest: Chinaza Onyechi Interviewed Guest: Susan Ogilvy Interviewed Guest: Karen Ingala Smith Interviewed Guest: Abi Sampa

Woman's Hour turns 75 today Oct 07, 2021

Our specially commissioned poll to celebrate Woman’s Hour at 75 looks at women and equality in the UK today. It finds the place that women feel the most unequal is in the home, at work in terms of pay and benefits and in terms of safety due to their experience of sexual exploitation and abuse. Emma Barnett talks about the issues raised with our panel including the author Jeanette Winterson, the commentator Inaya Floarin Iman and the founder of the Everyday Sexism Project Laura Bates.

Joan Diana Gayford nee Wilson joined the BBC as a talks producer shortly after the Second World War. Not long after a new programme hit the airwaves. 75 years later, to the day, you can hear Emma talking to Diana Gayford who was working on Woman’s Hour when it first came to air at 2pm on 7th October 1946.

Brenda Hale, Baroness Hale of Richmond joins Emma on this anniversary programme. She is a former judge who served as the first female president of the Supreme Court. In 2019 she made headlines announcing the Supreme Court’s judgement that the prorogation of Parliament was ‘unlawful, void and of no effect’. She has written a book, Spider Woman, that spans her life and work.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Mina Smallman, Pauline Campbell, FASD Oct 06, 2021

Mina Smallman, the mother of Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry, the sisters who were murdered in a North London park last year, speaks to us about her grief and women's safety. She also talks about wanting to reach out to Sarah Everard’s mother because of the particular type of grief they share. She also reminds us of the type of people her daughters were.

We get the latest from the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester with the BBC's Political Correspondent, Chris Mason.

We hear from Pauline Campbell who's written a book called Rice and Peas and Fish and Chips. It's part social & political commentary, part memoir and explores what it means to be British. Pauline grew up in 1970s London as a first generation, immigrant child of Caribbean parents. She left school with virtually no qualifications after being told she wasn't clever enough for University. But at 23, when she was working as a housing benefits officer, she got a place at university to study law. Even though she was ‘black, old and a woman’ - her words - she kept going and qualified as a lawyer when she was 41. Now she's an award-winning local government lawyer.

FASD stands for Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. They're a range of lifelong disabilities caused by a mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy. They include physical, mental, behavioural and learning problems. A new study by The University of Salford says that between 600 and 1,300 children across Greater Manchester may have developed the condition every year. Based on those figures, the National Organisation for FASD believes that 1.2 to 2.4 million people in the UK may have had FASD in 2020. So what are the reasons for this increase and why is FASD so often misdiagnosed?

Anita Hill on her book Believing: Our Thirty-Year Journey to End Gender Violence. Oct 05, 2021

We hear from Professor Anita Hill who thirty years ago faced an all-male, all-white Senate Judiciary Committee—led by the then, Senator Joe Biden—to testify that her boss, Supreme Court Justice nominee Clarence Thomas, had sexually harassed her. It was a landmark moment for these issues and inspired countless women to come forward with their stories, to file complaints, and even to run for office; creating an unintentional trail blazer. Now an advocate, educator and author she talks to Emma Barnett about her new book Believing: Our Thirty-Year Journey to End Gender Violence.

Research suggests that talking to people we don't know can be good for us. Why don’t we do it more often? How has the pandemic impacted our desire to talk to people we don’t know? Dr Gillian Sandstrom, senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Essex, tells us the benefits of making small talk and gives us some tips on how to do it. How can we best discuss the issues of safety without making girls and young women terrified to leave the house? I am joined now by parenting expert, Sue Atkins and Lorraine Candy - mother of three daughters and author of 'Mum, What's Wrong with You?': 101 Things Only Mothers of Teenage Girls Know.

Plus ahead tonight’s 2021 Gramophones, Awards, the classical music version of the Grammys which will be streaming live this evening we talk to Fatma Said.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell Photo credit; Celeste Sloman

Institutional Misogyny, Bullying in Parliament, Women Magicians Oct 04, 2021

Is the Police institutionally misogynistic? It's the question that's been raised now that a police WhatsApp group has come to light which Wayne Couzens was part of. It contained offensive messages. We also know that another police officer called PC David Carrick has been charged with rape. Plus there have been reports of 26 Metropolitan police officers committing sex crimes since 2016. Janet Hills, who's just retired as the Chair of the Metropolitan Black Police Association joins us to discuss, and we go to the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester to speak to MP Laura Farris.

We hear from Jenny McCullough who used to work as a clerk in The House of Commons. It was her dream job but she made complaints about Keith Vaz who used to be the Chair of Home Affairs Select Committee. Feeling bullied and undermined, she eventually resigned from her job but a fortnight ago a House of Common's Independent Expert Panel upheld her complaints. She explains why that's significant, both personally and for the culture of Parliament.

The Magic Circle appointed its first female president last week: the first in its 116 year history. But who are the women who paved the way? Academic and magician Dr Naomi Paxton shares the stories of female magicians throughout history and reflects on the challenges facing them today.

Sarah Everard; Intergenerational friendships, 007 Lashana Lynch; 'Late life lesbians'. Married to an anti-vaxxer Oct 02, 2021

Zoe Billingham, one of the top inspectors at Her Majesty’s of Constabulary, and Dame Vera Baird, the Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales on the reaction to further details about Sarah Everard's murder and the subsequent life prison sentence handed down to the former Met Police officer Wayne Couzens.

Intergenational friendships, how is it different from being friends with someone your own age? Best friends 60 year old Sue and 33 year old Emily discuss.

The actor Lashana Lynch on making Bond history as the first black female 007 in 'No Time to Die'.

The woman whose husband of 15 years became a covid conspiracy theorist.

Flick Bayliss on her experience as a 'late life lesbian;, and writing lesbian erotica.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Intergenerational friendships; Victims' Commissioner Vera Baird; Nikita Gill and Gnarly; Liz Fraser Oct 01, 2021

Are you in an intergenerational friendship? Anita speaks to Emily who’s 33 and her best friend Sue who’s 60 about the unique benefits of friendships across the ages.

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has admitted that trust in the police force has been "shaken" by the murder of Sarah Everard. So where do we go from here? And what support is there for the bereaved families who have lost loved ones to male violence? Anita speaks to Dame Vera, the Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales.

Irish Indian poet and writer, Nikita Gill and British Sri-Lankan producer and live performer Gnarly will appear together for two nights at the Southbank Centre in London tonight and next week. Poems written by Nikita are transformed into songs by Gnarly, merging traditional and digital art and creating, what they say is something no one has seen before. They join Anita in the studio for a chat and a bit of a performance.

Writer and broadcaster Liz Fraser has written a memoir about being in a relationship with a man she loves, the father of her child who is also an alcoholic. For a time, she failed to realise how serious his addiction was and she also kept the often shocking truth of what was going on entirely to herself, trying in vain to help her partner find a path to sobriety. Finally she herself broke from the trauma and started to speak out. She joins Anita to talk about her experiences described in her book, Coming Clean: A true story of love, addiction and recovery.

Sarah Everard; Zoë Billingham, Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary; Pepsi & Shirlie; The ethics and laws around surrogacy Sep 30, 2021

Sarah Everard's killer Wayne Couzens was sentenced today. The court heard that Sarah Everard was handcuffed by her murderer - a Metropolitan Police officer - as he pretended to arrest her for breaching Covid guidelines, as she walked home from a friend's house in Clapham on 3 March. Couzens showed his warrant card before restraining her and putting her in his hire car and driving away. Emma gets reaction from listener and journalist Kat Brown, and reads from Sarah's mother Susan Everard's victim impact statement.

She also speaks to Zoë Billingham, who is standing down today after 12 years in her role at Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary. Zoë has taken a lead on domestic abuse inspections, and this month published a damning report into the way an ‘epidemic’ of violence against women and girls is being handled – and calling for the prevention of these crimes to be taken as seriously by police and Government as counterterrorism. The report was commissioned by the Home Secretary Priti Patel in the wake of Sarah Everard’s murder in March.

After many years as members of Wham!, Pepsi & Shirlie broke out to conquer the charts as a pop duo. They discuss the challenges of making it in the male-dominated 1980s music industry, juggling pop careers with motherhood and reinventing themselves.

Surrogacy in England and Wales has quadrupled over the past decade and enjoys a much higher profile thanks to celebrity parents such as Elton John, Kim Kardashian and Tom Daley. But despite it becoming an increasingly accepted option for those wishing to have a family, the laws regulating surrogacy and the rights of those involved haven't changed in the UK since the mid-1980s. The Law Commission is now in the process of reviewing those laws for the modern day. Bioethicist Dr Herjeet Marway from the University of Birmingham and lawyer Dr Claire Fenton-Glynn from the University of Cambridge discuss the many sticking points in surrogacy's evolving legal and ethical picture.

Image credit: Family Handout/CPS/PA Wire.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

'Typical Girls' - a new play by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, set in a women's prison; Coming out at 44; Student counselling. Sep 29, 2021

As if one new play opening wasn’t enough pressure Olivier award-winning playwright, Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, has two this month. ‘Typical Girls’, set in a women’s prison, opened this week at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, and tomorrow ‘Mum’ begins previewing at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. A psychological thriller, ‘Mum’ explores the pressures and complex emotions many women experience when they have a baby. She joins Emma.

As the Labour party leader, Sir Keir Starmer gears up for his first in-person conference speech today, Alison McGovern, shadow minister for digital, culture, media and sport joins Emma. Divisions within the party seem to be growing - with talk again of the so called Labour left, whom Starmer has to convince, thinking of splintering off.

Rates of sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and herpes have been on an upward trend for the past decade, according to the latest figures from Public Health England. But despite being more common, the stigma attached to contracting an STI still runs deep. One Woman's Hour listener got in touch to share her story of catching herpes in her 50s and the devastating effect this has had on her life and confidence. Dr Liz Foley, a consultant in genito-urinary medicine for the Solent NHS Trust, and Marian Nicholson, Director of the Herpes Viruses Association discuss the facts about herpes in the UK and how to break down the stigma that comes with a diagnosis.

A listener wanted to share her experience as a 'late life lesbian' who realised she was gay at the age of 44. She is about to publish a book of lesbian erotica under the pen name Flick Bayliss and explains to Emma why.

The University of Leicester turns 100 this year and as part of their celebrations, they are launching a programme called Our 100 – commemorating their‘ hidden heroes’. One of these is Dr Mary Swainson, a mental-health pioneer whose work formed the basis of student counselling. With Freshers' week taking place around the country, how has the service transformed today? Sarah Cavendish, Head of Student Services at the University of Leicester, reveals how the demands and complexity of issues have increased and what is available to students.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Morgan Lloyd Malcolm Interviewed Guest: Dr Liz Foley Interviewed Guest: Marian Nicholson Interviewed Guest: Flick Bayliss Interviewed Guest: Sarah Cavendish

Former CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi; The R Kelly verdict; Barrister Robin Moira White; FIFA 2022 game soundtrack Sep 28, 2021

The former CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi was one of the only women, and women of colour, leading a Fortune 500 company. She discusses the challenges facing female leaders and whether women can "have it all".

The American singer R Kelly is facing a life sentence after being found guilty of multiple offences related to the sexual abuse of women and children. We hear from Jacqueline Springer, a black music journalist and university lecturer about the case that’s being called a landmark moment for black women being believed as a victims.

For over 20 years the Fifa game soundtrack has featured some of the most well-known artists across all genres of music. This week the track list for 2022 has been revealed. As well as some familiar names, a new up-and-coming rapper has been chosen – 19 year old Willow Kayne. Emma speaks to Willow about what it means to her to be included and the power of music in football.

Plus we hear from Robin Moira White a barrister specialising in employment and discrimination law, known for her work on trans discrimination cases and co-author of A Practical Guide to Transgender Law.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell Photo credit: Dave Puente

Lashana Lynch, Labour Conference & women, Being married to an anti-vaxxer, Universal credit uplift Sep 27, 2021

No Time To Die - the new James bond film that comes out this Thursday, sees actor Daniel Craig grace our screens as the famous British spy for the last time. The first "Blonde Bond" is stepping away from the role after five films and 15 years. But that's not the only change going on. London-born actor Lashana Lynch has made history - she is the first black female 007. Emma speaks to her about her character, Nomi, taking on those three special numbers and taking part in the famous franchise.

As their conference continues, how is Labour doing on women? Emma speaks to Helen Lewis, staff writer at the Atlantic - former deputy editor of the New Statesman and to Ian Murray, Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland.

People who get Universal Credit got an extra £20 a week when the pandemic started. It was to help families who were struggling. But the government says that extra money will be removed next month, and it was always a temporary measure. The Conservative peer, Baroness Philippa Stroud is against the cut. She worked with Iain Duncan Smith to bring in Universal Credit in 2013. She joins Emma to discuss.

The pandemic has taken its toll on many marriages and partnerships, for a variety of different reasons. For one Woman’s Hour listener, something she couldn't possibly have predicted happened. Her husband of 15 years became a Covid conspiracy theorist, almost overnight. It's no exaggeration to say that it has torn their family apart. She got in touch because she wanted to share her story in case it can help others

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Weekend Woman's Hour: Daytimers - South Asian ravers of the 80s, Julia Bradbury and Gaming & Sexism Sep 25, 2021

Daytimers UK is a new music collective made up of British South Asian DJs. Taking inspiration from the daytime raves of the 80s and 90s, they're reviving the way South Asian heritage and culture are displayed in public life. We hear from DJ Ritu, one of the pioneers of the Asian Underground music scene. And DJ Priya and Gracie T are from the new Daytimers UK Collective.

The presenter Julia Bradbury tells us about her recent breast cancer diagnosis. With breast cancer affecting 1 in 8 women, we hear from breast surgeon Liz O'Riordan on what to do if you find a lump.

The Canadian-American performer and songwriter Martha Wainwright performs Love Will Be Reborn and tells us about finding love after a painful divorce.

The campaigner Grace Tame has been honoured with Australian of the Year 2021. She started the ‘Let Her Speak' campaign, taking a legal case to be able to publicly speak in her own name about the sexual abuse she suffered as a child and teenager.

We hear about sexism in the gaming world and in particular on a platform called Twitch. Shay Thompson is a Gaming presenter and journalist and Cassie Hughes is the co-founder of Black Twitch UK. They discuss ‘Hate raids”- a way of abusing marginalised members.

Photo credit: Sunny S (@sunnyformats)

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Lucinda Montifiore

Daytimers - South Asian ravers from the '80s, Sabina Nessa, School absence & mental health, Folic acid & Afghan refugees Sep 24, 2021

The 80s was the era of day time raving for thousands of British South Asian Kids from cities across the UK from Bradford to Birmingham, Manchester to London. People called them Daytimers. They were kids skipping school to go clubbing in the daytime to avoid the rules imposed on them about going out at night. Forty years later, Daytimers UK is back as a collective of British Asian DJs. Anita Rani speaks to DJ RITU, one of the pioneers of the Asian Underground music scene in the 1980s, to DJ Priya and also to Gracie T from Daytimers UK collective. We talk to Annie Gibbs who's organising a vigil for Sabina Nessa, the 28 year old who was murdered in a south-east London park last week. Many children find themselves unable to attend school due to severe anxiety, often the result of mental health issues or unmet special educational needs. However, unless parents can provide medical evidence of mental health issues, some schools mark this down as an "unauthorised absence" leaving parents open to prosecution. We discuss with Ellie Costello, Director of Square Peg; Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General-Secretary of the National Education Union; and Colette, a parent. This week the government announced that folic acid is to be added to UK flour to prevent conditions like Spina Bifida. We hear from Benedetta Pettorini is a consultant surgeon at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. Nina Tame is a disability advocate and writer. And we talk to Waheda Abdul a volunteer interpreter who is working with some of the Afghan refugees living in hotels and temporary accommodation around the country after fleeing from Kabul last month

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineer: Gayl Gordon Picture Credit: Tim Smith

Sabina Nessa, Fertility Warnings, Flexible Working Sep 23, 2021

Police Minister, Kit Malthouse, talks to Woman's Hour about violence towards women in the light of Sabina Nessa's murder. We talk to him about the funding and strategies that were promised to how the police will act at Friday's evening vigil for Sabina.

We speak to Professor Adam Balen, a consultant in reproductive Medicine at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, about why he thinks it's a good idea to have special messages in contraceptive packages advising people not to leave it too late if they want a baby.

We discuss flexible working and how it really works in practice. At the moment when you've lasted 26 weeks in your job you have the right to request flexible working, but now there are government plans to let you make that request from day one. We speak to Emma Stewart from Timewise who wants those plans to go even further and to Leanne Skelton who runs a nursery and worries that more flexibility will be a logistical nightmare.

And we speak to two women who love gaming, but say there's some alarming and worrying abuse towards women and non-white gamers. They are Shay Thompson, a gaming journalist and presenter as well as Cassie Hughes who's the co-founder of Black Twitch UK.

Channel swimmer Chloë McCardel; Prison Ombudsman Sue McAllister; author Laura Dockrill; Afghan girls' education Sep 22, 2021

Australian marathon swimmer Chloë McCardel is due to swim the English Channel for the 44th time – this will break the current World Record. Chloe already holds the world record for the longest unassisted ocean swim, which took place in the Bahamas and totalled 124km. She joins Emma to talk about why she loves the Channel in particular, and open water swimming in general.

There are rumours that the new government in Afghanistan might allow girls between 13-18 years old to return to school this weekend, but so far Taliban spokesmen have claimed ‘more time’ is needed before making a decision. Emma gets the latest from BBC World Service Reporter Sodaba Haidare and educationalist Pashtana Durrani, who has helped educate hundreds of Afghan women through her non-profit organisation LEARN.

Author and podcaster Laura Dockrill speaks to Emma about how her experience of postpartum psychosis three years ago shaped her new book The Dream House, which is about very sad boy called Rex.

The National Audit Office has found that years of repeated human errors on outdated IT systems resulted in more than 100,000 people being underpaid a total of £1 billion in state pensions. Most of those affected were women, who are owed an average of nearly £9000. John Chattell's mother Rosemary was underpaid for 20 years, he joins Emma to explain how much money they eventually got back on her behalf.

Two years ago a baby at Bronzefield Prison in Surrey died as soon as it was born. When she was giving birth the mother was on her own in a cell. Today a report by the Prison and Probation Ombudsman, Sue McAllister, has come out which is deeply critical of the prison and how it handled the situation. Sue joins Emma.

Music from Martha Wainwright, Australian campaigner Grace Tame. Dame Kate Bingham former chair of the Vaccine Task Force. Sep 21, 2021

A live performance from Martha Wainwright who'll be talking to Emma Barnett about her first album in more than five years and going out on the road again.

Ruth London from Fuel Poverty Action talks about the effect of energy price rises on women and children.

And as Covid booster jabs are being offered across the UK this week and 12 to 15 year olds are receiving the vaccines at school we speak to Dame Kate Bingham She began the work when she who was appointed chair of the Vaccine Task Force at the beginning of the pandemic by Boris Johnson and reported directly to him. She's now returned to her day job as a venture capitalist investing in new drugs and talks talks to Emma about female leadership, the ethics of booster rollout and whether unvaccinated care-workers should be able to continue working.

Plus we hear from Australian of the Year 2021, campaigner Grace Tame. A survivor of sexual abuse she fought to overturn the law in Tasmania which stopped people speaking out in their own name even if their attacker had been found guilty. Her latest campaign is to change Australia’s consent and grooming laws.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell Photo credit; Gaelle Leroyer

Julia Bradbury and breast cancer, Profile of Chancellor Angela Merkel, Charlie Webster on sexual abuse and safeguarding laws Sep 20, 2021

It took three separate assessments before it was confirmed that TV presenter Julia Bradbury had breast cancer. It’s a disease that will affect 1 in 8 women, so why does it sometimes go unnoticed? And what can you do if you suspect something might be wrong? Julia and breast surgeon Liz O'Riordan join Emma to discuss.

As Germany’s long serving Chancellor Angela Merkel prepares to stand down later this month we look at her life and legacy and ask what’s she done for women? Her biographer Margaret Heckel and the journalist Stefanie Bolzen from Die Welt join Emma Barnett to discuss the woman who has been at the heart of European and global Politics for the last twenty years through the tumultuous years of the financial crisis, Brexit and the Covid 19 pandemic.

Broadcaster and journalist Charlie Webster was 12 when she joined an all-girls elite running group in Sheffield. Running became her passion and it was at the track where she met some of her best friends. But it was also where Charlie was abused for years by her sports coach. At the time, she didn’t speak out about what her coach did to her, but after she left the group she discovered her coach had been arrested and convicted, and sent to prison for 10 years. Now Charlie has made a documentary, Nowhere To Run: Abused By Our Coach. She joins Emma to discuss the documentary and her campaign to improve safeguarding laws in sport.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Dame Elizabeth Anionwu; Jennifer Saunders; Former Afghan women's minister; Pretty privilege; Choosing to be child free Sep 18, 2021

Britain’s first sickle cell and thalassemia nurse specialist, Prof Dame Elizabeth Anionwu revolutionised treatment of the disease. She then established the Mary Seacole Centre for Nursing Practice, to address racial inequalities in the profession. She discusses her early life in a children's home, her hugely successful career, and being honour by the singer Dua Lipa. Her memoir is called ‘Dreams From My Mother.'

The Taliban announced that all women must wear the hijab and will be segregated in universities. We hear from Afghanistan's former Minister for Women's Affairs, Hasina Safi, who is now in the UK having escaped under cover in the final days of the evacuation.

Two listeners Rowan and Destiny, explain, why for the sake of the planet, they are saying no to having children now.

Pretty Privilege - what is it and should it be used? The model Marike Wessels, and Caterina Gentili from the Centre for Appearance Research discuss.

Comedian, actor, writer, Jennifer Saunders talks facial hair, menopause, and playing the medium Madame Arcati in a threatre production of Noel Coward’s comedy Blithe Spirit.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Pretty Privilege, Baby Deaths Report, Thea Gilmore, Victory for rubbish stink woman Sep 17, 2021

Are you familiar with the phrase ‘pretty privilege’? A new trend on Tik Tok is seeing young women sharing stories about when they first realised good looks can get you far in life. From relationships, to work, and even within the legal system – the association between beauty and talent, social success and health is a real thing. Anita Rani talks about the issue with model Marike Wessels, and Caterina Gentili from the Centre for Appearance Research.

A new report investigating the serious harm or death of babies is calling for midwives, health visitors and social workers to provide more support to fathers. The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel has looked at the lives of 23 babies who were known or suspected to have been seriously harmed or killed by their father, step-father or male carer, with the aim to understand what led the perpetrators to do it, and what could be done to prevent similar incidents. Panel member Mark Gurrey and working NHS midwife in Scotland, Leah Hazard discuss the issues.

Rebecca Currie has won a High Court battle to limit the stench coming from a landfill site near her home which she says was damaging her son’s health. We hear about her campaign and her reaction to the victory

And there’ll be music from Thea Gilmore who talks about her new album Afterlight

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineer: Duncan Hannant

Dame Elizabeth Anionwu; Alison Goldsworthy; Linda Edwards; Ministerial reshuffle Sep 16, 2021

With a career spanning five decades, Britain’s first sickle cell and thalassemia nurse specialist, Prof Dame Elizabeth Anionwu revolutionised treatment of the disease. As an academic, she became a professor and dean of the nursing school at the University of West London, then established the Mary Seacole Centre for Nursing Practice, to address racial inequalities in the profession. When she retired she campaigned for a statue in honour of the pioneering Jamaican nurse, Mary Seacole. She speaks to Emma about her memoir ‘Dreams From My Mother’ - a story of childhood, race, identity, family, hope and overcoming her upbringing which was marked by racism and abuse.

Alison Goldsworthy was deputy chair of the Liberal Democrats Federal Executive while the party was in coalition government. Active in politics for a long time, she left the party in 2014. In 2013, she and others made public sexual harassment allegations against a senior colleague, allegations he has always strongly denied. Alison's book Poles Apart has just been published – she joins Emma to talk about what she learnt from that experience.

Nobody likes paying parking fines, but would you go through a 5 year battle to beat one? Linda Edwards from Greater Manchester did just that - all over a £1 parking ticket she couldn’t pay because the machine was broken. She joins Emma to explain why she stuck with it.

Yesterday's reshuffle worked out pretty well for women in the Conservative party. Priti Patel stays in post, Liz Truss has been promoted to Foreign Secretary while retaining her Women and Equalities brief, and Nadine Dorries has been promoted to Culture Secretary. Women now occupy half of the great offices of state for the second time - the first being when Theresa May made Amber Rudd Home Secretary in 2016. But does any of that actually matter? Emma is joined to discuss by Sebastian Payne, author of Broken Heartlands: A Journey Through Labour’s Lost England and Whitehall editor for the Financial Times, and Camilla Tominey, Associate Editor at the Telegraph.

Amy Hart, Covid Limbo, Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP Sep 15, 2021

Amy Hart, who was on Love Island two years ago was in front of politicians yesterday describing the problems she's had on social media. Appearing in front of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee she explained that she's been trolled by nurses, and she found out that a 13 year old boy had sent her death threats. We tells us how she copes.

Professor Devi Sridhar from The University of Edinburgh talks to us about the Government's Plan A, Plan B and Plan C for covid as we go into autumn.

We hear from two Woman's Hour listeners about why, at the moment, they've decided not to have children. Some of their reasoning is to do with over-population and global resources. According to data from the Office of National Statistics, 50% of women will not have had a child by the time they reach 30, with 20% not having children at all. Emma speaks to Destiny and Rowan about their reasons for being child-free.

As Britain gears up to host COP26, the global climate change summit, we talk to the Energy Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP. We ask her if the UK’s really leading by example with its environmental policies and if we can meets our target of net zero emissions by 2050. How will we get there? Will we really be able to phase out domestic boilers? And will the move towards electric cars and the introduction of new hydrogen energy be enough to make the difference? We also ask her about covid and mask wearing.

And what's Dopamine Dressing? Well, it's the idea that wearing bright colours, bold prints or your favourite dress can boost your mood and make you feel happier. Dr Caroyln Mair, a behavioural psychologist specialising in fashion, tells us more.

Women rowers in Venice; Former Afghan women's minister; Julia Peyton-Jones; Non-disclosure agreements Sep 14, 2021

It's the first year in which women and men are awarded equal prize money in Venice's annual rowing race, the Regata Storica. Emma speaks to lead campaigner and professional rower, Elena Almansi.

This week the Taliban announced that all women must wear hijab and will be segregated in universities. Emma is joined by the former Minister for Women's Affairs, Hasina Safi, who is now with her family in a hotel in the UK having escaped under cover in the final days of the evacuation. Emma also speaks to Carolyn Webster, who stood as a parliamentary candidate for the Conservative Party in the last general election and is now an independent councillor in Bridgend in Wales. She has been organising collections for Afghans stuck in British hotels after quarantined and is concerned about their conditions.

For 25 years Julia Peyton-Jones was director at the Serpentine Gallery in London. Under her tenure the number of visitors to the gallery in an old tea pavilion in Hyde Park rose from 200,000 to more than one million. Announcing her departure in 2016, she said she wanted to spend more time painting. 'I will be starting all over again,' she said at the time. 'I am 64. My goal is to live to 100 and remain in really good shape.' Less than a year later, she became a mother, returning from California with a baby daughter. The press covered the story extensively but Julia chose not to give any interviews. Now she has brought out a book called Pia's World consisting of drawings she did every night in 2020, of her and her daughter's day. In this first broadcast interview, Julia joins Emma in the studio.

A campaign to outlaw the misuse of NDAs, non-disclosure agreements, in jurisdictions around the world is launched today. Campaigners say too many of these agreements enable powerful individuals and businesses to cover up sexual harassment, racism and other wrong doing. Joining Emma are the two women fronting the campaign - Zelda Perkins, the first woman to break an NDA with Harvey Weinstein, and Canadian law professor and author Dr Julie MacFarlane. We also hear from Emma Bartlett, employment law specialist at C M Murray.

Jennifer Saunders, Fashion editor Justine Picardie on the real "Miss Dior" Sep 13, 2021

From Ab Fab to Jam & Jerusalem, Jennifer Saunders has been gracing our TV screens for decades. She now returns to theatre as eccentric mystic Madame Arcati in a production of Noel Coward’s comedy Blithe Spirit. She discusses what attracted her to the role and reflects on her wide ranging comedy career.

When a cancer nurse Aimee Winfield posted on social media about how much she was looking forward to a break, it provoked a flurry of abusive messages. She talks to Emma about the impact it's had on her and why she worries about how this behaviour might affect other colleagues.

We hear about Catherine Dior, sister of fashion legend Christian Dior, was a French Resistance fighter during the Second World War and was the inspiration for the Miss Dior fragrance. She was also central to his decision to set up his own fashion house in the aftermath of the war which launched what known as the “New Look” – which created an undeniably feminine silhouette . Her story has received little attention, until now, with the publication of a new book: “Miss Dior – A story of courage and Couture” by the fashion editor Justine Picardie. She joins Emma Barnett to discuss Catherine’s life and her catalytic role in the history of one of the world’s greatest fashion houses.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Weekend Woman's Hour: Michaela Coel, Rafia Zakaria & Japanese ‘Womeneconomics’ Sep 11, 2021

We hear from the Screenwriter, director, producer and actor Michaela Coel about her first book ‘Misfits: A Personal Manifesto’. The book draws on topics covered in her MacTaggart lecture in which she spoke about dealing with trauma and the ways in which young creatives are exploited by the television industry.

Sarah Gilbert the scientist who led the team that developed the Oxford Vaccine tells us why she doesn’t think we all need booster covid jabs this winter and tells us about being named the 49th winner of the “Bold Woman” award which honours inspirational women with a track record of success.

The Pakistani author Rafia Zakaria discusses her new book, Against White Feminism. She explains why she sees the issue of race as the biggest obstacle to true solidarity among women.

We discuss Japan’s Womenomics. A concept designed to get more women working and in positions of power. Women in Japan are less likely to be hired as full-time employees and on average earn almost 44 percent less than men. We hear from Cynthia Usui who coaches unemployed housewives in Japan and helps place them within the hospitality industry and Kathy Matsui who coined the term Womenomics in 1999 while working at investment bank Goldman Sachs.

And the comedian Sophie Willan who won a BAFTA for best comedy writing, for the pilot episode of her BBC 2 comedy Alma’s Not Normal. She's now got a 6 part series starting on Monday night. Drawn from her own experiences, she plays the central character Alma who grew up in an out of the care system in Bolton.

Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Beverley Purcell

Comedian Sophie Willan, Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, Emma Raducanu, the Unofficial Bridgerton the Musical Afghanistan update Sep 10, 2021

In May this this year, the comedian Sophie Willan won a BAFTA for best comedy writing, for the pilot episode of her BBC 2 comedy Alma’s Not Normal. She now has a six part series on BBC2 which begins on Monday night. Drawn from her own experiences, she plays the central character Alma who grew up in an out of the care system in Bolton. We find her eternally optimistic with no job or qualifications trying to get her life on track and follow her dreams.

British teenager Emma Raducanu has reached the US Open final She is the first qualifier to reach a Grand Slam final and will play another teenager Leylah Fernandez on Saturday. Chloe discusses her achievement with Rebecca Rodgers who was Emma's teacher at primary school, and Anna Kessel, the Women's Sports Editor at the Telegraph. Sarah Gilbert the scientist who led the team that developed the Oxford Vaccine joins us to talk about her latest award. In recognition of her achievements she’s been made a dame, had a barbie made in her likeness, won GQs “Heroes of the Year” award and last night was named as the 49th winner of the “Bold Woman” award which honours inspirational women with a track record of success. Sarah talks to Chloe Tilley about the ups and downs of the vaccine journey over the last 18 months and booster vaccines.

Bridgerton, the smash hit Netflix tv show was binge-watched by millions over Christmas in 2020 - in fact Netflix estimates that by January of 2021, more than 80 million households had watched it. Two young songwriters were so captivated by the series that they decided to write an unofficial Bridgerton musical - over TikTok. 22-year-old singer-songwriter Abigail Barlow and 20-year-old composer and pianist Emily Bear have now composed an entire concept album - The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical - based on the songs they featured in their TikTok videos. The Taliban in Afghanistan unveiled their interim government earlier this week with an all-male cabinet, including an interior minister who is on the FBI’s most wanted list. This came weeks after saying they would welcome women in government positions. And on social media, footage appeared showing women protesting those announcements being whipped by a Taliban fighter. Since then the Taliban’s new interior ministry have issued their first decree, banning any protests that do not have official approval. Another senior Taliban official has said that Afghan women will be banned from playing sport. BBC Pashtu Correspondent Sana Safi gives an update.

Presented by Chloe Tilley Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Coughing; Rafia Zakaria; Rosie Jones; Population and climate; Cressida Dick Sep 09, 2021

Thanks to Covid, coughing in public has joined the ranks of socially-unacceptable behaviours. Anecdotally there seems to have been a decline in coughing in theatre audiences since Covid came on the scene. This suggests that loud, irritating throat clearances may not have been necessary physical responses to obstructions after all. Emma talks to Dr Kim Dienes from Swansea University about the social side of coughing and tips for suppressing that irritating tickle.

Pakistani-American author Rafia Zakaria has written a new book called Against White Feminism. A critique of 'whiteness within feminism' she says feminism has become a brand, not a movement. She wants to 'take it back.' Working on behalf of domestic violence victims as a lawyer and human rights activist for years, she says race is the biggest obstacle to true solidarity among women. Rafia joins Emma to discuss.

It is understood that the first female Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Cressida Dick, has been offered two more years in the role. Both the home secretary, Priti Patel, and the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, are said to support plans for her to continue to lead London’s police force. But seven influential people who say they have been subjected to Met Police corruption and incompetence have signed an open letter in the Daily Mail today calling for her removal. Among the signatories were Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Lady Brittan and the former Conservative MP Harvey Proctor, whose home was raided in March 2015 by Operation Midland detectives, in response to false allegations of historic child abuse made by Carl Beech - who is now in prison for 18 years for perverting the course of justice and fraud. Emma asks Harvey why he wants Cressida Dick's resignation.

There are 7.9 billion people living on the planet. But why is human population discussed so little when it comes to the climate crisis? That's a question listeners Sue and Martin want answers to, and that Tim Dyson, Emeritus Professor of Population Studies at the London School of Economics is going to help untangle. He talks to Emma about the facts behind global population growth, the trends in family size, and why having fewer children isn't going to help alleviate the immediate pressures of the climate crisis.

Edie Eckhart is 11 years old, from Bridlington in Yorkshire and has cerebral palsy. Like a lot of other 11 year olds this September, she’s starting at secondary school. Edie is the main character in a new children’s book, ‘The Amazing Edie Eckhart’ written by comedian Rosie Jones, who tells Emma why she wanted to create a young disabled heroine.

Jennifer Hudson on Aretha Franklin; Julie Bindel; Social Care; and Soviet Women in WWII. Sep 08, 2021

RESPECT, is the new Aretha Franklin biopic which will be released this Friday. Aretha Franklin handpicked the Oscar Award winning actress and singer Jennifer Hudson to play her in the film. Jennifer talks to us about her relationship with Aretha, their parallel life stories, their grounding in gospel music and the guiding force of the women in their lives.

The government has announced plans to reform the way social care is funded in England. National Insurance contributions from your wage packet will increase. But it also means that some older people who need to go into a nursing home won't have to sell their own home. Boris Johnson said the tax increase would raise £36 billion for frontline services in the next three years and be the "biggest catch-up programme in the NHS' history". But he also accepted it broke a manifesto pledge. Camilla Cavendish, former Director of Policy for Prime Minister David Cameron, joins Emma. Last year she was asked by Downing Street to write a report on the future of health and social care reform.

Julie Bindel has been a radical feminist for over four decades, joining the women’s movement as a working class lesbian teenager from the North East. She has campaigned and written many books about male violence, pornography, and the global sex trade. She is also co-founder of the law reform group Justice for Women, helping women who have been prosecuted for assaulting or killing violent male partners, including Sally Challen who with their support won her appeal against her murder conviction in 2019. Julie is no stranger to controversy. Her beliefs that there is a clash between women’s rights and trans rights, and that sex work is not work, have led to her being un-invited from speaking at several universities, and to frequent protests at events where she does speak. For her new book Feminism for Women: The Real Route to Liberation, Julie interviewed 50 young women, she says in an attempt to build a bridge between them and the so-called Second Wave feminists of her generation, which she thinks is urgently needed to tackle a misogynist backlash.

Elizabeth Lishmund is the creator of a new upcoming film - 'Fighting Girlfriend' - which tells the true story of Mariya Oktyabrsykaya - a Tank Commander in the Red Army during World War 2. 900,000 Russian women fought on the front line for the Soviet Union. Why do we know so little about women's active roles during WW2? And do stereotypes around Russian women make an impact? Elizabeth and journalist Viv Groskop join us to discuss.

Michaela Coel, Lockdown in paradise, Female HGV drivers, Tribunal win Sep 07, 2021

In 2015, Michaela Coel’s Channel 4 series "Chewing Gum", adapted from a one-woman play she wrote while in drama school, about an awkward virgin became an instant hit. She's an established screenwriter, director, producer and actor and now well know for shows like "I May Destroy You," a story based on her own experience. She talks to Emma Barnett about her first book ‘Misfits: A Personal Manifesto’ which is a call for honesty, empathy, inclusion and champions those who don’t fit in.

As you’ll have heard reported in the news recently, a shortage of lorry drivers is causing serious supply chain problems, affecting amongst other things supermarkets and even some pubs! Covid-19, tax changes, levels of pay and Brexit have all combined to contribute to an estimated shortfall of around 100,000 qualified HGV drivers. Hayley O'Beirnes is retraining as a HGV driver after her cake business went under. She talks about her experience alongside Karen Stalker, the MD of Stalkers Transport based in Cumbria.

Plus we meet Zoe Stephens. She's spent the past 18 months through lockdown 'stuck' in Tonga in the South Pacific. She'd been living and working as a tour guide in Beijing, taking tourists travelling to Tonga in March 2020, just as the world shut down due to Covid-19. She tells Emma about her adventure and what it's like being back home. And we hear from Alice Thompson, an estate agent who's been awarded almost £185,000 after her employer refused to let her leave work early to collect her daughter from nursery. A tribunal judge upheld her claim, awarding money for loss of earnings, pension contributions, injury to feelings and interest.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell PHOTO CREDIT; Natalie Seery.

Val McDermid on Miss Marple; Sarah Harding's death; Sam Quek; Japanese 'Womeneconomics' Sep 06, 2021

Miss Marple is one of the classic heroines of crime fiction. Quick-witted, devilishly observant and with a keen sense of justice, Jane Marple has delighted readers since she first appeared in a series of short stories by Agatha Christie in 1927. But now, almost a century later, she is being given a new lease of life in a collection of short stories penned by twelve of today's most famous crime writers, due out next year. Queen of crime fiction Val McDermid joins Emma to talk about writing one of the stories, and why she believes an elderly spinster makes for the perfect super-sleuth.

Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding died at the weekend, aged just 39 from breast cancer following a diagnosis last summer. In her memoir, Sarah admitted she avoided seeing her doctor because of coronavirus and revealed how she thought she had a cyst before her diagnosis. We know that the number of urgent GP referrals for cancer dropped by 60% in April compared with the same month last year, latest figures for England show. Government data also show that the number of people starting treatment following a GP urgent referral declined by 18% in the same period. Emma speaks to Deborah James aka Bowel Babe from the BBC Podcast You Me and the Big C, and Kris Hallenga, founder of the charity Coppafeel, about their reactions to Sarah's death.

A Question of Sport is the world's longest TV sports quiz - it first appeared on our TV screens way back in 1970 and has clocked up 1,295 episodes - but it took until Friday night for Sam Quek to make history as the first ever female team captain. The 2016 Olympic Gold winning hockey player features in the new revamped BBC series alongside other team captain former rugby player Ugo Monye. While Sam joins the programme, the long running host and former tennis player Sue Barker has been replaced by the comedian and TV presenter Paddy McGuiness. Sam Quek joins Emma.

The Japanese Prime Minister has announced he is standing down. His popularity was at an all time low, and because of Covid many in Japan are very unhappy that the Olympics and Paralympics were held there. The Prime Minister took over from Shinzo Abe, who introduced a policy called Womeneconomics. This was a five year plan which ended last year, and aimed to get more women into the workforce and up the career ladder. Abe vowed to make women 'shine', and set a goal for them to hold 30% percent of leadership positions by 2020. So why did this deadline quietly pass without getting close to its target? Emma speaks to Kathy Matsui, who coined the term 'Womenomics' in 1999 and to Cynthia Usui - author of the Japanese book Eight Things Full-Time Housewives Should do Before Entering the Workforce.

Boris Johnson is making a statement in the House of Commons today, defending his handling of the Afghanistan crisis and reiterating his vow to use 'every economic, political and diplomatic lever' to help Afghans. On Saturday, for a second day in a row, women marched through Kabul, the Afghan capital demanding their freedoms are guaranteed following the Taliban takeover. The group say the Taliban broke up the demonstration, targeting them with tear gas and pepper spray as they tried to walk to the presidential palace. BBC Correspondent Yalda Hakim joins Emma to discuss this and other developments for women in Afghanistan.

Image: Joan Hickson as Miss Marple in the 1984 BBC TV adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel The Body in the Library.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Greenham Common, 'Girlboss' & the magic of Mirrors Sep 04, 2021

Forty years ago a campaign group called Women for Life on Earth marched from Cardiff to the Greenham Common RAF Base in Berkshire to protest against the British government allowing US nuclear missiles on British Soil. We hear from two women Rebecca Mordan, co-author of Out of the Darkness Greenham Voices 1981-2000 and Sue Ray who were part of the original movement and are walking to Greenham Common again this week.

We hear from Fran Lebowitz the American writer, social commentator, humourist, very occasional actress and New York legend.

‘Girlboss’ is used as a term of empowerment. It’s meant to refer to a new generation of confident, take charge women who pursue their own entrepreneurial ambitions but does this concept relate only to white middle class privileged women and what does it mean to successful women of colour? To discuss this is Otegha Uwagba the author of We Need to Talk About Money and Asma Khan the founder of Dharjeeling Express.

Zizi Strallen is playing Mary Poppins in the latest stage adaptation in London’s West End. She performs ‘Practically Perfect’.

We hear from two parents about what it’s like to be told your child has special educational needs and that they are not developing normally. Parents Lauren Gibson and Claire Walker discuss.

Why are some mirrors more flattering than others? How often do you look in the mirror and are you able to judge your reflection fairly? We hear from the psychotherapist Susie Orbach and from mirror expert Dr Melissa Kao.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Louise Corley

Roe v. Wade, Girlboss and women of colour, Conscious sex work, Greenham Common banners Sep 03, 2021

In Texas, a law banning abortion from as early as six weeks into pregnancy has come into force this week. This means that a woman can't have an abortion once a foetal heartbeat is heard, something medical authorities say is misleading. On Wednesday, the US Supreme Court refused an appeal from reproductive health care organisation, Planned Parenthood to stop the law. What will this mean for women and abortion access in Texas?

“Girlboss” has been used as a term of empowerment - referring to a new generation of confident, take-charge women who pursue their own entrepreneurial ambitions. But since Nasty Gal founder Sophia Amoruso coined the phrase in 2014, the concept has been derided by those who says it has been dominated by white middle class privileged women. But what impact has the movement had for women of colour? Asma Khan of Darjeeling Express, and Otegha Uwagba, author of ‘We Need to Talk About Money’ join Anita to discuss.

Beverlee Lewis describes herself as a ‘conscious sex worker’. Working with people who have disabilities, she helps coach them to explore relationships and sexuality. This will include being intimate with her clients, many of whom may have never had sex or a relationship with anyone previously. She speaks to Anita about her work.

On Wednesday this week we caught up with some of the women walking from Cardiff to the RAF base in Berkshire, to commemorate 40 years since Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp was set up. The women were protesting US nuclear missiles being allowed on British soil, and many of the original protest banners made are still discussed today. Charlotte Dew is the author of Women For Peace: Banners From Greenham Common.

Presented by Anita Rani Produced by Frankie Tobi

Fran Lebowitz, Parent Blame, Heiresses Sep 02, 2021

She's been described as the funniest woman in America. We talk to Fran Lebowitz, the American writer, social commentator, humorist, and New York legend. She shares her opinion on everything from gender, Covid and marriage.

We hear from our political correspondent at Holyrood about proposed reforms to the Gender Recognition Act in Scotland.

Do you have a child with special educational needs, and are you getting the support that you need? We hear from one mother who's been trying to do the best thing by her son, and feels like she's the one being blamed.

And ever fantasized about what you'd do if you inherited a fortune? A famous heiress once said: “Life is less sad with money.” Maybe. We speak to Laura Thompson who's analysed the stories of women whose wealth has been passed down to them. She's written a book called Heiresses: The Lives of the Million Dollar Babies.

Greenham Common, Afghan Refugee Resettlement, Sarah Rainsford, Rebecca Welch Sep 01, 2021

Forty years ago this week, 36 people from a campaign group called Women for Life on Earth marched from Cardiff to the Greenham Common RAF base in Newbury in Berkshire to protest against the British government allowing US nuclear missiles on British soil. They stayed there for almost 20 years. Last week another group set-out from Cardiff to follow the route of the original protesters. We speak to Rebecca Mordan and Sue Say live from their walk.

For the last few weeks on Woman's Hour, we've been following the desperate efforts of those trying to flee Afghanistan. As the government sets out details of what it is calling ‘Operation Warm Welcome’ - its scheme to resettle recently arrived Afghan refugees- we hear from Louise Calvey of Refugee Action, on what is currently being done currently, and what we can do to help.

Sarah Rainsford - BBC Moscow correspondent, has been living in and reporting on Russia for over two decades. On the 10th August, she was told that she was being barred indefinitely 'for the protection of the security of Russia' - and allowed into the country for the sole purpose of packing up her life and leaving. But why her? And what chance, if any, does she now have of returning? She joins Emma to discuss.

Rebecca Welch has become the first female referee to be added to the English Football League's national group list for men's football. She became the first woman to officiate an EFL match in April when she took charge of Harrogate's 2-0 League Two defeat to Port Vale, but said it was never her plan to officiate, only playing football for fun. She speaks to Emma live.

Presented by Emma Barnett Produced by Frankie Tobi

Cookery pioneer Claudia Roden, getting a SEN diagnosis, the impact of vaccine hesitancy among care workers Aug 31, 2021

It is not an exaggeration to call Claudia Roden a culinary pioneer. For over 50 years she has been collecting recipes from home cooks throughout the MIddle East and Mediterranean. She shares with Emma details of her new “Med” based on remembered dishes that she’s encountered over decades.

Care home managers in England say they're terrified of future staff shortages because of the 'no jab, no job' policy, brought in by the government, which says care home workers have to be double vaccinated by the 11th November, or face losing their job. Emma talks to Nicola Richards, director of Palms Row Health Care, who manages two nursing homes about why workers are still not getting their jab an what that’ll mean for the future of the sector.

During Listener Week, we spoke to Lauren Gibson. She wanted us to talk about the difficulties of finding out your child has learning disabilities. How do you deal with hearing your child isn’t developing normally? And, what do you do whilst waiting for a full diagnosis? She got some practical advice from Salena Begley, the Scottish Partnership Engagement Manager at Family Fund U . Today she's back to, get advice from another listener Claire Walker, who’s son was diagnosed with Autism in May, because sometimes the best person to hear from is someone who has been through the same experience as you

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell PICTURE CREDIT; Jamie Lau/Waitrose & Partners Food

Afghanistan, Paralympics, Mary Poppins Aug 30, 2021

We get the latest on Afghanistan with BBC journalist Sana Safi and talk to Seema Malhotra MP whose constituency in West London has a large Afghan community. She explains the help that's being provided to refugees.

We go live to BBC Sports Correspondent Katie Smith in Tokyo who talks about female success at the Paralympics in Tokyo.

We hear a live performance from the Zizi Strallen who plays Mary Poppins in the West End. She sings Practically Perfect accompanied by Isaac McCullough on the piano.

We explore the notion of co-dependency with counsellor Susan McGrath, as well as a member of Co-Dependants Anonymous UK. We find out how co-dependency develops and what you can do about it.

And mirrors: why are some more flattering than others, and what are the range of feelings that come up when we look in the mirror? We hear from mirror expert Dr Melissa Kao and psychotherapist Susie Orbach.

Listener Week: Afghanistan, Women and trades, Being Average, Clearing out the attic, Titles Aug 28, 2021

Alice Bromage served in Afghanistan as a Major and left in 2016. She tells us what's she is hearing from the troops serving on the ground in Afghanistan.

A recent survey revealed that tradespeople are £35,000 better off than university graduates. But only 14.5% of the construction workforce as a whole is female, and that drops to just 2% when it comes to skilled manual trades, according to CITB figures. Emma hears from painter and decorator Barbara Marshfield, plasterer Steph Leese and Fiona Sharp, Social Value Director for Procure Plus.

Clearing out the attic of family belongings - how and when should you do it? Vicki Edmunds and Marion Malcher discuss.

The joy of being average with Sarah Stein Lubrano and author Eleanor Ross.

What is motivating older women to join the Extinction Rebellion protests this week. Protestors Fiona Atkinson and Marion Malcher discuss.

Why do we still use Ms, Mrs, Miss. Dr Amy Erikson, who is a Reader in Feminist History at the University of Cambridge and, Stella Sutcliffe, who has spent the last three years campaigning for organisations and businesses to stop requesting, using and and storing marriage titles through her Campaign “Go Title Free”.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Sislin Fay Allen, The situation for women in Afghanistan, Miss, Ms, Mx or Mrs?, Women & Pensions, Women & Munitions Aug 27, 2021

Two explosions hit Kabul airport yesterday, killing some 90 people and at least 150 people were also wounded in the attack. The UK government has just announced the final stages of the evacuation... which means the processing centre at the airport has been closed and no further people will be called forward. So what is the situation on the ground for the women and children in Afghanistan? Anita speaks to Mahjooba Nowrouzi, from the BBC Afghan Service.

Raffaela Baiocchi is an Italian obstetrician and gynaecologist based in the Panjshir Valley in Afghanistan. She works for Emergency an Italian NGO and is responsible for emergency reproductive health, co-managing the maternity part of the Panshir hospital. Her staff are continuing to come to work going through now Taleban-controlled check points from other provinces, but less than half of the female patients, who would normally attend, are coming into the hospital in the last week.

Do you like being called a Miss, Ms, Mx or Mrs or none of them at all? Why do some organisations still ask us for a title when filling out a form? Anita talks to Stella Sutcliffe, the Founder of the ‘Go Title Free’ Campaign, and Dr Amy Erickson a Reader in Feminist History at the University of Cambridge. We’ve received a large number of emails from a group of women born in the 1950s known as Waspis (Women Against State Pension Inequality). Many were given very little notice that they wouldn’t be receiving their expected pension at 60 years old - with delays of up to six years. Last month, The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman found the Department for Work and Pensions ‘guilty of maladministration’ in the way they dealt with communicating the change in State Pension Age. Anita discusses with listener Jane Cowley and Daniela Silcock, Head of Policy Research at the Pensions Policy Institute. Catherine wrote to us and said: "Please would you consider doing a piece about Sislin Fay Allen, the first UK black female officer, in 1968. She died in Jamaica in last month. Commander Alison Heydari is the most senior Black woman police officer in England and Wales, talks about being inspired by Sislin and about her own experience.

Listener Lavinia wrote to us to say: It puzzles me that no mention is ever made of women who worked in munitions during the war. Her mother had worked at the munitions factory in Woolwich, but it was never spoken about. She joins Anita along with Vikki Hawkins, Curator, Second World War Galleries at the Imperial War Museum.

Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Parental Alienation, Afghan Judges, Being Average, Women Vets, Lady Evelyn Cobbold Aug 26, 2021

Parental Alienation is the unjustified rejection of a parent by a child, encouraged by the other parent. We hear from one woman who hasn't seen or spoken to her daughter in six years. Dr Amy Baker, Parental Alienation expert, and Louise Barretto, a divorce and family solicitor, join Emma to discuss the impact on children, and the belief that a child's voice should always be listened to in a court of law.

As the UK's evacuation mission draws to a close in Afghanistan, we look at the situation facing the country's female judges, described as being 'uniquely at risk'. We hear from a senior judge on the desperate situation she is in.

Is there more pressure on us these days to be extraordinary? Listener Sarah suggested we talk about being average- and why it should be celebrated. Author Eleanor Ross and faculty member and former Head of Content at The School of Life, Sarah Stein Lubrano join Emma to discuss.

Over 3 million households acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic, but vet practices are said to be overwhelmed. One listener got in touch to ask us to look at the challenges facing women vets.

Lady Evelyn Cobbold was a Scottish aristocrat who became the first recorded British woman to convert to Islam and undertake the hajj - the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. Listener Sadia was inspired by her story, and joins Emma to talk about why Lady Evelyn's 1933 pilgrimage is so meaningful to her today. We also hear from the University of Manchester's Professor Zahia Smail Salhi on how Lady Evelyn's story fits into the bigger picture.

Presented by Emma Barnett Produced by Frankie Tobi

Listener Week: Sahraa Karimi escape from Kabul, Extinction Rebellion, Doughnut Economics, Early SEN diagnosis, Circo Rum Ba Ba Aug 25, 2021

Circo Rum Ba Ba describe themselves as an exuberant troupe of all women performers who bring extraordinary spectacle and performance into unconventional settings where it is least expected. Founder and artistic director, and Woman’s Hour listener, Marianne Grove, a trained actor explains why she went from performing in theatres into the street bringing the magic of the circus and theatre to a wider audience.

We hear from Sahraa Karimi an Afghan film director and the first female chairperson of the Afghan Film Organisation who tells us of her recent escape to Kiev in the Ukraine. What does she make of the current Taliban guidance for working women to stay at home for their own safety?

Extinction Rebellion is protesting in London for a fortnight. They've warned to expect disruption. Listener Fiona Atkinson from Kendal got in touch with us to say that she's joined the group at the age of 65 and was there on Monday. She'd due to return next week. Her email to us began by saying, "I and thousands of women will be in London on Mon 23rd August in Trafalgar Square at the start of 2 weeks of the Extinction Rebellion protest. I would love you to cover the women involved in the Climate Crisis debate/protests and focus on how it will affect our children and grandchildren.” She is joined by Marion Malcher, 66, who was arrested on Monday for lying in middle of a street with her arm in a suitcase. She was released without charge and is back at Piccadilly Circus this morning. So what is motivating older women to protest and is it effective?

Many listeners have been in touch with their concerns about the planet, especially in relation to our ‘growth-at-all costs’ economic system. One psychoanalyst called Phoebe Wieland emailed us about how she is ‘increasingly seeing clients from all walks of life who feel deep existential anxiety about the climate and ecological situation we face." Phoebe asked us to invite mental health professional Sally Weintrobe on to the programme whose new book on the psychological roots of the climate crisis has just been published. Listeners also asked us to speak to Kate Raworth who is a prominent eco-economist whose groundbreaking work Doughnut Economics has helped them find hope.

There are approximately 351,000 children with a learning disability in the UK - but an assessment and diagnosis can take years. One listener - called Lauren Gibson - is in this waiting period wants some advice. She joins us to discuss, alongside Salena Begley, the Scottish Partnership Engagement Manager at Family Fund UK.

Attic memories; Afghanistan; Food and climate; ME and Covid; Neanderthals Aug 24, 2021

What should we do with all our attic memorabilia? Vicki from South Wales talks about the joy of clearing our her attic with her daughters and Maryam from Rotherham talks about her mother's suitcase brought over from Pakistan in the 1950s.

The desperation of many thousands of people trying to get out of Afghanistan in the last couple of weeks has been on our screens and the front page of our newspapers for days now. Many, outside of the country, are trying to do what they can to help get their colleagues, friends, loved ones get out – as Alice Bromage, previously a Major in the UK army , told us yesterday. She talked about the Sandhurst Sisterhood, around 2500 ex-army women officers, who are constantly being messaged by women, and men, who they have trained and worked with in Afghanistan. Jude, as an ex-military officer, is one of the network. Based in Dubai, she and her husband, an ex-Royal marine of 24 years, run a small local security business in Kabul, and have done for about a decade now. What role are they playing in the ongoing evacuation?

What are the best food choices to make for the environment? And can going vegetarian or vegan really help with the issue of climate change? That's what Woman's Hour listener Judith wants to know - so Sarah Bridle, physics professor at Manchester University and author of Food and Climate Change Without the Hot Air is on hand with some answers! She joins Emma to crunch the numbers and give some practical advice on ways to make our breakfast, lunch and tea less harmful for the planet.

About a quarter of a million people in the UK suffer from myalgic encepahalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome. It's a condition that affects more women than men, but patients still face doubts about their symptoms and there is controversy about treatment. Since the pandemic began, as many as two million people in the UK may have long Covid, with women 1.5 times more likely to experience ongoing symptoms than men. The symptoms of long Covid range from fatigue and muscle pain to coughs and headaches and have been linked to ME. Scientists and ME/CFS patients hope that research into long Covid will be an opportunity to learn more about long term consequences of viral infections. Dr Nina Muirhead, specialist surgeon in dermatology who has ME and Dr David Strain, the British Medical Association's lead on Long Covid and medical advisor to Action for ME discuss the links between long Covid and treatment of ME/CFS.

What was it like to be a Neanderthal woman? That's what listener Hannah wants to know. She emailed asking to hear from female archeologists, such as Dr Rebecca Wragg Sykes, about their view on the Neanderthal female lifestyle and how it compares to our own. So, we asked Dr Rebecca Wragg Sykes to come on the programme to tell us. Did they hunt? Did they look after the children? Did they have the menopause? Her book, Kindred: Neanderthal Life, Love, Death and Art, aims to tell a completely new story about Neanderthals.

Listener Week: Women and trades, Afghanistan, Stealthing, Dumping a friend Aug 23, 2021

A recent survey revealed that tradespeople are £35,000 better off than university graduates. But only 14.5% of the construction workforce as a whole is female, and that drops to just 2% when it comes to skilled manual trades, according to CITB figures. Barbara Marshfield has been a painter and decorator for 25 years, and got in touch. She joins Emma to discuss, along with Steph Leese who has her own successful business, and Fiona Sharp, Social Value Director for Procure Plus.

Reports from this morning and over the weekend reveal a desperate situation for many women and children in Afghanistan trying to flee. We've heard a lot, and seen pictures of the male British troops who have and are currently serving on the ground in Afghanistan. But what about the women? How differently do women approach these situations... Alice Bromage served in Afghanistan as a Major. She did 2 tours, and left in 2016.

In the past few months, a number of women have spoken out about stealthing -a form of sexual violence that involves non-consensual condom removal. One listener wants to know if there is a male equivalent, and if not, how the gender of a victim impacts the way society views rape. Emma is joined by the barrister Harriet Johnson and Dr Siobhan Weare, Senior Lecturer at the Lancaster University Law School who has researched criminal justice and male survivors of sexual violence.

The breakdown of romantic relationships can have a significant impact on us - but so too can the breakdown of friendships, sometimes being even more painful. Listener Melanie joins us to discuss her experience of losing a friendship, as does journalist and writer, Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett and relationship expert and author, Liz Pryor.

Presented by Emma Barnett Produced by Frankie Tobi

Lesley Manville, Afghanistan, Menopause and dental health, Conceived by rape, Ruby Wax, Pens Aug 21, 2021

The actor Lesley Manville on her mission to change the way the world sees older women - not least in her latest TV performance in Channel 4's I am series. Lesley plays Maria, who at 60 and after 30-odd years of marriage, is finding it suffocating and decides she wants more from life.

The BBC journalist Zarghuna Kargar who used to present Afghan Woman's Hour found herself translating a Taliban press conference. It was her voice telling us what a Taliban spokesman said about women.

How menopause affects your dental health. We hear from Louise Newsom, NHS Advisor for the National Menopause Programme and Dr Uchenna Okoye, Clinical Director of London Smiling Dental Group.

'When Ruby Wax Met…' features some of her most memorable interviews. Ruby tells us about a particularly memorable encounter with a future US President- a Mr Donald Trump and when she fell in love with Carrie Fisher.

The woman who took her birth father to court for raping her birth mother in the 70s. It is thought to be the first of its kind.

And the people who love their pens - they even watch others using them. We hear from stationery enthusiast Rhiannon Morgan, who runs mummy of four YouTube channel and Jenna Meyers, a TikToker and hand-letterer who creates content about her favourite pens and handwriting.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Divorce, Ruby Wax, the FIRE movement, Strings duo Balladeste Aug 20, 2021

How common is it to experience ‘hate’ towards someone you once loved? We tend to think of 'hate' as one of the strongest emotions we can have, so what happens if you find yourself 'hating' your former partner, particularly if you have children with them. We discuss why some people experience this during or after the breakdown of their relationship, and how to move on from it.

In the early 1990s Ruby Wax smashed out of the TV studio and rewrote the rule book on the celebrity chat show with 'When Ruby Wax Met…'. She joins Anita to look back at some of these encounters with stars such as Grace Jones, Carrie Fisher, Imelda Marcos, and one particularly memorable encounter with a future US President and his new girlfriend - a Mr Donald Trump.

As part of our money series, we are looking at the FIRE Movement. The acronym, which stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early, is a method of extreme saving, in order to retire – or stop working – decades earlier. Recent studies suggest that over half of millennials do not see themselves as 'emotionally and behaviourally' connected to their job and company. Exhausted from high-pressure jobs and with a growing sense of burnout, some millennials are turning to the FIRE strategy in an attempt to become financially independent, sooner. Emma-Lou Montgomery is a personal finance and investment writer at Fidelity International, and Sarah Pennells is a Consumer Finance Specialist from the Royal London.

Indian-American violinist Preetha Narayanan and British cellist Tara Franks met while studying at the Guildhall School of Music and went on to form a strings duo – Balladeste. Their style has been described as Contemporary Classical meets Folk in its broadest form - Indo-Baroque meets alt-folk minimalism. For their new album, Beyond Breath, they have taken fragments of melodic lines from a set of Indian devotional songs learnt in Preetha’s childhood as inspiration. They join Anita to discuss the cross-cultural melding of their musical ideas and styles.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Ruby Wax Interviewed Guest: Sara Davison Interviewed Guest: Fahima Mahomed Interviewed Guest: Sarah Pennells Interviewed Guest: Emma-Lou Montgomery Interviewed Guest: Preetha Narayanan Interviewed Guest: Tara Franks

Afghanistan, Adoption, Lesley Manville Aug 19, 2021

We continue reporting on what's happening to women and children in Afghanistan. We hear from our BBC corespondent in Kabul, Secunder Kermani. Also Larissa Brown who's Defence Editor at The Times tells us about women soldiers in Afghanistan, and we speak to Zarghuna Kargar who used to present Afghan Woman's Hour and this week found herself translating a Taliban press conference. It was her voice telling us what a Taliban spokesman said.

We hear from Andrea Leadsom, MP who's the government's Early Years Adviser.

Two women who've adopted talk to us about the ups and downs.

And we've also got Lesley Manville on talking about her new TV drama called I Am, which is about a woman called Maria who's 60 and bored.

Priti Patel on Afghan crisis, Aisha Jawando as Tina Turner Aug 18, 2021

The UK government has announced plans to resettle 20,000 Afghan refugees over the coming years, with 5,000 coming to the UK in the first year. This will be in addition to those such as interpreters and teachers who helped UK forces on the ground, and are already being offered homes here. Emma speaks to the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, on how the announcement will aim to prioritise vulnerable women and children.

“I am more than evidence, more than a witness, more than a product of rape. I am not your shame.” That was what our next guest said in her court victim statement, after a man was convicted of raping her mother, when she was then 13, and had gone to his house to babysit. Our guest was conceived from that rape. The man is called Carvel Bennett and he was found guilty of rape, and a fortnight ago he was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Now in her 40s, it's taken years for our guest to secure his conviction. We're not giving her name for legal reasons.

A musical on the life of the singer and songwriter Tina Turner has just reopened in London’s West End. Aisha Jawando previously played the part of Tina’s sister, Alline Bullock. Now, she has stepped into the lead role telling the story of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of racism, sexism and ageism to become the global Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Aisha joins Emma and sings live in the Woman’s Hour studio.

Presented by Emma Barnett Produced by Frankie Tobi

Dental health and menopause, Lisa Nandy, Police disclosures, Joy of stationery Aug 17, 2021

Hot flushes are probably the first thing you associate with going through the menopause. But Radio 2's Liza Tarbuck had an interesting angle on it she wanted us to investigate - gums! Decreases in oestrogen can have a significant effect on your dental health including bleeding gums, burning, a dry mouth and even tooth loss. But the link to menopause and perimenopause is often missed. Dr Uchenna Okoye, Clinical Director of London Smiling Dental Group and Dr Louise Newsom, NHS Advisor for the National Menopause Programme, discuss the signs to watch out for and things you can do to help.

Today the government is pulling together a specific plan to help Afghan refugees come and settle in the UK. Girls and women will be especially helped. Women's rights activist and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai has called for world governments to open their borders and take 'bold stances for the protection of women and girls' in Afghanistan. But what might that bold stance look like? Emma Barnett speaks to Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy.

Rape prosecutions have fallen dramatically - to the lowest ever level since data started being collected. But to what extent is this a result of intrusive requests by police and the CPS to access victims' records? Rape crisis centres around the UK are telling Woman's Hour that requests for everything from counselling records to school reports can deter women from taking the case further. Denying access to records may also lead to the case being dropped. Melanie Abbott reports on the burden women feel to prove a perfect life history in order to move forward with rape prosecutions.

It's August and for lots of parents, it's time for back to school supply shopping. But it's not just kids that want all the latest products. In 2020 alone, households in the UK bought £3.52 billion pounds worth of stationery and drawing materials. And today, we're looking specifically at pens - buying them, trying them out and even watching videos of people writing with them. Pen TikToker and hand-letterer Jenna Meyers and mum Rhiannon Morgan, who runs mummy of four YouTube channel, join Emma to discuss all things pen-related.

Clothes sizing, Afghan women, What's driving men who define themselves as incels? Aug 16, 2021

Many bigger-busted women find it difficult to find clothing tailored to their chest size. The last time a national size survey was conducted in the UK was back in 2001, so why don’t clothing manufacturers take our bra sizes into account? Edaein O’Connell is a 32H, and has written about her struggle to find well fitting clothes. Dr Kathryn Brownbridge is a Senior Lecturer in Fashion and Design at Manchester Metropolitan University.

City after city has fallen to the Taliban in Afghanistan including the capital Kabul. Blame is being apportioned for who is responsible - the Americans, the weak former government in Afghanistan or our own foreign policy. What seems certain is that women's lives will change dramatically. Lynne O'Donnell is a journalist who until yesterday was in Kabul. Homira Rezai lived in Afghanistan until 2006, aged 13 she moved to Dudley in the West Midlands . Pashtana Durani runs an education charity in Kabul.

As the country reels from and mourns the loss of life after the Plymouth shooting last week, what is really driving men who define themselves as incels? Why do they claim to hate women as much as they do? Lily O'Farrell is a feminist cartoonist who decided to discover more about these groups. Joan Smith is an author, journalist and the co-chair of the mayor of London’s Violence Against Women and Girls board.

Plus how do you feel about sweating? We spend on antiperspirants and deodorants – £54 billion a year – we put an awful lot of effort into pretending we DON'T sweat and certainly DON'T smell. Science journalist Sarah Everts talks about the research in her new book, The Joy of Sweat: The strange Science of Perspiration.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour - Mental health and dating, Charlotte Worthington BMX gold & comedy writer Georgia Pritchett Aug 14, 2021

Dating apps have seen a growing trend towards individuals disclosing that they have a mental health disorder in their online profiles. Jo Hemmings a behavioural psychologist and Beth McColl a lifestyle journalist, tell us how and when to tell someone you are dating that you live with a mental health condition?

We look at the issue of maternal discrimination with Dr Katie Lidster a scientist who has just won £23,000 damages against her employer – a government backed body. She won the case against UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) after an 18-month battle following the arrival of her second child. She tells us about her case alongside Claire Dawson an employment lawyer.

Charlotte Worthington won gold for Team GB in the freestyle BMX event at the Olympics – the first time BMX has ever been represented at the games. She tells us about becoming the first woman to ever successfully land a 360 backflip in a competition.

The journalist and co-chair of the Mayor of London’s Violence Against Women and Girls board Joan Smith tells us how new research appears to show that extremist attackers are often united, whatever their ideology, by a significant history of domestic violence. She wants reports of domestic violence to be taken more seriously so that acts of terrorism can be prevented.

We have music and chat with the singer-songwriter Joy Crookes

And Georgia Pritchett is a multi-award winning comedy and drama writer. She has written for numerous TV shows like The Thick of It, Veep, Succession, Smack the Pony and Have I got News for You. She tells us about collaborating with comedians such as Miranda Hart, Lenny Henry, Ronnie Corbett and Jo Brand, and about her memoir ‘My Mess is a Bit of a Life’.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Lisa Jenkinson

Singer-songwriter Joy Crookes, Maternity discrimination, Data-driven parenting, Hot Girl Summer Aug 13, 2021

Joy Crookes was nominated for Rising star at the BRIT awards 2020. Born and raised in Elephant and Castle, London, the daughter of a Bengali mother and an Irish father, she grew up listening to an eclectic mix of genres – everything from Nick Cave, to King Tubby, Kendrick Lamar and Gregory Isaac. She came to the public’s attention at the age of 15 when she uploaded a cover of "Hit the Road Jack" on YouTube, and later performed "Mother, May I Sleep With Danger?", on the global music platform, COLORS. She has now released "Feet Don't Fail Me Now" as the lead single from her upcoming debut album, Skin.

We look at the issue of maternal discrimination with Dr Katie Lidster a scientist who has just won £23,000 damages against her employer – a government backed body. She won the case against UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) after an 18-month battle following the arrival of her second child, Daisy, who was born in 2019 ten weeks prematurely. She was offered a role with diminished responsibilities, four days a week, and later told that her old job no longer existed. We talk to Dr Lidster and to Employment lawyer Claire Dawson who specialises in discrimination cases.

The economist Emily Oster is best known here for her books that look at the evidence behind parenting myths. Much of the advice for pregnant women is contradictory and so her books looked at the data behind issues like drinking in pregnancy and risks associated with induction dates. Now she is back with a new book Family Firm which is focussed on primary school years.

‘Hot Girl Summer’ is a term coined by American rapper and music sensation Megan Thee Stallion. You might have seen the phrase across social media, on Instagram captions, Tik Tok hashtags, Facebook statuses, even on clothing, as it's become part of the day-to-day vocabulary for millennial and Gen-Z women across the globe. Megan defined ‘Hot Girl Summer’ as “To be you, just having fun. Turning up, driving the boat and not giving a damn about what nobody’s saying.” But why, two summers later, are people still using the phrase? And what does Hot Girl Summer actually mean? Anita Rani speaks to Shei Mamona, a journalist and the Beauty and Features Assistant at Glamour and Scotty Unfamous, an erotic romance author, blogger and self-described Sexfluencer.

Baby Bonding, ASMR, Afghanistan, Eimear McBride, BMX Freestyle Aug 12, 2021

Some mums may take a while to bond with their baby after they're born. This can be for a variety of reasons and is in fact very common among new mothers. Journalist and writer Natasha Lunn decided to write about her experience of not falling in love with her daughter immediately. She joins Andrea along with Dr Karen Bateson, Head of Clinical Strategy and Development from the Parent Infant Foundation, to discuss the reasons why bonding may take a while for some women.

ASMR - or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response - is a relaxing, often sedative sensation that begins on the scalp and moves down the body. It's grown massively in the last few years, particularly during lockdown. What is the appeal behind it, and why do female voices perform particularly well? We hear from Dr Giulia Poerio and ASMR artist Sharon Shares.

In Afghanistan, news reports say that the Taliban are going door-to-door in places, taking girls as young as 12 and marrying them off to militants. With thousands of Afghans fleeing to the capital, Kabul, to escape the Taliban advance, Andrea speaks to Lynne O'Donnell, a war correspondent and columnist for Foreign Policy magazine.

Eimear McBride burst onto the literary stage with her first novel, A Girl Is a Half-Formed Thing, which won both the Women’s prize for fiction and the Goldsmith’s prize. Two more celebrated novels followed and she has now written her first non fiction book, Something out of Place: Women & Disgust.

Charlotte Worthington won gold for Team GB in the BMX Freestyle event at the Olympics – the first time BMX has ever been represented at the games. Fresh from returning from Tokyo, Charlotte joins Andrea live from UK National Cycling Centre in Manchester.

Presented by Andrea Catherwood Produced by Frankie Tobi

Kamala Harris, US Vice President; WFH; Georgia Pritchett. Aug 11, 2021

Earlier this year, Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first female black Asian American Vice President in history. 6 months on, some polling has been interpreted as saying she's the most unpopular Vice President in history. To discuss the recent polling and her work to date we are joined by Sharon D Austin, a professor of Political Science at the University of Florida and Melissa Milewski, a Lecturer in History at the University of Sussex

As the government urges people to return to the office we hear your reactions and consider the impact on women. Boris Johnson has called for a “gradual” return over the summer but there’ve been suggestions that civil servants who want to continue to work from home should lose their London weighting or even part of their salary as they no longer incur travelling costs. For the wider workforce the chancellor and some business leaders are calling for people to taper off home working for the sake of their prospects, the economy as well as their wellbeing . We hear listener reaction to the idea and talk to Wendy Hallett who founded Hallett Retail twenty years ago to create a flexible working environment for herself when her children were young and she now advocates this for her entire staff.

So how’s your camping trip going then? Seemed a good staycation idea at the time, but what about the rain, mud and damp clothes? Have you given up the roaring fire and gone to the pub instead? We want to hear your funny stories. Listener Hannah, was camping in Norfolk last weekend: yes, that's right: when there was wind, rain and thunderstorms.

You might not recognise her name but you will certainly be familiar with her work. Georgia Pritchett is a multi-award winning comedy and drama writer. She has written for numerous TV shows like The Thick of It, Veep, Succession, Smack the Pony and Have I got News for You. She has also collaborated with a huge range of comedians: Miranda Hart, Lenny Henry, Ronnie Corbett and Jo Brand to name just a few. She has now had a book published, My Mess is a bit of a Life: adventures in anxiety which is about her life from childhood through to almost now.

As part of our money series, we’re talking about investing. Why don’t more women invest? Do you consider yourself an investor? Do you know where your pension is invested? Did you even know that your pension was an investment? Selina Flavius is a financial adviser and author of Black Girl Finance: Let’s Talk Money. Maike Currie is an Investment Director for Fidelity International and writes for the Financial Times.

Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Wendy Hallett Interviewed Guest: Sharon D Austin Interviewed Guest: Melissa Milewski Interviewed Guest: Georgia Pritchett Interviewed Guest: Selina Flavius Interviewed Guest: Maike Currie

Unregistered births, Results Day, Dating and mental health, Work and menopause Aug 10, 2021

Today will mark the first time that there will be a single results day for the whole of the UK with AS and A level, vocational qualifications, Welsh Baccalaureate, and Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers grades all at the same time. Although education is a devolved matter for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, all four nations adopted a system of awarding grades this summer based on teacher based assessment. But what impact will those changes to being evaluated mean to the girls who now make up 56.6% of those going to university? And what about those opting for other further education options or apprenticeships? Andrea Catherwood speaks to Grainne Hallahan, senior analyst at the TES, formally known as the Times Educational Supplement; student, Imogen; and Sue Hannan, the Assistant Principle at Furness College in Barrow where they offer a wide range of A levels, apprenticeships and B Techs.

Many people across England and Wales have been struggling to register the births of their children, their marriages and deaths in their family, leading to disrupted travel plans, problems claiming benefits and a range of other issues. Staff shortages because of the pandemic have massively impacted waiting times for appointments. A computer failure on the 5th July is said to have also contributed to delays - although the Home Office says these technical issues "were rectified by 8th July and disruption was kept to a minimum." Andrea hears from Laura Mogford who has been trying to register her son, Arthur, who was born on the 1st of May, and Baroness Wheatcroft.

Dating apps have seen a growing trend towards individuals disclosing that they have a mental health disorder in their online profiles. When and how is the best time to tell someone you are dating that you live with a mental health condition? Andrea discusses this with behavioural psychologist and relationship coach Jo Hemmings, and Beth McColl who writes openly about mental health.

Forty three employment tribunals have mentioned menopause in the last five years and while ‘Menopause’ was mentioned eight times in tribunal rulings in 2017, it has featured much more in the first six months of 2021, that's the analysis of HM Courts & Tribunal service records by the Menopause Experts Group. Although these numbers are small, other research in 2019 found that nearly 1 million women are said to have left their job as a result of menopausal symptoms. And just last month the Women and Equalities Committee launched a new inquiry looking into legislation and workplace practices and whether enough is being done to address the menopause in the workplace. Andrea speaks to 'Sarah' who was dismissed from her job as a social worker, Dr Ella Russell GP who is known as the Yorkshire menopause doctor; and Adam Pavey, Employment lawyer & Director of Employment & HR at Pannone Corporate.

Presented by Andrea Catherwood Produced by Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

Belarus, Domestic Violence and Terrorism, Instagram pictures, Anna Whitehouse Aug 09, 2021

It's a year today since the disputed elections in Belarus. They sparked unrest because the election was widely believed to have been rigged in favour of Alexander Lukashenko, who's held power since 1994. Three women joined forces to challenge Alexander Lukashenko. One of the woman - Maria Kolesnikova - is now in prison and facing trial. Maria’s sister, Tatyana, speaks to Emma on the anniversary of the election.

New research appears to show that extremist attackers are often united, whatever their ideology, by a significant history of domestic violence whether as perpetrators or victims. Joan Smith is an author, journalist and the co-chair of the mayor of London’s Violence Against Women and Girls board. In the last year she has been part of Project Starlight, a government-led investigation to further understand the motivations of those who behave in this way.

Have you adopted a special pose for photos to make all your pictures instantly Instagram ready? Do you do a flamingo, a street star or a coy pose? Emma is joined by Michaela Efford, a fashion influencer photographer, to tell us what it takes to make influencers look effortlessly cool and how you can do the same.

Anna Whitehouse was one of the first parenting influencers. Called Mother Pukka, she had hundreds of thousands of followers looking at her pictures and comments on family life. But in her new book Underbelly – she explores the darker sides of social media and admits she shared aspects of her personal life that she wished she hadn’t.

Presented by Emma Barnett Produced by Frankie Tobi

Olympics -girls and urban sports; Disability & dating; Bobbi Brown; Emma-Jean Thackray; Women talking about men; Lucy St Louis Aug 07, 2021

Will the young women smashing it at the Olympics in the new urban sports of BMX freestyling, Skateboarding and Sport Climbing inspire a new generation of girls to follow in their footsteps? Skateboarder Hannah Shrewsbury and BMX freestyler Kayley Ashworth discuss.

Women trash-talking men has gone too far: that's what the journalist James Innes Smith believes. He shares his viewpoint with Fiona Sturges, from the Financial Times and the Guardian, who doesn't agree.

Trumpeter, band leader, singer, multi instrumentalist jazz queen. Emma-Jean Thackray on her debut album Yellow, which is number one on the Jazz & Blues Chart.

The reality dating show Love Island features for the first time a contestant with a disability Joy Addo, who has a podcast where she talks about her life as a visually impaired, single mum, and Kelly Gordon, the Disability and Inclusion Lead at sex toy company Hot Octopuss, discuss the realities of dating with a disability.

The shift to mask wearing and homeworking saw many of us ditch our make-up during the pandemic. Perhaps not the best time to launch a new beauty business – but that’s what Bobbi Brown has done.

Phantom of the Opera was first performed 35 years ago in London’s West End. It has just reopened and Lucy St Louis is playing the female lead – Christine Daae, the first Black woman to play this role.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Emma-Jean Thackray, Dr Pamela Warner, Charlotte Edwards and Niki Adams, Judith Heumann Aug 06, 2021

Anita Rani talks to Emma-Jean Thackray about her debut album Yellow, which has debuted at number one on the Jazz & Blues Chart.

Will the young women smashing it at the Olympics in the new urban sports of BMX freestyling, Skateboarding and Sport Climbing inspire a new generation of girls to follow in their footsteps? We talk to skateboarder Hannah Shrewsbury and BMX freestyler Kayley Ashworth.

Cricket legend Baroness Rachel Heyhoe-Flint is to be honoured with a gate named in her memory at Lords and we hear reaction from her son Ben Heyhoe-Flint.

A drug that has been used to treat critically ill patients suffering from Covid may also help women who struggle with heavy periods. A small trial, in development long before the pandemic, has found that the steroid Dexamethasone, a cheap anti-inflammatory drug, could help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. We hear from Dr Pamela Warner, the lead author of the research.

Sex worker Charlotte Edwards explains how she applied via her bank for the government’s Bounce Back Loan, which is available to small business and the self-employed but she was initially declined due to her occupation. The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination, harassment and victimisation, although profession is not currently a ‘protected characteristic’. We explore the implications of financial exclusion for sex workers with Charlotte and to Niki Adams of the English Collective of Prostitutes.

And we hear from the American disability rights activist Judith Heumann. Paralysed from polio at eighteen months, she has campaigned tirelessly for decades in the Disability Rights Movement, both at home and abroad.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineer: Gayl Gordon

Photograph by Joe Magowan

Bette Davis, Vaccines, Andrew Cuomo, Disability and Dating Aug 05, 2021

Bette Davis was one of the biggest names in Hollywood, nominated for ten Oscars and her extraordinary career spanned almost sixty years. An outspoken and dedicated actress, she created some of the most compelling characters in cinema history. As the BFI launches a whole season dedicated to her this month, we hear about her life and legacy.

The new NHS England chief Amanda Pritchard has urged people aged 18-30 to come forward and be vaccinated. 3 million under 30s have yet to be jabbed, and one in five people currently in hospital in England with Covid are in the 18-30 category. Professor Susan Michie tells us what can be done to address young adults concerns.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's political career hangs in the balance, as the pressure for him to resign mounts. He's been accused of sexual misconduct by 11 women and an independent report corroborates the stories. If he goes, the first female New York Governor is likely to be elected. Cuomo denies the allegations and has shown no willingness stand down over them. Stephanie Stark worked in his office, and has separately done research on how sexual harassment accusations impacts voters. Steven Erlanger is from the New York Times.

Love Island is one of the biggest reality TV shows in the UK. And this season, one contestant has become the first disabled person to feature on the programme. Emma speaks to Joy Addo, who has a podcast where she talks about her life as a blind, single mum, and Kelly Gordon, the Disability and Inclusion Lead at sex toy company Hot Octopuss, to discuss the realities of dating with a disability.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Frankie Tobi

Bobbi Brown, Lucy St Louis, Andrew Billen, Mary Anne Sieghart, Catherine Morgan, Julie Flynn Aug 04, 2021

The shift to mask wearing and homeworking saw many of us ditch our make-up during the pandemic. Perhaps not the best time to launch a new beauty business – but that’s what Bobbi Brown has done. She talks to Emma Barnett about her new beauty range and her career in the industry.

Phantom of the Opera was first performed 35 years ago in London’s West End. It’s the second longest-running musical here, the longest running show in Broadway history and has been performed worldwide and seen by more than an estimated 130 million people in 145 cities across 27 countries. It has just reopened and Lucy St Louis is playing the female lead – Christine Daee, the first Black woman to play this role.

From George Eliot to JK Rowling, it is no secret that there is an assumption some men are put off by reading works written by women. But with figures showing men are four times as likely to pick up books written by other men than women, whereas women are just as likely to read books by men as they are by women, what is going wrong? And, does this affect other areas of writing? We talk to Andrew Billen a columnist with the Times, and to the author Mary Ann Sieghart .

And we kick off a new series about Women and Money with two financial experts Catherine Morgan, the host of the In Her Financial Shoes podcast and Julie Flynn who's a financial adviser specialising in working with women who have lost their partner. We’ll focus on financial secrets - Do you have money secrets that make you anxious? That you can’t face and make you want to dive under the duvet? If so, we want to hear from you.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineers: Jo Langton and Tim Heffer

Emily Campbell, Hospital Wards, Introverts & Extroverts Aug 03, 2021

All eyes were on Laurel Hubbard at yesterday's women's Olympic weightlifting. That's because she's the first transgender athlete to compete in the Games, but it was Team GB's Emily Campbell who made history. Five years ago, Emily was working with children who had special needs, but now she's the first British woman ever to stand on the Olympic podium for weightlifting, taking home the silver. We talk about women and weightlifting with Sam Prynn from StrongHer Gym.

Women trash-talking men and attempts to redress the gender imbalance have gone too far: that's what the journalist James Innes Smith believes. He shares his viewpoint with Fiona Sturges, from the Financial Times and the Guardian, who doesn't agree.

Some NHS trusts have issued guidance stating that people should stay on hospital wards based on the gender they identify with and can choose which showers and toilets to use. That's according to today's Daily Telegraph. But many people feel that the privacy from single sex wards is part of their recovery. The merits of mixed versed single sex wards has always been debated and policy has changed as a result. We speak to Sally Sheard, a health policy analyst and historian.

Porn made especially for teenagers: what do you think? In a now deleted but much discussed and decried tweet last week the journalist Flora Gill suggested "entry level" porn should be made available to teenagers as an antidote to the hard core material they’re already accessing online. Does she have a point? We talk to journalist and author Eleanor Mills, and Lucy Emmerson from the Sex Education Forum.

Introvert or extrovert? Which are you? Are you in a relationship with the opposite, and has lockdown made it tough? We speak to Ali Roff Farrar who's an introvert whose husband is an extrovert, and Sonya Barlow who's an extrovert and is going out with an introvert.

Saxophonist Nubya Garcia, Rainbow babies, Insomnia, Vaccine passports Aug 02, 2021

Over the weekend Carrie Johnson announced she was expecting another baby describing it as a "rainbow" baby because she'd experienced a miscarriage earlier this year. Ruth Bender Atik from The Miscarriage Association talks to Andrea. Journalist Miranda Levy describes her new book, ‘The Insomnia Diaries’, as a ‘self-help’ memoir looking at eight and a half years of disabling insomnia. Miranda recovered and has used her experience to explain what she thinks we should do when facing insomnia and- what NOT to do. Daisy Maskell is a tv and radio presenter. In a soon-to-be-aired BBC 3 documentary she says she realised at the age of nine that she didn’t sleep like other people. They join Andrea. Watching the Olympics on TV is not what Amber Hill imagined she would be doing. The night before she was due to leave the UK for Tokyo, the 23 year old shooter had to withdraw from the Games after testing positive for Covid. She was due to compete in the Women's Olympics Skeet competition, in which she was a finalist in Rio in 2016. This time she was number one in the world and hopeful of a gold medal but had to watch the American, Amber English, take the medal. Are vaccine passports gendered? Dr Clare Wenham who's an Assistant Professor of Global Health Policy at LSE says introducing them will limit women’s public opportunities and further entrench the gendered norms of men at work and women in the home which have been compounded over the last year. British saxophonist, composer, DJ and bandleader Nubya Garcia has been nominated for a Mercury Prize, and is one of the brightest of a new generation of jazz talent. She makes her Proms debut later this month, performing music from her album Source.

Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour: Women and Artificial Intelligence, Paralympian Stef Reid & Comedian London Hughes Jul 31, 2021

The writer Jeanette Winterson tells us why women need to be at the heart of the Artificial Intelligence revolution and about her new essay collection which covers 200 years of women and science.

The British stand-up comic, writer and actor London Hughes tells us about making it big in America and the difficulties of dating during a pandemic.

The singer-songwriter, Josie Proto, tells us about her frustration towards the extreme measures women feel they need to take in order to simply get home safely. She performs the new song it has inspired ‘I Just Wanna Walk Home’.

We hear why the government’s new violence against women and girls strategy ignores the needs of black and minoritised women. We hear from Ngozi Fulani, the founder and director of Sistah Space, a small charity that offers specialist support for African & Caribbean heritage women affected by abuse and from Professor Aisha Gill, an expert criminologist working on violence against women and girls in Black and minoritised communities for over 20 years.

Helen Thorne, the other half of the Scrummy Mummies duo, tells us about finding out about her husband’s infidelity during lockdown and finding happiness after divorce.

And the paralympian Stef Reid will represent Team GB in Tokyo next month in the long jump. She tells us how sport helped shape her sense of self and why she’s working to encourage girls to take up sport and stick with it.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Kirsty Starkey

London Hughes; Motherhood when you have an inherited condition; Helen Thorn; Stalking; Sunisa Lee Jul 30, 2021

Since moving to the US last year, the British stand-up comic, actor, writer and presenter London Hughes is making it big. Her stand up special To Catch A D*ck - originally performed at the Edinburgh Fringe - has been adapted for TV and is streaming globally on Netflix. She’s also one of the hosts of Netflix's weekly chat show Afterparty and a new comedy Hot Mess is set to follow with Universal. Her success in the US comes not long after she spoke out about the lack of opportunities in the UK given to black female comic talent to shine. She speaks to Anita from LA.

Has the pandemic contributed to an increase in stalking? The number of stalking and harassment offences rose by 28 per cent in the year to March 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics. The Suzy Lamplugh Trust say that half of the one hundred and eleven stalking victims they surveyed, had experienced an increase in the behaviour either online or offline during Covid lockdowns. Anita is joined by their Chief Executive Suky Bhaker to discuss.

It is estimated that 1 in 25 children is affected by a genetic disorder in the UK - this can range from mild to life-threatening. For the women living with an inherited condition, pursuing motherhood can be a scary and challenging process. We speak to two women about their own experiences, the support they received, and advice for other soon-to-be parents in a similar position. Carlie lives with Cystic Fibrosis and has a young son. Francesca has Sickle Cell and two young daughters.

Gymnastics have been at the centre of coverage of this Olympics after Simone Biles withdrew from a number of events citing issues with her mental health. She's been cheering her team mates on from the side lines, including Sunisa Lee who won the gymnastics individual all round gold medal yesterday. Anita finds out more about Lee, the 18-year-old daughter of refugees who fled Laos for the US at end of the Vietnam war, with the Telegraph's Women's Sports Reporter Molly McElwee.

Just a few days before the national lockdown in March 2020 Helen Thorn’s life imploded. The comedian - you might know her as half of the Scummy Mummies duo - found out her husband had been unfaithful. She tells us how she navigated the heartbreak, divorce and single parenthood with home-schooling, enforced social isolation and only being able to leave your house once a day for exercise. Her book ‘Get Divorced, Be Happy’ details her first year of separation.

Image credit: Ryan Pfluger

Jeanette Winterson, Colourism, Paralympian Stef Reid Jul 29, 2021

Jeanette Winterson talks about her new essay collection which covers 200 years of women and science, from Mary Shelley to AI. She asks what love, caring, sex and attachment will look like when humans form connections with non-human helpers teachers, sex-workers, and companions? And what will happen to our deep-rooted assumptions about gender? Will our own bodies be enhances by biological and neural implants making us trans human and keeping us fitter, younger and connected?

When Ena Miller gave birth to her baby called Bonnie just over a year ago - she expected to receive the standard comments..."Oh she's so beautiful, aww look at her little nose, she's so cute, aww what a big baby..." She did get those, but she also got negative remarks from friends and strangers about the colour of her baby's skin. Ena realised she was not alone and went to meet two other mothers Fariba and Wendy to talk about their experiences and ask for their advice.

Colourism, which is also called shadism or skin tone bias, is prejudice in which people of colour with light skin are privileged over those with darker skin. Colourism can occur both within and between racialised groups. Natalie Morris, journalist and the author of Mixed/Other: Explorations of Multiraciality in Modern Britain and Dr Aisha Phoenix, Social Justice lecturer at King's College London discuss the history of colourism and how it impacts people of colour.

Paralympian Stef Reid is heading to Tokyo next month to represent team GB at the 2020 games in the long jump. She's a five-time world record holder and a triple Paralympic medallist. A boating accident at the age of 15 resulted in Stef having the lower part of her right leg amputated. Her parents and teachers encouraged her to keep playing sport. After new research showing one in three teenage girls drop out of sport, Stef is now on a mission to keep girls involved.

Presented by Jessica Creighton Producer: Louise Corley

Singer-Songwriter Josie Proto, Child protection changes, Women and COP26, UTIs Jul 28, 2021

An estimated 50% of women in the UK will have a urinary tract infection at some point in their lives and between 20-30% are likely to have a recurrence. For some, these recurrent infections can lead to a significant impact on their health and way of life. Dr Agnes Arnold-Forster, a medical historian from McGill University with a personal history of UTIs has produced a documentary with two others, to shine a light on the experiences of women with UTIs. She and Dr Catriona Anderson, a GP specialised in treating UTIs, discuss why some women feel failed by the system.

We need to rewrite the rules of child protection says Professor Carlene Firmin. She talks to Jessica Creighton about her work in this area, how it differs from previous approaches and how it might help the ‘disappearing girls’ Woman’s Hour has talked about recently – those young girls, often in care, at risk of sexual exploitation who regularly go missing. Anna Holland a consultant social worker for the NSPCC joins them.

Rising singer-songwriter, Josie Proto, started out playing her grandmother’s guitar. Her frustration towards the extreme measures women feel they need to take in order to simply get home safely has inspired her new song. She talks about her music and performs live with “I Just Wanna Walk Home”, described by Radio 1’s Annie Mac as “The Hottest Record in the World”.

There are three months to go before the start of COP26 negotiations in Glasgow - the 26th attempt to agree on actions to combat the climate crisis. But if the past 25 meetings haven't provided a solution, what needs to change to get the results the planet needs? Bianca Pitt, one of the co-founders of the campaign SHE Changes Climate, is convinced that the key is having a lot more women leading at the negotiating table. Bianca explains why women will make a difference. She is joined by environmental lawyer and expert in international climate negotiations, Farhana Yamin - who describes her experience of getting 197 countries to agree, and what she thinks women can bring to a sustainable future.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Dr Agnes Arnold-Foster Interviewed Guest: Dr Catriona Anderson Interviewed Guest: Professor Carlene Firmin Interviewed Guest: Anna Holland Interviewed Guest: Josie Proto Interviewed Guest: Farhana Yamin Interviewed Guest: Bianca Pitt

27/07/2021 Jul 27, 2021

Women's voices and women's lives - topical conversations to inform, challenge and inspire.

Support for black and minoritised women facing domestic violence; South Asian women in sport; Midwives under pressure Jul 26, 2021

The government’s new violence against women and girls strategy was published last Wednesday. Many organisations welcomed the commitments it made but many had criticisms for areas not addressed, not least the specific needs of Black and minoritized women when facing domestic violence. Ngozi Fulani is the founder and director of Sistah Space, a small charity that offers specialist support for African & Caribbean heritage women affected by abuse. Professor Aisha K. Gill is an expert criminologist at University of Roehampton, working on violence against women/girls in Black and minoritised communities for over 20 years. They discuss the needs of these women and how big a problem this is in Black and minoritized communities.

Why there is a lack of visibility of South Asian Women in sport? Mara Hafezi is a women's health coach and personal trainer, working predominantly with South Asian women. An endurance sport enthusiast, she is the Sports Co-Lead for South Asian Heritage Month. Shaheen Kasmani is a senior project manager for Maslaha, an organisation that seeks to change and challenge the conditions that create inequalities for Muslim communities. Shaheen also helps run Muslim Girls Fence - set up to encourage young Muslim women into fencing.

Maternity services in the UK have in recent years faced a series of scandals, reports and investigations - all of which highlight the failings in midwifery. But what do the midwives themselves think of it all? Jessica speaks to two midwives about their experience of working on the front line and what they think needs to happen to turn things around.

What does home mean to you? A place, a physical structure, a deep emotional bond or an absence of any of these? The visual artist Harriet Hill has just completed a month-long walk from her home in South-East London to her childhood home in Mid Wales. She was wearing a costume of the word ‘HOME’, made from yellow canvas over a bamboo and fibreglass frame mounted on a pair of 20” bike wheels. Inside the word was everything she needed to make home for the month of the walk - from a pull-out tent to a solar charger! Passing through diverse communities Harriet investigated the commonalities and differences in how people relate to home.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Shaheen Kasmani Interviewed Guest: Mara Hafezi Interviewed Guest: Professor Aisha K. Gill Interviewed Guest: Ngozi Fulani Interviewed Guest: Harriet Hill

Amy Winehouse remembered; Canadian residential schools; Women at the Tokyo Olympics; Typewriters; Casual workwear Jul 24, 2021

It is 10 years since the tragic death of the singer Amy Winehouse from alcohol poisoning at the age of just 27. A new documentary film, Reclaiming Amy on the BBC on features Amy's closest friends and family and seeks to tell the story of the real Amy. We hear from her mother, Janis and close friend Catriona Gourlay.

For the first time in 125 years, Team GB are taking more women athletes to the Tokyo Olympics than men. So could this be the best ever Games for women? Dame Katherine Grainger, Britain's joint most decorated female Olympian and Chair of UK Sport; double Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams and Anna Kessel, Women's Sport Editor at The Telegraph discuss.

More than 1000 bodies of indigenous children have been found in unmarked graves outside of former residential schools in several parts of Canada over the last few months. Assistant Professor in the History & Classics Department from the University of Alberta tells us about the history of these schools - and the impact they had on the indigenous communities in Canada. And President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, Lorraine Whitman talks about the aftermath of these discoveries - and the fight for justice for the many missing and murdered indigenous women across the country.

We also hear from artistic swimmers Kate Shortman and Izzy Thorpe who are representing Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics. The pair have spoken out about receiving trolling and bullying for their professional synchronised swimmer physiques, describing themselves as having "big shoulders, small boobs and small bums".

The fashion historian Lucy Adlington & Style Coach Loulou Storey discuss workwear trends.

In the digital age, the humble typewriter seems rather quaint. But according to a new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland, the typewriter is a technology with a key role in the story of female emancipation. We hear from the exhibition's principal curator, Alison Taubman.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Kate Shortman & Izzy Thorpe, Dame Katherine Grainger, Nicola Adams, Anna Kessel, Frankie Miren, Laura Middleton-Hughes. Jul 23, 2021

The Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics starts today and Team GB are taking more women athletes than men for the first time in 125 years. Of the 376 athletes selected, 201 are female. So could this be the best ever Games for women? We talk to Dame Katherine Grainger, Britain's joint most decorated female Olympian and Chair of UK Sport; double Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams and Anna Kessel, Women's Sport Editor at The Telegraph.

Staying with the games, we’ll hear from artistic swimmers Kate Shortman and Izzy Thorpe who are representing Great Britain at Tokyo 2020. The pair have spoken out about receiving trolling and bullying for their professional synchronised swimmer physiques, describing themselves as having "big shoulders, small boobs and small bums".

We talk to the writer and activist Frankie Miren’s about her novel "The Service" in which she draws on her personal experience to look at the vulnerabilities and dangers of life as a sex worker.

One listener has contacted us about a new support group they've set up based on her own experiences of abuse within a religious organisation. She tells us about “Escape-escapee” which she says will help people who want to leave what she calls "high control groups". She was abused by a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses and her case went to the High Court six years ago.

Another listener Laura Middleton-Hughes got in touch about her nipple tattoos. She tells Anita why she chose to have 3D areoles tattooed on her breasts after reconstructive surgery,

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineer: John Boland

Off the Rails Film, Bella Mackie, Long Covid, #MeToo around the world Jul 22, 2021

Jules Williamson has directed her first feature film in her fifties. The premier is tonight. Off the Rails is a celebration of women. It centres round four friends who went Inter-railing when they were 19, who when one of them dies, revisit the same journey later in life taking her daughter this time. It’s a comedy drama with a great female cast - starring Sally Phillips, the late Kelly Preston (in her final role), Dame Judi Dench and Jenny Seagrove. Jules and Sally Phillips join Chloe Tilley to explain how long it took to bring this story to the screen, the messages of friendship and ‘anything is possible’, and why it has an iconic Blondie soundtrack.

The number of young people hospitalised with eating disorders in England has risen during the pandemic, a BBC investigation has found. Data from NHS Digital showed the number of under-20s admitted over the past year was more than 3,200 - nearly 50% higher than in 2019-20. Hospitals are warning they are running out of beds to care for these patients, and waits for community treatment have lengthened as the number of referrals has increased. BEAT estimate 1.25million people in the UK have an eating disorder. The condition can affect anyone at any time, but girls and young women aged 12-20 are most at risk. To discuss the issues Chloe is joined by Professor Sandeep Ranote, Consultant Paediatric Psychiatrist in Eating Disorders.

What has the impact of the ~MeToo movement had around the world? A new book ‘Awakening’: #MeToo and the Global Fight for Women’s Rights contains stories of women around the world who, inspired by the #MeToo movement have worked fearlessly in promoting the rights of women in their countries, sometimes at the risk of their own safety and potential imprisonment. We hear from Fakhrriyyah Hashim who pioneered the conversation on sexual violence in Northern Nigeria and from the book’s co-author, and former president of the Malala Fund, Meighan Stone.

How To Kill Your Family is the darkly comic first novel by Bella Mackie. Grace has calmly murdered six members of her family but is serving a prison sentence for a murder she didn't actually commit. Bella joins Chloe Tilley to talk about female rage and to explain how she became steeped in crime and murder as a small child while reading unsuitable true crime with her Dad.

Long Covid is estimated to have affected over two million people in the UK - with the majority being women. The condition is an umbrella term for a whole range of symptoms, from fatigue and brain fog to respiratory, heart and gut problems. But for those hospitalised with Covid-19, post-Covid symptoms can be so serious that a third will require readmission within six months and 1 in 8 will die. In an attempt to find treatments, a clinical trial is underway to test whether two safe and widely-available drugs can make a difference to long-term Covid recovery. A new trial called HEAL-COVID is being led by three female researchers. The lead is Dr Charlotte Summers from Cambridge University who tells Chloe about how people currently in hospital can take part.

Amy Winehouse remembered; Women's cricket; Botox and fillers; Violence against women strategy Jul 21, 2021

This Friday marks 10 years since the tragic death of the singer Amy Winehouse from alcohol poisoning at the age of just 27. A new documentary film, Reclaiming Amy on BBC 2 on Friday at 9pm features Amy's closest friends and family and seeks to tell the story of the real Amy. We hear from her mother, Janis and close friend Catriona Gourlay.

A brand-new cricket competition, the Hundred is launching today. It's the first time a major team sport competition, which features both male and female teams, has opened with a women’s match. Despite a push for equality, the women playing in this tournament are set to earn thousands of pounds less than the men. Can this competition change things further for women in cricket? Head of the Women's Hundred and Female Engagement at the ECB, Beth Barrett-Wild and English international cricketer, Kate Cross join Chloe to discuss.

After a year long inquiry the all party parliamentary group on aesthetics beauty and wellbeing has called for much tougher regulation of Botox and fillers. MPs say the lack of proper regulation is putting women at risk. But their report stops short of recommending that only healthcare practitioners should be allowed to inject. We hear about the background and some of the horror stories from our reporter Melanie Abbott, and then from David Sines, who chairs the body registering practitioners and overseeing training providers, the Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners and Leslie Blair from the British Association of Beauty therapy and Cosmetology, which represents therapists.

Plans to tackle violence against women and girls following the mass protests when the marketing executive Sarah Everard was murdered on her way home from a friend's house, have been unveiled by the government. This strategy also comes amid concern about low rape conviction rates and a culture of sexual harassment at schools. Chloe is joined by Andrea Simon, Director of End Violence Against Women Coalition and BBC special correspondent, Lucy Manning.

Typewriters; Canadian residential schools; Isy Suttie; Stealthing Jul 20, 2021

In the digital age, the humble typewriter seems rather quaint. But according to a new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland, the typewriter is a technology with a key role in the story of female emancipation. The exhibition's principal curator, Alison Taubman, talks to Chloe Tilley about how typewriters provided a key opening into the world of work, propelled women into the public sphere, and played a major role in the fight for women's suffrage.

More than 1000 bodies of indigenous children have been found in unmarked graves outside of former residential schools in several parts of Canada over the last few months. Assistant Professor in the History & Classics Department from the University of Alberta tells us about the history of these schools - and the impact they had on the indigenous communities in Canada. And President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, Lorraine Whitman joins us to talk about the aftermath of these discoveries - and the fight for justice for the many missing and murdered indigenous women across the country.

'Jane is Trying' is the first novel by comedian, writer and actor Isy Suttie. Jane is trying in three senses. She is trying to get pregnant (or she was before her life fell apart and she had to run home to mum and dad), she is trying to deal with her anxiety and she is trying in the sense of being a bit irritating and needy. Isy joins Chloe Tilley to talk about writing a relatable character and how the concept of 'home' shapes the novel.

Journalist and the author of Millennial Love, Olivia Petter wrote about being stealth raped, a term used to describe the act of removing a condom without a partner’s consent. Following the article, she was contacted by women telling her they’d also been stealth raped and detailing the impact and trauma they had experienced. Olivia explains why it’s important for women to share their experiences and is joined by lawyer Harriet Johnson.

Maria Callas, Loulou Storey & Lucy Adlington on casual workwear, International Aid legal challenge & slavery reparations Jul 19, 2021

Maria Callas is one of the most famous opera singers. She was brought up in New York and Greece by an emotionally abusive mother who forced her to sing. Despite being admired by Hollywood stars and royalty, she fought sexism to rise to the top but never had a happy private life. Lyndsy Spence's new book Cast a Diva draws on previously unseen documents to reveal her tragic story.

Stacie Marshall has inherited her family's farm in a small Appalachian valley in the US state of Georgia. She'd vaguely known about the history of her family and their land but it wasn't until she moved into her grandparents house that she realised her family had in fact owned seven enslaved people. Now Stacie, the only young woman running a farm in the valley, is trying to make amends for the wrongs of her ancestors. She joins us live from Georgia and we also hear from Nkechi Taifa a civil and human rights lawyer and long-standing reparations advocate.

A charity that provides sexual and reproductive support to disadvantaged women around the world is threatening legal action against the UK government, over their recent decision to cut the international aid budget by around £4 billion. We speak to Mina Barlow, Director for External Relations at The International Planned Parenthood Foundation.

And we look at the new casual officewear trends with Fashion Historian Lucy Adlington & Style Coach Loulou Storey to consider if the way we dress for work has changed forever?

Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Sue Maillot

Weekend Woman's Hour: The Three Hijabis, 150 years of Female GPs & going braless Jul 17, 2021

Three female football fans – hashtag ‘TheThreeHijabis - as they called themselves set up a petition calling for racists to be banned for life from all football matches in England. Shaista Aziz, Amna Abdullatif and Huda Jawad tell us about the petition which now has over a million signatories.

As the Royal College of GPs marks 150 years of women in general practice we ask why more than half of GPs in the UK are women. We also discuss why women GP’s may still face issues like lower pay compared to men in their field. We hear from the President of the Royal College of GPs, Dr Amanda Howe and GP trainee, Dr Sophie Lumley.

After more than a year of working from home during the pandemic, a third of women say they want to ditch their bra forever. Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, is Professor in Biomechanics at the University of Portsmouth she talks about the pros and cons of not wearing a bra.

A Government challenge to a Parole Board decision to release Colin Pitchfork has been rejected - paving the way for the double child killer to be freed in the next few weeks. Pitchfork has served 33 years in prison after being jailed for raping and murdering 15-year-olds Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth in the 1980s. We hear from Philip Musson the uncle of Dawn Ashworth and from Belinda Winder, a Professor of Forensic Psychology and Research Director of the Centre of Crime, Offending, Prevention and Engagement (COPE) at Nottingham Trent University, and from David Wilson Emeritus Professor of Criminology at Birmingham University.

Deborah James is a the host of the BBC's You, Me And The Big C podcast, a campaigner, writer and mother of two. She tells us about her recent experience of liver failure followed by sepsis and how she attended Wimbledon only 12 hours after leaving hospital.

And we have music and chat from Bronwen Lewis a Welsh singer songwriter whose style sits between Country, Pop, Folk and Blues.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Siobhann Tighe

Bronwen Lewis, Football Racists Ban and 'The Three Hijabis', Pregnancy & the Covid Vaccine, The Joy of Skating Jul 16, 2021

Bronwen Lewis is a Welsh singer songwriter whose style sits between Country, Pop, Folk and Blues. She starred in the BAFTA Award Winning and Golden Globe nominated film ‘Pride’ where she sang the theme song ‘Bread and Roses' and brought Tom Jones to tears during her time on BBC’s The Voice in 2013. Proudly bilingual, this year her TikTok following grew as she went viral for her Welsh language covers of famous Pop songs and singing the Welsh National anthem in the lead up to the Wales v Denmark Euros game. She joins Anita to discuss her passion to promote the Welsh language and the inspiration behind her new music.

Three female football fans – hashtag ‘The Three Hijabis - set up a petition calling for racists to be banned for life from all football matches in England. This was in response to the shocking levels of racism that was directed towards Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka on social media after their missed penalties resulted in England losing to Italy in the Euro 2020 final. Within 48 hours Shaista Aziz, Amna Abdullatif and Huda Jawad had more than a million signatories and on Wednesday, the Prime Minister announced that he would ensure the football banning regime was changed and that people guilty of online racist abuse towards players would be banned from football matches. And yesterday it was announced that people have been arrested after the English footballers were racially abused online.

Like many others our reporter Ena Miller took up a new hobby over lockdown - skating. As a form of socially distanced, COVID -compliant exercise it's boomed over the last 18 months and manufacturers of skates are struggling with demand. Ena is still learning and for us she put on her beautiful new roller skates and gingerly joined the legions of women who skate in car parks, on the streets and in halls all over the country. Pregnant women are facing a “perfect storm” of risks according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). They’re concerned that the combination of restrictions easing from next week, an increasing prevalence of COVID-19 in the community and hesitancy to get vaccinated will lead to a further increase in infections among pregnant women. We talk to Asma Khalil Professor of Obstetrics at St George’s Hospital, University of London. She is also the Obstetric lead for the national maternity and perinatal audit with the RCOG.

Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Going braless; Em Sheldon and trolling; Continued shielding; Anne Theroux Jul 15, 2021

After more than a year of many of us working from home during the pandemic, there's been a lot of talk about the lack of requirement to put on a bra. Just this week actor Gillian Anderson announced that her relationship with bras is over. Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, Professor in Biomechanics at University of Portsmouth talks to Emma about the pros and cons of not wearing a bra.

Social media influencers who document their lifestyles receive daily online abuse which increases when they promote products and make money. Instagram influencer Em Sheldon spoke to MPs on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee yesterday about the trolling she receives which she claimed comes predominantly from adult women. Em joins Emma to discuss what should or could be done.

It’s been confirmed that from next Monday 19 July all COVID requirements, including mandatory face masks and social distancing, will be lifted in England. But for more than one million of the most vulnerable people, shielding will continue. How are women across the country planning to cope? And what difference – if any – will so-called Freedom Day bring? Lucy Catchpole is a disability writer and has two young children. Mary Slattery is a disability advocate and artist. Sarah Clarke has two teenage children with disabilities.

Why would you want to tell all about the ending of a painful marriage that happened 30 years ago? Emma speaks to Anne Theroux about her marriage to the writer Paul Theroux. She's written The Year of the End A Memoir of Marriage, Truth and Fiction.

Deborah James; Colin Pitchfork Parole and Falling in love with an object Jul 14, 2021

Deborah James is a the host of the BBC's You, Me And The Big C podcast, a campaigner, writer and mother of two. As @bowelbabe she blogs about living with stage 4 bowel cancer since Christmas 2016. After trialling experimental drugs she was told she had ‘no sign of active disease’, not once but twice. She joins Emma to discuss her recent experience of liver failure followed by sepsis, how she attended Wimbledon only 12 hours after leaving hospital, her mission to protect cancer care, and why she is rewriting her next book, How to Live When You Could Be Dead.

Yesterday the Government's challenge to a Parole Board decision to release Colin Pitchfork was rejected - paving the way for the double child killer to be freed in the next few weeks. Pitchfork has served 33 years in prison after being jailed for raping and murdering 15-year-olds Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth in the 1980s. A judge-led independent review rejected a bid by ministers to halt his release. Philip Musson, the uncle of Dawn Ashworth tells Emma how disappointed the family are by the decision. David Wilson Emeritus Professor of criminology at Birmingham City University and former prison governor, is concerned that Pitchfork has “gamed” the rehabilitation system. Belinda Winder, a Professor of Forensic Psychology at Nottingham Trent University, whose primary field is sexual offending explains how carefully parole boards come to their decisions and the importance of reintegration into the community.

Have you ever been in love with an object? Yes, that's right. Not a person: a thing, or maybe a building? There's a new French film out called Jumbo, and it's about a young woman who falls in love with a fairground attraction. Zoe Wittock is the director.

A number of high profile gruesome cases of women dying after their partners claimed “rough sex gone wrong” as a defence led to a change in the law earlier this year. The Domestic Abuse Act states that even if consensual, the infliction of serious harm, or worse will lead to prosecution. The veteran labour MP Harriet Harman was instrumental in getting the law changed but she says it’s not always working in practice and she joins Emma Barnett to explain why she’s calling for the Director of Prosecutions Max Hill to review two cases of particular concern.

150 years of female GPs. Chief Constable of the British Transport Police Lucy D’Orsi. Anne Sebba on US spy Ethel Rosenberg. Jul 13, 2021

This week, the Royal College of GPs is marking 150 years of women in general practice. More than half of GPs in the UK are women - but despite this, many still face issues like lower pay compared to men in their field. President of the College, Dr Amanda Howe and GP trainee, Dr Sophie Lumley join Emma to discuss why general practice is so appealing to women - and if they should continue to fill the ranks.

Lucy D’Orsi, the new Chief Constable of the British Transport police is declaring a ‘zero tolerance’ policy on sexual harassment. She tells us why she wants to make tackling the problem a priority and for all of us to call out bad behaviour.

In June 1953 Ethel and her husband, Julius Rosenberg were executed for spying, for allegedly passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union. Their story gripped the American imagination and has inspired novels, plays and even non fiction. We hear from the author Anne Sebba who's written a new biography about Ethel Rosenberg, the first in 40 years.

It's the time of year, when more of your body is on show and you might head to your local beauticians for a wax or pedicure or other treatment. How do you react when your teen or tween is starting to show an interest? What would you say if your 12 year old wanted to shave her legs or get rid of unwanted hair on her face or body? What about treatments like facials or if they asked to get things like eyelash extensions. Treatments are often now marketed as mother/daughter bonding experiences. How do you feel about that? Do you think there are other activities we should be encouraged to bond over. When's the right time and what's the right way to talk to your child about beauty treatments - if you should at all.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Baroness Cumberlege, Euro 2020 men's football final, Equality in opera Jul 12, 2021

Baroness Julia Cumberlege, who led a critical review into how the health service has treated female patients, says she is angry and frustrated that not enough progress has been made. A year ago her report looked into two drugs and a medical device which caused women or their babies harm. It made a list of recommendations to support victims and prevent future, avoidable damage. The four UK governments are still considering the recommendations. Baroness Cumberlege joins Emma.

It’s been four weeks of competition that concluded last night when England lost to Italy in the final. Despite the ultimate outcome, the Euro 2020 men's football competition really seemed to capture the imagination of many, and was a much needed tonic after a year and a half of the Covid pandemic ruling our lives. Emma speaks to a panel of female football experts about what all this momentum could mean for the future of the women's game. Dr Martha Newson is a cognitive anthropologist at the Universities of Kent and Oxford, and has researched the behaviour of football fans around the world; Faye White was Captain of the England’s women’s team who got to the finals of the 2009 Euros; Kelly Simmons is director of the Women’s Professional game at the FA and Seema Jaswal has been one of ITV's main hosts of the Euros.

The Engender Festival begins today and celebrates the work of women and gender minorities while seeking equality across all sectors of opera, both on and backstage. Creative Producer for The Royal Opera and founder of the Engender Festival Kate Wyatt talks about changing the gender imbalance in opera and music theatre. Emma is also joined by Artistic Director of Pegasus Opera Alison Buchanan who conceived Mami Wata, a concert which brings together a range of diverse composers.

Last Friday the police officer Wayne Couzens pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to murdering Sarah Everard, the 33 year old marketing executive who went missing on her walk home in March of this year. He has yet to be sentenced. It seems there were clues that Wayne Couzens was a risk. There have been flashing allegations: one alleged to have happened just a few days before he abducted Sarah. The Daily Mail wrote that he was once reported for driving naked from the waist down, and colleagues nicknamed him "the rapist". Emma speaks to Emily Spurrell, Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside, who believes officers should be trained to spot signs of misogyny within their own ranks.

Lady Lavinia Nourse; Caitlin Moran; Female truckers; Comedian Gina Yashere; Football and Atomic Kitten Jul 10, 2021

Lady Lavinia Nourse, the 77-year-old widow of the High Court judge Sir Martin Nourse was cleared of all 17 counts of historical child sex abuse involving a boy under the age of 12. In her first broadcast interview, she tells Emma about the case and why she's calling for those accused of child abuse to be granted anonymity until charged.

There is a huge shortage of road hauliers in the UK. But of the half a million licensed lorry drivers, only 5% are women. Why is this? And what would encourage more women to get behind the wheel? Driver Suzy Mackenzie and Kate Lester, the Chief Executive of Diamond Logistics discuss.

The Prime Minister has confirmed the end of Britain's mission in Afghanistan. It follows the decision by US President Joe Biden to withdraw US troops by September 11th. But what lies ahead for women? And what's changed for them since foreign troops entered the country in late 2001? Krupa speaks to Mahjooba Nowrouzi from the BBC Afghan Service and Dr Weeda Mehran, a lecturer in Terrorism and Conflict at the University of Exeter.

Caitlin Moran is a journalist and columnist at The Times. Her first book ‘How to Be a Woman” was hugely successful. She discusses the sequel ‘More than a Woman’, giving her take on middle age, parenting, and why everyone needs a 'Janet' in their life.

British comic Gina Yashere has made it big on both sides of the Atlantic. A veteran of the UK comedy scene, she's also had huge success in the US. Now she's just released, a memoir called 'Cack-Handed' in which she writes about growing up as a child of Nigerian immigrants in London.

And footie with Emma Hayes, Chelsea Women Manager, who was part of the TV commentary team at the England v Denmark semi final. And Natasha Hamilton and Liz McClarnon, two members of Atomic Kitten sing us some of their song, Whole Again, reversioned for the England team.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Dianne McGregor

Gina Yashere; Afghanistan; WAGs; Helen Epega Jul 09, 2021

British comic Gina Yashere has made it big on both sides of the Atlantic. A veteran of the UK comedy scene, she's also had huge success in the US. Now she's just released her first book, a memoir called 'Cack-Handed' in which she writes about growing up as a child of Nigerian immigrants in working-class London, and how this unique background helped her to make it in Hollywood.

The Prime Minister confirmed yesterday the end of Britain's mission in Afghanistan. It follows the decision by US President Joe Biden to withdraw US troops by September 11th. But what lies ahead for women? And what's changed for them since foreign troops entered the country in late 2001? Krupa speaks to Mahjooba Nowrouzi from the BBC Afghan Service and Dr Weeda Mehran, a lecturer in Terrorism and Conflict at the University of Exeter.

As England reach the finals of Euro 2020, we look at the story behind the term 'WAGs', or Wives and Girlfriends. There are some easily recognisable names on that list from Victoria Beckham, Cheryl Cole and Coleen Rooney. But how did it all start, and should the term be seen as insulting or out of date? Sam Kimberley is the author of The Wag Wars: The Glamorous Story of Footballers Wives', and Lizzie Cundy is a former "WAG", and now a radio and TV presenter.

Helen Epega is the multi-talented Nigerian-British rapper turned performance artist. She is the founder and lead singer of The Venus Bushfires, behind the world's first opera written in Pidgin English – Song Queen, and she has written music for Christian Dior, PlayStation and Disney. She joins Krupa to discuss her latest work, ‘Sounds of Us: A Sound Art Snapshot - Life, Love, Fear, Hope & Protest In The Time Of Pandemic Lockdown’.

Presented by Krupa Padhy Produce by Frankie Tobi

The Euros, Money, Atomic Kitten Jul 08, 2021

The Footie! England's through to the final of the Euros after a nail biting match against Denmark last night. We speak to Emma Hayes, Chelsea Women Manager who was on the TV commentary team last night; to Jacqui Oatley who's commentated for World Cups and European Championships for both the BBC and ITV, and to Jane Merrick, Policy Editor at the i newspaper who tweeted last night about loving the celebration. We also hear from 2 members of Atomic Kitten, who sing us some of their song, Whole Again, specially reversioned for the England team.

We talk about money with Otegha Uwagba. She's got a new book called We Need To Talk About Money.

At the end of last month Bill Cosby was freed from prison after serving less than three years of a potential ten year sentence. Accused by more than 60 women of rape or sexual assault he's always maintained his innocence. Victoria Valentino was one of those women who made allegations but didn’t speak up for 45 years. She tells Emma her story.

And contraception and environmentalism. If your pill, coil or condoms came with a message about how having fewer children is better for the environment, how would you feel about it? The idea of limiting or controlling the number of people on the planet is highly controversial but there are academics and specialists in women's reproductive rights who think now is the time to restart the conversation about having smaller families. Emma speaks to journalist and commentator, Ella Whelan, and to Professor of Policy, Systems and Reproductive Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Susannah Mayhew.

Lady Lavinia Nourse; Early labour; Chile’s constitution Jul 07, 2021

Lady Lavinia Nourse is calling for those accused of child abuse to be granted anonymity until charged. Speaking exclusively to Woman’s Hour just over a month after she was cleared of child sex abuse, the 77-year-old widow of the High Court judge Sir Martin Nourse was cleared of all 17 counts of historical child sex abuse involving a boy under the age of 12. In her first broadcast interview, she tells Emma Barnett what she wants to achieve by speaking out, and the trauma of the ordeal. Emma is also joined by Lady Nourse’s legal representative Sandra Paul from Kingsley Napley.

A new study on a risk model that may improve the prediction of preterm birth has just been published. Researchers say predicting the signs and symptoms of preterm labour make it challenging to diagnose - and often times this leads to unnecessary treatment such as extra tests, bed rest or even hospitalisation which can be both common and costly. Lead author, Dr Sarah Stock from the University of Edinburgh hopes it's going to improve decision making for women and clinicians around what to do if someone has some signs and symptoms of preterm labour.

This week in an historic first, 58-year-old Elisa Loncon from Chile’s indigenous Mapuche people was chosen to lead the drafting of the country’s new constitution . The new constitution will replace the one inherited from Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship, blamed for the high levels of inequality, social injustice, and high cost of living that sparked deadly protests across the country in 2019 and beyond. Constanza Hola, a Chilean journalist working for the BBC World Service, joins Emma to discuss.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Frankie Tobi

Female truckers; Dealing with disappointment; Caitlin Moran; Maternity failings Jul 06, 2021

There is currently a huge shortage of road hauliers in the UK. According to the Road Haulage Association, up to 100,000 more lorry drivers are needed to transport the food, medicines and equipment vital to the UK economy. It’s estimated that 95% of all the products we consume are at some point moved around by road freight. And with Brexit, the Suez Canal blockage, and coronavirus restrictions causing big logistical issues, more people are urgently needed…. But of the half a million licensed lorry drivers, only 5% are women. Why is this? And what would encourage more women to get behind the wheel? Emma speaks to driver Suzy Mackenzie and Kate Lester, the Chief Executive of Diamond Logistics.

Disappointment is a fact of life, but that doesn't make it any easier when it comes. At last night's Wimbledon, 18 year old British wildcard Emma Raducanu had to retire from her last-16 match after suffering apparent breathing difficulties. Although we're still not sure exactly what happened, it's not a huge leap of imagination to say that she'll be disappointed to see the end of her dream debut. But what can us mere mortals take from it? Annabel Croft, BBC tennis commentator and former British number one, and Julia Samuels, psychotherapist and author of 'This Too Will Pass: Stories of Crisis, Change and Hopeful Beginnings', talk about the nature of disappointment and the strategies we can use to pick ourselves up again.

Caitlin Moran is a journalist and columnist at The Times. Her first book ‘How to Be a Woman” came out in 2011 and has sold more than a million copies in 28 countries. The sequel ‘More than a Woman’ came out last year and is out in paperback today. She is currently on a live UK tour and joins Emma to talk about motherhood, daughters, female friendship and coming to terms with getting older.

Maternity services in England are failing mothers and babies leading to hundreds of avoidable deaths each year, according to a damning report by the Health and Social Care committee on maternity safety in England. It also describes a "debilitating culture of blame" preventing lessons being learned from previous tragedies. Jeremy Hunt, the former health secretary and chair of the committee pointed out that 1,000 more babies a year would survive if England's maternity services were as safe as Sweden's. The committee's report found although maternity safety had improved, the deaths of a number of newborn babies at several hospitals in recent years were a reminder that much more needs to be done. Emma is joined by Dame Professor Lesley Regan, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at St Mary’s, Imperial College and past President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Claudia Winkleman, Yvette Cooper, Heidi Carter, Lillie Harris Jul 05, 2021

Studies have found that men are more reluctant than women to wear face covers. So, in a couple of weeks when restrictions are likely to be lifted, making it a personal choice, what are we likely to see happen. Emma talks to Christina Gravert, behavioural economist from the University of Copenhagen.

Labour’s Yvette Cooper tells Emma about an amendment she's tabling today to the Police Courts Crime and Sentencing Bill to try to change the law on common assault. Critics of the law are concerned that cases need to be filed within six months otherwise they’re “timed out” meaning vulnerable women can fail to get justice.

Strictly Come Dancing co-host and BBC presenter Claudia Winkleman has released her first book, Quite. She joins Emma to talk about Strictly, parenthood and how being perfect is boring.

A woman who has Down's Syndrome is taking the government to Court this week. Heidi Carter is fighting for a change in the law around termination and Down's Syndrome. Currently, the time limit to terminate a pregnancy is 24 weeks. But if the foetus has Down Syndrome, then that shifts right up to birth. Heidi wants the time limit to be set at 24 weeks for all pregnancies. She's supported by Maire Lea Wilson whose son, Aidan, has Down's Syndrome.

Lillie Harris is a successful young composer who graduated with a First Class degree from the Royal College of Music in 2016, after winning the Elgar Memorial Prize for her final portfolio. Tonight two of her works will be premiered at this year’s Cheltenham Music Festival. She joins Emma to explain the inspirations behind her choral piece and her trumpet fanfare.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour - Libby Scott and mum Kym on Autism, the future of the High Street & Anne Robinson Jul 03, 2021

The novelist Libby Scott has just released her third novel ‘Ways to Be Me’ in collaboration with the author Rebecca Westcott. Along with her mum she tells us about her new book and it’s realistic portrayal of autism, and her own diagnosis at the age of 10.

The presenter, journalist and “Queen of Mean”, Anne Robinson, tells us about becoming the first female host of Channel 4’s longest running series Countdown

We discuss why the future of the high street needs to put women at the centre of its design and overall regeneration. Mary Portas has done a TED talk and podcast arguing for a new approach by business and customers and has now written a book about it all called “Rebuild”. Suzannah Clarke has published new research saying women are responsible for 85% of spending on the High Street and they need to be taken into account in future planning if the downward trends are to be reversed.

Eilidh Doyle is Scotland’s most decorated track and field athlete of all time. The Olympic, World and European medal holder had hoped to compete in the Olympics in Tokyo this month but instead announced her retirement from competitive athletics. She tells us about coming to that decision about retirement and why she is involved in a project with Abertay University, where elite athletes and sporting figures share their experiences of unexpected setbacks and coping strategies with people who have been negatively impacted by Covid.

And the writer Emily Rapp Black, whose left leg was amputated at the age of four due to a congenital defect, tells us about the instant connection she felt with the artist Frida Kahlo. Her new book ‘Frida Kahlo and My Left Leg’ describes how Emily has made sense of her own life and body.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Louise Corley

Rachel Weisz; Euro 2020; Kanya d’Almeida; Abortion in Northern Ireland; Emily Rapp Black Jul 02, 2021

Rachel Weisz seems to have had constant work in the film industry since the early nineties. She's been in all kind of films: historical, action, science fiction, serious, art-house. Now she's diving into the world of superheroes with the new Marvel film, 'Black Widow'. Anita speaks to her about her latest role.

The nation is transfixed - after many years of hurt could England be on the road to winning a major trophy? Football journalist Flo Lloyd-Hughes joins Anita.

Sri Lankan author Kanya d'Almeida has been named the Commonwealth Short Story Prize Winner of 2021. Her winning piece, "I Cleaned The-" features two women who share a room in a refuge run by nuns, for people who have nowhere else to go. Kanya talks to Anita about her winning story, motherhood, mental health and paying for childcare in Sri Lanka.

Northern Ireland politics is stuck. Continued disagreements between the power-sharing parties have led to stagnation in the Northern Irish Assembly, leaving lots of services in the lurch, including access to abortion for Northern Irish women. Now a charity, which is the first port of call for those who want an early medical abortion, says if they don't get funding they'll have to stop.

Emily Rapp Black felt an instant connection with the artist Frida Kahlo after seeing her famous painting 'The Two Fridas'. At the age of four, Emily’s left leg was amputated due to a congenital birth defect. In her new book ‘Frida Kahlo And My Left Leg’, she explores the legacy, life and art of Frida Kahlo which helped her to make sense of her own life and body. Emily writes about the trauma of her son’s death and the current discourse and attitudes around disability.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Frankie Tobi

Mary Portas & Suzannah Clarke; Summer childcare; Eilidh Doyle; Mackenzy Beard; Prof Dame Caroline Dean Jul 01, 2021

The future of the High Street looked challenging before the pandemic but as shops have reopened it’s become evident how urgent the situation now is. Many brands or their outlets have gone bankrupt or moved online. More than a decade ago Mary Portas outlined this trend with a government review into the problem, but she is now urging people to rethink their whole relationship with shopping and consumerism and move towards a 'kindness economy' as we come out of the lockdown. She has now written a book about this called Rebuild. She joins Krupa Padhy to discuss, alongside Suzannah Clarke who has published research saying women are the key to the regeneration of the High Street economy. Women are responsible for 85% of spending there and she says they need to be taken into account in future planning if the downward trends are to be reversed.

Eilidh Doyle is Scotland’s most decorated track and field athlete of all time. The Olympic, World and European medal holder had hoped to compete in the Olympics in Tokyo this month but instead announced – at the age of 34 - her retirement from competitive athletics. She talks to Krupa about knowing when to stop, and becoming involved in a new project with Abertay University, where elite athletes and sporting figures such as Judy Murray and Tanni-Grey Thompson share their experiences of unexpected setbacks and coping strategies with people who have been negatively impacted by Covid-19.

School summer holidays are looming in England and Wales and in Scotland and Northern Ireland they have already begun. But what provision is there for the children of working parents who need local, affordable and well-run holiday childcare? There are rumours of patchy availability, often with a high cost. So what impact is this having on parents? Ahead of the results of their annual survey on this – Megan Jarvie, Head of Coram Family and Childcare joins Krupa along with Rebekah Jackson, Director of the Out of School Alliance.

14 year old Mackenzy Beard from Swansea has had a painting selected for exhibition at the Royal Academy, as part of their Young Artists' Summer Show. The work will be on display online and in London from 13th July. Mackenzy joins Krupa to talk about her inspiration for the piece.

Do plants have a memory? Yes, according to the pioneering research of Professor Dame Caroline Dean, a plant biologist who has spent more than thirty years looking into how plants remember seasons, and what this can tell us. She’s just been awarded the prestigious Wolf Prize in Agriculture, which is considered by some to be the equivalent of a Nobel Prize in agriculture. Caroline joins Krupa to talk through her extraordinary work and career.

Image: Mary Portas Credit: Josh Shinner

Female wildlife rangers; Chief Inspector of Ofsted; Lady Boss: Jackie Collins story; Transgender athletes Jun 30, 2021

The work of female rangers protecting wildlife from poachers. Collet Ngobeni of The Black Mambas and Holly Budge of How Many Elephants discuss.

The Chief Inspector of Ofsted, Amanda Spielman on the problem of sexual harassment and abuse in schools, and what needs to be done to bring about change.

Jackie Collins was one of the most successful female authors of all time but often just dismissed as the Queen of Sleaze. We hear from Jackie's eldest daughter, Tracy Lerman and from Laura Fairrie, director of the new film Lady Boss: The Jackie Collins story.

Laurel Hubbard will be the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics. She's part of the New Zealand women's weightlifting team. She qualifies on the basis that her testosterone levels have been kept below a certain level for at least a year. But how does a reduction in testosterone affect other aspects of the body - such as muscle mass and strength? We hear from Joanna Harper, a PhD researcher at Loughborough University.

A new £50 note featuring the Bletchley Park codebreaker Alan Turing has just been launched. Debbie Marriott is the first ever female banknote designer at the Bank of England, and explains the work that goes into making the notes.

Elizabeth Packard was an ordinary 19th century American housewife and mother of six, whose husband had her declared 'slightly insane' and put in an asylum after daring to voice her opinions. Elizabeth embarked on a ceaseless quest for justice, both inside and outside the asylum. Kate Moore has written 'The Woman They Could Not Silence' about this fascinating but little known woman.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Stella Creasy, Libby Scott and her mum Kym on Autism, Sexual Harassment Jun 30, 2021

The Labour and Cooperative MP Stella Creasy is threatening legal action over her forthcoming maternity leave cover. Backbench MPs are currently allowed to take informal maternity leave, but not all their duties are covered during their absence. For instance they can employ office staff to help with constituency issues Ms Creasy says she’s currently only being offered two thirds of her salary to employ a suitable replacement but she says that won’t cover important tasks like meeting Ministers, media work or doing school visits. Also a replacement is unable to speak in the House of Commons or attend parliamentary committees. Ms Creasy has said: "I think every woman should be able to have paid maternity cover, proper cover - it's not just about being paid, it's that somebody else will be doing that job.”

She may just be 13 years old but Libby Scott has just released her third novel ‘Ways to Be Me’ in collaboration with the author Rebecca Westcott. Along with the hugely successful Can You See Me? and Do you Know Me?, the three novels feature the story of Tally who is autistic. The books have been widely praised for their realistic portrayal of autism. Although not autobiographical Tally’s story is partly based on Libby’s own experiences of being autistic herself. This latest one - a prequel to Can You See Me? - goes back in time to the period just before she gets a diagnosis age 10. Libby and her mum Kym join Chloe.

A humanitarian ceasefire has just been called but since November last year the fighting between the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and government forces in Ethiopia has left thousands of people dead. More than two million have been displaced and 350,000 pushed towards famine. There are reports of women who were kidnapped by soldiers and held as sexual slaves. Chloe discusses the situation with BBC Africa Correspondent in Nairobi - Vivienne Nunis and Rita Kahsay, co-ordinator of the Tigray Youth Network based in the UK.

Fertility clinics in the UK are removing an unsafe number of eggs from women hoping to have IVF, according to a new study. Looking at data from UK fertility clinics between 2015 and 2018, researchers found that some were retrieving far too many eggs from women, reporting cases of up to 50 eggs being removed in a single procedure. The ideal 'safe yield' is around 12 eggs. Chloe Tilley discusses the implications with Joyce Harper, Professor of Reproductive Science at the Institute of Women's health at UCL, and the author of Your Fertile Years.

As we know travellers are obliged to quarantine in a hotel at their own cost after returning from countries on the UK's red list, where Covid infection rates are high. They spend 10 nights in their room and are allowed out for daily exercise only when accompanied by a guard. Private security companies have been hired by the government to ensure hotel guests observe quarantine rules. Kathy Godolphin had a disturbing experience saying she experienced sexual harassment at a hotel after returning from working on a conservation and anti-poaching project in Zimbabwe. She joins Chloe Tilley to discuss the aftermath of that ten days.

Presented by Chloe Tilley Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

Exercise aggression; Purity culture; The Plumage Act; Smacking Jun 29, 2021

Sports psychologist Dr Josephine Perry has some insight into what makes athletes tick, but wasn't prepared for what happened to her yesterday morning when she was doing laps at a swimming pool. A man she had overtaken pulled her under water by her feet and held her down, before shouting at her. When she shared the incident on social media her timeline filled up with women saying similar things had happened to them.

“Purity Culture” is a term used in conservative households that attempts to promote a biblical view of purity by discouraging dating and promoting virginity before marriage. Chloe speaks to two young women – Chrissie and Kirtika – about their own experiences of growing up in households that promoted purity culture.

On Thursday it'll be 100 years since the Plumage Act banned the importation of feathers for use in hat-making. At its peak in the late 1800s, the trade in plumage was placing over 60 bird species at risk of extinction. But then a group of women, led by Emily Williamson, started a 30-year campaign to ban feathers from fashion. Beccy Speight from the RSPB is hoping a series of campaigns will bring Emily Williamson's achievements back to life.

Attitudes towards corporal punishment have shifted significantly in recent decades, such that smacking is now banned in 59 countries around the world. That includes Scotland, where a smacking ban came in last year, and a similar ban is due to come into force in Wales in 2022. New research out today from University College London suggests England should follow their lead.

Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Frankie Tobi

Anne Robinson; Millennial relationships; WWII female resistance fighters; Breastfeeding in public. Jun 28, 2021

The presenter, journalist and “Queen of Mean”, Anne Robinson, is best known for her acerbic style of presenting on 'The Weakest Link'. In the 1960s she was the first young female trainee on the Daily Mail, worked at the Sunday Times and the Daily Mirror, and went on to host programmes from Points of View to Watchdog. Today Anne takes up the Countdown reins as the first female host of Channel 4’s longest running series. She will join numbers whizz, Rachel Riley and wordsmith, Susie Dent, to make a formidable female trio. She joins Chloe Tilley.

Last week the government voted down proposals to make it illegal to film or photograph someone breastfeeding without their consent. MP’s like Stella Creasy, who has experienced this herself when teenage boys took photos of her as she breast fed her baby while on a train, and the MP Jeff Smith, wanted to make an amendment to the Voyeurism Act of 2019 - more commonly known as the Up-skirting Act - which focused on making it illegal to take photos and films of the lower part of the body or ‘up a skirt’. This recent proposal is for a simple amendment to be made to the 2019 Act to include the upper body and so protect breastfeeding mums. In April this year Julia Cooper found a man taking photos of her as she breast fed her baby in the park.

When Gwen Strauss' aunt Hélène was in her 80's she nonchalantly mentioned at lunch that she had led a band of women in an escape from a Nazi death march, in the dying days of the war in Europe in 1945. The women were all members of the French Resistance, although two were Dutch and one Spanish. Gwen embarked on a search for these women, scouring France and Germany to track down their records, their families and their memories. Gwen – an award-winning children’s book author - has now painstakingly reconstructed what happened in her new book 'The Nine'.

The reality TV dating show Love Island is back on our screens. The show is undeniably popular and creates many water cooler moments, but what can it actually tell us about modern love and dating? We speak to journalist, podcaster, and author of new book 'Millennial Love', Olivia Petter and Nichi Hodgson, author of 'The Curious History of Dating', about how important the series might be in helping millennials and Gen Z find true love after lockdown.

Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Anne Robinson Interviewed Guest: Julia Cooper Interviewed Guest: Gwen Strauss Interviewed Guest: Olivia Petter Interviewed Guest: Nichi Hodgson

Bank Note designer Debbie Marriott, Protecting the title "nurse", Author Kate Moore & "Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner" Jun 25, 2021

Anita Rani with Bank Note designer Debbie Marriott, Protecting the title "nurse", Author Kate Moore & "Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner"

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Managers: Emma Harth * Gayl Gordon

Britney Spears, Jackie Collins. Young Engineers Jun 24, 2021

Britney Spears spoke publicly in a LA court yesterday about the conservatorship that she sees as controlling her life. Her father was granted control over her affairs after she went to hospital because of mental health concerns. Now she says her father controls her "100,000%" and told the judge she was traumatised and cried every day. "I just want my life back," she said. We talk to BBC Newsbeat reporter Lindsay Brown and the writer Pandora Sykes who presents a soon to be released, eight-part podcast series called Pieces of Britney.

We talk about Jackie Collins who was often dismissed as the Queen of Sleaze but she's one of the most successful female authors of all time. But who really was the woman behind the glamour? A new film is coming out about her called Lady Boss, so we talk to the film director Laurie Fairrie as well as Jackie's eldest daughter, Tracy Lerman.

This week we had International Women in Engineering Day, so today we celebrate some of our future scientists. Three of them have just won the GSK Young Engineer and Young Scientist of the Year awards. We speak to Kaede Sugano, Saashi Ghaie and Serena Jacob.

And weddings. We get the latest information about what you can and can't do if you're having a wedding soon, and we also speak to Marjorie Wallace who's just got married at 78.

DIY dancing at home; Transgender athletes; Ugandan women; Eco novels Jun 23, 2021

Nightclubs are shut, dancing at weddings is not allowed and gigs and festivals are still uncertain. If you want to dance you have to do it at home. Woman's Hour shares your DIY dancing stories and gets tips from Guilty Pleasures DJ, Sean Rowley and Strictly dancer, Amy Dowden.

Laurel Hubbard is going to be the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics which starts next month. It's controversial, and she'll make history. She'll be part of the New Zealand women's weightlifting team at Tokyo. Laurel came out as transgender in 2013 - and qualifies for the Olympics on the basis that her testosterone levels have been kept below a certain level for at least a year. But how does a reduction in testosterone affect other aspects of the body - such as haemoglobin levels, muscle mass and strength - that could influence competitive performance? And what research is needed to help inform the balance between inclusivity and meaningful competition in sport? Joanna Harper, a PhD researcher at Loughborough University talks about her latest study.

Imagine having your home destroyed, losing your livelihood, and then being intimidated by those now on the land. That’s what hundreds of women in Western Uganda say has happened to them; they were violently evicted from their homes to make way for a sugar plantation. In an investigation for Woman's Hour, they've told us they are now left with no option but to live in extremely poor conditions in a makeshift camp, where they face physical and sexual abuse from the plantation workers. To make things worse, many of their husbands have abandoned them while they find employment elsewhere. The UK provides overseas aid for these woman as they fight for compensation for their lost land. But, that UK funding is due to end soon, even though after five years a legal dispute over the land is still unresolved.

Two novels - one published tomorrow and one just out in paperback explore the human impact of environmental disaster through the lives of girls and women. They both ask - what is really important to us? What lasts when everything we think we need is stripped away? Kate Sawyer, author of 'The Stranding', her first novel, and Diane Cook, whose book 'The New Wilderness' was shortlisted for The Booker Prize last year, discuss their work.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Joanna Harper Interviewed Guest: Sean Rowley Interviewed Guest: Amy Dowden Interviewed Guest: Sostine Namanya Interviewed Guest: Kate Sawyer Interviewed Guest: Diane Cook

Female wildlife rangers; Miscarriage cards; Life after prison in Iran; Boric acid; Nude photos online Jun 22, 2021

Wednesday will be the first ever World Female Ranger Day, celebrating the work of female rangers around the world who do an important but ultimately dangerous job protecting wildlife from poachers. The emphasis this year is on the work of female rangers in Africa where there are approximately 3,500 female rangers in teams in 18 countries all over the continent working to protect endangered wildlife. One of those women is Collet Ngobeni of the all-female team The Black Mambas in South Africa. Emma also speaks to Holly Budge, the founder of the charity How Many Elephants.

Miscarriage is a unique type of grief - occurring in one in four pregnancies - and yet it still often goes unacknowledged. Women usually wait 12 weeks before announcing a pregnancy so if they experience miscarriage early on it can be an extremely distressing and lonely experience. For women who do choose to share the news and then discover they have miscarried, it means having to inform family and friends who may find it difficult to know the right thing to say. National Director Ruth Bender Atik talks about a new series of cards launched by The Miscarriage Association to specifically acknowledge the sadness of miscarriage and give people an opportunity to acknowledge it in a sensitive way. She is joined by Gemma Rundell who designed empathy cards that she wished were available after she had three miscarriages.

Under-18s who want nude pictures or videos of themselves removed from the internet can now report the images through an online tool - being billed as a world first. The new service comes from the Internet Watch Foundation and Childline and aims to help children who have been groomed, or whose partners have posted photos of them online without their consent. In recent years, the Foundation says it has noticed more and more of these types of images that have been created by children themselves. In the first three months of this year, 38,000 self-generated images were reported. Emma speaks to Susie Hargreaves, the head of the Internet Watch Foundation.

Boric acid is a white powder that can do everything from getting stains out of clothes and stopping your fridge smelling, to killing ants and cockroaches. But if you look for boric acid on social media, there's another use - as a vaginal pessary to supposedly treat thrush-like infections and bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is common, isn't considered a sexually transmitted infection, and isn't typically serious. But Dr Jen Gunter, a Canadian-American gynaecologist and author of the Vagina Bible says she's seen an increase in the use of boric acid vaginal pessaries among her patients over the past few years, paralleling what she calls an ‘explosion’ of new over the counter boric acid products and heavy marketing from celebrities, influencers, naturopaths, and functional medicine providers.

Ana Diamond spent 200 days in prison in solitary confinement at the age of 19, after travelling from home in the UK to visit her grandmother in Iran. She was held in a tiny windowless cell in Evin prison, Tehran, in the same block as the Iranian British charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. The guards interrogated and taunted her saying the only place she would ever graduate from was Evin prison. But this weekend she has been celebrating having scored a first from Kings College and receiving a scholarship to study for a postgraduate degree at Oxford University. Emma talks to Ana about moving forward after such a traumatic and life changing experience.

Chief Inspector of Schools Amanda Spielman, Divya Chadha Manek, Dr Jen Gunter, Hira Ali & Gary Ford. Jun 21, 2021

The Chief Inspector of Schools Amanda Spielman, talks to Emma Barnett about the problem of sexual abuse in schools and colleges and reflects on what needs to be done to bring about change. Divya Chadha Manek who has just been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List tells us about her work with the Vaccine Taskforce, and Dr Jen Gunter, an American gynaecologist, obstetrician and author of 'The Vagina Bible' explains how Boric Acid Pessaries are being used to treat bacterial vaginosis . Do men need to actively become allies to the women they work with to stop sexism and discrimination? Would challenging behaviours that disadvantage female colleagues - from interrupting women in meetings to making assumptions about the career opportunities they want - make a difference? Emma talks to Hira Ali, a leadership trainer and author of a new book called 'Her Allies' and to Gary Ford who has co-written 'The Accidental Sexist', a handbook for men on workplace diversity.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Tim Heffer

Weekend Woman's Hour: The award-winning composer Shirley J Thompson, Domestic Violence Prevention & Managing our data Jun 19, 2021

Composer Shirley J. Thompson is the first woman in Europe to have composed and conducted a symphony within the last 40 years. She tells us about her new work Emanation, which she’s written for the disabled-led ensemble BSO.

Dame Darcey Bussell Former Principal of The Royal Ballet & Strictly Judge, President of the RAD & creator of Diversity Dance Mix, Dame Darcey Bussell tells us about her mission to rescue Britain’s ballet dancers and raise spirits and money for struggling dance companies by creating the British Ballet Charity Gala at the Royal Albert Hall in London bringing together eight ballet companies in one evening of dance.

We discuss the results of a BBC Freedom of Information request which asked police forces in the UK how many police had been accused of sexual misconduct. We hear from our reporter Melanie Abbott, from Ruth a former officer who found herself being sexually assaulted by a colleague and Harriet Wistrich from the Centre for Women’s Justice.

This year the government has announced an extra 19 million pounds for domestic abuse schemes in England and Wales the majority of which will go to towards perpetrator programmes. . But just how effective are they? We hear from John who has just completed a 20 week domestic violence prevention programme at the Hampton Trust and to Vicky Gilroy who is a facilitator on those prevention programmes at the Trust.

In today’s online digital world everything we do now on our phones or our computers—everything we look at, click on or say online—becomes “data”. Companies and governments increasingly share and use this information to make decisions about our lives. A small UK based team of experts called Foxglove is challenging how our data’s used and they’ve had some remarkable successes over the last year. It’s director Cori Crider tells us how the group successfully challenged the A Level grading algorithm last year.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Siobhann Tighe

Dame Darcey Bussell; Single Fatherhood; Rape Review with Max Hill QC Jun 18, 2021

Dame Darcey Bussell is the former Principal of The Royal Ballet & Strictly Judge, President of the RAD & creator of Diversity Dance Mix. She joins Anita to talk about her passion for dance and her mission to rescue Britain’s ballet dancers, and raise spirits and money for struggling dance companies, by creating the British Ballet Charity Gala. The event was performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London bringing together eight ballet companies in one evening of dance. It will be pay per view streamed from 7pm tonight and available on demand until 18 July.

This Sunday is Father’s Day, and a new film out today on Netflix – ‘Fatherhood’ - explores the life of a single father raising his daughter. What is it like for the men who are lone parents? And how do young women feel growing up without a mother? Anita speaks to two fathers, and their daughters, to share their stories.

The government has just published its delayed review into how the criminal justice system deals with rape in England and Wales. It comes after charges, prosecutions and convictions for rape fell over the last five years and looks at every part of the system from when an allegation is made to whether or not it makes it trial and then conviction. A crucial part of the legal chain is the Crown Prosecution Service which decides which cases go forward for trial based on the available evidence. The head of the CPS is the Director of the Public Prosecutions – currently Max Hill QC. He joins Anita to discuss the government’s review and their own plans for increasing conviction rates.

Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Shirley J. Thompson; Female rabbis; Underwear in Pakistan Jun 17, 2021

Composer Shirley J. Thompson is the first woman in Europe to have composed and conducted a symphony within the last 40 years - New Nation Rising, A 21st Century Symphony, which was originally commissioned for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, and then used for the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony. She’s now composed a new work, Emanation, which she’s written for the disabled-led ensemble BSO Resound. The ensemble is giving a live-streamed performance of the world premiere from Lighthouse, Poole.

Earlier this week, Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz was ordained as an Orthodox rabbi at a Jewish college in New York. But as a woman, her ordination is not recognised by the Orthodox community in the UK. She is also no longer able to teach at the London School of Jewish Studies. Lindsey talks to Emma about the positive role of women within Orthodox Judaism and why she thinks opinion on female rabbis is starting to change. However, hers is by no means a position shared by all women within the community. Rachie Binstock explains why she is comfortable with the tradition of male-only rabbis when it comes to her faith.

What do you look for in a good pair of pants? Advertisers have long told us that lacy, barely-there luxury is what all women want. But high on the priority list for most women is almost certainly comfort. However, experiencing the simple pleasure of a well-fitting bra and pants is not something accessible to all women everywhere. BBC Urdu reporter Saher Baloch talks to Emma about the uncomfortable problem of female underwear in Pakistan, and Qamar Zaman from underwear manufacturer Amami Clothing explains the taboo hampering efforts to bring about change.

Jessie Ware; girls disappearing from care services; women's football and sponsorship Jun 16, 2021

The singer-songwriter Jessie Ware was nominated for Female Solo Artist and Album of the Year at this Year’s BRIT Awards. She was also included in Barack Obama’s favourite music playlist of 2020. Jessie has been busy in lockdown recording new songs for the deluxe Platinum Pleasure edition of her hit album What's Your Pleasure? In tandem with her music career, her family’s passion for food led to her weekly podcast Table Manners with her mother Lennie, and she has just released her second book - Omelette - a loving gaze of life through eating and food. She joins Emma to discuss some of her favourite food memories from white bread and spaghetti Bolognese to chopped and fried fish – and omelettes.

A few weeks ago the Times newspaper published the results of an investigation which said that the Police and social services were failing thousands of girls as young as 11 who had been repeatedly reported missing while at risk of sexual abuse. One child in West Yorkshire had ‘disappeared’ 197 times in three years. We speak to Kelly, who was one of those regularly disappearing from the children’s homes she lived in in the 1990’s, about the impact the lack of intervention at the time has had on her life. Now volunteering as an ambassador for the Maggie Oliver Foundation, supporting other young women who have had similar life experiences, she concurs with the Times research believing these vulnerable young people are continuing to be let down. As a campaigner in this area for many years, Maggie Oliver explains what she thinks needs to happen going forward to stop the continued abuse and exploitation. They are joined by Charlotte Ramsden, President of the Association of Children's Services.

Women football fans of Norwich City have persuaded their club to drop sexist and degrading images attached to a sponsorship deal, despite it being very lucrative. Norwich City has got rid of a sponsorship worth £5 million. The content that was considered offensive was on the Youtube and Instagram sites of an Asian online gambling company called BK8. Eddie Mullan is a big fan of Norwich City, so much so she makes banners for the matches with a group called Along Comes Norwich and Simon Stone is the BBC Sport reporter.

Gemma Barnett has won the spoken word category of the new Poetry for Good competition, the UK’s first nationwide poetry awards launched in celebration of key workers for her poem The Front Desk. Gemma is an actor but as theatres began to close last year with COVID she realised she needed to get another job – finding work as a GP’s receptionist. She wrote this poem in admiration of the female team who worked there. Emma hears about Gemma’s experiences and hears her poem.

Summer hair trends; Police & sexual misconduct - Woman's Hour/Newsnight reveal 1,400 accused Jun 15, 2021

Summer’s here and despite the restrictions still in place on social gathering we’re still managing to meet up with friends and enjoy the odd night out. One aspect of that is of course looking your best and a big part of that is your hair, which has had to take a backseat in terms of grooming and maintenance over the last eighteen months of lockdowns. But, we are returning to salons and apparently trying lots of new and old styles, as well as getting more creative with colour. Hair stylist Nicky Clarke gives Emma Barnett a summer make over and Camilla Kay from Glamour Magazine points out the trends including seventies flicks and “big hair” and the “Shullet” – the modern take on the mullet.

Most of us would think of the police as a safe place to turn to in a time of need. But it's a belief that has been seriously questioned by a couple of incidents over the past year. In a joint investigation with Newsnight we asked police forces in the UK, how many police had been accused of sexual misconduct. Of course most police officers do their jobs with integrity and honesty but campaigners say some of the results were worrying. Our reporter Melanie Abbott has been looking at this.

Shamima Begum, Kimberly Polman and Hoda Muthana are just a few of the names who made headline news around the world after leaving their homes in the West to join the so called Islamic State. With rare access to the detention camp in Northern Syria, Alba Sotorra Clua's new film 'The Return: Life After ISIS' features some of the women who devoted their lives to the group and who feel they should be given the chance to start over, back home in the West.

MP Jess Phillips is calling for there to be less shame around HPV – a sexually transmitted infection that she had in her twenties. Most sexually active people will contract HPV but won’t know they have it. For 90% of people it clears up but for others it can be serious. Jess Phillips found out she had HPV when she was 22 and pregnant and is talking about this to raise awareness for Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness week. Dr Sarah Jarvis also joins Emma.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Harriet Wistrich Interviewed Guest: Nicky Clarke Interviewed Guest: Camilla Kay Photographer: Daniel Thomas Smith from Glamour Interviewed Guest: Alba Sotorra Clua Interviewed Guest: Jess Phillips Interviewed Guest: Dr Sarah Jarvis

Domestic violence prevention. Managing how our data’s used. Veteran journalist Hella Pick. "Freedom Day" postponed. Jun 14, 2021

We hear many stories of domestic abuse but rarely from those who have been the perpetrators. John, who's just completed a 20 week domestic violence prevention programme at the Hampton Trust, speaks out to encourage other men to seek help. He's joined by Vicky Gilroy who's a facilitator on the prevention programmes at the Hampton Trust .

In today’s online digital world everything we do now on our phones or our computers—everything we look at, click on or say online, becomes “data”. Companies and governments increasingly share and use this information. A small UK based team of experts called Foxglove is challenging how our data’s used . Cori Crider a Director at Foxglove talks about how amongst other things the group successfully challenged the A Level grading algorithm last year,

Plus as we mark Refugee Week Hella Pick joins us to talk about life as a Kindertransport survivor. She went on to carve out a hugely successful career in journalism. In her 35 year career she's reported on everything from the assassination of President Kennedy to the closing stages of the Cold War. In her book " Invisible Walls A Journalist in Search of Her Life", she explores her life as a female journalist and her struggles with identity.

And scientific experts have urged the government to consider delaying 'Freedom Day' from the original planned Step 4 date following a rise in cases of the Delta variant. This will be devastating news for many of those working in the hospitality industry. To discuss the reaction and implications by Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality, and Kirsty McCall, a make up artist who yesterday announced the closing of her business after 15 years.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell.

Paloma Faith, Heath Minister Nadine Dorries, Sexual harassment in the workplace, No-fault divorce Jun 12, 2021

Paloma Faith on combining motherhood with her music as well as her reaction to the OFSTED survey that sexual harassment of schoolchildren has become normalised in schools. Her new single Monster is about her relationship with her career.

What's the best way to stamp out sexual harassment in the workplace? We discuss with Stella Chandler, Director of Development at Focal Point Training which runs in person workplace behavioural courses that includes sexual harassment, and Deeba Syed, a lawyer who set up and manages the sexual harassment at work advice line at Rights of Women.

The new figurehead known as Nannie is now being installed on the famous ship, the Cutty Sark: the tea clipper that resides in a specially designed dry dock in Greenwich next to the river Thames in London. Why is the figurehead of a ship often a woman? Louise Macfarlane is senior curator at the Cutty Sark.

The Health Minister Nadine Dorries on the public call for evidence for England's first women's health strategy.

The new no-fault divorce law has been delayed in England until 2022. What can make divorce less complicated and confrontational? We hear from Ellie, who is in the middle of a break-up, Kate Daly who runs Amicable, an online divorce service, and divorce lawyer Ayesha Vardag.

What's so special about the relationship between gay men and their straight female best friends? In celebration of Pride Month, we discuss with Matt Cain, author and ambassador of Manchester Pride, and Jill Nalder, best friend of Russell T Davies, and the inspiration for Jill Baxter in the C4 drama 'It's a Sin'.

Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer : Dianne McGregor

Nannie, the figurehead for the Cutty Sark; The power of giving away power; No fault divorce; Jun 11, 2021

The G7 kicks off in Cornwall today. Boris Johnson and leaders from Japan, Canada, Italy and France who make up the Group of Seven will be joined by US President Joe Biden and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel . On the agenda the biggest issues affecting our world - everything from climate change to the economic recovery post Covid. But how should they change their approach? How much better could things be if leaders, instead of lording their power over us and operating a top-down approach, did something different? In his new book 'The Power of Giving Away Power', Matthew Barzun argues that if leaders just let go and listened and worked more closely with their colleagues, we'd see things thrive and grow. Baroness Valerie Amos, now the Master of University College, Oxford joins him.

As live music events draw closer and closer, we ask – how diverse is the music industry? And what can be done to make things more inclusive? We hear from one DJ Jaguar, about her own experiences and an initiative to train other young women.

As no fault divorce is delayed we ask if there is a way to make divorce less complicated and confrontational? We hear from Ellie, who is in the middle of a break-up, a high profile divorce lawyer, Ayesha Vardag, and Kate Daly, the founder of Amicable – an online divorce service.

In the Women's Super League the transfer window opens today with a new rule forcing clubs to include eight homegrown players in their squad. They must have been trained by their club, or another club in England, for at least three years before their 21st birthday. BBC sports presenter, Charlie Webster, joins Chloe Tilley.

Today the new figurehead known as Nannie will start to be installed on the prow of the famous ship, the Cutty Sark: the tea clipper that resides in a specially designed dry dock in Greenwich next to the river Thames in London. The figurehead of a ship is often a woman but why and what is their significance? Louise Macfarlane, senior curator at the Cutty Sark, explains.

Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Baroness Valerie Amos Interviewed Guest: Matthew Barzun Interviewed Guest: Jaguar Bingham Interviewed Guest: Kate Daly interviewed Guest: Ayesha Vardag Interviewed Guest: Ellie Interviewed Guest: Charlie Webster Interviewed Guest: Louise Macfarlane

Paloma Faith, Nursing, Maya Forstater Verdict Jun 10, 2021

We talk to Paloma Faith about her music, her films, being a mother of two daughters, and harassment towards women and girls. She's got a new single out called Monster which is about her relationship with her career.

We hear from two nurses who tell us how the past year and a half has been for them. In the light of a report published earlier this week by the Health Select Committee we discuss burn-out and how health staff are so tired because of the pandemic that many are quitting and morale is at an all time low.

Dr Gwen Adshead is one of Britain’s leading forensic psychiatrists and has spent 30 years providing therapy in secure hospitals and prisons. She worked extensively with violent women. Her book, The Devil You Know, co-authored with Eileen Horne, is a collection of 11 stories about men and women who've committed acts of terrible violence.

And we have bring you the breaking news that Maya Forstater has won her Appeal against an employment tribunal. Maya Forstater went to a tribunal in 2019 when her employment contract wasn't renewed after she posted tweets about gender recognition. She lost that case, but this morning - having taken it further - she's won the Appeal.

Women's Health Special - Nadine Dorries, Unwell Women, Mesh removal centres, Autoimmunity Jun 09, 2021

Women's health has long been the poor relation when it comes to medical understanding, funding and research. The government says it wants that to change - and earlier this year announced the establishment of England's first Women's Health Strategy, which will look at women's health across our lifespans. The priorities of that strategy will be shaped, they say, by the results of a public call for evidence which closes this Sunday. But after centuries of - as the Health Secretary Matt Hancock put it - 'living with a health and care system that is mostly designed by men, for men', what sort of confidence should we have in this strategy bringing about meaningful change? Emma Barnett is joined by Women's Health Minister, Nadine Dorries.

Why are so many women dismissed, disbelieved or misdiagnosed when they seek medical help? Dr Elinor Cleghorn, cultural historian and author of 'Unwell Women - A journey through medicine and myth in a man-made world', says the answer lies in over a thousand years of history. She talks to Emma about the shockingly slow pace of change in attitudes to women's health, why women's pain still isn't taken seriously, and how the message that women's bodies are at the mercy of their thoughts and feelings has burrowed deep into our consciousness.

In April this year, seven specialist mesh complication centres were launched in England to help treat women harmed by the use of pelvic mesh. These centres were recommended in a report by Baroness Cumberlege as a way of concentrating expertise and improving outcomes. But how are the centres working so far? And what are the fears and concerns still facing those women waiting for their mesh to be removed? Listener Judi tells us her experience, and Prof Hashim Hashim, a urological surgeon with specialist skill in mesh removal, explains why the surgery is so complicated and how medical professionals are trying to rebuild trust amid so much pain and anger.

Around four million people have an autoimmune disease in the UK - so around 8% of the population. But of these four million, 78% are women. Reporter Carolyn Atkinson talks to Professor Lucy Walker about a new study into what might tie all these conditions together, and also Nina Christie, who currently lives with three autoimmune conditions.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Anna Lacey

Abortion in America, Stamping out sexual harassment in the workplace, Talking to young people about drugs Jun 08, 2021

Last month the US Supreme Court agreed to consider a major challenge to reproductive rights, saying it will look at the state of Mississippi’s bid to enforce a ban on almost all abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy. Two days later the Republican governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, signed into law a six-week abortion ban. Why are attempts to reduce women’s access to these services being made? Last week one young Texan woman decided to use her platform at her high school graduation to give a speech on the so-called ‘Heartbeat Bill’. A speech that has gone viral. Emma speaks to 18 year-old Paxton Smith, and to Amanda Taub, a reporter for the New York Times.

Last week we heard from Lord Heseltine who was unhappy about being forced as a Member of the House of Lords to attend an online course around sexual harassment entitled 'Valuing Everyone Training’. In response, we received a text: ‘I’m a young female staffer and did the Valuing Everyone course last autumn. It wasn’t bad, but wouldn’t stop people mistreating colleagues/staff and isn’t a replacement for a proper HR system.' We speak to Stella Chandler, Focal Point Training who runs similar courses, and Deeba Syed, a lawyer who set up and manages the sexual harassment at work advice line at Rights of Women on what needs to be done to stamp out sexual harassment in the workplace.

Daniel Spargo-Mabbs was a popular, intelligent and charismatic 16 year-old boy. But one evening in January 2014, he never came home. Dan had gone to an illegal rave and taken a lethal dose of the drug MDMA. Seven years later, his mother Fiona Spargo-Mabbs, is one of the country’s leading drug education advisors, and has just published the book ‘I Wish I’d Known: Young People, Drugs and Decisions; a Guide for Parents and Carers'.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Frankie Tobi

Dido Harding, Friendship between gay men and straight women, Foreign aid cuts Jun 07, 2021

It’s just over a year since the businesswoman and conservative peer Dido Harding was brought in to set up a test and trace system to help stop the Covid-19 pandemic. The system was going to be “world beating” and help get the UK out of lockdown according to the Prime minister but the incredible costs involved – around £37 billion – have been criticised for failing to make an impact. The system has improved but what will its legacy be? Dido Harding talks to Emma Barnett on Woman’s Hour today in her first interview since leaving the role last month and reflects on the ups and downs of the last year.

As we celebrate Pride Month throughout June we thought we'd spend a moment celebrating the relationship between gay men and their female BFF. From reality stars like Jenny and Lee on Googlebox and Olivia Bentley's relationship with Ollie and Gareth in Made in Chelsea to Will and Grace to the designer Halston and Liza Minelli. What is it about the relationship that makes them so special?

A group of MPs, Including the former Prime Minister Theresa May, are trying to push through a vote in parliament which they hope will reverse controversial cuts to the international aid budget. It's likely that an amendment to the Advanced Research and Invention Agency bill will happen, and that technical change will result in aid spending going back to what it was. It was recently cut from 0.7% to 0.5. Preet Gill MP is Shadow International Development Secretary and Ella Whelan is a journalist and commentator who doesn't believe in foreign aid.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Arooj Aftab, Reclaiming sexist language Jun 05, 2021

How possible is it to actually earn a living from sport? The latest BBC Elite British Sportswomen’s Survey found that four out of five elite British sportswomen feel they are not paid enough compared to their male counterparts and more than 60% of UK’s top female athletes make less than £10,000 a year. On the other hand revenue generated by women's sport in the UK is set to grow to £1bn a year by 2030 – up from £350m a year currently – making it one of the fastest growing sectors in the sports industry. The Women’s Sports Trust says the key to unlocking this impressive growth will be the increased visibility of female athletes and teams. Emily Defroand is a Great Britain and England Hockey player, Zarah El-Kudcy is a Trustee at the Women’s Sports Trust and the Head of Commercial partnership development at Formula 1, and Dr Ali Bowes is a senior lecturer in the Sociology of Sport at Nottingham Trent University.

Lord Michael Heseltine, who was Deputy Prime Minister in the mid-nineties, says he's had to attend a House of Lords course to do with what's right and what's wrong when it comes to conduct between colleagues, especially between men and women. The training is called "Valuing Everyone". The House of Lords has been very firm about this online course on inappropriate behaviour and prejudice, saying all peers must attend. Lord Heseltine was sent a reminder that he MUST complete it, which seems to have aggravated him a great deal. He’s here, and so is Wera Hobhouse, Lib Dem MP. In the House of Commons, the course isn't mandatory for MPs.

Language – and the way we use it – is forever changing. We explore how the word ‘bitch’ and other similar words with a sexist history are being reclaimed and reinvented by women to mean something positive. Chante Joseph is a social media creative and writer. Jacqueline Springer is a Black music and culture journalist. Helen Taylor is an Emeritus Professor of English at the University of Exeter.

Why, after decades of social progress is motherhood still so much harder than it needs to be? Why aren't we honest about the realities of being a mother? These are just two of the themes explored in a trio of books about motherhood that have just been published. It's not as if these questions haven't been asked before. There is a rich vein of literature from Simone de Beauvoir's The Second Sex through to Adrienne Rich's classic study Of Woman Born, Juliet Mitchell's A Women's Estate , Jane Lazarre's The Mother Knot and many more. And many second wave feminists fought hard for the rights of mothers on both sides of the Atlantic. And yet very little, if any progress, has been made according to this new crop of authors. Elaine Glaser is the author of Motherhood: A Manifesto, Pragya Agarwal is the author of (M)otherhood: On the Choices of Being a Woman, and Marina Fogle co-presents the podcast 'As Good As It Gets?'

Arooj Aftab is a Pakistani composer, based in Brooklyn. She joins Anita to talk about her music and influences from jazz and Qawwali to Jeff Buckley and Abidi Parveen. She explains how grief has shifted the tone of her music to ‘heavy metal harp’, and discusses her latest album, Vulture Prince, which honours and reimagines centuries-old ghazals, a form of South Asian poetry and music that she grew up listening to with her family.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is the author of novels including 'Purple Hibiscus', 'Half of a Yellow Sun', which won the Orange Prize (now called the Women’s Prize for Fiction), and 'Americanah', which won the US National Book Critics Circle Award. Chimamanda has also delivered two landmark TED Talks: The Danger of A Single Story, and We Should All Be Feminists, which started a worldwide conversation about feminism and was published as a book in 2014. She has now written a more personal book. On 10 June 2020 her father died suddenly in Nigeria. A self-confessed daddy’s girl, she has now remembered her father in a tribute, 'Notes on Grief'. Her mother has since also died. How do you deal with double heartbreak?

Arooj Aftab, PIP implants, Race, trauma & culture, Reclaiming sexist language Jun 04, 2021

Arooj Aftab is a Pakistani composer, based in Brooklyn. She joins Anita to talk about her music and influences from jazz and Qawwali to Jeff Buckley and Abidi Parveen. She explains how grief has shifted the tone of her music to ‘heavy metal harp’, and discusses her latest album, Vulture Prince, which honours and reimagines centuries-old ghazals, a form of South Asian poetry and music that she grew up listening to with her family.

Now the dust has settled on the recent court ruling on compensation for women with PIP Implants, it's become clear a group of women will miss out. The French court ruled that those who had implants pre 2006 will not get any money, as it decided the safety regulator who approved the implants for market couldn't have been aware of any problems before that date. Lawyers representing the women will go back to the French supreme court to fight this. Melanie Abbott has been looking into this.

Therapist and researcher, Guilaine Kinouni’s book Living While Black looks at the racial inequalities within the mental health system and their consequences for Black people. She is joined by author, academic, and broadcaster Emma Dabiri whose new book What White People Can Do Next looks at racial justice and how we demonstrations of support can be transformed into real and meaningful change.

Language – and the way we use it – is forever changing. We explore how the word ‘bitch’ and other similar words with a sexist history are being reclaimed and reinvented by women to mean something positive. Chante Joseph is a social media creative and writer. Jacqueline Springer is a Black music and culture journalist. Helen Taylor is an Emeritus Professor of English at the University of Exeter.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Frankie Tobi

Author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Jun 03, 2021

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is the author of novels including 'Purple Hibiscus', 'Half of a Yellow Sun', which won the Orange Prize (now called the Women’s Prize for Fiction), and 'Americanah', which won the US National Book Critics Circle Award. Chimamanda has also delivered two landmark TED Talks: The Danger of A Single Story, and We Should All Be Feminists, which started a worldwide conversation about feminism and was published as a book in 2014. She has now written a more personal book. On 10 June 2020 her father died suddenly in Nigeria. A self-confessed daddy’s girl, she has now remembered her father in a tribute, 'Notes on Grief'. Her mother has since also died. How do you deal with double heartbreak? Chimamanda joins Emma to examine the layers of loss and the nature of grief.

Lord Michael Heseltine, who was Deputy Prime Minister in the mid-nineties, says he's had to attend a House of Lords course to do with what's right and what's wrong when it comes to conduct between colleagues, especially between men and women. The training is called "Valuing Everyone". The House of Lords has been very firm about this online course on inappropriate behaviour and prejudice, saying all peers must attend. Lord Heseltine was sent a reminder that he MUST complete it, which seems to have aggravated him a great deal. He’s here, and so is Wera (pron: VERA) Hobhouse, Lib Dem MP. In the House of Commons, the course isn't mandatory for MPs.

Parm Sandhu grew up in the Midlands - a child of immigrants from the Punjab whose main ambition for her she says was to become an ‘obedient wife’. Forced into an arranged marriage at 16 she later fled to London and in 1989 joined the police. In her memoir ‘Black and Blue: One Woman’s Story of policing’ which is out next week, she tells her story of her thirty years in the Metropolitan police - rising through the ranks from a WPC to Chief Superintendent and becoming New Scotland Yard’s most senior ethnic minority woman in the force. She tells us her 30 year career was marred by repeated racism and sexism and a charge of gross misconduct which she was later cleared of. This led to her bringing an employment tribunal claim against the force and reaching a financial settlement with them last year.

The sun is out and if you’re looking out your summer dresses and skirts you might also be weighing up the state of your skin after months of slobbing at home in your lockdown comfies. Sales of personal grooming products like deodorant, skincare products and razors went down during the pandemic so will we be embracing the natural look? Or maybe you already do as a member of the hairy legs club? We talk to the stand-up comedian, Ashley Storrie about her beauty regime and also to George Driver, the acting Beauty Director of ELLE UK.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Interviewed Guest: Michael Heseltine Interviewed Guest: Wera Hobhouse Interviewed Guest: Parm Sandhu Interviewed Guest: Ashley Storrie Interviewed Guest: George Driver

The Politics of Motherhood, Big Night Out Reading, Women and environmental art. Jun 02, 2021

You may have visited Kew Gardens and seen the incredible gallery of botanical art created by Marianne North - she is one of several female artists being featured at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum as part of Coventry's UK City of Culture Celebrations. The exhibition, called UnNatural History, explores not only the historical role of artists in the science of natural history - but also contemporary artists addressing the current climate crisis. But with so much focus on the environment how effective is art in grabbing the public's attention? Alice Sharp is the founder of Invisible Dust who have curated the exhibition and Frances Disley is an artist who examines the medicinal properties of plants and healing power of nature.

Why, after decades of social progress is motherhood still so much harder than it needs to be? Why aren't we honest about the realities of being a mother? These are just two of the themes explored in a trio of books about motherhood that have just been published. It's not as if these questions haven't been asked before. There is a rich vein of literature from Simone de Beauvoir's The Second Sex through to Adrienne Rich's classic study Of Woman Born, Juliet Mitchell's A Women's Estate , Jane Lazarre's The Mother Knot and many more. And many second wave feminists fought hard for the rights of mothers on both sides of the Atlantic. And yet very little, if any progress, has been made according to this new crop of authors. Elaine Glaser author of Motherhood: A Manifesto and Pragya Agarwal author of (M)otherhood: On the Choices of Being a Woman join Emma.

A few weeks ago as meeting up began to look possible again, we asked you to tell us about who you were desperate to see again and why. Last week we heard from Chris and her mates in Cardiff - this week listener Sally-Ann from Reading wanted to nominate 'the girls' - she's had a tough year and not seeing them face to face has been hard. Our reporter Jo Morris spoke to Sally-Ann as she prepared to host a garden get-together and popped into one of their regular Zoom chats to eavesdrop on their banter and memories.

Boric acid is a white powder that can do everything from get stains out of your clothes, to stop your fridge smelling, to acting as a pesticide. But apparently there's another use for this chemical remedy, and mentions of it have been popping up lately on social media threads and message boards: it can also be used as a treatment for chronic bacterial vaginosis. However, it is also being used for less serious vaginal infections. Dr Jen Gunter, American gynaecologist, obstetrician and author of the Vagina Bible says she has seen an increase in the use of boric acid vaginal pessaries among her patients over the past few years, paralleling an explosion of new over the counter boric acid products and heavy marketing from celebrities, influencers, naturopaths, and functional medicine providers. She explains her concerns.

Sinead O'Connor, Your returning to work manifesto. Jun 01, 2021

It's one of the most unforgettable moments in pop. Sinead O'Connor singing Nothing Compares 2 U straight into the camera. Big eyes, shaved head, minimal make up - tears rolling down her cheeks. It catapulted her to fame whether she liked it or not. Sinead joins Emma to talk about her autobiography," Rememberings"

The ‘work from home’ guidelines are expected to be scrapped on June 21 - should the government’s current roadmap continue. If you were writing a manifesto for the best way for women to work post-pandemic what would it say? We hear from author and columnist, Elizabeth Uviebinené who argues in her new book ‘The Reset’ for a fundamental reset of our entire work culture, Danny Harmer, Chief People Officer for Aviva on how big companies are addressing the flexibility needs of their workforce and Mark Gatto, father of a two-year-old and research associate in masculinities and working parenthood,

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell PHOTO CREDIT; Donal Moloney

A Celebration of Women's Sporting Success May 31, 2021

Over the last few weeks and months we have seen women make huge progress in the world of sport. It was just over a month ago that the jockey Rachael Blackmore made history by becoming the first female rider to win the Grand National in its 173 year history. Also last month Rebecca Welch became the first female referee to oversee an English Football League match in 134 years. And the former footballer Alex Scott has become the presenter of the BBC’s Football Focus, becoming the show's first permanent female host in its history.

It comes against a backdrop that has seen viewing figures for women’s football and rugby continue to grow despite a virtually invisible summer of competition last year. But a recent BBC Survey of elite sportswomen found that more than 60% earn less than £10,000 a year from their sport. So what still needs to be done when it comes to building on women’s success in sport and how can this upward momentum be maintained and include a variety of sports and not just football, cricket and rugby?

We have gathered some of the biggest influencers in the sporting world around a virtual round table. Zarah El-Kudcy a Trustee at the Women’s Sports Trust and the Head of Commercial Partnership Development at Formula 1, Emily Defroand a Great Britain and England Hockey player, Catherine Bond Muir the CEO of the W Series a motor racing championship for women, Kelly Simmons the FA’s Director of the Women’s Professional Game, Alison Kervin a writer and former Sports Editor for the Mail on Sunday (she was the first female sports editor on a national newspaper) and Dr Ali Bowes is a senior lecturer in the Sociology of Sport at Nottingham Trent University.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Beverley Purcell

Weekend Woman's Hour: Holly Smale, Paris Lees, #MeToo in the British Army, Hormones and vaccines May 29, 2021

A former senior Army officer is calling for the military to have a “#MeToo moment” and is claiming that hundreds of female troops have been raped and sexually abused by colleagues. Lt Col Diane Allen, who served for 37 years, says the Armed Forces are being run by “a toxic group of privately-educated white senior officers” We talk to Diane Allen and also hear from the Defence Minister Baroness Goldie.

Some women and trans men are reporting unusual symptoms after having their Covid vaccinations – ranging from menstrual irregularities to bleeding post menopause. We talk to the reproductive immunologist Dr Viki Male from Imperial College in London to find out what’s behind these symptoms.

The best selling author of the Geek Girl series Holly Smale has been diagnosed with autism at age 39. She said she feels relief that she now has an explanation for why she’s felt she’s never “fitted in”.

Prof Catherine Heymans, astrophysicist and world-leading expert in the so-called dark universe, is now the Astronomer Royal of Scotland. She's the first woman to hold this prestigious role, but the problem is she's still not entirely convinced she should have the job. She talks to us about impostor syndrome, challenging the status quo and dealing with aggressive criticism.

Paris Lees is a journalist, anti-bullying campaigner, and a Contributing Editor at British Vogue. She was the first openly trans woman to present on BBC Radio 1, and also the first to appear on Question Time. She’s written a memoir called What it Feels like for a Girl, which covers the period aged 13 to 18 – a turbulent, heady time full of adventure and disaster.

What generation do you define as? The term 'geriatric millennial' went viral last week, after writer Erica Dhwan used it to describe the micro-generation born between 1980 and 1985. Erica believes they make particularly good employees due to their experience of life before the digital world. Rosa Silverman, a senior features writer at the Telegraph, says she is proud to self-define as one of the around 5 million UK geriatric millennials in the UK.

Covid vaccines and women, Paris Lees & Nero's women May 28, 2021

Some women and trans men are reporting unusual symptoms after having their Covid vaccinations – ranging from menstrual irregularities to bleeding post menopause. We talk to the reproductive immunologist Dr Viki Male from Imperial College in London to find out what’s behind these symptoms and also consider the issue of vaccine hesitancy amongst young women, vaccination during pregnancy and the impact of Covid and the vaccine on breast feeding mums.

Of the twelve judges on the Supreme Court – the highest court in the land – all are white and only two are women. So what needs to be done to increase diversity within the UK judicial system, and what obstacles remain in place today? Vicky Fox, the Chief Executive of the Supreme Court, and Stephanie Boyce, President of the Law Society discuss.

Paris Lees is a journalist, anti-bullying campaigner, and a Contributing Editor at British Vogue. She was the first openly trans woman to present on BBC Radio 1, and also the first to appear on Question Time. She’s written a memoir called What it Feels like for a Girl, which covers the period aged 13 to 18 – a turbulent, heady time full of adventure and disaster.

Nero was the 5th Emperor of Rome and one of its most infamous rulers, notorious for his cruelty, debauchery and eccentricity. He ruled at a time of great social and political change, overseeing momentous events such as the Great Fire of Rome and Boudica’s rebellion in Britain. He allegedly killed his mother and his two wives, only cared about his art and had very little interest in ruling the empire. The writer and classicist Natalie Haynes has been to see a new exhibition of Nero at the British Museum in London and tells us how the women in his life shaped his reign.

We asked listeners to tell us about the groups of friends they were desperate to meet up with when Covid regulations allowed. Chris from Cardiff wanted to celebrate the women she's known for more than 50 years as they planned a big night out together and our reporter Jo Morris eavesdropped on the banter and the memories.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Babes in the wood, Ecocide, Sexism in craft beer, and How to save a life May 27, 2021

Karen Hadaway was one of two little girls murdered in the Babes in the Wood case. Her mother, Michelle, tells us about giving her daughetr's clothes to Martin Bashir in 1991 to get DNA tested. She still hasn't got them back. He says he can't remember the exchange. Michelle describes her feelings in light of the Dyson investigation.

Should the mass destruction of nature, also known as ecocide, be a crime? At the moment there are four crimes covered by the International Criminal Court - genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. Now campaigners are pushing to have ecocide added to the list. We're joined by Jojo Mehta, the co-founder of Stop Ecocide International and barrister Philippe Sand.

Seven years ago “Eva Carter” saved her partner's life. She tells Emma how the experience of that night and her feelings at the time and afterwards fed into her novel How To Save A Life.

In recent days there has been a huge outpouring on social media of women sharing their experiences of sexism working in the craft beer industry. An online conference will be held next month to discuss he problem. Emma is joined by Charlotte Cook, head brewer at Coalition Brewing and Melissa Cole, beer writer and author of The Little Book of Craft Beer.

Note: This podcast has been edited from the original programme. In this programme reference was made to a journalist called Eileen Fairweather, who Michelle Hadaway says witnessed the handing over of her daughter’s clothes to Martin Bashir. Eileen worked with him for several months in 1991, researching a possible BBC documentary. Eileen Fairweather has confirmed to us that her contract ended immediately after that meeting and she never saw Bashir again. She repeatedly tried to find out from Martin Bashir and his team what happened to the clothes and has previously tried to alert the BBC to this issue. She has raised this issue in several newspaper articles and supports Michelle’s fight for the truth about what Bashir did with this evidence. Eileen Fairweather is an award-winning freelance journalist who has specialised for decades in exposing child abuse and institutional cover-ups, including the mass abuse in Islington's children's homes. Her ground breaking work has won the Catherine Pakenham Award for women journalists and two British Press Awards.

Gemma Arterton, Care Homes, The Astronomer Royal May 27, 2021

Gemma Arterton’s latest acting role is in a play called Walden. It's on in London’s West End and it's the story of estranged twin sisters: one's a botanist for Nasa and the other's a former architect for Nasa. They meet up in a remote cabin in the woods sometime in the future, when the earth’s situation is looking bleak.

We take a look at some of claims made yesterday by Dominic Cummings about care homes with Gisella Casciello Rogers whose 85 year old father died in one last year. And we also have Helen Wildbore from The Relatives and Residents Association.

Prof Catherine Heymans, astrophysicist and world-leading expert in the so-called dark universe, is now the Astronomer Royal of Scotland. She's the first woman to hold this prestigious role, but the problem is she's still not entirely convinced she should have the job. She suffers from impostor syndrome, but we know she shouldn't! She talks to Emma about challenging the status quo and dealing with aggressive criticism.

And we have Annie Macmanus (formerly known as Annie Mac, the DJ) and Esther Freud talking about their new novels which have common themes: motherhood and the risk of losing yourself.

#MeToo in the British Army, Dominic Cummings, Women & Art: How We Look, Geriatric Millennials May 26, 2021

A former senior Army officer is calling for the military to have a “#MeToo moment” and is claiming that hundreds of female troops have been raped and sexually abused by colleagues. Lt Col Diane Allen, who served for 37 years, says the Armed Forces are being run by “a toxic group of privately-educated white senior officers” We talk to Diane Allen and also hear from the Defence Minister Baroness Goldie.

Dominic Cummings, the Prime Minister’s former chief advisor, will today face questions from senior MPs over the government’s response to the pandemic. Cummings is a controversial figure in Westminster, and since leaving his position as Boris Johnson’s top aide, he has not gone quietly, making a series of damning claims against the Prime Minister and government. But would the media and political coverage have been the same had he been a woman? Caroline Nokes, the Conservative chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, joins us to discuss. Art historian Catherine McCormack has just published an impassioned book, Women in the Picture: Women Art and the Power of Looking. She argues that women's identity has long been stifled by dodgy narratives and a limited set of archetypes. For art history to remain relevant, she says, we need to look again and reconsider many of the classics displayed in art galleries.

What generation do you define as? The term 'geriatric millennial' went viral last week, after writer Erica Dhwan used it to describe the micro-generation born between 1980 and 1985. Erica believes they make particularly good employees due to their experience of life before the digital world. Rosa Silverman, a senior features writer at the Telegraph, says she is proud to self-define as one of the around 5 million UK geriatric millennials in the UK.

Holly Smale, Caroline Dinenage MP, Ursula Le Menn & Anne-Elisabeth Moutet, Proff. Asma Khalil & Dr. Mary Ross-Davie May 24, 2021

On Woman's Hour today Emma Barnett talks to the best selling author Holly Smale about being diagnosed with autism at age 39. The author of the "Geek Girl" series has said she feels relief that she now has an explanation for why she’s felt she’s never “ fitted in”.

We speak to the journalist Rosamund Urwin about her scoop on the Martin Bashir story and also to the Digital Minister Caroline Dinenage MP about what’s in the new Online Safety Bill.

In a few weeks, a French woman will stand trial for killing her husband, but she's got the support of thousands of people in France who've signed a petition and want her pardoned. Valerie Bacot was with her older husband for decades. Valerie's now 40, but she knew her husband since she was 12. From then on he molested her, beat her, raped her and used her as a prostitute. We talk to Ursula Le Menn is from Osez le feminisme! a French feminist campaigning organisation and she knows family and friends of Valerie and also to Anne-Elisabeth Moutet a journalist based in Paris.

A new UK study suggests having Coronavirus around the time of birth may increase the chance of stillbirths and premature births. Scientists say while most pregnancies are not affected their findings should encourage pregnant women to have jabs as soon as they are eligible. We hear from Professor Asma Khalil who was the co-author of the research paper and also Dr Mary Ross Davie the Director of Professional Midwifery at the Royal College of Midwives.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineers: Bob Nettles, Duncan Hannant.

Weekend Woman’s Hour: We are Lady Parts, Environment Minister Rebecca Pow, Police abuse supercomplaint, Brit rising star Griff May 22, 2021

A TV comedy series featuring funny and bold Muslim women – ‘We Are Lady Parts’ is a new six part comedy series for Channel 4. It follows the highs and lows of the female punk band Lady Parts. Anita speaks to Anjana Vasan and series writer Nida Manzoor.

The Government has announced a range of measures to protect the environment, from banning peat in garden centres to increasing the rate of tree planting and reversing the loss of species diversity. A 10p charge on single-use plastic bags came into force in England on Friday. But what difference will these policies - and others made in the run-up to COP26 - make to the crisis facing nature and the climate? Emma speaks to Environment Minister Rebecca Pow.

Listener Clementine Baig was diagnosed with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency last year, and got in touch to share her experiences with infertility. She's joined by the Podcaster Noni Martins, whose husband was diagnosed with Male Factor Infertility in 2019, to explore how an infertility diagnosis can impact families, relationships and self-image.

Since a supercomplaint was made last year about domestic abuse by police officers, dozens more women have come forward to say they are affected. The centre for women's justice is still waiting for an outcome to its complaint. But wants the way these cases are dealt with to be drastically changed. We talk to a woman who suffered abuse from her police officer husband.

The terms polyamorous and consensually non-monogamous are increasingly normalised when it comes to relationships and dating. For some people, monogamy just doesn’t work for them. We hear from three people who all describe themselves as non-monogamous.

Twenty year old Griff is the recipient of this year’s prestigious BRITs Rising Star Award, following past winners such as Celeste, Sam Smith and Adele. Griff has also been nominated for an Ivor Novello award and ended 2020 by singing the sound-track for Disney's Christmas advert. She performs a special version of her song Black Hole for Woman’s Hour.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Women on nature, Prisons Minister Alex Chalk, We Are Lady Parts, How infertility diagnoses impact relationships. May 21, 2021

New research shows that girls face unique and escalating risks as they turn 18. The transition from girlhood to adulthood could be an opportunity to get things right, but with little to no specialist support for young women as a group, it becomes a missed opportunity to prevent young women’s needs becoming more complex and entrenched. Anita is joined by Prisons and Probation Minister, Alex Chalk, Jessica Southgate, CEO of Agenda and by 21 year old, Dani, who, despite a chaotic childhood and being left with no support from 16, turned her life around.

A new anthology has just been published called Women on Nature. It includes women from the 14th century to the present day, fiction writers, poets, biographers, gardeners, farmers, theologians, artists and many more. Anita talks to the editor, writer Katharine Norbury, about her selection and why she thinks her anthology provides a fresh vision of the natural world and an alternative to conventional nature writing.

A TV comedy series featuring funny and bold Muslim women – a rarity you might say on our screens. Well ‘We Are Lady Parts’ is that rarity: a new six part comedy series for Channel 4 which began last night. It follows the highs and lows of the female punk band Lady Parts. We speak to Anjana Vasan and series writer Nida Manzoor.

On Woman's Hour, we are always keen to hear your stories. One listener, Clementine Baig was diagnosed with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency last year, and got in touch to share her experiences with infertility. She's joined by the Podcaster Noni Martins, whose husband was diagnosed with Male Factor Infertility in 2019, to explore how an infertility diagnosis can impact families, relationships and self-image.

Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Frankie Tobi

Women and sheds, Environment Minister Rebecca Pow, Rape threat insults, Declining birth rate in China May 20, 2021

Since the beginning of the pandemic, shed sellers have seen a surge in demand - especially those that can be used as home offices. And existing summerhouses and garages have been commandeered, particularly by women, as a growing number expect to be working from home. Instagram is awash with images of so-called "She Sheds". Emma discusses the attraction with Joanne Harris who writes from her shed and Gill Heriz, author of A Woman's Shed.

What does it say about society when protestors threaten to rape their enemies’ mothers and daughters? This is what happened in North London at the weekend when protestors waving Palestinian flags passed through a Jewish community in Finchley. Four men have now been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offences. We look at the wider issue of how rape is threatened as a common insult, used for revenge in gangs and in the wider context of war. Emma talks to the writer and feminist activist Julie Bindel and to the historian Sir Antony Beevor.

This week the government has announced a range of measures to protect the environment, from banning peat in garden centres to increasing the rate of tree planting and reversing the loss of species diversity. A 10p charge on single-use plastic bags will also come into force on Friday. But what difference will these policies - and others made in the run-up to COP26 - make to the crisis facing nature and the climate? Emma Barnett speaks to Environment Minister Rebecca Pow.

Five years after China scrapped its one-child policy in favour of allowing families to have two children, the country's population growth has slumped to the lowest levels seen since the early 1960s. What's behind China's falling birth rate? We hear from Dr Ye Liu, a senior lecturer in international development at Kings College London.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley

Image by Nicolette Hallett © CICO Books, taken from A Woman's Shed by Gill Heriz

Police abuse supercomplaint, Alice in Wonderland Exhibition and Consensual non-monogamy May 19, 2021

Since the first publication of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in 1865, the books have never been out of print and remain one of the most influential texts in the world. The Victoria and Albert Museum are opening their show Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser this Saturday, which explores why Alice is the ultimate female icon for our times, and how she continues to be such an enduring inspiration. The curator, Kate Bailey and artist and designer Kristjana Williams join Emma to discuss her appeal.

In the past, open-relationships might have conjured up the vision of keys in a bowl at the end of the night. But today, the terms polyamorous and consensually non-monogamous are increasingly normalised when it comes to relationships and dating. They describe people who are involved in, or are looking for relationships with more than one partner, with the understanding that one person cannot always be expected to meet all of your needs. And for some people, monogamy just doesn’t work for them. We hear from three people who all describe themselves as non-monogamous, about whether as a society we are accepting of open-relationships.

Since a supercomplaint was made last year about domestic abuse by police officers, dozens more women have come forward to say they are affected. The centre for women's justice is still waiting for an outcome to its complaint. But wants the way these cases are dealt with to be drastically changed. We talk to a woman who suffered abuse from her police officer husband. And to Nogah Ofer, the solicitor, woman who is leading the complaint.

Women spies; Kelly Gough; Lisa Keogh; Second chances; Home abortion rules May 18, 2021

Despite a long and courageous history of female spies, the UK's secret intelligence agencies - MI5, MI6 and GCHQ - are still overwhelmingly dominated by men. The head of GCHQ, Jeremy Fleming, has committed his agency to up its efforts to 'attract talented women' as part of a wider focus on increasing diversity and inclusion. But will more women in the intelligence services make us safer? Not necessarily, says Sally Walker, who was until recently one of the most senior women at GCHQ and the creator of the UK's National Cyber Force. She talks to Emma about her take on diversifying the world of spies, and what's really needed to keep us safe from the constant, often invisible threats to the UK's national security.

This week we're allowed to do more and more, as lockdown eases further. Hug with caution, have a meal inside a restaurant, a drink inside a pub and go to the theatre. One theatre that pulled up the curtain last night is the Bush Theatre in London with a play called Harm. It's a monologue, and the actress who carries it is Kelly Gough. She joins Emma to explain how it felt after such a long imposed break from treading the boards.

A 29 year old Scottish law student says she’s being investigated by her University because of comments she’s made about men and women. In her University lectures - done online - she's said women are weaker than men, and women are women because they have reproductive organs. Lisa Keogh is in her final few days at Abertay University in Dundee where she's been studying law for four years. She speaks to Emma.

The number of children in care in England is at its highest since 1985 and it's rising. A mother's addiction to drugs and alcohol is often one of the issues and domestic violence is a factor in many cases. The reporter and DJ Milly Chowles became a mum at 40 last year, she’s in recovery from addiction and feels she was given lots of chances to change. Her fear is that women now aren’t getting those opportunities and the impact on them, their children and society is devastating. Today, the story of a woman who has come full circle - there are references to suicide.

Back in March 2020, during the first lockdown, abortion regulations were relaxed in England, Scotland and Wales to allow telemedical early medical abortion care, before ten weeks’ gestation. This has meant that women have been able to continue to access abortion care during the pandemic by having medication posted to them following a telephone consultation with a qualified nurse or midwife. And more than 100,000 women have done so. Before this women had to go to a clinic for a face-to-face consultation before an early abortion. Charities and medical bodies working across sexual and reproductive health have now signed an open letter to Health Secretary Matt Hancock, calling for these temporary measures to be made permanent in England. Lesley Regan, Past President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and signatory to the letter, joins Emma to discuss.

Griff, Typo-Squatting, Ece Temelkuran, Windrush Compensation Scheme, Public loos May 17, 2021

Replacing traditional male only or female only toilets with gender neutral facilities has increased in recent years. Theatres were some of the first venues to hit the headlines. Many businesses and companies followed suit, partly as a way of making toilets easier to use for people identifying a gender different to the one assigned at birth, but also in an attempt to reduce the long queues outside women’s loos. But now Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick is to rewrite planning regulations forcing public buildings to have separate male and female toilets. Is this change a step forward or back? Emma discusses the issues with Sarah Ditum, critic and columnist and the author Caroline Criado Perez.

Described as “A fierce and distinctive talent” 20 year old Griff was recently announced as the recipient of the prestigious BRITs Rising Star Award, following past winners such as Celeste, Sam Smith and Adele. Griff has also been nominated for an Ivor Novello award and ended 2020 by singing the sound-track for Disney's Christmas advert. She performs a special version of her song Black Hole for Woman’s Hour. She tells Emma about her 'bedroom pop', new mixtape One Foot in Front of the Other, and how she literally learned to walk a tight rope.

The Windrush scandal first came to light in April 2018. Despite living and working in the UK for decades, many were told they were there illegally because of a lack of official paperwork. A year later the Windrush Compensation Scheme was launched. Last week it announced that it has now paid out more than £14 million in compensation and has offered a further £12 million. Jacqueline McKenzie is a lawyer representing 200 victims. She says the big scandal is that so few people who are eligible for compensation are actually coming forward.

Ece Temelkuran is an award-winning Turkish novelist and political commentator. Her last book, How to Lose a Country: the 7 steps from Democracy to Dictatorship, describes the rise of populism and authoritarianism in Turkey and other countries with a refrain to western countries not to be complacent about their own democracies. Now she has a new book out, Together: 10 Choices for a Better Now. Ece joins Emma to talk about why she thinks our current systems are in crisis but why she still has faith that humans are capable of reinventing themselves & the world around them.

“Typo-squatting” is when a website address is deliberately misspelled, in order to mimic another URL. It’s often used in cyber-fraud and for counterfeit goods. Kim McCabe, who runs a not for profit website offering safety advice to young girls, got in touch. She’s found multiple websites with almost identical domain names to hers, all containing pornography. The government’s upcoming Online Safety Bill is set to introduce new legislation to tackle harmful content online, but there is currently nothing to stop harmful typo-squatting. Why is it easier to stop a website selling fake designer bags, than deliberately leading children to pornographic material? Emma talks to Kim and hears more on the issues from Dr Victoria Baines, a cybercrime and online safety researcher.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Mona Eltahawy; Scarlett Moffatt; Female astronauts May 15, 2021

Egyptian-American writer and activist Mona Eltahawy believes women should start actively defying and disrupting the patriarchy now - with force if necessary. Mona explains why she wrote her new book ‘The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls’ with enough 'rage to fuel a rocket.'

Tech entrepreneur, Tabitha Goldstaub who chairs the UK's AI Council and Carly Kind, director of the Ada Lovelace Institute, discuss concerns that because Artificial Intelligence algorithms are created from the data we give it, biases in society will be replicated and even amplified by it in the future.

TV presenter Jan Leeming and dating expert Charly Lester share tips and advice on how to go about dating in your late 60’s.

Scarlett Moffatt, famous for Gogglebox and winning I'm A Celebrity, has just become an ambassador for the Samaritans. She talks about how reality television has affected her mental health, and exchanges experiences with Montana Brown who appeared on Love Island.

The last time the European Space Agency recruited for their Class of 2009, only 16% of applications came from women. One of the women chosen, Samantha Cristoforetti, talks about the ESA's latest recruitment drive and what skills are needed to make it in space.

Iranian artist Mentrix talks about her new single and video '99 Names of God', a well-known Muslim chant, traditionally sung by men during Ramadan. Mentrix explains the ideas behind the accompanying video which has generated a lot of criticism, with some people describing it as offensive, disrespectful and sinful.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Paula McFarlane Editor: Kirsty Starkey

Mentrix; Tech safety in domestic abuse; Sam Roddick; Dating over 60 May 14, 2021

Last year the avant-garde Iranian artist Mentrix released the critically acclaimed album My Enemy, My Love. The tracks Walk and Nature had accompanying cinematic videos, that explored themes of womanhood, solidarity and spirituality, against the backdrop of the horizons of the Iranian desert. Mentrix has now released the single and video 99 Names of God - a well-known Muslim chant, traditionally sung by men during Ramadan, giving it a poetic and feminine context and challenging traditions that forbid women to unveil, dance and sing. The accompanying video is visually striking, but has generated a lot of criticism, with some people describing it as offensive, disrespectful and sinful. Mentrix joins Anita to explain the ideas behind it.

This week the domestic abuse charity, Refuge launched a Tech Safety site to help women recognise signs of tech abuse. They say smartphones, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices provide abusers with a means to monitor, contact and stalk vulnerable women and girls, meaning even innocuous devices including games consoles and children’s connected toys can be control and isolate victims. Ruth Davison, CEO of Refuge explains how. Aisha Gill, Professor of Criminology at Roehampton University, expert on violence against women & children in Black and minoritised communities joins her.

A listener emailed us, wanting to know how she should go about dating in her late 60’s. So we discuss advice and tips for entering the dating world in older age, and post-lockdown, with dating expert Charly Lester and TV presenter Jan Leeming.

Sam Roddick’s mother Anita founded the Body Shop chain in the 1970's, and her father Gordon joined what soon became a multi-million pound business. But the Roddicks famously gave away most of the money they made to causes they believed in, and they raised awareness too - in particular in the 1990’s highlighting the indigenous peoples of Brazil, whose land and way of life was under threat and who were fighting back. Anita Roddick died in 2007, and three years ago, having had her own successful career in business, Sam decided to take on her parents' legacy. She is now reviving their work with indigenous peoples, and in a new project called Choose Earth is focusing funds on female community leaders in the Amazon and elsewhere in Brazil.

Scarlett Moffatt, Patricia Devlin, Gender and AI May 13, 2021

There's to be an inquiry into the Covid pandemic. It will start in Spring next year. We speak to one of the women who's been pushing for it, but still thinking it's starting too late. Her name is Jean Adamson from the Covid-19 Bereaved families For Justice.

Scarlett Moffatt, famous for Gogglebox and winning I'm A Celebrity ... has just become an ambassador for The Samaritans. She talks to Woman's Hour about how reality television has affected her mental health, and exchanges experiences with Montana Brown who appeared on Love Island. One of the things they talk about is whether reality TV does enough to support young women who choose to go on these shows.

Patricia Devlin is a crime journalist in Northern Ireland. She specialises in investigating paramilitary criminal activity. Because of her work, Patricia has suffered continuous threats to her life but now her baby son has been targeted for the second time. She tells us how she's coping and how she wants the PSNI to take these threats more seriously.

Artificial intelligence is everywhere. AI is playing a part in how we all work, live and play. But there are worries that because AI algorithms are created from the data we give it, biases in society will be replicated and even amplified by it in the future. Both the The European Union and the UK government are working on strategies to address this. Emma talks to the tech entrepreneur Tabitha Goldstaub who Chairs the UK's AI Council and to Carly Kind the Director of the Ada Lovelace Institute.

Female Astronauts, Second Chances, Jackie Weaver, Celebs and the male gaze May 12, 2021

A total of 65 women have been into space - compared with 501 men. The last time the European Space Agency recruited for their Class of 2009, only 16% of applications came from women. That process led to Just one - Samantha Cristoforetti of Italy - being chosen. In a break from training for a 2022 mission to the International Space Station, Samantha joins Emma to discuss why so few women apply to be astronauts, the skills needed to make it in space, and how women can put themselves forward for ESA's latest recruitment drive.

Jackie Weaver of local council zoom meeting fame talks about her night at the BRITS.

Our series Second Chances continues. This time we hear how a mother's addiction and domestic violence are often factors in a child's removal. The reporter and DJ Milly Chowles became a mum last year, she’s in long term recovery from addiction and had lots of chances to change. Having a baby after getting into recovery made her realise that other mothers aren't getting the help they need or that they just aren't able to take it when it's offered. And after Taylor Swift talked about the challenges of being a woman in the public eye at the BRITS last night, we ask if women really can be anything they want? Can they change their image and wear and do what they want? We talk to Emily Clarkson and Dr. Jacki Willson.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineers: Nigel Dix & Donald MacDonald.

Mona Eltahawy on embracing female anger; Maternal ambivalence; Women in the Senedd May 11, 2021

'We need to dismantle the patriarchy' is a familiar feminist rallying cry. But Egyptian-American writer and activist Mona Eltahawy believes we should stop just saying it, and start actively defying and disrupting the patriarchy now - with force if necessary. Mona's latest book is The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls. She joins Emma to explain why she wrote it with enough 'rage to fuel a rocket.'

In a recent article, writer and travel editor at the Independent, Cathy Adams said she wished the phrase 'I sometimes resent my baby' went down better at the pub. She describes imagining an alternate life without her son at the centre, and how thirteen months after her son's birth she's still struggling to articulate her feelings because of the lack of language surrounding maternal ambivalence. Cathy joins Emma - along with Amy Brown, a Professor of Child Public Health - to discuss these conflicting emotions and why we find it so hard to openly talk about the challenges of being a parent.

In Thursday’s Elections in Wales Natasha Asghar made history by becoming the first woman from a Black or Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) background to be elected to the Welsh Senedd. She’ll represent South Wales East for the Tories – a seat held by her dad until his death last year. However the overall number of women elected was down on the last Election. Emma talks to Natasha about what the victory means to her and how she feels about following in her father’s footsteps. Plus Jess Blair from the Electoral Reform Society Wales tells us why more needs to be done to make sure that we see more women coming through.

Singer-songwriter Dodie, TikTok and domestic workers in the Middle East May 10, 2021

How domestic workers in the Middle East are using the video sharing app TikTok to raise awareness of abuse. Louise Donovan from the Fuller Project tells us how she found these women and why they are turning to TikTok.

Dodie has just released her debut album Build A Problem. At just 26 she has already made a name for herself as a singer and a writer amassing millions of fans through her Youtube Channel with her intimate singing style and honest unflinching videos. She joins Emma to play a song from her new album.

Yolk & Aliens is a film project created and developed by four women including actor, Jane Horrocks and her daughter, musician, Molly Vivian. Set within what they call a 'personal memory shop' in central Brighton’s Dukes Lane, as part of this year’s Brighton Festival, it is a highly personal insight into families, love and memories. Several years in the making, the films explore multi-generational relationships between mother and daughter, Jane and Molly and between Jane and her mother, Barbara.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Tracey Emin; Susan Rogers, Prince's sound engineer; Panic attacks May 08, 2021

Tracey Emin was one of the leading figures of the Young British Artists movement of the 1990s. She has recently undergone radical surgery to treat bladder cancer. For her latest exhibition - The Loneliness of the Soul – she has selected masterpieces by Edvard Munch to show alongside her most recent paintings.

Mental health blogger and author of ‘F**K I Think I'm Dying: How I learned to live with panic’, Claire Eastham explains how she manages her panic attacks. She is joined by psychotherapist Dawn Estefan to discuss why we have panic attacks, how they feel and how best to cope with them.

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or if you're completely new to cycling, there's no doubt it's intimidating on the roads. Cycling expert, Aneela McKenna shares tips for how women can feel more confident while riding their bikes on the road.

Rosie Ayliffe’s daughter, Mia Ayliffe Chung was killed in 2016 at a remote farmworkers’ hostel while backpacking in Australia. Since Mia's death Rosie has been campaigning to improve conditions for young casual workers, helping to change the law in three of the six states of Australia.

What's behind the decline in male fertility? The global population currently stands at 7.9 billion, and is projected to peak at 9.7 billion in just over 40 years' time. Those huge numbers are often blamed on women having too many children. In reality, fertility has been in long-term decline for decades. Dr Shanna Swan, Professor of Environmental Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York thinks we should be paying much more attention to the chemicals in our environment that come from everyday products as her research is showing consistent effects on sperm counts, sperm quality and overall male fertility.

Susan Rogers talks about what it was like working with Prince as his sound engineer on albums including ‘Purple Rain, ‘Around the World in a Day and ‘Sign o’ the Times’. After two decades in the music industry she left and went on to earn a doctorate in psychology. She’s now a professor of music at Berkeley College in Boston, and is being awarded the Music Producers Guild’s ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’– the first woman to ever win the award.

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or if you're completely new to cycling, there's no doubt it's intimidating on the roads. Cycling expert Aneela McKenna shares tips for how women can feel more confident when riding their bikes.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Paula McFarlane Editor: Sarah Crawley

Covid in India; Susan Rogers, Prince's sound engineer; panic attacks; the novel Careless May 07, 2021

India remains in the grip of a Covid crisis with record numbers of cases being reported every day. Oxygen and vaccines are running out and hospitals are overwhelmed. Save The Children has warned it could be facing thousands of additional deaths among children under five and an increase in maternal deaths, as hospitals and clinics are directing most of its staff and medicines to coping with Covid-19 patients. We hear from Dr Rajesh Khanna about the work he is doing to help women and children access vital healthcare. And here in the UK thousands of people continue to worry about the safety and well-being of their loved ones in India. Surya Elango a community reporter at BBC Radio Sheffield joins Anita to share those broader concerns and also the story of her own mother who has been in India since December looking after her elderly parent.

Susan Rogers tells us what it was like working with the 80s pop artist Prince as his sound engineer on albums including ‘Purple Rain, ‘Around the World in a Day and ‘Sign o’ the Times’. After two decades in the music industry Susan Rogers left and went on to earn a doctorate in psychology. She’s now a professor of music at Berklee College in Boston, and is being awarded the Music Producers Guild’s ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’– the first woman to ever win the award.

‘Careless’ is the debut novel by Kirsty Capes and tells the story of Bess a girl in foster care and looks at the treatment of girls in the care system. Kirsty Capes was herself a care leaver and tells us about her PHD which examines the representation of care experienced children in contemporary fiction. She explains why she would like to see better portrayal in the media of people growing up in care and what it was like working under the supervision of Booker prize winning author Bernadine Evaristo. And the mental health blogger and author of ‘We're All Mad Here’, Claire Eastham has now written a new book, ‘F**K I Think I'm Dying: How I learned to live with panic’. She explains how she manages her own panic attacks which she’s had for nearly a decade. She joins Anita with psychotherapist Dawn Estefan to discuss panic attacks, why we have them, how they feel and how best to cope with them.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Anya Hindmarch, Women on Boards, Rosie Aycliffe, Ruthie Henshall on Care Homes May 06, 2021

In 2016 Mia Ayliffe Chung was killed at a remote farmworkers’ hostel while backpacking in Australia. What she didn’t realise at the time and what her mum Rosie Ayliffe later discovered was backpackers like Mia were exposed to widespread exploitation including sexual harassment, inadequate health and safety and substandard living conditions. Since Mia's death Rosie has been campaigning to improve conditions for young casual workers, helping to change the law in three of the six states of Australia. She has written a book about Mia called Far From Home.

Anya Hindmarch is an entrepreneur, a global business woman, mother of five and a stepmother. Now she's turned 50 she's turned her hand to writing - putting together A Manual for Life with the very tongue in cheek title "If In Doubt Wash Your Hair".

In the UK now more than a third (34.3%) of FTSE 350 board positions are now held by women. But what do boards do? And how can you get on one? To discuss these questions Emma is joined by Dambisa Moyo, renowned economist, named as one of Time Magazine's Top 100 Most Influential People in the World and author of a new book How Boards Work; and Fiona Hathorn, CEO of Women on Boards UK.

As of Tuesday this week residents leaving their care home to go for a walk or to visit a loved one’s garden no longer have to isolate for two weeks on their return. But actor Ruthie Henshall is concerned about the potential ‘grey area’ around this relaxation of the rules which could continue to limit some families’ access. Ruthie, along with the group Rights for Residents, has delivered a petition with 300,000 signatures to the House of Commons. She explains her concerns and what she would like the government to do.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley

Tracey Emin; Women and Nightclubs; Young Children and Mental Health May 05, 2021

Tracey Emin was one of the leading figures of the Young British Artists movement of the 1990s. Hers is a uniquely provocative, confessional style which confronts issues such as trauma of abortion, rape, alcoholism and sexual history. Her famous artworks include: Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 1963–1995 and she came to greater prominence in 1999 with a Turner Prize nomination for her famous piece My Bed. One of her most powerful works is a hand-crafted quilt called Psycho Slut, with texts that recall her childhood abuse and personal trauma. She has recently undergone radical surgery for bladder cancer. Tracey joins Emma to discuss her latest exhibition - The Loneliness of the Soul – for which she has selected masterpieces by Edvard Munch to show alongside her most recent paintings.

Last weekend the first nightclub event in the UK for over a year took place in Liverpool - with no social distancing or face coverings required. This was part of a trial to provide key scientific data on how clubbing events could safely reopen as part of the government's roadmap, which aims for all restrictions lifted by June 21. But could this be a fresh start and a chance to re-imagine how nightlife could be reopened in a way that makes women feel safer? Although clubs can be places where women have a lot of fun and let their hair down, we also know they can be intimidating spaces. Bryony Beynon is the Managing Director of the Good Night Out Campaign, Alice Fuller is the manager and co-ordinator of Corsica studios at Elephant and Castle in London and Jess Flaherty is a reporter for the Liverpool Echo who actually went clubbing last weekend.

How can you better communicate with your child, whatever their age, to help ensure they have good future mental health? The broadcaster and author of 'There’s no such thing as Naughty’ Kate Silverton, and Dr Sheila Redfern from the Anna Freud Centre discuss.

Male fertility; Gordon Brown on global vaccination; Celebrating Ailsa Burkimsher Sadler and Caroline Norton. May 04, 2021

Fertility rates around the world are declining. It's partly through choice, as couples decide to have smaller families. But it's also the case that sperm levels among men in Western countries have halved in the past 40 years. . So what's going on? Shanna Swan, a Professor of Environmental Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York thinks we should be paying much more attention to the chemicals in our environment that come from everyday products - as her research is showing consistent effects on sperm counts, sperm quality and overall male fertility. She joins Emma to talk the chemicals we should be aware of, the effect they're having, and what we can do about it. World leaders have been warned that unless they act with extreme urgency, the pandemic will overwhelm health services in many nations in South America, Asia, and Africa over the next few weeks. It's argued that failure to achieve so-called global 'vaccine equity' will hit women hardest, because they dominate the informal sectors that have been worst affected by the pandemic and it's women who do most of the increased unpaid care in the home that Covid brings. There are also real concerns that if girls globally continue to miss out on education, gender equality goals could be set back years. Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown is leading a campaign to persuade the world's richest nations to commit to funding global Covid vaccination, testing and treatments. He joins Emma.

From today, mothers' names and occupations will finally be featured alongside fathers' details on marriage certificates in England and Wales, thanks to years of campaigning both inside and outside of parliament. But let's not forget the woman who made it happen. Ailsa Burkimsher Sadler started the campaign for change back in 2013.

Caroline Norton was a woman at the centre of one of the most highly publicised court cases in 19th century Britain. Her determination to fight for custody of her children and the rights to her own income and property had far-reaching ramifications, with the first ever pieces of feminist legislation arising as a direct result of her campaigning, the Infant Custody Act of 1839. She has been celebrated with a heritage blue plaque being placed on her London home. Lady Antonia Fraser unveiled the plaque, and has written a biography of Caroline Norton called ‘The Case of the Married Woman.’

Breaking barriers to cycling for women May 03, 2021

Have you always wanted to get on a bike, but something is holding you back? This is the programme for you, presented by Melanie Abbott. If you're completely new to cycling, there's no doubt it's intimidating on the roads. It's definitely worth sharpening up your road sense and many local councils now offer bike training courses. In East London, Bikeworks run cycling for wellbeing sessions for women returning to their bikes, after a long break. Melanie goes out with a group who've been cycling together now for a few weeks.

Cycling is still, predominantly a male, middle class sport. Getting more women involved isn't easy, especially for women of colour. British Cycling, which covers everything from elite sport to grass roots, has set up its first ever diversity programme. and will be publishing its strategy in the coming months. Aneela McKenna is co chair of their diversity and inclusion advisory group. She joins Melanie along with Iffat Tejani, founder of Evolve, a cycling club for Muslim women and Victoria Hazael from the charity Cycling UK, who is a trustee of the Women of Colour in Cycling Collective.

Many disabled women find accessing sport particularly difficult and cycling can seem completely off limits and/or too expensive. But there are inclusive cycle groups all over the country offering weekly sessions on a huge range of adapted bikes. Others arrange rentals and ‘try before you buy’. Our Disability Affairs reporter Carolyn Atkinson goes to Herne Hill Velodrome in South London where a charity called Wheels for Wellbeing runs sessions for disabled cyclists.

Tracy Moseley has won countless mountain biking trophies, including the World Cup downhill in 2006. She officially retired six years ago, and had her little boy Toby three years ago. Like many keen cyclists who have children, life has changed a lot since then. Melanie gets her tips on teaching children to ride, and her views on racing with e-bikes.

Even if you are not entering races you may still be keen to "Strava your ride". It's one of the apps you can use to record your speeds and compare them with others. It's traditionally used by men, competing for the 'king of the mountain' crown, to be the fastest up a hill. But last year the company says there was a surge in the number of women using it and it seems they are just as keen to get a queen of the mountain accolade. Cyclist Sally Owens agreed to record her ride for us, up a tough hill near her home in Nottingham.

Weekend Woman’s Hour: Dawn French; Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe’s sentence; Women’s Football May 01, 2021

Today if you are a woman you are likely to live into your eighties. But what to do with those extra couple of decades? Dawn French is best known for her comedy and acting and is now an author long listed for the Women’s Prize. She talks about reinvention and still being relevant at any age.

Kate Wilson talks about her court case against the Metropolitan Police and the National Police Chiefs Council. She's taking the legal action because she fell in love with a man who wasn't who he said he was. He was an undercover policeman whose job was to infiltrate environmental protest groups.

Women's Football is seeing a huge growth in interest and exposure but there's some concern that the commentary of women's matches is too soft on mistakes and ends up sounding patronising. Ben Bloom, Telegraph sports columnist and commentator and Jacqui Oatley commentator and founding member of Women in Football discuss whether commentary should become more critical as the success of the game develops.

Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe has been sentenced to another year in an Iranian prison and has been banned from travelling abroad. Her husband, Richard Ratcliffe talks about how Nazanin felt after hearing about the sentence and what it means for their family.

Betty Webb MBE is 98 years old. During WW2 she worked at Bletchely Park and briefly at the Pentagon. She talks about promoting and remembering her war time experiences.

How does the order in which we are born into our families affect us and our whole lives? The writer Lynn Berger discusses why people choose to have a second child and what does it mean to be one.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Paula McFarlane Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

Morris Dancing, Jacqui Oatley & Ben Bloom, Maya Foa & Andrew Mitchell MP, Bletchley veteran Betty Webb Apr 30, 2021

Anita Rani talks to Boss Morris the all-female Morris dancing team based in Gloucester who'll be marking May Day by leading a livestreamed dance. We hear from Bletchley Park veteran Betty Webb and discuss the issue of female football commentary and whether it needs to should become more critical as the success of the game develops. Around 15 British families remain detained in North East Syria. A new report released today by the NGO Reprieve suggests that the majority of British women there are victims of trafficking, based on evidence that these women were all subjected to sexual and other forms of exploitation, and were either transported to Syria as children; coerced into travelling to Syria; or kept and moved within Syria against their will. Andrew Mitchell MP and Maya Foa from Reprieve discuss the report.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineers: John Boland and Bob Nettles.

Arlene Foster, Kate Wilson, Kelly Critcher Apr 29, 2021

Arlene Foster, First Minister of Northern Ireland and leader of the DUP, has stood down. She was the first woman and the youngest person to hold both jobs. In her resignation announcement she said that her election as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party broke a glass ceiling, and she also spoke about the trolling she's received. We discuss what her legacy will be.

Kate Wilson has been giving evidence at The Royal Courts of Justice because she's suing The Metropolitan Police and the National Police Chiefs Council. She's taking legal action because she fell in love with a man who wasn't who he said he was. He was an undercover policeman who called himself Mark Stone. He was really Mark Kennedy whose job was to infiltrate environmental protest groups. Kate will have to wait until later in the year to get a result but she explains why she's taken the action.

We talk to Kelly Critcher, who's a palliative care nurse. She works at the first hospital in the UK to declare a critical incident of Covid 19. She's written a book called A Matter of Life and Death: courage, compassion and the fight against the corona virus on the front-line.

And do you share the bath water? TV property developer, Sarah Beeny, does. She gets in the bath after her husband and four sons. Sarah tells us why.

Dawn French, Claire Findlay, Second Chances, Caroline Slocock Apr 28, 2021

Emma Barnett talks to Dawn French about her fourth novel "Because of You" which has been longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction and we'll find out later today if it's made the shortlist. She'll also be talking about the post-menopausal years when women often say they feel invisible, afraid of change, unemployable or just plain 'past it'. If you're an Archers listener you'll be familiar with Alice's story of having a baby as an alcoholic and the stigma and struggle she faces. Our reporter Milly Chowles had a baby last year. She’s in long -term recovery from addiction and feels she was given lots of chances to change. Her fear is that women now aren’t getting those opportunities and the impact on them, their children and society is devastating. In 2011 there were 65,520 children in care in England and at the end of March 2020 that figure was more than 80,000. Addiction is often a factor. Today, we hear a Dad's story. It's nearly 30 years since the start of the Bosnia-Hercevgovina war, a conflict that saw the worst atrocities in Europe since World War II. About 100,000 were killed and over 2 million were displaced between 1992 and 1995.Watching the coverage on the news, thousands of miles away in Fochabars in North East Scotland was Clare Findlay and her husband Andrew who ended up taking in 21 Bosnian children and four mothers into their home. Her story features in a new series ‘Saved by A Stranger which tells the story of people caught up in some of the biggest events in history. And Caroline Slocock the Director of Civil Exchange and the first woman Private Secretary at No 10 serving Margaret Thatcher talks about the current "curtaingate" row at Westminster.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineer: Donald MacDonald.

Nazanin's sentence and women's rights in Iran, The Barbizon Hotel, Orgasms Apr 27, 2021

We now know that Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe has been sentenced to another year in an Iranian prison, plus she's banned from travelling abroad. This time she's charged with spreading propaganda. Her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, has not seen his wife since her initial imprisonment in 2016 and is living in London with their six year old daughter Gabriella. He maintains that his wife was imprisoned as leverage for a debt owed by the UK over its failure to deliver tanks to Iran in the seventies that had been paid for. Meanwhile, it's been announced that Iran will sit on a UN committee on women's rights, yet it has a poor track record when it comes to rights for women. Rana Rahimpour is from the BBC's Persian Service.

Built in 1927 The Barbizon hotel was home for the ‘modern woman’ seeking a career in the arts. It offered young women a safe and respectable place to stay while they launched their careers and looked for a husband. Students from the Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School lived on two floors of the Barbizon while they learned typing and shorthand. Powers’ models and guest editors for Mademoiselle magazine also stayed there. Many went on to writing careers, including Joan Didion, Sylvia Plath, Gael Greene, and Meg Wolitzer. In her novel “The Bell Jar,” Plath fictionalized the Barbizon as the Amazon, including details from her fateful last night at the hotel, when she threw every article of clothing she had brought to the city. Its 688 tiny pink feminine boudoirs also housed actresses including Grace Kelly and Liza Minelli and Phylicia Rashad. Some residents became known as “the women” – those who checked in and never checked out. Emma talks to Paulina Bren, writer and historian and Professor at Vassar College in New York, and author of The Barbizon- The New York Hotel That Set Women Free.

It’s reported that during sex only 20% of women orgasm from penetration alone. Results from a nationally representative study of 4,000 adult women in the United States, and published in the science journal Plos One, identified Angling, Rocking, Shallowing and Pairing – four previously unnamed techniques women use to make vaginal penetration more pleasurable. To discuss these terms and other ways women can achieve orgasm, Emma is joined by Dr. Devon Hensel Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Indiana, and Tracey Cox, sex and relationships expert and author.

Breast cancer and cognitive behavioural therapy, The history of make-up, Second children Apr 26, 2021

New research out today from the charity Breast Cancer Now, indicates that training breast care nurses to deliver Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - or CBT - can be effective in alleviating the distressing menopausal symptoms that some women experience as a result of breast cancer treatment. Emma discusses with Delyth Morgan, Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Now and Natalie, who had breast cancer aged 37, and suffered frequent and debilitating hot flushes and night sweats while undergoing chemotherapy.

A new three-part BBC Two documentary series ‘Makeup: A Glamorous History’ explores changing British beauty trends, from the Georgian era, Victorian era through to the Roaring 20s where the look of the flappers reflected the new freedoms of the era.

The presenter of the series is make up artist Lisa Eldridge.

Why do people choose to have a second child and what does it mean to be one? Writer Lynn Berger in her book Second Thoughts: On Having and Being a Second Child, explores the many beliefs and assumptions surrounding position in the family and particularly second children.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour: Julia Gillard on girls' education; Pauline Black of The Selecter; Dogs in Lockdown Apr 24, 2021

We hear from former Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard who is working to help children from developing countries get a quality education. Josephine Kamara and Selina Nkoile are Youth Leaders for Global Partnership for Education and are campaigning to keep girls in education.

Pauline Black, lead singer of ska band The Selecter talks about her upbringing and the 2 Tone anti-racism message of the late 70s.

Professor Basky Thilaganathan from St George’s Hospital talks about the rarely seen and often complex work being carried out inside the womb to save the lives of unborn babies. We also hear from Susie who developed Twin to Twin transfusion syndrome while pregnant with triplets.

Christine Grosart is a key volunteer for the group Ghost Fishing UK. She is also an expert diver and environmental champion. She talks about the beauty of the seas and the damage humans have caused.

Plus broadcaster Emily Dean on the trend for ‘pandemic puppies’ and the unique relationship that women have with their dogs.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Paula McFarlane Editor: Beverley Purcell

Daphne Oram - one of electronic music's female pioneers Apr 23, 2021

In 'Come Fly the World', journalist Julia Cooke explores the history and legacy of Pan Am, one of the world’s most iconic airlines. Julia focuses on the adventurous lives and careers of the international jet-age stewardesses of Pan Am – a job which no longer exists - who were expected to fit a specific physical profile, speak multiple languages and demonstrate diplomacy. As the women worked to maintain the glamourous image of Pan Am, they interacted with international politicians and helped to transport American soldiers to and from war zones, during the Vietnam War. The stewardesses witnessed global history and world events, playing a crucial role in major wartime missions including the evacuation of children during the fall of Saigon.

Throughout the pandemic, pregnant women have been asked to make their own judgements on the risk of vaccination versus the risks of COVID-19. With very little real-world data available, that decision has been no easy task however two new large scale studies may now help prospective parents feel more confident in balancing the costs and benefits. One study of over 35,000 pregnant women given the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines showed no evidence of them being unsafe. The second study looked at what happens to pregnant women if they do catch COVID-19. Aris Papageorghiou, a Professor of Fetal Medicine at the Oxford Maternal and Perinatal Health Institute, talks to Anita about the results of this global study. He also explains why we should consider allowing pregnant women to be vaccinated sooner, rather than making them wait for their age-related invite to arrive in the post.

Hair removal is a rite of passage for a lot of women and apparently some influencers are encouraging shaving your face! Apparently facial hair removal is nothing new - Queen Elizabeth I started the trend by shaving her facial hair, and women even shaved their eyebrows off. So how popular is it with women today? Beauty therapist and make up artist Naveeda discusses.

A new film called 'Sisters With Transistors' about the unsung female pioneers of electronic music, is released today. Featuring women like Clara Rockmore, Suzanne Ciani and Delia Derbyshire, of Dr Who theme fame, the film is narrated by Laurie Anderson and celebrates the achievements of women whose male counterparts took centre stage in historical narratives around ground-breaking electronic composition. The director Lisa Rovner joins Anita as does Bishi, the singer, composer and artistic director and co-founder of WITCiH, The Women in Technology Creative Industries Hub, a platform to increase the visibility women at the intersection of music, creative technology and STEM.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Professor Aris Papageorghiou Interviewed Guest: Naveeda Interviewed Guest: Julia Cooke Interviewed Guest: Lisa Rovner Interviewed Guest: Bishi

Diver Christine Grosart on 'Ghost Fishing'; Katya Adler discusses Annalena Baerbock; Teenage drinking research; Foetal medicine Apr 22, 2021

Angela Merkel steps down as Chancellor or Prime minister of Germany in September. Nicknamed Mutti or mummy she has held the top job since 2005 so her departure is a huge shift at a challenging time in global and national politics. All eyes are focused on possible successors and one candidate in the frame is Annalena Baerbock. On Monday, the Green Party announced she would be its choice to take over from Angela Merkel. She is likely to be the only woman in the race for the job and she already being compared to young female leaders in New Zealand or Finland. Anita Rani talks to the BBC’s Europe Editor Katya Adler about the coming election and the chances of a second woman taking the top job.

Research by a London academic suggests that teenagers who are heavy social media users are more likely to drink alcohol. Dr Linda Ng Fat from University College London analysed data on how long teenagers were chatting or interacting on social media sites including Facebook, MySpace and Bebo and what impact that had on drinking. The study found that 18% of participants aged 10-15 years drank at least monthly, with a greater risk of more frequent drinking for each additional hour of social media use. Anita talks to Dr Ning Fat who explains her findings

Filmed at one of the UK’S leading foetal medicine units in the country, a new Channel 4 series, Baby Surgeons: Delivering Miracles, shines a light on the rarely seen and often complex work being carried out inside the womb to save the lives of unborn babies. Anita is joined by Basky Thilaganathan, Professor and Director of Foetal Medicine at St George’s Hospital London and Susie, who developed Twin to Twin transfusion syndrome while pregnant with triplets.

The pandemic has allowed many people to appreciate and connect with nature in a way they didn't have time to before. But as an island nation, our knowledge of the struggles faced by the life in our seas is still very poor. Every year the fishing industry inadvertently loses nets and gear that end up trapping and killing marine wildlife. But thankfully there is a team of volunteer divers who are dedicated to finding and removing this 'ghost gear' from UK waters. In celebration of Earth Day, Anita speaks to Christine Grosart from Ghost Fishing UK about the under-appreciated wonders around our coastline, the perils of retrieving lost nets, and what non-diving folk can do to make a big difference to the health of our seas.

Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

Sexist abuse of MPs, Town Crier Brenda Willison, Vanessa Frake on The Governor, Second Chances Apr 21, 2021

Vanessa Frake worked in the prison service for 27 years. For 16 of those years she was the head of security and operations at the notorious male prison Wormwood Scrubs. Her career saw her cross paths with some of Britain's most notorious criminals. She was the main officer responsible for serial killer Rose West whilst she awaited trial, she was made a cup of tea by Myra Hindley, and she looked after Pete Doherty. Vanessa was awarded an MBE for her work in the prison service in 2012, and took early retirement in 2013. She has now written her memoirs in 'The Governor: My Life in Britain's Most Notorious Prisons'.

This year the British town crier championships will be held in silence. Brenda Willison has been a town crier for 34 years. Based in Newmarket, Suffolk she’s been the Chair of the Loyal Company of Town Criers for the last 10 years. Last year their annual competition was cancelled so this year they decided to hold one online which only involves the content of the crying and the winner will be announced on May 13th. She explains to Anita why she thinks women make the best town criers.

MPs believe there is a growing ‘digital threat to democracy’ which is preventing women from a career in politics. Yesterday in parliament there was a call for more action with female MPs from all sides recounting their experiences. Academic studies have shown that harassment against women has increased over the past two general elections, with women experiencing double the increase that men have experienced. Reporter Melanie Abbott talks to Anita about the issues.

And we have the second in our series Second Chances. Our reporter Milly Chowles had a baby last year, she’s in long term recovery from addiction and feels she was given lots of chances to change before she became a mother. As the number of children in care rises and with drug and alcohol issues a factor in many cases, are women at risk of having their children removed getting the help they need? And what is the cost for their children and society as a whole if they don't? In five authored pieces Milly tells her story and listens to the experiences of mothers who face stigma and a fight to access services.

Dogs of Lockdown; Teachers assaulted by pupils; Family reconciliation; Lady Mary Wortley Montagu Apr 20, 2021

With the surge in people getting dogs during lockdown, Emily Dean, broadcaster and host of ‘Walking The Dog with Emily Dean’ joins Anita to discuss her shih-tzu called Raymond, the trend for ‘pandemic puppies’ and the unique relationship between women and their dogs.

Newspaper reports from the weekend suggest that Prince Charles, Harry, William and Kate spent a couple of hours at Frogmore Cottage after the funeral of Prince Phillip on Saturday, presumably hoping to clear the air after what has been a turbulent time for the Royal family. Whatever your background - family rifts can be very painful, sometimes lasting years and often beyond anyone's memory of why they originally fell out. What should you do if you want to reconcile? How do you make that initial approach? Anita is joined by Dee Holmes, Family Counsellor with Relate and Mamta Saha, practising psychologist.

More than fifteen thousand people have emailed their experiences of sexual harassment and assault in school as pupils or past pupils on the ‘Everyone‘s Invited’ website but what about assault by pupils towards teachers? We hear one female teacher’s experience of being sexually assaulted at school, and from Jennifer Moses the National Official for equality and training at the Teaching Union the NASUWT.

300 years ago this month, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu deliberately infected her three year old daughter with a dose of smallpox – in other words she inoculated her – and was the first to do so in the West. Her role in the race to halt the spread of the virus was largely unacknowledged at the time. She should be recognised for the pioneer that she was says Jo Willett who has written her biography ‘The Pioneering Life of Mary Wortley Montagu’.

Pauline Black of The Selecter, Julia Gillard on girls' education, Mothers at risk of losing their children. Apr 19, 2021

The original rude girl and ‘Queen of Ska’ Pauline Black was working as a radiographer when she came to prominence in the late 1970s as the lead singer of the 2 Tone ska revival band The Selecter. Pauline joins Anita to talk about being the only girl on tour alongside The Specials and Madness, expressing herself as a young black woman through music, playing the role of Billie Holiday and, 40 years on, the remastering the band’s album Too Much Pressure.

It is estimated that 129 million girls worldwide remain out of school and face multiple barriers to education. Julia Gillard, the former Prime Minister of Australia, is the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Global Partnership for Education – an organisation working with governments around the world to help children in lower-income countries get a quality education. The UK has supported eight million girls worldwide and in 100 days from now will be hosting the Global Education Summit with Kenya. Anita Rani discusses the issues with Julia and Josephine Kamara and Selina Nkoile, Youth Leaders for the GPE.

In a new series of authored interviews Milly Chowles reports on women at risk of having their children removed from their care. Drug and alcohol misuse are often part of the problem. Milly, who is in recovery herself, had a baby last year. She was given many chances to change and fears that many mothers are not given the same opportunities. Today she talks to Lydia. They went to school together and took different paths in life but both ended up focussing on the stories of mothers in crisis.

Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

Weekend Woman's Hour: Dame Maureen Lipman; Women feeling the Cold; Singer Imelda May. Apr 17, 2021

Actor and writer Dame Maureen Lipman recently lost Guido Castro, her partner of more than thirteen years, having already been widowed in 2004 when her husband Jack Rosenthal died after 30 years of marriage. She tells us how you come to terms with such a loss after so long.

Why do some people live in vans? Is it to save money to put down a deposit on a house or is it a lifestyle choice? We hear from George McKimm who lived in her van until 2020 and Missy who currently lives in a van with her husband, daughter and their pets.

In 2018, an art and textiles teacher from a secondary school in north west London won the one million dollar Global Teacher Prize. Andria Zafirakou shares her approach to teaching and her passion for the power of visual art to create confidence and unlock trauma in young people.

This month marks 18 years since the legal 'right to request' flexible working came into effect for parents of children aged under six, or 18 if they have a disability. We hear from Sarah Jackson OBE, a workplace consultant and visiting professor at Cranfield University School of Management and Rhonda D'Ambrosio who used 'right to request' in 2004.

Do women really feel the cold more than men? A question for Clare Eglin, principal lecturer in Human and Applied Physiology with the University of Portsmouth. Plus Amanda Owen, Shepherdess and star of Channel 5's 'Our Yorkshire Farm' tells us about how she copes working outdoors.

Irish singer, song writer Imelda May has performed alongside the like of Lou Reed, Bono, Smokey Robinson and Van Morrison. She talks about her new album new album - 11 Past the Hour – and the contributions from feminist thinkers and activists.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Paula McFarlane Editor: Beverley Purcell

Irish singer-songwriter Imelda May Apr 16, 2021

Imelda May is an Irish singer/songwriter discovered by Jools Holland when she supported him on tour and subsequently appeared on Later ... with Jools Holland in 2008. She was the queen of rockabilly, with a Fifties-style frock, trademark quiff – and a voice compared to legendary blues singers such as Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan. The quiff is long gone. She joins Anita Rani to discuss her music, her style and her latest album '11 Past the Hour' and the track 'Made to Love', with inspired contributions from feminist thinkers and activists, Gina Martin and Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu.

A review into the way the justice system works in Scotland, when hearing rape and serious sexual offences, has called for new specialist courts where a judge could sit without a jury. The proposals are part of a package of measures aimed at stopping the 'retraumatisation' of victims by their experience of the court system. Lord Justice Clerk, Lady Dorrian - Scotland's second most senior judge, and Sandy Brindley, National Coordinator of Rape Crisis Scotland - one of the groups which took part in the review process - join John Scott QC, president of the Society of Solicitor Advocates.

The idea of living in a van is not an unusual as you may think and many women are doing it. Search under the #vanlife on Instagram and there are over 9.5 million posts, with seductive photos of people who have refurbished cosy vans for holidays and adventures abroad but also those who have traded living in houses for a permanent life on the road. Anita is joined by George McKimm, who lived in her van from 2016 until 2020, and Missy, who currently lives with her husband Dom, daughter Rosie and their pets. They have been on the road since 2019 in their Sprinter van which they call the sub.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Imelda May Interviewed Guest: Sandy Brindley Interviewed Guest: John Scott Interviewed Guest: Valerie MacGregor Interviewed Guest: George McKimm Interviewed Guest: Missy

Catholic Church Abuse. Recycling Shaming, Maureen Lipman Apr 15, 2021

A woman who won a settlement from the Catholic Church after reporting the abuse she suffered, is now launching a personal injury claim against Westminster Diocese. It's because of a series of emails which she says describe her as needy, manipulative and a bully. She explains to Woman's Hour what she wants to achieve.

A legal challenge began in the High Court this week about municipal waste incinerators. It's being brought by Georgia Elliott-Smith, an environmental engineer and campaigner, who says the level of incinerator emissions is "staggering". She hopes the legal challenge will result in a judicial review.

It's The Duke of Edinburgh's funeral on Saturday. He was married to the Queen for nearly 74 years, and she's acknowledged that he will leave a ‘huge void’. But how do you come to terms with such a loss after so long? Actor, writer and comedian Dame Maureen Lipman recently lost Guido Castro, her long-term partner, having already been widowed in 2004 when her husband Jack Rosenthal died after 30 years of marriage.

Owen Paterson MP on the suicide of his wife Rose, Evy Cohen, GeorgiaElliot-Smith and music from Manika Kaur Apr 14, 2021

Emma Barnett talks to the former cabinet minister Owen Paterson about the suicide of his wife Rose and the charity he's founded in her memory. Evy Cohen talks about Prince Philip and how his mother Princess Alice saved her family from the Holocaust, Georgia Elliot-Smith asks if we should stop shaming women about waste and recyling and as Sikhs and Hindus prepare to celebrate the festival of Vaisakhi (solar new year) we talk to the singer Manika Kaur.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineer: Joe Yon

Shirley Williams, New Mums & Jury Service, Flexible Working Apr 13, 2021

Baroness Shirley Williams has died at the age of 90. She was a titan of British politics and a true trailblazer for women. She appeared on Woman's Hour many times and so we remember her by listening to the archive. We also speak to her good friend, Baroness Julia Neuberger.

What do you do if you've just had a baby and you've been called for jury service? We speak to Zoe Stacey who recently received a letter telling her she had to do jury service but she was still breast feeding. We describes her struggle to be excused.

We're talking about getting back into the swing of things now lockdown is gradually lifting. Are you desperate to get back to normal or are you feeling nervous and anxious? We talk to Dr. Nihara Krause, a consultant clinical psychologist.

It's 18 years that parents have been able to request flexible working. After that the 'right to request' was made available to everyone, regardless of whether you're a parent or not. So what's been achieved and Is there still a stigma attached to it? We're joined by Sarah Jackson OBE, who's a workplace consultant and visiting professor at Cranfield University School of Management, and Rhonda D'Ambrosio who's used 'right to request' when it started.

Amanda Owen & Clare Eglin on women feeling the cold, Clare Balding on Rachael Blackmore, Pippa Wicks & teacher Andria Zafirakou Apr 12, 2021

Shepherdess Amanda Owen & the academic Clare Eglin talk about why women tend to feel colder than men. We talk to Clare Balding about Rachael Blackmore the first woman to win the Grand National this weekend. As lockdown eases and the shops reopen, we talk to the Executive Director of John Lewis Pippa Wicks and Andria Zafirakou who won a million dollar global teaching prize tells us how she's spending the money and talks about her new book "Those Who Can, Teach - What it Takes to Make the Next Generation."

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineer: Gayl Gordon

Weekend Woman's Hour: Body image; Caring for an abuser; Tracey Thorn on her friend Lindy Morrison Apr 10, 2021

The 2011 Census found that 6.5 million people in the UK are carers and provide unpaid care by looking after an ill, older or disabled family member, friend or partner. It found that women are more likely to be carers than men, with 58% of carers being female and 42% male. Emily Holzhausen, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK and Alyson Corner, psychologist and co-runs the 'My Horrid Parent' website discuss carers who have a relationship with the person they are caring for that involves a history of abuse.

A parliamentary report into body image has just been published. The Women's and Equalities Committee has been looking into why so many people feel dissatisfied about the way they look. We hear from Caroline Nokes MP, Chair of the committee. Tatyana Findlater who's 21 and has visible burn scars who gave evidence to the Committee and Dawn Estefan, Psychotherapist who works with black women's groups.

Janice Baker, shepherdess on a farm in the Durham Hills, was badly injured when she working having been trampled by one of her own sheep. Her son, the Countryfile and former One Show presenter Matt Baker dropped everything to help keep the farm going. They discuss what happens when the roles are reversed and a child has to help a parent.

Women play a critical role in the cacao industry in West Africa but their voices are rarely heard. Dr Nyagoy Nyong'o’s, Fairtrade Global CEO talks about what life is like for women cocoa farmers.

Hairdressers and beauty salons have been closed for a total of eight months since the start of the pandemic. Weddings were banned in the UK for more than three months last year. Our reporter Melanie Abbott spoke to hair and make-up artist Kirsty McCall.

Writer and singer-songwriter Tracey Thorn talks about her new book, My Rock 'n' Roll Friend. The friend in question is Lindy Morrison who was drummer for an Australian band, The Go-Betweens. Tracey talks about friendship, being a female performer and why she chose to write about Lindy.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Paula McFarlane Editor: Siobhann Tighe

Body image. Caring for an abuser. Bafta lookahead. Mrs Sri Lanka Beauty pageant controversy Apr 09, 2021

A parliamentary report into body image has just been published. The Women's and Equalities Committee has been looking into why so many people feel dissatisfied about the way they look. They did a survey which said that 61% is adults and 66% of children feel bad about how they look most of the time. They wanted to find out whether certain groups are most at risk at poor body image and looked at the impact of social media, advertising, diet culture as well as racism and misogyny. We hear from Caroline Nokes MP chair of the committee. Tatyana Findlater who's 21 and has visible burn scars who gave evidence to the Committee and Dawn Estefan a psychotherapist who works with black women's groups to discuss various issues including body image.

A fight broke out on the stage of the latest Mrs Sri Lanka Beauty pageant last weekend because the winner was accused of being a divorcee. The competition is open only to women who are married and NOT divorced. Why has this beauty pageant received so much media attention and scrutiny? Kanchana N Ruwanpura is Professor of Human Geography at the University of Gothenburg, in Sweden and a Fellow at the Centre for South Asian Studies at the University of Edinburgh.

The 2011 Census found that 6.5 million people in the UK are carers and provide unpaid care by looking after an ill, older or disabled family member, friend or partner. It found that women are more likely to be carers than men, with 58% of carers being female and 42% male.

But what if your relationship with the person you're caring for involves a history of abuse?

And a look ahead to this year's BAFTA's with Edith Bowman.

Presenter Anita Rani Producer Beverley Purcell

Tracey Thorn on her friend Lindy Morrison; Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds; Women in the Wedding and Beauty Industry. Apr 08, 2021

Writer and singer-songwriter Tracey Thorn has a new book out, My Rock 'n' Roll Friend. The friend in question is Lindy Morrison. They first met backstage at the Lyceum in London in 1983 when Tracey was 20, insecure, shy, just starting out in the music business. Lindy, ten years older than Tracey, was drummer for an Australian band, The Go-Betweens. To Tracey she looked like "self belief in a minidress". Tracey joins Emma to talk about friendship, being a female performer and why she chose to write about Lindy.

A year ago this week Anneliese Dodds was appointed Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer by the newly elected leader of the Labour Party Keir Starmer becoming the first ever woman to hold this position. The economic landscape has shifted dramatically over the last year with women often being worst hit by jobs losses and access to support. Anneliese reflects on the big issues of the last year and talks to Emma Barnett about Labour’s plans for a post covid recovery.

Women say they are at the back of the queue when it comes to Covid handouts. We hear from the wedding and beauty sector. Melanie Abbott talks to Kirsty McCall, a wedding make up artist had a breakdown after spending all her savings after Covid almost wrecked her business. Emma discusses the issues with Jessie Westwood, who set up the campaign What About Weddings? last year, and Victoria Brownlie, from the National Hair and Beauty Federation.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley

Jessica Fellowes on the roaring twenties and comparisons with life today as come out of lockdown. Apr 07, 2021

As we begin to emerge from lockdown, what are the similarities with the ‘Roaring 20s’ 100 years ago when Britain, having survived the Spanish Flu and the Great War, became a hedonistic playground? Will this time create a need for crowds, parties, touch, and an urge to ‘get out and enjoy life’? Jessica Fellowes, author of Mitford Murders crime series and companion books to the television series Downton Abbey, describes the Bright Young Things who were the influencers of their day, ‘Bachelor Girls’ who no longer needed to be married to enjoy independence, and gives parallels with how technology transformed lifestyles – from the labour saving devices that freed women from endless housework, to the internet which enables women to work from home today.

The public’s understanding of dementia is generally very poor and the message we receive about it are overwhelmingly negative. Could fiction be the answer to showing a more rounded and factual portrayal? Emma Barnett talks to Wendy Mitchell, Anna Wharton and Professor Jan Oyebode.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineer: Tanzy Leitner

Family farming with Janice and Matt Baker; New maternal mental health hubs; Author Susan Spindler; Statues of famous women Apr 06, 2021

What do you do, when your mother is in a spot of bother? You run to help…of course! That’s the situation the Countryfile and former One Show presenter Matt Baker found himself in last summer, when his mum Janice had a serious accident with some sheep, and was unable to continue with the day to day running of the family farm in the Durham Hills. Their story is documented in a four part series currently on More4 called Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Dales. Emma speaks to Janice and Matt.

It's been announced that thousands of new, expectant or bereaved mothers will receive help and support for mental health problems through dozens of new dedicated hubs which are being set up across England. The hubs will bring together maternity services, reproductive health and psychological therapy under one roof as part of the NHS Long Term Plan. Around 6,000 women will receive care and treatment for a wide range of mental health issues from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after giving birth to others with a severe fear of childbirth. Emma gets reactions to the news from Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of campaigning charity Centre for Mental Health and Dr Alain Gregoire, President of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.

Another statue of a strong woman has made the headlines. Last year it was Mary Wollstonecraft. Now it's Greta Thunberg. A statue of the 18 year old environmentalist was unveiled in Winchester last week but some think it's a waste of money. Emma is joined by Christine Charlesworth, the statue's creator, who's not only made Greta during lockdown but two other British feminist icons as well.

Susan Spindler's first novel Surrogate tells the story of Ruth who, at the age of 54, volunteers to carry a baby for her daughter, who has just had her seventh miscarriage. But how selfless is Ruth's kind offer? She has done all of the research, taken the hormones, done the tests, thought of everything. What she doesn't know is how being her daughter's surrogate will make her feel and the upheaval it will cause in all of her relationships. Susan tells Emma how she researched the story.

The Feminisation of Chocolate Apr 05, 2021

Inspired by her childhood in York, Emma Robertson, Senior Lecturer in History at La Trobe University, Australia explores chocolate and the history of imperial exploitation, sexism and racism in her study ‘Chocolate, Women and Empire: a Social and Cultural History’. Emma talks about the ‘ordinary’ women positioned at the two key stages of production, the cocoa farms of Nigeria and the Rowntree factory in York.

Women play a critical role in the cacao industry in West Africa but patriarchal attitudes often exclude them from decision making, land ownership, and selling the crop. Dr. Nyagoy Nyong’o, Fairtrade Global CEO discusses the life of women cocoa farmers and the Women’s School of Leadership which seeks to empower women and promote gender rights.

What it is like to work in a chocolate factory? Sarah Hartley talks about her job as a quality controller on the factory floor at Whitakers.

Chocolate advertising has long been linked with women and sex. Dr Cathrine Jansson-Boyd, a Reader in Consumer Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University and Sue Quinn, food writer and author of 'Cocoa: an Exploration of Chocolate' discuss how chocolate advertisements target women.

Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Paula McFarlane Interviewed Guest: Dr Emma Robertson Interviewed Guest: Dr. Nyagoy Nyong’o Interviewed Guest: Sarah Hartley Interviewed Guest: Dr Cathrine Jansson-Boyd Interviewed Guest: Sue Quinn

Sharon Stone. The impact of pornography on young people. Actor Vanessa Kirby Apr 03, 2021

It’s nearly 30 years since Sharon Stone starred in Basic Instinct, with the famous uncrossing-of-legs scene. In 2001, after adopting her first child, she suffered a stroke and almost died. In an exclusive interview with Emma Barnett she talks about her autobiography - The Beauty of Living Twice.

This summer, students in England will receive A-level and GCSE results based on their teachers’ predictions, after official exams have been cancelled for the second year. Teachers will be required to compile evidence to substantiate their predicted grades. We hear from Emma Irving who works part time as a private tutor and Richard Sheriff, Executive headteacher of Harrogate grammar school and president of the Association of School and College Leaders.

Jessica Moxham's eldest son, Ben, is disabled. At birth it was touch and go whether he would live and Jessica spent most of the first year of Ben's life keeping him alive, learning how to feed and soothe a baby who couldn't suck or eat. Jessica has written a memoir, The Cracks that Let the Light in: What I learned from my disabled son.

Continuing our look at what’s being reported as “rape culture” in schools, we examine the impact of pornography on young people and its effect on relationships and sex.

There are plenty of festivals planned in person once social distancing laws are – hopefully – lifted this summer. But why are they still featuring majority male artists, particularly those headlining.

Plus Vanessa Kirby explores her role as Martha in the film ‘Pieces of A Woman’. A story of a couple on the verge of becoming parents, when their lives change dramatically when a homebirth ends in tragedy. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lorna Rose Treen Editor: Beverley Purcell

Summer music festivals line-ups - how many female artists are included? Apr 02, 2021

It’s exams season coming up. This summer, students will receive A-level and GCSE results based on their teachers’ predictions, after exams were cancelled for the second year in a row due to the pandemic. Teachers will be required to compile evidence to substantiate their predicted grades. Ministers have insisted that this year's grading system is the fairest plan, rather than using algorithms. However, there are concerns that ‘pointy elbow’ parents have been pressurising teachers to boost their children’s exam grades. To discuss the issues Anita talks to Emma Irving, who works part time as a private tutor, and Richard Sheriff, Executive headteacher of Harrogate grammar school and president of the Association of School and College Leaders. In Ripe Figs: Recipes and Stories from the Eastern Mediterranean, food writer, Yasmin Khan explores eastern Mediterranean’s border politics. She travels to the refugee camps of Lesvos, Istanbul and Nicosia, Cyprus. She talks about the women in Athens who have created a safe spaces for refugees and the women who use them. Yasmin also talks about the women who have set up a restaurant in Lesvos to integrate refugees into daily life on the island.

This week the organisers of the Glastonbury Festival announced a one-off live streamed event in May, the bands will be performing at Worthy Farm but the audience will be at home around the world. However there are plenty of festivals planned in person once social distancing laws are – hopefully – lifted this summer. Many of them have now revealed their line-ups, and overall they are still featuring majority male artists, particularly among the headlining acts. Joining Anita are two women who want to change that - founder of the F-List Vick Bain and Maxie Gedge, UK project manager of Keychange, an initiative set up by the PRS Foundation to encourage better gender representation in music.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Richard Sheriff Interviewed Guest: Emma Irving Interviewed Guest: Yasmin Khan Interviewed Guest: Vick Bain Interviewed Guest: Maxie Gedge

Sharon Stone, Gillian Keegan MP, Fertility & Race Apr 01, 2021

It’s nearly thirty years since Sharon Stone was in the film Basic Instinct, with the famous uncrossing-of-legs scene. She really wanted the role but only got it after twelve other actresses turned it down. After Basic Instinct more films followed including Casino alongside Robert De Niro. In 2001, after adopting her first child, she suffered a stroke and almost died. She’s now written her autobiography called The Beauty of Living Twice. She gave Woman's Hour her only UK broadcast interview.

On the morning that a new helpline has been launched for potential victims of school sexual abuse we speak to Gillian Keegan MP who's from the Department for Education.

We're talking about shop changing rooms with retail expert Catherine Shuttleworth. When lock-down lifts will you be using them, or sticking with ordering online and trying things on at home?

People from ethnic minorities who have fertility treatment are less likely to be successful. That's according to the Human Fertility and Embryology Authority. Their data says Black patients having the lowest chances of successful treatment whilst only 4% of egg donors were Asian. We find out more with Sally Cheshire, outgoing Chair of the HFEA and Dr Karen Joash, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Imperial College Healthcare Trust and spokesperson for Race Equality at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Cindy Gallop & Dr Fiona Vera-Gray on the impact of porn on teenagers, writer Erin Kelly, Dr Jenny Mathers & Dr Peter English. Mar 31, 2021

Continuing our look at what’s being reported as “rape culture” in schools, we talk about the impact of pornography on young people and its effect on relationships and sex. Emma Barnett talks to Dr Fiona Vera-Gray from Durham University and Cindy Gallop founder of MakeLoveNotPorn.

We hear from the thriller writer Erin Kelly who talks about her latest novel – “Watch Her Fall” – set in the world of elite ballet.

After Germany's announcement that it's restricting the use of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine for people under 60 we hear from Dr Peter English a Retired Consultant in Communicable Disease Control, and former Chair of the BMA Public Health Medicine Committee, who says the jab is safe to take.

And we discuss the Swiss Army's plans to attract more female recruits by allowing them to wear women's underwear for the first time. Until now female soldiers have been issued with the same underwear as men.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Donald MacDonald

Jessica Moxham on life with a child with disabilities, Lord Macdonald and Harriet Wistritch, Noof Al Maadeed and Rothna Begum Mar 30, 2021

Emma Barnett talks to Jessica Moxham about her memoir "The Cracks that Let the Light in: What I learned from my disabled son." Also to Noof Al Maadeed and Rothna Begum about life for women in Qatar and the issue of male guardianship and the former Director of Public Prosecutions Lord Macdonald and Harriet Wistritch from the Centre for Womens Justice talk about the issue of "rape culture" in schools.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Tanzy Leitner

Award-winning actor Vanessa Kirby; Sexual harassment, assault & abuse in schools Mar 29, 2021

There are widespread allegations of peer to peer misogyny, harassment, abuse and assault of girls in schools. This eruption - which has been bubbling since last week - has been described as the potential me too moment for schools - as pupils flock to a website called Everyone's Invited which was set up last year as a place where victims can post anonymous accounts of abuse they had suffered. It has now received more than 7,000 testimonies - including accounts from children as young as nine. Many of the accounts are about sexual harassment, abuse or even rape in schools or involving other school pupils. There is some discomfort about what some children being invited to shame each other and the idea of allegations of rape culture flying about - tarnishing lots of innocent boys with the same brush. But at the same time - schools have been accused of covering up sexual offences to protect their reputations and girls have said their reports have been ignored. A police helpline is now being set up to report incidents, after thousands of allegations were posted, most of them about the behaviour of other pupils. What should schools, the police and parents do next?

Vanessa Kirby is perhaps best known for her award- winning portrayal of Princess Margaret in in the first two series of 'The Crown'. She's now receiving rave reviews for her performance in the film ‘Pieces of A Woman’; which you can watch now on Netflix. She has just been nominated for the best actress award at the OSCARS and at the BAFTAs. An important but devastating story - not often told on screen but one that unfortunately a number of women can relate to. Vanessa joins Emma to discuss the film.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey Interviewed Guest: Ava Vakil Interviewed Guest: Rachel Fitzsimmons Interviewed Guest: Anne Longfield Interviewed Guest: Lorraine Candy Interviewed Guest: Vanessa Kirby Photographer: Matt Holyoak

Weekend Woman's Hour - Lockdown anniversary, Cryptocurrencies & Portraits of women Mar 27, 2021

Last week marked the first anniversary of lockdown. We hear from three women of different ages, backgrounds and circumstances to discuss their experiences of having to stay at home. Actor and author Sheila Hancock and writers Kerry Hudson and Yasmin Rahman tell us about their highs and lows.

Friday marks 50 years of Bangladesh Independence. The BBC Asian Network presenter Nadia Ali and Shaz Aberdean, a community worker in Swansea tell us about the celebrations.

We discuss the ins and outs of cryptocurrencies and why young women are choosing to invest in these more than ever before with money expert Jasmine Birtles and Susannah Streeter a senior investment analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

Last year the National Crime Agency assessed there were at least 300,000 individuals posing a sexual threat to children in the UK and warned of a spike in online child sexual abuse offending during the pandemic. Donald Findlater is from the charity The Stop it Now helpline, he tells us about the growing problem. We also hear from Chris who was arrested for possession of illegal sexual images and from Sarah about her husband’s arrest.

Zing Tsjeung, executive editor of Vice UK and Mai-Anh Peterson, co-founder of BESEAN the British East and Southeast Asian Network tell us about the increase in racially motivated attacks against women of Asian descent throughout the pandemic.

And the very last commission before the National Portrait Gallery in London closed for renovation involved two women - a portrait of the author Zadie Smith by the artist Toyin Ojih Odutola. But such a work is in stark contrast to much of the rest of the permanent collection, with 88% of the artists and 75% of the sitters being male. We hear from Curator and art historian Dr Flavia Frigeri, and from the artists Roxana Halls and Toyin Ojih Odutola about the women they paint and want to see in the gallery.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Siobhann Tighe

Equal pay judgement. Birth partners attending scans. Bangladesh at 50. Mar 26, 2021

Today the Supreme Court will give its judgement on one of the largest ever equal pay claims . It could have implications for women working in retail all over the UK. It involves those working in the supermarket Asda stores, who are mainly women, who are being paid less than those working in the distribution depot, who are mainly men. The case has been going on for over 5 years. Reporter Melanie Abbott will tell us about its implications for workers across the sector and we hear reaction from Wendy Arundale, who worked at Asda in Middlesbrough for 32 years.

Since the start of lockdown many pregnant women have been campaigning to have their birth partners with them when they go for scans. At the end of last year NHS Trusts in England changed their advice and said ,dependent on a risk assessment, they should do all they can to ensure pregnant women are accompanied. But those doing the scans, the sonographers, feel their rights have been overlooked. One wrote a heartfelt letter about this to the professional trade magazine, headlined "We cannot allow professional ultrasound to become entertainment." Her hospital trust won't allow her to come on the programme. But her views are echoed by Gill Harrison who is the professional voice for Ultrasound at the Society of Radiographer.

Radio One’s Vick Hope presents a new BBC Sounds podcast called Songs To Live By, celebrating Black voices and experiences through the songs that shaped them. In each episode Vick talks to two guests of different generations about the music that has defined them - personally, politically, musically. She tells Krupa about some of the women involved and the music she enjoyed with her mum.

And to mark Bangladesh's 50th year of independence we talk to BBC Asian Network presenter Nadia Ali and Shaz Aberdean, a community worker in Swansea.

Presenter Krupa Padhy Producer Beverley Purcell

Covid 19 vaccines and children, East Asian Racism, Periods in lockdown, Young women and cryptocurrency Mar 25, 2021

A newspaper article reported on discussions around children in the UK being offered COVID-19 vaccines as early as August, although a spokesperson from DHSC has said: "no decisions have been made on whether children should be offered vaccinations". In February the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine began testing on children. There are 300 volunteers aged between six and 17 taking part in the trial. So, what is the likelihood of all children being included in future vaccination programmes. Krupa Padhy discusses the issues with Saul Faust, Professor of Paediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Southampton.

Last Tuesday, eight people at three different spas and massage parlours in and around the US city of Atlanta were killed. Six of the eight victims were women of Asian descent. Activists and advocates have pointed to an increase in racially-motivated attacks against Asian Americans throughout the pandemic. But that same rise in hate crime focussed at Eastern and South Eastern Asian communities has increased here in the UK too. Krupa talks to Zing Tsjeung, executive editor of Vice UK and Mai-Anh Peterson, co-founder of BESEA.n, British East and Southeast Asian Network.

There have been lots of discussions on the effect of the pandemic on our mental, physical and emotional well-being - but what about the impact on women's menstrual cycles? Anecdotally many women have said they have experienced changes in their cycle, more intense symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or PMS. Last year Dr Anita Mitra, NHS gynaecologist, also known as the Gynae Geek, asked 'Have you noticed a change in your menstrual cycle or hormonal symptoms during lockdown?' More than 5,500 women responded. Two thirds of whom said yes. She now has an in-depth study of 15,500 women who've responded.

Why are young women investing in cryptocurrencies? New research released by the Financial Conduct Authority shows new investors are more likely to be female, younger and from BAME backgrounds. They're more reliant on social media for tips and to be using investment apps. There's also a concern that they are taking bigger risks using 'gut instinct'. Krupa talks to money expert Jasmine Birtles and Susannah Streeter, senior investment analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, about why volatile products like cryptocurrency and foreign exchange are attracting women and how they can protect their investments.

Presented by Krupa Padhy Produced by Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Endometriosis, NI Abortion, Portraits Mar 24, 2021

Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body, often around reproductive organs, bowel and bladder. This can cause inflammation, pain and scar tissue. We hear about a new study which uses Dichloroacetate as a treatment. Jessica Rafferty talks to use about her experience which includes more than 200 visits to the hospital. And we also hear from Andrew Horne, Professor of Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Edinburgh.

Litter! Get annoyed when it’s all over the place? Find yourself picking up other people's rubbish? What about all those covid masks? Is it mostly women leading the charge on litter? We hear from you.

Theoretically women can now get an abortion in Northern Ireland. The new law came into force last year but in reality it's a very different story. It's hard to access services and some women are still travelling to England and Ireland. The Northern Ireland Secretary, Brandon Lewis, has stepped in and said the Northern Ireland Executive must do something about it. We get the latest from Jayne McCormack, political reporter at BBC Northern Ireland, and Les Allamby, Chief Commissioner from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

And we talk about the portraits on display at the National Portrait Gallery. Why are most of them of men, and why are they created by mostly male painters? How do experts plan to change things?

Lockdown anniversary, Nicola Sturgeon, Misogyny as a hate crime Mar 23, 2021

It's exactly a year since Boris Johnson delivered the instruction to stay at home. To mark the occasion, we've assembled three women of different ages, backgrounds and circumstances to discuss their experiences of being confined for the most part in the home. Actor and author Sheila Hancock and writers Kerry Hudson and Yasmin Rahman join Emma.

The future of Nicola Sturgeon has been in the balance in recent weeks as she's faced not one but two major inquiries. Yesterday afternoon an independent inquiry by James Hamilton QC cleared the First Minister of breaching the ministerial code. But this morning a separate cross-party committee of inquiry said the Scottish government's handling of harassment complaints against Alex Salmond was "seriously flawed", that Nicola Sturgeon had misled their inquiry in her evidence and that women had been badly let down by the government. Political correspondent Alex Massie, crime writer Val McDermid and Alex Massie from the Spectator join Emma.

Last week’s announcement that the police in England and wales are going to start recording misogyny as a hate crime in the wake of the killing of Sarah Everard was heralded as a victory by many women’s rights campaigners but that reaction has been far from uniform. Many groups working in the arena of domestic abuse and violence against women actually think it could be counter productive and even make the situation worse. We talk to Dr Fiona Vera-Gray from the University of Durham who has written The Right Amount of Panic who thinks the move to change the law is a knee jerk reaction and also to Professor Louise Mallany who has worked with Nottinghamshire Police which has recorded misogyny as a hate crime since 2016

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Navigating the perimenopause; Increase in online accessing of child sexual images; Nawal El Saadawi's death at 89 Mar 22, 2021

The average age of menopause is 51, and menopause itself only lasts for one day, because it simply marks the one-year anniversary of your last period. Perimenopause, on the other hand, refers to the period of time in which you’ll have cycles, but start to experience ‘menopausal’ symptoms. Three quarters of women experience significant symptoms during the perimenopause, yet there is little in the way of evidence based information available. Comical descriptions of symptoms including hot flushes and mood swings are widespread and prevent essential details on the myriad of other symptoms and signs a woman is perimenopausal. Maisie Hill is a women's health advocate and author of Perimenopause Power. She joins Emma to discuss the symptoms and her toolkit of tips and techniques women can use to help themselves.

Last year the National Crime Agency assessed there were at least 300,000 individuals posing a sexual threat to children in the UK, and warned of a spike in online child sexual abuse offending during the pandemic. The Stop It Now helpline, a part of child protection charity the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, is a nationwide service which offers advice and support for men viewing illegal sexual images of under 18s or feeling they are on the verge of doing so. They have reported an increase in people seeking help for their illegal online behaviour since the beginning of the 2020 Covid-19 lockdowns. Emma speaks to Donald Findlater, Director of the helpline since it started in 2002.

The pioneering Egyptian feminist Nawal El Saadawi has died at the age of 89. She was a doctor, feminist and writer who was described as "the Simone de Beauvoir of the Arab World" and as "Egypt's most radical woman'. BBC Cairo correspondent Sally Nabil joins Emma to talk about her life and work.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Women and confidence in the police; Syria; the future of the handbag Mar 20, 2021

Susannah Fish, former Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police and Olivia Pinkney Chief Constable for Hampshire talk about how confident women can be in reporting crime to the police.

We hear from Conroy Harris, CEO of A Band of Brothers, David Challen, domestic violence campaigner and Mike Berry, Consultant Clinical Forensic Psychologist on why men attack women and what can be done to stop it.

Why is inclusion in beauty important? Make-up artist and model Sasha Pallari and founder of MDMflow, Florence Adepoju tell us how beauty brands can be more diverse and the damage face-filters can have on mental health.

This month marks the 10th anniversary of conflict in Syria. Dr. Rola Hallam, CEO and Founder of CanDo explains why women and children have been disproportionately affected.

How has lockdown changed what we want from our handbags? Lucia Savi curator of the V&A's Bags: Inside Out exhibition tells us about the history of handbags and how they will be used after lockdown.

Singer-songwriter and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson tells us about her career and sound which she describes as an eclectic, soulful sound with roots in soul, classical, with reggae and jazz influences.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Paula McFarlane Editor: Louise Corley

Singer-songwriter and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson Mar 19, 2021

The Supreme Court are today announcing their judgement on the so-called "pizza test". That is whether a residential or home carer who "sleeps in" is entitled to the minimum wage. The reason it is named the "pizza test" is that they are required to be on site, and cannot leave to go and buy a pizza, even if they're not actually performing some specific caring activity. The case was brought by a highly-qualified care support worker called Clare Tomlinson-Blake. If the Supreme Court find in her favour it will have huge implications as it could cost the sector over £400 million in back pay. Anita Rani is joined by our reporter, Melanie Abbott, who has been speaking to Claire, and Christina McAnea, the general secretary of UNISON.

The British multi-national consumer goods company, Unilever announced last week that it will remove the word ‘normal’ from 200 of its beauty products, in an attempt to create a ‘more inclusive definition of beauty’. They will also ban excessive editing of photos in relation to ‘body shape, size proportion and skin colour’. This includes models, as well as social media influencers who have been paid to promote its products. Florence Adepoju, founder of MDMflow and Sasha Pallari, the make-up artist who campaigned for better regulations on social media beauty advertisements, discuss why diversity in the beauty industry is important and what brands can do to work towards inclusivity.

All week on Woman's Hour we have been thinking about and discussing the murder of Sarah Everard. Today Jacqueline Rose is one of the world's leading feminist literary and cultural critics discusses her new book, 'On Violence and On Violence Against Women'.

The singer-songwriter and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson has a rare sound that combines classical music and eclectic soul. She was nominated for her first MOBO Award in 2012. Her recent release 'Rise Up', featuring Akala, has become a revolutionary anthem for young Black people. Part of the WOW UK Festival, which is online now and will be running until Sunday 21st March, she joins Anita in the studio.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Claire Tomlinson-Blake Interviewed Guest: Christina McAnea Interviewed Guest: Florence Adepoju Interviewed Guest: Sasha Pallari Interviewed Guest: Jacqueline Rose Interviewed Guest: Ayanna Witter-Johnson

Men and Violence Mar 18, 2021

Today we have three men on Woman's Hour talking about male violence. They're discussing why some men attack women and what can be done to stop it. We know that statistically more men than women are likely to be victims of male violence, but we also know that most women have felt frightened when walking alone on the streets, and most change what they do to keep safe. Sarah Everard's death has provoked a national conversation about women's safety, so today we're getting a male point of view. We have Conroy Harris from A Band of Brothers, an organisation which works with young men who have been violent in the past; David Challen who's a domestic violence campaigner and whose mother Sally went to prison for the murder of his father Richard, and Mike Berry who's a Consultant Clinical Forensic Psychologist.

Gloria Hunniford joins us too. She's telling us about why she's doing something she never thought she would, and even dissuaded her children from doing when they were young: that's getting a tattoo.

Women and confidence in the police, Maria Ressa, and the future of the handbag post pandemic Mar 17, 2021

The death of Sarah Everard has led to concerns for women's safety in public. Women have been encouraged to put their trust in the police if facing harassment or any kind of jeopardy. But following last Saturday's vigil on Clapham Common, where the Met police were criticised for their response, just how confident can women be in the police? Did their behaviour at that event reveal an institutional misogyny? Emma talks to Susannah Fish, former Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police force and Olivia Pinkney, Chief Constable for Hampshire, representing the National Police Chief’s Council.

We talk to Maria Ressa who is one of the Philippines most outspoken journalists who was named a Time magazine Person of the year in 2018. She’s a vocal critic of President Rodrigo Duterte’s regime and his deadly war on drugs, his attempts to silence the press and the rise of disinformation and fake news on social media.

And we hear from Lucia Savi, the curator of a new handbags exhibition at the V&A museum in London about learn how this fashion accessory - like much else in life - has been impacted by the pandemic and lockdown.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineer: Duncan Hannant

Safe city design, Victoria Atkins, Do men and women garden differently? Mar 16, 2021

After Sarah Everard’s murder, there are calls to make the streets safer for women. So, how can that be done? And how can town planning reduce the risk for women when they’re walking alone? Dr Ellie Cosgrave, a lecturer in Urban Innovation and Policy at UCL, describes her vision of safe cities designed with women in mind.

Yesterday Boris Johnson's Criminal Justice Taskforce came up with a series of new measures to help protect women and girls, including better street lighting, CCTV and a new idea of sending undercover police officers into pubs and clubs. These are welcome measures to some, but for others this package misses the mark. There are also plans for a register to monitor serial domestic abuse and stalking perpetrators, and a push to make misogyny a hate crime. Does this add up to real change ? Emma speaks to Home Office Minister Victoria Atkins, whose brief covers domestic abuse, violence against women and sexual violence.

As the weather warms and if you’re lucky enough to have a garden, it’s time to start thinking about the first mow of the season. A perfectly manicured lawn can be something of a status symbol and - as Monty Don recently put it in a recent Radio Times interview - a peculiarly male obsession rooted in a desire to control the environment. Pippa Greenwood from Radio 4’s Gardener’s Question Time and the lawn consultant David Hedges-Gower discuss lawns and whether or not men and women have a different approach to gardening.

Emma Barnett covers the reaction to Sarah Everard’s vigil and the actions of the Metropolitan Police Mar 15, 2021

Reaction to Sarah Everard’s vigil and the actions of the Metropolitan Police . Among the thousands who came to Clapham Common in South London on Saturday night to pay their respects to her were feminist writer and member of Southall Black Sister, Rahila Gupta and campaigner and columnist at the i, Kate Maltby. Emma speaks to them both, and to Sir Peter Fahy, retired former Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police about the policing of the event. Plus we hear from Jan Royall, Baroness Royall about the idea of putting together a data base of offenders convicted of harassment, coercive control and stalking similar to the sex offenders register.

This month marks the 10th anniversary of a conflict in Syria that has devastated the country and the Syrian people. In a country whose population in 2011 was estimated at about 21 million - more than half the population has been displaced: 6.6 million Syrian have been forced to flee their country since 2011. Another 6 million have been uprooted from their homes but remain displaced inside the country. It's impossible to estimate the number of people who have been killed. In 2014 the UN stopped counting, saying it was too difficult to verify the number of people killed. Their last estimate in 2016 was 400,000. It is by any standards a humanitarian crisis of unspeakable proportions. Dr. Rola Hallam, CEO and Founder of CanDo, a charity set up to deliver health humanitarian aid in warzones joins Emma Barnett.

Jacqueline Springer who's a music journalist and broadcaster gives up a round up of last night's Grammy's .

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour - The Art of Repair, Nurses' Pay & the Power of Oprah Winfrey Mar 13, 2021

The art of the repair, Molly Martin an illustrator and textile repairer, tells us why repairing clothes, furniture and appliances can be beneficial to not only your pocket but to your mind.

The government's proposed one per cent pay rise for NHS staff is discussed with the Health Minister Nadine Dorries and Dame Donna Kinnair, nurse and chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing.

We look at how more than 70 women in a small English town have had their private, often naked images stolen and shared online by people living in their community with one of the victims Ruby and the MP Maria Miller who has been campaigning for better legal protection against image based sexual abuse for years.

It took a year for Maria Beatrice Giovanardi to convince the Oxford Dictionary of English to not only change their definition of ‘woman’ but to re-examine the synonyms for ‘woman’ in their thesaurus, and amend the contents. She tells us why she turned her attentions to Treccani, a leading online Italian dictionary, in a bid to get them to do the same thing.

And after her interview with Harry and Meghan the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, we discuss the key to Oprah Winfrey’s success with the British Presenter Trisha Goddard.

The psychologist Dr Jessica Taylor tells us why she has set up a new charity to provide support and advice to women and girls who become pregnant from rape, sexual abuse, exploitation, trafficking and incest.

A new report from the Institute of Fiscal Studies suggests that women in heterosexual couples are much more likely than men to give up their jobs, or cut their hours, after becoming parents. And it shows that this happens even if the woman earns more than her male partner. Alison Andrew, Senior Research Economist at the IFS explains why.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Lisa Jenkinson

Review into alleged abuse in British Gymnastics Mar 12, 2021

An interim report into British Gymnastics, published this week, revealed 1,500 complaints between 2015 and 2020, including 39 claims passed to police. Jessica Creighton is joined by former gymnast, Claire Heafford and Sarah Moore, one of the lawyers working on the case.

It took a year for Maria Beatrice Giovanardi to convince the Oxford Dictionary of English to not only change their definition of 'woman' but to re-examine the synonyms for 'woman' in their thesaurus, and amend the contents. Maria has now turned her attentions to Treccani, a leading online Italian dictionary, in a bid to get them to do the same thing. She tells us how this part of her campaign is progressing and why language matters.

A new report out today from the Institute of Fiscal Studies suggests that women in heterosexual couples are much more likely than men to give up their jobs, or cut their hours, after becoming parents. And it shows that this happens even if the woman earns more than her male partner. Alison Andrew, Senior Research Economist at the IFS joins me now to discuss.

The first UK Clinical Guideline for the use of vaginal pessaries in pelvic organ prolapse was launched last week. The multidisciplinary Guideline Group included 3 pessary users who co-developed the resource. Being written against the background of the Baroness Cumberlege report ‘First Do No Harm’ from July 2020, it aims to help women learn, understand and be empowered to ask about whether a pessary is the right option for them.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Claire Heafford Interviewed Guest: Sarah Moore Interviewed Guest: Maria Beatrice Giovanardi Interviewed Guest: Alison Andrew Interviewed Guest: Kate Lough Interviewed Guest: Kath Sansom

Nadine Dorries, Dame Donna Kinnair, Women and safety, Organised crime, mafia and gender. Mar 11, 2021

The Health Minister Nadine Dorries joins Emma to talk about her plans to cut deaths caused by Strep B infection in newborn babies, as well as nurses' pay and the government’s new consultation on a women’s health strategy. The row over the government's proposed one per cent pay rise for NHS staff shows no sign of quietening down - with the attention having moved towards nurses' wages in particular. Strike action has been threatened by nurses' unions over the proposals and the Prime Minister came under fire yesterday about nurses - especially considering the role they have played on the front line fighting the pandemic. 90 per cent of nurses are women. Emma discusses the issue with Dame Donna Kinnear, nurse and chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing.

Today we are thinking of Sarah Everard - the 33 year old woman who went missing walking home to Brixton from a friend's house in Clapham, south London, on March 3. Reclaim The Night are organising a vigil following the disappearance of Sarah Everard. But how have things changed since the original Reclaim the Night march which took place on 12th November 1977? Emma speaks to Al Garthwaite, now a Leeds Councillor for Headingley and Hyde Park, she was one of the original organisers, and to the writer and journalist Joan Smith, whose latest book is called Home Grown: How Domestic Violence Turns Men Into Terrorists. She has also written a book called Misogynies, and she is on the London Mayor's board about tackling violence against women and girls.

From the Godfather to Goodfellas and The Sopranos, we are fascinated by movies and series about the mafia. But women are often portrayed as symbolic or the ‘sexy wife’. How much power and agency do they actually have? Felia Allum is a Senior Lecturer in Politics and Italian at the University of Bath. Her research' Women, crime and culture: transnational organised crime as an equal opportunity industry' is funded by the Leverhulme Trust. She joins Emma to tell the stories of women she’s spoken to from the Neapolitan mafia.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley

Stammering, Sharing intimate images without consent and The art of repairs Mar 10, 2021

During lockdown, when we haven't quite had access to the shops we might need, many have turned to 'fixing up' items around the house, and mending our own clothes. With the popularity of shows like The Repair Shop and Salvage Hunters, what stories do our possessions carry, and how can restoration keep them alive? Emma meets Molly Martin, an illustrator, textile repairer, and author of 'The Art of Repair' who runs workshops on how to mend mindfully.

More than 70 women in a small English town have had their private, often naked, images stolen and shared online by people living in their community. The indecent images, including some of underage girls, are thought to be taken via hacking or provided by former boyfriends and uploaded anonymously on a website which features 73,000 images of women from across the world. Members of this online forum specifically request and target girls in the places they live in. The victims have reported the abuse to the police who, so far, say they are unable to help due to the current laws. As the town has a tight community, most of the victims know each other and have alerted those they recognise when the images appear. About a dozen of the victims have banded together and setup a group to try and get justice. Emma speaks to one of the women, Ruby, and to Maria Miller MP, who has been campaigning for the better protection against image based sexual abuse.

Stammering, also known as stuttering, is a relatively common speech problem in childhood, which can persist into adulthood. Around 1 in 12 young children go through a phase of stammering, and around 2 in 3 will grow out of it. It's estimated that stammering affects around 1 in 100 adults, with women being around 3 to 4 times more less likely to stammer than men. Emma is joined by Felicity Baker, a producer with BBC News, who has been making the documentary I Can’t Say My Name: Stammering in the Spotlight and Mandy Taylor, a former trustee of STAMMA and now a member and volunteer who works to support families affected by stammering.

Electing to home school. Trisha Goddard on the power of Oprah. Mar 09, 2021

As Children return to school across the UK an increasing number of parents are choosing to educate their children at home on a permanent basis. Many have enjoyed home schooling their kids during Covid and see it as an opportunity to explore a new way of learning. Critics however are concerned that it’s unregulated. We hear from Gail Tolley from the Association of Directors of Children's Services and to Hannah Titley from the Home Schooling Association.

Trisha Goddard who had her own UK day time talk show for over a decade on why Oprah is the Queen of confessional TV interviews. Plus Stephanie Guerilus, senior editor and staff writer at the Grio, an American website with news and video content geared toward African Americans, tells us how the interview gone down with the American audience

For over 20 years, Maria Cahill has stood by her claims that she was raped by a member of the IRA when she was 16, and was retraumatised when the issue was handled by a IRA kangaroo court. But a few days ago The Guardian newspaper issued an apology to her regarding a controversial article published in 2014. The journalist? Roy Greenslade, who used to write for The Guardian and later became a lecturer in journalism and ethics. Two weeks ago he disclosed that he was a supporter of the IRA and a member of Sinn Fein - a revelation that has caused major ripples, even prompting comment from the Prime Minister In that article from 2014, he criticised the BBC documentary which revealed Mairia's story for failing to include the fact that she belonged to an anti-Sinn Fein political party at one time. She tells Emma why she thinks the article and his recent disclosure of his political affiliations which were hidden at the time - undermine what she'd been through as a survivor of a rape, continuing to add insult to injury.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

When Meghan and Harry met Oprah; Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s release; Clemency Burton Hill’s return to the airwaves. Mar 08, 2021

Oprah Winfrey’s interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was broadcast last night on CBS in the US. It is due to air here in the UK tonight on ITV at 9pm. What might be the repercussions of the interview with the two former working Royals? Emma talks to Jennie Bond who was the BBC’s royal correspondent for 14 years and Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, activist, lawyer and author of This is Why I Resist.

The broadcaster Clemency Burton Hill tells us about a special one off episode of the Classical Fix podcast celebrating women composers that she recorded with Emma Barnett as part of International Women's Day.

British-Iranian charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been released from house arrest, but faces fresh charges next weekend. Nazanin was detained in Tehran in 2016, and sentenced to five years in prison for plotting to overthrow the Iranian government, which she has always denied. We hear the latest on her situation, from Richard Ratcliffe and Faranak Amidi, BBC World Service's Women's Affairs journalist.

A new charity is being launched called MOCRA or ‘Mothers of Children Conceived in Rape and Abuse' which aims to provide support and advice to women and girls who become pregnant from rape, sexual abuse, exploitation, trafficking and incest. They also want to provide services for children who find that they were conceived in acts of rape and sexual violence against their mothers. Founded by Dr Jessica Taylor, she joins Emma to discuss why her charity will fill a gap in services.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Pensions scandal, Isabel Allende, Anti-Obesity Drugs Mar 06, 2021

Pensions expert, Baroness Ros Altman talks about the state pension scandal which only affects women. Around 200,000 of them could be due pay-outs averaging £13,500 to top-up the underpayment of their state pension.

We hear from the critically acclaimed and award-winning author, Isabel Allende. She tells us about her latest book 'The ‘Soul of a Woman’ - her memoir on feminism and what it means to be a woman.

What can Greek goddesses teach us about ourselves today? Classicist, Natalie Haynes and Historian, Bettany Hughes discuss goddesses and what we can learn from them.

35 million adults and a third of eleven year olds are overweight or obese in this country. Rachel Batterham is Professor of Obesity, Diabetes and Endocrinology at UCL and one of the authors of a recent study into a drug, semaglutide, that can help some people lose 20% of their body weight. Jan, who took part in Rachel's trial and has struggled with weight since she was a child, talks about how taking part changed her life.

When is maximialism too much? Interior designer, Abigail Ahern and head judge on BBC2’s Interior Design Masters, Michelle Ogundehin explain the the trend for patterns and bold, clashing colours.

Classical violinist, Madeleine Mitchell talks about the concert at St John’s Smith Square celebrating A Century of Music by British Women (1921-2021) with her London Chamber Ensemble. Errollyn Wallen CBE joins Madeleine and explains what it feels like to be included in the celebration of the finest British female composers.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Paula McFarlane Editor: Kirsty Starkey

Isabel Allende, Erna Solberg, music with Madeleine Mitchell & Errollyn Wallen & post lockdown workwear with Emma Jacobs. Mar 05, 2021

Anita Rani talks to the Chilean author Isabel Allende, also to the Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg. To mark International Women's Day we have music with Madeleine Mitchell & Errollyn Wallen and we look at the future of workwear post lockdown. Will power suits and formal wear be a thing of the past after a year of lounging in comfies? Emma Jacobs from the Financial Times considers our appetite for zoom casual clothing and what we can expect when we all return to the office in the coming months. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineer: John Boland

Layla AlAmmar, Anti-Obesity Drugs, Maximalism Mar 04, 2021

Silence Is a Sense is a new novel by Layla AlAmmar: a Kuwaiti now based in Lancashire. Her novel is about a young woman from Syria who's living in a block of flats in a small English city. It's about the people she watches from her window, and how she's settling in after leaving a war zone.

Two out of every three adults in the UK are either overweight or obese. Usually the message is eat less and move more, but is there something else going on? Rachel Batterham, Professor of Obesity, Diabetes and Endocrinology at UCL discusses the critical role of gut hormones in controlling appetite and the drugs that can help keep them in balance. And Jan from Kent talks about what she's learned about the causes of her own problems with weight and why she thinks anti-obesity drugs could change the lives of millions.

We look at the growing trend for ‘more is more’ in home decorating. Maximalism can mean having a riot of different patterns and colours and textures, and also making more space for your treasured objects to go on display. Emma talks to Abigail Ahern, interior designer and author of Everything – A Maximalist Style Guide and Michelle Ogundehin, head judge on BBC2’s Interior Design Masters and author of Happy Inside: How to Harness the Power of Home for Health and Happiness.

Mothers' names on marriage certificates. The Budget. Captain Sir Tom's daughter Lucy Teixeira Mar 03, 2021

From May mothers' names will finally be featured alongside fathers' details on marriage certificates, in England and Wales thanks to years of campaigning both inside and outside of parliament. We hear from Ailsa Burkimsher Sadler who started the campaign for change back in 2013 and Revd Canon Dr Sandra Millar who is the Church of England’s Head of Life Events.

Today one of the most powoerful women in UK politics, Nicola Sturgeon has been giving evidence to a special committee set up by the Scottish Parliament to investigate the handling of sexual harassment complaints against Alex Salmond. We look at the implications for her, her Party and for the Scottish Government.

If you still crave a career in music what are some strategies for survival? Sound Advice is a new handbook for aspiring musicians written by journalist Rhian Jones and PhD researcher Lucy Heyman.

Plus a lookahead to the Chancellor's speech with Mary-Ann Stephenson from the Women's Budget Group.

And Captain Sir Tom's daughter Lucy Teixeira on why her family are inviting people to come together to plant trees and grow a living legacy forest in his name.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Afghan women and the current peace talks Mar 02, 2021

As International Women’s Day approaches and peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban continue, what are the most pressing issues facing women in Afghanistan? We hear from BBC Afghan reporter Mahjooba Nowrouzi and scholar and women’s rights advocate Dr Orzala Ashraf Nemat.

We're missing hugs, but maybe we'll get them back soon. A retired nurse in Scotland has been able to give her elderly mother a big hug for the first time in five months. Fiona Scott went to see her mum, Mary Cook, who's 90 and in a care home in Scotland yesterday. It's because restrictions have been eased a bit in Scotland - now people can go and see the one they love, INSIDE a care home, and touch them. Fiona and sex and relationships columnist for the Times, Suzi Godson, join Emma.

Actor Sue Johnston has spoken about the sexism older women face in theatre and screen. Johnston 77, has been cast as 61-year-old Sean Bean’s mother in Jimmy McGovern’s new BBC prison drama. Thirty years ago she played Sean Bean’s wife in a 1992 episode of Inspector Morse. Actor Dame Harriet Walter and film journalist and broadcaster Karen Krizanovich discuss why female actors age into older roles, while male actors remain in similar parts throughout their careers.

Pregnant women who lose their babies should be given two weeks' paid bereavement leave, according to campaigners. At the moment, only women who lose their baby after 24 weeks are entitled to statutory leave. Taylor Moss, who had a stillbirth at 23 weeks, has started a petition to change the law after she was not entitled to any time off. Her campaign is being backed by Cherilyn Mackrory, the Conservative MP who co-chairs the baby loss All Party Parliamentary Group. Taylor discusses her experience of loss, her impetus for starting the petition and what she hopes to achieve.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Mahjooba Nowrouzi Interviewed Guest: Dr Orzaa Ashraf Nemat Interviewed Guest: Fiona Scott Interviewed Guest: Suzi Godson Interviewed Guest: Dame Harriet Walter Interviewed Guest: Karen Krizanovich Interviewed Guest: Taylor Moss

Lockdown Hair, 'Red Wall' Mums, Greek Goddesses Mar 01, 2021

As the government announces plans for summer school and tutoring to help children catch up on their learning we hear from parents who think it’s more important to just let them go out to play with their friends. Recent polling suggests that mums in the “Red Wall” seats of the Midlands and North of England – areas which traditionally voted Labour but have switched allegiance to back the Conservatives – are against cutting short summer holidays after such a difficult year. We hear from the mums and from Deborah Mattinson from the political consultancy Britain Thinks and from Justine Roberts at Mumsnet.

Throughout the course of the history of Greek mythology there have been many Greek goddesses. These goddesses tend to have exaggerated personalities and are often plagued with personal flaws and negative emotions , but do we know everything we need to know about these mythological women and what if anything can we learn from them today? Writer and classicist Natalie Haynes along with historian Bettany Hughes are talking about Greek Goddesses as part of this year’s WOW - Women of the World Festival running online from today until the 21st of March.

Just last week Cara Delevigne posted a photo of her new darker brown hair on Instagram saying 'Blondes have more fun but brunettes ....' So are you like Cara embracing your darker locks? Is the nondescript colour often described as 'mouse' making a comeback bought on by lockdown three? To discuss the latest hair trends is the writer and broadcaster Sali Hughes.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour - Camila Batmanghelidjh, Surrogacy, Women in Jazz Feb 27, 2021

In her first in-depth broadcast interview since winning the High Court disqualification case regarding the disbanded children's charity Kids Company, its founder, Camila Batmanghelidjh, explains why she fought so long and hard to be cleared.

David Watkins is one of the first single men in the UK to have a surrogate baby after a law change in January 2019. David talks about becoming a father to baby Miles in July 2020. Faye Spreadbury, a married mother of two, explains what it was like to take on the role of surrogate.

How important is empathy in leadership? Chef Angela Hartnett, and Belinda Parmar, CEO of the Empathy Business, discuss empathy and how business leaders can use it as a tool to manage staff emotions in the workplace.

Charlotte Sibtain talks about her collection of more than 400 vintage wedding photos from charity shops, markets and the internet and her quest to track their owners.

Novelist Julie Ma talks about her first book Happy Families which is centred around a Chinese takeaway, the Yau Sum in West Wales, and closely resembles the one she grew up in and now runs with her brother.

BBC correspondent Mariko Oi explains Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) announcement that women will be invited to its all-male meetings: as long as they don't speak.

Are women in the UK jazz scene facing discrimination and sexual harassment? Sarah Raine, an academic and anthropologist and Jas Kayser, who's a jazz drummer and musician, discuss gender equality in the music industry.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Paula McFarlane Editor: Siobhann Tighe

Weekend Woman's Hour: Women at breaking point, Revenge porn, The term 'witch' Feb 26, 2021

Why the latest lockdown has left so many women feeling at breaking point as they try to juggle home schooling and working from home simultaneously. Annie tells us her story and we hear from Leann Cross the Director of Homestart Greenwich and Sam Smethers the former Chief Exec of the Fawcett Society,. Model and TV personality, Zara McDermott talks about revenge porn. Intimate images of her were shared without her consent when she was 14 and again when she was 21. Sharing explicit or intimate images without consent has been illegal since 2015, when Baroness Morgan was in office as Minister for Women and Equalities. Baroness Morgan joins the discussion to talk about the change to the law, which has been failing women and girls.

Harry Dunn was just 19 when he was was killed on his motorbike in Northamptonshire in 2019 when an American woman was driving on the wrong side of the road. His mum Charlotte Charles tells us about the latest ruling in the campaign to get Harry justice.

Why are so many girls and women suffering from vulva anxiety? Alix Fox, a sex journalist, broadcaster and educator, and Dr Naomi Crouch, the Chair of the British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology discuss.

A new TV campaign is urging people from BAME backgrounds to take the Covid-19 vaccine, We hear from Mehreen Baig who's backing the campaign and Dr Binita Kane a Consultant Respiratory Physician at Manchester University Foundation Trust. And the Classics scholar Mary Beard on how the term ‘witch’ has been used as an insult which she believes is an attempt to discredit her and older women generally.

Presenter Anita Rani Producer Rabeka Nurmahomed

Buying sperm online. Author Julie Ma. Vintage wedding photos Feb 26, 2021

People wanting to start a family, who need to use a sperm donor say they feel forced into finding sperm online in unregulated spaces because NHS funding is rationed or they don’t qualify for it and it's too expensive to go to a private clinic. The UK’s fertility regulator has warned that doing so carries “significant risks”. We hear from the Chair of the HFEA and from two women who sought donors via the internet.

Julie Ma's first novel Happy Families won the Richard and Judy/WH Smith 'Search For A Bestseller Competition' in October and has just been published. She talks to Anita about the book which is centred around a Chinese takeaway the Yau Sum in West Wales which closely resembles the one she grew up in and now runs with her brother.

And Charlotte Sibtain who's collected more than 400 vintage wedding photos from charity shops, markets and the internet and tries to track their owners.

Presenter Anita Rani Producer Beverley Purcell

illustration Chris Vallance

Camila Batmanghelidjh Feb 25, 2021

In her first in-depth broadcast interview since winning the High Court disqualification case regarding the disbanded children's charity Kids Company, its founder, Camila Batmanghelidjh, psychotherapist and author, joined Emma earlier this week. The High Court judgement came about because the Official Receiver claimed that Camila Batmanghelidjh, and seven former trustees of the charity Kids Company, had failed to properly manage the charity in the final months of its existence. After a three and a half year case, and 10 weeks in court, Mrs Justice Falk praised Camila Batmanghelidjh for the “enormous dedication she showed to vulnerable young people over many years” and her achievements in building a charity that “until 2014 was widely regarded as a highly successful one". Camila tells Emma why she fought so long and hard to be cleared.

Last week, the BBC obtained videos in which Princess Latifa, the daughter of Dubai's ruler described being held in solitary confinement after trying to flee the United Arab Emirates. Now BBC News has seen a letter from Princess Latifa which asks Cambridgeshire Police to re-open an investigation into her sister’s disappearance 20 years ago. Emma discusses the story with Jane McMullen, the BBC journalist who broke this story for Panorama with her film The Missing Princess and Rothna Begum, a senior women's rights researcher at Human Rights Watch.

Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Surrogacy and Single Fatherhood Feb 24, 2021

It's been announced that around 31,000 women in England will be offered the opportunity to do a smear test at home. It's all part of a trial by the NHS and experts hope it'll be a way to encourage more women to screen for the early warnings of cervical cancer. It's another step in helping women take charge of their own reproductive health. There are two consultations open at the moment. One which may see us being able to buy two brands of the contraception ‘Mini’ pills over the counter. The other is looking at whether to make permanent the current temporary arrangement allowing early medical home abortions, using pills sent through the post. Professor Lesley Regan, former chair of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists joins Emma to discuss the impact of these potential changes.

David Watkins is a 42 year old teacher from Southampton and is one of the first single men in the UK to have a surrogate baby after a law change in January 2019. Previously, only couples were able to apply for a parental order, which transfers parentage from the surrogate to the intended parents after the baby is born. With the help of surrogacy and egg donation, David became a father to baby Miles in July 2020. Faye Spreadbury, a married mother of two, took on the role of surrogate. They join Emma to discuss the experience.

Many of us have learned to work remotely over the last year and Parliament is no exception. This has allowed MPs to attend to Parliamentary business from their home. The Centenary Action Group is a cross-party coalition of over 100 activists, politicians and organisations that campaigns to lower barriers to women’s political participation. They say these measures should be allowed to continue once the pandemic ends as it would not only benefit MPs but would allow and encourage more women, those with BAME backgrounds and people who have disabilities to enter politics. Their 'Remotely Representative House' report sets out 21 recommendations for the future. The convenor of the group is Helen Pankhurst and Daisy Cooper MP is the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats.

CBBC's Newsround has made its first ever film dedicated to menstruation, in the hope of breaking taboos and getting more girls - and boys - to talk about periods. The presenter, Lauren Layfield, talks about why ‘Let’s Talk About Periods’ is needed and what it was like discussing her own menstruation on film. She's joined by Chella Quint, the founder of Period Positive and a tireless campaigner for better menstrual education in schools and for society as a whole. Chella explains why there's still so much shame around menstruation and what needs to happen to break the cycle.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Professor Lesley Regan Interviewed Guest: Faye Spreadbury Interviewed Guest: David Watkins Interviewed Guest: Dr Helen Pankhurst Interviewed Guest: Daisy Cooper Interviewed Guest: Lauren Layfield Interviewed Guest: Chella Quint

Leadership and the effect of Covid-19 on leadership styles, Sex, Gender & the Census, Breast Reduction Feb 23, 2021

Is being a tough guy (or girl) no longer the key to getting on? How important is empathy in leadership now that we know the effect that working from home, juggling child-care, concerns about unemployment and dealing with grief are having on mental health and well being. Can businesses afford to be empathetic? Emma speaks to Chef Angela Hartnett and Belinda Parmar, CEO of the Empathy Business. The census is being held next month and for the first time the public will be asked about their gender identity as well as what sex they are. The campaign group Fair Play for Women isn’t happy about the guidance which has been issued to help people answer the sex question and they’re threatening legal action if the Office for National Statistics doesn’t make changes. Dr Nicola Williams from Fair Play for Women and the CEO of Stonewall Nancy Kelley talk to Emma Barnett about the issue.

Kelly Michaud is 26 and has been left in ‘crippling pain’ due to her size H breasts. She’s now raising money to get a reduction after failing to get the operation funded by the NHS. She talks to Emma to her about why she decided to crowdfund for the operation and how to plans to raise awareness of the problem and help others too.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Women in Jazz, What women think about during sex, Japan: Women in meetings, One punch assaults. Feb 22, 2021

Are women in the UK jazz scene facing discrimination and sexual harassment? Sarah Raine, an academic and anthropologist, carried out research of ten interviews with anonymised female jazz musicians of a “notable level of success” who performed at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival event in 2019. Emma discusses the issues with Sarah, who is an academic at Edinburgh Napier University and researcher into gender equality in the music industry and with Jas Kayser, who is a jazz drummer and musician.

In her last book, Don't Hold My Head Down, Lucy-Anne Holmes, writer and founder of the 'No More Page 3' campaign, described her “sexual odyssey” and compiled a list of things that would improve her sex life. She has now gone a step further and collected the testimonies of 51 women around the world, revealing their innermost thoughts and feelings during sex. There are women of all ages and sexualities. Lucy-Anne joins Emma to talk about the very varied experiences of female sexuality.

Just days after Japan's Olympics chief was forced to resign over sexist comments, a prominent politician has announced that women will be invited to its all-male meetings - as long as they don't speak. What does this say about equality in Japan? BBC correspondent Mariko Oi joins Emma to discuss.

Dehenna Davison was just 13 years old when her father Dominic died as a result of a single punch at a pub in Sheffield in 2007. Fourteen years on Dehenna, who is now Conservative MP for Bishop Auckland, has launched an all-party parliamentary group to investigate the impact of one punch assaults and to try and improve the lives of victims and their families. The first meeting will take place on Tuesday.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Zara McDermott & Baroness Morgan on Revenge Porn, The "Good Enough" mother, & Mehreen Baig on Covid 19 Jab campaign Feb 19, 2021

Anita Rani talks to Love Island Star Zara McDermott about her new documentary on the growing issue of Revenge Porn and we hear from Baroness Morgan about the government's efforts to tackle the problem. Dr Angela Joyce and Dr Tracey Jensen about the idea of the "Good Enough" Mother, a phrase first coined by the paediatrician and child psychoanalyst D W Winnicott as we mark the 50th anniversary of his death and presenter Mehreen Baig talks about the new tv film campaign urging people from BAME backgrounds to get the covid-19 vaccine. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio engineers: Gayl Gordon & Matilda Macari

Harry Dunn's Mum, Broken Hearts, TikTok Twins Feb 18, 2021

Harry Dunn was 19 years old when he was killed on his motorbike by an American woman driving the wrong way. His parents have been fighting for justice for their son since it happened in 2019. It happened near RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire. The suspect, Anne Sacoolas returned to the States claiming diplomatic immunity. Now Harry's family has been told Anne Sacoolas will face a civil claim and it'll be held in the States. Charlotte Charles joins us on Woman's Hour.

There's a consultation going on about whether or not the mini-pill should be sold over the counter in UK pharmacies. The public are being asked for their views. We speak to Dr Sonia Adesara, who's a doctor with a special interest in reproductive health.

Kiran and Nivi are American twin sisters who've become a TikTok sensation. They've become famous for their harmonies, emotion-filled lyrics plus doing versions of songs with an Indian twist. One track has had more than 15 million views. They join Emma to talk about the surprising way they discovered their voice and talent.

When Rosie Green’s husband walked out after 25 years, he declined to leave a forwarding address. She was devastated. She says "heartbreak happens every day, but it doesn’t happen to YOU every day." As a writer for Red magazine, she was able to describe her heartbreak in articles and get advice from experts. That's all come together in her book How to Heal a Broken Heart. Rosie joins Emma to describe her journey from rock bottom to reinvention.

Mary Beard on witches, The Salmond Inquiry, Vulva anxiety in teenage girls Feb 17, 2021

Emma Barnett presents Woman's Hour with Mary Beard who talks about her new BBC Two show Inside Culture looking at witches and their enduring presence in culture. We get the latest from the Salmond Inquiry from BBC Scotland's Political Editor Sarah Smith and we hear from Dr Naomi Crouch and Alex Fox about the problem of vulva anxiety in teenage girls.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineers: Donald MacDonald and Matilda Macari.

Mums at breaking point... Feb 16, 2021

The pandemic has pushed many working mothers to breaking point. Juggling family and career is nothing new, but working a full-time job while simultaneously home schooling children for many weeks is unprecedented. A recent TUC report revealed that women are shouldering the lion's share of this responsibility, and that a lack of employer flexibility has left mums in an impossible situation. So how are these women coping? And for those that aren't, why do they feel so reluctant to talk about their struggles? Emma Barnett speaks to mum-of-three Annie about her experience. She's also joined by Sam Smethers, who recently stepped back from her role as chief executive of the Fawcett Society, and Leann Cross, the Director of Homestart in Greenwich.

Christine Keeler: the woman who nearly brought down the government in the 60s. She had an affair with Secretary of State for War, John Profumo, when she was just 19. In an unconnected court case, but one which is also linked in a complicated saga, she ended up being sentenced to nine months in prison. She had been found guilty of perjury and obstructing the course of justice in the trial of a man who her son, Seymour Platt, says was obsessed with her. But now Seymour wants a pardon for his mother. Next month he'll send his legal application to the Lord Chief Justice.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Sam Smethers Interviewed Guest: Leann Cross Interviewed Guest: Seymour Platt

Losing a friend to suicide, Period pants, The release of Loujain al-Hathloul Feb 15, 2021

Loujain al-Hathloul, the Saudi women's rights activist, has just been released from prison after spending nearly three years in prison. Instrumental in the movement to allow women to drive in the kingdom, she was imprisoned in 2018, just weeks before the ban was lifted. We speak to her sister Lina who has led the campaign to free Loujain for the last three years. Why are period pants still being taxed and not classed as a sanitary product? With Ruby Raut, founder of WUKA period pants and Sarah Olney MP, who's leading an early day motion to remove the 20% tax. How do we cope with the grief of losing a friend to suicide? It has been exactly one year since TV presenter Caroline Flack took her own life. Caroline stood down as presenter of Love Island in 2019 after she was charged of assaulting her boyfriend. She pleaded not guilty, and was due to stand trial in March. Emma speaks to her close friend Ophelia Lovibond and to Sarah Bates from the charity, Support After Suicide. Christine Keeler: the woman who nearly brought down the government in the 60s. She had an affair with Secretary of State for War, John Profumo, when she was just 19. In an unconnected court case, but one which is also linked in a complicated saga, she ended up being sentenced to nine months in prison. Seymour now wants a pardon for his mother. Next month he'll start court proceedings.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour: Alleged systemic racism in NHS maternity, Care homes, It's a Sin Feb 13, 2021

We hear from Sandra Igwe, co-chair of an urgent inquiry set up to investigate how alleged systemic racism in the NHS manifests itself in maternity care and Dr Karen Joash, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Imperial College.

After the Topshop buyout by online fashion retailer Asos, Topshop worker, and a lifestyle fashion blogger Kirsty Mead tells us what it’s like to pack up one of the shops in Leed for the final time.

Some women in the ultra orthodox Jewish community believe the laws on forced marriage are not serving them adequately and action needs to be taken. We hear from Yehudis Fletcher, the founder of think tank Nahamu and Chaya Spitz, chief executive of the Interlink Foundation, which represents Orthodox organisations.

Nearly a year into the pandemic, all over the UK there has been a push to pass legislation to allow better access to relatives and loved ones in care homes. 23 year old, university student, Lucy Challenor talks During the pandemic her mother and her grandmother have been in care homes with very little access.

Dating expert Charly Lester and film director Richard Kurti talk about Mary Oliver who with her friend Heather Jenner set up the UK's first ever Marriage Bureau in 1939. The book she wrote nearly 80 years ago, the Marriage Bureau, about the successes and failures of her matchmaking business, has just been republished.

LGBT campaigner and co-founder of Stonewall Lisa Power, actor Lydia West and Russell T Davies’ long time friend Jill Nadler discuss his new Channel 4 series It's a Sin and discuss the role women played in the AIDs crisis.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Paula McFarlane Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

Inquiry launched into NHS maternity 'systemic racism' Feb 12, 2021

An urgent inquiry to investigate how alleged systemic racism in the NHS manifests itself in maternity care was launched this week. Anita is joined by Sandra Igwe, co-chair of the inquiry and who set up The Motherhood Group to support Black mothers after her experiences of giving birth, and Dr Karen Joash, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Imperial College and spokesperson for race equality at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Girls sit at home waiting for 'Mr Right, a nostalgic fantasy invented by their parents. There has to be a better way." The words of Mary Oliver who with her friend Heather Jenner set up the UK's first ever Marriage Bureau in 1939. The book she wrote nearly 80 years ago has just been republished and the story has caught the imagination of Hollywood producers. So who was Mary Oliver and how relevant is her advice today? Film director Richard Kurti who rediscovered Mary Oliver and dating expert Charly Lester discuss.

As many as one in six young people now experience mental health problems ranging from depression to self harm and anorexia. The situation’s got worse over the last year of lockdowns and school closures leading some doctors to warn that the problems we’re seeing now are just the “tip of the iceberg”. Yesterday Emma spoke to the Children’s Minister Vicky Ford about young people facing mental health issues and where they can go for help. We were inundated with emails from concerned parents who have not been able to access the help they need. One mother, Lucy, shares her story with us.

You may be familiar with the novels of Thomas Hardy- he’s known for his realist novels, often with tragic characters struggling against their passions, fate or the circumstances in which they find themselves. Although many feature strong female characters written with real sympathy – Hardy writes them from the point of view of an omniscient, all-seeing narrator. But over the coming year, Radio 4 is dramatizing some of the novels purely through the eyes of the prominent female characters. Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles will be first – this Sunday at 2pm. Later titles include Jude the Obscure, The Woodlanders, The Hand of Ethelberta and Two on a Tower. Katie Hims dramatized Tess of the D’Urbervilles and she joins Anita Rani to talk about writing the story from a female perspective.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Sandra Igwe Interviewed Guest: Dr Karen Joash Interviewed Guest: Richard Kurti Interviewed Guest: Charley Lester Interviewed Guest: Katie Hims

Children's Minister Vicky Ford; Scottish Care Homes; Novelist Daisy Buchanan Feb 11, 2021

As many as one in six young people now experience mental health problems ranging from depression to self-harm and anorexia. The situation’s got worse over the last year during the pandemic leading some doctors to warn that this is just the “tip of the iceberg” with a “timebomb” on the horizon. The children’s Minister Vicky Ford talks to Emma Barnett about the issues and how Children's and Mental Health Services around the UK are coping as well about her own battles with anorexia whilst growing up.

With almost every elderly care home resident in Scotland now vaccinated and the three-week period to build immunity reached, relatives are calling on the government in Scotland, public health teams and care homes, to let residents see at least one close relative or friend in a more natural and regular way. The Broken Hearts campaign is led by Care Home Relatives Scotland, a Facebook group with 1700 members. Twenty three year old, Lucy Challenor is one of those. She explains the impact of having a mother and a grandmother in a care home with very little access.

Are you a fan of sexy books? Jilly Cooper and Jackie Collins inspired Daisy Buchanan to write her first novel 'Insatiable' about the sexual adventures of Violet. She joins Emma to discuss writing fiction about female desire.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Sailor Pip Hare. Children and puberty blockers. Stalking slogans on Valentines Day Cards Feb 10, 2021

Pip Hare has been competing in the Vendee Globe race, sailing around the world, solo, non-stop and without assistance. She is on the home straight now and currently 20th place. Pip speaks to Emma from the Atlantic Ocean.

Following a ruling by the High Court at the end of last year that children under 16 with gender dysphoria are unlikely to be able to give informed consent to being treated with puberty-blocking drugs, younger children now need a clinician to apply to the Court to be able to access puberty blockers, and all current referrals and appointments have been paused. We hear from Dr David Bell, former staff governor at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust and a consultant adult psychiatrist and get a response from the Trust.

There is a stalking genre in valentines cards. Slogans on cards such as: Your stalker wishes you a Happy Valentines Day and stalker is a hard word - I prefer valentine. Katy Bourne, Sussex police and crime commissioner and main spokesperson on stalking for association of police and crime commissioners tells us why she wants them banned.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Clare Walker.

The women at the centre of the new drama 'It's a Sin'. Plus a look at the gendered economic impact of covid. Feb 09, 2021

'It’s a Sin', the new drama on Channel 4 by Russel T Davies tells the story of a group of young gay men living in London during the Aids crisis of the 1980s and 90s.

At the centre of their lives is their friend Jill Baxter, who offers unconditional love and support. We meet the woman who inspired the character, Davies' long-time friend Jill Nalder, the actor who plays her on screen Lydia West and Lisa Power an LGBT rights campaigner and co-founder of Stonewall.

A new report from the Women and Equalities Committee looks at the gendered economic impact of Covid 19 - we're joined by its Chair Caroline Noakes MP.

Plus Pauline Bridge, who at 82 has been called Britain’s oldest paper "girl". And we hear from Kirsty Mead a Topshop worker, and a lifestyle fashion blogger whose video on TikTok of her packing up one of the shops in Leeds that's never going to open again, has gone viral.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Can all nurseries survive the pandemic?; Forced marriage; Re-creating the Bayeux tapestry Feb 08, 2021

At the beginning of the pandemic nurseries, pre-schools and many child minders shut down at the same time as schools, to all but the children of key workers and the most vulnerable. Most reopened in June and have remained open ever since. Providers of early years education have been urging the government for more money, saying that a lack of demand over the last year has put them under even more financial strain and many may not survive. Emma speaks to Stephanie Carless who runs a preschool in the West Midlands, and Shannon Pite, Public Affairs Director for the Early Years Alliance.

Some women in the ultra orthodox Jewish community believe the laws on forced marriage are not serving them adequately and action needs to be taken. Emma is joined by Yehudis Fletcher, the founder think tank Nahamu, which aims to counter what it sees as extremism in the Jewish community; and by Chaya Spitz, chief executive of the Interlink Foundation, which represents Orthodox organisations.

Mia Hansson is a 46 year old artist and stay at home mum, who is recreating a full-scale replica of the Bayeux tapestry. Mia started stitching 4 years ago, and thinks she'll be finished stitching sometime in 2027.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Arlo Parks performs, Susannah Constantine and alcoholism & internet sensation Jackie Weaver Feb 06, 2021

The singer/songwriter Arlo Parks was named the BBC Introducing Artist of the Year in October. She tells us about her debut album Collapsed in Sunbeams – and performs the track Green Eyes.

Susannah Constantine the author, journalist and fashionista tells us about her alcoholism. Sober now for seven years, she believes a lot of women are struggling with alcohol addiction during lockdown. She tells us about the feelings of shame surrounding her drinking and how she believes it leads to a sense of isolation and loneliness.

We hear why women are at the forefront of protests in India against new farming laws. BBC’s South Asia Correspondent Rajini Vaidyanathan and Usha Seethalakshmi from Makaam, a forum for Women's Farmers Rights in India discuss.

The Ministry of Justice recently announced plans for up to 500 new prison cells to be built in women's jails. They say these will be created in existing women's prisons to increase the number of single cells available and improve conditions. But these announcements have drawn criticism from a number of organisations. We hear from Kate Paradine from Women in Prison, Joy Doal the CEO of Anawim, a Women’s Centre in Birmingham, and from Lucy Frazer the Prisons Minister.

Zara Mohammed is the first woman and the youngest person to be elected to lead the Muslim Council of Britain - the largest umbrella organisation representing British Muslims. She discusses her new role with us.

And the internet sensation Jackie Weaver tells us all about ‘that’ Parish Council Zoom meeting.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

Guest: Susannah Constantine Guest: Rajini Vaidyanathan Guest: Usha Seethalakshmi Guest: Arlo Parks Guest: Lucy Frazer Guest: Joy Doal Guest: Kate Paradine Guest: Zara Mohammed Guest Jackie Weaver

Wrestling star Aleah James, Jackie Weaver, Indian farmers, Julia Kogan and nominations for the Golden Globes Feb 05, 2021

Anita Rani talks to 23 year old wrestler Aleah James who was signed by WWE in the middle of lockdown. Normal try outs involve a rigorous selection process, with over 80 athletes, but Aleah bypassed this and was hired on the exceptional promise she showed.

We hear from Mrs Weaver, Jackie Weaver, star of the parish council zoom row which has gone viral.

Thousands of farmers in India have been protesting against new farming laws in India. As the protests grow women are now said to be increasingly taking a more prominent role. We hear from the BBC's South Asia Correspondent Rajini Vaidyanathan and from Usha Seethalakshmi from Makaam, a forum for Women's Farmers Rights in India

The writer and opera singer Julia Kogan has just won a high court battle to be credited for her part in writing the script for the Oscar nominated film Florence Foster Jenkins, starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant. We talk to her and Dr. Daniela Simone, a Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University and an expert in copyright and collective authorship.

And Hannah J Davies, the Guardian's Deputy TV Editor and film critic Anna Smith tell us about the Golden Globes Film awards later this month. The shortlist for best director has more women than men for the first time, but there's also been some surprise at who hasn't made it through.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Managers: Duncan Hannant and John Boland.

Harassment when training, Zara Mohammed, Marie McCourt Feb 04, 2021

A top-class Welsh athlete, one of the best, says the abuse that women get when out training has to stop. Rhiannon Linnington-Payne, who runs the 400 metres and is training for The Commonwealth Games, has spoken out about the harassment she's received when doing her daily training sessions on a road near her home. Other women say it happens to them too.

Zara Mohammed is the first woman, and the youngest person, to be leader of the Muslim Council of Britain. Her background is in Human Rights Law and she says it's her vision to "build a truly inclusive, diverse and representative body". She hopes her appointment will inspire more women and young people to take on leadership roles. She joins Emma to talk about her new role.

Marie McCourt's daughter, Helen, was murdered in February 1988. Her killer was convicted on overwhelming forensic evidence, but refused to reveal the location of her body. Marie, now 77, has never given up finding her. At the beginning on this year, Helen's Law came into effect which makes it a legal requirement for the Parole Board, when they make a decision about a murderer's release date, to consider their failure in disclosing the location of a victim. However, Marie wasn't able to prevent the release of Helen's murderer in 2020.

It's lockdown, and are you trying to carve out extra private spaces in your home? If you've got an open-plan set-up, are putting walls back up?* Are you finding space in a shed or a cupboard under the stairs? Mother of four, Amy Harty, has created an extra bedroom in her 3 bed house for just £140! She joins Emma to explain how, along with Laura Jane Clark, architect and expert on BBC Two’s Your Home Made Perfect. * Do check building and fire regulations.

Singer Arlo Parks, Suzanne Heywood on the legacy of her husband Jeremy Heywood and Journalist Nadine White Feb 03, 2021

Emma Barnett talks to the singer/songwriter Arlo Parks who was named the BBC Introducing Artist of the Year in October and she'll share a special version of the track Green Eyes with listeners and Suzanne Heywood the widow of the late top civil servant Jeremy Heywood talks about her husband's legacy and we hear from the journalist Nadine White. Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Photo Credit for Arlo Parks: Alex Kurunis

Dolly Parton, Women In Prison Feb 02, 2021

Dolly Parton has sold 100 million albums and published over 3000 songs. There's a new book about her by Sarah Smarsh who says we don't know enough about Dolly's philanthropy. Dolly's given million of books around the world and has donated thousands of dollars to families living in the Smoky Mountains where she's from. Sarah's book is called She Come by It Natural and she's on Woman's Hour to explain how influential and significant Dolly is for generations of women.

The Ministry of Justice recently said 500 new prison cells would be built in women's jails. They say it's to improve conditions, and some prisons will now let women have overnight visits with their children. They say they're putting in £2 million of funding, via charities, to help women yet the plans have drawn criticism. Why?

Susannah Constantine, How Work Fits into your Life Feb 01, 2021

Susannah Constantine describes herself as an author, journalist, PA to three teenagers and middle-aged lapsed fashionista turned podcaster to the wardrobes of the superstars! She has recently written about her alcoholism. Sober now for seven years, she wrote the article because she felt a lot of women are struggling. This is borne out by figures from Alcohol Change UK, who have seen a huge increase in the number of women coming their website since the first lockdown started, with 173,580 female visitors, an increase of more than 100% on the previous year. Susannah joins Emma to describe the feelings of shame surrounding drinking, especially for women, and how it leads to a sense of isolation and loneliness. And she talks about the positives of her life post drinking Writer Sarah Jaffe joins Emma to talk about the ideas in her new book, Work Won't Love You Back. She argues we've been sold an idea that certain work is not really work and should be done for the sake of passion rather than pay. She looks particularly at how gender and the labour of love myth interact, how the devaluing of work in the home has lead to a devaluing of certain work outside (eg childcare, domestic work, nursing, teachers etc) . She examines the notion that paid work is a liberation for women particularly when the amount of work women do in the home has not been significantly reduced. She asks how the unpaid intern came about, the overworked teacher, the boss who describes the work place as 'like a family'', how the labour of love myth permeates almost every area of our lives and at what cost.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour - Samantha Cameron; Rhod Gilbert on male fertility; Afro hair and discrimination Jan 30, 2021

Samantha Cameron talks about setting up her own clothing brand and what life was really like at Number 10.

Katiann Rocha from the Halo Collective, an organisation of people working to put a stop to hair discrimination and Emma Dabiri, author of the book Don’t Touch My Hair discuss discrimination against afro hair.

Internationally-renowned primatologist and conservationist, Dame Jane Goodall on climate change and how the planet has changed over the decades.

Breathing coach, Rebecca Dennis and Mike Thomas, a professor of primary care research and expert in the use of breathing exercises for asthma at the University of Southampton discuss why we need to be taught how to breathe.

Comedian Rhod Gilbert on male fertility and his campaign to raise awareness and encourage men to be open, engage and be a part of the conversation. Rhod Gilbert: Stand up to Infertility is on the BBC iPlayer and BBC Two on Sunday at 10pm.

Following Elaine Paige’s admission that her height has made her feel horribly insecure throughout her life, Elizabeth Carr Ellis shares her feelings about the challenges that come with being smaller in stature.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Paula McFarlane Editor: Lisa Jenkinson

Can the way we breathe change our mental and physical health? Jan 29, 2021

Can the way we breathe change our mental and physical health? With Rebecca Dennis, author of new audiobook 'Breathe', and Prof Mike Thomas from the University of Southampton.

The campaign for a statue of Emmeline Pankhurt's forgotten sister and the first woman to die for the suffrage movement

Plus a look at new research which reveals discrimination against Afro hair in the UK is widespread, with black people stating they have experienced microaggressions around their hair.

And Ann Wolbert Burgess the woman who inspired the character of psychologist Dr Wendy Carr in the TV series Mindhunter.

Presenter Anita Rani Producer Beverley Purcell

Samantha Cameron; Rape cases - legal challenge to the CPS; Rachael Burford on Girls' Rugby Jan 28, 2021

Samantha Cameron spent six years at number 10 Downing Street with her husband David in the glare of the media spotlights. She was there through the tumultuous years of the Scottish and EU referendums - issues which still rage today - witnessing some of the biggest political changes for generations. She was the youngest first lady for 50 years, juggling family life and a new baby with a high pressure job. She is credited with modernising the upmarket stationers Smythson and has now set up her own clothing brand Cefin. She talks to Emma about life at number 10, family, fashion and business.

Rape victims at the heart of a landmark court case say they have been failed by the Crown Prosecution Service. A judicial review lodged against the CPS by the Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ) and End Violence Against Women (EVAW) coalition is being heard in the Court of Appeal this week. They say that a change in tactic has led to a more cautious approach and a subsequent collapse in rape prosecutions. To discuss the issues Emma is joined by Harriet Wistrich, Director of the CWJ.

Former rugby World Cup player Rachael Burford talks about setting up the Girls Rugby Club to give the game an international boost.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Rhod Gilbert on male fertility; teenage girls and social media; and talking to children about the Holocaust Jan 27, 2021

Men don't talk about fertility and society largely views fertility as a woman's issue despite the fact that men are said to be a factor in around half of all fertility issues between couples. That's the view of the stand up comedian Rhod Gilbert who is raising awareness of the issue and wants men to open up and be part of the conversation. He's made a BBC documentary 'Stand up to Infertility' where he shares his own struggles to conceive with his wife Sian. Stand Up to Fertiliy is streaming now on BBC iPlayer and on BBC Two on Sunday 31st January at 10.00pm.

A new study indicates teenage girls experience a sharper decline in well-being and self-esteem compared with boys due to “heavy social media use". It has also suggested that the pandemic might be making it worse. The report - by the think tank, the Education Policy Institute, and the Prince's Trust - calls on the government to act quickly to improve mental health support for schools in England. Emma is joined by Whitney Crenna-Jennings , the author of the report, and Matt Haig - the author and mental health campaigner who decided to leave twitter earlier this week - where he had nearly half a million followers.

Today is International Holocaust Memorial Day where we remember the millions of people murdered by the Nazi regime. For decades, survivors have spoken about their experiences in the hope that nothing of its kind will ever be repeated. But when the last survivors are gone, who will tell their stories? And how do we talk to children about such harrowing events? Children’s author, Liz Kessler has written fictional a novel called When The World Was Ours that was inspired by the true story of her father’s escape from Czechoslovakia. Noemie Lopian is the daughter of Holocaust survivors Ernst Israel and Renee Bornstein. Ernest wrote The Long Night about his time in 7 different concentration camps and several death marches. They join Emma to discuss why it’s so important to talk to children about the Holocaust and the parallels between now and then.

Women and Gambling. Interim Mayor of Liverpool Wendy Simon. True Stories from a Life in Forensic Medicine Jan 26, 2021

Women and Gambling.

Pauline and Derek Tremain are a couple who work together, running a small business from home in Kent. It's not your run of the mill business however, they provide a very specialist service called 'body mapping' to police forces up and down the country, painstakingly recreating murder injuries with 3D imaging for juries to look at. They talk to Emma about their memoir How to Solve a Murder - True Stories from a Life in Forensic Medicine.

Elaine Paige is an award-winning star of the West End and Broadway. . What, you may ask, would such a woman have to worry about? Well if you've been reading the Radio Times or the papers recently, you'll know that her height - just 4 foot 11 has made her feel horribly insecure throughout her life and caused her to be both literally and metaphorically overlooked. We hear from Elizabeth Carr-Ellis from Canterbury who's the same height and knows exactly how she feels.

Wendy Simon found herself unexpectedly running a city from her living room in December, as Interim Mayor of Liverpool. She explain how she took the reins in such a challenging time.

Presenter Emma Barnett Producer Beverley Purcell

Jane Goodall; Female cabinet ministers on TV; Coercive control Jan 25, 2021

Internationally-renowned primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall discusses the tragedy of lost nature and the positive action needed to combat climate change.

Does it matter if female cabinet ministers are missing from flagship political programmes and TV briefings? Emma speaks to former Government minister Anna Soubry, and later in the programme to Therese Coffey MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

In the new episode of Grounded with Louis Theroux, musician FKA Twigs says she was coercively controlled. What can you do if you find yourself in a psychologically abusive relationship?

IMAGE CREDIT: Bill Wallauer

Broadcaster Clemency Burton-Hill on learning to speak again. Plus Katie Price talks about her son Harvey. Jan 23, 2021

Clemency Burton-Hill gives her first broadcast interview to Emma Barnett since she suffered a brain haemorrhage a year ago. She talks about how music has helped her ongoing recovery, and how she has learnt to speak again.

Sindiso Khumalo & Dr Christine Checinska on the V&A museum's African fashion exhibition,

Plus Katie Price on her son Harvey who was born with Septo-optic Dysplasia, a rare disorder that affects brain function. Her family have lived their lives in the public eye for more than 15 years - and now in a new BBC One documentary, we see her having to make tough decisions about his future as he turns 18.

There’s been a surge in calls to domestic abuse services in the pandemic as couples spend more time at home together - the majority of calls coming from women. For many victims and survivors, work is usually a place of respite. We hear from Business Minister Paul Scully who's written to employers urging them to be a bridge between their workers, spot domestic abuse and offer the support they need.

And the lives of Irish women in the US in 19th and why they were called Bad Bridgets

Presenter Anita Rani Producer Rabeka Nurmahomed

Managing Money, Domestic Violence and Housing, Bad Bridgets Jan 22, 2021

Women trying to escape domestic violence can spend months on end in a refuge or in unsuitable temporary accommodation due to lack of suitable housing. The Local Government Ombudsman has just published a highly critical report about how the London Borough of Wandsworth spectacularly failed one victim of domestic abuse. We hear from ombudsman investigator Cameron Black, women in this situation. And we ask Lucy Hadley from Women’s Aid whether the forthcoming Domestic Abuse Bill will resolve some of these problems. Throughout the 19th century, tens of thousands of Irish women left to make their fortunes in the US. But what happened to these women once they reached the Land of Opportunity? Dr Elaine Farrell of Queen's University Belfast and Dr Leanne McCormick of Ulster University have pieced together their stories. They talk to Anita Rani about drunkenness, sexual deviancy and the lives of crime led by those they call 'Bad Bridgets'. How have young women's finances been over the past 12 months? The lockdowns have put serious financial pressure on lots of people, but others have been able to curb their spending habits as shopping and eating out became impossible. What are the tools young women need to look after themselves? Iona Bain is the founder of Young Money Blog and the author of Own It, and Selina Flavius is the author of Black Girl Finance: Let's Talk Money. Archaeologist turned computer scientist, Iris Kramer, has created an AI tool that can sweep for sites of historical interest that are hidden to the human eye. The entrepreneurial PhD student has secured many grants to found her company Arch-AI.

Presenter: Anita Rani Reporter: Carolyn Atkinson Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Katie Price talks about her son, Harvey Jan 21, 2021

Katie Price and her family have lived their lives in the public eye for more than 15 years - and now in a new BBC One documentary, she's having to make tough decisions about her son Harvey's future. Born with Septo-optic Dysplasia, a rare disorder that affects brain function, hormones and vision, Harvey is moving onto the next stage of his development as he turns 18. Katie joins Emma to discuss.

Senior judges in the Family Courts were heavily criticised last year for outdated views on allegations of marital rape in family court proceedings. This week the Court of Appeal is holding a legal review into the Family Courts’ approach to domestic abuse and sexual violence for the first time is 20 years. Barrister, Dr Charlotte Proudman explains why this review is both important and necessary, and why it may prompt cases being overturned.

It's been reported that the former First Lady Melania Trump did not write her own thank you letters to her White House staff. The goodbye letters were allegedly written by an aide. Around 80 White House staffers received a typed note from the outgoing First Lady, and were under the impression she wrote them herself. But two sources familiar with the letters claimed Mrs Trump outsourced the work to a lower-level East Wing staffer. Comedian and writer, Katy Brand reveals where she stands on thank you letters.

Christina McAnea is the new leader of the UK's largest trade union UNISON, also the fastest growing in Europe. Representing 1.4 million public sector workers - around 80% of which are women - we ask what's top of her in-tray when she starts in the job tomorrow?

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Kirsty Starkey Editor: Karen Dalziel

Interviewed Guest: Katie Price Interviewed Guest: Charlotte Proudman Interviewed Guest: Katy Brand Interviewed Guest: Christine McAnea

Clemency Burton-Hill, V&A African fashion exhibition, Liverpool Mayor Wendy Simon, Presidential Inauguration. Jan 20, 2021

Emma Barnett with Clemency Burton-Hill's first interview since she suffered a brain haemorrhage a year ago today. She talks about how music has helped her ongoing recovery, and how she has learnt to speak again. Sindiso Khumalo & Dr Christine Checinska on the V&A museum's African fashion exhibition, the new interim mayor of Liverpool Wendy Simon talks about being thrust into the role last month as Covid 19 cases were rising exponentially and as Joe Biden assumes the US Presidency we hear from Sarah Elliot from Republicans Overseas UK and Joan Walsh, the National Affairs Correspondent for The Nation and a CNN political contributor.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Ballerinas & Babies, Working From Home Safely, Delayed Smear Tests Jan 20, 2021

Some top British ballerinas have become new mums during lock-down. In fact, there are so many in the Royal Ballet that they've created a Whatsapp group. We know that being a ballet dancer is competitive and careers can be short, so has lock-down given the chance to get pregnant? Lauren Cuthbertson, is principal of The Royal Ballet and had her baby a few weeks ago, and Tara-Brigitte Bhavnani, first artist of The Royal Ballet, is due in April.

There’s been a surge in calls to domestic abuse services. As so many of us are working from home at the moment the Business Minister has written to employers urging them to be a be supportive as they can be, and that means helping victims of abuse in the home. We hear from Paul Scully.

When it comes to the Covid vaccine, research from the University of Glasgow indicates that BAME communities are much less likely to get the vaccine if or when it's offered. Reasons include language barriers and misinformation. We hear from Dr Zubaida Haque, as well as children speaking various different languages to persuade their grans and granddads to get the jab.

The Welsh Labour MP, Alex Davies-Jones, says she was left without the majority of her cervix because she delayed getting a smear test. She wants to tell other women not to make the same mistake. According to the Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, the MP Caroline Nokes, more then six hundred thousand women could miss their routine smear tests during the pandemic.

Lana Clarkson, Cosmetic Fillers, Confessions of a Duchess, Debut novel Girl A Jan 18, 2021

Music producer Phil Spector who has just died in a California jail was serving a life sentence for the murder of the actor Lana Clarkson. Lana Clarkson starred in a number of 1980s B movie sci-fi films like "Barbarian Queen" but at the time she met Spector she was working in a bar. Emma is joined by the biographer of Phil Spector, journalist and author Mick Brown. New exclusive research by reporter Melanie Abbott for Woman's Hour has found more and more aesthetic doctors and nurses are treating women for mistakes made injecting fillers by untrained practitioners. Melanie Abbott, Sharon Bennett from the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses and Labour MP Carolyn Harris from the all party parliamentary group on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing join Emma. Duchess is the new podcast from Duchess of Rutland Emma Manners and daughter Lady Violet in which they talk to titled women who are responsible for ancestral piles around the UK. They have their own huge place, Belvoir Castle, and they join Emma to discuss the pros and cons of running such a business. We've all seen images in the press of houses where terrible things happened and heard stories of children held captive by their parents. Abigail Dean's first novel 'Girl A' is told by Lex the survivor, the one who flagged down a car and escaped from 'The House of Horrors'. It explores the impact on 'Girl A', as she was dubbed, of childhood trauma. She and her six siblings have different stories and different outcomes - what happens to those left behind when the headlines and the fascination fall away?

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour - Healthcare workers on the frontline, Debbie McGee and Naomi Paxton, virginity testing Jan 16, 2021

Emma, a pediatric nurse, who has been redeployed to an Intensive Care Unit talks about what it’s like to care for Covid patients and the daily stress and pressure currently experienced by health care professionals.

Amy Pope, former deputy home security advisor to President Obama talks about Congresswoman Liz Cheney, one of ten Republicans who crossed the floor and voted with the Democrats to impeach President Trump for the second time.

Author Debra Waters and science journalist and author Helen Thomson talk adult crushes. Should we see crushes as normal, exciting and harmless ways of understanding ourselves and our needs? Or is it morally questionable if you’re in a loving, committed relationship?

We hear from Anjali Raman-Middleton who went to primary school with Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah who was nine years old when she died in 2013. She had a rare and severe form of asthma. Angali co-founded 'Choked Up' with three other teenagers to lobby against the pollution that contributed to Ella's death.

Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham, Natasha Rattu, Director of Karma Nirvana and Dr. Naomi Crouch Chair of the British Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology Society and spokesperson for The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists talk about the Virginity Testing (Prohibition) Bill that was introduced in the House of Commons by Richard in December .

Debbie McGee and Naomi Paxton talk about being sawn in half and what it’s like to be a magician’s assistant.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Paula McFarlane Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

Wonder Woman at 80; Virginity tests; Bridgerton; Choked Up Jan 15, 2021

As Wonder Woman 1984 hits video on demand services this week, a new generation is introduced to the superhero styled as Diana Prince. Later this year, she'll celebrate her 80th anniversary - so what is her story? And what makes her so culturally relevant still? G Willow Wilson is one of the women who's written for the comic series.

Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham, introduced the Virginity Testing (Prohibition) Bill into the House of Commons in December. His interest was sparked by an investigation for BBC Newsbeat and 100 Women which found that virginity tests are being offered at British medical clinics. Richard joins Anita to explain why he wants to make this controversial practice illegal. She also speaks to Dr. Naomi Crouch, Chair of the British Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology Society and spokesperson for The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Natasha Rattu, barrister & Director of the charity Karma Nirvana.

If the first lockdown was all about watching Normal People on TV, why is this lockdown all about Bridgerton? We hear from writers Marian Keyes and Kathryn Flett and from the Bridgerton star Kathryn Drysdale.

Anjali Raman-Middleton is a 17 year old activist, and one of the founders of Choked Up, a group set up by black and brown teens campaigning for changes to clean air laws. Anjali went to primary school with Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, who died, aged 9, in 2013. At an inquest in December, Ella become the first person in the UK to have air pollution listed as a cause of death.

Adult crushes, Identifying migrants lost at sea, Kishwer Falkner and the EHRC Jan 14, 2021

Everyone remembers their first teenage crush - that feeling of butterflies in the stomach and uncontrollable blushes. As we age, crushes still occur but they tend to be a guilty secret. But are there benefits to having a crush? Facebook introduced a secret crush feature in December last year and it is claimed that crushes can induce mood-boosting chemicals. Should we see crushes as normal, exciting and harmless ways of understanding ourselves and our needs? Or is it morally questionable if you’re in a loving, committed relationship? Emma is joined by Debra Waters, who won the Bridport Prize last year for her short story "Oh Hululu" about an adult crush, and Helen Thomson is a science journalist and author whose new book is called 'This Book Could Fix Your Life' in which she shares her advice on affairs of the heart.

Yesterday, the eyes of America were mainly on one woman. Congresswoman Liz Cheney was one of ten Republicans who crossed the floor and voted with the Democrats to impeach President Trump for the second time, something that has never happened before to a President. A key trigger in all of this was, of course, the storming of the Capitol Building last week. Cheney laid blame firmly at the feet of President Trump and criticised his role in stoking the attack. So who is Liz Cheney and is she the political heroine some are saying she is? Is she trying to save the Republic from doom and destruction at its most desperate hour? Emma talks to Amy Pope, former deputy home security advisor to President Obama

An estimated 30,000 migrants and refugees have lost their lives in the Mediterranean in the last fifteen years. One of the largest shipwrecks took place in October 2013 when a boat went down off the Italian island of Lampedusa, killing 366 migrants on board. A second tragedy, with an even larger loss of life, happened in April 2015 when a boat sank carrying 1000 refugees and migrants travelling from Libya to Italy. Cristina Cattaneo, Professor of Forensic Medicine at the University of Milan, has spent the last five years voluntarily running a project with others to identify just some of those who died.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has a new chair. Her name is Kishwer Falkner. The EHRC's most recent and high-profile investigations have been into pay at the BBC and anti-Semitism within the Labour Party. Its twitter tag line says that it’s here to “to stand up for freedom, compassion and justice in our changing times”, but it has its critics too. The Women and Equalities Committee once said it needed to overcome its ‘timidity’, and be ‘bolder’. That was in 2019, so has it?

Debbie McGee and Dr Naomi Paxton, author Angie Thomas, Nurse Sarah Link who lived in a caravan for 9 months to protect her mum Jan 13, 2021

To mark the centenary of the infamous ‘sawing-a-woman-in-half’ illusion, Emma Barnett talks to Debbie McGee and Dr Naomi Paxton, also to author Angie Thomas about her new book "Concrete Rose" the prequel to her bestseller "The Hate U Give", Joan Bakewell talks about her legal challenge over the government's decision to delay the second dose of the Covid 19 Vaccine for elderly and we hear how the the nurse Sarah Link lived in a caravan for nine months outside her family home in Cradley Heath in the West Midlands to protect her mum from catching Covid.

The programme includes a clip of Baroness Boothroyd courtesy of Sky News

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Young women and vaccines; Vaccine Deployment Minister Nadhim Zahawi; Lisa Montgomery, Death Row, Sex and the City Jan 12, 2021

Around 2.3 million people in the UK have received 2.6 million doses of vaccine. Yesterday we heard they're planning to vaccinate 2 million people a week, until the middle of February with the aim of reaching the most vulnerable who've accounted for 88% of deaths from Covid 19 so far. A recent poll showed more than a quarter of 18-to-34-year-old women said they would say no to a Covid jab, citing concerns over the vaccines effect on their fertility and pregnancies. Emma talks to Professor Lucy Chappell, Research Professor in Obstetrics at Kings College in London and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists; and to the Vaccine Deployment Minister Nadhim Zahawi.

Lisa Montgomery, the only woman on federal death row, was due to be executed by lethal injection later today, but a reprieve has been granted. Lisa was convicted for the gruesome murder of a 23-year-old woman who was eight months pregnant. The baby miraculously survived. Emma speaks to Leigh Goodmark, Marjorie Cook Professor of Law and Co-Director, Clinical Law Program. She assisted the defence team with advocacy for Ms. Montgomery.

Sex and the City: After six series, 94 episodes and two films - the women are making a return - but without Samantha - the feminist icon played by Kim Cattrall. The lead character and producer Sarah Jessica Parker yesterday announced they would be back with 10 half-hour episodes - showing us how their lives have changed now they're in their 50s. Reaction has been mixed. Hadley Freeman is a columnist and feature writer for the Guardian and a BIG fan of Sex and the City. She explains how she feels on hearing it is coming back.

This is an edited version of the programme.

Presented by Emma Barnett Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Bullied by my kids; Alexandra Heminsley; Healthcare workers on the frontline Jan 11, 2021

Listeners and practitioners offer advice and support to parents living with violent children. Pat Craven from the Freedom Programme, and Karina Kelly who advocates Non-violent Resistance join Emma.

Author of Running Like a Girl, Alexandra Heminsley has written a new memoir about having a baby after much difficulty and finding out not long after that her husband is set on transitioning. She talks to Emma about this tumultuous time of her life.

The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has said this morning that right now we are at the worse point of the epidemic in the UK. He said over 30,000 people who have it are in the NHS system at the moment. In a tweet he's said "the number of people in ICU is rising rapidly." So what about the army of healthcare professionals who are looking after Covid patients? What's the toll on them? We've already had emails from healthcare workers saying they're close to handing in their notice because of the strain and others describing the daily stress and pressure on the wards. Emma speaks to a paediatric nurse who's been redeployed to an adult Intensive Care Unit. and Nicki Credland, Chair of the British Association of Critical Care Nurses.

Weekend Woman's Hour - Holly Humberstone, #metoo & Imelda Staunton as the Queen Jan 09, 2021

We have music and chat from singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone who has been named as runner up of the BBC Sound of 2021.

Helen Lewis, staff writer at the Atlantic and Melissa Melewski lecturer in American politics at The University of Sussex discuss the role women played in this week’s violent protest when the Capitol building in Washington was stormed by Trump Supporters.

We hear from Hannah who has been ghosted by her mum.

We discuss the unintended consequences both positive and negative of the #metoo movement with Gudrun Young, a defence barrister and Sarah Green, Director of End Violence Against Women.

And we have a special message from Her Majesty the Queen and the actor Imelda Staunton tells us about her latest role playing the Queen on television.

Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Louise Corley

Singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone. Lockdown family pressures. BPAS not for profit IVF Clinic. Jan 08, 2021

We hear from the singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone who's the runner up in the BBC Sound of 2021.

Caroline Aldridge's eldest son Tim had a bipolar disorder and he passed away before he could access treatment. She’s talks about her book "He Died Waiting " which outlines why she thinks mental health services failed him.

We unveil new data showing the pressures facing families over school closures and managing paid work. Plus why the British Pregnancy Advisory Service has announced it will open a not-for-profit IVF clinic later this year in Central London.

Presenter Andrea Catherwood Producer Beverley Purcell

Carol Ann Duffy, Women and US riots, Tree Activist Maria Gallastegui and Scottish Judicial Review on Definition of Woman Jan 07, 2021

The poet Carol Ann Duffy - who served as the first woman poet laureate between 2009-2019 and has won numerous awards for her poetry including the Whitbread, Forward and T. S. Eliot Prizes - joins Emma with a poem which feels particularly apt in the current circumstances, as we enter another lockdown and people are separated from their families and friends – it is called Long Table. Carol Ann talks to Emma about what she has been doing in lockdown and the importance of writing in recording our experiences over the past year.

The world looked on in horror yesterday in what has been described as an act of domestic terrorism as thousands of President Trump supporters ransacked Congress and stormed the Capitol building in Washington. Their aim? To bring a violent halt to the formal confirmation of his election defeat. Before they headed to the building, Trump roused his followers to fight for him - and his lawyer - the former mayor of New York Rudy Guliani said: "Let's have trial by combat." To look at the photos, you would think it was a march dominated and led by gun toting, animal skin-wearing men. It was men who sat in chair of the US speaker of the House - Nancy Pelosi and in the Senate chamber - two of the defining images of the riot. But women were there and are there as part of the mass online movement which led to this action: Stop the Steal. What role do they and are they playing in these groups? Emma speaks to Helen Lewis, staff writer at the Atlantic and author of the book Difficult Women and Melissa Milewski, lecturer in American politics at University of Sussex.

A tree has been pulled down in Hackney. So what? Trees get pulled down all the time. But it wasn’t just any old tree: it was 150 years old, and was called The Happy Man, named after a pub that used to be nearby. Campaigners have been trying to save it for months and despite the bitter cold they've been in the branches, even sleeping in them. One of them is Maria Gallastegui and she joins Emma to talk about her experience.

A key legal hearing starts in Scotland today with a campaign group challenging the Scottish Government over the meaning of the word “woman”. For Women Scotland has been granted a judicial review into the Gender Representation on Public Boards Act 2018 (GRPBA) which was passed as part of efforts to drive up the number of women in senior positions on public bodies. Its wording covers trans women who have changed their legal sex from male to female using a gender recognition certificate, as well as others who are “living as a woman” and are “proposing to undergo” such a change “for the purpose of becoming female”. Emma Barnett talks to Susan Smith from For Women Scotland and to Jennifer Ang from Just Rights Scotland about the review.

#MeToo - the victories, the criticisms and the unintended consequences Jan 06, 2021

The #MeToo movement exploded across social media and into the public consciousness in late 2017. In case you missed it, Me Too aimed to show the scale of harassment and sexual violence in society and raise awareness of women who've been abused. Amid shared stories from women of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds, it exposed not only the magnitude of sexual assault but the systemic failure to stop it. It's the most visible, feminist, social media movement of recent times. But what are the victories, criticisms and unintended consequences of #MeToo?

A year on from the start of Harvey Weinstein's trial in New York City, we hear reflections from actors Rosanna Arquette and Caitlin Dulany, who have both accused Weinstein of sexual assault.

Emma is also joined by defence barrister Gudrun Young; the Director of End Violence Against Women, Sarah Green; and the author Lionel Shriver.

The Closure of Schools, Ghosted by Mum, Naked Walkers Jan 05, 2021

We're in another lockdown. Schools are shut like last time. Only children of key workers and those who are vulnerable can go in. Listeners have already been in touch expressing their concerns. We want to hear from you. Is it the right thing to do? Why has the messaging been so inconsistent. What impact will school closures have on working life, parents and children? How different is this from where we were in March? We want to hear from you.

We’ve talked about ‘ghosting’ before on Woman’s Hour, usually in the context of relationships where a partner or prospective partner just suddenly disappears and cuts off all communication. Hannah, a listener, wrote to us to tell us her story of being ghosted by her own mother. She talks to Emma.

Lockdown has been a perfect opportunity for people to get outside and explore the great outdoors. But would you consider doing it in the nude? Donna Price - a volunteer for British Naturism and head of the Women in Naturism campaign says that despite women's fears about body image and being leered at by men, walking and swimming naked with other people can be the most liberating, confidence-building and joyous of experiences. But what does it feel like crossing from being a clothes-clad member of society into being naked with strangers? Journalist Caroline Steel reflects on her own experience and the revelations she had about the way society views women's bodies.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Emma Barnett presents Woman's Hour with Imelda Staunton, Mel C, Jeremy Hunt and Richard Ratcliffe Jan 04, 2021

Emma Barnett presents her first edition of Woman's Hour with music from Mel C, Imelda Staunton on her new role in The Crown and the latest on Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe from her husband Richard and the former Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Editor: Karen Dalziel

A farewell to Jane Garvey, Women on the moon, Ageing well Jan 02, 2021

Holly Ridings is the first woman to be Nasa's chief flight director and is in charge of the Artemis programme - named after Apollo's twin sister - which will land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024. She tells us about the challenges involved with space travel and what makes a good astronaut.

More and more of us are living longer - so how can we do it better? Consultant Geriatrician Dr Lucy Pollock, CEO of the Centre for Ageing Better Anna Dixon, and Dr Niharika Duggal from the University of Birmingham explain how to approach independence, exercise, and even driving as we get older.

As The Archers celebrates 70 years, we look at how farming - the backdrop of the radio drama - has changed for women since it's been on air. Felicity Finch, who plays Ruth Archer, meets Mary Quicke - one of the real life inspirations behind the storylines.

What makes the night sky so magical? We speak to Karine Polwart, a folk singer whose new work takes inspiration from the stars she watched as a child.

And, of course, we say goodbye to Jane Garvey who leaves Woman's Hour after 13 years. The journalist Elizabeth Day quizzes Jane, and we listen back to some of her funniest moments.

Presenter: Melanie Abbott Producer: Rosie Stopher Editor: Sarah Crawley

Women and the Archers: how farming has changed, female scriptwriters, the role of gossip and future characters. Jan 01, 2021

Woman's Hour celebrates the 70th anniversary of The Archers, looking at the female characters and storylines that have shaped the programme, presented by Felicity Finch (Ruth Archer).

How have the roles of women in farming changed over the last 70 years in the real world and in The Archers? From Jill Archer who is often portrayed more as a traditional farmer's wife to Ruth who is very much in partnership with David to Pip who is a thoroughly modern farmer and appears to be in pole position to inherit the farm. Helen Archer has also made a foray into cheese-making. Felicity hears from Mary Quicke of Quicke’s cheeses, who is cited by Agricultural editor of The Archers as an inspiration for Helen’s storyline.

Female scriptwriters only began on The Archers in 1975. They brought a new perspective to the programme, revitalising its profile and cementing its place in the British psyche. One of the first women to write for the show was Mary Cutler. She joins Felicity to talk about what it was like during those early years and her most memorable stories for female characters during her 40 years writing for the show. Felicity also talks to Naylah Ahmed, who has been writing for the show for 5 years.

Susan Carter is often at the heart of what is going on in the village of Ambridge and is known as the village gossip. According to a recent study, men and women gossip on average for 52 minutes every day. But Susan’s gossip is often perceived as malicious and small-minded. Charlotte Martin who plays Susan actually works as a psychologist when she’s not on the programme. She joins Felicity, Dr Cara Courage and comedian Angela Barnes to discuss the role of gossip on the show.

One of the unique and strange things about playing a character in Ambridge – is that the storylines unfold over years, so you grow old with the programme. Younger characters, as they age, inherit the standing of more established characters, and none of them know where they might end up. So we asked the actor Katie Redford – who plays Lily and Emerald O’Hanrahan who plays Emma to talk about their hopes for their characters in the future. Our guests also muse on the characters who might be missing that they hope might turn up in Ambridge one day.

Presenter: Felicity Finch Producer: Clare Walker

Looking back on a momentous year & Jane Garvey's last programme Dec 31, 2020

We look back at the end of a momentous year. Jane revisits listeners we spoke to during 2020, Sarah whose father died from Covid in April, Lizzie who gave birth alone to baby Bibi in May, Gillian who’s been battling with Long Covid, and Deborah whose (good-natured) bickering with her partner escalated during lockdown.

And author, journalist and How to Fail podcaster Elizabeth Day interviews Jane about all the things that have and haven't gone right during her time at Woman's Hour.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Elizabeth Day Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

What's in a name? Dec 31, 2020

What do our first names really say about us? More than you might think, according to Dr Jane Pilcher, Associate Professor at the University of Leicester. She claims that our names often reveal important clues about our age, social class and ethnicity that might affect the way that we are treated by other people. She joins Jane, along with name expert and the founder of the British Baby Names website, Eleanor Nickerson to discuss what's in a name.

How has this classic British name become synonymous with being middle of the road? The actor Jane Asher turned 71 earlier this month and was born in the year that Jane entered the UK top 50. Jane Brody celebrated her 30th birthday last week and was born the year after Jane stopped being a UK top 100 name.

Woman's Hour listener Victoria Smillie wanted to change her surname following her divorce, but realised in doing so that she had never been happy with her given name, Lesley, either. So she changed both. They are joined by another of our listeners, Tracy, who truly hates her name but can't quite bring herself to lose it. By the age of three, Esther Robertson had had three different first names and surnames. Esther joins Jane to discuss how her changing name has affected her life.

The author Charlotte Mendelson keeps lists of names and can deliberate for hours about what to call the characters in her novels. She joins us along with the journalist and editor Alex Clark to discuss the best and worst names in books.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Laura Northedge.

Getting old Dec 30, 2020

More and more of us are living longer but we don’t talk enough about what it means to be old, according to Consultant Geriatrician Dr Lucy Pollock. The author of ‘The Book about Getting Older’ tells us about what she’s learnt about looking after the old and their families over many years, and the practical things that people can do to make things happier in old age. We also hear from Anna Dixon, CEO of the Centre for Ageing Better. Exercise - and building muscle - can help you stay healthier longer into old age. Dr Niharika Duggal from the University of Birmingham explains how muscle improves our immunity. Janine Rickus from Extend, an organisation that specialises in exercise classes for older people, gives advice on the moves that'll keep you on your feet in old age.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Women and Space: Nasa's Holly Ridings, the psychology of space travel, Rocket Women and the cultural significance of space Dec 28, 2020

Holly Ridings is the first woman to be NASA's chief flight director. She was appointed in 2018 and is responsible for missions to the International Space Station, the Orion spacecraft and commercial spacecraft. She is also in charge of the Artemis programme - named after Apollo's twin sister - which will land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024, using innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before and potentially lead to further missions to Mars. She is responsible for 32 flight directors who are overseeing human spaceflight at the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

How do you know if you’re fit enough psychologically to go into space? What do you need to do to survive in such close quarters with other people? When it comes to Mars, the focus is often on how to get there: the rockets, the engines, the fuel. But upon arrival, what will it actually be like? Jane speaks to Kate Greene author of “Once Upon a Time I Lived On Mars” and to Dr Iya Whiteley, Director of the Centre for Space Medicine at Mullard Space Science Laboratory, University College London.

What are the jobs for women in space? Vinita Marwaha Madill is founder of Rocket Women which aims to inspire women around the world and provide advice on working in the space and technology industries.

And finally, what is the cultural significance of space and the moon to us? It is the site of so much folklore, myth and legends and has spawned countless books, films and songs. Looking up at the stars is a trope of romance – but it also a reminder of how small and insignificant our own lives are – seen against the life of the cosmos. For that reason many ask – should we even be going to the moon or Mars? Jane discusses this with the folksinger Karine Polwart who is writing a new theatre piece called “The Only Light Was Stars” and Dr. Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian who is a driector, member of the SETi Institute, Vice-Chair of The Committee for the Cultural Utilisation of Space and director and founder of the International Space Orchestra in NASA.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Clare Walker

Oti Mabuse's second Strictly win; Virtual child protection conferences; Liz Berry's poetry Dec 26, 2020

Labour MP Stella Creasy joins us to discuss buy now pay later services, and whether they should be regulated.

Oti Mabuse and partner Bill Bailey have been crowned Strictly Come Dancing champions as they took the 2020 glitter ball trophy home on Saturday. Oti Mabuse is the first professional to win the competition two years in a row. Next year, she is going on tour with her new show ‘I AM HERE', which explores her journey from growing up in South Africa, to becoming a multi-award winning dancer.

The mezzo-soprano Patricia Hammond is celebrating the parlour song. Composed by women, these domestic songs of the Victorian era have largely been marginalised or forgotten. In her new book and CD, She Wrote the Songs, she tells us about the women behind the songs and their importance to musical history.

We heard earlier in the pandemic that in-person meetings for vulnerable children had become mostly impossible. But now child protection professionals feel that face-to-face conferences are unlikely to ever resume. So what does that mean for the children in question? And what is missed as a result? Lisa Harker from the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory joins us.

A new BBC three-part drama Black Narcissus tells the story of a group of Anglo-Catholic nuns who travel to the Himalayas to set up a school in an abandoned clifftop palace, which was once known as the 'House of Women'. It's adapted from Rumer Godden's 1939 novel, and the writer Amanda Coe joins Jane to discuss.

The breast surgeon and breast cancer survivor, Liz O'Riordan, tells us the story behind her 'Jar of Joy'.

And the award-winning poet Liz Berry shares her evocative poetry inspired by her love for the Black Country.

Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Rosie Stopher Editor: Beverley Purcell

Christmas Day on Joy Dec 25, 2020

Christmas Day programme about Joy.

Jane Garvey is joined by the Rev. Kate Bottley, who brings the Christian perspective of joy at Christmas, and talks about her personal passion for ice water swimming.

Natalie Maddix is the founder and Creative Director of the House Gospel Choir. She describes the joy of communal singing and shares some of the choir's uplifting music.

The breast surgeon and breast cancer survivor, Liz O'Riordan, tells us the story behind her 'Jar of Joy'. The crime writer Sophie Hannah explains her theory of finding joy - even in the most adverse of circumstances.

Tonia Buxton is a chef and consultant at the Real Greek Restaurants. She gives details of her family's ‘dirty’ Christmas sandwiches and her family recipes for Greek Liver stuffing.

Woman's Hour listener Joy Barnard tells her story of being adopted at Christmas in 1961, and Lynette and Daisy reveal what brings them personal joy.

Presented by Jane Garvey Producer: Louise Corley

RECIPES

Greek Christmas Liver Stuffing

Ingredients 50g/2oz butter 1 onion finely chopped livers from your turkey finely chopped ( I like to add another pack of 200g ) ½ cup/ 75g/3oz long grain white rice rinsed ½ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground cloves ½ cup/ 75g/3oz of sultanas. ½ cup/ 75g/3oz of pine kernels 1 ½ cups/275ml/ 10fl oz water sea salt & coarsely ground black pepper

Method In a frying pan add the butter & fry the onion until softened. Add the liver & continue to fry till browned. Then add the spices, seasoning, pine kernels & sultanas & rice. Stir in the water & bring to the boil. Cover with a lid & simmer for 10/12 minutes. You can either stuff the bird or put it in a shallow casserole dish, cover with foil & warm before serving.

Melomakarona Greek Christmas biscuits

This wonderful recipe is one I have taken (with permission ) from my friend Asimakis Chaniotis who is the most exciting young Greek Chef who has a Michelin star as well as many other accolades. He has refined this traditional recipe that is handed down from generation to generation. https://www.asimakischaniotis.co.uka

Ingredients

For the syrup 500 g water 800 g granulated sugar 150 g honey 3 stick(s) cinnamon 3 cloves 1 orange, cut in half 1st mixture

400 g orange juice 400 g seed oil 180 g olive oil 50 g icing sugar 1/2 teaspoon(s) cloves 2-3 teaspoon(s) cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon(s) nutmeg 1 teaspoon(s) baking soda orange zest, of 2 oranges

2nd mixture 1 kg all-purpose flour 200 g semolina, fine

Method For the syrup : Boil all the ingredients apart from the honey until the sugar melts and let it to be cold for 3-4 hours

Preheat the oven 190 In one big bowl mix with a hand whisk all the ingredients from the 1st mixture In a separate bowl mix the ingredients from the 2nd mixture

Combine the 1st bowl to the 2nd and mix by hand gently

Bake them for 20-25’ Soak the hot cookies to the cold syrup Let them drain on a wire rack

Drizzle with honey (optional ) and walnuts

Tracy-Ann Oberman plays Katherine Hepburn on NYE on R4 Dec 24, 2020

‘Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner’ was a famous 1967 film about an inter-racial marriage in the US. Filmed against the backdrop of race riots that took place the same year, it starred Sidney Poitier, Spencer Tracey, Katherine Hepburn and Katherine Houghton. Actor, Tracy-Ann Oberman has written a play called ‘That Dinner of 67’ looking at what happened during the making of the film. She talks to Andrea Catherwood about playing the iconic Ms Hepburn.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has deemed an Instagram campaign by online shopping firm Klarna, that ran in April and May, as ‘irresponsible’ for encouraging shoppers to use their ‘buy now, pay later’ service to cheer themselves up during the pandemic. The Swedish company has over 10 million customers in the UK, with an average age of 33. Its model allows payments to be staggered for products, with no fees or interest. Consequently, companies with similar models to Klarna, do not have to abide by Financial Conduct Authority rules, and thus customers are not protected and risk getting into debt. The Labour MP Stella Creasy is spearheading a campaign to make an amendment to the Financial Services Bill to better protect consumers.

In her book ‘The Little Library Christmas’, Australian-born food writer Kate Young guides you through the Christmas period with festive food, edible gifts, reading recommendations and suggestions for Christmas films. She joins Andrea to talk about how to Cook the Perfect Jansson’s Temptation – a Swedish dish that she cooks every year as one of her Christmas rituals.

The stereotypical Christmas scene is familiar - a big house, warm fireplace, and plenty of space for Father Christmas to leave the presents. But that's not the reality for most children. Which is why Hollie McNish wrote her poem 'You do not need a chimney', to reassure children living in flats and hostels that St Nick will still be able to get to them. Hollie joins us to read the poem, along with Sue Whitfield, who's had help from Homestart - the charity that will benefit from sales of the poem.

Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Tracy-Ann Oberman Interviewed Guest: Stella Creasy Interviewed Guest: Kate Young Interviewed Guest: Holly McNish Interviewed Guest: Sue Whitfield Photographer: Joseph Sinclair

Oti Mabuse, Domestic Abuse and Kinship Care, Quarry Bank Cotton Mill, Samantha Evans, Fire fighter. Dec 23, 2020

Oti Mabuse and partner Bill Bailey have been crowned Strictly Come Dancing champions as they took the 2020 glitter ball trophy home on Saturday. Oti Mabuse is the first professional to win the competition two years in a row. Next year, she is going on tour with her new show ‘I AM HERE', which explores her journey from growing up in South Africa, to becoming a multi-award winning dancer.

The increase in domestic abuse during the pandemic has been widely reported. The charity Family Rights Group works to keep children safe in their families and advise parents whose children are in need, at risk or in care, and support kinship carers raising children. Their chief executive, Cathy Ashley, confirms that rise and says that domestic abuse is now the most common reason given by callers to their free advice line as to why social workers have become involved with their family. She also explains why grandparents so frequently become kinship carers in these situations.

Quarry Bank cotton mill stands on the outskirts of Manchester, it is now a National Trust property . It features in a play called The Whip by Juliet Gilkes Romero a new audio version of which is now available on the Royal Shakespeare Company’s YouTube channel. The play tells the story of the cover-up of the death of a child working at the mill. Louise Adamson went to Quarry Bank back in 2017 to see an exhibition about the lives of the women and children who worked there and the songs they sang as the worked.

Samantha Evans is West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s first female whole time firefighter. When Samantha joined the service in 1990, there were no female shower facilities on station, and no other women in the team. Samantha is now retiring, after 30 years of service.

Presented by Jessica Creighton Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

Being diagnosed with ASD at 27; Parlour songs; Child protection conferences Dec 22, 2020

We heard earlier in the pandemic that in-person meetings for vulnerable children had become mostly impossible. But now child protection professionals feel that face-to-face conferences are unlikely to ever resume. So what does that mean for the children in question? And what is missed as a result?

Journalist Marianne Eloise was recently diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, aged 27. She says it finally gives her an explanation of why she has found it difficult to simply exist; from experiencing extreme sensory overload in situations others find normal, to never being able to make small talk. Marianne joins Jane to talk about her personal breakthrough and why she believes it’s harder for women and girls to be diagnosed as autistic.

The mezzo-soprano Patricia Hammond is celebrating the parlour song. Composed by women, these domestic songs of the Victorian era have largely been marginalised or forgotten. In her new book and CD, She Wrote the Songs, she tells us about the women behind the songs and their importance to musical history.

Listener Prue wrote to us about a recent discovery that’s made her question her past. For her seventieth birthday, Prue, a family history buff, got a DNA kit from her nieces. There were no surprises with the results about her geographical origins. Then she realised could also find people with matched DNA, and she was shocked to find out her late dad was not her biological father. Since then Prue’s been trying to find out who her father was- with the help of people she’s met online. Jo Morris met with Prue at her home.

Black Narcissus - Amanda Coe, Cerys Matthews & Liz Berry, Xmas coping strategies, Power List Carolyn Cobbold, Dec 21, 2020

New BBC three-part drama Black Narcissus tells the story of a group of Anglo-Catholic nuns who travel to the Himalayas to set up a school in an abandoned clifftop palace, which was once known as the 'House of Women'. Adapted from Rumer Godden's 1939 novel, the writer Amanda Coe joins Jane to discuss.

Coping strategies over the Christmas period with the psychologist Laverne Antrobus.

Carolyn Cobbold is No. 10 on the Woman's Hour Power List 2020: Our Planet. She's worked tirelessly to quite literally change the shape of coastal defence, leading the Manhood Peninsula Partnership to secure funding for the largest coastal realignment project in Europe.

The musician and DJ Cerys Matthews tells us about her latest album 'We Come From the Sun' which involved collaborating with the Hidden Orchestra and 10 poets. She's joined by the award winning poet Liz Berry who talks about her track Christmas Eve.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Sharon D Clarke, Food and class prejudice, Gender stereotypes Dec 19, 2020

Sharon D Clarke talks about her role as The Narrator in an audio adaptation of “Peter Pan”.

Three women from this year's Power List - physicist and climate researcher Prof Joanna Haigh; one of the leads from the Climate Assembly Prof Rebecca Willis; and Guardian Environment Correspondent Fiona Harvey discuss how we understand and talk about climate change.

Sharon Hague from Pearson talks about a new study by the Fawcett Society into gender stereotypes and the damaging effect it has on society.

Leading gynaecologist and early pregnancy specialist Dr Jessica Farren talks about miscarriage and and the grief that can be exacerbated by the festive period.

Food historian, Pen Vogler talks about our eating habits and reveals how they are loaded with centuries of class prejudice.

The Panamanian-American conductor Kalena Bovell talks about her international conducting debut at the Southbank with Chineke!

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Paula McFarlane Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

Sharon D Clarke; Gender bias in school books; Outliving your mum - Claire's Story Dec 18, 2020

An audio adaptation of Peter Pan with music will be launched on Christmas Eve in support of Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, that will feature a host of actors - Olivia Colman, Bertie Carvel, Kenneth Branagh, Jane Horrocks, Clive Rowe, and Sharon D Clarke. She joins Jane to talk about her role as The Narrator, who in this version is Wendy’s great granddaughter.

A new study into gender stereotypes suggests that they’re still widespread in 2020 and causing life-long harm. The Fawcett Society has spent the last 18 months gathering evidence as part of their Gender Stereotype Commission and they say the problem persists in terms of parenting, education and the commercial sector. Jane talks to Sam Smethers from the Fawcett Society and to Sharon Hague from the education resources specialist Pearson which has contributed to the report and subsequently changed the teaching material if offers to schools.

How does it feel to reach the age your Mum was when she died? Jo Morris has been hearing from women who feel a clock ticking. Their stories are all different but they have one thing in common – none of them have felt able to talk about this before. They didn’t want to worry their loved ones or vocalise these dark thoughts. They describe their fears as well as the joy of ordinary life and the freedom that comes from realising that you are not your mother. Today, Claire's story.

We meet two more women from the Woman's Hour Power List: Our Planet. Judy Ling-Wong is the founder and Honorary President of the Black Environment Network, and Zarina Ahmad is a Climate Trainer at CEMVO Scotland. They've both dedicated their work to making the environmental sector a safer and more inclusive place for ethnic minority groups, and they join Jane to discuss the gains made and the work still to do.

Franny Armstrong and climate comedy, Violence against women and girls, Women with learning disabilities and employment Dec 17, 2020

Environmental filmmaker and Woman's Hour power lister Franny Armstrong thinks it's time for a bit of climate comedy. Having spent the best part of two decades making serious documentaries such as The Age of Stupid, Rivercide and McLibel, Franny talks about reaching new audiences with her film Pie Net Zero, featuring fake news reporter Jonathan Pie.

A 10 week consultation period run by the Home Office looking at violence against women and girls has just been launched focusing on "the crimes that disproportionately affect women and girls ranging from rape to FGM to upskirting and online offences." We hear from Safeguarding minister Victoria Atkins.

Women with learning disabilities are among the thousands of older and disabled people who've been described during the Covid crisis as ‘vulnerable’. But many are unhappy with that label – because not only have they been working throughout the pandemic – they've been working on the frontline. Statistically women with learning disabilities are the least likely to have a job. Disability Affairs reporter Carolyn Atkinson has been hearing from women with learning disabilities. Diane Lightfoot, CEO of the Business Disability Forum and Claire Cookson, CEO of DNF Project Search discuss.

Christmas can be a particularly hard time for those who have experienced miscarriage or subfertility. Leading Gynaecologist and early pregnancy specialist Dr. Jessica Farren shares insights from her own personal experience of miscarriage and those who she has cared for.

Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Dianne McGregor

Dance Special Dec 16, 2020

As we approach this year's final another chance to hear Jane Garvey celebrating all things Strictly.

A dance special with chief Strictly judge Shirley Ballas, Love Island participant and professional ballroom dancer Curtis Pritchard, Professor of Dance History Theresa Buckland from Roehampton University, Sujata Banerjee, a Kathak artist and educator and Ingrid Mackinnon, a choreographer who teaches jazz, ballet, modern & African dance. We find out why dancing makes you feel good plus Curtis gives Jane a twirl round the dance floor and proves it's never too late to put on your dancing shoes.

Online Harms Bill, Food and Class, Talking about Climate Change Dec 15, 2020

The government’s long delayed full response to the online harms white paper will be published today. New rules will be introduced for tech firms which allow users to post their own content. Firms who fail to protect people face fines of up to ten percent of turnover or the blocking of their sites. Popular platforms will be held responsible for tackling both legal and illegal harms and all platforms will have a duty of care to protect children using their services from being exposed to harmful content. Jane Garvey talks to the Minister in charge of steering the bill through the House of Commons Caroline Dinenage. Food historian Pen Vogler, author of Scoff, puts our eating habits under a microscope and reveals how they are loaded with centuries of class prejudice. As she says, "most Brits could read a shopping basket as though it were a character sketch: Typhoo or Earl Grey, Kingsmill or sourdough". If, she says, we spent less time scoffing at other people's eating habits and more time thinking about how everyone could have the same access to good food, then maybe Britain's reputation for bad food could be a thing of the past. The way we understand and talk about climate change has shifted dramatically in the past couple of years. To discuss why, Jane speaks to three women from this year's Power List - physicist and climate researcher Prof Joanna Haigh; one of the leads from the Climate Assembly Prof Rebecca Willis; and Guardian Environment Correspondent Fiona Harvey. Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Kalena Bovell, conductor; Family Secrets, Sustainable Fashion Dec 14, 2020

The Panamanian-American conductor Kalena Bovell, is quickly becoming “one of the brightest stars in the world of classical music.” Currently Assistant Conductor of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra , she is making her international conducting debut at the Southbank with Chineke! Europe's first majority Black, Asian and ethnically-diverse orchestra. She describes how she first discovered she could sing and fell in love with the violin, before finding her life’s passion of standing on the podium in front of an orchestra, and explains her ambition is to conduct an orchestra behind heavy metal band Metallica.

All families have secrets and back in 2018 when we asked listeners to tell us some of their stories Moira wanted to talk to us about a secret that has affected her life. Now 57, she grew up an only child with her mum and dad in Swansea. She speaks to reporter Jo Morris.

Safia Minney MBE is number 28 on the Woman's Hour Power List: Our Planet, for her pioneering work in making fashion more sustainable. As the founder of People Tree and Real Sustainability, she's worked for decades to change how people think about clothes. But how has that changed over the years? And how can we enjoy fashion and clothing without having a negative impact? Safia joins Jane, along with influencer Venetia LaManna and ByRotation founder Eshita Kabra-Davies to discuss.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

Weekend Woman's Hour: Dame Stephanie 'Steve' Shirley, Make-up for Men & the benefits of working with Clay Dec 11, 2020

Dame Stephanie Shirley – always known as Steve – tells us about her work revolutionising the workplace and as a major philanthropist.

On Tuesday, Leicester University are launching their 'Student Sex Worker Policy and Toolkit'. We hear from Professor Teela Sanders, a Professor of Criminology at Leicester University who explains why she is leading this initiative and the feminist commentator and journalist Sarah Ditum gives us her view.

Are men beginning to turn to cosmetics to improve their appearance in the same way as women? Danny Gray, who created the WarPaint make-up range for men believes this to be the case and the make-up artist, Lisa Eldridge, author of Face Paint: the History of Make-Up gives her thoughts.

What’s the best way to approach shyness in your child? We hear from Nadia Finer who runs an online programme for shy 7-14 year olds who want to feel braver, and more able to speak up and join in.

Is it time to end the idea that being in a couple is the superior way to live? We hear from Professor Sasha Roseneil the author of a new book, The Tenacity of the Couple-Norm.

And we discuss the therapeutic benefits of clay with Kate Malone, one of the UK’s leading potters and ceramicists – and Charlotte Clarkson, who’s been getting the chance to try out the medium at her local youth centre.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Sarah Crawley

Ockenden Review, Puberty Blockers, Student Sex Work Policy Dec 11, 2020

This week the first part of The Ockenden Review into Maternity Services at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS (SaTH) Trust was published. It urges improvements in the way mothers and babies are looked after, not just in Shrewsbury but across England. We talk to the local MP there, Lucy Allan, as well as Gill Walton from The Royal College of Midwives and Jayne Terry who's an obstetrician in London.

We have part 2 of our series which talks to parents about puberty blockers. Today we hear from a mum, who we're calling Nichola, who's seriously worried about her child taking them.

And Leicester University are launching a Student Sex Worker Policy and Toolkit. Why? What is it? And does it suggest that choosing sex-work as a option for earn money whilst studying is a good idea? We discuss with Professor Teela Sanders from Leicester University, and Sarah Ditum, who's a feminist writer and columnist.

Puberty blockers - parents' reaction, Pottery, Power List : Diane Gilpin, A Girl from Mogadishu - Ifrah Ahmed Dec 10, 2020

Last week the High Court ruled that it was ‘unlikely that children under 16 could give informed consent to puberty blocking drugs. The Tavistock - which runs the only clinics in the UK that have been offering this treatment on the NHS – is seeking to appeal the judgement. Meanwhile NHS England have suspended all new referrals for puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for the under 16’s. Children already on the drugs will have their cases reviewed, and a court order will be required to start or to continue treatment. We asked you to get in touch if you were affected. Today, we hear from ‘Jen’ – not her real name – whose 14 year old was due to start assessment for puberty blockers this week. On Friday, a parent we’re calling Nicola who has serious concerns about this treatment for her child, talks to us.

Around 90% of the goods we buy spend at least some of their life travelling the world's oceans. Cargo ships are efficient in terms of cost but burn large quantities of thick, unrefined fossil fuels and generate more emissions each year than Germany or Canada. So how can this globally-important industry reduce its impact on the planet? Diane Gilpin, CEO of Smart Green Shipping, believes that harnessing the tried-and-tested method of wind power and sail could halve emissions and save millions in costs on fuel. She talks to Jane about how intelligent, 40m-high aluminium sails will bring shipping into the 21st century.

Kate Malone is one of the UK’s leading potters and ceramicists – and she is keen to share the therapeutic benefits of working with clay. She joins Jane along with Charlotte Clarkson, who’s getting the chance to try the medium for herself at a local youth centre.

Somali- born Ifrah Ahmed was just eight when she was subjected to female genital mutilation. At 17, she was smuggled out of the country alone and ended up in Ireland. She’s now an Irish citizen and a successful campaigner against the practice of FGM. She was instrumental in bringing about legislation banning the practice in Ireland. Her inspiring story has been made into a film ‘A Girl from Mogadishu’ and she joins Jane to tell her story, along with the film’s director Mary McGuckian

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Brexit negotiations, Parenting a shy child, Cook the Perfect with Claire Thomson Dec 09, 2020

Boris Johnson is in Brussels today to have a face to face meeting with European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. They’re trying to find a post-Brexit trade deal. So how will the dynamics work between the two? Sonia Purnell used to work with Boris Johnson in Brussels when they wrote for the Telegraph together. She’s written a biography about him. And Maria von Welser knows Ursula von der Leyen. They wrote a book together about women in German society.

What’s the best way to approach shyness in your child? Nadia Finer joins Andrea to offer her advice. She runs an online programme called The Mighty Mob. It's for 7-14 year olds who want to feel braver, more able to speak up and join in, and more comfortable to be themselves. Nadia, who is shy herself, says that shy children do not need to change who they are, nor should we make them.

In her new cookbook The Home Cookery Year, Claire Thomson offers solutions for quick dishes that are easy to make in minimal time at the end of a busy working day. The former chef and mother of three discusses cooking with her children during lockdown, with only half a kitchen, and how to Cook the Perfect…Brussels Sprout Galette with Pancetta & Chestnuts.

We’ve been asking women how it feels to reach the age their mum was when she died. Today’s story is a bit different. Beth is 24 and her story is complicated. When she heard we were looking for stories on this subject she thought, at first, that she didn’t have anything to say.

Gail Bradbrook: co-founder of Extinction Rebellion Dec 08, 2020

Extinction Rebellion has used civil disobedience to put the climate crisis firmly at the top of the news agenda. It’s also attracted women and whole families to take to the streets to protest for the first time in their lives. Gail Bradbrook, the co-founder of XR and one of the women on this year’s Woman’s Hour Power List, joins Jane to talk about the support for – and criticisms of – the use of protest to bring about systemic change in the name of the planet.

Are men beginning to turn to cosmetics to improve their appearance in the same way women use them? According to Danny Gray, who created the WarPaint make-up range, says they are. He’s seen a huge increase in interest from men, which he partly puts down to the amount of time they’ve spent looking at themselves on Zoom. He discusses this trend, and the make-up artist, Lisa Eldridge, author of 'Face Paint; the History of Make-Up', explains the background behind men and their use of cosmetics.

It’s time to end the idea that being in a couple is the superior way to live, according to a new book, 'The Tenacity of the Couple-Norm'. The couple-norm is the ubiquitous idea that being in a couple is the normal, natural and better way of living. It’s such a powerful norm that being in a couple is almost synonymous with being a successful adult. The authors – academics from 4 different countries - argue that, amidst enormous transformations in our ideas about family life and relationships in past decades, this norm has remained largely unchallenged and unchanged, making life difficult for anyone who departs from it. The lead author, Professor Sasha Roseneil, joins Jane.

Gail Newsham features in the latest series of The Game Changers podcast which showcases trailblazing women in sport. Gail Newsham has spent the last three decades researching and sharing the story of the Dick, Kerr Ladies. One hundred years ago over 50,000 turned out to watch them play a match. She explains why the team was so important in the history of women’s football.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Gail Bradbrook Interviewed Guest: Lisa Eldridge Interviewed Guest: Danny Gray Interviewed Guest: Professor Sasha Roseneil Interviewed Guest: Gail Newsham

Ladies' Loos, Family Secrets, Dame Stephanie Shirley Dec 07, 2020

What goes on in the ladies? Office gossip, getting locked-in, the most embarrassing moments, confessing to a stranger, a place for bonding, bullying, and bunking-off? We hear your stories about women’s toilets, with Comedian Shazia Mirza and Historian Claudia Elphick.

Dame Stephanie Shirley – always known as Steve – joins Jane to talk about her career-spanning book of speeches So to Speak. Now 87, she’s a successful IT entrepreneur who revolutionised the workplace for women and is now a major philanthropist. She's in demand for public speaking and often starts by giving her own story of arriving here on the Kindertransport in 1939, one of 10,000 Jewish children fleeing Nazi Germany. She says she has done more since that day than she would ever have believed possible.

We continue our series on family secrets. Today we hear about a woman in her late forties who has a secret which has affected her life since she was a teenager.

And we get the latest about vaccines from GP Sarah Jarvis.

Working in retail; Sparking a love of nature; Women’s innovation in tech; Women and underpaid state pensions, Evil women Dec 05, 2020

Non-essential shops reopened in England this week after the second Lockdown - thousands of jobs now hang in the balance. We hear from Joanne Cairns, deputy head of research at USDAW and Catherine Shuttleworth, retail analyst.

The Woman’s Hour Power List recognises the work of 30 inspiring women who are making a positive contribution to the environment and the sustainability of our planet. Beccy Speight, CEO of the RSPB which is the UK’s largest conservation charity and Miranda Lowe, Curator at the Natural History Museum in London talk about their work to spark our interest in the environment and nature.

Two of this year’s TechWomen100 Award winners June Angelides MBE and Rav Bumbra on how to encourage more women and girls to work in the tech industries.

Many women have been underpaid state pension. Steve Webb, partner at Lane, Clark and Peacock and Jasmine Birtles financial expert and director of MoneyMagpie explain.

What makes an evil woman. We hear from Professor of History at Birkbeck and Rhetoric Professor at Gresham College talks about her interest in evil women.

Festive Drinks. Sandra Lawrence from The Cocktail Lovers magazine talks about classic cocktails.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Paula McFarlane Editor: Dianne McGregor

Festive drinks, Post-partum psychosis, Outliving your mum. Dec 04, 2020

Sandrae Lawrence from the Cocktail Lovers Magazine stirs up some Christmas spirit in the Woman's Hour studio with a selection of festive drinks ideas. She'll be preparing traditional Snowballs and telling us about wassails to warm your guests with whilst entertaining outdoors. As Hollyoaks tackles the issue of post partum psychosis we hear from Hannah Bissett from Action on Post-partum Psychosis and Dr Ayesha Rahim, who's a perinatal psychiatrist at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust and we hear Titania's story about Outliving her mum. Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Lisa Jenkinson

Is Joint Enterprise being used unjustly? A career in virology. A true crime quest. My life in shoes Dec 03, 2020

Is the continued use of Joint Enterprise, where an individual can be jointly convicted of the crime of another, unjust?

Next week, 800,000 doses of the first coronavirus vaccine will be available. It seems female scientists scientists have been front and centre of the work. According to The Royal College of Pathologists nearly half of their members who specialise in virology are women. We hear from Dr Katrina Pollock from Imperial College, London and Professor Trudie Lang from University of Oxford Both institutions are leaders in virology and work closely together. They tell us about working in the field and what it's like as a career for a woman. Plus we hear from trainee Lydia Gale.

Why did Becky Cooper spend a decade investigating the death, 50 years ago, of Harvard student Jane Britton?

Plus we continue in our series of my life in shoes: Ciara Jones emailed to tell us about the shoes that have given her hope. From her mum’s high heels when she was stuck in flat black leather shoes after hip treatment, to the bubblegum pink stilettoes she’s looking forward to wearing after covid, Ciara shares her stories with us today.

Presenter Krupa Padhy Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Becky Clarke Guest; Clare Warren Guest; Emma Torr Guest; Becky Cooper Guest; Professor Trudie Lang Guest; Dr Katrina Pollock Guest; Ciara Jones Guest; Lydia Gale

Sparking a love of nature; the Keira Bell judgement; Evil women; US female voters Dec 02, 2020

The Woman’s Hour Power List 2020: Our Planet is celebrating the women making a significant contribution to the environment. Today, we’re speaking to two women who strive to spark a lifelong love of nature in others. Beccy Speight is the CEO of the RSPB, the UK’s largest conservation charity and Miranda Lowe is a curator at the Natural History Museum in London.

The High Court has ruled that children under 16 with gender dysphoria are ‘unlikely’ to be able to give informed consent to undergo treatment with puberty-blocking drugs. The case had been brought against Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust. Health Correspondent for BBC Newsnight Deborah Cohen joins Krupa to explain the judgment and its potential implications for clinical practice.

In the recent US election an estimated 90% of black women voters supported President-elect Joe Biden. And while college-educated white women further cemented their shift to Democrat support, white women overall continued to vote for President Donald Trump. We speak to Professor of Political Science, Wendy Smooth from Ohio State University about what created this divide, the significance of the women’s vote and the overall pattern of women’s political choice.

What makes an ‘evil woman’? From Eve and her original evil, to the true horrors of Myra Hindley, Professor Joanna Bourke’s new series of Gresham College lectures explore some of the women described as such – and how the bar for evil has changed over time.

Women's innovation in tech; Working in retail; Valerie's Life in Shoes Dec 01, 2020

Two of this year’s TechWomen100 Award winners join Jane to discuss getting more women and girls into the tech industries, including via a new app. June Angelides, an investor, speaker and mentor who founded Mums in Tech has won the Editor’s Choice award. Rav Bumbra gets the Champion award for her work recruiting women to work in tech fields and mentoring schoolgirls.

With non-essential retail due to open again tomorrow, we discuss the situation facing shop workers - many of whom are women - working in the UK's high street stores. Hastings shopkeeper Pratibha Paleja talks about the difficulties of dealing with frustrated customers and reports of shop workers being assaulted. Retail analyst Catherine Shuttleworth and Joanne Cairns, deputy head of research at the Union of Shop Distributive & Allied Workers discuss the wider issues facing women working in the sector, including the risk to jobs from the predicted collapse of the Arcadia group, and the reality of asking people to restrain their shopping in the run-up to Christmas.

Listener Valerie tells the story of her adventurous life through a pair of shoes and two pairs of boots. She wore the boots while becoming the first British woman to summit Mount Manaslu, the trek shoes she bought for an Everest marathon and the fur-lined boots she wears when the temperature gets really low.

How does it feel to reach the age your Mum was when she died? Jo Morris talks to four women who feel a clock ticking. Their stories are all different but they have one thing in common – none of them have felt able to talk about this before. They didn’t want to worry their loved ones or vocalise these dark thoughts. Titania is 44, her Mum died at 54 and her Gran at 64 and she feels she sees a pattern.

Presenter - Jane Garvey Producer - Anna Lacey

Women and underpaid state pensions, Women's emotional labour at Christmas, Female footballers and dementia Nov 30, 2020

It was found that thousands of married women could have been receiving underpaid state pensions. The Department of Work and Pensions has since been investigating its records and making payments. The former pensions Minister Steve Webb, who first highlighted the issue, believes that many more women, such as divorced and widowed women could be effected, and that the DWP could be looking at a bill in excess of £100 million. We speak to Steve Webb and to financial expert Jasmine Birtles about pension planning, and the impact coronavirus could have on future pensions.

The Sage Christmas document says that 'women carry the burden of creating and maintaining family traditions and activities at Christmas'. “Messaging should be supportive of women adapting traditions and encouraging those around them to share the burden and to be supportive of any alterations to adapt for Covid-19 restrictions.” We speak to the behavioural scientist Dr Pragya Agarwal.

We catch up with Pip Hare who is currently competing in the Vendee Globe solo round the world sailing race. It is considered to be one of the toughest sporting competitions: 24,000 miles as the crow flies, no help, no stops and no turning back.

Are women footballers more at risk of dementia than men? Dr Michael Grey is a neuroscientist who is running a project at the UEA to monitor ex-footballers for early signs of dementia. He’s looking for more women to take part. He joins Jane along with footballer and former Crystal Palace player Freya Holdaway.

The Duchess of Cambridge’s new report on children’s early years has revealed the struggle many parents face – from feeling lonely and struggling to find time for themselves, to feeling judged by other parents. How have those problems persisted through the pandemic? Ipsos Mori’s Kelly Beaver and Dr Guddi Singh join us to discuss the report and give some practical advice.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Bonus podcast: The Conversation 100 Women Nov 29, 2020

Celebrating the BBC 100 Women list 2020 Kim Chakanetsa and a panel of inspirational and influential women discuss whether some changes made because of Covid-19 restrictions could be seen as positive. They answer questions about bringing communities together, supporting lonely people and increasing flexibility for more inclusive employment.

Shani Dhanda is an award-winning disability specialist and social entrepreneur from the UK. She founded the Asian Woman Festival and Asian Disability Network. The pandemic has proved that flexible and home working is viable, and she wants to make sure our new online solutions are here to stay so that the world remains accessible to us all.

Karen Dolva has been seeking technological solutions to involuntary loneliness since 2015. A co-founder of No Isolation based in Norway, she’s helped develop a telepresence robot for children with long-term illness, and KOMP, a one-button screen for seniors. With reports from around the world of people feeling increasingly isolated because of Covid restrictions – should tech like this be used more widely?

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, became Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone in 2018 with an inclusive vision of the city's renewal and a three-year plan to "Transform Freetown" and tackle environmental degradation and facilitating the creation of jobs in the tourism sector. #FreetownTheTreeTown was launched this January and already over 450,000 seedlings have been to address flooding, soil erosion and water shortages faced by the city. She says we can turn frustration and dissatisfaction into positive change. What can we learn from such an approach post-Covid?

Aditi Mittal is India’s best known female stand-up comedian, who is finding new ways to perform safely and online. She also hosts the Women in Labour podcast, and hopes that the increased time at home for many male workers in India has shone a light on the amount of time required to run a household, something that has always been a big barrier to the female workforce.

Produced by Jane Thurlow and Caitlin Sneddon

Image from left: Aditi Mittal (credit Nanak Bhatia), Shani Dhanda (courtesy Shani Dhanda), Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr (credit TJ Bade) Karen Dolva (credit No Isolation)

Weekend Woman's Hour - Ozlem Cekic, The Crown, Lockdown Bickering Nov 28, 2020

Ozlem Cekic, one of the first Muslim women with an immigrant background to enter Danish parliament, tells us why she decided to meet up with the people who sent her racist emails.

We discuss whether a new women's centre at the site of the former Holloway Women's Prison will get the go ahead. We hear from Lucy who's with Reclaim Holloway and also from the last woman to leave the prison four years ago.

The lastest series of the drama The Crown has introduced a new generation to Princess Diana as well as her depression and her bulimia. We hear from the former BBC Royal Correspondent, Jennie Bond, and from Ali Pantony of Glamour Magazine.

The chef and writer, Marie Mitchell, tells us about her love of Caribbean food and culture and how to cook the perfect Roti.

And we discuss bickering with Penny Mansfield from the relationships charity One Plus One. She tells us why she thinks the pandemic has bought out the bickerer in many of us. One of our listeners, Deborah, tells us what starts off a bickering argument with her partner.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Siobhan Tighe

The Crown, Diana and a New Generation Nov 27, 2020

The fourth series of The Crown currently airing on Netflix lays bare the ups and downs of the royal marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer . The drama has introduced a new generation to the Princess, her depression and struggles with the eating disorder bulimia. Jane Garvey talks to the veteran royal watcher Jennie Bond and also to Ali Pantony from Glamour magazine who has herself suffered from bulimia and who says the issues faced by Diana three decades ago have resonated strongly with young people today.

Next week the government begins a scheme to get more than a million university students back home safely to their families in time for Christmas. This includes on-campus mass testing using self test kits which give results in 30 minutes, cutting out the need to use a laboratory . Jane Garvey talks to the Universities Minister Michelle Donelan about this and other issues-from the rise in students experiencing mental health problems to the challenges of online tuition.

How does it feel to reach the age your Mum was when she died? In a new series we talk to four women who feel a clock ticking. Their stories are all different but they have one thing in common – none of them have felt able to talk about this before. They didn’t want to worry their loved ones or vocalise these dark thoughts. They describe their fears as well as the joy of ordinary life and the freedom that comes from realising that you are not your mother. First, we’ll be hearing from Rachel whose Mum died shortly after turning 40.

‘The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside’ is the debut novel of Jessica Ryn. Published yesterday, Jessica, having only recently finished her MA in Creative Writing, joins Jane to talk about the inspiration for her setting her first book in a hostel for the homeless in Dover.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Jennie Bond Interviewed Guest: Ali Pantony Interviewed Guest: Michelle Donelan Interviewed Guest: Jessica Ryn

Chef Marie Mitchell. NUS President Larissa Kennedy. The real Audrey Hepburn. Power List: Our Planet Nov 26, 2020

The Island Social Club was created to fill the void of what was once London’s thriving Caribbean social scene. Chef, writer and co-founder Marie Mitchell explores Caribbean food and culture while creating a space for second and third generation British people of Caribbean descent to connect with their heritage. Marie talks abut food and identity and shows us how to Cook the Perfect Roti, one of the cornerstones of Caribbean cuisine.

After a difficult first term of online tuition, lockdowns and social distancing it’s been a University experience like no other for young people.. The Government has issued guidelines about how they plan to get students home in time for Christmas which include a mass testing programme on campuses to reduce risk of infection. NUS President Larissa Kennedy joins Nicola to discuss university life in the time of Covid and the testing strategy.

Audrey Hepburn was a legendary star of Hollywood’s Golden Age – infamous for her acting, as well as her style. But what do we know about the real woman behind the image? We hear from Helena Coan the director of a new film Audrey which features never before seen footage of her life, and Audrey’s granddaughter Emma Ferrer.

The Woman’s Hour Power List: Our Planet has highlighted the breadth of work that goes into helping the environment, and today we feature two women in the finance sector. Caroline Mason is no. 16 on the List and is the CEO of the Esmée Fairbain Foundation, which finances lots of environmental and social projects. Catherine Howarth is no.21 and is the CEO of ShareAction, which persuades investors to think more sustainably.

Presenter Nicola Beckford Producer Beverley Purcell

Stella Gibbons, HMP Holloway, Sandra Horley Nov 25, 2020

Stella Gibbons' first novel was Cold Comfort Farm. First published in 1932, it became an instant bestseller and made fun of country life. Another one of her novels called My American will be serialized on BBC Radio 4 next week. The writer Lynne Truss discusses Stella's life and work.

Four years ago the largest women's prison in Western Europe, HMP Holloway in London, was closed. The building has huge historic significance. partly because of its links to the suffragettes, especially the Pankhurst sisters. But what will happen to the site now that the prison has gone?

Refuge is the UK's largest domestic violence service. It has a network of refuges and community-based support, as well as a 24-hour helpline. Every year it supports 80,000 women and children. Sandra Horley has been Refuge’s Chief Executive for over 40 years. She comes onto Woman's Hour to talk about her time in charge.

Syria's disappeared, The orgasm cult, Bickering, Taxidermy Nov 24, 2020

Wafa Mustafa is a Syrian refugee currently living in Berlin. Her father was arrested in Syria on July 2nd 2013 and has not been heard from since. Wafa is just one of many Syrian women, who are part of Families for Freedom, a woman-led movement searching for family members who were detained or 'disappeared' by the Syrian regime, ISIS and other armed groups during Syria's brutal civil war. She joins Jane to explain why she has been sitting outside a court in Koblenz with over 60 framed photographs. They are joined by the BBC's Middle East correspondent Quentin Sommerville.

A new BBC podcast, The Orgasm Cult, looks into a wellness company called One Taste and it’s co-founder, Nicole Daedone, who believed that orgasm would one day sit alongside yoga and meditation as the self-care practice for the modern empowered woman. One Taste taught orgasmic meditation or Om-ing as it’s called by those in the know. Reporter Nastaran Tavakoli-Far talks to Jane.

Do you and your other half bicker? Has lockdown brought out the bickerer in you? Or maybe you see it in others, especially couples who’ve been together for a long time. We speak to Penny Mansfield, expert on relationships from One Plus One and Deborah and Gary Marshall.

Elle Kaye specialises in bird taxidermy. Aged 27, she is one of a growing number of young women who have made taxidermy their trade.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Spending review 2020; Maureen Lipman’s shoes; Özlem Cekic Nov 23, 2020

Women have been worst hit in financial and economic terms by the pandemic so the spending review coming up this week is of particular interest this year. It’s when the chancellor sets out his big picture for the next three or four years in terms of what each government department will have to spend. This time round though Rishi Sunak will be laying out his plan for just one year because of the uncertainties facing the UK. Paul Johnson from the Institute for Fiscal Studies and Mary-Ann Stephenson from the Women’s Budget Group discuss the key areas to watch for which could impact women.

My Life In Shoes. The actress Eve Pearce has written a poem about her main life events remembered through her footwear - from wellingtons to brogues and satin heels. The actress Maureen Lipman talks to Jane about their friendship, and her own favourite black suede courts which she wore to Buckingham Palace, plus the role that shoes play in helping her get into character.

Özlem Cekic was one of the first women with a Muslim immigrant background to enter the Danish parliament. When she started receiving hate email from people who thought she should ‘go home’, she just deleted or ignored it. Then one day she decided to go and meet some of the senders. She was offered coffee and home-made cake at their houses, and talked with them for hours. So began a decade of trying to build bridges with people who hold extreme views. She tells Jane why she is convinced we should try to listen and understand them, and confront our own prejudices in the process. Özlem has written a book called Overcoming hate through dialogue.

As part of our Power List coverage we’re talking to Marian Spain who’s in charge of Natural England. It launched The Nature Recovery Network this month. And Sarah Johnson who works in Lancashire, restoring peatland in her area. Peat is really important for absorbing carbon dioxide and helps combat climate change.

Woman’s Hour Power List, No 10 - Women behind the scenes, Moving house, Nadine Shah, Older women and long hair Nov 21, 2020

The Woman’s Hour Power List reveal celebrates women from across the UK who are making a significant contribution to the health and sustainability of our planet. Number 2 on the list is environmental lawyer Farhana Yamin.

Boris Johnson’s government has been criticised for its lack of women at the top table. The dramatic departure of Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain from Downing Street has led to calls for a female led reset at Number 10. We hear from Katie Perrior, former advisor at number 10 and Anji Hunter who was Tony Blair’s “gatekeeper” and longest serving aide.

The appeal of moving house. Jane Christmas has written a book about the 32 house moves she’s made in 66 years. Linda Hill has moved just once in 37 years of marriage.

Singer songwriter Nadine Shah talks about her latest album Kitchen Sink which explores the themes of fertility, tradition & identity.

Older women and long hair - the dos and don’ts of hair care as you age with fashion journalist Alyson Walsh and hair stylist Ashley Gaunt.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Paula McFarlane Editor: Dianne McGregor

Kate Humble, Impact of International Aid Cuts, Moving House, My Life in Shoes Nov 20, 2020

Number 23 on this year’s Woman’s Hour Power List is Kate Humble – whose TV career spans 30 years and includes all sorts of programmes covering nature, wildlife and farming. But how important is TV in helping people actually care about the planet? Jane talks to Kate about the best way to connect people with nature, the importance of inspiring the next generation, and the problem she has with the word ‘environment’.

Justine Greening was for Secretary of State for International Development for nearly four years under David Cameron, and Minister for Women and Equalities for Theresa May. She joins Jane to give her response to the suggested cuts to International Aid that are expected to be announced next Wednesday. What impact could that decision have on projects supporting some of the most vulnerable groups around the world – women and children?

How many houses have you lived in? Does the idea of moving get you all excited, or does it bring you out in hives? Jane Christmas has written a book about the 32 house moves she’s made in 66 years. She joins Jane to discuss this, along with Linda Hill who’s moved just once in 37 years of marriage and has been in her present home for almost 34 years, and Carol who moved 16 times in 25 years, as her husband was in the military.

My Life In Shoes. Listener Christina can trace her love of red shoes back to her childhood when she wasn’t allowed the unsuitable crimson shoes she desired. She’s been searching ever since.

Presented by Jane Garvey Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

Young women and environmental activism. Nadine Shah on her new album Kitchen Sink Nov 19, 2020

Young people are one of the key driving forces behind climate activism and fighting for the future of the planet. But what’s it like being on the front line? And how do young people want to change the way we think about environmental issues? Three of the women from this year’s Power List – Mya-Rose Craig, Holly Gillibrand and Mikaela Loach – talk about their thoughts and experiences. They’re also joined by another woman on the Power List, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Sophie Howe. She discusses the importance of challenging people in power to think about the way today’s decisions will affect future generations.

Plus Jessica talks to Nadine Shah about her new album Kitchen Sink explores themes of fertility, tradition and identity all told through the stories of women at different stages of their lives. She discusses sexual and societal pressures on women and the importance of individual choice. Presenter Jessica Creighton Producer Beverley Purcell

Rosamund Kissi-Debrah, No.10 - Women Behind the Scenes, Crime writer Claire McGowan, Gender Politics. Nov 18, 2020

Rosamund Kissi-Debrah is number three on the Woman’s Hour Power List 2020: Our Planet. She is a tireless campaigner for cleaner air, following the tragic death of her daughter Ella from a series of severe asthma attacks. Since then she’s created powerful change from a grassroots level, influencing the Mayor of London and working with the World Health Organisation. She joins Jessica to speak about her work and her hopes for making a difference.

Boris Johnson’s government has been criticised for its lack of women at the top table and for being run by a “toxic boys club” behind the scenes. The dramatic departure of Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain from Downing Street has led to calls for a female led reset at Number 10: The Prime Minister’s fiancée Carrie Symonds is a former conservative party strategist, the head of the No10 Policy Unit is Munira Mirza who is described as the PM’s “nonsense detector” and his new Press Chief is Allegra Stratton. Jessica Creighton talks about the power shift to Katie Perrior who was Chief of Staff for Theresa May and to Anji Hunter who was Tony Blair’s “gatekeeper” and longest serving aide.

Crime writer Claire McGowan talks to Jessica about her new novel The Push, a murder mystery set in an antenatal group, where all the parents-to-be are keeping secrets.

If you don’t feel you know enough about gender politics, a new – and free – course is now available online. It covers gender equality, gender history and stereotypes. It’s been developed by the University of Glasgow. New research indicates that nearly 9 million people in Britain don’t really understand what toxic masculinity is and nearly 8 million people said they didn’t know enough about LGBTQ rights. Jessica discusses the issues with Dr. Tanya Cheadle, Lecturer in Gender History at The University of Glasgow and Jordan Stephens, who is a mental health campaigner and one half of Rizzle Kicks.

Presenter: Jessica Creighton Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

Woman's Hour Power List: Farhana Yamin, Jo Whitfield CEO Co-op Food, Chila Kumari Burman Nov 17, 2020

The idea of reaching net-zero emissions is mentioned so often, it’s easy to forget that someone came up with it. That someone is Farhana Yamin – a world-class environmental lawyer, expert in international climate negotiations and number 2 on this year’s Woman’s Hour Power List. Jane Garvey talks to Farhana about her fascinating career.

She’s the first woman to run a leading British grocery retailer, we speak to Jo Whitfield, who is CEO of Co-Op Food. She joins Jane to talk about how food retailers have responded to the pandemic, the safety of her workers, her rise to the top and her women’s network Grocery Girls.

Chila Kumari Singh Burman has created a new installation for Tate Britain’s annual Winter Commission, unveiled in time for Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Chila is celebrated for her interdisciplinary practice which spans printmaking, painting, installation and film. In her work she draws on her Punjabi heritage, her Liverpudlian childhood – her father owned an ice cream van - and her feminist perspectives. She describes her work as “high art meeting popular culture”.

Actress Jane Seymour, who celebrates her seventieth next year, recently wrote that she refused to cut her trade mark long hair going against the received wisdom that you need to think about shorter styles as you age. Jane Garvey talks about the dos and don’ts of hair care as you get older with Alyson Walsh a fashion journalist who writes for The Telegraph and runs her own blog site That’s Not My Age and also to the hair stylist Ashley Gaunt who works at Stephen Carey Hair in Mayfair, London.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Woman's Hour Power List: Our Planet - The Big Reveal Nov 16, 2020

Today Jane Garvey reveals the 30 names on this year's Woman’s Hour Power List, which celebrates women from across the UK that are making a significant contribution to the health and sustainability of our planet.

Jane talks to some of the women on this year's list and hears how the judges – Lucy Siegle, Zunaira Malik, Emma Howard Boyd, Flo Headlam and Prof Alice Larkin – managed to take over 1000 listener emails and whittle it down to our final Power List of 30.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Anna Lacey Assistant Producer: Rosie Stopher Judge: Lucy Siegle Judge: Alice Larkin Judge: Zunaira Malik Judge: Flo Headlam Judge: Emma Howard Boyd

Weekend Woman's Hour: Anne-Marie, Princess Diana, The forgotten history of women slaves Nov 14, 2020

The popstar Anne-Marie is famous for songs such as 2002, Ciao adios & Clean Bandit’s Rockabye. She talks to us about lockdown and her new documentary on You Tube ‘How to Be Anne Marie.

We discuss the sculpture by Maggi Hambling celebrating the ‘mother of feminism’ Mary Wollstonecraft, which went on display on Newington Green, Islington in London on Tuesday. Reporter Melanie Abbott is in Newington Green where she’s been talking to visitors to the sculpture, and art historian and critic Ruth Millington.

Princess Diana’s best friend Rosa Monckton gives us her thoughts on the new ITV documentary The Diana Interview: Revenge of a Princess.

The author and academic Stella Dadzie talks about her new book, A Kick in the Belly: Women, Slavery & Resistance, she reveals the largely untold stories of women of African descent who, caught up in the horrors of over 400 years of slavery, were transported across the Atlantic to the sugar plantations of Jamaica and beyond.

Betty Cook talks about her friendship with Anne Scargill who she met at the beginning of the miners' strike in 1984. She tells us why she helped create the Women Against Pit Closures movement with Anne and discusses their book Anne and Betty: United by the Struggle. with Ian Clayton who helped gather the material for it.

Presented by: Jane Garvey Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Beverley Purcell

Remembering the victims of Peter Sutcliffe; Women in the wedding industry; Kate Malone Nov 13, 2020

The serial killer Peter Sutcliffe has died of Covid 19. He was convicted of the murders of 13 women, and the attempted murder of 7 others, in Yorkshire and the north-west of England between 1975 and 1980. Jane speaks to Joan Smith is a feminist writer and campaigner, and author of Misogynies – she was a reporter in the North of England at the time. Louise Watiss is a criminologist at Teeside University and Carol Anne Lee is the author of Somebody’s Mother Somebody’s Daughter. We also hear from Richard McCann whose mother Wilma was the first woman killed by Peter Sutcliffe, and Mo Lea who 40 years ago was an art student In Leeds when she was attacked. Sutcliffe was never convicted of the assault on Mo.

During the current English lockdown, only ‘deathbed’ marriages and civil partnerships are possible, and there can be no parties. In the other nations of the UK, small ceremonies are being allowed, and in some cases very limited receptions. Overall this year an estimated 200,000 weddings have been cancelled due to the restrictions imposed on social gatherings to try and limit the spread of Covid-19. So what impact is all this having on the hundreds of thousands of women who work in the wedding industry? Jane speaks to Jessie Westwood, founder of the campaign What About Weddings and owner of wedding & event production company Studio Sorores, and to Jemma Palmer who runs bridal boutique Halo & Wren.

Kate Malone is one of the UK’s leading potters and ceramicists. She tells Jane about the therapeutic benefits of working with clay.

Otegha Uwagba, Nigella Lawson, Anne-Marie Nov 12, 2020

Otegha Uwagha is a writer & commentator. Today she discusses her new essay, Whites: On Race and Other Falsehoods. She discusses, what she sees as, the ‘colossal burden’ of co-existing with white people when you are not white.

A Mary Wollstonecraft inspired sculpture, created by Maggi Hambling, is causing a stir. Mary Wollstonecraft wrote the famous "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman". But there's controversy over the sculpture which has a small naked female figure at the top of it, and some are wondering whether that's appropriate to remember Mary. Our reporter Melanie Abbott reports from the scene and talks to passers-by, plus we have art historian Ruth Millington who gives her reaction to the piece.

Nigella Lawson’s new book is Cook, Eat, Repeat. It's about the pleasure of cooking, feeding and eating. It was mainly written during lockdown. Nigella joins Jane to discuss her love of cooking and food and describes how to Cook the Perfect Fish Finger Bhorta, which was inspired by the political journalist Ash Sarkar.

Anne-Marie has been nominated for 9 Brit awards. She’s famous for songs such as Ciao Adios & Rockabye. Her debut album Speak Your Mind was the biggest selling debut artist of 2018. She’s got a new documentary out called ‘How to Be Anne Marie. She's also a karate champion. She joins Jane to discuss her music, life lessons and life in lockdown.

Princess Diana. High Court challenge over late Down's syndrome terminations. Religion and climate change activism Nov 11, 2020

Twenty five years ago Martin Bashir's Panorama interview with Diana Princess of Wales made headlines around the world with quotes like “ there were were three of us in this marriage so it was a bit crowded” Now questions are being asked about how the interview with her was secured , which the BBC are investigating. We hear from Rosa Monckton one of Diana’s best friends

Under the current Abortion laws it is legal to terminate a pregnancy up to birth if Down's syndrome is detected. This doesn’t happen very often but Heidi Crowter, a 25-year-old woman from Coventry who has Down’s syndrome, and Máire Lea-Wilson from London, whose 18-month-old son Aidan has Down’s syndrome, are going to the High Court to try to change it. They want the limit reduced for all non-fatal disabilities including Down’s Syndrome , cleft palate and club foot in line with the normal 24-week limit. Anita Rani talks to them and to Clare Murphy from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service.

Woman's Hour Power List 2020 Our Planet; What are the major world religions doing to combat the climate crisis? What impact can personal faith have on inspiring climate change activism? We discuss with Maria Zafar, Campaigns Coordinator at Islamic Relief UK; and Ruth Valerio, a theologian, environmentalist and Global Advocacy Director at Christian charity Tearfund

Plus the author Kate Mascarenhas on her passion for dolls the theme for her new novel The Thief on The Winged Horse which is set in a doll workshop where generations of the Kendricks family have made dolls with magic powers.

Presenter Anita Rani Producer Beverley Purcell

Critical care nurses' mental health; Allotments; Women of the Miners’ Strike; Mother and son referees Nov 10, 2020

Covid 19 has been difficult for everyone but one group that’s been at the front line of fighting the pandemic is critical care nurses. There are reports of record sickness levels partly due to stress and mental health issues at the same time as new plans for how people are nursed in intensive care are introduced. Anita Rani talks to Nicki Credland who chairs the British Association of Critical Care Nurses.

A new study reveals women with allotment plots now outnumber men for the first time. A recent study by Dr Tilly Collins and Ellen Fletcher of Imperial College London, found that in London almost two thirds of plots – 64% - are now occupied by women. The National Allotment Society estimates that half of holders nationally are now women - compared to just two percent in 1973. Dr Tilly Collins and allotment holders Irene O’Malley and Sonia Hyman, join Anita to discuss their appeal and why traditional allotments have become a very different kind of space where women want to relax and be self-sufficient.

Anne Scargill and Betty Cook met at the beginning of the miners' strike in 1984. Betty was a proud miner's daughter, wife and mother, who was determined to support her family and community. Anne happened to be married to Arthur Scargill, the president of the National Union of Miners. She too was steeped in the history of coalfield culture. Together they helped to create the Women Against Pit Closures movement. They have just published a book called Anne and Betty: United by the Struggle. Betty joins Anita to talk about her memories of that time and the impact it had on women’s lives, with Ian Clayton who helped gather the material for the book.

Patsy Andrews has been a football referee for the last 16 years, one of 2146 women across all levels of the game, compared to 29,244 men at the end of the 2019/20 season. Her son, Akil Howson, has followed in his mum's footsteps and is now officiating in the English Football League Championship. They join Anita to discuss the inspiration for their continued involvement in football.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Sarah Crawley

USA presidential elections, Down's syndrome, The forgotten history of women slaves, Young inventor Nov 09, 2020

The US Presidential election results with Dr. Jeanne Morefield, Senior Lecturer in political theory at the University of Birmingham, and Fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, Washington, DC.

A current storyline in Emmerdale is about a couple who decide to have a termination when their baby’s diagnosed with Down Syndrome. It’s a difficult decision for anyone, but some campaigners say expectant parents are routinely given outdated advice and encouraged to have a termination. Nicola Enoch who set up the support website Positive About Downs talks about her experiences and we hear from Jane Fisher who is the Director of ARC - Antenatal Results and Choices.

Stella Dadzie is a teacher, writer, artist and education activist. In her new book, A Kick in the Belly: Women, Slavery & Resistance, she reveals the largely untold stories of women of African descent who, caught up in the horrors of over 400 years of slavery, were transported across the Atlantic to the sugar plantations of Jamaica and beyond. Women, who Stella reveals, were central to slave rebellions and played a vital role in developing a culture of slave resistance and liberation across the Caribbean.

Betty Seabrook is the UK winner in the most recent Ideas4Ears competition for children, organised by hearing implant makers MED-EL. Her ingenious invention is a special custom helmet that Cochlear Implant users can wear with their audio processor while riding a bike. Betty got the inspiration from her family bike rides and her father Tom who couldn’t wear a helmet without taking his processor off - which could be more dangerous. Betty and Tom join Jane..

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Supporting a child with depression, Flexible working, Maggie O'Farrell, Paint recycling, Carers and the pandemic. Nov 07, 2020

Liz Brookes looks after her husband Mike, who has had vascular dementia and Chris Black cares for his wife, Helen, who has Picks disease, or Frontotemporal dementia. How have they coped during the pandemic? We also hear from Emily Holzhausen, Director of Policy and Public Affairs from Carers UK.

Has the Covid crisis helped to usher in a future of flexible working? A new report from the campaign Flex Appeal says while that forced remote working during a pandemic is not the same as flexible working, there are lessons that can be learned from lockdown. Anna Whitehouse aka Mother Pukka who co-founded Flex Appeal, and Louise Deverell-Smith who runs Daisy Chain, an online platform that matches flexible employers with flexible job-seekers discuss.

As part of our new series on life and shoes, we speak to Carmen about her espadrilles her mother danced in decades ago.

Josh suffered his first major depressive episode just before he was due to take his A levels. At university his mental health deteriorated further. Josh and his mum Mandy have written a book 'The Boy Between'. They tell us about their experiences – in Josh’s case, learning to live with depression, and in Mandy’s case how best to support and help someone you love who suffers with depression.

Cat Hyde is one of the founders of Seagulls, a project which takes leftover paint and repurposes it into new paint. They take volunteers such as Ash, a young woman who now works at their paint shop, who says that working at Seagulls was vital in her regaining her confidence. Maggie O’Farrell’s first picture book for children, 'Where Snow Angels Go By' is the story of a brave little girl who is visited by her snow angel in her time of need. The idea for the book grew out of a story Maggie told her own sick child in the back of an ambulance.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Carers and the pandemic, Blind pregnancy test, Suffrage Science Award Nov 06, 2020

In April we spoke to Liz Brookes who looks after her husband Mike, who has had vascular dementia and to Chris Black who cares for his wife, Helen, who has Picks disease, or Frontal Temperal dementia. How they are getting on six months later? Emily Holzhausen, Director of Policy and Public Affairs from Carers UK joins them.

For blind or partially sighted women it is impossible to read visual results of a standard pregnancy test. The Royal National Institute for the Blind has designed a prototype for a tactile test which means the user can maintain their independence and privacy. Jane Garvey talks to the Chair of the RNIB Ellie Southwood.

Leila and Sahand were both married to other people when they fell in love and had a child together. Adultery is a crime in Iran, fearing for their lives they fled their homeland for a safe life elsewhere. We speak to Leila and to the director Eva Mulvad who has made a documentary film ‘Love Child’ about their life over the last seven years.

Women still make up only 24% of those working in core science, technology, engineering and mathematics occupations in the UK, and recent data has revealed that women make up just 13% of students studying computer science in the UK. There is a similar lack of women studying mathematics courses. The Suffrage Science awards scheme hopes to change this. Jane is joined by science communicator Dr. Kat Arney and Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

What a second lockdown means for pregnant women, The future of flexible working, The history of the biscuit, Outdoor learning Nov 05, 2020

We’ve just started a second lockdown in England – with other parts of the United Kingdom also going through variations of the same. But what if you’re pregnant? What’s going through your mind and what are you concerned about? As the pandemic’s gone on, we’ve heard about women being on their own for scans, deliveries and sadly, miscarriages too. And an enquiry has just started into a rise in stillbirths over the last Lockdown. Chloe discusses the issues with Bertie Harlev-Lam, Executive Director for Professional Leadership at the RCM ,also a working midwife, and Jo Mountfield, Vice President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in Southampton, and a consultant obstetrician at University Southampton Hospital.

Has the Covid crisis helped to usher in a future of flexible working? A new report from the campaign Flex Appeal says while that forced remote working during a pandemic is not the same as flexible working, there are lessons that can be learned from lockdown. They have surveyed more than a thousand employers about how their work has changed since March, and which aspects their employees are keen to keep longer-term. Chloe is joined by Anna Whitehouse aka Mother Pukka who co-founded Flex Appeal, and Louise Deverell-Smith who runs Daisy Chain, an online platform that matches flexible employers with flexible job-seekers.

How did the humble biscuit become so embedded in our culture? Lizzie Collingham’s book The Biscuit: The History of a Very British Indulgence explains how it began as the foodstuff of explorers, then, sweetened, found its way into the recipe books of ladies of the manor and finally becoming our customary snack with a cup of tea. Chloe talks to Lizzie about the stories of women involved in biscuit production through the ages and asks her the all-important question: to dunk or not to dunk?

What is a forest school and what are the benefits and challenges of outdoor learning? Can it re-engage children after the broken learning of the pandemic? Chloe discusses the issues with Sara Collins, Deputy Chair of the Forest School Association and founder of the Nature Premium campaign, which is calling for ring-fenced funding for schools to provide nature-based learning. She’s joined by Dr Rowena Passy, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Plymouth’s Institute for Education.

Presented by Chloe Tilley Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

Author Maggie O’Farrell. US Election result. How to build your confidence. Nov 04, 2020

Maggie O’Farrell’s first picture book for children is the story of a brave little girl who is visited by her snow angel in her time of need. The idea for the book grew out of a story Maggie told her own sick child in the back of an ambulance. Why are reassuring tales so crucial for children and adults in difficult times?

This US election has been described as one of the most divisive US presidential elections in decades, pitting incumbent Republican Donald Trump against his Democratic challenger Joe Biden. We reflect on the results with USA Today columnist and CNN political & legal pundit, Sophia Nelson and Bronwen Maddox, Director of Institute for Government, previously foreign and US editor for the Times. How did North American women vote this time and with more women than ever standing for election, who are the winners and losers?

How do you build your confidence when you’re at rock bottom? Whether you’ve had an illness, your partner has left you or you’re returning to work after having a baby, your sense of identity can suffer. Chloe Tilley is joined by confidence coach Jo Emerson and Frances Monaghan of Wise Women to explain how you can overcome low self-esteem.

Presenter Chloe Tilley Producer Beverley Purcell Photo Credit; Murdo MacLeod

US Election, Sex work, Johnny Depp Nov 03, 2020

America goes to the polls today. It's predicted the women's vote will be key, particularly the suburban woman who came out for Trump in 2016 but 4 years on has changed her mind. We review the polls ahead of what is expected to be the biggest turn out in years.

Johnny Depp has lost his libel case against the Sun newspaper over an article that called him a "wife beater". We talk to a Women's Rights organisation and look at the career implications for the 57 year old film star and his 34 year old ex wife Amber Heard.

One group of self employed people we’ve not heard much about during the pandemic is sex workers. The coronavirus has spelt economic disaster for an industry which requires social contact and many are turning to online platforms like OnlyFans which allows them to sell photos and videos with a monthly subscription. Jane will be talking to Laura Watson from the Collective of English Prostitutes and the feminist writer Julie Bindel.

And in our new series on life and shoes, we speak to Carmen about her espadrilles her mother danced in decades ago and her own tango shoes

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Henrietta Harrison

Jane McDonald, HRT, Amanda Prowse and Josiah Hartley, Paint recycling Nov 02, 2020

We may not be doing much holiday cruising in the pandemic but Jane McDonald known as ‘Queen of Cruise’ has a new album out ‘Cruising with Jane McDonald Vol 2’ featuring many well-known songs, all performed on her popular TV series of the same name. It’s been more than 20 years since she found fame as the stand out character from the BBC’s docusoap The Cruise - she joins Jane to talk performing, cruising, holidays and life out of the water.

A new study, led by the Universities of Nottingham and Oxford, provides a more detailed picture on which women are at increased risk of breast cancer when using different HRT treatments. Dr Yana Vinogradova from the University of Nottingham, a lead investigator on the study, joins Jane to discuss the results.

Shortly before Josiah was due to take A levels, he suffered his first major depressive episode. At the time neither he or his family had a clue what was happening. Nonetheless he scraped through his exams and in the autumn went to university as planned. At university his mental health deteriorated further, to the point that he planned his own death. Josh and his mum Mandy join Jane to talk about their experiences – in Josh’s case, learning to live with depression, and in Mandy’s how best to support and help someone you love who suffers with depression.

During lockdown people have rediscovered a love for DIY, but what happens to all the leftover paint that doesn’t make it on to the wall? Paint is a hazardous material and if not properly disposed of it can be really harmful to the environment. Cat Hyde is one of the founders of Seagulls, a project which takes leftover paint and repurposes it into new paint. They take volunteers such as Ash, a young woman who now works at their paint shop, who says that working at Seagulls was vital in her regaining her confidence.

Presented by Jane Garvey Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell.

Weekend Woman's Hour - Pottering, BAME Eating Disorders & Ditching Shame Oct 31, 2020

Pottering can be described as keeping busy without a plan or purpose. We hear from a self-confessed potterer. She's life coach Sarah Longfield, and we also have Anna McGovern, who's written a book called Pottering: A Cure for Modern Life.

Statistics pulled together by NHS digital tell us that more people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities are being admitted to hospital because of eating disorders. We hear from a parent whose daughter was recently diagnosed with an eating disorder and from Professor Sandeep Ranote who's a psychiatrist and expert on eating disorders.

Concern over the state of our planet is at a record high but who holds the real power? We hear from Karen Shackleton the Founder of the Ilkley Clean River Campaign and Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of The Environment Agency.

How do we ditch our shame? Comedian Grace Campbell has written a book called Amazing Disgrace. It's about growing up feeling shameful about sex. It's also about mental health and being jealous. She joins the psychotherapist Gabrielle Rifkind to discuss how we can get rid of our shame.

We hear from Emma and Ashlee who left care just before they were 18 and how they adapted to adult life. Mark Riddell, the National Implementation Advisor for Care Leavers, discusses what initiatives are working.

And after going viral in a YouTube video, singer Charlotte Awbery tells about her journey from waitressing to being a guest on The Ellen Show.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Siobhann Tighe

The British women taking part in the Vendee Globe solo round the world sailing race Oct 30, 2020

The Vendee Globe solo round the world sailing race is considered to be one of the toughest sporting competitions: 24,000 miles as the crow flies, no help, no stops and no turning back. This year out of 33 entries, six women are aiming to be on the start line on 8th November. We hear from three British women who are taking part.

How do we ditch our shame? Comedian Grace Campbell has written a book, 'Amazing Disgrace', about growing up feeling shameful about sex, rejection, mental health and jealous tendencies. Grace and psychotherapist Gabrielle Rifkind join Jane to discuss how we can negotiate with ourselves, and work on getting rid of our shame.

The femme fatale, the crazy cat lady, the girl next door – writer and performer Anneka Harry has come up with 50 tired tropes for women in her book, 'Lady Sidekick'. She’ll discuss how women have been pigeonholed for years into a handful of tired and basic characters, and how it’s now time for a change.

In peace processes between 1992 and 2018, women represented only 3% of mediators and 12% of negotiators despite UN research showing that when women meaningfully participate in peace talks the resulting agreement is less likely to fail. We speak to women peace negotiators about what the challenges and benefits of being female can bring to their work and what support is needed to enable more women to be involved in peace negotiations.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Pip Hare Interviewed Guest: Miranda Merron Interviewed Guest: Samantha Davies Interviewed Guest: Grace Campbell Interviewed Guest: Gabrielle Rifkind Interviewed Guest: Anneka Harry Interviewed Guest: Sara Cook Interviewed Guest: Quhramaana Kakar Photographer: Vincent Curutchet

Author Victoria Hislop. Women's FA Cup. Diagnosing ovarian cancer. Singer Charlotte Awbery Oct 29, 2020

Author Victoria Hislop discusses her new novel ‘One August Night’, the long-anticipated sequel to her award-winning work, ‘The Island’. Why has she waited so long to revisit the hugely popular Cretan world and characters she created?

It's the Women's FA Cup this weekend between Everton and Manchester City. Everton's Captain Danielle Turner and Jude Morris-King , volunteer Treasurer at the Man City Women Official Supporters Club talk to Paulette about what's it been like for the game under lock down and about the possible long-term impact of Covid-19 on the women’s game.

Plus a study at the University of Cambridge, as part of the CanTest collaborative, has revealed that a blood test already available to GPs in the UK is more predictive of ovarian cancer than previously thought. We hear from Cancer Research UK’s head of early diagnosis Dr Jodie Moffat and science teacher Fiona who was diagnosed three years ago.

And singer Charlotte Awbery tells us about her journey from waitressing to being a guest on the Ellen Show, and now creating her own music after an impromptu appearance in a YouTube video went viraL

Presenter Paulette Edwards Producer Beverley Purcell

BAME Eating Disorders, Leaving Care, Cyberstalking Oct 28, 2020

According to NHS Digital more people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities are being admitted to hospital because of eating disorders. Experts say problems should have been picked up much earlier, rather than getting to the point of going to hospital. We speak to a mother whose daughter has just started treatment and Professor Sandeep Ranote, who's a psychiatrist and expert on eating disorders.

Most young people leave home gradually over a number of years, but for teenagers who've grown up in care it can be very different. They've often started to live independently by the age of 18 or even before that, and they' are vulnerable to homelessness, unemployment, criminality, poor mental-health, and having children early on. We hear from Ashlee and Emma who've been in care and are now supported by the charity Break. We also hear from Mark Riddell MBE, who's National Implementation Advisor for Care Leavers. What do young care leavers need to help them move into adulthood and what things work for them?

Stalking via the internet has escalated during lockdown. We hear from Katy Bourne, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex, who's been a victim of stalking herself. She talks about what it's been like for her and how perpetrators have found new ways to get to their victims online. We also hear from Suky Bhaker who heads the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. The charity runs the National Stalking Helpline.

Does making bread help you switch off, especially when life is hard? Pauline Beaumont thinks so. She's a passionate baker, as well as a mother of six and a counsellor. She joins us to describe the calmness that baking brings to her and what it can teach us when life goes wrong.

The art of pottering, Sexual assault allegation against the Minister of Tolerance, Black women and poetry Oct 27, 2020

Pottering - what exactly is it? And why should you make time for it? To discuss this most British of pastimes, Jane is joined by self-confessed potterer – life coach Sarah Longfield and Anna McGovern, author of Pottering: A Cure for Modern Life, who defines pottering as keeping herself busy but without a plan or a purpose.

Caitlin McNamara, a former Hay Festival curator, claims she was attacked in February of this year whilst working on the inaugural Middle East festival, by Sheikh Nahyan, the Minister of Tolerance in the United Arab Emirates cabinet and a member of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family. Now taking legal action in the UK, she joins Jane to explain why she has decided to make public the alleged assault. Baroness Helena Kennedy discusses the importance of this case.

October is Black History Month. Reporter Olivia Cope spoke to two black female performance artists about their work and the influence this past year has had on their craft. Sophia Thakur has been holding free workshops over Zoom during lockdown, where hundreds of people from around the world have been in touch to work out how to express their feelings towards current events. Vilma Jackson's work explores the challenges she faces as a deaf, black woman in a hearing world. Ali Gordon is Vilma’s interpreter.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Abortion in Poland, Who Holds The Real Eco-Power Oct 26, 2020

Poland's top court has ruled that abortions in cases of foetal abnormality are unconstitutional. Poland's abortion laws were already among the strictest in Europe but the Constitutional Tribunal's ruling will mean an almost total ban. Once the decision comes into effect, terminations will only be allowed in cases of rape or incest, or if the mother's health is at risk. We hear from Justyna Wydrzynska, who runs a group in Poland which gives information about abortion to women you want it.

Public concern over the state of our planet is at a record high. But for all the targets and strikes and banning plastic straws, change still feels pretty slow. So what's the problem? Three women, who are suggestions for this year’s Woman’s Hour Power List, plus one of our judges, talks about the kind of power that brings about change, their own quests to make a difference, and how they keep going. We have Karen Shackleton, Sian Sutherland, Hil Berg and Emma Howard.

Singing nuns, Long Covid, US presidential elections, Victoria Wood, Women and homelessness, Sister Bliss. Oct 24, 2020

The Poor Clares of Arundel are a community of nuns. They've just released an album'Light for the World' described as 'traditional plainchant with added beats'. We hear from Sisters Leo & Sisters Aelread.

What impact is Long Covid having on women’s lives, and where are we with treatment and support?

How will the female vote impact the USA presidential elections? Melissa Milewski, a lecturer in American History at the University of Sussex and Dr Michell Chresfield Lecturer in United States History, at the University of Birmingham discuss.

The number of women sleeping rough and living in temporary accommodation has risen. Katya Adler hears from Dame Louise Casey who, as “Homelesssness Tsar”, championed the “Everyone In” policy which got rough sleepers off the street and into temporary accommodation during the height of the pandemic and Petra Salva, the head of the Rough Sleepers Unit at the charity St. Mungos.

Sister Bliss is a DJ, songwriter and electronic artist. She is perhaps best-known as a member of the British electronic band Faithless.

Victoria Wood, the Lancashire born comedian, writer, actor, stand up and singer died in 2016 having never written her own story. With access to letters, and interviews with friends and family Jasper Rees has written ‘Let’s Do it’ – The Authorized Biography of Victoria Wood.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Women and Long Covid Oct 23, 2020

New research out this week suggests that 1 in 45 people who get COVID-19 will continue to be unwell after three months, even if their initial infection was mild. And, under the age of 50, it does seem that women are more likely to develop Long Covid than men.

People with Long Covid report on-going symptoms including fatigue, headache, shortness of breath, problems concentrating - ‘brain fog’ - and heart palpitations, which leave them unable to work, look after their families or even get off the sofa.

Support groups and campaigns to get recognition and treatment for this new and debilitating illness have sprung up – most of them led by women. Their efforts are now beginning to bear fruit, with among other things a network of Long Covid clinics recently announced for some parts of the UK. What more needs to be done?

Jane is joined by a panel of experts and campaigners to hear from some of you about how Long Covid has changed your lives since March, and to discuss the latest developments. She speaks to - Dr Nisreen Alwan, Associate Professor in Public Health, University of Southampton;Ondine Sherwood LongCovidSOS campaign co-founder; Dr Elizabeth Kendrick, GP & Medical Director of Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust who have been running a virtual Long Covid clinic since August and listeners – Emily, Gillian, Niluka and Morag.

Presented by Jane Garvey. Producers: Sarah Crawley and Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

DJ songwriter Sister Bliss. Deaths from cocaine. Starting a business during lockdown. Oct 22, 2020

Sister Bliss is a DJ, songwriter and one of Britain’s most iconic and long lasting female electronic artists. She is perhaps best-known as a member of the British electronic band Faithless. She joins Katya to talk about her thirty year career, going from the underground club scene to sell-out arena shows.

Female deaths due to cocaine have risen by 26.5% in 2019, according to the ONS. Why is the number of women dying from cocaine use increasing so rapidly?

The UK economy has taken a real hit during the pandemic with figures suggesting women with small business start ups in areas like beauty, leisure and hospitality being worst affected. But the crisis also seems to have spurred on many others to take the plunge and go out on their own.

And Dr Polly Russell the lead curator of a major new exhibition Unfinished Business: The Fight for Women’s Rights’ which opens at the British Library tells us how the work of contemporary feminist activists in the UK has its roots in the long and complex history of women’s rights.

Presenter Katya Adler Producer Beverley Purcell

GUEST; Ian Hamilton GUEST; Maxine Luckhurst GUEST; Molly Masters GUEST; Emma Jones GUEST; Dr Polly Russell

Women and homelessness, WTO, The Secret Garden, Unfinished Business: The Fight for Women's Rights Oct 21, 2020

The number of women sleeping rough has risen over the last decade and as the economic impact of Covid 19 takes hold, social policy advisers fear the situation could worsen. Female rough sleepers with their complex profile have it worse on the street, and in wider homelessness terms the number of lone women and women with children has soared in temporary accommodation. Katya Adler talks to Dame Louise Casey who, as “Homelesssness Tsar”, championed the “Everyone In” policy which got rough sleepers off the street and into temporary accommodation during the height of the pandemic and Petra Salva, the head of the Rough Sleepers Unit at the charity St. Mungos.

A new film version of The Secret Garden is released on Friday. Written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the book was first published in 1911 and is seen as a classic of English children’s literature. But the story of the author behind the book is far less well known and utterly fascinating. Katya Adler is joined by Ann Thwaite, whose biography of Frances Hodgson Burnett, Beyond the Secret Garden, first came out in 1974 but has been reissued this year, and Lucy Mangan, author of Bookworm, who has loved the novel since she was a little girl.

The World Trade Organisation will shortly have a new leader and for the first time in its history it’s going to be a woman. There are two remaining candidates. They are Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria, and Yoo Myung-hee from South Korea. To discuss the candidates, Katya is joined by Allie Renison, Head of Trade and EU Policy at Institute of Directors.

On Friday a major new exhibition opens at the British Library. ‘Unfinished Business: The Fight for Women’s Rights’ shows how the work of contemporary feminist activists in the UK has its roots in the long and complex history of women’s rights. Lead curator, Dr Polly Russell joins Katya Adler to discuss the multi-faceted exhibit where you can see everything from personal diaries, banners and protest fashion to subversive literature, film, music and art, women’s voices, stories and experiences.

Presented by Katya Adler Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

Singing Nuns, the US elections and women, the politicisation of Mumsnet? and what makes a good jobshare? Oct 20, 2020

Jane Garvey talks to Sisters Leo & Aelread from The Poor Clares of Arundel who've just released an album of traditional plainchant with added beats. What can we learn from them about living life in these times? It's a couple of weeks now til the Presidential elections in the States and to discuss what it will mean for women we talk to Melissa Milewski, a lecturer in American History at the University of Sussex and Dr Michell Chresfield Lecturer in United States History, at the University of Birmingham. Has Mumsnet the popular website for parents which has spawned thousands of discussion threads become too politicised? Sarah Pedersen, Professor of Communication and Media at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, talks about her new book on the subject and what makes a good job-share work? Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Tim Heffer Photograph: Chris O'Donovan

Victoria Wood, Frozen eggs, How to raise a kind child Oct 19, 2020

Victoria Wood, the Lancashire born comedian, writer, actor, stand up and singer found fame with shows such as Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV, Wood & Walters and Dinner Ladies. She died in 2016 having never written her own story. With access to letters, and interviews with friends and family Jasper Rees has written ‘Let’s Do it’ – The Authorized Biography of Victoria Wood. Mairead Campbell works at BBC Radio 1 and turned 30 last year. She made a documentary for BBC Radio Ulster about the fact that friends and family suddenly started asking when she’s going to settle down and how that made her feel. Recently fertility clinics across the UK claimed they have seen a surge in inquiries about egg freezing. Professor of Reproductive Biology, Mary Herbert, joins Jane to discuss what may have prompted that rise. How do you raise a kind and empathetic child with a social conscience? We speak to Uju Asika, author of Bringing Up Race: How to Raise a Kind Child in a Prejudiced World; and Miranda McKearney, founder of the Empathy Lab, a not-for-profit dedicated to teaching children empathy through fiction. Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour - Carla Bruni, Working from Home, HIV and Bame women Oct 17, 2020

We have music from the former supermodel Carla Bruni who tells us about her new album.

We hear from the Conservative MP Laura Trott who is trying to get a law passed to stop under 18s accessing filler treatments and other cosmetic procedures. We also hear from Ashton Collins from the organisation Save Face who have had reports of injuries caused by botched cosmetic procedures.

A journalist who writes about paramilitaries, has made a formal complaint to the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland because investigations into threats made to her and her baby have come to nothing. She tells us why she believes her gender means she receives more threats than her male colleagues.

We discuss why three-quarters of women living with HIV in the UK are of Black, Asian or minority ethnic background. We hear from Dr Rageshri Dhairyawan, a consultant in Sexual Health and HIV Medicine and two women living with HIV: Mina Kakaiya who's a mental health and mindfulness trainer of South Asian heritage, and Bakita Kasadha who's a British-Ugandan poet, activist and researcher. They discuss the stigma around the illness.

Onjali Rauf tells us about her new children’s book, The Night Bus Hero, which is told from the point of view of a bully.

And with so many of us working from home, and who knows when it will end, how's it going for you? We hear from clinical psychologist Linda Blair, and Chloe Davies, Head of PR & Partnerships at MyGWork.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Siobhann Tighe

Dolly Alderton; Rape convictions - Katie's story; How to work from home Oct 16, 2020

Dolly Alderton joins Jane to talk about her first novel Ghosts. Her protagonist Nina Dean is dealing with a lot. She’s trying to make it as a food writer and finally has a flat of her own. Her dad is slipping away from her into dementia and her Mum is set on re-inventing herself. Friends are changing and disappearing into coupledom and parenting so when Max shows up via a dating app he seems like a dream come true. In fact, Nina’s problems are only just beginning.

A rape survivor we are calling Katie contacted Woman’s Hour to tell her story. After a horrific ordeal at the end of last year, a few weeks ago her former partner was convicted of rape and sexual assault and was give a lengthy prison sentence. Katie feels that she has had justice and that she was well treated by the police and in court. But, as she explains to Jane, she is left with questions and an uncomfortable feeling that other victims of rape might not have had the same treatment or outcome. At a time when the rate of convictions for rape have fallen to an all-time low, Gillian Jones, QC and Head of Chambers at Red Lion in London, responds.

When many of us suddenly switched to home working back in March, we might have thought we would be back in the office by now, but 30% of us are still working from home, and there is no timetable yet for returning to offices. So how’s it going, sharing work space with other adults, children or indeed no-one at all? What have we learned about the do’s and don’ts over the last 7 months? Jane speaks to clinical psychologist Linda Blair, and Chloe Davies, Head of PR & Partnerships at MyGWork, who originally told us about her experiences of juggling her work and two young sons back in May.

Sculptor Susie MacMurray, Fillers, ADHD Late Diagnosis and Women and Forgiveness Oct 15, 2020

A striking new female figure can be seen in Kings’ Place in London, and online from this week. Medusa is a tall, headless woman whose body turns into snakes made of chainmail. For her creator, Manchester-based artist Susie MacMurray, the sculpture is a metaphor for women’s power. She and a team of female art students used 300 kilos of copper wire to create Medusa, as part of a new exhibition of her work, Murmur, which opens on 21 October. A free preview tour is also being livestreamed on YouTube and Instagram this Thursday 15 October at 6pm, just search for Pangolin London.

Lip fillers and other cosmetic procedures are increasingly popular and there’s even been what the industry is calling a “zoom boom” over the last few months with people wanting to change their appearance after spending hours looking at themselves on their computers. But it’s not just adults turning to fillers, it’s also teenagers who’re often targeted on social media by advertisers and are in part influenced by the celebrities they see on TV shows. What you may not realise however is that it’s completely legal for under 18s to get fillers and it’s an area that is at present completely unregulated. Anyone can administer fillers and there are even reports of people buying fillers online and injecting themselves after watching a how-to session on Youtube. Jane Garvey talks to Laura Trott MP who is trying to get a law passed to stop under 18s accessing filler treatments and Ashton Collins from Save Face.

What’s it like to get a diagnosis of ADHD as a woman in middle age? We often associate the condition with much younger people, usually boys, partly because ADHD in girls presents itself in a much quieter way. But Emma Mahony’s ADHD was formally diagnosed when she was 52. She’s written a book called Better Late Than Never, which explores how her diagnosis makes sense of her life and the decisions she’s made.

Do women forgive differently from men? Jane speaks to Sandra Barefoot who works in prisons with the Forgiveness Project. She is running creative writing workshops in November with Cecilia Knapp, Young People’s Laureate for London and Anne Marie Cockburn whose daughter died of an ecstasy overdose. Can writing help people find strategies for forgiveness?

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Clare Walker

Website image of Medusa courtesy of Ben Blackall

Carla Bruni on her new album; Covid and working class women; Author Onjali Rauf; The English GCSE Syllabus Oct 14, 2020

Carla Bruni's new album is described as "a wholehearted embracing of her true self." She talks to Sangita about the inspiration behind it and life under lockdown.

The impact of Covid-19 on working class women.

Plus the choices of set texts offered by the major exam boards for GCSE English literature. Djamila Boothman, an English and Assistant headteacher at a school in North London and children’s author Onjali Rauf discuss why we need more books written by authors of different backgrounds and ethnicities

And Onjali Rauf will also be talking about her new book The Night Bus Hero which is told from the point of view of a bully.

Presenter: Sangita Myska Producer: Beverley Purcell

Guest: Carla Bruni Guest: Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson Guest: Onjali Rauf Guest: Djamila Boothman

Women in business and three tier lockdown. Working as a midwife. Patricia Devlin. Children's play in hospitals. Oct 13, 2020

As the new three tier Covid lock down system comes into force in England we talk to some of the businesses which’re now facing stricter restrictions. Hannah Butler who runs the Victoria Hotel in the centre of Nottingham – a city which is now in the high risk tier - and also to Tanya Harrison who runs a hair salon in Liverpool which is now in the highest risk tier. And as the Northern Ireland executive meets today to agree what new measures are needed to curb the steep rise in covid cases there, Tina McKenzie from the Federation of Small Businesses will assess the economic impact of any new restrictions.

In her book Overdue: Birth, Burnout and a Blueprint for a Better NHS, Amity Reed describes what led her to becoming a midwife, in particular her desire to properly support and care for women throughout pregnancy, birth and postnatally. The reality of working in over-stretched and underfunded NHS maternity service soon shattered her illusions. The former midwife joins Jane to talk about her experiences as a midwife. A journalist who writes about paramilitaries, has made a formal complaint to the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland because investigations into threats she’s received have come to nothing. A year ago Patricia Devlin, who’s a crime journalist for the Sunday World, was posted a message on Facebook saying “Don’t go near your granny’s … Trisha. You will watch your new born get raped COMBAT 18!” It’s not the first threat she’s had but it’s the first time her baby’s been threatened.

Lisa Beaumont has just been awarded Health Play Specialist of the Year from The Starlight Children’s Foundation, for her work at Leeds Children’s hospital. She joins Jane to discuss the help she provides to seriously sick children, and the impact coronavirus is having on the service she can provide.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Pregnant women and the flu jab; HIV and BAME women; Autumn fashion trends; Debra Whittingham Oct 12, 2020

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Royal College of Midwives are urging all pregnant women to take up the offer of a free flu vaccination this winter to protect themselves and their baby from complications caused by the flu virus. Sangita Myska is joined by Dr Jo Mountfield, Consultant Obstetrician and Vice President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, to discuss why this is so important.

Three-quarters of women living with HIV in the UK are women of Black, Asian or minority ethnic background. Dr Rageshri Dhairyawan, a consultant in Sexual Health and HIV Medicine at Barts Health NHS Trust in London, wants to see a renewed focus on how to access those women, ensure that they have the healthcare they need to live long and healthy lives, and break down the stigma around HIV that is intense within some communities. She says South Asian women form a silent and often overlooked minority of women living with HIV, which is concerning as sexually transmitted infections are rising fastest in Asians compared to other ethnicities. Sangita Myska talks to Rageshri and two women living with HIV; Mina Kakaiya who is a mental health and mindfulness trainer of South Asian heritage, and Bakita Kasadha who is a British-Ugandan poet, activist and researcher.

What are the new trends for fashion and make up this autumn, and has your approach to beauty changed with the pandemic? Sangita is joined by Edwina Ings-Chambers, beauty director at YOU magazine, Kaushal, a beauty and lifestyle content creator who has 2 million subscribers on YouTube and also to the Telegraph’s Shopping Editor Krissy Turner.

Debra Whittingham spent over 31 years in the Royal Navy before taking over a role that is steeped in history. She became the first female Deputy Governor of the Tower of London in 2017. Debra is one of the stars in a new series of The Tower of London documentary to be shown on Channel 5 this Wednesday, and joins Sangita.

Power List judges - Living a greener life, Women and epilepsy, Identity politics and feminism, Essex girls Oct 10, 2020

Around 300,000 women have epilepsy in the UK. Epilepsy Research UK say that hormones can affect epilepsy, and drugs used to control it need to be very carefully balanced with medication that women take. Dr Susan Duncan is a consultant neurologist. Torie, 30 and Ruth, 60 both have it.

Three of our Power List judges Lucy Siegle, Flo Headlam and Prof Alice Larkin answer your questions on how to live a greener life.

The opera singer Natalya Romaniw has just been named Young Artist of the Year at the Gramophone Classical Music Awards, she tells us about the challenges of performing live during the pandemic.

Last week the first hydrogen train in the UK took its maiden journey. There’s still a lot to do like making room for the batteries underneath the train, and increasing the speed. Helen Simpson and Chandra Morbey are two women behind the project.javascript:void(0)

Writer and journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown’s new book, Ladies who Punch, is about fifty daring courageous indomitable women. The women who inspire her are black, white and brown.” Women,” she says, “have issues in common, regardless of race. Differences matter but commonalities matter more and we seem to have lost sight of that.” Joining her to discuss these issues is academic and writer, Ruby Hamad, author of forthcoming book, White Tears, Brown Scars: How White Feminism betrays women of colour.

Essex Girls are the butt of countless jokes and preconceptions. Jane hears from the author Sarah Perry who has written in praise of the Essex Girl aimed at “profane and opinionated women everywhere”, and the food writer and political campaigner Jack Monroe who is a proud Essex Girl.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Hook ups, Identity Politics & Feminism, Surviving Grooming Gang in Rotherham Oct 09, 2020

Jane Garvey talks to a woman who survived being groomed by a gang in Rotherham, also to Yasmin Alibhai Brown and Ruby Hamad about identity politics and feminism and we hear from the older women who enjoy dating younger men. Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Manager: Matilda Macari

Age-gaps in dating, Women and Epilepsy and How to Build Resilience Oct 08, 2020

Experts in epilepsy say women are disproportionately affected by the condition. Around 300,000 women have it in the UK. Epilepsy Research UK say that hormones can affect epilepsy, and drugs used to control it need to be very carefully balanced with medication that women take like The Pill or HRT. Women with epilepsy are also ten times more likely to die in pregnancy. Dr Susan Duncan is a consultant neurologist. Torie, 30 and Ruth, 60 both have it.

Dating apps have changed how you can meet a potential partner and you can choose exactly what you like as all the information about sexuality, age, background and sexual preferences are laid out. Our reporter Henrietta Harrison, in her forties, recently joined a dating app and was inundated with messages from men in their twenties but felt uneasy about some of the approaches. It seems the ‘older woman with a younger man’ dynamic is growing in popularity on dating apps and it has long been popular in porn. She wanted to understand more about the attraction between younger men and older women. Henrietta spoke to 28 year old man we are calling Richard who is in a polyamorous relationship and regularly dates women in their forties and fifties.

What is resilience? Is it something we are born with, or do our life experiences help to shape it? And does failure help us to build it? Jane discusses the issues with the writer and podcaster Elizabeth Day, author of Failosophy A Handbook For When Things Go Wrong, with the Psychologist, Emma Kenny and the Paralympian and motivational speaker Martine Wright MBE.

Producer: Henrietta Harrison Editor: Karen Dalziel

Natalya Romaniw; Party political conference season, Essex Girls, the women behind the first hydrogen train. Oct 07, 2020

The opera singer Natalya Romaniw joins Jane to talk about the challenges performing live in the Covid-era and her latest role as Mimi in the ENO’s La Bohème at Alexandra Palace in London.

As the political party conference season comes to a close Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff and Katy Balls from the Spectator consider what, if any, policies are on the table for women. Men are disproportionately affected by Covid 19 in health terms but it is women who seem to be bearing the brunt of the economic fallout of the pandemic as well as taking on a larger share of domestic work and childcare. Is the virus a step back for women’s rights? And what are the political parties planning to do about it?

Apart from walking and cycling, the train is the greenest way of getting around. Trains, especially diesel ones, still emit carbon dioxide though. But, last week the first hydrogen train in the UK took its maiden journey. It’s 100% clean. There’s still a lot to do like making room for the batteries underneath the train, and increasing the speed. Jane talks to Helen Simpson and Chandra Morbey, two women – who do a jobshare – behind project.

We explore the issue of Essex Girls – the butt of countless jokes and preconceptions – with the Oxford English Dictionary referring to her as "unintelligent, promiscuous, and materialistic", while Collins adds "devoid of taste" to the mix. The author Sarah Perry has just penned a book in praise of the Essex Girl aimed at “profane and opinionated women everywhere” and she’s joined by the food writer and political campaigner Jack Monroe and a proud fellow Essex Girl.

Natalya Romaniw photo - copyright Patrick Allen.

Presented by Jane Garvey. Produced by Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Our Planet - the Power List judges answer your questions on greener living Oct 06, 2020

We've been overwhelmed by the phenomenal response we’ve had from listeners about this year's Woman's Hour Power List - so today we’re making it all about you!

Do you have questions about living a greener life? Do you want to help the planet but aren’t sure how? Send us your eco-dilemmas, queries and questions and our Power List judges Lucy Siegle, Flo Headlam and Prof Alice Larkin will be on hand with top tips and advice.

You can tweet us @BBCWomansHour or email your questions to womanshour.yourviews@bbc.co.uk

Agony Aunt Mary Killen. Is gossip the glue of life? Disabled foster carers. C4's new drama "Adult Material". Oct 05, 2020

Agony Aunt and star of Googlebox Mary Killen joins Jane Garvey to urge us to channel her ultimate British Role model – The Queen . She argues we’d all be a bit happier, wiser and more adept if we adopted the underrated virtues of duty, kindness, discretion, restraint and fortitude as exemplified by Her Majesty.

Could disabled people help to solve the crisis in fostering? Is gossip the glue or life, why do we do it, and who does it most? Plus the writer Lucy Kirkwood and actor Hayley Squires talk about their latest project, the drama "Adult Material"

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell PHOTO CREDIT: Hugo Burnand

Guest; Mary Killen Guest; Professor Robin Dunbar Guest; Lucy Kirkwood Guest; Hayley Squires Guest; Alison Bryne Guest; Peter Unwin

Weekend Woman's Hour - Jenni Murray, the Story of Cherry Groce, Butterfly Conservation Oct 03, 2020

In her final Woman’s Hour after 33 years at the helm, Jenni discusses the work that still needs to be done when it comes to feminism and equality. She's joined by Helena Kennedy QC, Jude Kelly the founder and director of The WOW Foundation, "Mother of the House" Harriet Harman MP, and poet and novelist, Jackie Kay.

We hear from Lee Lawrence, whose mother Cherry Groce was shot by police in a botched dawn raid. Lee describes his fight to get justice for his mother and his ongoing commitment to challenging racism within the police force.

We hear from the film director Malou Reymann about her new film ‘A Perfectly Normal Family’. It centres around an eleven year old girl whose life is turned upside down when her father tells her he wants to become a woman. The fictional story is based on Malou's own experience.

Live, learn and thrive: that’s what Andrea McLean wants us to do with the help of her new book “This Girl is on Fire”.

The 2020 Woman’s Hour Power List is looking for women who are trying to improve the health of our planet. We hear from Zoë Randle, the Senior Surveys Officer for Butterfly Conservation. She tells us about the thousands of volunteers who are turning their love of nature into hard data which will directly influence UK conservation policy. And Jenni leaves us with a snap-shot of her favourite-ever guests.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Siobhann Tighe

Republican women standing for Congress, Rhianna Pratchett, Chrissy Teigen's miscarriage Oct 02, 2020

We heard about women Democrats standing for Congress last week, and today we discuss Republican women. In 2018 their numbers in the House of Representatives dwindled to just 13, but now a record number are entering the November elections either as incumbents or challengers, so what made the difference and what are their chances of winning? Jane speaks to Olivia Perez-Cubas from Winning for Women, an organisation set up in 2017 to encourage more conservative female candidates, and Sarah Elliott, Chair of Republicans Overseas UK.

Eleven-year-old Emma finds her life turned upside down when her father tells her he wants to become a woman. This is subject of a new Danish film ‘A Perfectly Normal Family’. The fictional story is based on the director Malou Reymann’s own experience. She joins Jane along with her father Helene.

Award-winning video games writer Rhianna Pratchett speaks to Jane about her first book Crystal of Storms which aims to get young girls into the world of fantasy and gaming. Her book is part of Fighting Fantasy, a series of interactive children’s books where the reader takes on the role of the protagonist and chooses their actions by rolling a dice. Rhianna is the first female guest writer of the series.

The model Chrissy Teigen's raw grief at her miscarriage has been very public. Some have been sympathetic; others question whether social media is the place for such things to be shared. Jane discusses with Ruth Bender Atik, national director of the Miscarriage Association.

Jenni Murray says 'goodbye' after 33 years with the programme Oct 01, 2020

As Jenni Murray says 'goodbye' to the programme she's presented for 33 years, she looks back at some of the battles we've won, lost and still have to fight in the company of Harriet Harman MP, Jude Kelly director and founder of the WOW Foundation, Helena Kennedy QC and the novelist and poet Jackie Kay.

Plus she talks about some of her own favourite moments of the past 30 years.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Beverley Purcell Edito:; Karen Dalziel

Guest: Harriet Harman Guest: Helena Kennedy Guest: Jude Kelly Guest: Jackie Kay

Yotam Ottolenghi, Long Covid and Women, Breast Cancer Screening and Talking to Children about Death Sep 30, 2020

Flavour is the third instalment in Yotam Ottolenghi’s Plenty series which celebrates the infinite potential of vegetables. Along with co-author and recipe developer Ixta Belfrage they explore techniques and processes such as infusing and charring which brings out the full flavour of the vegetable. They join Jenni to talk about how to Cook the Perfect Spicy Mushroom Lasagne.

We now know that tens of thousands of people in the UK are living with Long Covid – meaning that they have not yet recovered from the effects of the virus, even if their infection was relatively mild, and happened months ago. Symptoms vary but can include breathlessness and fatigue. You might have heard presenter Adam Rutherford yesterday on Radio 4 talking about his own experience of it, and looking at the growing body of science around the condition. A picture is also now emerging of how the condition is affecting women. The Long Covid Support group on Facebook has 23,000 members in the UK and 75% of them are women. Lesley Macniven is one of the group’s campaigners and a gender inequality researcher by trade. She joins Jenni from Edinburgh.

It is estimated that nearly one million women in the UK missed their routine mammogram breast screening programme appointments due to Covid-19. This is according to figures from the charity Breast Cancer Now. Their Chief Executive Baroness Delyth Morgan outlines their concerns and what needs to be done to deal with a backlog of cases.

In our family secrets series Jo Morris speaks to a woman we are calling Liz, who found out her father’s fifty year old secret at the worst possible time, when she was grieving for him.

Isabel Thomas has written more than 150 books about science and nature for young audiences, including Moth, which won the 2020 AAAS Prize for Excellence in Science Books. She has now written Fox - A Circle of Life Story – a picture book inspired by her own experiences of talking to her three children about death, and of having her only parent die at a young age. The book gives an unflinching scientific answer to one of the most difficult questions children ask: what happens when we die?

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Clare Walker

Cherry Groce; Gender Recognition Act; Should parents be friends with their children? Sep 29, 2020

On 28 September 1985, Lee Lawrence’s mother Cherry Groce was wrongly shot by police during a raid on her Brixton home. The bullet shattered her spine and she never walked again. Soon after it was reported – wrongly - that Cherry Groce was dead, and two days of rioting took place in Brixton. All this was witnessed by 11-year-old Lee. He became his mother’s carer. After a doctor questioned the cause of his mother’s death in 2011 Lee campaigned fiercely for an inquest, a chance to find out what really happened the day his family’s life was turned upside down. Lee joins Jane tomorrow to talk about his mother, his life as a carer, his fight to get the police to recognise their wrongdoing and his ongoing commitment to challenge racism and fight for justice.

The government has announced it will not go ahead with a change to the Gender Recognition Act which would have allowed trans men and women to self identify rather than go through a medical diagnosis to change their gender. The Equalities and Human Rights Commission has said it was a ‘missed opportunity’ but women's rights groups have applauded the decision as a ‘victory for fairness and common sense’. Jane Garvey hears from two of the women who’ve been campaigning on this issue, Dr Heather Peto who is Co-Chair of Labour’s LGBT+ group and Dr Nicola Williams from the group Fair Play for Women.

The 2020 Woman’s Hour Power List is looking for women who are making a significant difference to the health of our planet. But that power doesn’t have to be held on boards or by leading international organisations. Zoë Randle, the Senior Surveys Officer for Butterfly Conservation, tells Jane about the hugely important role played by hundreds of thousands of volunteers – who are turning their love of nature into hard data that directly influences conservation policy in the UK.

Do you think there should be clearly defined parent/child relationship? Or maybe you think of your family as more of a team or that your child is like a friend. If you’ve been watching the new Netflix series The Duchess which features a mum’s friendship with her child, you may have been asking yourself about your own parenting style. Jane Garvey talks to Dr Holan Liang an NHS Consultant Child & adolescent Psychiatrist in London, a mother and author of the book Inside Out Parenting and Rowan Coleman who’s an author and mother to five children ranging from 19 to twins of 8.

The Government's Early Years review, Andrea McLean, Celebrating 'alonement' Sep 28, 2020

The government is carrying out a review into how to improve health outcomes for babies and children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Early Years development review will look at the critical first two and a half years of life which has a significant impact on the physical health, mental health and opportunity throughout life. We hear from the government's Early Years adviser Andrea Leadsom MP.

In August we spoke to Alexandra Wilson about her book “In Black and White” - breaking down barriers of race and class to become a barrister. Last week she tweeted how she’d been mistaken for a defendant three times in one day in court. She joins Jane.

Live, learn and thrive – that’ what Andrea McLean wants us to be able to achieve with the help of her new book “This Girl is on Fire”. In it she shares her own experiences of overcoming toxic relationships, a breakdown and burnout to help us see that we can change ourselves and change our life.

There are many terms that are used to describe spending time alone, but most of them have negative connotations. Journalist Francesca Specter has coined the term “alonement” to describe celebrating the time you spend alone. She shares the inspiration behind the term, how it has helped her during lockdown, and how we can all learn the skills of solitude.

A new study led by researchers at UCL and York University, Canada, shows that skin to skin contact with a parent reduces how strongly a newborn baby’s brain responds to a painful medical jab. Dr Laura Jones explains.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

The Woman's Hour Power List 2020, Mary McAleese, Known Donations, Chutney Sep 26, 2020

The 2020 Woman’s Hour Power List is ‘Our Planet’ - the search is on for 30 women based in the UK who are making a significant positive contribution to the environment. Emma Howard Boyd, the chair of the Environment Agency, and Flo Headlam, a horticulturalist and garden designer are two of the judges.

Mary McAleese was twice president of Ireland, studied canon law when her term ended and, to the surprise of many, as she has a deep personal faith, spoke out against misogyny in the global Catholic Church. Her autobiography is called ‘Here’s the Story : A Memoir.’

There’s been a rise in websites and Facebook groups offering Known Donation, where a person seeking to conceive uses a sperm or egg donation from someone they know, or got to know before the treatment. We hear from Sarah Norcross, Director of the Progress Educational Trust; Erika Tranfield, the mother of a donor-conceived child from a known donor; and Natasha Fox, a donor-conceived adult who does not know the identity of her biological father.

Emily Hunt was filmed when she was asleep in a hotel room. A man was convicted of voyeurism, but it took her several years to secure that conviction and she decided to waive her right to anonymity to fight her case. But what do you gain and what do you lose if you do give up your anonymity? Jenni hears from Emily and Leona O’Callaghan who did the same: she waived her right to anonymity when the man who abused her as a child was on trial and then convicted. She also hears from “Rebecca” who doesn’t want to waive her anonymity. She’s pressing the CPS to prosecute a man who she says attacked and raped her.

When actor Shobna Gulati’s mum was diagnosed with dementia in 2017, she was already spending the majority of her time caring for her. Her mother has since died, and she’s written a memoir about her family and her mum’s illness called Remember Me? Discovering my mother as she lost her memory.

It is chutney and pickle season and a great opportunity to use up your remaining fruit and veg. Food historian Lizzie Collingham explains the history behind the relishes.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Dianne McGregor

The Windrush generation, Jess Gillam, Waiving your right to anonymity Sep 25, 2020

Windrush campaigner, Paulette Wilson’s brave decision to speak to Amelia Gentleman about the immigration issues she was facing with the Home Office was crucial in exposing the Windrush scandal. In her book, The Windrush Betrayal, Gentleman tells the full story of her investigation. Campaigner, Glenda Caesar was also caught up in the hostile environment – she came to Britain legally as a three-month-old child and had no reason to think she was not British until she was she was sacked from her job as an NHS administrator. She was one of the first recipients of the first Windrush compensation offers which she rejected as insulting. Lawyer, Jacqueline McKenzie explains why there is such a delay in victims receiving payments. Following her debut album ‘Rise’ which reached No.1 in the UK Classical Chart, award-winning saxophonist Jess Gilliam is back with a new album. She joins us to discuss diversity in classical music and advice for playing an instrument during lockdown. At the beginning of the month, you may have come across the story of Emily Hunt. She was filmed when she was asleep in a hotel room. A man was convicted of voyeurism, but it took her several years to secure that conviction and Emily decided to waive her right to anonymity to fight her case. But what do you gain and what do you lose if you do give up being anonymous? Joining us is Emily. Also Leona O’Callaghan who did the same: she waived her right to anonymity when the man who abused her as a child was on trial and then convicted. And someone who wants to be called “Rebecca” who doesn’t want to waive her anonymity. She’s pressing the CPS to prosecute a man who she says attacked and raped her.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Alison Steadman, Mary McAleese, The Woman's Hour Power List 2020, Chutney. Sep 24, 2020

The award-winning actor Alison Steadman joins Jenni to discuss her latest projects. ’23 Walks’ is a film telling a love story in later life, and ‘Life’ is a new BBC1 drama set in Manchester, and follows the stories of the residents of a large house divided into four flats. It explores love, loss, birth, death, the ordinary, the extraordinary and everything in between.

Mary McAleese was President of Ireland twice. When she finished her second term, she turned her sights on the global Catholic Church, and having the credibility of a doctorate in Canon Law behind her, she spoke out against what she saw as the misogyny within it. She did it despite having a deep personal faith that goes back to her childhood. Mary was born in Belfast in the 1950s; witnessed the Troubles as they started and how they went onto to wreak havoc and pain on both sides. She became a barrister even though it wasn’t expected of a woman: especially a woman from a working class background. She’s brought out her autobiography - Here’s The Story.

The 2020 Woman’s Hour Power List is all about ‘Our Planet’ - and the search is on for 30 women based in the UK who are making a significant positive contribution to the environment. This could be through working in conservation or running a local anti-plastic campaign – but there are also less obvious sectors in which women are making a huge difference. Emma Howard Boyd, the chair of the Environment Agency, and Flo Headlam, a horticulturalist and garden designer talk to Jenni about their less conventional journeys into green careers – and highlight the lesser known areas where women are driving change.

With Autumn setting in, it’s chutney and pickle season and a great opportunity to use up your remaining fruit and veg. Food historian Lizzie Collingham explains the history behind these tasty relishes.

Presented by Jenni Murray Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Women's football; Black women running for office in the US; Sue Miller's novel Monogamy Sep 23, 2020

Why are the world’s best female footballers signing for English clubs? In the past few weeks some of the world’s best female footballers have signed for clubs in the Women’s Super League, highlighting a power shift in women’s football globally and setting up an enticing season, which will be watched, at least remotely, by more fans than ever before. The new arrivals include five of the US World Cup-winning team, most notably Alex Morgan at Tottenham Hotspur, who scored one of the goals that knocked England out of the 2019 World Cup. To discuss the women’s game and the draw to English clubs, Jenni is joined by BBC Women’s Sport Reporter, Jo Currie, and Kristine Leine, Defender for Reading FC Women.

New data from a parliamentary committee suggests the problem of poor body image has increased during lockdown. The social media survey by the Women and Equalities committee is being published today as they start hearing evidence from experts about body image on areas such as who’s at risk, the impact on mental health and issues such digital editing and image filtering online. Negative body image can have a serious effect on self esteem and lead to depression, eating disorders and the use of medication such as diet pills, laxatives and steroids. The committee’s chair Caroline Nokes talks about what the inquiry hopes to achieve.

This year at least 266 women of colour - 175 Democrat and 91 Republican - are major-party candidates for the U.S. Congress, setting new records for the 2020 elections. We hear from Candace Valenzuela standing for office in Dallas, Texas and Desiree Tims in Dayton, Ohio. Kimberly Peeler-Allen, a co-founder of Higher Heights, an organisation supporting Black women into elected office, joins them.

Sue Miller’s new novel Monogamy explores a long relationship and complicated grief. Annie and Graham have a loving relationship that has lasted for decades but when the unthinkable happens Annie has to re-evaluate everything.

The Woman's Hour Power List 2020, US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Known Donation Sep 22, 2020

Today we launch the Woman’s Hour Power List 2020 - Our Planet. We will be looking for 30 women based in the UK who are making a significant positive contribution to the environment or the sustainability of our planet. It will showcase inspirational initiatives and stories that are bringing about real change at all levels of society – from influencing global policy and changing human behaviour, to inventing eco-friendly products, spearheading scientific research, volunteering in community gardens, and inspiring a deep love of the natural world. Jane is joined by two of the judges - Lucy Siegle and Zunaira Malik - to discuss who we’re looking for and how listeners can tell us who they think should be in the running.

In 2016 Ilhan Omar became the United States’ first Somali-American lawmaker, joining the Minnesota House of Representatives as a Democrat. Two years later she In became one of the first two Muslim women elected to US Congress. She’s 37 and has described herself as ‘America’s hope and the President’s nightmare.’ In May this year George Floyd, an unarmed black man was killed by police in her home city of Minneapolis, sparking protests across the world. Her book is This is What America Looks Like: My Journey from Refugee to Congresswoman.

There’s been a rise in websites and Facebook groups offering Known Donation in recent years, where a person seeking to conceive uses a sperm or egg donation from someone they know or get to know before the treatment. What’s behind it, and what are the pros and cons of this method of assisted conception? We discuss with Sarah Norcross, Director of the Progress Educational Trust; Erika Tranfield, the mother of a donor-conceived child from a known donor; and Natasha Fox, a donor-conceived adult who does not know the identity of her biological father.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Shobna Gulati. British Touring Car driver Jade Edwards. Playground politics. Sarah Brown. Sep 21, 2020

When actor Shobna Gulati’s mum was diagnosed with dementia in 2017, she was already spending the majority of her time caring for her. Their sometimes difficult relationship was tested to the limit, but ultimately she gained a lot from those years spent in her mum’s front room. When she passed away last year she decided to write a book about her family and her mum’s illness called Remember Me? Discovering my mother as she lost her memory.

At the weekend Jade Edwards will become the first woman in 13 years to race in the British Touring Car Championship at Silverstone. So why's it taken so long to see another woman on the course? Jade joins us, along with Fiona Leggate, the last female driver who competed back in 2007. Have you been given the silent treatment by another parent at school, or felt excluded from a group of mums? Now the new school year is well underway, playground politics can sometimes extend to the other side of the school gate. Jane discusses coping strategies with counselling psychologist Dr Rachel Allan and Tanith Carey, author of The Friendship Maze and Taming the Tiger Parent.

Because of the Covid 19 pandemic up to 10 million children around the world are likely to be permanently excluded from getting an education according to the UK charity Theirworld. It's run by Sarah Brown, wife of the former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Ahead of a virtual session later today at the UN General Assembly Meeting she talks to Jane about how the charity advocates on global education issues at both a strategic and practical level .

Presenter Jane Garvey. Producer Beverley Purcell

Photo Credit. The About Studio.

Weekend Woman's Hour - The Feminisation of alcohol marketing, Nudity & Sculptor Bridget McCrum Sep 19, 2020

How does the feminisation of alcohol work? We hear from Carol Emslie a Professor of substance use and misuse at the School of Health and Life Sciences at Glasgow Caledonian University, Kate Baily a podcast host and the co-author of Love Yourself Sober – a self-care guide to alcohol-free living for busy mothers and from Dr Athanasia Daskalopoulou, a Lecturer in Marketing at the University of Liverpool Management School.

What are the pros and cons of being naked in front of your children? Rosie Haine, a writer and illustrator whose book is called “It Isn’t Rude to be Nude and Dr Keon West, a psychologist at Goldsmiths, University of London, discuss.

Three quarters of black women do not feel the NHS protects them equally. That’s according to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights which commissioned a poll on being Black in the UK. We hear from researcher Celine Henry and Harriet Harman MP Chair of the Joint Committee on Human Rights.

Julia Gillard, once Prime Minister of Australia, and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, economist and international development expert from Nigeria and also a woman with experience at the top of the Nigerian politics, have come together to explore women and leadership. They tell us about the book they’ve written together.

Bridget McCrum didn’t start her career as a sculptor until she was in her forties. Now at 86 she is still working with stone and in the last 10 years has had more interest in her work than ever - a recent commission sold for 68, 000 pounds.

The author Nina Stibbe tells us about winning the Comedy Women in Print Prize with her book ‘Reasons To Be Cheerful’ with chair of the judges Marian Keyes.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Sarah Crawley

Domestic Violence on EastEnders, Nudity, Wool Sep 18, 2020

The domestic abuse story in EastEnders comes to a tragic end tonight. Chantelle is killed by her husband, Gray. We speak to the Head of Continuing Drama at BBC Studios, Kate Oates, and Sarah Davidge from Woman’s Aid, about how the storyline reflects the sharp rise in domestic violence during lockdown.

Are you happy being naked in front of your children? Or does it make you feel uncomfortable? We talk to the illustrator Rosie Haine who’s created a children’s book called “It Isn’t Rude to be Nude”. It's full of naked bodies of all shapes and sizes. We also hear from psychologist Dr Keon West from Goldsmiths in London whose research suggests nudity might help with body image and self-esteem.

A new film called Rocks focuses on a teenage schoolgirl and her group of loyal friends. One day Rocks' mother leaves and she’s left to care for herself and her seven year old brother. The story was developed in workshops with teenage girls and the cast is largely made up of non-professional actors. The film has received rave reviews on the international festival circuit. Two of the lead characters Bukky Bakray and Kosar Ali plus the director, Sarah Gavron, talk to us about the film and what it says about empowerment, banter and female friendship.

The sale of wool has recently gone up but behind the scenes it's not all rosy. Since the pandemic hit, the price farmers get for their fleeces has dropped by nearly 50%, with some saying the situation's so bad they actually lose money when selling it. We talk to knitting designer and wool producer, Susan Crawford and to Minette Batters, the President of the National Union of Farmers.

Jacqueline Wilson, Women and Journalism, Pensions Campaign and Alcohol Marketing Sep 17, 2020

Children’s author Jacqueline Wilson joins tells us about her new book Love Frankie about a teenager falling in love for the first time. Frankie lives with her two sisters and her recently divorced mum who is seriously ill with MS and is being bullied by a girl called Sally and her gang at school. But eventually the two girls strike up a friendship and as they spend more time together, Frankie starts to develop stronger feelings for Sally. Jacqueline tells Jenni why, having written over a hundred books, this is the first she has written about same sex relationships following her decision to reveal that she herself was gay earlier this year.

A report by Women in Journalism shows that there is still a shocking lack of diversity among our media. The report revealed that no UK newspaper had a front page story by a Black reporter in the week studied, and out of 174 front page bylines, just two were written by BAME women. Out of a total of 723 radio reporter appearances, just 4 were by Black women and when non-white expert guests were asked to appear on radio and TV news, it was often to support coverage related to race. We discuss how this lack of diversity impacts the news that is covered and also what this means for women's careers as journalists.

Campaigners affected by the state pension age being changed from 60 to 66 for women have lost their appeal against a High Court ruling. Senior judges unanimously dismissed the appeal led by Julie Delve and Karen Glynn, backed by the campaign group BackTo60. They said despite having sympathy for the women involved, it was not a case of unlawful discrimination under EU and human rights laws and that the changes were a "long-overdue move towards gender equality". Around 3.8 million women have been affected by raising the state pension age and Unison, the UK's largest trade union, said doing so with "next to no notice" has had a calamitous effect on the retirement plans of a generation of women. Jenni speaks to Joanne Welch the director of BackTo60 to find out what options are available to them now.

Have you ever thought about the way that alcohol is marketed when it comes to women? Do you find it patronising or fun? A growing number of marketing companies and campaigns are using the colour pink, glitter and the slogan ‘female empowerment’ to sell alcoholic beverages. Does it work? Carol Emslie is a Professor of substance use and misuse at the School of Health and Life Sciences at Glasgow Caledonian University. Kate Baily is a podcast host and the co-author of Love Yourself Sober – a self-care guide to alcohol-free living for busy mothers and Dr Athanasia Daskalopoulou is a Lecturer in Marketing at the University of Liverpool Management School.

Producer: Clare Walker

Saskia Reeves in 'Us', a new BBC1 drama Sep 16, 2020

Julia Gillard, once Prime Minister of Australia, and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, economist and international development expert from Nigeria and also a woman with experience at the top of the Nigerian politics, have come together to explore women and leadership. They’ve written a book together and interviewed high profile global leaders who are women: women like Jacinda Ardern, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Christine Lagarde and Theresa May.

Saskia Reeves is best known for the films Close My Eyes and I.D. and her numerous roles in dramas like Spooks, Luther, Wallander, Page Eight and Wolf Hall. On Sunday you can watch her in the first of a four part comedy drama for BBC 1 called 'Us'. Based on the novel by David Nicholls, she is Connie who wants to end her 24 year relationship with her husband Douglas – played by Tom Hollander. But he’s meticulously planned and booked a European tour with their teenage son Albie – and so they decide to go ahead with it. Jenni talks to Saskia about how relationships change as children leave and you grow older, and the joys of filming in cities like Paris, Amsterdam and Barcelona.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that currently affects over 130,000 people in the UK. It’s three times more common in women than in men, with many of those women being diagnosed in their 20s and 30s. It’s been known for some time that pregnancy can lessen the symptoms and reduce the chance of relapse for those who already have MS. But now a new study from Monash University in Australia shows that pregnancy can help women before symptoms begin – by delaying the onset of MS by more than three years. Lead researcher Dr Vilija Jokubaitis joins Jenni to talk about the findings and what it might mean for women at higher risk of developing the condition.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Julia Gillard Interviewed Guest: Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Interviewed Guest: Saskia Reeves Interviewed Guest: Dr Vilija Jokubaitis

Comedy Women in Print Prize 2020; Contraception and young women; Mandy Cassidy Sep 15, 2020

The Comedy Women in Print Prize is the only literary prize in the UK and Ireland to spotlight funny writing by women. Now in its second year, it was launched by comedian and actress Helen Lederer in response to the lack of exposure for female comedy writing. The 2020 shortlist for Published Comic Novel included the likes of Candice Carty-Williams, and Jeanette Winterson, but the winner was announced on Monday evening as Nina Stibbe for her novel Reasons to be Cheerful. We’re joined by Nina and the Chair of Judges and bestselling author Marian Keyes.

A study by Imperial College London suggests that providing financial incentives for GPs to offer information about long-acting reversible contraceptives, such as the hormonal implant, is associated with an increase in their use and a reduction in the number of abortions, particularly in young women ages 20-24 and those from deprived backgrounds. The study used anonymised data from over 3 million women over a 10 year period. Jenni speaks to Professor Sonia Saxena, one of the co-authors of the research.

When listener Christine was a kid she was told never to talk to neighbours or answer any of their questions and people outside the family weren’t allowed in the house. She never knew the reason why. But she has just discovered a shocking secret and now has answers. Christine spoke to reporter Jo Morris.

A new series of Ambulance starts on Wednesday 16th September on BBC One. Jenni speaks to one of the people featured, an emergency medical dispatcher called Mandy Cassidy, who was motivated to work for the Ambulance Service when she lost her son. He was just 18 years old and was a victim of knife crime. He wasn’t in a gang, but simply had gone out with friends. There was an argument that night and he was stabbed.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Sarah Crawley

Black Women and Human Rights, Film Diversity, Tracey Crouch MP Sep 14, 2020

According to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, three quarters of black women do not feel the NHS protects them equally. That's the findings of a poll it commissioned on being Black in the UK. The poll also highlights Black women's thoughts on their human rights and the police. We hear from Celine Henry who's one of the researchers, and the Chair of the Committee, Harriet Harman, MP.

Famous film awards are trying to improve their diversity with new rules. We discuss how effective it'll be with Mariette Rissenbeek who's the Executive Director of the Berlinale and Tolu Akisanya who's a journalist, film publicist and part of The Culture Reel podcast.

The sculptor, Bridget McCrum, didn't start her career til she was in her forties. Now 86, she's still working with stone and in the last 10 years has had more interest in her work than ever. One of her pieces recently sold for £68, 000.

Tracey Crouch is an MP based in Kent. She used to be Sports Minister but resigned two years ago because of the Government’s stance on fixed-odds betting machines. During the summer, she announced publicly that she's got breast cancer. She says that her going public has persuaded others to get examined.

Laura Bates on extreme misogyny online, Stephanie Yeboah on body positivity, the end of the office romance, women and debt. Sep 12, 2020

Laura Bates is founder of the Everyday Sexism Project. In her latest book, she traces the roots of extreme misogyny across a complex network of online groups from Pick Up Artists to Incels. Laura explains what attracts men and boys these movements.

Blogger Stephanie Yeboah has been a part of the fat acceptance and body positive movement for years. Her first book – ‘Fattily Ever After’ – is a self-help guide and love letter to black, plus size women everywhere.

In the latest of our How To series, Jenni discusses how to be on time with Grace Pacie, author of LATE! A Time-bender’s guide to why we are late and how we can change, and therapist and writer Philippa Perry.

Buy Now and Pay Later is increasingly being offered by many online retailers. How much are young women being led to spend more than they can afford? Jenni speaks to financial campaigner Alice Tapper, Sue Anderson from debt charity Step Change and Anna, who has managed to clear considerable debt.

Now that non-invasive cosmetic procedures are able to resume operating after lockdown, are treatments such as Botox being normalised? We take a look at the trends over time with journalists Alice Hart-Davis and Melanie Abbott.

As we increasingly work from home, is this the end of the office romance on screen and in real life? And why do we love the idea of one so much in the first place? We speak to the film critic Anna Smith and the Metro lifestyle editor Ellen Scott.

CLIP CREDIT: The Office. Written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

How to be on Time, Report on the Impact of Covid-19 on Maternity and Paternal leave, Daughters of Objects, Shere Hite Sep 11, 2020

Are you always just a bit late to everything – even when there isn’t an actual reason? Is your time-keeping a source of stress for you and others? Help is at hand. In the latest of our How To series, Jenni discusses how to be on time with Grace Pacie, author of LATE! A Time-bender’s guide to why we are late and how we can change, and therapist and writer Philippa Perry.

On Wednesday this week the Government outlined their response to a landmark report from the Petitions Committee on the impact of COVID-19 on maternity and parental leave. Jenni is joined by the Chair of the Committee, Catherine McKinnell MP to discuss the issues.

We remember the author of the Shere Hite report on women and sex. In 1976 she published her report on female sexuality and told us most women can easily reach orgasm through clitoral stimulation but only 30% claim to achieve it during intercourse. Jenni met her in May 2006.

In 2011, a Bronze Age burial chamber was excavated on Whitehorse Hill on Dartmoor. Inside were astonishingly rare remains of cremated human bone, animal pelts and jewellery. The 3500-year-old remains are thought to belong to a high ranking female, and her story has now inspired a new play being performed this week. ‘Daughters of Sunset’ tells the story of two queens leading matriarchal societies on Dartmoor and Exmoor in 1100BC, and explores the way women lead communities in times of crisis. Florrie Taylor is the play’s co-producer and Jane Marchand is an archaeologist who oversaw the remarkable excavation of the ‘Whitehorse lady’.

The writer and broadcaster Sali Hughes has been talking to women about objects in their lives that are important to them. Today it’s the turn of the violinist Eos Counsell.

Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Laura Bates on extreme misogyny groups online. Getting into debt. Young women and rheumatoid arthritis Sep 10, 2020

Laura Bates is founder of the Everyday Sexism Project. In her latest book – Men Who Hate Women - she traces the roots of extreme misogyny across a complex network of online groups - extending from Men's Rights Activists and Pick up Artists to Men Going their Own Way, Trolls and the Incel movement. She explains how they operate and how she hopes drawing parallels with other extremist movements around the world will help us to understand what makes them attractive to men and boys..

Women – and specifically young women – have always been hugely over-represented when it comes to debt. Since the pandemic, charities are hearing from more and more who find themselves in financial difficulty. Anna who’s now 22 shares how she's managed to clear considerable debt. Sue Anderson from debt charity Step Change talks bout the trends they’re seeing when it comes to women and money. Plus financial campaigner Alice Tapper on why she thinks the increasing use of ‘buy-now-pay-later’ methods need much more scrutiny,. This week is Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week. It's a disease that affects three times more women than men under the age of 65. Women tend to develop it younger than men, with symptoms typically appearing between the ages of 30 and 50 – some can even start to develop it in their teens. So what’s it like to be a young woman living with the condition? Yulanda Sabrina is a singer and was diagnosed five years ago at the age of 28. She speaks to Jenni along with Clare Jacklin, Chief Executive of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society.

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Olive Thomas, The End of the Office Romance, Senior Women in the NHS, Parents Guide to Keeping Kids Suicide Safe Sep 09, 2020

From flapper to femme fatale: Olive Thomas was the wild-living sex symbol of the jazz age and one of Hollywood's first starlets - but ended up dying in agony from poison in Paris Ritz 100 years ago. Suicide... or revenge of a jealous husband? Pamela Hutchinson, Film historian and critic specialising in silent cinema joins Jenni to discuss the story.

The NHS in England employs more than a million women, who make up 77% of the workforce, but that is not reflected in its senior leadership. In 2016 a target was set of 50:50 women to men on NHS boards by 2020. This has been missed, but the figure has risen to 44.7%. The NHS Confederation estimates that another 150 women need to be recruited overall, with some trusts having much further to go than others. Jenni speaks to Sam Allen, Chief Executive of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Chair of the Health and Care Women Leaders Network at the NHS Confederation, and Prof Ruth Sealy from Exeter University Business School, who authored the report.

Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under 35 in the UK (ONS figures). A new guide for parents who are really worried about their children has been put out by Papyrus, an organisation which aims to prevent suicide. It encourages parents who might be scared to talk to their children, to make sure they do.

It’s been over five months since many of us sat in an office with a collective of colleagues. The work parties and special occasions are happening behind a screen. And more people than ever are thinking about permanently working from home. Is this well and truly the death of office relationships? And why do we love the idea of one so much in the first place? Anna Smith is a film critic and a host of the Girls On Film podcast. Ellen Scott is the Lifestyle Editor at the Metro UK. She met her partner at work four years ago.

CLIP CREDIT: The Office. Written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

Presenter Jenni Murray.

Lissie Harper’s campaign, body positivity in the age of Covid, Toddler tantrums and the other Tchaikovsky. Sep 08, 2020

PC Andrew Harper’s widow Lissie says she has cabinet support for a new law – under which anyone who kills an emergency services worker would be jailed for life. PC Andrew Harper was killed last summer in the line of duty. The three teenagers who were responsible for his death were jailed for manslaughter. She joins Jane to talk about why she’s campaigning for a new law – under which anyone who kills an emergency services worker would be jailed for life. Blogger Stephanie Yeboah has been a part of the fat acceptance and body positive movement for years. Her first book – ‘Fattily Ever After’ – is a self-help guide and love letter to black, plus size women everywhere. As new figures emerge about the higher risk Covid 19 has on obese people, She tells Jane about the book and its message Afraid of your toddler? We hear from a new TV supernanny who thinks parents have lost their grip on their children’s behaviour. Do you struggle to say no to you toddler for fear of an embarrassing temper tantrum? Did lockdown affect how you discipline your kids? Laura Amies is the nanny on the Channel 5 show Toddlers Behaving (Very) Badly and Laverne Antrobus, is a child psychologist at the Tavistock Clinic Plus the real life story of visionary lesbian activist Chris Tchaikovsky from her time as leader of criminal gang The Happy Firm, through stints behind bars, to her founding of Women In Prison

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Henrietta Harrison.

PHOTO; Jason Bye/MartisMedia

Botox, Covid-19 and pregnancy, Tidying and decluttering, Debora Harding Sep 08, 2020

What do we know so far about COVID – clinically and scientifically – in women, including those who are pregnant. Jane talks to Professor Louise Kenny a clinical academic from Liverpool Women’s Hospital We’ve all heard of ‘tidy desk, tidy mind’ but is there any truth in the well-known phrase? With all of us spending more time at home during lockdown, many people used that time to have a clear out and get rid of some clutter. After so many TV shows appearing where we watch people tidy others’ houses, we ask why tidying up is so satisfying and if the amount of clutter we have in our homes can affect our mental health. Now that non-invasive cosmetic procedures are able to resume operating after lockdown, are treatments such as Botox being normalised? We take a look at the trends over time and speak to a regular Botox user about how people’s attitudes to Botox are changing. It was watching Christine Blasey Ford testify against Brett Kavanaugh that finally convinced Debora Harding that she needed to write her own memoir. The result, Dancing with the Octopus: Telling of a True Crime. The book tells the story of Debora’s kidnap and rape at the age of 14 in Omaha, USA and the aftermath while living in a dysfunctional family. Debora talks to Jane about reckoning and recovery, the long terms effects of trauma, being a survivor of violent crime and how our families shape us. Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Professor Louise Kenny Interviewed guest: Rachel Burditt Interviewed guest: Heather Sequeira Interviewed guest: Mel Abbott Interviewed guest: Alice Hart-Davis Interviewed guest: Debora Harding Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Educating Rita at 40, Muslim women on love and desire & Teen mum to midwife Sep 05, 2020

Forty years since Willy Russell’s play Educating Rita was first performed we hear from some real life Rita’s, Willy Russell and Julie Walters on the films influence

Sam Baker, the former editor of Cosmopolitan and Red and author of The Shift, Kelechi Okafor who’s an actor, director and podcaster and the journalist, Rebecca Reid, who’s written The Power of Rude on how to be assertive without coming across as angry and unapproachable .

We hear how a book, A Match Made in Heaven, featuring stories by British Muslim Women about Love And Desire is trying to get beyond the stereotypes of subservient Muslim women. Editors Nafhesa Ali and Claire Chambers and the writer Noren Haq discuss.

Dame Cressida Dick the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police tells us how the force is managing during the ongoing pandemic

Stephanie Walker on how she went from a fourteen year old pregnant teenager to a fully qualified midwife.

Plus the author Ann Cleaves talks about her latest novel The Darkest Evening – the ninth in the Vera series

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Beverley Purcell

Hilary Swank; Miscarriage in lockdown; Muslim women write about love and desire Sep 04, 2020

Hilary Swank, the two time Oscar-winning actress of Boys Don’t Cry and Million Dollar Baby, stars in new Netflix drama Away. She plays Commander Emma Green who leaves behind her husband and daughter to lead an international crew of astronauts on a perilous three-year mission to Mars. She talks to Jane about being an astronaut, dealing with claustrophobia, caring for her Dad, Devon cream teas, and parrots.

1 in 4 women will lose a baby during pregnancy or birth. During lockdown NHS maternity services carried on, but new rules were brought in to minimise patient contact to protect pregnant women and staff – but how did this affect people who were going through a miscarriage? Helen and Fatma who both miscarried at the height of lockdown share their experiences and we hear from consultant gynaecologist Dr Christine Ekechi.

New book A Match Made in Heaven – British Muslim Women Write About Love And Desire tells many different stories about sex and relationships. Featuring emerging writers who took part in writing workshops in Leeds, Bradford and Glasgow as well as more established talent, the aim was to get beyond the stereotypes of subservient Muslim women. Editors Nafhesa Ali and Claire Chambers and the writer Noren Haq join Jane.

How to be assertive; Rural domestic abuse; Author Helen FitzGerald Sep 03, 2020

In the latest of our How to guides, we discuss the art of being assertive and explore why it can be so difficult for women to stand up for themselves, assert their own needs and make themselves heard. Jenni is joined by journalist and author of the Power of Rude, Rebecca Reid, Journalist, broadcaster and author of The Shift, Sam Baker, and actor, podcaster and writer Kelechi Okafor.

Recently we spoke to 16 year old Rhea in Shetland about the stories she had collected about sexual violence in her area. Last year, Judith, who moved to the Scottish Highlands from London, told reporter Kathleen Garragher about the culture of privacy and keeping yourself to yourself. When her husband became abusive she didn’t feel able to ask for help.

The author Helen FitzGerald on her latest domestic noir thriller – Ash Mountain – set in a small Australian town threatened by bush fires and the impact of historic sex crimes. Helen trained as a social worker in the probation service and her novel The Cry about the disappearance of a baby following a flight to Australia was adapted for BBC TV in 2018. How much of her life has been influenced by her own childhood experiences growing up in Australia? Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Henrietta Harrison

The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick Sep 02, 2020

The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick, talks to Jenni about working with women in the community to help combat violent crime. She wants both the victims of things like domestic abuse and knife crime and those around them have the confidence to speak out about what’s happening in their area. She’s been working closely with mothers who’ve lost children to violence and is exploring how the Force can work with them to help protect our young people from being drawn in to, or becoming victims of violent crime.

Stephanie Walker was 14 when she became pregnant. She was so impressed with how her midwife looked after her that she decided to go into the profession herself. Fourteen years on from the birth of her first child, Stephanie has just become fully qualified to deliver babies herself. She joins Jenni.

Lady Barbara Judge, whose death was announced today, was on the Woman’s Hour Power list in 2013. She was described as one of the best connected women in the country – a real pioneer for women in the law, banking and business. Her roles included Chairman of the Pension Protection Fund, Chairman of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and UK Business Ambassador. She spoke to Jane about her influences and career.

The history of women being empowered by the death of their husband is explored in the book Widows - Poverty, Power and Politics. The author and historian, Maggie Andrews, explains how many widows used their newfound autonomy and financial independence to improve women’s lives for the better.

Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Annette Bening, Covid realities project, Ann Cleeves, Corroboration in rape trials Sep 01, 2020

Annette Bening stars in a new film 'Hope Gap' about the collapse of a marriage after 29 years. She joins Jane to discuss the disintegration of that union.

The Covid realities project from York and Birmingham universities chronicles the experiences of low-income families during the lockdown period. Jane hears about the project from Dr Maddy Power, Research Fellow at the University of York and founder of the York Food Justice Alliance, and from Shirley who is taking part in the project.

Ann Cleeves is the author of more than thirty critically acclaimed novels. She previously worked as a probation officer, bird observatory cook, and auxiliary coastguard before she started writing. Her latest novel is The Darkest Evening – the ninth in the Vera series.

What impact does corroboration have on conviction rates for rape in Scotland? We hear from Emma Bryson, a founder member of Speak Out Survivors, and Grazia Robertson, a criminal lawyer based in Glasgow who sits on the Law Society of Scotland Criminal Law Committee.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Educating Rita at 40 with Julie Walters, Willy Russell and real life Ritas Aug 31, 2020

This summer marks 40 years since Willy Russell’s landmark play Educating Rita was first performed. The funny and moving story of a 26 year-old Liverpudlian hairdresser studying for an Open University degree has barely been off stage since. Dame Julie Walters played the lead role in both the original theatrical production and the later film, for which she was Oscar-nominated. She joins Jane to talk about what playing the role has meant to her, and how much Rita/Susan’s experience chimed with her own. Jane also speaks to Willy Russell about Rita’s story, and why he believes it has resonated with so many women. They are joined by four real life Ritas – working-class women who returned to education in later life, Glynthea Modood, Sue Slater, Kate Wiseman, and the Open University’s Pro Vice Chancellor Liz Marr.

Listener Week - Nits, Accents, Becoming a mother unexpectedly, Paddle sports, Losing your belongings, Choirs Aug 29, 2020

Louise Somerville thinks we need to talk more about nits. She feels that increasingly schools are inconsistent in how much they help parents deal with nits and that clear advice is lacking. We ask how best to deal with nits and head lice, and the stigma attached, and why it matters. With entomologist Richard Jones and Joanna Ibarra from Community Hygiene Concern.

Daisy Leigh was 23 when she felt an unfamiliar kicking sensation and was shocked to discover she was 30 weeks pregnant. She had just two months to prepare, mentally and practically, for becoming a mother. Nine months on, she says her daughter is the best thing that's ever happened to her.

Women and Paddling: kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, rafting; what are the attractions, what is involved, and how can paddle sports help physical and mental health? Cadi Lambert runs the #ShePaddles programme for British Canoeing, and Emma Kitchen has started training to be a coach to help people improve their paddle skills.

Are women taken more seriously in the work place if they have an RP accent? Jane hears from listeners Karen Jenkins, Bethan John and Dr. Melanie Reynolds, and Professor Deviyani Sharma, Professor of Socio-linguistics at Queen Mary University of London.

How do you cope when you lose all your belongings? Eve, Pat Plumbridge and Sue Hepworth discuss.

How much do you miss singing in a choir? Carolyn Acton, Sandra Colston, MD Funky Choir MD and Liesbeth Tip, Clinical psychologist at the School of Health and Social Science at University of Edinburgh, discuss.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Dianne McGregor

Choirs, Sexual Assault on University Campuses, Retirement, Losing Your Belongings Aug 28, 2020

Presented by Jenni Murray.

A 16 year-old young woman looking at universities came across the St Andrews Survivors page on Instagram with more than 100 stories of sexual assault. She only read a couple but consequently wiped St Andrews off her potential university list. Her mother, a Woman’s Hour listener, wrote to us to saying she felt universities are not doing enough to address this problem, and was concerned with the impact this could have on young women going to university. Jenni is joined by Sara Khan, NUS Vice President for Liberation and Equality for an update on a problem that has been raised many times in the last few years. How successful have universities been in addressing this?

What singing can do for your mental health? We hear how much some listeners are missing being part of choirs, and also from those who have been finding alternative ways to sing as a group online and even outdoors. Jenni discusses the issues with listener Carolyn Acton, Sandra Colston, MD Funky Choir MD and Liesbeth Tip Clinical psychologist at the School of Health and Social Science at University of Edinburgh.

Listener Jan Courtney describes her experience of retiring and finding it hard to adjust to her new life, and describes meeting “juicy crones” –other women of a certain age who are having adventures and doing extraordinary things.

Listener, Eve, lost all of her belongings when she was a student. She would like to know how other people cope when it happens to them. She joins Jenni, along with Pat Plumbridge and Sue Hepworth, to discuss what was lost, how they came to terms with this, the items they miss and how the experience has shaped their attitude to possessions.

Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

LISTENER WEEK: Writing about your job. The evolution of the buggy. Community quilting. Aug 27, 2020

LISTENER WEEK: Josie Channer and Teresa Devereux are both listeners who felt that they had to write novels about what they’d experienced through their work. Josie’s written Diary of a Prison Officer and Teresa’s based her novel Broken Lives on what she saw and heard as a social worker. They tell Jane about how they published their work and what they hope readers will get out of their books.

Sarah Fraser is an associate professor at Princess Nourah Bint University in Riyadh, the largest female-only university in the world. She got in touch because she wanted to talk about the supportive and collaborative there,. She believes that despite most people believing the opposite, a country like Saudi Arabia does not oppress women. Rothna Begum, senior women's rights researcher at Human Rights Watch with focus on the Middle East adds her perspective.

Plus the evolution of the pushchair and the joys of community quilting.

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Grave Tending, Sisterhood, Second Generation Young Women and mental health; Accents. Aug 26, 2020

Marva Yates who lives in London got in touch because she wanted us to talk about the importance of sisterhood throughout history... Marva and her sister Sabrina – who currently lives in New York - started the @sistoryuntold podcast about it during lockdown. They wanted not only to learn more about those often forgotten women of history but to show that support, both good and bad, from the “sisterhood” can be a crucial part of success.

Shortly after turning 50, Jo Hogger was made redundant from her corporate career. Her passion for flowers and personal and professional experiences of bereavement led her to a complete career change and she started a business tending graves and creating beautiful flowers to put on them. She explains the reasons people want this type of service, the joy she gains from it, and the meaning behind the flowers she chooses.

Until very recently, very few people felt free to discuss their mental health. Even now, it’s not easy for everyone – and Listener Rochelle Fernando who is 29, and Sri-Lankan-British, wanted the programme to talk about young women of colour and mental health. She spoke to our reporter Olivia Cope, alongside Victoria Sanusi, a freelance journalist who’s 26 and Nigerian-British. Rochelle explained why she wanted the topic to be explored.

Jessica, originally from Leeds, but now in Manchester, got in touch and wanted to speak to us about accents and was surprised that some of us still have to ‘posh up’ a bit to get on with our jobs. Have you had to deliberately change or kept your accent? Jane is joined by listeners Karen Jenkins, Bethan John and Dr. Melanie Reynolds, and Professor Deviyani Sharma, Professor of Socio-linguistics with the School of Languages, Linguistics and Film at Queen Mary University of London.

Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Listener Week: Women & Walking, Bulimia, Becoming a Mother Unexpectedly Aug 26, 2020

Would you consider walking 880 miles around the Wales Coastal Path? Two listeners, Helen and Rhian, tell us about their experiences, and they are joined by academic Kerri Andrews, author of Wanderers: A History of Women Walking. Daisy Leigh was 23 when she felt an unfamiliar kicking sensation and was shocked to discover she was 30 weerks pregnant. She had just two months to prepare, mentally and practically, for becoming a mother. Nine months on, she says her daughter is the best thing that's ever happened to her, and she'll be talking about the challenges and pressures of becoming a young mum when her career was taking off. Helen got in touch wanting to highlight bulimia, which she feels is often overshadowed by anorexia. She talks about her experience with the condition and how difficult it is, particularly as her weight is a healthy one. Also on the programme is Associate Prof Lucy Serpell, Dept of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology at UCL, who also treats bulimia patients in a clinical capacity. Lockdown inspired listener Suzanne to start her own business. Furloughed from her work as a child advocate, she had time to return to developing her hat-making skills using recycled 100% wool.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Parenting Podcast: Nits Aug 25, 2020

All you need to know about nits

Listener Week 2020 - paddlesport; the Pill; Nits; Dating over 45; Aug 24, 2020

Women and Paddling: kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, rafting what are the attractions, what is involved, how can paddle sports help physical and mental health and where are women in these water sports? Following an email from a Woman’s Hour Listener who is passionate about women paddling, Jane speaks to Cadi Lambert, who runs the ShePaddles programme for British Canoeing, and Emma Kitchen, who has started training to be a coach to help people improve their paddle skills and is returning to paddling after some tough years in her personal life and has found new confidence from being on the water.

It’s more than 50 years since the contraceptive Pill became widely available in the UK. Several listeners have written in with questions, some concerned about its possible side effects. Can you take the Pill and stop your period? Does the Pill make you gain weight? Should there be a seven day break if you are using it? Julia Hogan, lead contraceptive and sexual health nurse for Marie Stopes, and Dr Rebecca French, Associate Professor of Sexual and Reproductive Health Research, answer your questions and burst some myths.

Do we all need to talk more about nits? Listener Louise Somerville thinks so. She’s been a parent for 30 years with three children, and she feels that increasingly schools are inconsistent in how much they help parents deal with nits and that clear advice is lacking. So today we ask how best to deal with nits and head lice, and the stigma attached, and why it matters. With entomologist Richard Jones and Joanna Ibarra from Community Hygiene Concern.

Elizabeth got in touch with us about her experience with dating apps when you’re over the age of 45, after finding they weren’t quite what she expected. Dr Martin Graff researches the online dating world and joins us to advise Clare how to best navigate it.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Julia Hogan Interviewed Guest: Dr Rebecca French Interviewed Guest: Cadi Lambert Interviewed Guest: Emma Kitchen Interviewed Guest: Louise Somerville Interviewed Guest: Richard Jones Interviewed Guest: Joanna Ibarra Interviewed Guest: Dr Martin Graff

Can sex offenders change? Camilla Thurlow, Cook the perfect with Ravinder Bhogal, Childless older women Aug 22, 2020

Becky's father went to prison for sex offences against children. For a BBC documentary, Can Sex Offenders Change?, Becky met three sex offenders who didn’t go to jail, but had rehabilitation treatment in the community. We hear from Becky and Professor Belinda Whynder, Research Director Centre for Crime Offending, Prevention and Engagement at Nottingham Trent University and a co-founder of the charity Safer Living Foundation.

Former Love Island contestant Camilla Thurlow worked in explosive ordinance disposal, finding and clearing landmines in some of the world’s most dangerous and inhospitable places. She has written a book - Not the Type – Finding my place in the real world.

The Office for National Statistics has estimated that the number of women who reach 80 without children will almost triple in the next 25 years. As a result demand for paid care in nursing homes is expected to increase sharply. Why is the focus on childless women and not men, and how is the data being reported in the media? Jody Day is a psychotherapist, author and founder of Gateway Women, a global organisation for women who are involuntarily childless.

Ravinder Bhogal is a chef and restaurateur whose book, Jikoni is subtitled as proudly inauthentic recipes from an immigrant kitchen. She tells Jenni how to Cook the Perfect Coffee Rasgullas with Mascarpone Ice Cream and Espresso Caramel.

Sixteen year old Rhea from Shetland put out an appeal using an anonymous app, to anyone who wanted to share their personal stories about sexual violence. She received more than 60 responses within 24 hours. Rhea, and Lisa Ward, manager of Rape Crisis Shetland, talk about what those stories say about sexual violence within rural areas.

Mary Stewart has been called one of the great British storytellers of the 20th century. Her 1954 best-seller Madame, Will You Talk? has been dramatised in two parts for Radio 4. We speak to the writers Jane Casey and Harriet Evans who are both fans of her work.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Author Wendy Holden. Sexual violence in rural areas. How to make time for yourself Aug 21, 2020

Marion ‘Crawfie’ Crawford was a young Scottish trainee teacher who wanted to educate children in the slums of Edinburgh but ended up as governess to a young Princess Elizabeth and her sister Margaret. How much did she influence and shape their lives? Writer Wendy Holden on how she's brought her story to life, in a new novel ‘The Governess: She Came from Nothing and Raised a Queen ’.

Earlier this year Rhea, a sixteen year old girl from Shetland, put out an appeal using an anonymous app, to anyone who wanted to share their personal stories about sexual violence. Within 24 hours she'd had more than 60 responses. Rhea, and Lisa Ward, manager of Rape Crisis Shetland, talk about what those stories say about where they live.

And in the next in our summer series of How to guides, we discuss the art of stepping off the treadmill and carving out time for yourself. How can you minimise feelings of guilt and maximise bliss moments? What are the best ways to politely but firmly say no?

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Wendy Holden Guest; Deborah Joseph Guest; Louise Pentland Guest; Celia Dodd

Miriam Margolyes; Elaine Feeney; Cook the Perfect with Ravinder Bhogal. Aug 20, 2020

Described as a ‘tender portrayal of experiencing dementia in lockdown’ Watching Rosie is an online play starring Miriam Margolyes. Portraying grandmother Alice, and Louise Coulthard, her granddaughter Rosie, Miriam joins Jenni to discuss the bond between the two as they face change and confusion.

Sinead Hynes is a tough, driven, funny young property developer with terrifying secret. No one knows it; not her fellow patients in hospital, and certainly not her family. She’s only confided in a shiny magpie and Google! Poet Elaine Feeney talks to Jenni about her debut novel As You Were – all about the secrets we hold, the burdens we carry and why we all need people to lean on.

The Care Quality Commission have described the maternity care at Basildon University Hospital as ‘inadequate’, after a whistleblower shared concerns for patient safety. Jenni is joined by BBC Look East’s Suzie Fowler-Watt, who has been following the story, and Lauren, who has had maternity care at the hospital and is part of a support group for women who’ve lost babies at the hospital.

Chef and restaurateur Ravinder Bhogal's new book Jikoni celebrates immigrant food and its ability to adapt. Her recipes span flavours and culinary traditions from India, Kenya, Asia and Britain. She tells the stories of women who are marginalised and whose stories have been erased - stories she refers to as feminist gospels. She talks to Jenni about how to Cook the Perfect Coffee Rasgullas with Mascarpone Ice Cream and Espresso Caramel.

Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Woman's Hour Parenting Podcast Aug 19, 2020

Advice on supporting your child's mental health during the Coronavirus pandemic

Ellen DeGeneres, crime writer Denise Mina and Kids in Crisis After Covid Aug 19, 2020

Three producers on the Ellen DeGeneres Show in the US have been fired amid allegations of misconduct and sexual harassment and reports that it was a "toxic workplace". As one of the highest paid and popular stars on TV Ellen ends her talk show with the catch phrase "be kind to one another". What is the impact on her popularity and reputation following the sackings? Jenni speaks to New York-based journalist and broadcaster Jane Mulkerrins.

At the age of 23, Camilla Thurlow was accepted by the HALO Trust to train in explosive ordinance disposal, finding and clearing landmines in some of the world’s most dangerous and inhospitable places. She then signed up for hit TV show, Love Island, where she came second. She describes it as the scariest thing she could have done. She subsequently impressed viewers in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, and has now written a book - Not the Type – Finding my place in the real world, about learning to confront her anxieties in a world dominated by celebrity culture. She now sits on the board of Indigo Volunteers and has a close relationship with the charity Choose Love/Help Refugees.

Coronavirus and the lockdown have changed things for everyone – but what kind of lasting impact will it have on the mental health of children? Jenni is joined by the Head of See, Hear Respond at Barnardo’s, Amanda Naylor and the Child Psychologist, Angharad Rudkin who explain how best to support children in the days ahead.

Denise Mina is the award-winning Scottish crime writer of novels including the Garnethill trilogy and The Long Drop. She joins Jenni to discuss her latest thriller – the Less Dead – which is inspired by real life murders of sex workers in Glasgow in the 1990s. Nanette Pollock – former DCI who worked in in Glasgow CID at the time of the murders - will describe her experience of the policing of sex workers in the city at that time, the murders, and an amazing cinematic meeting in the Ballroom at a central Glasgow hotel when 400 street sex workers met to discuss the murders and their personal safety Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Caroline Donne

Interviewed guest: Jane Mulkerrins Interviewed guest: Amanda Naylor Interviewed guest: Angharad Rudkin Interviewed guest: Denise Mina Interviewed guest: Nanette Pollock

Can sex offenders change? Oestrogen and Covid; Childless older women Aug 18, 2020

Becky’s father was convicted of sex offences against children and sent to prison. He has since been released but while in prison he undertook a sex offender rehabilitation programme. For a BBC documentary Can Sex Offenders Change? Becky meets a growing number of sex offenders who have not been sent to prison, and have received treatment in the community. She tries to understand what drove them to commit these horrific crimes, whilst seeing what treatment is available to stop them committing any more. She joins Jane to discuss along with Professor Belinda Winder, Research Director Centre for Crime Offending, Prevention and Engagement at Nottingham Trent University and a co-founder of the charity Safer Living Foundation.

Scientists across the world are keen to find out if the female hormone oestrogen could offer protection against the worst symptoms of Covid-19. Data gathered from the Zoe Covid app created with Kings College London seems to suggest that younger women are at lower risk of developing symptoms but hormone replacement therapy taken by menopausal women doesn’t offer the same protection. We hear from menopause expert Dr Louise Newson who’s one of the co-authors of the new study.

The Office for National Statistics has estimated that the number of women who get to 80 without children will almost triple in the next 25 years. As a result demand for paid care in nursing homes is expected to increase sharply. Why is the focus on childless women and not men, and how is the data being reported in the media? Jody Day is a psychotherapist, author and founder of Gateway Women, a global organisation for women who are involuntarily childless.

Women in comedy are calling for a sexual harassment protocol after what they say are 'decades of abuse'. Stand-up comedian, writer and satirist Kiri Pritchard-Mclean and comedian and writer Nina Milligan join Jane to explain why they want clubs to adopt a kite mark-style system, rather than having to rely on whisper networks in the industry.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Sarah Crawley

Women's rights in Afghanistan, Fleet street pioneer Julie Welch, Infertility, The works of Mary Stewart Aug 17, 2020

Fawzia Koofi, a member of Afghanistan's peace negotiating team survived an assassination attempt on Friday. This come after the Afghan government announced a new council to safeguard women's rights and interests, amid fears peace talks with the Taliban could lead to the loss of hard-won gains. Mahjooba Nowrouzi from the BBC Afghan Service explains.

In 1973, Julie Welch became the first woman to report on football for a British national newspaper. In her new book 'The Fleet Street Girls' she talks about her own battles for recognition, and the experiences of other female trailblazing journalists who also took on the male-dominated world of Fleet Street.

Mary Stewart has been called one of the great British storytellers of the 20th century. The author who has sold over 5 million books is said to have invented the romantic suspense novel. Her 1954 best-seller Madame, Will You Talk? has been dramatised in two parts for Radio 4. We speak to the writers Jane Casey and Harriet Evans who are both fans of her work.

Kat Francois is a performance poet and playwright. In coming to terms with her own infertility she came to the realisation that in all communities, but especially in black communities, infertility can be a taboo subject. She spoke to other women who shared similar experiences and weaved their stories along with her own into a performance piece.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

The codebreaking sisters. Women in elite sport. How female DJs are adapting during lockdown Aug 15, 2020

On VJ Day we hear from Patricia and Jean Owtram who both served their country while their father was a prisoner of war in the Far East.

We discuss the findings of the BBC Sport Elite British Sportswomen's survey 2020 published this week.

Karen Maine tells us about her new film Yes God, Yes about 16 year old Alice growing up a Catholic and attending Catholic school in the early noughties in the American mid-west.

Plus as President Alexander Lukashenko is re-elected in Belarus, we talk about the woman who challenged him.

And with nightlife on pause during lockdown how have female DJs been adapting?

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor Beverley Purcell

GUEST Susannah Townsend GUEST; Priyanaz Chatterji GUEST; Tammy Parlour GUEST; Veronika Tsepkalo GUEST; DJ Flight GUEST; Ngaio Anyia GUEST; Karen Maine

Codebreaking Sisters, Food and Climate Change, How to Handle Conflict Aug 14, 2020

To mark VJ Day 75 we’ll be speaking to two sisters, Patricia and Jean Owtram whose father was a prisoner of war in the Far East. At the time both sisters were serving their country. They are the last two living sisters to have signed the official secrets act in WW2. Patricia received a Legion of Honour for her interception of enigma code for Bletchley park as a WREN tapping into German shipping radio while Jean was a code & cipher officer in Egypt and Italy supporting secret agents and partisans fighting the Nazis. Now aged 97 & 94 they have collaborated on a book, Codebreaking Sisters, Our Secret War. They acknowledge that the war changed their lives “instead of just marrying, I went to university and then journalism before being a BBC TV producer” remembers Pat. And Jean says: “Girls from our class were destined to live a very narrow existence, focused on husband and children. The war gave us broader horizons and bigger adventures. I believe we have both been more useful to the world because of it.” How can you choose a planet-friendly sandwich? And how bad is it for an apple to travel from the other side of the world to get to your fruit bowl? Professor Sarah Bridle is part astrophysicist, part food-enthusiast, who wanted to know the environmental cost of her lunch. Much of the data was complex – so she’s simplified it in her book Food and Climate Change: Without the Hot Air which includes the greenhouse gases created by growing, harvesting, transporting and cooking what we eat, as well as the food itself. She’d like to see labelling of air-freighted foods in supermarkets to give consumers a better understanding of the impact of our diet on the planet. Throughout the summer, Woman’s Hour is offering ‘How To’ guides for some of life’s biggest questions. Today, we explore the best way to handle conflict and tension – whether it’s at home, with friends and family, at work or in public. What’s the best way to get your point across without letting your emotions overwhelm you? Ama Afrifa-Tchie is the Head of Culture & Wellbeing at Mental Health First Aid England. Charly Lester is a dating expert and freelance journalist. Jessamy Hibberd is a chartered clinical psychologist.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Women DJs in lockdown Aug 13, 2020

With nightlife on pause during lockdown how have DJs been adapting? DJ Flight has been at the forefront of drum and bass for over two decades. Signed to Goldie’s label Metalheadz, she’s played all over the world and is founder of EQ50, a project aimed at improving gender equality in drum and bass. Ngaio Anyia is a singer and DJ from Bristol who runs Booty Bass, a collective who offer DJ lessons for women. Jenni talks to them about livestreams and how their work has changed with COVID-19. With clubs closed, is it time to make the industry more gender balanced… and will it actually happen?

Students all over the country are protesting about how their work will be graded for GCSEs and A-Levels after exams were cancelled because of Covid. It’s even worse for home-educated young people. They’ll be getting no grades at all for all their efforts because grades are allocated by schools.

Belarus had elections on Sunday. The man who’s been President for 26 years (since 1994), President Alexander Lukashenko, got in again. A woman called Svetlana Tikhanovskaya challenged him in the election. She’s a stay-at-home mum and she told a crowd recently that she’d much prefer to be frying cutlets than run for President. She’s now left Belarus for safety reasons, saying she doesn’t agree with the election result. During her election campaigning two women have been by her side. One of them is Veronika Tsepkalo who’s also left Belarus. BBC Moscow Correspondent, Sarah Rainsford joins Jenni to discuss.

We’ve been talking to women about their scars and skin, how they feel about them and how the reactions of others has shaped their lives. Today, Aimee who lives with psoriasis.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Alison Sauer Interviewed Guest: Jo Merrett Interviewed Guest: Veronika Tsepkalo Interviewed Guest: Sarah Rainsford Reporter: Ena Miller Interviewed Guest: DJ Flight Interviewed Guest: Ngaio Anyia

Barrister Alexandra Wilson. The new breed of "Femtech" companies. Kamala Harris Vice-President nominee Aug 12, 2020

Alexandra Wilson on her new book “In Black and White”. The story of breaking down barriers of race and class to become a barrister. She explains how losing a very close family friend to knife crime made her pursue a career in law and how she has overcome her family’s fears of becoming “part of the system”

Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee for President in this year’s US elections has finally named his running mate as Kamala Harris. Senator for California, she was Biden’s former rival for the Democratic nomination and will be the first woman of colour to be nominated for national office by a major political party. Kelly Dittmar, Director of Research at the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, and Kimberly Peeler-Allen, co-founder of Higher Heights, an organisation supporting Black women into elected office, discuss the impact and reaction to her appointment. Plus we hear all about latest female technology firms - also know as Femtechs. Offering everything from period tracking apps to cooling menopausal bracelets - can they help women have more control over their bodies and their health?

And the female authors looking to reclaim their name.

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell Photo Credit; Laurie Lewis.

Guest Alexandra Wilson Guest Berenice Magistretti Guest Billie Quinlan Guest Kimberly Peeler-allen Guest Kelly Dittmar

Female Refugees, Karen Maine director of Yes God, Yes, Women and their Scars Aug 11, 2020

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for Britain and France to work together to stop migrant boats crossing the Channel to Dover. On Friday a record number of unaccompanied migrant children arrived in the UK. The 23 youths were taken into the care of Kent County Council, on top of the 70 who arrived in July. According to the latest Home Office Statistics 90% of young (under 18) unaccompanied refugees who come in to the UK every year are male. What happens to the ten percent who are female? We hear from Dinah Beckett from Migration Yorkshire and Sharon Pearson who’s fostered Elsa.

Yes God, Yes is a new film about 16 year old Alice growing up a Catholic and attending Catholic school in the early noughties in Midwest America During a chat on AOL she discovers masturbation and is overwhelmed with guilt. Seeking redemption, she attends a religious retreat to try and suppress her urges. Karen Maine, is the director..

Part of our series about women and scars: we meet Laura who is 27 – she’s a care worker from Caerphilly in South Wales and she is a burns survivor.

In 1920, a hundred years ago, the American Congress passed the 19th Amendment which gave women in the United States the right to vote. There had been an active and vociferous suffragette movement, led by some well known names – Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B Anthony. The name of Lucy Stone is less familiar. She wanted votes for all, regardless of sex or race. Moira Hickey went to her birthplace, West Brookfield, Massachusetts in 2018 to join the celebration of the bicentenary of Lucy Stone’s birth.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Reporter: Ena Miller Reporter: Moira Hickey Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Women and unemployment; Daisy Johnson; BBC Elite Women's Sport Survey 2020 Aug 10, 2020

Presented by Jenni Murray.

Every few days we hear of more jobs going. The Bank of England said at the end of last week that unemployment is likely to hit 2.5 million this year. That means the jobless total would almost double by Christmas. Tonight there’s a Channel 4 documentary series starting which focuses on a job centre in Leeds and the people who use it. Jenni is joined by Olivia, who is a single mother mum and unemployed, Jan Baxter, who works at the jobcentre in Leeds and Helen Barnard, Acting Director of Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

In Daisy Johnson’s novel Sisters July and September have an uncannily close relationship and one is more powerful than the other. Their mother struggles to cope and when things come to a head after a nasty incident at school they flee to a house in Yorkshire which turns out not to be the refuge they needed. Jenni talks to Daisy Johnson about horror, adolescence and the relationship between the two.

The BBC Elite British Sportswomen's Survey was sent to 1,068 women in 39 different sports and received 543 responses. The survey covers trolling; funding and impact of Coronavirus; Periods and the Pill; Racism; Sexism; Abortion and Family Planning; Mental Health. Jenni discusses the findings with Becky Grey, BBC Sports reporter, Susannah Townsend, Gold medal hockey player, Priyanaz Chatterji, Scottish cricketer for Scottish Women’s Team and Tammy Parlour, CEO of Women Sport’s Trust.

Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Zadie Smith, Baby banks, Pat Hume, Irish tampon ad, Victoria Cilliers, Kids against plastic Aug 08, 2020

The multi award winning writer Zadie Smith on 'Intimations', a collection of personal essays about lockdown. Photo courtesy of Dominique Nabokov.

The rise in families with children under 5 needing help from baby banks has risen significantly since the pandemic began. We hear from Lauren Elrick who has a fifteen month old daughter and uses Abernecessities in Aberdeenshire. Sophia Parker, chief executive of Little Village baby bank in London and Tracy Thorn, an NHS family nurse.

A television tampon advert has been banned in Ireland for causing widespread offence. Alexandra Ryan, CEO of Goss Media, and the radio presenter and former doctor Ciara Kelly discuss.

Victoria Cilliers’ story made headlines in 2015, when it emerged her husband had tried to kill her by tampering with her parachute. Against all odds, she survived. After two trials he was sentenced to 18 years on two counts of attempted murder. Now she's written a book called 'I Survived'.

At the funeral service of John Hume, the Northern Irish politician and Nobel Prize winner, it was said that 'when the history of Ireland is written, if Pat Hume's name is not beside John's, it will be incomplete history'. Pat, his wife, had been at his side during the Troubles, during peace, and his years of living with dementia. Jenni hears from Eimear O'Callaghan, former BBC News Editor, and Monica McWilliams, Emeritus Professor at Ulster University.

Teenage sisters, Ella and Amy Meek are the founders of Kids Against Plastic. This week they were speaking at online climate change forum, hosted by the all-electric Formula E race Team Envision Virgin Racing. They told us about their concerns about the rise in single plastic use, and how we can all be plastic clever.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Standing Up For Your Mate, Victoria Cilliers, Black Businesswomen Aug 07, 2020

Would you stand up for your mate if she was being discriminated against? Would you stick up for her, even if it caused you problems? Today we discuss how to be a good ally. Whether it’s racism, sexism or homophobia what’s the best way to speak up and support your friends? We're joined by Chloe Laws from Glamour Magazine, Richie Brave who presents Brave Conversations on BBC 1Xtra, and Danielle Dash who's a freelance writer.

Victoria Cilliers’ story made headlines in 2015. We heard how her husband tried to kill her by tampering with her parachute. Against all odds, she survived. After two trials, and the world’s press scrutinising their relationship, he was sentenced to 18 years on two counts of attempted murder. Now she's written a book called 'I Survived'.

We chat to two Black businesswomen about their successes and challenges. They share their advice about setting up your own business. They are Rose Adkins Hulse, Founder & CEO of ScreenHits TV and Shalom Lloyd, Founder & MD of Naturally Tribal.

Zadie Smith, Women and their Scars, Xuefei Yang and Maternity Care Aug 06, 2020

Zadie Smith’s newest book, ‘Intimations’, was written during the early months of lockdown. It is a series of personal essays reflecting on the unprecedented situation of a worldwide pandemic, hoping to provoke readers to reflect on what has happened and what might come next.

Maternity care is to be the first focus of an independent new panel set up by the Health and Social Care Committee to give ratings to pledges made by the government. Ros Bragg from Maternity Action talks about what she would expect to be looked at, and the Chair of the new panel, Dame Jane Dacre, Professor of Medical Edcation at University College London, explains how patients’ experience will form a part of this evaluation.

In a new series we’re talking to women about their scars. They all talk about physical and emotional pain and the business of having to deal with other people’s reactions on a day to day basis and of coming to terms with the skin they are in. Today, Emily’s story.

Xuefei Yang is one of the world’s leading classical guitarists. Born in China, she started playing guitar aged seven, less than a decade after the end of the cultural revolution at a time when guitars were not well known in the country. By aged 10 she had already given her first public appearance. She toured the world as a schoolgirl and has now performed in over 50 countries. Her latest album, Sketches of China, draws from over 2000 years of Chinese culture and music. Making it has been a long-held dream, requiring transposing traditional music for the guitar to increase the repertoire for her instrument. She talks to Jenni about the stories behind the album, the story of the kidnapped intellectual woman Wenji Cai during the Han Dynasty and why it’s important to her to celebrate Chinese culture now.

Baby banks, Mercury prize nominee Georgia, Pat Hume, Author Luan Goldie Aug 05, 2020

The Duchess of Cambridge has spearheaded a campaign to persuade retailers to donate items to baby banks around the UK. New figures from the three big charities – Baby Basics, Little Village and AberNecessities have published figures which show the number of families with children under five who’ve needed their help has risen significantly since the coronavirus crisis began. How are they managing to cope? We hear from Lauren Elrick who has a fifteen month old daughter and uses Abernecessities in Aberdeenshire. Sophia Parker, chief executive of Little Village Baby bank in London and Tracy Thorn, an NHS Family Nurse.

For the first time in its 29-year history, female artists and female-fronted bands have outnumbered men on the shortlist for the Mercury Prize. Alongside Dua Lipa and Laura Marling, Georgia has been nominated for her second album ‘Seeking Thrills’. She joins Jenni to discuss her music, the transcendental power of the dancefloor, and being nominated for the Mercury Prize, 25 years after her father.

This morning the funeral of John Hume, the Northern Irish politician and Nobel Prize winner will be held. He’s survived by his wife and professional partner, Pat. Who is the woman for whom the The John and Pat Hume Foundation for Peaceful Change and Reconciliation was formed? We hear from Eimear O'Callaghan, former BBC News Editor, and Monica McWilliams, Emeritus Professor at Ulster University.

Luan Goldie has written a new novel called Homecoming. Set in London and Kenya over a period of twenty years, it is a story about love, family and friendship. Luan is a primary school teacher and her last book, Nightingale Point, was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2020 and she won the Costa Short Story Award in 2017.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Dianne McGregor

How to help your child spot fake news online Aug 04, 2020

Empowering schoolchildren to identify propaganda and distorted facts online

How to help your child spot fake news online Aug 04, 2020

How can you help your children to identify fake news on the internet? With the explosion of different platforms it can be hard to keep tabs on what they are watching. Jane finds out from the editor of 'The Week Junior', Anna Bassi, and Juliane von Reppert-Bismarck, the founder of 'Lie Detectors', an award-winning news literacy project which empowers schoolchildren to identify propaganda and distorted facts online.

Matt Hancock announced on 30 July that we should move towards more ‘zoom medicine’, but how does this impact women and women’s health issues? We speak to Dr Clare Gerada who advocates for a mixed approach - she believes patients should always be given the choice between a face to face or online appointment

Over the next two weeks we are talking to women about their scars. They all talk about physical and emotional pain, and the business of having to deal with other people’s reactions on a day-to-day basis. And they speak of coming to terms with the skin they are in. Ena Miller went to meet 49 year old Jayne in Shropshire and heard her story.

Journalist Emma John is also a classical trained musician who’d fallen out of love with her violin. A chance trip to the American south introduces her to bluegrass music. It feels like a homecoming. Emma gives up her job and undertakes a musical quest into the Appalachian mountains. The result a book: Wayfaring Stranger: A musical Journey in the American South. Emma talks to Jane about the breakthroughs and difficulties of her musical journey

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Dr Clare Gerada Interviewed Guest: Anna Bassi Interviewed Guest: Juliane von Reppert-Bismarck Interviewed Guest: Jayne Reporter: Ena Miller Interviewed Guest: Emma John

Kids Against Plastic, Irish Tampon Ad, Zara McFarlane Aug 03, 2020

Listen to sisters Ella and Amy. They're behind Kids Against Plastic and talk to us about the world's reliance on plastic, especially single use plastic, and the way we just dump it. On Wednesday they're part of the online climate change forum called ‘Race Against Climate Change’.

We go to Ireland to hear about a tampon TV ad which has caused a stir, so much so it's been taken off air. Some people have been offended by it due to its straightforward description of how you use them. Two Irish women defend the ad. They're Alexandra Ryan and Ciara Kelly.

After Ireland we go to India to learn about a petition which urges the Indian Prime Minister to encourage men to do their fair share of housework. So far the petition has 70,000 signatures.

And we go to the jazz and soul singer, Zara McFarlane who talks about her album Songs of An Unknown Tongue. She says that her latest single called Black Treasure is a "declaration, proclamation and celebration of black Britishness and womanhood."

Recovering after domestic abuse, Black women in music, Bicycle saddles Aug 01, 2020

We discuss the process of recovery after domestic abuse, the way that these relationships can stay with you but also how you can build a new life after. How do those who have survived abuse find their behaviour affected? What do they wish that their friends and family had understood? And how can friends and family can help? With Sue Penna, co-founder of Rockpool who deliver trauma-informed training programmes for those working with survivors of abuse, and Jennifer Gilmour, an author and advocate for women in abusive relationships, and founder of #AbuseTalk on twitter and the Abuse Talk podcast.

The school summer holidays are underway across the UK – but this year they’re going to be a bit different. Thanks to coronavirus there’s a shortage of childcare and holiday clubs, helpful grandparents are mostly off-limits, parents are already exhausted from juggling home-working and home-school for four months, and teenagers are faced with another six weeks of restricted freedoms. So how are people planning to make it through to September? Joeli Brearley is the founder of Pregnant then Screwed, and Leann Cross is the director of Home Start Greenwich.

Now that cycling may soon be on prescription and bikes are soaring in popularity due to the pandemic, how can women ensure they have a pain-free ride? Endurance cyclist and coach Jasmijn Muller talks about what she’s learned from years of serious pain, and specialist women’s cycling physio Bianca Broadbent gives her top troubleshooting tips for everything from saddles to lubricating cream, and not wearing pants.

We explore what it’s like to be a black woman and work in the music industry. Jacqueline Springer is a music lecturer and journalist. Fleur East is an artist and songwriter who rose to fame after coming second on the X Factor in 2014. Lioness MC is a Grime rapper who has been making songs for over 10 years.

In her book Sex Robots and Vegan Meat, journalist Jenny Kleeman explores seismic changes in four core areas of human experience: birth, food, sex and death. We hear about the implications of fully functioning artificial wombs and what sex robots mean for future relationships between men and women.

In the next of our summer series of How to guides, we discuss how to end your relationship well. It seems lockdown has accelerated the process for some couples, with one UK-wide legal services firm reporting a 42% increase in enquiries about divorce between March and May. We offer you expert suggestions on managing the practical, emotional, legal and financial aspects of splitting up, with the least damage to you and others. Jenni is joined by family lawyer and mediator Rebekah Gershuny, FT Money digital editor Lucy Warwick-Ching, family therapist Joanne Hipplewith and founder of amicable Kate Daly.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Rosie Stopher

How to End a Relationship, Alice Oseman, Mother and Baby Units in Prison Jul 31, 2020

How to End a Relationship, Alice Oseman, Mother and Baby Units in Prison.

School exclusions; Women and running; Recovery after domestic violence Jul 30, 2020

New Department for Education figures out this morning revealed that 7,894 children were excluded from school in England during 2018/19. This is a slight decrease from the previous year, but otherwise the numbers have been increasing year on year since 2013. Although girls are less likely than boys to be formally excluded, a charity called Social Finance UK released research this month showing that girls are removed from school in such a way that they're often missed from official statistics - something the charity call 'the invisibly excluded'. But what effect does being expelled have on young people? And how are the ripples of exclusion felt by the teachers and parents of the children involved?

Ultrarunner Beth Pascall has just completed one of the most gruelling Lake District fell challenges and set the fastest-known time for a woman: 65 miles in 14 hours 34 minutes - taking 50 minutes off the previous best. How did she go from her first cross-country run at six years old to a speciality distance of 100 miles? And how does she balance being a paediatrician with an inevitably demanding training regime? Jenni is also joined by Dr Nicola Rawlinson, a performance physiologist at Loughborough Sport who's researching female physiology and sports performance for her PhD. She discusses why women perform so well at ultra distances and how our bodies adapt to exercise.

We discuss the process of recovery after domestic abuse, the way that these relationships can stay with you but also how you can build a new life after. How do those who have survived abuse find their behaviour affected? What do they wish that their friends and family had understood? And how can friends and family can help? With Sue Penna, co-founder of Rockpool who deliver trauma-informed training programmes for those working with survivors of abuse. Sue designed the Recovery Tool Kit programme, delivered to survivors of abuse across the UK, she’s also the author of The Recovery Tool Kit: A 12 week plan to support your journey from Domestic Abuse. And Jennifer Gilmour, an author and advocate for women in abusive relationships, and founder of #AbuseTalk on twitter (live every Wednesday) and the Abuse Talk podcast.

Black Women in the music industry; Premenstrual dysphoric disorder Jul 29, 2020

The Black Lives Matter movement has shone a light on a number of areas of society where discrimination and prejudice exists beneath the surface. Today we explore what it’s like to be a black woman and work in the music industry. Jacqueline Springer is a music lecturer and journalist. Fleur East is an artist and songwriter who rose to fame after coming second on the X Factor in 2014. Lioness MC is a Grime rapper who has been making songs for over 10 years.

PMDD, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, an extreme form of premenstrual syndrome or PMS. affects up to one million women in the UK but is little known, and often misdiagnosed. The BBC has carried out its own research and heard the experiences of 4000 women across the UK. Nearly 3,000 said they’d had suicidal thoughts and around 1,500 self-harmed in the days before their period. To discuss diagnosis and treatment options we hear from Laura Murphy, Director of Education and Awareness for IAPMD (The International Association for Premenstrual Disorders) and Founder of Vicious Cycle : Making PMDD visible, and from Dr Paula Briggs, Consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health at Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust.

Presented by Jenni Murray Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell

Finding a comfortable saddle; Nutrition and brain health; Jackie Clune Jul 28, 2020

We often take it for granted that cycling can make you feel a bit saddle sore. But that expectation masks the fact that many women experience real pain when cycling - due to a combination of inappropriate saddles, ill-fitting bikes and a lack of understanding by medical experts of the damage that can be done to the vulva. Now that cycling may soon be on prescription and bikes are soaring in popularity due to the pandemic, how can women ensure they have a pain-free ride? Endurance cyclist and coach Jasmijn Muller talks about what she’s learned from years of serious pain, and specialist women’s cycling physio Bianca Broadbent gives her top troubleshooting tips for everything from saddles to lubricating cream, and not wearing pants.

The Chartered Counselling Psychologist and former Great British Bake Off Finalist, Kimberley Wilson, joins Jane to discuss her time working in a women’s prison, her mission to improve brain health with simple lifestyle and nutritional tips, while still enjoying an occasional slice of cake.

Writer and performer Jackie Clune joins Jane to talk about her new novel I’m Just a Teenage Punchbag, a comic tale of menopause, grief and a disillusionment with motherhood.

Summer Holidays, Sex Robots and Artificial Wombs, Film Director Jessica Swale Jul 27, 2020

The school summer holidays are underway across the UK – but this year they’re going to be a bit different. Thanks to coronavirus there’s a shortage of childcare and holiday clubs, helpful grandparents are mostly off-limits, parents are already exhausted from juggling home-working and home-school for four months, and teenagers are faced with another six weeks of restricted freedoms. So how are people planning to make it through to September? In her book Sex Robots and Vegan Meat, journalist Jenny Kleeman explores seismic changes in four core areas of human experience: birth, food, sex and death. Jane will be talking to Jenny about the implications of fully functioning artificial wombs, what sex robots mean for future relationships between men and women, who the people are shaping the technological changes taking place and how soon these inventions will become an inevitable part of human life. Summerland is a new film set during WW2, featuring Alice a folklore investigator debunking myths using science to disprove the existence of magic. She lives a solitary life in a seaside cottage in Sussex but her way of life is turned upside when she has reluctantly to take in a young evacuee . Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Leann Cross Director, Home Start Greenwich Interviewed guest: Emma Thomas, CEO of Young Minds Interviewed guest: Jenny Kleeman Interviewed guest: Jessica Swale, film director Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Kate Rusby, Women and high street job losses, Mary Trump, How to be a friend, Childfree by choice Jul 25, 2020

Known as The Barnsley Nightingale, the folk singer, Kate Rusby talks about her latest album of covers, and recording it with her husband and two young daughters.

A number of high street retail stores have announced job losses. So many of the shop floor, customer facing jobs are done by women. Retail analyst Catherine Shuttleworth, and Sue Prynn,deputy divisional officer for USDAW's southern division discuss the consequences of these lay-offs.

In court in New York last week President Trump’s niece, Mary J Trump found out that a temporary restraining order on her book about her uncle was going to be lifted. She spoke about Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created The World’s Most Dangerous Man.

In the next of our summer series of practical How to guides, how to be a good friend. The broadcaster and beauty expert Sali Hughes, the comedian Jenni Eclair whose new book is Older and Wider – A Survivor’s Guide to the Menopause and Radhika Sanghani, a freelance journalist and novelist discuss.

The Australian chef, Lara Lee specialises in Indonesian cooking. She cooks the perfect sambal, which is a hot relish found on every Indonesian dinner table.

Emma Gannon is a podcaster and writer. She’s now written her first novel. In ”Olive”- the central character is thirty three and, like her creator is childfree by choice.

The gymnast Simone Biles is on the cover of American Vogue’s August 2020 issue, but critics have said the photoshoot highlights why there needs to be more diversity in the photography industry. The photographer Ola Adegoroye and Lazara Storm, who works as a commercial model and is now moving behind the scenes discuss.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Dianne McGregor

Mary Trump: TikTok and parents; Social mobility and the creative industries Jul 24, 2020

In court in New York last week President Trump’s niece, Mary J Trump found out that a temporary restraining order on her book about her uncle was going to be lifted. She joins Jenni to talk about Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created The World’s Most Dangerous Man.

Editor-in-chief of ELLE magazine and board member of the Social Mobility Commission, Farrah Storr, chats to Jenni about launching their first ever mentoring scheme to find the next generation of creatives. The September issue of the magazine is traditionally the big fashion issue. However, this year the magazine is shifting focus to what’s next and how to rebuild the fashion industry after the pandemic.

For many households, Tiktok has been a go-to for distraction and entertainment during coronavirus. The video-sharing app has around 800 million active users around the world, but this week, the app is back in the news over concerns over links to the Chinese government regime. We speak to BBC World Service reporter and Tiktok user Sophia Smith-Galer, and journalist and mother of Tiktok users, Zoe Williams about what the app offers and how concerned parents should be.

The novelist Josephine Cox has died at the age of 82. She wrote more than 60 books and sold over 20 million copies- Her works include Two Sisters, The Beachcomber and Her Father's Sins. She grew up in poverty in a cotton mill house in Blackburn in the 40s and 50s. She was one of 10 children, sleeping six to a bed. She spoke to Jenni in 2001 about the novel the Woman Who Left – based on her own experiences growing up in Blackburn.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Sarah Crawley Interviewed guest: Mary J Trump Interviewed guest: Farrah Storr Interviewed guest: Anya Interviewed guest: Maria Interviewed guest: Sophia Smith Galer Interviewed guest: Zoe Williams Interviewed guest: Josephine Cox

Kate Rusby, Frances Cha, Textile Factories Jul 23, 2020

The folk singer, Kate Rusby also has the nickname, The Barnsley Nightingale. Kate's latest album is covers of pop music you're bound to recognise, but in her own folksy, mellow way. She talks to us about why she did an album of covers, how she recorded it with her husband and girls, and why Susannah Hoff made her cry.

Seoul in South Korea is known as the plastic surgery capital of the world. There were a million cosmetic procedures last year. Frances Cha, a former travel and culture editor, speaks to Jenni about her new novel ‘If I Had Your Face’ and how she researched it by visiting plastic surgeons and escort bars.

We talk to the union, Community, about textile factories in Leicester and the recent concerns over low pay and the lack of social distancing in some of them.

And we Cook The Perfect. Today it's with the Australian chef, Lara Lee. She specialises in Indonesian cooking, due to her family background. She shares recipes that have been passed down the generations. Today, she's cooking the perfect sambal, which is a hot relish found on every Indonesian dinner table.

Parenting Podcast: Rock Pools Jul 22, 2020

Heading to the British coast on holiday this year? The fascinating Heather Buttivant tells us what wonders we can find in the common rock pool, and how to interest kids in them.

How to be a good friend, Hairdresser tribunal case, Rock pools Jul 22, 2020

In the next of our summer series of practical How to guides, we talk about how to be a good friend. There will be tips on how to make, keep and politely shed friends at different stages in your life. We’ll discuss the tools you need to navigate tricky things like being over or underwhelmed by contact with your friends, and what to do if you don’t like your mate’s partner. Jane is joined by the broadcaster and beauty expert Sali Hughes, the comedian Jenni Eclair whose new book is Older and Wider – A Survivor’s Guide to the Menopause and Radhika Sanghani, a freelance journalist and novelist.

A self-employed hairdresser has won the right to claim for notice, holiday and redundancy pay in a case that could affect other workers. An employment tribunal agreed that Meghan Gorman, should be entitled to the benefits of an employee at the salon where she had worked on a self-employed basis. We hear from Meghan and Beth Hale, a Partner specialising in Employment and Partnership law at CM Murray.

The environmentalist and educator Heather Buttivant on what wonders you can find in the rockpools of the British coastline, and how to interest children in them. Her new book is called Rock Pool: Extraordinary Encounters Between the Tides : A Life -Long Fascination told in Twenty-Four Creatures

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Gender neutral parenting, Women and high street job losses, Author Emma Donoghue, Late diagnosis of autism Jul 21, 2020

As the neutral pronouns they/them start to enter the public consciousness, so too has the idea of gender-neutral parenting. Sarah Davies is a new mum to baby Quinn and talks about her experience of practicing gender-neutrality in a highly gendered society. Prof Melissa Hines from the University of Cambridge and Dr Brenda Scott from City University have both studied how children’s gender identity and behaviour develops over time – and are helping to separate what’s innate about our gender expression and what can be influenced by what our parents teach us.

Marks & Spencer has said 950 jobs are at risk as part of plans to reduce store management and head office roles. It was already undergoing a transformation that included cutting costs and closing some stores. Job losses have already been announced at John Lewis, Boots and Debenhams. Jobs at Oasis and Warehouse went in April. So many of these shop-floor, customer-facing jobs are done by women. We explore the consequences of these lay-offs with retail analyst Catherine Shuttleworth and Sue Prynn, deputy divisional officer for USDAW's southern division.

Emma Donoghue, the author of the international bestseller Room, has set her latest novel The Pull of the Stars in Dublin in a maternity ward in 1918 at the height of the Great Flu. She explores the lives of a nurse, a volunteer and a doctor on the run, over the course of three days. She tells Jane why she’s mixed fictional with real characters.

When Anna Wilson’s father, the man who has calmed her mother for over 40 years, becomes ill with cancer, things become extremely difficult. Her mother has always been ‘a little eccentric’ but in her seventies she becomes increasingly anxious and manic. Anna joins Jane to discuss her memoir, A Place for Everything, in which she talks about the difficulties of getting proper help for her mother, her mother’s late diagnosis of autism at the age of 72, her father’s illness and death and what it was like to care for her parents in their final years.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Leaving friends on a night out; Emma Gannon; Black women and photography; Asylum seeking women in lockdown; Jul 20, 2020

Michaela Coel’s BBC drama ‘I May Destroy You’ has brought to light a number of interesting dilemmas, particularly within the realm of female friendships. Today we ask – is it okay to leave a friend on a night out? If a friend is too drunk or too disorderly to take care of themselves, but refuses to leave the venue or get in a cab, what can and should you do? Harriet Marsden is a freelance journalist. Toni Tone is a public speaker and podcast presenter.

A new report by the SistersNotStrangers coalition, a group of 8 women’s organisations across the country, reveals the hardships experienced by asylum-seeking women in England and Wales during the pandemic. They say women have been homeless and hungry during the pandemic and are calling for ‘far-reaching’ reforms of the asylum process. Jane hears from Loraine Mponela who has sought asylum and Natasha Walter, Director of Women for Refugee Women and one of organisations behind the report.

Emma Gannon’s heroine Olive is thirty three and childfree by choice. She has a dream job, close friends and her life might seem Instagram-perfect. But, things are complicated. Her relationships and friendships are changing and other people’s expectations are hemming her in. Adult life is not turning out as she thought it would and Olive needs to take stock. Writer, podcaster and now novelist Emma Gannon joins Jane.

The gymnast Simone Biles is on the cover of Vogue’s August 2020 issue, but critics have said the photoshoot highlights why there needs to be more diversity in the photography industry. Jane discusses the issues of photographing black women, both in front of and behind the camera, with the photographer Ola Adegoroye and Lazara Storm, who works as a commercial model and is now moving behind the scenes.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Sarah Crawley Interviewed guest: Loraine Mponela Interviewed guest: Natasha Walter Interviewed guest: Emma Gannon Interviewed guest: Ola Adegoroye Interviewed guest: Lazara Storm Interviewed guest: Harriet Marsden Interviewed guest: Toni Tone

Karen Gibson 'Godmother of Gospel', the Price of Fast Fashion, Abuse in Gymnastics Jul 18, 2020

Karen Gibson aka “Godmother of Gospel” who shot to worldwide fame in 2018 after she appeared conducting The Kingdom Choir at the Royal Wedding of Harry and Meghan – tells me about the Choir’s new single Real Love.

We hear from the writer Caitlin Moran about her new film based on her memoir How To Build A Girl.

We discuss why Black people are more likely to end up in the mental health system and be sectioned with Sophie Corlett of the charity Mind, the producer Tobi Kyeremateng, the psychotherapist Dawn Estefan and the co-director of Listen Up Research Jahnine Davis.

Housing benefit discrimination has been judged unlawful and in breach of the Equality Act. Research done by the charity Shelter shows that ‘No DSS’ policies put women and disabled people at a particular disadvantage, because they are more likely to receive housing benefit. We hear from Shelter’s solicitor Rose Arnall, and its chief executive Polly Neate.

As British Gymnastics, the UK Governing Body for the sport of gymnastics announces an independent review following concerns raised by several British athletes about a culture of mistreatment and abuse, Sarah whose four daughters trained locally in gymnastics and experienced varying degrees of abuse and Nicole Pavier, a retired member of the senior England gymnastic squad, share their stories.

And Prof Dilys Williams the Founder and Director of CSF (Centre for Sustainable Fashion and Aja Barber a personal stylist and style consultant whose work focuses on sustainability and ethics, discuss the real price of fast fashion?

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Louise Corley

Interviewed Guest: Dawn Estefan Interviewed Guest: Toby Kyeremateng Interviewed Guest: Janine Davis Interviewed Guest: Sophie Corlett Interviewed Guest: Rose Arnall Interviewed Guest: Polly Neate Interviewed Guest: Karen Gibson Interviewed Guest: Nicole Pavier Interviewed Guest: AJa Barber Interviewed Guest: Professor Dilys Williams Interviewed Guest: Caitlin Moran

Caitlin Moran on How to Build a Girl. How to change your career. The school's fruit and veg scheme. Jul 17, 2020

How To Build A Girl – based on Caitlin Moran’s non-fiction memoir of the same name - has now been turned into a film It introduces us to Johanna Morrigan, a young Wolverhampton local who’s struggling to get to grips with the “incredible unfolding” that comes with puberty. The screenplay is written by the woman herself and was filmed in and around the City. She joins Jenni to talk about what it means to see her story on screen.

Do you want to change your life for the better? This summer Woman’s Hour will be helping you work out how. How to change career, how to be a better friend, how to end your relationship well and how to make time for yourself, guilt-free. We’ll bring together women with expertise and experience to guide you through some of those tricky turning points and blocked paths. Listen out for the How To series over the next few weeks..

Today the key things you need to do to achieve both the immediate or the long term career change - identifying your transferable skills, working out the financial implications; weighing up the pro’s and con’s, polishing up your online presence – and taking the leap.

Plus why England's School Fruit and Veg scheme will be back in September, thanks to mum turned campaigner Hannah Cameron McKenna . We'll hear about why she got involved in the campaign and from Zoe Griffiths a registered nutritionist about why eating more fruit and veg as a child is so important.

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Caitlin Moran Guest; Sarah Ellis Guest; Samantha Clarke Guest; Lucy Kellaway Guest; Hannah Cameron McKenna Guest; Zoe Griffiths

Black Women's Mental Health, Pensions, Natasha Gregson Wagner and Women on Remand Jul 16, 2020

The mental health charity, Mind is calling for the government to publish their White Paper on the Mental Health Act. They have been pushing for reforms so that fewer black people who are disproportionately represented, are sectioned and those that are sectioned treated with more dignity. So why is it that despite being among the top demographics to be diagnosed and four times more likely to be sectioned, the therapeutic space isn’t tailored towards black communities, and black women and girls in particular are left hanging in the balance? Jenni is joined by Sophie Corlett of Mind, producer Tobi Kyeremateng, the psychotherapist Dawn Estefan and Jahnine Davis a PhD researcher and Co-founder of Listen Up Research Company.

The size of women’s pension pots appears to have fallen three times as much as men’s during the Coronavirus pandemic according to Profile Pensions, an impartial pensions advisor. Why is this and what can women do to ensure they have enough to live on when they retire? Jenni speaks to Baroness Ros Altmann, former Pensions Minister and to Romi Savova, Founder and Chief Executive of PensionBee.

Natasha Gregson Wagner is the daughter of the American actress Natalie Wood, who began her career in film as a child actor and successfully transitioned to young adult roles. She was the recipient of four Golden Globes, and received three Academy Award nominations, and is best remembered for films including Splendour in the Grass, West Side Story and Gypsy. Natalie died suddenly by drowning off Catalina Island at the age of 43. Natasha has now produced a documentary and written the memoir More Than Love, An Intimate Portrait of My Mother, in which she describes their relationship and coming to terms with her grief, amid rumours and tabloid speculation surrounding her mother’s death.

And a new report by The Howard League for Penal Reform is calling for major changes in the way that the courts make decisions about remanding women to prison in England and Wales. This is an area of the criminal justice system that they say has been overlooked. Jenni is joined by Dr Miranda Bevan, policy associate at the Howard League for Penal Reform and Val Castell, Chair of the Magistrates Association’s Adult Court Committee.

Karen Gibson of the Kingdom Choir; British Gymnastic Culture and Abuse Allegations; Novelist Meg Rosoff Jul 15, 2020

Karen Gibson aka 'Godmother of Gospel' shot to worldwide fame in 2018 after she appeared conducting The Kingdom Choir at the Royal Wedding of Harry and Meghan. She joins Jenni to talk about the choir's new single, her passion for gospel music and her recent experience on Celebrity Masterchef.

British Gymnastics, the UK governing body for the sport of gymnastics, has announced that there will be an independent review following concerns raised by several British athletes about a culture of mistreatment and abuse. These allegations follow similar conversations that are happening in America because of a new Netflix documentary exploring the Larry Nassar scandal. So what fuels a culture of neglect? And what are people within the gymnastic community hoping will happen now? Jenni discusses with a woman called 'Sarah' who has four daughters, all of whom trained in gymnastics and experienced varying degrees of abuse, and Nicole Pavier, a retired member of the senior England gymnastic squad.

A pair of glamorous strangers, a bunch of adolescent siblings and some distracted adults sharing a beach for one long hot summer. Sounds like the perfect recipe for sexual intrigue and disaster. Award-winning author Meg Rosoff joins Jenni to discuss her new novel The Great Godden.

In her new book X+Y, A mathematician's manifesto for rethinking gender, Dr Eugenia Cheng – who has spent many years in the male-dominated field of mathematics – draws on insights from her own subject and personal experience to radically reframe the whole discussion around gender.

Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Jenni Murray

Housing benefit discrimination; Trans-racial adoption; Fast fashion Jul 14, 2020

In a landmark ruling handed down at York County Court, housing benefit discrimination has been judged unlawful and in breach of the Equality Act. Research carried out by the charity Shelter shows that ‘No DSS’ policies put women and disabled people at a particular disadvantage, because they are more likely to receive housing benefit. The historic hearing took place virtually on Wednesday 1 July, involving 'Jane' (not her real name) a single mother of two. After a letting agent refused to rent any properties to her because she receives housing benefit, Jane contacted Shelter’s Strategic Litigation Team to take on her case. Jane Garvey discusses the issues with solicitor Rose Arnall, and Polly Neate, Chief Executive, Shelter.

Nicole Chung was born severely premature, placed for adoption by her Korean parents and raised by a white family in a sheltered Oregon town in the US. From childhood she was told that her biological parents had made the ultimate sacrifice hoping that she would have a better life. She considered that she would always feel out of place as a trans-racial adoptee until she began to wonder if the story she had been told was the whole truth. All You Can Ever Know is her memoir of adoption.

The writer and broadcaster Sali Hughes has been talking to women about objects in their lives that are important to them. The things we cherish aren’t always vintage, antique - or even expensive. Instead we treasure the stuff that reminds us of special people, particular times in our lives, or which stand for something important. Today it’s the turn of Rachel Eling.

After the recent news of poor working conditions at a UK factory that could have helped fuel a local spike in COVID-19 cases in Leicester, we are reminded yet again of the consequences of fast fashion and the boom in online ordering. Campaigners and those in the industry are grasping the opportunity to raise awareness of the problems in global clothing production and are trying to change consumer habits. Jane is joined by Prof Dilys Williams, the founder and director of the Centre for Sustainable Fashion, and Aja Barber, a personal stylist and style consultant whose work focuses on sustainability and ethics.

United Arab Emirates launches its first ever mission to Mars. Author Dorothy Koomson. Visiting care homes Jul 13, 2020

Tomorrow the United Arab Emirates will launch its first ever mission to Mars. The probe, called Hope, aims to give the most complete picture yet of the Martian atmosphere – and will cement the UAE’s role as a space-exploring nation. We talk to Her Excellency Sarah Al-Miri Minister of State for Advanced Sciences and the Deputy Mission Project Manager for the Emirates Mars Mission and Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Theoretical physicist and presenter of The Life Scientific.

Ghislaine Maxwell will appear in court in Manhattan on Tuesday charged with recruiting girls for Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse. She’s always denied any wrongdoing, and has also denied knowing that he was doing anything wrong. But if we looks back over the decades, news coverage of women accused of aiding and abetting men in their crimes, especially if sexual abuse is involved, has provoked some double-standard reactions. We hear from Baroness Helena Kennedy and Consultant Clinical & Forensic Psychologist Naomi Murphy

Leading charities say relatives of care home residents with dementia should be treated as key workers. In a letter to the health secretary, they say that the care given by family members is "essential" to residents' mental and physical health. We hear from listener Sara McMahon about the impact not benig able to visit her dad has had on his condition.

Plus Dorothy Koomson discusses her new novel All My Lies Are True, sequel to the bestselling The Ice Cream Girls, about two teenage girls accused of the murder of their teacher.

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Baroness Helena Kennedy Guest; Naomi Murphy Guest; Her Excellency Sarah Al-Miri Guest; Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Guest; Dorothy Koomson

The Cumberlege Review, Motherless daughters, Women in the video games industry Jul 11, 2020

A highly-critical review of three medical treatments for women in the UK found thousands of lives had been harmed because officials failed to listen to safety worries and often dismissed them as "women's problems". The Cumberlege Review examined responses to concerns about a hormone pregnancy test, a drug for epilepsy, and vaginal mesh. We spoke to the BBC Health correspondent Anna Collinson, and to Baroness Cumberlege about her review. And we heard reaction from Clare Pelham, CEO of the Epilepsy Society, and Mary McLaughlin, who has campaigned for women affected by pelvic mesh in Ireland.

The video games sector makes up more than half of the UK’s entire entertainment market. Women are 50% of those who play but the number of women working in the industry is much lower. Jordan Erica Webber, a video games expert, Katie Goode, who makes VR games, and Abbey Plumb, a producer for a games company discussed their experiences of working in the video games industry.

It’s 1957 and Jean Swinney, a journalist on a local paper in the London suburbs, is investigating a story about a virgin birth. As she gets closer to the people involved Jean’s lonely and dutiful life becomes more interesting and she experiences a miracle of her own. Clare Chambers’ book ‘Small Pleasures’ is her first for 10 years and it was an item on Woman’s Hour which sparked the idea.

After the death of her mother, Emma Winterschladen has gone through what she calls ‘missed mum moments’ including graduating university, her first job and more recently her engagement. How do motherless daughters navigate these big moments without their mothers? Freelance Editor, writer & illustrator Emma Winterschladen and psychologist Anjula Mutanda discuss.

Twenty year old student Abigail McGourlay is the winner of The Arts Society’s national Isolation Artwork competition. She told us about her winning self-portrait 'Brewing'.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Olive Morris, Eileen Flynn, Women and Gaming Jul 10, 2020

It's 41 years this Sunday that Olive Morris died. She was a Black British feminist and civil rights campaigner. A couple of weeks ago, Google marked what would have been her 68th birthday with a drawing of her on its header. So who was Olive Morris and who are some of the other Black British female activists from the past who we should know about? We talk to Angelina Osborne, a researcher and lecturer, and Olivette Otele who's a professor specialising in Black female history.

Eileen Flynn is the first Traveller to be made a Senator in the Irish Parliament. The Irish PM, or Taoiseach, can nominate a handful of people to work in the Upper House and a couple of weeks ago Eileen was one of them. She says it’s an historic moment, especially for Travellers who are so marginalized and stigmatized in Irish society. She talks to us from her home in Donegal.

All week we’ve been looking at women and gaming. We've explored how gaming has changed and how it can improve some people's mental health. The UK gaming industry is worth billions and the video games sector makes up more than half of the UK’s entire entertainment market. Women are 50% of those who play and those over 40 are among the fastest growing group of people that play on their smartphones. But the number of women working in the industry is much lower and today we hear from them.

Photo Credit: Lambeth Council

Womb transplants; Goblin Market; Leslie Kern Jul 09, 2020

One in 5,000 women are born without a womb and many may have to have it removed because of cancer or other conditions. In the past decade there’ve been significant advancements in the development of human uterine transplants – with 56 having taken place world wide – though none have yet been carried out in the UK. Jenni talks to Mr Richard Smith, clinical lead at the charity Womb Transplant UK about the progress we’re making in this country and to Dr Gulzaar Barn, Lecturer in Philosophy at the New College of the Humanities in London, about her concerns about the global market and the protection of vulnerable young women in countries where regulations and protections may not be as stringent as in the UK.

We already know that many everyday objects and medicines are not designed with women in mind, but what about our cities? Author of Feminist City Leslie Kern joins Jenni to talk about what an inclusive city might look like: one that puts friendship, pushchairs and more public toilets above skyscrapers and statues. Leslie is Associate Professor of Geography and Environment and Director of Women’s and Gender Studies at Mount Allison University, Canada.

A new dramatization of the poem Goblin Market will be broadcast this Saturday 11 July on Radio 4. Woven into the recording are the testimonies of sisters whose real lives have been caught up in cycles of addiction. We hear from one of the pairs of sisters - Georgie and Sam Adams. Sam spent five years on heroin and spice and ended up homeless in Wrexham in Wales, but she has since recovered. Georgie has been working with health professionals and rehabilitation services to find a new model of helping people in Wrexham. She joins Jenni to discuss the effects of long term addiction on families, along with Chris Bermingham, a Service Manager from the charity We Are With You (formerly AdAction) in East Ayrshire in Scotland.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Sarah Crawley Interviewed guest: Richard Smith Interviewed guest: Gulzaar Barn Interviewed guest: Leslie Kern Interviewed guest: Georgie Adams Interviewed guest: Chris Bermingham

Cumberlege Review Reaction; Leaving School Rituals; Motherless daughters Jul 08, 2020

The Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety review has been released this morning. Baroness Cumberlege led the review into the the effects of vaginal mesh, the hormonal pregnancy test Primodos and the epilepsy drug Sodium Valproate. She discusses its recommendations and her experience of hearing so many moving testimonies from women across the UK. Jenni also hears some initial reaction from Mary McLaughlin, who has campaigned for women affected by pelvic mesh in Ireland, and Clare Pelham, the CEO of the Epilepsy Society who gave evidence to the review about the effects of sodium valproate. School leaving rituals – the sweatshirts, the prom, the signed T-shirts, the school trip and primary school final assembly. How important are they and what impact has the Coronavirus pandemic had on this year’s leavers? Jenni speaks to Juliet Benis, Head Teacher at Ambler Primary School and to A' level student Anna from Bacon's College. Motherless daughters can experience persistent grief for years which peaks during milestones. After the death of her mother Emma Winterschladen has gone through what she calls ‘missed mum moments’ including graduating university, her first job and more recently her engagement. How do motherless daughters navigate these big moments without their mothers? Freelance Editor, writer & illustrator Emma Winterschladen and psychologist Anjula Mutanda discuss the relationship between grief and joy.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Caroline Donne Interviewed guest: Baroness Cumberlege Interviewed guest: Mary McLaughlin Interviewed guest: Clare Pelham Interviewed guest: Juliet Benis Interviewed guest: Emma Winterschladen Interviewed guest: Anjula Mutanda

The Cumberlege Review. How has the healthcare system responded to concerns raised by women? Jul 07, 2020

The Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review, also known as the Cumberlege review, is finally being published tomorrow after being delayed by Covid-19. It will focus on three health scandals that have severely affected women’s lives including vaginal mesh implants, an oral pregnancy test called Primodos, and an anti-epileptic drug called sodium valproate. The precise medical details between the cases differ, but what they all have in common is that women were given medical products that weren’t properly tested, and then weren’t believed when they complained of side effects further down the line. BBC Health Correspondent Anna Collinson talks about the background to the cases and the review, and Bonita Barrett discusses her experience of seeking help – and being ignored – when she went to her doctor in pain after being given a mesh implant without her consent.

It’s 1957 and Jean Swinney, a journalist on a local paper in the London suburbs, is investigating a story about a virgin birth. As she gets closer to the people involved Jean’s lonely and dutiful life becomes more interesting and she experiences a miracle of her own. Clare Chambers’ book ‘Small Pleasures’ is her first for 10 years and it was an item on Woman’s Hour which sparked the idea. There is a concern that some children and pregnant women have missed routine vaccinations in England during the Coronavirus pandemic. Professor Sonia Saxena from Imperial College, London explains why this must be reversed quickly.

Jane speaks to the winner of the Winner of The Arts Society’s national Isolation Artwork Competition in support of young artists during lockdown.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Caroline Donne Interviewed guest: Anna Collinson Interviewed guest: Bonita Barrett Interviewed guest: Clare Chambers Interviewed guest: Sonia Saxena

Ivana Bartoletti, HPV, STEM Winners Jul 06, 2020

“Gendered power dynamics underpin the AI debate,” says Ivana Bartoletti. She’s an expert in data privacy and has set up a network called, Women Leading in AI. Ivana believes AI is linked to inequality and oppression. She talks to us about getting more women into coding, our addiction to being online and female cyborgs like Alexa and Siri.

Why is the issue of HPV only discussed in relation to younger people? That's a question put by Helen, one of our listeners. The HPV vaccine is currently given to girls and boys in the UK, but would it help if older women got it too? We chat to Helen, as well as Imogen Pinnell from Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.

The Domestic Abuse Bill 2020 is having its third reading today in the House of Commons. It's taken two years to get to this point. Today we talk to Harriet Wistrich, Director of the Centre for Women’s Justice. She talks to Jane about the Bill’s significance, but more specifically about women prisoners who've offended partly because they've been victims of domestic abuse. She wants a further amendment to be added to the Bill which would give them legal protection. We also hear from Gisela Valle, Director of the Latin American Women’s Rights Service.

And we meet Evie Mackenzie. She's part of a winning school-team, who've discovered a way to cut down on plastic waste. It involves mealworms! We chat to Evie and her teacher Thandiwe Banda.

Skin lightening creams, the film Lynn and Lucy & Panama's sex segregated lockdown Jul 04, 2020

The Domestic Abuse Bill 2020 is currently making its way through Parliament, and will reach the House of Lords by the end of July. For the first time there will be a statutory definition of domestic abuse. The Centre for Women’s Justice is asking for an amendment to the Bill, to create a free-standing offence of non-fatal strangulation or asphyxiation. We hear from Sandra who was strangled by a former partner and from Nicole Jacobs, the first domestic abuse commissioner for England and Wales, on why she too is calling for this amendment.

We discuss the popularity of the skin lightening industry, despite the dangers and controversy? We hear from Nimmi Dosanjh who is Indian-Kenyan and light-skinned. Her 11 year old daughter is dark-skinned, from Linasha Kotalawala who is a beauty and lifestyle blogger and from Geeta Pandey the Editor of BBC News Online India Women and Social Affairs.

The actor Roxanne Scrimshaw tells us about the new film Lynn and Lucy about the lives of two best friends in a close-knit community in Essex whose relationship is tested after a tragedy happens

A new government report in Ireland shows that 6,666 women accessed abortions there in 2019. This is the first annual report to be published since medical abortion on demand became legal in Ireland up to twelve weeks of pregnancy What do the figures tell us about abortion care in Ireland now? We hear from Ellen Coyne, a journalist at the Irish Independent newspaper and Dr Trish Horgan, a GP in Cork City and member of START - Southern Taskgroup on Abortion and Reproductive Topics.

We hear from Dawn Bilbrough the critical care nurse from York who in the early stages of COVID-19 posted an emotional video on social media that went viral. She was appealing to the public to stop panic buying as she was unable to get the basics in her supermarket after her shift ended. She tells us about the impact of the video and what it has been like working on the frontline.

Brit Bennett’s new novel, The Vanishing Half tells the story of twin sisters who run away from a black community in the South at the age of 16. One returns to the town they grew up in, while the other passes for white, withholding her identity from her husband. Dr Janine Bradbury, Senior Lecturer in Literature at York St John University, discusses the history of passing novels and films, many of which offer deeply problematic representations of mixed race women.

Clare Wenham, Assistant Professor in Global Health Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science tells us how Panama implemented a state-enforced lockdown, to combat the spread of COVID-19. She explains how the restrictions which were sex-segregated worked.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

Fussy eaters, Parliament that works for women, Passing for white, Terri White - editor-in-chief Empire magazine Jul 03, 2020

What do you do when your toddler is a fussy eater? A guide for parents about fussy eating which has been available for over ten years, has just been re-evaluated by 25 mothers. Jenni hears from Amanda, a mother of two daughters, plus one of the academics behind the guide, Claire Farrow, Professor in Children's Eating Behaviour at Aston University, Birmingham.

The system of proxy voting for MPs on baby leave is due to expire this summer. Last year, Andrea Leadsom, then Leader of the House of Commons, announced that MPs could take baby leave. Men would get two weeks and women would get six months and they can, if they choose, vote by proxy. So, what is likely to happen now? And what can be done to prevent gender equality in Parliament from being seen as a luxury add-on as the country faces the current health and economic challenges of Covid-19? We hear from Andrea Leadsom MP and Sarah Childs, Professor of Politics and Gender at Royal Holloway, University of London.

To everyone else, Terri White appeared to be living the dream. In her thirties, she moved from the UK to New York to edit magazines and went on to become one of Folio's Top Women in US Media. In reality, she was rapidly sliding towards a mental health crisis that would land her in a locked psychiatric ward as her past caught up with her. The now editor-in-chief of Empire magazine describes her time in New York and her traumatic childhood of physical and sexual abuse in a new memoir, 'Coming Undone'.

We speak to Dr Janine Bradbury, Senior Lecturer in Literature at York St John University, about the history of 'passing for white' novels and films, many of which offer deeply problematic representations of mixed race women. Books mentioned by Dr Bradbury: The House Behind the Cedars by Charles Chestnutt, Passing by Nella Larsen, Caucasia by Danzy Senna, The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Dianne McGregor

The film Lynn and Lucy; The Double X Economy; Gender Bias at Work and Domestic Abuse Bill. Jul 02, 2020

Lynn and Lucy is a new film about the lives of two best friends in a close-knit community in Essex whose relationship is tested after a tragedy happens. It stars Nichola Burley and Roxanne Scrimshaw in her first acting role. Roxanne joins Jenni to discuss female friendship, community, motherhood and the depiction of working class women on screen.

The Domestic Abuse Bill 2020 is currently making its way through Parliament, and will reach the House of Lords by the end of July. For the first time there will be a statutory definition of domestic abuse. The Centre for Women’s Justice is asking for an amendment to the Bill, to create a free-standing offence of non-fatal strangulation or asphyxiation. Nicole Jacobs, the first domestic abuse commissioner for England and Wales, explains why she is supporting them.

Professor Linda Scott’s book "The Double X Economy" describes how women are excluded from the global economy in myriad ways, in both developing and developed countries. She claims that the global economy's wealth would be £160 trillion higher if the gender pay gap were closed. Linda explains how empowering women economically could not only resolve gender equality but also help address many of humankind’s most pressing problems.

And there are a record number of women in employment – and that includes women slowly but surely increasing their presence in senior management positions and professions that have traditionally been dominated by men. But has ‘being in the room’ really led to changes in attitudes towards women’s capabilities? Or is gender bias still alive and well? Jenni is joined by Professor Michelle Ryan, the author of a new study about gender bias from the University of Exeter and Carina White who works in sports marketing.

Women and Gaming; Jul 01, 2020

The stereotypical view of a gamer is a socially-isolated teenager who could be doing something better with their time. Liz Vickers is a 74 year old gamer from Manby, Lincolnshire, and so is her good friend, Bridget Odlin, aged 75, from Louth, Lincolnshire. They’ve been playing together, and separately, for almost more than 20 years. Lotta Haegg, an avid gamer herself, speaks to them.

A new government report in Ireland shows that 6666 women accessed abortions there in 2019. This is the first annual report to be published since medical abortion became legal in Ireland up to twelve weeks of pregnancy. This followed the result of the May 2018 referendum on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution. What do the figures tell us about abortion care in Ireland now? Jenni speaks to Ellen Coyne, a journalist at the Irish Independent newspaper and Dr Trish Horgan, a GP in Cork City and member of START - Southern Taskgroup on Abortion and Reproductive Topics.

The novelist Amanda Craig joins Jenni to discuss her ninth novel - 'The Golden Rule'; inspired by both Patricia Highsmith’s classic, 'Strangers on a Train', and the fairy-tale, 'Beauty and the Beast'.

Leading women in theatre have sent an open letter to Oliver Dowden, the secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport. They are asking the task force, responsible for cultural renewal following the coronavirus pandemic, to develop their plans using a “gender lens” to ensure gender equality is considered and ensured. Maureen Beattie OBE, president of equity and Jennifer Tuckett, director of university women in the arts and literary director of Sphinx Theatre, discuss their concerns that gender inequality will increase in straitened, risk-averse conditions.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Ellen Coyne Interviewed Guest: Dr Trish Horgan Interviewed Guest: Liz Vickers Interviewed Guest: Bridget Odlin Reporter: Lotta Haeg Interviewed Guest: Amanda Craig Interviewed Guest: Maureen Beattie Interviewed Guest: Jennifer Tuckett

Women and Gaming; ICU nurse Dawn Bilbrough; Poulomi Basu; Puberty blockers Jun 30, 2020

Dawn Bilbrough is a critical care nurse from York who in the early stages of COVID-19 posted an emotional video on social media that went viral. She was appealing to the public to stop panic buying as she was unable to get the basics in her supermarket after her shift ended. She joins Jane to discuss the impact of the video and what it has been like working on the frontline.

This week Woman's Hour is focusing on women and gaming – and today we hear from cyberpsychologist Dr Daria Kuss who's been investigating the links between game-play and well-being. Our reporter Lotta Haegg also speaks to Emma Brown from Oxford, who's discovered a new-found motivation for exercise thanks to a virtual reality headset, and Lucy Hull from Birmingham who plays video games to forget her complex health problems.

Last month information on the NHS website about the use of puberty blockers was changed. It had previously said that the drugs used to supress hormones at the onset of puberty in children experiencing gender dysphoria were fully reversible. The NHS now offers the cautious advice that: “Little is known about the long-term side effects of hormone or puberty blockers in children with gender dysphoria”. NICE, the body which provides evidence-based guidance for the NHS is currently examining the latest clinical guidance on puberty blockers and cross sex hormones as part of a review of current policies. Deborah Cohen, Health Correspondent for BBC Newsnight explains what medical questions there are about the use of puberty blockers and what the current review means.

Poulomi Basu is an Indian artist, photographer and activist, whose work advocates for the rights of women. Her new book Centralia takes the reader deep into the forests of central India, where a little known and under reported conflict between an indigenous tribal people and the Indian state has been simmering for more than four decades. Poulomi went to the region and was embedded with female guerrillas who shared their documents and stories with her.

In the final part of our series 'Troupers' - which celebrates the many and varied ways in which volunteers support our communities - we meet Sarah Burrows. She talks about her efforts to help families protect and support children affected by a parent being sent to prison. The reporter is Laura Thomas.

Skin-lightening creams Jun 29, 2020

Last week Johnson & Johnson announced it will cease production on two lines of skin-lightening products sold in countries across Asia and the Middle East. At the same time, Unilever, who own the skin-lightening cream Fair & Lovely, have announced that they will change the product’s name. How significant are these moves? And why does the skin-lightening industry continue to be so popular, despite the dangers and controversy? Nimmi Dosanjh is Indian-Kenyan and light-skinned. Her 11 year old daughter is dark-skinned. Geeta Pandey is the Editor of BBC News Online, India Women and Social Affairs. Linasha Kotalawala is a lifestyle and beauty blogger.

Over the next few days we’re going to be looking at women and gaming - the stereotype that only adolescent boys play video games doesn’t tally with the figures, which show women make up almost 50 per cent of those that play. And, women over 40 are among the fastest growing group of people who regularly engage in smartphone, video, or computer games. Our reporter, Lotta Haegg, a gamer herself, has been speaking to women who are changing the culture of the industry and refusing to accept the stereotypes. Rhianna Pratchett is a video game writer and journalist.

Panama implemented a state-enforced lockdown to combat the spread of COVID-19 which was sex-segregated. In this, women are allowed out of the house on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and men on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. On these days, individuals were only able to go to the supermarket or pharmacy. Clare Wenham, Assistant Professor in Global Health Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science tells us how it worked out.

Four single mothers have launched legal proceedings against the government over the child maintenance support system which they say is failing them and their children. The women are being supported by the campaign group Gingerbread – Victoria Benson is their Chief Executive. Natalie has struggled to get maintenance payments for her sons for the last five years. But first we speak to Selaine Saxby, Conservative MP for North Devon and a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Nimmi Dosangh Interviewed Guest: Geeta Pandey Interviewed Guest: Linasha Kotalawala Interviewed Guest: Rhianna Pratchett Reporter: Lotta Haegg Interviewed Guest: Clare Wenham Interviewed Guest: Selaine Saxby Interviewed Guest: Victoria Benson

Rethink: How might our relationship with our bodies and appearance change after the pandemic?, Public Speaking, Pregnancy Jun 27, 2020

How might our relationship with our bodies and appearance change after the pandemic? As part of the BBC's Rethink series, Laura Bates, the founder of the Everyday Sexism project, Kate Lister, Lecturer in the School of Arts and Communication at Leeds Trinity University, and Shahidha Bari, Professor of Fashion Cultures and Histories at the London College of Fashion discuss.

Dr Amanda Brown has been working as a GP at Bronzefield, a women-only prison. In her new book. The Prison Doctor: Women Inside, she shares the stories of many of the women she has met inside the prison.

Some medics have expressed concerns over a possible future rise in stillbirths and harm to babies because pregnant women in need of attention may have avoided seeking professional help during the pandemic. Dr Maggie Blott, Consultant Obstetrician and Lead for Obstetrics at the Royal Free in London and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology explains.

Theresa May has made a million pounds on the speaker circuit since she stood down as Prime Minister just under a year ago. The big fee paying events are still relatively male dominated, so how can women succeed at public speaking? Viv Groskop, author and podcast presenter of 'How to Own the Room', and Professor Heather McGregor, Executive Dean of Edinburgh Business School at Heriot Watt University discuss.

How to Cook the Perfect… Beetroot leaf rolls with buckwheat and mushrooms with Ukrainian chef, food writer and stylist Olia Hercules.

The new BBC1 drama 'I May Destroy You' centres around a writer called Arabella who is drugged and sexually assaulted but has no recollection of the assault except in flashbacks and has to piece together what happened to her. We hear from Weruche Opia who plays Arabella’s best friend, Terry, Zing Tsjeng, executive editor of Vice UK and the poet Vanessa Kisuule.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Rethink – The harm of macho leadership; Athlete A Jun 26, 2020

Today’s Rethink essay comes from the musician and artist Brian Eno, he asks what the response to the pandemic has taught us about leadership, and how what we want and need from our future leaders might have changed. To discuss the future of leadership Jane speaks to Dame Heather Rabbatts, Chair of Time’s Up UK, Inga Beale, former CEO of Lloyds of London and Professor Ngaire Woods, founding Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University.

A new Netflix documentary – Athlete A – explores the physical, mental and sexual abuse of young women within the United States of America Gymnastics; including at the hands of former USA Gymnastics national team doctor Larry Nassar. Former artistic gymnast and writer Jennifer Sey tells Jane about her career and the culture within gymnastics that she believes allowed this to happen.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Sarah Crawley Interviewed guest: Dame Heather Rabbatts Interviewed guest: Inga Beale Interviewed guest: Professor Ngaire Woods Interviewed guest: Jennifer Sey

I May Destroy You Jun 25, 2020

Michaela Coel’s new drama “I May Destroy You” on BBC 1 is receiving rave reviews on Twitter and in the papers. The story centres around a writer called Arabella who is drugged and sexually assaulted but has no recollection of the assault except in flashbacks and has to piece together what happened to her. How effective is the way the story is told and what questions does it raise about consent, relationships and the portrayal of women’s everyday lived experience on screen? To discuss the series, Jenni is joined by Weruche Opia who plays Bella’s best friend, Terry, Zing Tsjeng, executive editor of Vice UK and the poet Vanessa Kisuule.

The children’s charity Barnardo’s has seen a 44% increase in the number of children who need foster care during the coronavirus pandemic. This, coupled with a fall in potential foster carers coming forward, is creating what they call a ‘state of emergency’. Vulnerable children who may have experienced neglect or abuse are now having to wait to be placed in foster families. What can be done? Jenni speaks to Brenda Farrell, Head of Fostering at Barnardo’s.

Ukrainian chef, food writer and food stylist, Olia Hercules tells the story of a part of Ukraine’s culinary history that is disappearing. Summer kitchens are little buildings in the vegetable garden where produce is prepared and eaten during the warmer months, and surplus food is pickled and preserved for the long winters. Olia joins Jenni to talk about the food of her childhood and discuss how to Cook the Perfect… Beetroot leaf rolls with buckwheat and mushrooms.

Covid 19 has introduced a number of new terms to public debate - the key worker is perhaps the most important one. It turns out that the most essential workers are predominantly women, and many of them employed in low paid work in health and social care as well as cleaning and supermarkets. In her new book, Feminism and the Politics of Resilience, the sociologist Angela McRobbie argues that these and other disadvantaged women have become increasingly trapped in low-paid and casualised work which offers no possibility for progression or promotion. And the kind of feminism we’ve seen promoted in the last decade, which has emphasised individual resilience, hasn’t helped. Middle class and often white women have been exulted to lean in and achieve more at work and in motherhood, while low-paid women to be shamed for lacking resilience. So, have we become distracted from recognising the social and economic forces that shape women’s lives? Jenni discusses with Angela McRobbie and Zoe Williams, Guardian columnist.

Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

R4 Rethink: How might our relationship with our bodies and appearance change after the pandemic? Jun 24, 2020

Rethink is a series of essays and discussions across BBC Radio 4, 5 Live and the World Service that looks at how the world might change after the coronavirus pandemic. Today's essay features the political philosopher Clare Chambers who considers how our relationship with our bodies, and our appearance has been affected by the lockdown. To discuss Jenni is joined by Laura Bates, the founder of the Everyday Sexism project, Kate Lister, Lecturer in the School of Arts and Communication at Leeds Trinity University, and Shahidha Bari, Professor of Fashion Cultures and Histories at the London College of Fashion.

The American crime writer Karin Slaughter has sold over 35 million books worldwide. Her stories are violent and gritty and she writes frankly about the impact of violence against women and the long-lasting effects of trauma. She hopes people will see her books as an honest telling of stories we do not often hear about… survivors, fighters, mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, friends and rogues. She joins us to talk about her latest book, The Silent Wife.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Dianne McGregor

The Prison Doctor, Public Speaking, Holiday Clubs, Contraception & Lockdown Jun 23, 2020

Theresa May has made a million pounds on the speaker circuit since she stood down as Prime Minister just under a year ago. We discuss how she’s done it and whether she might have a long career ahead of her doing it. Working parents of primary-aged children often rely on out-of-school childcare for the school run and long summer holidays. But thanks to Covid-19, many of these providers are facing an uncertain future. A recent survey by the Out of School Alliance found that 40% of respondents were unsure they’d be able to re-open in September – meaning that around 250,000 childcare places could be at risk. So where will children go if parents have to return to work and grandparents remain off-limits? Dr Amanda Brown has been working as a GP at Bronzefield, a women-only prison since December 2015. She has just written her second book, The Prison Doctor: Women Inside, in which she shares the stories of many of the women she meets inside. Since April, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) has seen a 15% rise in consultations for terminations and is now carrying out around 480 a day. What’s access to contraception been like during lockdown and how can we help to support women?

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Viv Groskop Interviewed guest: Professor Heather McGregor Interviewed guest: Catherine Wrench Interviewed guest: Sue Smith Interviewed guest: Dr Amanda Brown Interviewed guest: Clare Murphy Interviewed guest: Deborah Evans Interviewed guest: Dr Louise Skioldebrand Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

R4 Rethink: how might we design our world better post Covid? Jun 22, 2020

Today Radio 4 launches Rethink - a series of essays and discussions right across BBC Radio that ask how the world might change after the pandemic. We begin with an essay from Stirling Prize winning architect Amanda Levete asking how we could design the world around us differently. Has being confined to our homes and immediate communities taught us new things about what we need and want from them? How will more remote working change the role of the office? How might we now start to build for better and more equal societies? Jane is joined by architect Elsie Owusu OBE, economist Kate Raworth and 2019 Stirling Prize winner Annalie Riches, all with their own ideas of how Covid-19 could transform our homes and communities.

Some medics have expressed concerns over a possible future rise in stillbirths and harm to babies because pregnant women in need of attention may have avoided seeking professional help during the pandemic. Jane speaks to Dr Maggie Blott, Consultant Obstetrician and Lead for Obstetrics at the Royal Free in London and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Trichotillomania is often referred to as “hair-pulling disorder”. It’s thought it affects 1 in 50 people, with 80% of them women. Why do people do it? And what can be done to help people stop? Jane discusses the condition with Roisin Kelly, who is a journalist at the Sunday Times Style magazine and has written about her personal experience, and Louise Watson, Chartered Counselling Psychologist and Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, and Hattie Gilford who has her own dedicated Instagram account @my_trich_journey.

Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Naomi Campbell, Equality at home, Susie Dent Jun 20, 2020

Naomi Campbell the model, icon, and activist, who’s been at the summit of the fashion industry for over three decades tells us how she believes the fashion and beauty industry needs to play its part in bringing about change when it comes to racial equality.

Who is doing the most when it comes to childcare and chores in heterosexual couples, and how might lock-down be changing things? We hear from Ali Lacey, a PhD researcher from Sussex University which is looking into this subject, Mary Ann Stevenson of the UK Women’s Budget Group and Francine Deutsch Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Education at Mount Holyoke College in the US.

The Science journalist Debora Mackenzie tells us about her book: COVID-19: the pandemic that never should have happened, and how to stop the next one.

As two black British women writers - Bernadine Evaristo and Reni Eddo-Lodge - top the UK fiction and non-fiction bestseller charts for the first time, we hear from best-selling author of Queenie, Candice Carty-Williams and Sharmaine Lovegrove founder of Dialogue Books about the way the publishing industry treats black writers and readers.

We hear why self-employed women are receiving less government support during coronavirus if they’ve taken maternity leave between April 2016 and March 2019. This is because maternity pay isn’t taken into account when calculating payments under the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. The group Pregnant Then Screwed is threatening the Chancellor with indirect sex discrimination. We speak to founder Joeli Brearley and the freelance journalist, Alex Lloyd.

Susie Dent is a lexicographer, etymologist and linguist. She has appeared in Dictionary Corner on Channel 4's Countdown since 1992. She tells us how language has evolved and about her new podcast with Gyles Brandreth.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Naomi Campbell Interviewed guest: Ali Lacey Interviewed guest: Mary Ann Stevenson Interviewed guest: Francine Deutsch Interviewed guest: Debora Mackenzie Interviewed guest: Candice Carty-Williams Interviewed guest: Sharmaine Lovegrove Interviewed guest: Joeli Brearley Interviewed guest: Alex Lloyd Interviewed guest: Susie Dent

Author Rachel Edwards, Equality in the home, Explorer Vanessa O’Brien Jun 19, 2020

Bernadine Evaristo’s bestseller Girl, Woman, Other is on plenty of reading lists after winning the 2019 Booker Prize, but what books are getting her through lockdown? One of them is Darling by Rachel Edwards - who joins Jenni to tell her all about her debut novel.

Research shows that in lockdown, in heterosexual couples, women still do the majority of the childcare and chores. However, there has been a modest increase in the time men spend on these tasks overall. So could this be an opportunity to improve equality in the home? In April we ask you to get involved with research into how lockdown is affecting the well-being of families. The team at Sussex University now have their first set of preliminary results. PhD researcher Ali Lacey discusses their findings along with Mary-Ann Stephenson, Director of the UK Women’s Budget Group and Francine Deutsch, Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Education at Mount Holyoke College in the US, and editor of Creating Equality at Home – How 25 Couples Around the World Share Housework and Childcare.

You may have read in the papers this week that there are worries about the way the police are extracting and using information taken from mobile phones. Of particular concern was the use of such information where rape is alleged and there appears to be evidence that where a victim refuses to hand over a mobile, investigations are being brought to a halt. A report by the Information Commissioner’s Office argues that current mobile phone extraction practices and rules risk negatively affecting public confidence in the criminal justice system we hear from the Victims Commissioner for England and Wales, Dame Vera Baird QC.

Plus explorer Vanessa O’Brien, the first woman in the world to reach Earth’s highest and lowest points, on why she wants o inspire other women to take on challenges.

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Rachel Edwards Guest; Vanessa O’Brien Guest; Ali Lacey Guest; Mary-Ann Stephenson Guest; Prof. Francine Deutsch Guest; Dame Vera Baird QC

Naomi Campbell, US Elections, Women Farmers and a 1970's recipe book Jun 18, 2020

Naomi Campbell is an actress, an innovator, an icon, an activist, and a philanthropist who’s been at the summit of the fashion industry for over three decades. When Pat McGrath signed her up to be the global face of her makeup brand she said “she’s an inspiration to women, especially women of colour. She demonstrates that anything is possible”. Jenni talks to her about the collaboration, her reaction to the death of George Floyd and how the fashion and beauty industry needs to play its part in bringing about change.

In just under five months’ time US voters will go to the polls. President Donald Trump and his Vice President Mike Pence are set to face Joe Biden whoever he picks as his running mate. Biden has already said he will pick a woman – and in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests, following the death of George Floyd, there is much speculation about the possible Black women he might pick. So how might this impact on the presidential election? And what will shape the key messages of Democrats and Republicans to women voters as the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic continues?

Pork in cyder, grilled grapefruit and cheese scones, fruit salad with gherkins …just some of the dishes Georgie Williams has cooked in the last year as she’s worked her way through an old recipe book. She found it after buying a second hand sideboard – 365 recipes written in a 1968 diary which she’d like to reunite with the person who wrote it. Georgie shares pictures and videos of these culinary treats on her @forgottendelights Instagram account.

The Welsh Government’s Farming Connect scheme is running online events all this week aimed at giving women the confidence and knowledge they need to help develop both their personal and business skills. Research shows that women’s development in agriculture is vital to increasing the size of the skilled workforce, as well as unlocking talent to help drive the industry forward. So what practical steps can be taken to start breaking down the barriers faced by women and to inspire them to reach their full potential? Joyce Campbell is a hill farmer on 5,500 acres in the north coast of Sutherland, Scotland and was co-chair of the Women in Agriculture Taskforce for Scotland. Anna Truesdale is a dairy farmer in Northern Ireland and Telerie Fielden is a shepherdess managing Llyndy Isaf, a 600 acre upland hill farm owned by the National Trust in Snowdonia.

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Clare Walker

Self employed the mothers missing out.. Science journalist Debora Mackenzie Jun 17, 2020

Self-employed women are receiving less government support during coronavirus if they’ve taken maternity leave between April 2016 and March 2019 – because maternity pay isn’t taken into account when calculating payments under the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. The group Pregnant Then Screwed is now threatening the chancellor with indirect sex discrimination. It’s estimated between 75,000 and 80,000 women are affected. We speak to founder of Pregnant then Screwed, Joeli Brearley and the freelance journalist, Alex Lloyd who says the support she’s getting is about half what it could have been if average earnings had included maternity pay.

Casey Stoney MBE is Former Captain of England and now Head Coach of Manchester United Women. We see the return of the men’s Premier League tonight, while the women’s season was ended early in May, and Casey joins Jenni to talk about the women’s game.

Science journalist Debora Mackenzie talks about her book 'Covid-19: the pandemic that never should have happened & how to stop the next one’.

There are concerns that covid lockdowns could be pushing up child marriage and violence against girls in Nepal. According to Voluntary Service Overseas the lockdown is reinforcing traditional gender roles and girls living in rural areas are especially affected. We hear from Geeta Pradham, their Global Gender Adviser.

The writer and broadcaster Sali Hughes has been talking to women about objects in their lives that are important to them. Today it’s the turn of Nadia Shireen.

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Joeli Brearley Guest; Alex Lloyd Guest; Casey Stoney Guest; Debora Mackenzie Guest; Geeta Pradham Guest; Nadia Shireen

Gender Recognition Act; Susie Dent; Artificial Intelligence for online shopping Jun 16, 2020

Some reports suggest the government won’t now go ahead with the reform of the Gender Recognition Act. If true, this means that people won’t be able to self-declare their gender. What will this mean for the wider debate? Jane speaks to Helen Belcher, co-founder of Trans Media Watch and chair of the national LGBT charity Consortium, and Joan Smith, Chair of the Mayor of London’s Violence Against Women and Girls Board and author of ‘Home Grown: How Domestic Violence Turns Men Into Terrorists’.

Susie Dent is a lexicographer, etymologist and linguist. She has appeared in Dictionary Corner on Channel 4's 'Countdown' since 1992, and can also be seen on 8 out of 10 Cats does Countdown, or ‘Catsdown’ as she calls it. She can also be heard alongside Gyles Brandreth on the award-nominated podcast Something Rhymes With Purple. She joins Jane to talk about how her love of words began with shampoo bottles, her research into modern tribes, 90s rap music lyrics and the meaning of cacoethes.

For the past month Woman's Hour has been celebrating women who get things done – the Troupers. Today it’s the turn of Preethi Manuel who talks about the life of her daughter, fostering, and her role in campaigning for disabled children to have access to mainstream education.

Non-essential retail shops are beginning to reopen, but will we actually want to go back? New technology is using artificial intelligence to make the experience of online shopping more fulfilling and more personalised. BBC Click reporter Lara Lewington tells Jane more.

Candice Carty-Williams, Summer school plans, Campaign against DV in Iran Jun 15, 2020

As two black British women writers – Bernadine Evaristo and Reni Eddo-Lodge - top the UK fiction and non-fiction book charts for the first time, Jane asks bestselling author of Queenie, Candice Carty-Williams and Sharmaine Lovegrove founder of Dialogue Books, what publishing houses should be doing to make the trend last. The hashtag #publishingpaidme has shown that in many cases globally black women were paid smaller advances than their white counterparts – could we now see a step-change in the way the publishing industry treats black writers and readers?

Iranian film maker Mina Keshavarz on her new documentary The Art of Living in Danger – which follows female lawyers in Iran campaigning to make domestic violence illegal. Mina also talks about her grandmother who’d taken her own life after suffering domestic abuse – and how she inspired the film.

In the latest instalment of our series Troupers we speak to Calina Toqir, a well-known figure in Glasgow’s Roma community, brought to our attention by the Govanhill Housing Trust.

This week Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will apparently be setting out plans for pupils in England to attend Summer Schools after abandoning plans to get all primary pupils back to school for a month before the summer break. Will they reach the pupils who really need them? Susannah Hardyman is chief executive of the education charity Action Tutoring; Natalie Perera is executive director at the Education Policy Institute, an independent research charity; and Dave McPartlin is headteacher of Flakefleet Primary in Lancs - how do they think it could work?

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Candice Carty-Williams Interviewed guest: Mina Keshavarz Interviewed guest: Calina Toqir Interviewed guest: Susannah Hardyman Interviewed guest: Natalie Perera Interviewed guest: Dave McPartlin

Rosamund Pike, Covid-19 and women's finances, Florence Given, Fertility clinics Jun 13, 2020

The scientist Marie Skłodowska Curie is recognised throughout the world but how much do you really know about her and her ground breaking Nobel prize winning discoveries? The Oscar nominated star of Gone Girl on playing the Nobel prize winning scientist in the film Radioactive.

The debt advice charity, Step Change, warned that British households are expected to rack up debts worth a combined £6bn because of the health emergency as they fell behind with their bills. And it looks like this will disproportionately impact on women. Jude Kelly, Founder of the Women of the World Festival who is involved in the Insuring Women’s Futures programme, Zubaida Haque, Interim Director of the Runnymede Trust and a member of the Independent Sage and a commissioner for the Women’s Budget Group and Amy Cashman, CEO of Kantar’s Insights Division discuss.

Protests are expected this weekend across the UK. What do you do if your child wants to go? We hear from Monique Bouffé who is a member of the Black Protest Legal UK Support team, as well as Talja Parkinson who has three sons..

Fertility clinics were told last month that they could reopen as long as social distancing measures were in place. Being without access to fertility treatment has left thousands of couples – as well as single women – worried that they might run out of chances to conceive. We hear from Dr Zeynep Gurtin, Lecturer at the Institute for Women's Health at University College London, Rachel Cuttings from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, and Seetal Savla who has just restarted her fertility treatment.

The historian Bettany Hughes talks about her new Channel 5 series A Greek Odyssey where she retraces the steps of Odysseus from the coast of Turkey where the mythical Trojan War took place to the island of Ithaca in the West of Greece.

Florence Given is a 21-year-old artist, writer and feminist. In 2019 she was named Cosmopolitan’s Influencer of the Year. She has just written her first book, Women Don’t Owe You Pretty. She tells us why girls and women don’t owe prettiness to anyone.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Candice Brathwaite, Protests, Misogyny Jun 12, 2020

Candice Brathwaite set up the group called Make Motherhood Diverse in order to set right a wrong. When pregnant, she didn't recognise anything in books and online that she could relate to. So she set up the group to reflect a broader spectrum of motherhood. She tells us about her debut book I Am Not Your Baby Mother, a guide to life as a Black British mum.

Protests are expected this weekend across the UK. So what do you do if your child wants to go? What conversations should parents be having beforehand? What do children need to know about their rights and safety? We hear from Monique Bouffé who's a member of the Black Protest Legal UK Support team as well as Talja Parkinson who has three sons: her oldest, who's 16, has been protesting with his friends.

The link between misogyny and domestic violence will be discussed by MPs next week as part of their line-by-line examination of the Domestic Abuse Bill. Some people want misogyny to be classed as a hate crime. Will it happen?

Photo credit: Zoe Timmers

Covid - Impact on Women's Finances; Bettany Hughes; Berta Cáceres. Jun 11, 2020

A picture is slowly emerging of what has happened to women’s personal finances since the Covid 19 pandemic began. The debt advice charity, Step Change, warned that British households are expected to rack up debts worth a combined £6bn because of the health emergency as they fell behind with their bills. And it looks like this will disproportionately impact on women. Jenni talks to Jude Kelly, Founder of the Women of the World Festival who is involved in the Insuring Women’s Futures programme, Zubaida Haque, Interim Director of the Runnymede Trust and a member of the Independent Sage and a commissioner for the Women’s Budget Group and Amy Cashman, CEO of Kantar’s Insights Division.

The historian Bettany Hughes tells Jenni about her new series A Greek Odyssey where she retraces the steps of Odysseus from the coast of Turkey where the mythical Trojan War took place to the island of Ithaca in the West of Greece. Sailing through the Greek islands, she makes new archaeological discoveries, visits iconic sites and uncovers the truth around the myths and legends of the ancient world; including iconic women such as Hera, Helen, Calypso and Iphigenia. A Greek Odyssey with Bettany Hughes launches tomorrow, Friday 12 June, at 9pm on Channel 5.

Coronavirus has made visible a group of people who were often invisible – volunteers. Thousands of people signed up to help the NHS as a volunteer. Local residents’ groups have got together to help those who can’t get to the shops, or to call people who might be experiencing severe isolation. Before lockdown, Woman’s Hour began interviewing women who volunteered in all sorts of areas – who see a gap, or a problem to be solved, and just get on with it – Troupers. They told their stories to Laura Thomas. Today it’s the turn of Jacqui Shimidzu, who runs the Hill Station Café in South London.

Berta Cáceres – a celebrated Honduran environmental activist and indigenous leader – was murdered in 2016. She had dedicated her life to fighting for the land and water rights of indigenous Lenca communities in the west of the country. But after a relentless stream of threats, intimidation and harassment failed to deter her, Berta was brutally killed. Nina Lakhani was the only Western journalist to follow the trial and has herself faced threats and defamation campaigns in her quest to bring Berta’s story to a global audience. She talks to Jenni.

Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Homelessness, Touch, Caring Jun 10, 2020

Fear of becoming homeless is one of the factors that stops women leaving an abusive relationship. That’s according to the charity Women’s Aid which carried out research before covid, and collected evidence of women sofa-surfing, staying with friends or having difficulty getting a place in a refuge if they did leave. But now we're in lockdown have things got better or worse?

In our latest Corona Diary we speak to ex-pat, Carol. She lives in Australia but was planning to move her whole family back to the UK. She wants to be closer to her elderly parents, but the complications of coronavirus have put a spanner in the works.

Lockdown may be lifting at different rates around the UK, but for some people it still may be a long time before they see others from different households and what's more. touch them. Henrietta Harrison speaks to three women about missing touch, and how they're getting around it.

Penny Wincer has written about caring. In her new book called Tender, she combines her own experiences as a carer with the experiences of others. She offers hints, guidance and support.

Rosamund Pike; Violence against grandparents; No-fault divorce; Florence Given Jun 09, 2020

We look at the first UK study into the physical, emotional and financial abuse of some grandparents who are looking after their grandchildren as part of kinship care arrangements. Jane talks to the author of the report Dr Amanda Holt, a Reader in Criminology at the University of Roehampton and to Lucy Peake, the CEO of the kinship care charity Grandparents Plus.

The scientist Marie Curie is recognised throughout the world but how much do you really know about her and her ground breaking Nobel prize winning discoveries? The Oscar nominated star of Gone Girl and A Private War Rosamund Pike on playing the Nobel prize winning scientist Marie Curie in the film Radioactive.

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill currently before Parliament means that “no fault” divorce is set to finally become law. Under the proposed law, a spouse could start divorce proceedings by stating a marriage has broken down irretrievably, rather than allege adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion. Family lawyers have long called for the reform to reduce unnecessary conflict between couples, especially where children are concerned. We discuss what it will mean.

Florence Given is a 21-year-old artist, writer and feminist. In 2019 she was named Cosmopolitan’s Influencer of the Year. She has over 400,000 followers on Instagram. She has just written her first book, Women Don’t Owe You Pretty. She joins Jane to talk about body image, relationships, sexuality and why girls and women don’t owe prettiness to anyone.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Sarah Crawley Interviewed guest: Dr Amanda Holt Interviewed guest: Lucy Peake Interviewed guest: Rosamund Pike Interviewed guest: Liz Trinder Interviewed guest: Holly Atkins Interviewed guest: Florence Given

Fertility Clinics during Covid-19, Mothers in Prison, Monica Dolan Jun 08, 2020

Harriet Harman MP, raises concerns about the current treatment of mothers in prison during Covid-19 and the impact on their children and family life.. Fertility clinics were told last month that they could reopen as long as social distancing measures were in place. Being without access to fertility treatment has left thousands of couples – as well as single women – worried that they might run out of chances to conceive, and run out of time. Research has begun into the impact of clinic coronavirus delays on people’s lives, relationships and feelings. Public toilets have been a well-known victim of council cuts, leaving the UK with 50% fewer toilets than a decade ago. Coronavirus has caused even more closures – albeit temporarily. But where does that leave people who need urgent access to the loo? Monica Dolan is best known for her role as senior communications officer Tracey Pritchard in the BBC’s comedy W1A. We speak to her about her latest film ‘Days of the Bagnold Summer’ about a mother and her relationship with her heavy metal loving teenage son. Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Harriet Harman MP Interviewed guest: Seetal Savla Interviewed guest: Zeynep Gurtin Interviewed guest: Rachel Cutting Interviewed guest: Bekki Farrar Interviewed guest: Monica Dolan Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Children and racism, BAME NHS staff, Ocean Autopsy Jun 06, 2020

The US has been convulsed by nationwide protests over the death of an African-American man in police custody. George Floyd, 46, died after being arrested outside a shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota. But what are black parents here saying to their youngsters about some of the images coming from America and about the protests about racism in the UK? We hear from parents Teiko Dornor, Ama Ocansey and Iesha Small.

We hear from Carol Cooper, a diversity lead within the NHS, about race issues in the nursing profession and the way that race is being responded to as a risk factor as the NHS tackles Covid-19.

How are our attitudes towards dating changing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic? Has it changed how people feel about meeting prospective partners in real life – now couples can meet for physically distanced dating? We hear from listeners Katie, Rachael and Gina and from Oloni a sex and relationship content creator and Zoe Strimpel the author of Seeking Love in Modern Britain.

The physicist and oceanographer Dr Helen Czerski tells us about her documentary Ocean Autopsy on BBC Four.

We hear how disabled women, who are shielding at home because they are considered ‘extrememely clinical vulnerable’ to Covid-19, are finding this experience. Katie Pennick talks to Fi Anderson, Sarabajaya Kumar and Amy Kavanagh.

And ‘The Other One’ is new comedy about a girl called Catherine Walcott. And another girl called Catherine Walcott. Half-sisters who had no idea the other existed until their father died. We hear from the creator Holly Walsh and one of the stars taking on the role of Catherine - Ellie White.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Rabeka Nurmahomed

Race issues in the nursing profession. Oceanographer Dr Helen Czerski. Desert Island Discs Day. Jun 05, 2020

Carol Cooper was awarded Nursing’s Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year award in 2019, she is a Regional NHS Head of equality, diversity and human rights and is the a Royal College of Nursing expert lead for BME Suicide Awareness, Equality, Diversity and Human Rights. She is also a Registered Nurse. She talks to Jenni Murray about race issues in the nursing profession and the way it's being responded to as a risk factor, as the NHS tackles Covid-19.

More in our series celebrating the women who get things done – the Troupers. Today, Louise Kershaw, the treasurer of the Flixton Social Lites WI in Cheshire

Plus ahead of World Oceans Day on Monday, the physicist, oceanographer and bubbles enthusiast, Dr Helen Czerski, talks about her time on board the Pelagia, a Dutch Oceanographic research vessel and her mission to perform a comprehensive health check on the North Sea.

And as we celebrate Desert Island Discs Day on Radio 4, Danelle Pettman tells us about the track that’s made all the difference to her life in lock down.

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Carol Cooper Guest; Louise Kershaw Guest; Dr Helen Czerski, Guest; Danelle Pettman

Disabled women in lockdown, Rape in Nigeria, and Troupers Jun 04, 2020

As we move to ease lockdown restrictions in this country, and look ahead to the “new normal”, there are a large number of people who are still very much in lockdown. Many people with medical conditions that make them “extremely clinically vulnerable” to COVID-19 are “shielding” for a minimum of 12 weeks. Shielding means staying in your home and not leaving for any reason, not even for exercise or to get food. How are disabled women finding this experience, and are they getting the support they need? Katie Pennick is a disability activist and journalist. She spoke to three other disabled women – Fi Anderson, Sarabajaya Kumar and Amy Kavanagh - to see how they have been affected.

The next in our series celebrating the women who get things done – the Troupers. They are very bad at blowing their own trumpets so we are doing it for them. Mairi MacLean was born in the village of Morar in the Scottish Highlands. She has been campaigning for years to provide somewhere to play for the local children. Her friend Alison Stewart is keen she gets recognition for her efforts.

And the rape and murder of a 22 year old microbiology student in a church in Benin City Nigeria has caused outrage across the country. Uwaila Omozuwa, who was using the church as a quiet place to study, was rushed to hospital after the attack but died last Saturday. A march protesting her death took place in Benin on Monday and #JusticeforUwa has been trending on Twitter. Amnesty International says that Nigeria government’s response to rape continues to be woefully inadequate. So what needs to be done to prevent sexual violence against women in the country? Jenni is joined by Osai Ojigho, Country Director of Amnesty International in Nigeria.

Drummer Meg Learmonth, Direct selling and women, Anorexia in lockdown, The Other One Jun 03, 2020

While the world has gone into lockdown and economies have crashed, one type of business has been seeing double-digit growth – direct selling. Independent consultants for big names such as Body Shop at Home, Forever Living, Avon, Usborne Books at Home and Arbonne have been reporting huge increases in sales and recruitment in response to regular shops closing their doors. But while proponents of ‘multi-level marketing’ or ‘direct to consumer’ selling say it provides an opportunity for women to earn money on their own terms, critics say that the business model sits precariously close to being a pyramid scheme. So what do women need to know? Jenni talks to Susannah Schofield, the DG of the Direct Selling Association; Hannah Martin of the Talented Ladies Club; and Clare from Hertfordshire, who talks about her experience of working in the industry.

Meg Learmonth was just 18 when she was appointed drummer for the Stormzy collaborator Mura Masa. She describes how drumming was “love at first hit”, the tale behind her broken foot, touring before lockdown and her part in a 21 day drumming marathon to raise money for the NHS. Meg's 12 hour drumming shift is being streamed this Thursday, 4th June.

What is it like coping with lockdown while living with an eating disorder? For today’s Woman’s Hour Corona Diaries, listener Jennie talks about her experience – including how being forced to stay at home has led to her making positive steps towards recovery.

The Other One is new comedy on BBC1. It’s all about a girl called Catherine Walcott. And another girl called Catherine Walcott. Half-sisters who had no idea the other existed until their father died. Jenni talks to its creator Holly Walsh and one of the stars taking on the role of Catherine - Ellie White.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Susannah Schofield Interviewed guest: Hannah Martin Interviewed guest: Meg Learmonth Interviewed guest: Holly Walsh Interviewed guest: Ellie White

Talking to kids about the US protests; Trouper Sandy Collver; Dating after lockdown Jun 02, 2020

The US has been convulsed by nationwide protests over the death of an African-American man in police custody. George Floyd, 46, died after being arrested by police outside a shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota. But what are black parents here saying to their youngsters about some of the images coming from America, such as the arrest footage itself, then the violent demonstrations and the angry confrontations between protesters and the police? And how does what happens there relate to how things are here?

Could Neanderthal genes be influencing the fertility of modern humans? New research shows that one in three women in Europe have inherited sections of Neanderthal DNA that make them have fewer bleedings during pregnancy, fewer miscarriages and give birth to more children. Dr Hugo Zeberg from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany explains what it might mean for future fertility research.

How are attitudes towards dating changing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic? Has it changed how people feel about meeting prospective partners in real life? And now couples can meet for physically distanced dating, how confident will people feel about getting physically intimate once restrictions are lifted further? Zoe Strimpel is the author of Seeking Love in Modern Britain: Gender, Dating and the Rise of ‘the Single’. Oloni is a sex and relationships content creator.

Coronavirus has made visible an often forgotten group of people – volunteers. Thousands have signed up to help the NHS, local residents’ groups have got together to help those who can’t get to the shops, or to call people who might be experiencing severe isolation. Before lockdown, Woman’s Hour began interviewing women who volunteered in all sorts of areas – from community cafes to food banks and working with the homeless. They're women who see a gap or a problem to be solved, and just get on with it – Troupers. They told their stories to Laura Thomas. Today it’s the turn of Sandy Collver, a volunteer nurse with St Johns Ambulance Sussex Homeless Service.

Troupers: the founders of the Profanity Embroidery Group. Tackling debt. Midwives on the benefits of colostrum Jun 01, 2020

More from our series that celebrates the women who get things done – the Troupers. They're very bad at blowing their own trumpets so we're doing it for them. Today we hear from Annie Taylor and Wendy Robinson the founders of the Profanity Embroidery Group in Whitstable.

After building up credit card debt of £25,000 Clare Seal decided she had to do something drastic to deal with it. She set up an Instagram account to make herself accountable. Posting anonymously she shared her story and offered advice and solidarity to a growing community of people. She’s now written a book with tips and advice for others in a similar situation. It’s called Real Life Money: an honest guide to taking control of your finances

Plus two midwives from Kent Kent midwives - Sally Sidhu and Jan Gatehouse - who've just an award for their work on promoting colostrum tell Jane all about the benefits of so called "liquid gold" especially for premature babies.

And as some children in England return to school how do you deal with a child who still needs to be shielded.

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Annie Taylor Guest; Wendy Robinson Guest; Clare Seal Guest; Sally Sidhu Guest; Jan Gatehouse

Women, alcohol and lockdown, The Equal Pay Act at 50, Public toilets, Giving birth in lockdown May 30, 2020

An editorial in the British Medical Journal reported that one in five harmful and dependent drinkers got the help they needed, and now the proportion will be lower. How do you cope with an alcohol problem under lockdown? We hear the experience of a listener, the journalist Catherine Renton who has been sober for over 3 years, and from Julia Sinclair, professor of Addiction Psychiatry, University of Southampton and consultant in alcohol addiction. She’s also chair of the Royal College of Psychiatry’s addiction faculty.

It is fifty years since the Equal Pay Act became law. However, it’s proved tricky over the years for women to find out what their male comparators were earning. It’s also proved tricky for women without financial and legal support to use the law. However, cases have been brought over the years and as the law has been strengthened. Frances O’Grady, General Secretary of the TUC and Jane Hannon, Employment partner at the law firm DLA Piper discuss.

The writer Michele Roberts discusses her memoir Negative Capability - written after the rejection of a novel by her publisher caused hurt and depression.

Lizzie tells her story of giving birth during lockdown. We also hear from the obstetrician Dr Kenga Sivarajah.

Council cuts have meant that there are 50% fewer public toilets than a decade ago. Coronavirus has caused even more closures – albeit temporarily. But where does that leave people who need urgent access to the loo? Jo Umbers from the Bladder and Bowel community explains how this issue is affecting women of all ages. Raymond Martin, from the British Toilet Association, discusses the economic and health importance of public toilets in a post-Covid world.

Jackie Kay, the National Poet for Scotland, discusses her new online poetry and music festival Makar to Makar, which is streaming via the National Theatre of Scotland's YouTube channel. We also hear poetry from Gerda Stevenson and music from Claire Brown, who are both performing in the festival.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

The Equal Pay Act at 50, Rachael Hearson Health Visitor, Public Toilets May 29, 2020

It’s fifty years since the Equal Pay Act became law, though employers were given a couple of years to prepare for the change to take effect. The legislation followed the strike of a group of women machinists at the Ford factory in Dagenham who wanted to be paid just as a man would for doing skilled work. It set out that an individual can claim equal pay for work of equal value. However, it’s proved tricky over the years for women to find out what their male comparators were earning. It’s also proved tricky for women without financial and legal support to use the law. However, cases have been brought over the years and as the law has been strengthened. Last year, Glasgow City Council agreed to pay out a reported £548 million in compensation to thousands of women who were paid less than men working in jobs on the same grade. Jane is joined by Frances O’Grady, General Secretary of the TUC and by Jane Hannon, Employment partner at the law firm DLA Piper

Health visiting is one of those professions that most people think is a bit of a non-job. After 40 years in the NHS and 30 as a health visitor, Rachael Hearson tells us why this is not the case. She’s written about her experiences and explains how the role has changed and why it’s needed more now than ever before. Her book is called Handle With Care.

Public toilets have been a well-known victim of council cuts, leaving the UK with 50% fewer toilets than a decade ago. Coronavirus has caused even more closures – albeit temporarily. But where does that leave people who need urgent access to the loo? Jo Umbers from the Bladder and Bowel community explains how this issue is affecting women of all ages. Raymond Martin, from the British Toilet Association, discusses the economic and health importance of public toilets in a post-Covid world.

Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel

Women, alcohol & lockdown; Jenny Colgan; Michele Roberts May 28, 2020

Last week an editorial in the BMJ reported that before Covid-19 only one in five harmful and dependent drinkers got the help they needed, and now the proportion will be lower. There is concern for those struggling with dependence and those on the brink of dependence. How do you cope with an alcohol problem under lockdown? And what support is out there? We hear the experience of a listener, the journalist Catherine Renton who has been sober for over 3 years and from Julia Sinclair, professor of Addiction Psychiatry, University of Southampton and consultant in alcohol addiction. She’s also chair of the Royal College of Psychiatry’s addiction faculty.

Jenny Colgan's latest novel is called Five Hundred Miles From You. It's about a nurse in London and a nurse in the Scottish Highlands. It explores everything they've seen in their careers and whether or not they can help each other.

Coronavirus has made visible a group of people who were often invisible – volunteers. Thousands of people signed up to help the NHS as a volunteer. Local residents’ groups have got together to help those who can’t get to the shops, or to call people who might be experiencing severe isolation. Before lockdown, Woman’s Hour began interviewing women who volunteered in all sorts of areas – community cafes, at food banks, working with the homeless. Women who see a gap, or a problem to be solved, and just get on with it – Troopers. They told their stories to Laura Thomas. Today Annie Taylor and Wendy Robinson, the founders of the Profanity Embroidery Group in Whitstable.

How do authors cope with the rejection of the books they are writing? Struggling after her latest novel was rejected by publishers Michèle Roberts decided to write down everything that had happened. In the resulting memoir of a year, Negative Capability, Michèle reckons with the hurt and depression caused by the rejection. She rewrites and edits her novel, reconnects with and loses treasured friends, ultimately finding acceptance and understanding.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Sarah Crawley Interviewed guest: Catherine Renton Interviewed guest: Julia Sinclair Interviewed guest: Jenny Colgan Interviewed guest: Annie Taylor Interviewed guest: Wendy Robinson Interviewed guest: Michèle Roberts Reporter: Laura Thomas

Office Cleaners, Cassa Pancho, Jackie Kay May 27, 2020

The UK cleaning sector is worth almost £50bn a year to the country’s economy. It employs more than 900,000 people, mostly women. Right now, many are vulnerable. Some feel they won't be able to stop working if they fall ill or have to self- isolate because they can't afford it. Jenni speaks to Katy, a cleaner. Also Maria Gonzalez who's an employment barrister and Janet Macleod who's a Unite representative

Cassa Pancho set up Ballet Black twenty years ago. It's a professional ballet company for Black and Asian dancers, and from the start its aim was to make the dance world more diverse. As well as Cassa, we also talk to Cira Robinson who performed with Stormzy at last year's Glastonbury. Tonight Ballet Black is part of a new BBC TV series called Danceworks.

Jackie Kay, the National Poet for Scotland, also known as Makar, discusses her new online poetry and music festival. It's called Makar to Makar and streams via the National Theatre of Scotland's YouTube channel. We also hear from Gerda Stevenson who's a writer, actor, director and singer and is on Jackie's show, plus the singer Claire Brown, who performs a beautiful, traditional Scottish song live.

Troopers, Billionaires, Postnatal Support May 26, 2020

TROOPERS is a new series of ours starting today. It's about the women in our communities who get things done, and many of them are volunteers. We begin with Margaret Johnson who works as a volunteer at Chester Storyhouse which is a cinema, theatre and library. She runs the Chatter and Natter group.

We've got more on the Dominic Cummings situation and his trip to Durham. Katy Balls from the Spectator and Helen Lewis from the Atlantic discuss things said in last night's press conference which might have leapt out for women especially.

Following on from yesterday's programme about having a baby during lockdown, today we talk about what postnatal support is there for you. We hear from Linzy Thurlaway who's a midwife, antenatal educator and also runs postnatal and baby massage courses. She founded a Facebook group called Antenatal and Postnatal Education and Support North East. The Sunday Times Rich List 2020 includes a record number of women but it's still only 150 out of 1000 people. The number from BAME backgrounds is even lower. We speak to Annabelle Williams, the author of Why Women Are Poorer Than Men and What We Can Do About It.

Having a baby in lockdown May 25, 2020

We hear from you about what it’s like to be pregnant, give birth and look after a new baby in the Covid-19 lockdown.

Antenatal, labour and post-natal care has had to transform in the last two months, in order to combat the virus. Pregnant women are considered a vulnerable group to Covid and are recommended to self-isolate for their third trimester. Routine face-to-face appointments have been reduced and more is being done by phone. The way you give birth may have had to change, and partners can no longer stay on labour wards beyond the birth itself. And of course for new parents, family and friends haven’t been able to visit in person.

What has all this meant for you? As well as the challenges, have there been any unexpected upsides? Jane is joined by midwife Leah Hazard and obstetrician Dr Kenga Sivarajah to hear your stories.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Sarah Crawley Interviewed Guest: Leah Hazard Interviewed Guest: Dr Kenga Sivarajah Interviewed Guest: Ibukun Fisher Interviewed Guest: Elsa Rickett-Trueman Interviewed Guest: Laura le Masurier Interviewed Guest: Kate Duncan Interviewed Guest: Lizzie Williams Interviewed Guest: Frankie Eshun

Laura Wright, Extended Maternity Leave, Baroness Doreen Lawrence May 23, 2020

The soprano Laura Wright tells us about her new single released with The Choir of Royal Holloway, University of London to mark Mental Health Awareness week.

Baroness Doreen Lawrence discusses why the Labour Party are conducting its own enquiry into why people from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities are more than four times more likely to die as a result of Covid-19 than their white counterparts.

Two twenty-somethingsJackie Adedeji and Erin Bradshaw tell us how life has changed for them since the pandemic began.

The author Glennon Doyle tells us about her book untamed which explains why we should all listen to and trust the voice deep inside us.

Should maternity leave be extended because of the lockdown? The parents of a 6 month old have had more than 200 thousand signatures to a petition asking the government to extend it by three months. We hear from James one of the parents who started the petition and from Cheryl Adams the Executive director of the Institute of Health Visiting on the difficulties faced by new parents at this time.

Professor Marion Turner an expert on medieval England tells us why The Plague led to increased wages, greater employment, more migration to towns and, ultimately, to greater independence for women.

What makes someone want to go to see the same musical at the theatre time and time again? We hear from documentary maker Mark Dooley about his film, Repeat Attenders – which follows some of musical theatre’s superfans – including Gudrun Mangel a huge fan of Starlight Express.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

Singer Laura Wright, Covid-19 and Oestrogen, Professor Heather Viles and Covid-19 and Fashion. May 22, 2020

The soprano Laura Wright first came to prominence when she won the BBC Radio 2 Young Chorister of the Year in 2005 aged just 15. A lover of sport, she’s well known for her performances at huge sporting events from the FA Cup Final, British Grand Prix, Invictus Games and being England Rugby team’s first ever official anthem singer. She tells Jenni how during lockdown she has been using her voice by working with organisations and charities to address the challenges of isolation. To mark Mental Health Awareness week, she’s released a new single with The Choir of Royal Holloway, University of London in aid of charity.

Could oestrogen provide some kind of protection against Covid-19? Dr Louise Newson is a GP and menopause specialist. She is working closely with NHS England to see whether women having periods or taking hormonal therapies like the pill and HRT are protected in some way. Covid Symptom Study: https://covid.joinzoe.com/

Professor Heather Viles has been awarded the Royal Geographical Society's prestigious Founder's Medal for her excellence in establishing the field of bio-geomorphology - the scientific study of the physical landscape, and how plants and animals help with those process. She joins Jenni to discuss her career: from researching the contribution of acid rain to the deterioration of English cathedrals, to studying black slime growing on rocks at the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles.

We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on the global economy. One area that has been hit particularly hard is the fashion industry. What will be the long term impact and how is Coronavirus forcing us to think differently about fashion? Kenya Hunt is the Fashion Director at Grazia UK. Annie Clarke is a merchandise manager.

Presenter - Jenni Murray Producer - Clare Walker

Guest - Laura Wright Guest - Dr Louise Newson Guest - Heather Viles Guest - Kenya Hunt Guest - Annie Clarke

Baroness Doreen Lawrence. Author Glennon Doyle. Covid-19 and the impact on women's jobs May 21, 2020

Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Labour’s race relations adviser.

What will be the long term impact of Covid-19 on women in the workforce?

Plus as just over 400 prisoners and more than 500 prison staff in England and Wales have tested positive for the virus, how's the pandemic affected the way prison and probation officers carry out their work. We hear from Anita, who’s a prison officer at a male young offenders institute and Ellen who’s a probation officer in Leicester.

And Jenni talks to the best selling author Glennon Doyle who poses the question" Who were you before the world told you who to be?" in her new book "Untamed"

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Baroness Doreen Lawrence Guest; Glennon Doyle Guest; Sam Smethers Guest; Anna Ritchie Allan Guest; Anita Guest; Ellen

Supporting young mental health May 20, 2020

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, we look at why it’s important to discuss mental health and trauma with young people. The Mental Health Foundation reports that 70% of children and young people who experience a mental health problem have not had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age. Why does this matter and what impact can it have on a child’s progression and adulthood? Ebinehita Iyere is a youth practitioner and works with young people who have experienced trauma or grown up in difficult circumstances. Anneli Roberts is a mental health campaigner and blogger.

Could Covid-19 lead to the end of the some girls' right to an education? Room to Read is a global NGO working in 16 countries supporting literacy programmes and girls in secondary education. Sarah Myers Cornaby , Senior Development Director for Europe and Africa says many of the thousands of girls they mentor may never return to school after the pandemic.

Woman’s Hour Corona Diaries are creating a unique social record of the thoughts and experiences of women during this extraordinary time. Today listener Polly, who lives in Normandy tells us how her daily online musings help her keep in touch with friends and family back home.

The Plague in the 14th century took millions of lives. But those who survived led to increased wages, higher employment, migration to towns and, ultimately, to greater independence for women. Professor Marion Turner teaches at Jesus College, University of Oxford and is an expert on medieval England and argues that pandemics and major unexpected events have had some positive consequences.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Ebinehita Iyere Interviewed guest: Anneli Roberts Interviewed guest: Sarah Myers Cornaby Interviewed guest: Marion Turner

Should maternity leave be extended for corona-era parents? May 19, 2020

The parents of a six month old have set up a petition asking the government to extend maternity leave by an extra three months. They believe that the lockdown has meant parents have missed out on the usual things you’d do on maternity, putting them at a disadvantage. There’s already been a parliamentary Q&A about this, and the signatures are still coming in. It’s not know yet whether it’ll be debated in the House of Commons but there will be another Q&A session on Thursday this week. Jane discusses the arguments with the petition's originator.

After the summer half term holiday, some children will be returning to school. Those in reception and years 1,6, 10 and 12 will be the first to be welcomed back to the classroom in just under two weeks’ time. Many headteachers have begun speaking to parents about their concerns and their likely decision. We discuss the issues that parents are having to weigh up and the pressures that they face.

In her new book of short stories ‘The Ministry of Guidance and Other Stories’, Golnoosh Nour shares the rich and varied experiences of queer Iranians. She talks to Jane about how her writing was inspired by interviews with her friends, and how she wanted to depict strong Iranian women to counteract their regular portrayal as victims.

Samaritans volunteers have always been there, 24 hours a day, to listen to people in crisis. But how are they coping with the added strain of coronavirus? Listener Anne from Folkestone talks about her experience for today’s Woman’s Hour Corona Diary.

Even before lockdown, younger people were turning to gardening in their droves – filling their Instagram feeds with beautifully tended houseplants and waxing lyrical about the therapeutic effects. But now we’re all housebound, more people might be tempted to transform their surroundings. But how easy is it to get gardening for the first time? Alice Vincent and Claire Ratinon give us their advice. Alice is a recent convert, she gardens on a balcony in London and her real time gardening audiobook “Seeds from Scratch” comes out this week. Claire Ratinon wouldn’t have thought twice about growing anything until 5 or 6 years ago – but she now specialises in growing food organically in urban spaces and her book “How to grow your dinner without leaving the house” comes out in August.

Presenter - Jane Garvey Producer - Anna Lacey Guest - James Zammit-Garcia Guest - Cheryll Adams Guest - Katherine Birbalsingh Guest - Anne Guest - Alice Vincent Guest - Claire Ratinon Guest - Golnoosh Nour

Repeat Attenders, Lockdown in your 20s, Kindness May 18, 2020

What makes someone want to go to see the same show at the theatre time and time again? We talk to documentary maker Mark Dooley about his film, Repeat Attenders – which follows some of musical theatre’s super-fans – and to Gudrun Mangel who features in the film and has found the confidence to be herself as a huge fan of Starlight Express.

Most young people are at low risk of catching or falling seriously ill because of COVID-19 but it’s still having a serious impact. From future job prospects to living arrangements, how is the Coronavirus pandemic and lockdown affecting women in their twenties? Jackie Adedeji is 26 and has moved back in with her parents. Erin Bradshaw is 22 and taking her final exams in her third year at university.

We are currently living through a time when kindness is very much to the fore, frequently commented on and valued. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to spontaneous, widely recognised and (literally) applauded acts of kindness, from individuals and communities across the UK. From the one million-plus volunteers who signed up to assist the most vulnerable, to the donation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) equipment by businesses. Today the Mental Health Foundation are publishing the results of a poll about attitudes to kindness and mental health as part of Mental Health Awareness Week which this year is focusing on the theme of kindness. Lucy Thorpe is their head of policy.

Comics are attracting an increasing female readership and is filled with women telling their stories. Trina Robbins is a collector, art historian and one of the pioneering women in the underground comic scene of the late 60s and 70s. She’s the co-creator of a new exhibition ‘Women in Comics: Looking Forward and Back’ in New York. UK Comics Laureate Hannah Berry is undertaking a national survey gathering data to ensure the best representation for comic creators whose voices often aren’t heard. Charlotte Mei is an illustrator whose first narrative comic is being featured in an upcoming publication, featuring an all-female group of artists.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Jackie Adedeji Interviewed guest: Erin Bradshaw Interviewed guest: Mark Dooley Interviewed guest: Gudrun Mangel Interviewed guest: Lucy Thorpe Interviewed guest: Trina Robbins Interviewed guest: Hannah Berry Interviewed guest: Charlotte Mei

Woman and boundaries, Ida B Wells, Cycling, Dementia May 16, 2020

How do you manage to create boundaries between work and home during lockdown? Dr Yasin Rofcanin, of the University of Bath’s School of Management discusses his new research exploring how COVID-19 is impacting our understanding of boundaries. We also hear from Chloë Davies, head of PR and Partnerships at myGwork, and Melanie Eusebe, management consultant and chair of the Black British Business Awards.

Ida B. Wells was an journalist and campaigner. She's just been honoured with a special Pulitzer Price for her courageous reporting of the violence inflicted on African Americans during the lynching era. Professor Paula J. Giddings, who's written a biography of her, tells us about Ida and all that she achieved.

How is lockdown affecting people living with dementia, as well as their carers? Linda Clare, Professor of Clinical Psychology of Ageing and Dementia at the University of Exeter, and Philly Hare, Co-Director of Innovations in Dementia discuss.

Nurse and poet Molly Case reads her poem 'Hold Your Pen Torches High'.

Listener Nadine tells us how the government advice for over-70s has affected her. Gabrielle Rifkind, psychotherapist and director of the conflict resolution organisation Oxford Process, and Professor Jane Lord, professor of immune cell biology and Director of the Institute of Inflammation & Ageing, University of Birmingham discuss social distancing guidance, and how best to communicate when you see risk differently.

Cycling is seeing a huge increase in popularity thanks to people avoiding public transport and wanting to get some exercise. We hear from Krysia Williams from the Bristol Bike Project. Anna Jones has been described as ‘the kind of cook who makes you want to eat vegetarian food even if you're not vegetarian'. She shares some lunchtime ideas.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Relationships between the generations during lockdown May 15, 2020

At the end of the week when government advice started to ease the lockdown we take stock and look at how relationships between the generations have been affected by social distancing measures and shielding. Woman’s Hour listeners tell us how the government advice for over-70s has affected them. We hear how families have responded and how adult children and parents are negotiating their changed roles. And we discuss how best to communicate when you see risk differently.

With Gabrielle Rifkind, Psychotherapist and Director of the conflict resolution organisation Oxford Process, and Professor Jane Lord, Professor of immune cell biology and Director of the Institute of Inflammation & Ageing, University of Birmingham.

Cycling in lockdown; Breast cancer; Expert online masterclasses; Shelley Klein May 14, 2020

Cycling is seeing a huge increase in popularity thanks to people avoiding public transport and wanting to get some exercise. In today’s Woman’s Hour Corona Diaries, Krysia Williams talks about the beauty of cycling in lockdown, and how the Bristol Bike Project – where she works – has been supporting key workers in moving around the city.

Every year, 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer - and 18,000 of those come from screening. Since lockdown there’s been a 70% drop in GP referrals, according to data from Prevent Breast Cancer. Jenni talks to Lester Barr, consultant breast surgeon and founder and chairman of the Prevent Breast Cancer charity, about why early diagnosis is so important and what women should be doing at the moment if they’re worried.

Shelley Klein grew up in the Scottish Borders in a house designed on a modernist open-plan grid; with colourful glass panels set against a forest of trees. Years later Shelley returns to look after her father, Bernat Klein, an uncompromising and ground breaking textile designer who is now in his eighties.. Shelley joins Jenni to talk about intense father daughter relationships, her deep attachment to the house and surrounding landscape and the challenges of returning home to care for an elderly relative.

Reported cases of domestic violence in Russia have more than doubled during the country’s coronavirus lockdown, according to the Russian human rights commissioner, She said in a statement last week that complaints and reports made to Russian non-governmental organisations spiked from roughly 6,000 in March to more than 13,000 in April, It’s in stark contrast to what Russian police are saying. Jenni talks to the BBC Russian's women's affairs reporter Nina Nazarova.

Ida B Wells, Dementia, Midwives May 13, 2020

Ida B. Wells was an journalist and campaigner. She's just been honoured with a special Pulitzer Price for her courageous reporting of the violence inflicted on African Americans during the lynching era. Professor Paula J. Giddings, who's written a biography of her, tells us about Ida and all that she achieved.

We're talking about dementia during lockdown and how challenging it can be for carers. Research carried out by the University of Exeter shows that many people living with dementia, as well as their carers, already felt isolated and lonely before COVID-19 but now these feelings have intensified. Jane speaks to Professor Linda Clare about the research and to Philly Hare who's Co-Director of Innovations in Dementia CIC. They've worked with people who have dementia and have come up with practical tips.

Due to COVID-19 midwives all around the world are facing new challenges. We speak to Anneka Knutsson from the UNFPA which works in over 150 countries and also Tania Akter, who's a midwife in a very remote part of Bangladesh.

And from today, for people in England, restrictions on exercise have been lifted. Now people can do all kinds of sport including fishing! Beaky Allesch-Taylor joins Jane to talk about why she can’t wait to return to the riverbanks for some fly fishing.

Women and boundaries; Anneliese Dodds; Delia Owens May 12, 2020

It’s been seven weeks since the UK went into lockdown, and for many women, the lines between work and home life have become blurred on a day-to-day basis. What’s the best way to create boundaries in order to protect your own mental well-being and a sense of routine? Dr Yasin Rofcanin, of the University of Bath’s School of Management, has worked on new research exploring how COVID-19 is impacting our understanding of boundaries. Chloë Davies is the head of PR and Partnerships at myGwork – a business community for LGBT+ professionals. She’s currently working from home with a four and two year old. Melanie Eusebe is a business professor and a Director at Accenture, a management consulting firm.

Where The Crawdads Sing, the first novel by Delia Owens, has sold more than 6 million copies. Woman’s Hour listeners have suggested it as a perfect lockdown read. Delia talks to Jane from her home in North Carolina – what does the book have to say about loneliness, resilience and the power of nature?

The debate continues about whether or when people who don’t need PPE should wear face masks, and we’ve been talking to women round the world who have dragged out their sewing machines. Khedi is from Chechnya and she now lives in Gdansk. Maria Margaronis spoke to her with the help of a translator and to fellow mask-makers including a Polish psychologist.

On Sunday evening the Prime Minister spoke to the country about the way out of lockdown and yesterday his government published its Covid 19 recovery strategy. Many have complained that the message is unclear, that supporting guidance is not yet ready and that too much is left to appeals to common sense – including the discretion of employers. But many are also anxious to get back to work, to support their families and to get their children back into education and childcare safely. But what account has been made of the economic position of women and including them in plans to rebuild the economy? Anneliese Dodds, Shadow Chancellor and MP for Oxford East discusses her concerns about the government’s plans.

The teenage years are the ones where young people seek independence. So how is it working out now that they’re cooped up at home with their parents 24/7? In today’s Woman’s Hour Corona Diaries, Kate in Cirencester talks about the changing landscape of her relationship with her twin teenage girls, and how they’re trying to establish new boundaries to suit life in lockdown.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Sarah Crawley Interviewed guest: Dr Yasin Rofcanin Interviewed guest: Chloë Davies Interviewed guest: Melanie Eusebe Interviewed guest: Delia Owens Interviewed guest: Khedi Interviewed guest: Anneliese Dodds Interviewed guest: Kate Treadaway Reporter: Maria Margaronis

Nursing, Children's Mental Health, Coronation Street, Anna Jones May 11, 2020

Tomorrow marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. The day's also become International Day of the Nurse. We speak to nurse and poet Molly Case and to Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer in England.

Childline has new figures about the number of under 11s wanting help because of the coronavirus lockdown. Jane talks to Laverne Antrobus a Child Psychologist at the Tavistock Clinic and to NSPCC campaigns manager, Helen Westerman.

Coronation Street is dealing with the issue of coercive control between husband and wife in one of its storylines. We hear from Shelley King who plays Yasmeen who's the victim, as well as Lindsay Williams who's one of the script writers on Corrie. And she's been described as ‘the kind of cook who makes you want to eat vegetarian food even if you're not vegetarian’. Anna Jones shares some fresh ideas about lockdown lunches and the surprising things we can do with a can of tomato soup. Here's one of her recipes:

Caper, herb and egg flatbreads / SERVES 2 AS A LIGHT MEAL

200g thick Greek yoghurt 1 unwaxed lemon 2 avocados 2 organic eggs olive oil 2 medium corn or flour tortillas or wraps (about 12 cm) a few sprigs of soft herbs (I use dill and basil, but mint, tarragon, parsley and chives would all work too) 2 tablespoons small capers a few cornichons, roughly chopped 25g freshly grated Parmesan (I used a vegetarian one)

First, in a bowl mix the yoghurt with the grated zest and juice of half the lemon, a pinch of sea salt and a good grind of black pepper. Cut the avocados into quarters and remove the stones, then cut each one down to the skin in thin slices. Squeeze over the juice from the remaining lemon half and set aside. Beat the eggs in a little cup with a pinch of salt. It’s best to cook the tortillas one by one. Heat a frying pan big enough to fit your tortilla over a medium heat. Add a tiny splash of olive oil, then add half the egg and let it set into a kind of pancake for 10-15 seconds. Working quickly, place a tortilla on top of the egg; you want the egg still to be a bit runny so that it will attach itself to the tortilla as it sets. When the egg has set, use a spatula to turn the whole thing over, sprinkle over half the herbs, half the capers and cornichons and half the cheese. Cook until the cheese has melted. Repeat this process for the second tortilla. To serve, fold the tortillas in half and top with the yoghurt and slices of the avocado. To make a meal of them, serve with a little lemon-dressed green salad.

Anna Lapwood, Women leaders, Getting children back to school May 09, 2020

The conductor and organist Anna Lapwood tells us how she’s trying to get more girls to take up the organ.

Have women leaders handled the global health crisis of Covid-19 better than the men? And, what might explain why? Rosie Campbell, Director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership and Professor of Politics at King’s College London, and Clare Wenham, Assistant Professor in Global Health Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science discuss.

If lockdown measures are relaxed and children start the process of going back to school how will it work? Are social distancing measures remotely feasible with class sizes of 30? We hear from Dr Emma Kell who trains teachers and works for a pupil referral unit and virologist Professor Jonathan Ball.

We look at why the number of women experts used in news programmes across all networks has fallen during the Covid-19 pandemic? Emeritus Professor Lis Howell, who directs the Expert Women Project which records and reports the appearance of women authority figures on news programmes, and former cabinet minister Baroness Morgan of Cotes discuss.

Could your relationship survive one partner’s endurance sport obsession? In her new novel The Motion of the Body Through Space, Lionel Shriver explores the impact of extreme exercise on the ageing body and on one marriage in particular.

Produced by: Rabeka Nurmahomed Presented by: Jenni Murray Editor: Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Rosie Campbell Interviewed guest: Clare Wenham Interviewed guest: Professor Jonathan Ball Interviewed guest: Dr Emma Kell Interviewed guest: Anna Lapwood Interviewed guest: Baroness Morgan of Cotes Interviewed guest: Professor Lis Howell Interviewed guest: Lionel Shriver

75th Anniversary of VE Day, DIY during lockdown, golden age of Irish writing, rape trials in military courts. May 08, 2020

Today marks 75 years since VE day and we remember the end of war in Europe. We speak to Shirley Mann about how her mother’s own war experience inspired her to track down more women’s stories from this time. She shares the stories she discovered of the women who were pilots, wireless operators, and even “plotters” in the Battle of Britain bunker – and what they did next.

Three women from the Armed Forces are taking legal action against the MOD claiming they are victims of sexual assault and rape. Their cases have already gone through military courts but there were no convictions and they believe justice would be better served if their cases were dealt with through the usual routes: the police and the CPS. We hear from lawyer Emma Norton, director of a new organisation called the Centre for Military Justice, who is representing the three women.

Is Ireland going through a ‘golden age of literature’ when it comes to women’s writing? Sally Rooney and Anna Burns are hugely popular but what is behind this boom in new writing? Writers Lucy Caldwell and Jan Carson discuss.

Over the last couple of weeks we’ve been hearing from women around the world who have dragged out their sewing machines to make face masks at home. In the Czech Republic masks are mandatory so Marcela has been doing her bit as she tells Maria Margaronis.

For some people lockdown has proved the perfect time for some DIY and home improvements - from wallpapering to tiling to even a spot of joinery. How comfortable are you about doing the work yourself? We discuss the dos and don’ts with DIY expert Jo Behari and Sarah Beeny, presenter of HGTV’s ‘Renovate Don’t Relocate.’

Women leaders and Covid-19, Lionel Shriver, Florence Nightingale’s bicentenary May 07, 2020

The leaders of the USA, Brazil, Russia, Spain, Italy and the UK have come in for some criticism over their handling of the Coronavirus pandemic. They all have one thing in common, and it has been widely remarked on – they’re men. From Jacinda Ardern to Angela Merkel, women leaders across the world seem to be coping with Covid-19 better. But is it true? And, what might explain why? Jenni talks to Rosie Campbell, Director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership and Professor of Politics at King’s College London and Clare Wenham, Assistant Professor in Global Health Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Could your relationship survive one partner’s endurance sport obsession? In her new novel The Motion of the Body Through Space, Lionel Shriver explores the impact of extreme exercise on the ageing body and on one marriage in particular. Since taking aim at the whole concept of cultural appropriation in a speech at the Melbourne Writers’ Festival in 2016, Shriver has become well known for her criticism of identity politics. How does that manifest in the book? She joins Jenni to discuss.

Over the last couple of weeks we’ve been hearing from women around the world who are making face masks at home for family, health-workers and in this case child refugees in camps in Greece. Rabha Nasr who lives in Greece now spoke to Maria Margaronis, who asked her to choose some music she listens to when she sews.

Next week marks 200 years since the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. We discuss her life, and legacy and impact on nursing in 2020. Anne-Marie Rafferty, Professor of Nursing Policy, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursery, Midwifery and Palliative Care at King’s College, London joins Jenni along with Greta Westwood, CEO of the Florence Nightingale Foundation.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Sarah Crawley Interviewed guest: Rosie Campbell Interviewed guest: Clare Wenham Interviewed guest: Lionel Shriver Interviewed guest: Rabha Nasr Interviewed guest: Anne-Marie Rafferty Interviewed guest: Greta Westwood Reporter: Maria Margaronis

Anna Lapwood, Femicide research, June Almeida May 06, 2020

Anna Lapwood is one of the UK’s few female concert organists. She was the first woman to be awarded an Organ Scholarship at Magdalen College, Oxford, in its 560-year history. She was then appointed the youngest ever Director of Music at Pembroke College at Cambridge University aged just 21. She has used this position to spearhead a number of initiatives including a choir for 11-18 year old girls and the Cambridge Organ Experience for Girls which encourages girls to take up the organ. We hear her Pembroke Chapel Choir performing Media Vita by Karensa Briggs. Anna's also making her presenting debut hosting BBC Four’s coverage of the BBC Young Musician 2020.

MPs are to try to outlaw the courtroom murder defence of “rough sex gone wrong” during parliamentary debates on the domestic abuse bill, as cases of domestic violence soar during the coronavirus lockdown. Elizabeth Yardley is Professor of Criminology and Director of the Centre for Applied Criminology at Birmingham City University. She tells us about her research into femicide in Great Britain in the 21st Century and what action she thinks needs to be taken to save women's lives and achieve justice for those killed.

In 1964, June Almeida identified the first human coronavirus at her laboratory in St Thomas' Hospital in London. Her paper to a peer-reviewed journal was rejected because the referees said the images she produced were just bad pictures of influenza virus particles. She died in 2007 and is only now getting recognition. Medical writer, George Winter explains more about how her research helps us in understanding COVID-19.

Inspired by the tradition of May Queens, the Queens of Industry represented industries like coal mining, railways, wool and cotton. The tradition began in the 1920s and took young women out of their day to day lives to promote their industry and represent their fellow workers. They were celebrated at an exhibition at Leeds Industrial Museum in 2018 and Louise Adamson talked to the exhibition’s curator, John McGoldrick; Deborah Barry, who was Northumbria Coal Queen in 1982 and Doreen Fletcher, née Kerfoot, who was Yorkshire Wool Queen in 1947.

Another in our series of interviews with women around the world who are sewing face masks at home for family, friends and sometimes health-workers to wear during the pandemic. Sara Fitzell is Maori and lives on the North Island of New Zealand.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Elizabeth Yardley Interviewed guest: George Winter Interviewed guest: Anna Lapwood Reporter: Louise Adamson Reporter: Maria Margaronis

How do you feel about sending the kids back to school? May 05, 2020

Many parents have been longing for the the day the kids can go back to school following the lockdown. How are you feeling about sending your children back into the classroom?

Over the last week, a number of old and offensive posts on Twitter have resurfaced. Many of them were written by influencers, artists and presenters. The majority of them contain abusive language towards dark skinned black women. Now the "court of public opinion" is calling for these individuals to be "cancelled". What's behind highlighting something some one said years ago? And what impact is it having on young black women online? .

Despite having no experience of crofting or of island life, Tamsin Calidas moves with her husband from London to a remote island in the Scottish Hebrides. It’s idyllic, for a while but as the months wear on, Tamsin finds herself in ever-increasing isolation. She talks to Jane about beginning her journey back from the brink.

Plus a report out today from the Child Poverty Action Group and the Church of England suggests that tens of thousands of families newly claiming Universal Credit because of the pandemic and shutdown will be affected by the benefit’s two child limit. It means that for claimants with three or more children only those born before 6 April 2017 will be counted in the benefit payment. We hear why they want the cap to be lifted.

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest Tobí Rachel Akingbadé Guest Bella Frimpong Guest Tamsin Calidas Guest Dr Emma Kell Guest Jonathan Ball Guest, Louise McGeehan.

Weddings online. Expert Women Project and Covid. Author Tishani Doshi May 04, 2020

The breakout of COVID-19 has put many aspects of life on hold – including the Big Day. Emily McMahon and her partner Jack Walsh tell us about their online wedding with friends and family over video call.

The Expert Women Project has been recording and reporting the appearance of women authority figures appearing on news programmes for the last five years. Since this project began the number of women experts on these programmes has risen by at least 40%. Emeritus Professor Lis Howell directs the project and the former cabinet minister Baroness Morgan of Cotes, one of its supporters, join Jane to discuss the latest batch of results tracking the appearance of women on flagship news programming during the Covid 19 pandemic.

Tishani Doshi is an Indian poet, writer, and dancer. Her latest novel, Small Days and Nights tells the story of Grace who returns to India from the USA to cremate her mother, only to find out she has an unexpected inheritance, a house on the beach and a sister with down’s syndrome.

How does it feel to be bereaved and living alone during coronavirus? In today’s Woman’s Hour Corona Diaries, Elaine Chambers from Brighton talks about how being forced to give up social activities has affected the process of grief - and how she’s trying to cope with the emotional exhaustion of daily life.

And the programme everyone's talking about the adapation of Sally Rooney's "Normal People" Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Professor Lis Howell Guest; Baroness Morgan of Cote Guest; Tishani Doshi Guest; Elaine Chambers Guest ; Emily McMahon Guest; Jack Walsh Guest; Maria Fleming Guest; Elizabeth Day

Nurses, Dreams, Deborah Feldman, Why babies laugh May 02, 2020

Alison White's memoir Letter to Louis about raising a child with cerebral palsy and learning disabilities was the subject of the Woman's Hour drama. Jenni spoke to Alison and Louis. She also heard from Edel Harris, chief executive of Mencap about life during lockdown for adults with learning disabilities and their carers.

Rachel Winterflood, a critical care nurse; “Mary” who works as a nurse in ICU and Jessica Sainsbury, a student nurse who has opted to finish her training with clinical practice discuss their experiences and concerns working on the frontline.

The psychologist Caspar Addyman on his new book The Laughing Baby, which is all about the science of why babies laugh.

The Netflix series Unorthodox tells the story of a teenager who flees her ultra Orthodox Hasidic Jewish community and an arranged marriage in New York, for a new life in Berlin. The four part drama series is inspired by Deborah Feldman’s 2012 autobiography Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots.

British Indian cook Asma Khan has only ever employed women in her restaurant kitchen since she founded Darjeeling Express in 2015. Forced to close in March, she tells Jenni how she is looking after her staff now, and what she’s been cooking at home during Ramadan.

Some people are experiencing fitful nights in lockdown, with a number of social media users reporting unusually vivid dreams. What is the science behind dreaming? Dr. Megan Crawford from the Sleep Research Unit at Strathclyde University, and the psychotherapist Lucy Beresford discuss.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Nurses on the Frontline; Why babies laugh; Glasgow City FC; Marisa Meltzer May 01, 2020

The number of people who have died with coronavirus in the UK has now passed 26,000, with some 15,000 in hospital. More than 100 NHS workers have died, a third of them nurses. What are the experiences and concerns of nurses working on the front line? Jane Garvey talks to Rachel Winterflood, a critical care nurse; “Mary” who works as a nurse in ICU and Jessica Sainsbury, a student nurse who has opted to finish her training with clinical practice.

We talk to the two women who set up Glasgow City FC in 1988 at a time when sexism was a real problem in achieving equality in women's football (and still is!). Denied the access to the football they wanted to play when they were growing up Laura Montgomery and Cas Stewart decided to create the best team in Scotland and did! Glasgow City FC went on to win 13 consecutive League titles and reach the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter finals twice.

The psychologist Caspar Addyman’s new book The Laughing Baby is all about the science of why babies laugh. He tells us what sets off a peal of delightful giggles and we hear stories and recordings from listeners about the things that have made their babies laugh.

Marisa Meltzer was put on her first diet at the age of 5. Fast forward nearly four decades, Marisa comes across an obituary for Jean Nidetch, the woman who founded Weight Watchers in 1963. Marisa feels a moment of intense connection and decides to sign up for a year of Weight Watchers. In her book, This is Big Marisa ties together the biography of Jean Nidetch with her own story about body image, weight and her complicated relationship to food and dieting.

Contraception & Covid-19; Caroline Nokes MP; Deborah Feldman; Asma Khan Apr 30, 2020

Caroline Nokes was elected chairman of the House of Commons Women and Equalities Select Committee earlier this year. However, her committee had met just once before the lockdown began. She has since launched an inquiry into the unequal impact of Covid 19. Last week, her committee of MPs sat for the first time online. Today is the deadline for anyone wishing to submit written evidence to that inquiry.

With one of the world’s leading condom manufacturers temporarily stopping production due to coronavirus lockdowns, there are fears over shortages of contraceptives. Jenni talks to Dr Sarah Jarvis about the availability of contraceptives, how to access them and make sure you stay protected.

We’re hearing from women around the world who are making face masks at home for family, friends and, in this case, health workers to wear during the Covid 19 pandemic. Humpheretta is from Liberia; she campaigns for a charity supporting women and girls when she’s not at work in a designer clothes shop.

British Indian cook Asma Khan has only ever employed women in her restaurant kitchen since she founded Darjeeling Express in 2015. Forced to close in March, she tells Jenni how she is looking after her staff now, and what she’s been cooking at home during Ramadan.

The Netflix series Unorthodox tells the story of a teenager who flees her ultra Orthodox Hasidic Jewish community and an arranged marriage in New York, for a new life in Berlin. The four part drama series is inspired by Deborah Feldman’s 2012 autobiography Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots.

Presenter - Jenni Murray Producer – Sarah Crawley Guest – Caroline Nokes MP Guest - Dr Sarah Jarvis Guest – Humpheretta Reid Guest – Asma Khan Guest – Deborah Feldman

Asma's Lockdown recipe - Aloo Bharta - Spicy potato mash

Bengal is the land of bhortas – the Bengali pronunciation of the Hindi word ‘bharta’, which means mashed. There are many variations on this dish. Here I am giving the recipe for two of my favourite versions. One is a mix of fresh, raw ingredients while the other requires a bit of cooking. Either way, Aloo Bharta goes perfectly with dal and rice. If you want to make this dish for more than two people, multiply the quantities given below.

Serves 2

2 large baking potatoes (approximately 500 g/1 lb 2 oz)

For the fresh, raw version 2 tbsp mustard oil, olive oil or argan oil 1⁄2 tsp salt 1 green chilli, finely chopped 1 small shallot or red onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves

For the cooked version 2 tbsp mustard oil, olive oil or argan oil 1⁄2 tsp salt 1 dried red chilli, broken into small pieces 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 small shallot or red onion, finely chopped Small handful of coriander (cilantro) leaves, to garnish

Cook the potatoes by either baking or boiling them using your preferred method. While the potatoes are still warm but cool enough to handle, remove their skins. In a bowl, mash the potatoes until smooth, using a masher or fork.

To make the fresh, raw version, simply add all the other ingredients to the mashed potato and mix. Serve at room temperature.

To make the cooked version, in a frying pan (skillet), heat the oil, add all the other ingredients, except the coriander leaves, and fry until brown. Add the warm fried onion mixture to the mashed potatoes and mix. Serve at room temperature with a few fresh coriander leaves scattered over the top.

(Recipe originally printed in Asma's Indian Kitchen)

Alison White, Corona Diaries, Midlife Crisis Apr 29, 2020

All week our drama has been about a woman bringing up her son who has cerebral palsy and learning disabilities. Today we hear from the real people behind the story: Alison White and Louis, who's an adult now. And afterwards we hear from Mencap about life during lockdown for adults with learning disabilities and their carers.

We continue our Corona Diaries. Today we have Kate Tudge who breeds pigs in Herefordshire.

We go to America to speak to Alix Kates Shulman, author of "Memoirs of an Ex-Prom Queen" who's making face masks.

"A midlife crisis" is often used to describe middle-aged men being indulgent or irresponsible. But before it became a cliché, the term was a feminist concept. In 1976, a journalist called Gail Sheehy used it to refer to both men and women who might be reassessing their life and their choices and looking for a change. Susanne Schmidt, a history lecturer at Freie University in Berlin has written a book about Sheehy and her ideas. It's called Midlife Crisis: The Feminist Origins of a Chauvinist Cliché.

Young Carers, Elizabeth Strout, Matilda McCrear Apr 28, 2020

How are young carers coping in the lockdown? We hear from 17 year old James who looks after his mum and grandma. And Dr Kate Blake-Holmes joins us too. She's a social worker at the University of East Anglia and is carrying out research into this area.

As we experience lockdown, how true is it that women comply with public health messages more obediently than men? Dr Michelle Harrison sets out the facts and figures when it comes to gender difference and public health messages.

There's another chance to hear Jane's interview with the American author, Elizabeth Strout. Loads of you suggested her Olive Kitteridge novels for the lockdown.

And who was Matilda McCrear? She was the last-known survivor of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. She was put on a boat to America in 1860 and she lived until 1940. She still has living relatives. The historian, Hannah Dunkin from the University of Newcastle, tells us about her.

Primates, Domestic Violence, Woman's Hour Corona Diaries, Dreams Apr 27, 2020

The Commons Home Affairs Committee warned that without urgent steps to address the issue of domestic violence, families and communities would be dealing with the "devastating consequences" for a generation to come. Jane hears from Yvette Cooper, Chair of the committee.

From the bald-headed white uakari to the Tapanuli orangutan - Nikki Waldron, a producer and director of BBC1 series Primates talks about capturing rarely seen species on film. We also hear from the primatologist Dr Cat Hobaiter, who is studying the gestures of chimpanzees.

How do you care for your mental health when the normal support services are no longer available? Lindsay lives in Glasgow, and for today’s Woman’s Hour Corona Diaries she talks about the difficulties of helping her mum cope with bipolar from a distance – and how she’s been dealing with her own anxiety while adapting to home schooling two young children.

Glenda Young published her debut novel, a saga called Belle of the Back Streets set in her hometown of Ryhope, aged 54. She explains why all her books are set in the same year, the influence of Coronation Street on her writing and how she stopped hiding her writing at the back of her knicker drawer.

Some people are experiencing fitful nights in lockdown, with a number of social media users reporting unusually vivid dreams. What is the science behind dreaming? Dr. Megan Crawford from the Sleep Research Unit at Strathclyde University, and the psychotherapist Lucy Beresford discuss.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Sewing, Victim Blaming & Daisy Edgar Jones Apr 25, 2020

We hear why the lockdown is the perfect time to give sewing and mending your clothes a try with Ros Studd a textiles teacher; Dulcie Scott a TV costume designer and Esme Young the fashion designer and judge on The Great British Sewing Bee

Dr Jessica Taylor, a research Pyschologist and founder of Victim Focus tells us why victim blaming is endemic.

We look at the impact of death and dying during the pandemic and hear from Sarah Tully who’s dad died from Covid-19 and from Dr Rachel Clarke a specialist in Palliative Care and the clinical Psychologist Dr Frances Goodhart.

The author Stephanie Scott tells us about the true story behind her debut novel What’s Left of Me is Yours.

We hear how are different countries are responding to gender based violence during the pandemic, with Natalie Higgins, Senior Europe Producer for the BBC.

And the actress Daisy Edgar-Jones tells us about playing the role of Marianne in the TV adaptation of Sally Rooney’s best selling novel Normal People.

Presented by: Jenni Murray Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

Guest; Esme Young Guest; Ros Studd Guest; Dr Jessica Taylor Guest; Sarah Tully Guest; Dr Rachel Clarke Guest; Dr Frances Goodhart Guest; Stephanie Scott Guest Daisy Edgar Jones

Nigel Slater, Woman's Hour Corona Diaries, 'County lines' drug gangs Apr 24, 2020

Food writer and cook Nigel Slater says that one of his great joys in life is going out to shop for ingredients, but how has that changed during lockdown? What is he yearning for that he can’t get, and how is it altering the way he thinks about food? His most recent book is Greenfeast.

Hope High is a new BBC Sounds podcast, which takes listeners inside an area in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire that is fighting to protect children from being groomed by county lines drug gangs. The presenter and producer Annabel Deas spent a year finding out how young children are tricked into selling drugs, and why some are removed from their families, and placed in care for their own protection.

Elaine Hall from Bath has been telephoning her 91-year-old aunt Olive, who’s blind, since the beginning of lockdown. But what started as a general daily catch up has blossomed into a joyous conversation including stories, literary discussions and games of Just a Minute. Elaine and Olive talk to Jenni for the Woman’s Hour Corona Diaries.

The writer Holly Watt's new book, The Dead Line, follows investigative journalist Casey Benedict on the trail of a surrogacy racket - involving a Harley Street doctor, a British Ambassador, and a Bangladeshi camp. Holly, who is also an investigative journalist, joins Jenni to talk about the inspiration behind the story.

The writer and broadcaster Sali Hughes has been talking to women about objects in their lives that are important to them. We hear from the comedy actress Margaret Cabourn-Smith about her snow globe.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Dianne McGregor

The BBC's Big Night in; PPE doesn’t fit women; Child maintenance suspended Apr 23, 2020

Comic Relief and Children In Need are joining forces for the first time for a special night of comedy, music and live entertainment, to raise money for their projects on BBC 1 tonight. It'll celebrate the people who making a difference and supporting those affected during these extraordinary times. Zoe Ball tell us about The Big Night In. The British Medical Association, the professional organisation for doctors, highlights the fact personal protective equipment (PPE) tends to be designed for the “size and shape of male bodies”, despite the fact that 75 per cent of NHS workers are women. We hear from Dr. Helen Fidler Deputy Chair of the BMA UK Consultants Committee.

There are nearly 2 million single parents across the UK, and many rely on Child Maintenance Payment . However the COVID-19 crisis means many people have lost their job or some of their income. So, the Department for Work and Pensions has said that parents who pay it will be allowed to stop or reduce payments without any investigation or appeal. What impact will that have on single parent households? Angela a single mum of two tells us about what the changes will mean for her. Plus we hear from Victoria Benson the CEO of Gingerbread a charity who offer for single parent families.

Why does society blame the victims of sexual violence rather than the perpetrators? Dr Jessica Taylor explains her research into how victim blaming works

And the complexities of friendship, intimacy and young love - we speak to Daisy Edgar Jones who plays Marianne, in the TV adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel Normal People.

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Daisy Edgar Jones Guest; Zoe Ball. Guest; Dr Helen Fidler Guest; Victoria Benson Guest; Jessica Taylor

IVF suspension; Sewing for Britain; History of Working Motherhood Apr 22, 2020

As of last week, all IVF treatment has been suspended in the UK. What impact is this having on women, and what could the longer-term consequences be? Tina Mulhern is 41 and can’t now start a second cycle of treatment after her first attempt failed in February. Anya Sizer is the London regional organiser of Fertility Network UK.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve had lots of listeners getting in touch to tell us how gardening is helping them through lockdown. Fran Halsall is one of them - but she’s decided to use her skills outside of her own back yard. In today’s Woman’s Hour Corona Diaries, she tells Jenni what it’s like volunteering as a planter and picker on a local farm, and how she’s trying to galvanise others to have a go at growing by making a series of simple instructional videos.

The lockdown seems like the perfect opportunity to give sewing and mending your own clothes a try. It’s also a time when sewists have been lending their hands to help the NHS frontline. Ros Studd is a textiles teacher who’s just launched the website Repair What You Wear; Dulcie Scott is a TV costume designer who’s worked on Downton Abbey and His Dark Materials and is now co-ordinating Helping Dress Medics, a project to sew much-needed hospital scrubs, and Esme Young is a fashion designer and judge on The Great British Sewing Bee, which returns for a new series tonight on BBC 1.

The things we cherish aren’t always expensive. Instead, we treasure the stuff that reminds us of special people, particular times in our lives, or which stand for something important. The writer and broadcaster Sali Hughes talks to Elen Jones about a particularly special pair of glasses.

The last century and a half has seen remarkable changes in women’s lives - perhaps not least that today three quarters of mothers are in paid employment. In the nineteenth century working mothers were in a minority and, the fact that they were working was widely regarded to be a social ill damaging to their families and wider society. While the working lives of the earliest women doctors or factory workers were very different both had to wrestle with cultural assumptions that they were somehow neglecting their domestic duties. Many women with children were driven to work by economic necessity but, it also appears that many of them came to enjoy a measure of financial independence and a life beyond the home. The historian Helen McCarthy discusses her new book ‘Double Lives: A History of Working Motherhood’ and how much attitudes to mothers in the work place have changed - and how far we still have to go.

On Death and Dying Apr 21, 2020

Death tolls are being reported every day but it’s still hard for many of us to talk about death and dying. We start that conversation with listeners and palliative care experts. We’ll talk about the current situation, facing death in hospital, at home or in care homes, how to do advance care planning, how best to grieve, and how at any time we can prepare for our own and our loved ones’ death.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Interviewed guest: Dr Rachel Clarke Interviewed guest: Sarah Tully Interviewed guest: Dr Frances Goodhart Interviewed guest: Dr Catherine Millington-Sanders Interviewed guest: Fi Munro Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

I

Everton Football Club Apr 20, 2020

Known as ‘The People’s Club’, Everton football club has reacted quickly to the coronavirus outbreak by adapting its current community outreach programme to offer support to people across Liverpool. Jenni speaks to Everton player Simone Magill about how she is training at home and their director of Youth Engagement, Employability and Sports Development, Sue Gregory, about how the club has adapted their community to support those affected by coronavirus.

The Early Years Alliance has warned that thousands of nurseries are facing permanent closure after the government appeared to change its guidance on furloughing staff. Jenni discusses the issue with Shannon Pite, Public Affairs Director of the Early Years Alliance which represents 14,000 providers.

Over the last few weeks we've been focusing on the heightened risk to those experiencing domestic abuse in the UK during lockdown. How much is this being replicated in Europe? Jenni speaks to Natalie Higgins, Senior Europe Producer for the BBC.

In Stephanie Scott’s debut novel, a man hired to have an affair with a woman by her husband slips up when he falls deeply in love. Stephanie joins Jenni to discuss the true story behind the novel.

How to rediscover your wardrobe during lockdown. Emma Slade Edmondson is a consultant specialising in fashion, lifestyle and retail. She gives advice on how to fall in love with what’s already in your wardrobe, with tips on styling of clothing we already own for spring.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Louise Corley Editor Karen Dalziel Interviewed Guest: Simone Magill Interviewed Guest: Sue Gregory Interviewed Guest: Natalie Higgins Interviewed Guest: Stephanie Scott Interviewed Guest: Emma Slade Edmondson

Bernadine Evaristo, Refuges, Caring for a person with dementia, Beauty tips in lockdown, Jayde Adams Apr 18, 2020

Caring for a partner with dementia while isolating in lockdown - former nurse Liz Brookes whose husband has vascular dementia, and Chris Black whose wife has Pick's disease discuss.

Bernadine Evaristo won the 2019 Booker Prize for 'Girl, Woman, Other'. Jenni talks to her about two of her novels 'The Emperor’s Babe' and 'Mr Loverman', both have just been re-published.

Beauty tips for nails, eyebrows and waxing during lockdown with Sarah Jossel, Beauty Director of The Sunday Times Style magazine.

Will Elizabeth Warren be Joe Biden’s running mate now he’s committed to a female US vice-president? Jane speaks to Dr Kelly Dittmar from the Centre for American Women and Politics.

How are refuges coping with the impact of Covid-19? Tamara White is area manager of 10 refuges in London.

The comedian Jayde Adams has been a fishmonger, a nightclub bouncer and an Adele impersonator. She talks about her shows, Serious Black Jumper, and Couch Cabaret.

Bailey Tomkinson reached number 2 in the itunes Video Music Charts without a record label or management. She sings live in the studio.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Homemade sourdough with Vanessa Kimbell Apr 17, 2020

Jane got into hot water this week about Arctic Roll. So, let’s see what she makes of Sourdough! One of our producers was given what’s called a “starter, and now thinks she has the basics of bread forever - because it's a live culture, which does however need care and attention. Could it be useful in times of lockdown? What’s the truth and how do we make it? Vanessa Kimbell is an expert.

Will Elizabeth Warren be Joe Biden’s running mate now he’s committed to a female vice-president? Why are there a record number of Republican women candidates running in primary elections? What impact is Coronavirus having on women even being able to campaign? Jane talks to Dr. Kelly Dittmar from the Centre for American Women and Politics.

MPs and campaigners are calling for urgent action to create stricter regulation around tube porn sites amidst a worldwide Covid-19 lockdown. Pornhub, one of the most popular online pornography websites, has seen traffic to its website boom as a result of forced isolation. What do parents need to be aware of when it comes to young people accessing online porn whilst being quarantined? Maria Miller MP is the chair of the Women and Equalities Committee. Girl On The Net is a sex blogger and author. Kate Isaacs is the founder of ‘Not Your Porn’ – a campaign urging stronger rules around sharing and uploading revenge porn. Plus material scientist Ainissa Ramirez talks about her book " The Alchemy of Us". She says as a black woman she often found that her “reflection in textbooks was hiding, missing, overshadowed.”

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey Interviewed Guest: Maria Miller Interviewed Guest: Kate Isaacs Interviewed Guest: Girl on the Net Interviewed Guest: Ainissa Ramirez Interviewed Guest: Kelly Dittmar Interviewed Guest: Vanessa Kimbell

Paralympic Hopefuls, Victoria Atkins MP, novelist Ilaria Bernardini, Beauty in Lockdown, Woman’s Hour Corona Diaries. Apr 16, 2020

Victoria Atkins MP is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Safeguarding). Her portfolio includes modern day slavery, domestic abuse and violence against women and girls, including FGM. What support can vulnerable women and children expect during lock-down, what has happened to the stalled Domestic Abuse Bill and what are her priorities under lockdown in her constituency?

The Tokyo Paralympics 2020 have been postponed. Three female athletes tell us how the delay is affecting them. Lucy Shuker has won two Paralympic bronze medals in Wheelchair Tennis, 17 year old para powerlifting champion Olivia Broome is looking forward to her first games and Mary Wilson is a para badminton athlete and hoping qualifying events will go ahead so that she’ll make it to Tokyo.

A man lies dying in his bed at home. Meanwhile, his lover of nearly three decades is sitting for a portrait being painted by his wife. Ilaria Bernardini explores women’s stories in her first novel in English, The Portrait.

Since lockdown how are women managing with their beauty maintenance - from chipped shellac to bushy eyebrows and body hair? Sarah Jossel, beauty director for the Sunday Times Style magazine, discusses how we can keep up appearances.

Since the coronavirus outbreak, Annie Henderson and her friends from Sheffield, have been in daily communication via the medium of haiku – a form of short Japanese poetry. In today’s Woman’s Hour Corona Diaries, she explains how it’s helping them to record their thoughts and feelings from this unprecedented time.

Presenter - Jenni Murray Producer – Louise Corley Guest - Victoria Atkins MP Guest - Lucy Shuker Guest -Olivia Broome Guest - Mary Wilson Guest - Ilaria Bernardini Guest - Sarah Jossel Guest - Annie Henderson

Bernardine Evaristo, Greek Refugee Camps, DV Perpertrators Apr 15, 2020

Bernardine Evaristo’s novels The Emperor’s Babe and Mr Loverman will both be re-published this week. Bernardine won the Booker Prize for Girl, Woman, Other but how do those two earlier works set up themes she then went on to explore further? And as people turn to books for distraction and escape during lockdown, what titles does Bernardine recommend?

Jo Todd from the organisation RESPECT talks to us about perpetrators of domestic violence and what her charity is doing to help them stop their behaviour.

Two refugee camps in Greece have cases of coronavirus, so what's it like to live there at the moment. We speak to Parwana Amiri who is staying at the Ritsona Refugee Camp and Katy Fallon who's a journalist based in Athens.

And play and playfulness: how can we help our children get the most out of their playtime, and how can us adults take a leaf out of their book? Dr. Mel McCree joins us. She's a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Bath Spa University.

Image credit: Jennie Scott

Refuges, Corona diaries, Jayde Adams Apr 14, 2020

Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, has said that help is out there to victims of domestic violence. Two million pounds is now available to increase support. Some victims may be able to find a safe place at a refuge, but what’s it like at the moment for women staying at refuges and those running them? We hear from the area manager of 10 refuges in London.

For our Corona Diaries, Jane speaks to Jemima from Lincoln. She's 29 weeks pregnant, working from home and caring for a toddler while her husband, who's with the RAF, is stuck in the Falklands.

As we're in lock-down, we can't go out to see the comedian Jayde Adams, so she's asking us to join her for a couch cabaret night each week. In her time, Jayde's been a supermarket fishmonger, a nightclub bouncer and an Adele impersonator and her show, Serious Black Jumper, went viral on TikTok.

Sian Clifford, Caring for a person with dementia during lockdown Apr 13, 2020

A new ITV drama, Quiz, explores the Who Wants to be a Millionaire? coughing scandal of 2001. Charles Ingram, a former British Army major, his wife Diana and another contestant were found guilt of conspiring to cheat the show to win the top prize. Diana is played by Sian Clifford, who is best known for playing Phoebe Waller Bridge's TV sister Claire in Fleabag.

Caring for your partner, your parent, your friend with dementia one on one can be challenging at any time but how are people coping isolated in lockdown? What are the extra pressures they face? We speak to Liz Brookes, former nurse. She lives outside of Manchester with her husband Mike, who has had vascular dementia for nine years now.

EastEnders and Coronation Street are celebrating anniversaries this year. Then there's Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Rivercity, Doctors, not forgetting Holby, Casualty and all the Australian ones. Whatever's going on in real life, soap operas reflect it. So what is their appeal and how are they faring during lockdown?

Comedians and real life couple Catherine Bohart and Sarah Keyworth discuss their weekly podcast You'll Do: Why we stick with the people we love, examining the real un-romanticised version of relationships.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Sian Clifford Interviewed guest: Liz Brookes Interviewed guest: Sally Ann Matthews Interviewed guest: Kelly Bright Interviewed guest: Prof Christine Geraghty Interviewed guest: Catherine Bohart Interviewed guest: Sarah Keyworth Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Birth during Covid-19, Mary Berry’s tips for lockdown, and Grace Davidson Apr 11, 2020

The Coronavirus pandemic has seen a high level of anxiety among pregnant women and their families. So, what can pregnant women expect when the time to give birth does come? Jo Mountfield is Vice President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and a consultant obstetrician at University Hospital Southampton. She explains what maternity services might look like and why mums-to-be should still seek help if they’re concerned. We also hear from a new mother who gave birth on 30th March.

Running a household in the coronavirus lockdown can feel a bit like we’re back in the 1950’s. Calling over the fence to borrow a cup of sugar has once more become a reality as some foods are now in short supply, and there’s ‘rationing’ of items in supermarkets, although some of those restrictions are now lifting. But every last breadcrumb counts if you don’t want to or indeed can’t leave the house. Dietician, Priya Tew and baking legend, Mary Berry share their tips on how to maintain a healthy diet and make the most of what you’ve got.

When the first world war broke out the suffragettes suspended their campaign for Votes for Women to join the war effort. Pioneering couple, Louisa Garrett Anderson and Flora Murray moved to France and set up two small military hospitals with a staff of volunteer women surgeons, medics and nurses, amidst fierce opposition. Their medical and organisational skills so impressed they were asked by the War Ministry to return to London and establish a new military hospital in the heart of London’s West End. Wendy Moore’s book 'Endell Street' is about the lives of the pioneering couple and the hundreds of remarkable women who worked with them.

Grace Davidson is a British soprano who specialises in the performance and recording of Baroque music. Grace is one of the soloists on a new album for Holy Week.

A durag is a type of scarf, typically used to protect and maintain different styles of black hair, like dreadlocks or braids. It can be also worn as a fashion statement, and has been a staple part of black culture. But durags have also had their fair share of controversy, with some people making affiliations to gang culture. Last week, Rihanna made history – and a statement – by wearing a durag for her photoshoot on the front cover of British Vogue. Is this a turning point for how the durag is perceived in both popular culture and high fashion? Kenya Hunt is a Fashion Director at Grazia UK. Funmi Fetto is a Contributing Editor at British Vogue and the Beauty Director at the Observer Magazine.

Co-parenting can be difficult at the best of times. But the outbreak of COVID 19 and the latest government advice to stay indoors, has forced some separated families to make some difficult choices. If you and your ex-partner share the caring responsibilities of your children, what’s the best way to manage? Ex-partners, Natalie Duvall and Daniel Dubier, and single mother, Endy Mckay, join Jenni to share their experience of the last couple of weeks.

Julia Samuel has worked for the last thirty years as a psychotherapist, first for the NHS and then in private practice. Her second book, 'This Too Shall Pass: Stories of Change, Crisis and Hopeful Beginnings' has just been published. She talks to Jenni about how people are coping and how to manage in this time of tremendous change.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Rosie Stopher Editor: Kirsty Starkey

Cervical screening; Addiction in lockdown; Soprano Grace Davidson; Julia Samuel Apr 10, 2020

Cervical cancer affects more than 3,000 women a year. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have suspended routine appointments for cervical screening, while services in England are currently mixed. What is the advice for women awaiting appointments, results or referrals during lockdown? Kate Sanger, Head of Public Affairs at Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, and consultant gynaecologist Dr Christine Ekechi speak to Jenni.

Grace Davidson is a British soprano who specialises in the performance and recording of Baroque music. Her purity of tone has attracted many of the leading contemporary composers to write for her, and her voice has also been featured in films such as The Hobbit and Pirates of the Caribbean. Grace is one of the soloists on a new album for Holy Week.

We are all currently under pressure, but what if you are dealing with an addiction? According to the charity Action on Addiction, one in three people are addicted to something. How difficult can it be to remain sober or clean in lockdown, and what support can you still access? Jenni talks to Holly Sexton, Substance Misuse Practitioner at We Are With You and Caroline Turriff, a freelance journalist who is 15 years in recovery.

Julia Samuel has worked for the last thirty years as a psychotherapist, first for the NHS and then in private practice. Her second book, This Too Shall Pass: Stories of Change, Crisis and Hopeful Beginnings has just been published. She tells Jenni about how people are coping and how to cope in this time of tremendous change.

Presenter - Jenni Murray Producer – Sarah Crawley Guest - Kate Sanger Guest - Dr Christine Ekechi Guest - Julia Samuel Guest - Grace Davidson Guest – Holly Sexton Guest – Caroline Turriff

Covid-19 and eating disorders. Nicole Taylor, writer of the drama The Nest. Plus celebrating Passover under lockdown. Apr 09, 2020

The UK’s leading charity supporting those affected by eating disorders BEAT estimates that around 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder. They’ve seen a 30% increase for demands in services in light of the Coronavirus. With so much emphasis on food shortages and stockpiling, how are those with eating disorders going to be affected ? Listener Amy Nguyen is an Anorexia survivor, Megan Jayne Crabbe a mental health and lifestyle blogger and Jess Griffiths is one of BEAT’s Clinical Associate Trainers.

Covid-19 has also seen a high level of anxiety among pregnant women. Jo Mountfield Vice President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and a consultant obstetrician at University Hospital Southampton explains what maternity services might look like and why mums to be should still seek help if they’re concerned.

When the first world war broke out the suffragettes suspended their campaign for Votes for Women to join the war effort. Pioneering couple Louisa Garrett Anderson and Flora Murray moved to France and set up two small military hospitals with a staff of volunteers. It was so successful the War Ministry asked them to return to London and establish one there. Wendy Moore’s book Endell Street is about the lives of the pioneering couple and the remarkable women who worked with them.

Writer Nicole Taylor talks about her new BBC Drama ‘The Nest’. And in today's Woman's Hour Corona Diary we hear from Rachel Snow-Miller about what it's like celebrating Passover under lockdown .

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Wendy Moore Guest; Nicole Taylor Guest; Amy Nguyen Guest; Megan Jayne Crabbe Guest; Jess Griffiths Guest; Rachel Snow-Miller

Economic impact of Covid 19 on women, Co-parenting under lock-down, Sheila Rock Apr 08, 2020

A range of think tanks and international organisations have warned that women could be hit harder by the economic fall-out from the Covid 19 Pandemic. The World Economic Forum is concerned that it could exacerbate existing financial inequality between men and women. The Women and Equalities House of Commons select committee has launched an inquiry into the potentially unequal impact of Covid 19 and responses to it. And, in recent days the government has extended its Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to allow parents with caring responsibilities and domestic employees the possibility of being furloughed. Jenni talks to Clare McNeil, Associate Director at the Institute for Public Policy Research and to Sophie Walker, CEO of the Young Women’s Trust about the economic experiences of women

Co-parenting can be difficult at the best of times. But the outbreak of COVID 19 and the latest government advice to stay indoors, has forced some separated families to make some difficult choices. If you and your ex-partner share the caring responsibilities of your children, what’s the best way to manage? Ex partners Natalie Duvall and Daniel Dubier, and single-mother Endy Mckay join Jenni to share their experience of the last couple of weeks.

Sheila Rock’s photos are the defining images of the British punk scene of the 70’s and 80’s – from The Clash to Blondie, she photographed them all. Since then, she’s gone on to photograph horses, Tibetan monks, and more recently, British seaside-goers. She joins Jenni to discuss capturing British spirit and culture.

Play is crucial for young children to develop social skills and a sense of self. But with potentially months of lockdown and school closures ahead, will there be long-term consequences to being separated from their peers? Are only children more at risk than those with siblings? And how well are family relationships able to adapt and cope with prolonged isolation? Ali Lacey and a team of researchers from the University of Sussex are starting a new study to find out – and they’re inviting Woman’s Hour listeners to get involved - tinyurl.com/vagdn2v

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Caroline Donne Interviewed guest: Clare McNeil Interviewed guest: Sophie Walker Interviewed guest: Natalie Duvall Interviewed guest: Daniel Dubier Interviewed guest: Endy Mckay Interviewed guest: Sheila Rock Interviewed guest: Ali Lacey

Mary Berry, Lynda La Plante Apr 07, 2020

Running a household in the Coronavirus lockdown can feel a bit like we’re back in the 1950’s. Calling over the fence to borrow a cup of sugar has once more become a reality as some foods are now in short supply, and there’s ‘rationing’ of items in supermarkets, though some of those restrictions are now lifting. But every last breadcrumb counts if you don’t want to or indeed can’t leave the house. Jane asks dietitian Priya Tew and baking legend Mary Berry for their tips on how to maintain a healthy diet and make the most of what you’ve got. Mary also gives us her recipe for lockdown birthday cake.

MARY BERRY’S ‘LOCKDOWN’ BIRTHDAY CAKE

VICTORIA SANDWICH INGREDIENTS FOR THE SPONGE • 225g baking spread • 225g caster sugar • 225g self-raising flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 4 large eggs FOR THE FILLING AND TOPPING • About 4 tbsp raspberry or strawberry jam • A little caster sugar INSTRUCTIONS Makes 6-8 slices 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas mark 4. Cut 2 greaseproof paper circles, grease the sandwich tins with baking spread and put the circles inside. Grease the circles. 2. Place the baking spread in a large mixing bowl, then add the caster sugar, self-raising flour and baking powder. Crack the eggs one at a time and then add to the bowl. 3. Using the electric mixer on slow speed, beat for 2 minutes until smooth. The mixture will be soft enough to drop off the beaters when you lift them up. 4. Divide the mixture equally between the prepared tins and level the surfaces with a palette knife or spatula. Place in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. 5. The cakes are ready when they are risen and pale golden. The tops should spring back when lightly pressed. Cool for about 2 minutes; loosen the edges with a knife. 6. Push the cased out of the tins on their bases, invert them and remove the bases. Cool the cakes the right way up on a rack. Soften the jam with a palette knife. 7. When the cakes are cold, remove the lining papers and invert one cake layer onto a plate. Spread with jam, put the other layer on top and sprinkle with caster sugar. This recipe is taken from: Baking Bible (BBC Books)

The charity Citizens Advice has found that almost half of survivors of domestic abuse have had their post intercepted, opened or hidden by the perpetrator. This has resulted in missed medical treatments, isolation from vital support networks and billions in cost to survivors as a result of hidden bills or credit taken out in their identity. How can these victims of domestic abuse - and their families - receive better support? Dr Nicola Sharp-Jeffs is the Chief Executive of Surviving Economic Abuse. Anne Pardoe is a Policy Manager at Citizens Advice. Shana experienced economic abuse herself. What’s it like losing your dream job to Coronavirus? In today’s Woman’s Hour Corona Diaries, we hear from 21 year old Elizabeth who lives near Bude in Cornwall. She’d started working as a singer on a cruise ship when the Covid-19 crisis left her back on dry land and helping out on the family dairy farm. Although she wants to stay positive about getting back out to sea, she talks to Jane about the prospect of taking on the farm should anything happen to her parents. Lynda La Plante speaks to Jane about Buried, the first in her latest series of crime thriller books Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Caroline Donne Interviewed guest: Mary Berry Interviewed guest: Priya Tew Interviewed guest: Dr Nicola Sharp-Jeffs Interviewed guest: Anne Pardoe Interviewed guest: Lynda La Plante

Keeping in touch with grandchildren, Rihanna's durag Vogue cover Apr 06, 2020

With most families self-isolating how should we explain the sudden absence of close family members to very young children? Listener Glynis is 73 and self-isolating alone. She used to see her 26 month old granddaughter regularly but has now completely disappeared from her life. Will her granddaughter be feeling abandoned and confused? Is she too young to really notice? Lynne Hipkin is a Clinical Psychologist who works with children and families and will be explaining how everyone can accommodate these recent changes to our lives.

Durags, black culture and high fashion. This week, Rihanna made history – and a statement – by wearing a durag for her photoshoot on the front cover of British Vogue. Is this a turning point for how the scarf is perceived in both popular culture and high fashion? Kenya Hunt is a Fashion Director at Grazia UK. Funmi Fetto is a Contributing Editor at British Vogue and the Beauty Director at the Observer Magazine.

Young workers and women have been hardest hit by the shutdown of large sectors of the economy, according to research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies. We hear from the Deputy Director Robert Joyce.

The American podcast Criminal has over 5.5 million downloads each month, and 133 episodes to date. Each episode tells a different real life story, ranging from Jolly Jane the notorious woman poisoner, to the tale behind the phrase Stockholm syndrome. Phoebe Judge, host and co-creator, joins Jane to talk podcasting, women criminals, and why people find true crime so fascinating?

Novelist Sarah Vaughan on her new book, Little Disasters - a psychological thriller about the impossibility of understanding what’s going on in the mind of another. It explores the judgement of mothers, the loneliness some women feel and the need to reach out even when someone appears to be coping just fine.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Lynne Hipkin Interviewed guest: Robert Joyce Interviewed guest: Funmi Fetto Interviewed guest: Kenya Hunt Interviewed guest: Phoebe Judge Interviewed guest: Sarah Vaughan

Working from home, Care workers and Covid-19, DIY hair care Apr 04, 2020

We're being told to work from home if we can, so how is it going? Anna Harris who works for a marketing and advertising agency, and Caroline Whaley, the co-founder of a coaching consultancy aimed at women and leadership, discuss.

Lara Lewington from BBC Click offers some tips and advice for staying in touch via tech.

The Lives of Houses is a collection of essays which asks what a house can tell us about the person who lived there. Hermione Lee describes why we are so fascinated by the homes of famous literary figures.

The Government has issued new guidelines on the personal protective equipment that should be used by NHS staff on the frontline. It's also said that it's important for social care staff to feel safe, and the new guidance will offer them information and reassurance. Christina McAnea, Assistant General Secretary of UNISON which represents thousands of workers in the sector, and Margaret Hodge MP for Barking and Dagenham, discuss.

Kayleigh Llewyellyn is the writer and creator of a new BBC comedy drama series called In My Skin. Based on her own story of growing up in Wales, it follows 16 year Bethan as she negotiates her school life, sexuality, and hiding her mother’s mental illness from her friends and teachers.

What does social distancing look like in one of the more remote parts of the UK? We find out through The Woman's Hour Corona Diaries with Angela Crawford from the Isle of Lewis.

DIY hair care: the Dos and the Don'ts. Tanya Harrison is the founder of Harrison Hair Studio in Liverpool. She shares some tips if you’re eager to have a go yourself.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Care workers and COVID-19; Silent Solutions; Anne Scott-James; Corona diary – Pauline Apr 03, 2020

The Government has issued new guidelines on the personal protective equipment that should be used by those on the NHS frontline. It has also said that it is important for social care staff to feel safe, and that the new guidance will give them information and reassurance. But how do the army of women working to provide care in care homes and care to vulnerable adults in their own homes feel?

You may have heard us on Tuesday talk about the sad expectation that violence within the home is likely to increase because of our current lock-down. One way of alerting emergency services that you're in trouble is by using the code 55 on the phone. Lucy Hadley from Women's Aid explains how it works.

In 1953 pioneering journalist Anne Scott-James started to write a weekly column for the Sunday Express newspaper. 'The Anne Scott-James Page' set the bar for a new way of writing. She perfected the art of the short, sharp column - filled with her views on men, children, fashion, beauty and anything else that took her fancy. Anne’s daughter, the writer Clare Hastings, provides an insight into the first female star of London's Fleet Street.

In today’s Woman's Hour Corona Diaries, we hear from Pauline in Morecambe. She tells Jane how if you live alone but aren’t classified as vulnerable, it’s easy to slip through the net when you need a helping hand.

Is isolation the perfect time to experiment with your hair? Or a reason to leave well alone until it’s in the hands of a professional? We discuss DIY hair care - the Dos and the definitely DON'Ts. Tanya Harrison is the founder of Harrison Hair Studio in Liverpool. She’s set up a virtual hair clinic for her clients and tells us what kind of questions they’ve had and shares some tips if you’re eager to have a go yourself.

Presenter – Jane Garvey Producer – Sarah Crawley Guest – Margaret Hodge MP Guest – Christina McAnea Guest - Lucy Hadley Guest – Pauline Vaughan Guest – Tanya Harrison Guest – Clare Hastings

Women in detention; Kayleigh Llewellyn; Regula Ysewijn; Corona diary – Angela Crawford Apr 02, 2020

With the government announcement that low risk, pregnant women prisoners, and those in mother and baby units are to be released we hear from Dr Kate Paradine, Chief Executive of Women in Prison and Natasha Walter, Director of Women for Refugee Women. They discuss their concerns and reveal the fears of women in Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre, where a COVID 19 case has already been confirmed.

Coronavirus has finally reached the Outer Hebrides. So for our second instalment of the Woman’s Hour Corona Diaries, Jenni speaks to Angela Crawford from the Isle of Lewis. How is this news affecting island life? What does social distancing look like in one of the more remote parts of the UK? And how do people feel about supplies and medical care away from the mainland?

Kayleigh Llewyellyn is the writer and creator of a new BBC comedy drama series In My Skin. Based on her own story of her childhood years in Wales, it follows 16 year Bethan as she negotiates her school life, sexuality, and hiding her mother’s mental illness from her friends and teachers. She’s also one of the writers on the fourth series of Killing Eve. She joins Jenni to discuss.

Regula Ysewijn’s new book ‘Oats in the North, Wheat from the South’ is a love letter in recipes to the history and heritage of British baking culture. Each of the recipes are accompanied by stories of landscape, legends and traditions of Great Britain. Regula joins Jenni to talk about how the diverse climate of the British Isles influenced the growth of cereal crops and the development of a rich regional baking identity.

Presenter - Jenni Murray Producer – Sarah Crawley Guest - Dr Kate Paradine Guest - Natasha Walter Guest - Angela Crawford Guest - Kayleigh Llewyellyn Guest - Regula Ysewijn

Women's Football, Covid-19 - Impact on Children, The Lives of Houses, Loneliness and Isolation Apr 01, 2020

All professional and grassroots football matches across the country have been suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak. As the men’s teams are forced from the pitch and income falls away what will happen to the women’s teams they supported? Jen O'Neill, editor of shekicks.net and Kerys Harrop, Captain of Birmingham City Ladies, discuss the issues.

The Children’s Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield, told Woman’s Hour at the start of the year that the system of support for the most vulnerable children was under strain. The Covid 19 crisis has put additional pressures on that system, with many vulnerable children now out of school and many of their services closed. She says that she’s especially concerned about one million children who were at risk -living in households which are not stable, where there might be domestic violence, drug or alcohol addiction, financial hardship and severe mental health issues. She explains what these children need now.

The Lives of Houses – a collection of essays which asks what a house can tell us about the person who lived there. Hermione Lee describes why we are so fascinated by the homes of the famous and often long dead.

And, as the word home takes on a new significance in this lockdown – how hard is isolation if you live alone and how can you avoid suffering from loneliness? Jenni speaks to Kate Shurety the executive Director of the Campaign to End Loneliness and Rosie Weatherley from the mental health charity Mind.

Working From Home, Domestic Violence, Useful Tech Mar 31, 2020

We're being told to work from home if we can, so how's it going? What if you're sharing your home with someone else #WFH? Do you have enough space? As well as the paid work you're doing, how are the chores getting divided up? And what about looking after children in the middle of it all?

Victims of violence in the home are being reassured that there's still help available for them despite what's happening. Sarah Green from End Violence Against Women describes how dangerous the lock-down is for victims of domestic abuse.

We hear from Kate Elisabeth Russell, author of My Dark Vanessa. It's about an American teenager who's been groomed and raped by a teacher. At the time that it's happening the character thinks it's love, but realises when she's older that is was abuse.

And how we're using tech to stay in touch. Lara Lewington from BBC Click gives us some tips on Zoom, Whatsapp and Houseparty.

Coronavirus and pregnancy, Social workers, Calamity Jane Mar 30, 2020

The Royal College of Midwives says that coronavirus may mean its staff have to work elsewhere in the NHS, rather than looking after pregnant women. Dr Mary Ross Davie explains the RCM's concerns.

Social workers are trying to keep working safely and effectively despite restrictions around Covid-19. However, a survey by the British Associations of Social Workers says many haven't been given solid advice or the right personal protection equipment. Dr Ruth Allen, Chief Executive of the BASW, describes the challenges that social workers face right now.

We hear from two healthcare workers who've cared for SARS patients and Ebola patients. How did they cope during those pandemics and what can we learn from them now?

And Calamity Jane: you're probably thinking of Doris Day right now but Calamity Jane really did exist in real-life. Professor Karen R. Jones from the University of Kent tells us how an American called Martha Jane Canary was the real Calamity Jane.

Women of colour and gardening, Children, fake news and anxiety, Exercise at home Mar 28, 2020

For women of colour, planting is becoming a popular way to establish ownership and celebrate cultural heritage. Aimée Grant Cumberbatch, founder of Grown, a gardening club for women of colour, and Flo Headlam, professional gardener and BBC Two’s Gardeners’ World’s first black presenter discuss.

Ten organisations across the UK including Rape Crisis and End Violence Against Women have issued a joint statement about the impact Covid-19 could have on the lives of women and children. Women's Aid, Lucy Hadley on what action they would like to see taken.

Dr Camilla Pang was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of eight. Now aged 26, and with a PhD in biochemistry, she has used her specialist scientific knowledge to identify what it really means to be human in her new book, 'Explaining Humans'.

Why do we choose the clothes we do? In her new book, ‘Dress Your Best Life’, the American fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen explains how our clothing is the ‘connective tissue’ between the physical and emotional.

How can parents help their children navigate the constant stream of information about Covid-19 online? Sonia Livingstone, professor of social psychology at the London School of Economics and an expert in digital literacy in children, and GP Dr Radha Modgil discuss.

How is Covid-19 affecting regular Woman's Hour listeners? We hear from Mercy Haruna.

Exercising when you're isolated at home. Fitness instructor Rosemary Mallace of Over Fifty Fitness and Professor Janet Lord, an expert in muscle health and immunity from the University of Birmingham, about why keeping moving is particularly important as you get older, and what you can do to exercise at home.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Dianne McGregor

Exercise at home, Safe access to abortion during Covid-19, Lauren Gunderson, Jessica Moor Mar 27, 2020

Keeping up fitness when you're isolated at home. Jenni talks to fitness instructor Rosemary Mallace of Over Fifty Fitness and Professor Janet Lord, an expert in muscle health and immunity from the University of Birmingham, about why keeping moving is particularly important as you get older and what you can do to exercise at home.

Earlier this week the Government published advice that women could be prescribed both abortion pills for a medical abortion, which they would be able to take at home, without attending a hospital or clinic. It has since said that this was published in error. With women trying to observe instructions to stay at home – some self-isolating – trying to reduce the spread of Coronavirus the British Pregnancy Advisory Service says that 500 women a day must make unnecessary journeys, with services and clinic closures forcing them to travel greater distances. So, how can those women who need an abortion access one safely and legally? Jenni speaks to Professor Lesley Regan, Past President RCOG and Co-Chair National Women’s Health Task Force and to Stella Creasy, Labour MP for Walthamstow.

Hampstead Theatre in London is currently streaming on Instagram, ‘I and You’ a play they produced in 2018 starring Maisie Williams in her first stage role. It looks at the struggle a teenager finding herself restricted to her home. The playwright, Lauren Gunderson, currently the most produced living playwright in the US, tells us about her play and what it says about the struggles of youth confined across the globe.

Keeper by Jessica Moor is a novel set in a women’s refuge. Katie, an employee there, has died. As the women in the refuge insist Katie didn’t take her own life the police are forced to investigate. Jenni talks to debut novelist Jessica Moor and to Natasha Saunders who has experience of domestic abuse and of life in a refuge. What can fiction do to shed light on domestic abuse?

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Stella Creasy Interviewed guest: Lesley Regan Interviewed guest: Lauren Gunderson Interviewed guest: Jessica Moor Interviewed guest: Natasha Saunders Interviewed guest: Rosemary Mallace Interviewed guest: Janet Lord

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Jenny Harries answers your questions Mar 26, 2020

Dr Jenny Harries, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England has become a familiar face and reassuring voice at the regular press conferences from Number 10 over the last couple of weeks. Today she joins Jenni to talk about the latest advice and information about the coronavirus pandemic and answers questions posed by our listeners.

We've been hearing a lot from medical experts, politicians and commentators recently. But how is Covid-19 affecting regular Woman's Hour listeners? Over the coming weeks, we're going to be following a range of families and individuals and asking them for their take on the unprecedented situation we currently find ourselves in. Then - once it's all over - we'll have a unique social record of the coronavirus crisis from the perspective of women. To kick it all off, Jenni speaks to mum of two, Mercy Haruna.

Why do we choose the clothes we do? In her new book, ‘Dress Your Best Life’, the American fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen explains how our clothing is the ‘connective tissue’ between the physical and emotional. She joins Jenni to discuss how our clothes do the talking.

A lot of people suddenly have extra time on their hands, either from the lack of a commute because they're now working from home, the loss of a social life or from not being able to work at all. So once you've cast a critical eye over your bookshelf and binged on box-sets, why not take up that hobby you've always meant to start - or indeed return to. Jenni asks nature writer Emma Mitchell, journalist Almara Abgarian and Woman’s Hour listener Rhiannon Jenkins for their top picks of activities that can be easily accessed - from learning a language, to mastering macrame and drawing a leaf.

Presenter - Jenni Murray Producer - Anna Lacey Guest - Dr Jenny Harries Guest - Mercy Haruna Guest - Dawnn Karen Guest - Emma Mitchell Guest - Almara Abgarian Guest - Rhiannon Jenkins

Women and homelessness, Louise Hare, Children, fake news and anxiety Mar 25, 2020

More money has been made available across the UK to help rough sleepers during the Covid-19 pandemic. But is enough being done to help the thousands of women and children who are in temporary accommodation? What’s being done to protect the thousands of “hidden homeless” who find themselves in B&B’s. Jenni speaks to Tina who is “sofa-surfing” with her 5 year old daughter, and to Polly Neate, CEO of Shelter and Lindsay Cordery-Bruce, CEO of The Wallich, a homelessness charity in Wales about the particular difficulties women find themselves in.

Set in 1950s London, Louise Hare talks about her debut novel, This Lovely City about the Windrush generation.

How can parents help their children navigate the constant stream of information about Covid-19 online? And how can children learn to spot useful fact from dangerous fiction? Sonia Livingstone is a professor of social psychology at the London School of Economics and an expert in digital literacy in children, and Dr Radha Modgil is a GP who discusses how to reduce anxiety and keep trust alive in an era of non-expert influencers and fake news.

Presenter; Jenni Murray Producer: Dianne McGregor

Women of Colour & Gardening; Free School Meals; Clear Communication in a Crisis Mar 24, 2020

It’s the beginning of spring, and in more recent years, gardening is being seen as a therapeutic form of self-care. But for women of colour, planting is becoming a popular way to establish ownership and celebrate cultural heritage. Aimée Grant Cumberbatch is the founder of Grown, a gardening club for women of colour. Flo Headlam has been gardening professionally since 2012, and in 2017 she became BBC Two’s Gardeners’ World’s first black presenter.

Five years ago chef, Nicole Pisani gave up cheffing in a top London restaurant to make school dinners. Now working in Hackney she joins Jane with executive headteacher, Louise Nichols, who runs three schools in the borough. They tell Jane why have they set up a Free School Dinners campaign and their hopes to see it expand whilst schools are closed.

“Stay at home, save lives”, but is the message getting through and are other messages people are getting confusing it? The Chief Medical Officer for Scotland and the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England have been widely praised for keeping it clear, concise and comprehensible. Is there anything that men can learn from women about crisis communications?

Dr Camilla Pang was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of eight. She struggled to understand the world around her. Now aged 26, and with a PhD in biochemistry, Camilla has used her specialist scientific knowledge to examine society’s obscure customs, the strangeness of social norms and identify what it really means to be human in her new book, 'Explaining Humans' .

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Louise Nichols Interviewed Guest: Nicole Pisani Interviewed Guest: Anne McElvoy Interviewed Guest: Helen Lewis Interviewed Guest: Dr Camilla Pang Interviewed Guest: Aimée Grant Cumberbatch Interviewed Guest: Flo Headlam

Home Schooling, Reusable Products and Coronavirus Mar 23, 2020

After school closures across the UK many parents will be at home trying to support their children do some school work whilst also working from home and 'social distancing' themselves. Are there lessons to be learned from those who already home educate?

Ten organisations across the UK including Rape Crisis and Ending Violence Against Women have issued a joint statement about the impact of Covid 19could have on the lives on women and children. Recent reports from China and Italy show an increase in domestic violence since the pandemic began. One Chinese province said reporting had increased threefold. Jane talks to Lucy Hadley Campaigns and Policy Manager for Women’s Aid about what action they would like to see taken.

We hear the story of Goli, an Afghan born refugee who used to live in Iran but is now settled in Denmark with her younger daughter Baran, now featured in Girl Taken, a Radio 4 series and podcast. In this Woman's Hour interview Goli talks about how her older daughter Bru came to be separated from her and the extraordinary lengths she has taken to see her again.

And with people reporting low stocks of nappies, sanitary products and other regular household items on supermarket shelves, we take a look at what reusable alternatives are available. Is this the time for cloth nappies to make a comeback? What about reusable sanitary protection? And what can vinegar, bicarb and beeswax do for you in the kitchen? Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Beverley Purcell

Glenda Jackson; Tantrums; Women, decision-making and Covid-19 Mar 21, 2020

Glenda Jackson tells us about her latest work playing the poet, writer and critic Edith Sitwell and what books she would recommend during a period of isolation.

The Former Home Secretary Amber Rudd discusses why women need to be more involved in Covid 19 decision making with Caroline Criado Perez author of Invisible Women and Simone Schnall from Jesus College Cambridge.

The curator, writer and lecturer Bolanle Tajudeen tells us how black feminism has influenced the work of black female fine artists.

Last week’s budget saw a series of big public spending and investment projects announced, focusing on physical infrastructure. But what about social infrastructure? Diane Elson of the Women’s Budget Group and Caroline Abrahams of Age UK discuss.

The Scottish Government is currently consulting on a Bill to reform the Gender Recognition act – should transgender people be allowed to self-declare their gender or should it be a medicalised process? Rhona Hotchkiss a former governor of Cornton Vale prison in Stirling and James Morten of the Scottish Trans Alliance discuss

Why do some children have such ferocious tantrums and how should you as a parent deal with it? We hear from Emily Jones a Professor of infant neurodevelopment and autism at the Birkbeck Babylab.

Presented by: Jane Garvey Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

Children's Tantrums: why they happen and how to cope Mar 20, 2020

Tantrums are an inevitable part of living with a toddler. But with the prospect of weeks or even months of families cooped up together ahead of us, how can parents keep meltdowns (by toddlers and themselves!) to a minimum? Emily Jones is a professor of infant neurodevelopment and autism at the Birkbeck Babylab and she tells Jane what’s happening when a child has a tantrum, when and how to intervene, and gives top tips for parents trying to cope.

Earlier this week, the former cabinet minister Amber Rudd tweeted “During Gov briefings am I the only one thinking ‘where are all the women?’ Why are there no senior women in the “war cabinet” or used to convey those critical messages? Equality means better decisions. Don’t pack the women away during a crisis.” Many were quick to reply that this was no time for quotas and that ability matters more than equality. But what are the problems with not including the different perspectives and lived experiences of women in decision making? We hear from former Conservative cabinet minister, Amber Rudd, Caroline Criado-Perez, the author of ‘Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men’ and Simone Schnall, Reader in Experimental Social Psychology and Director of Studies in Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at Jesus College, Cambridge.

To mark the Spring Equinox, Radio 4 is broadcasting readings of seasonal poetry. Today we have poetry from the award-winning Welsh poet and playwright, Menna Elfyn.

Mothers' Day can be a difficult time for some people, Robyn Donaldson and Emma Hopkinson tell us why they started Others' Day.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Amber Rudd Interviewed Guest: Caroline Criado-Perez Interviewed Guest: Simone Schnall Interviewed Guest: Professor Emily Jones Interviewed Guest: Menna Elfyn Interviewed Guest: Emma Hopkinson Interviewed Guest: Robyn Donaldson

School closures, Legal challenges to the CPS, Family Secrets Mar 19, 2020

The Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson has confirmed that all schools will close in England and Wales and there’ll be no GCSE or A Level exams this summer. How are schools and pupils proposing to cope? Ruby is a 17-year old pupil in Somerset, due to take her A levels shortly. Charlie is 25 and is doing an access course to be a paramedic. It involves cramming 2 years of A-levels into 1 year. Carolyn Roberts is the Head Teacher at Thomas Tallis School in South London.

A legal challenge over alleged changes to Crown Prosecution Service policy on bringing charges in rape cases was dismissed by the high court this week. The Centre for Women’s Justice brought the case on behalf of the End Violence Against Women Coalition following concerns over steep falls in rape charges and convictions in recent years - at a time when an increasing number of women have been making rape complaints to police. Human rights lawyer, Harriet Wistrich, clarifies why the case was brought and someone we are calling Olivia explains why she wanted her case to be one of the 21 cases included as evidence.

The writer Sali Hughes has been talking to women about objects in their lives that are important to them. The things we cherish aren’t always vintage, or even antique - or even expensive. The TV presenter and chef Andi Oliver talks about a one-of-a-kind blanket knitted by her mother.

And in today’s family secret is that of a woman we are calling ‘H’ whose whole life has been shaped by the sense that there was something she wasn’t being told. Finding out the truth at the age of 17 at a family party and the realisation that everyone else in the family knew all along made her ill. H tells Jo Morris her story.

Family Secrets... Mar 18, 2020

In the latest in our series of Family Secrets a listener called Helen got in touch to tell us about the discovery she made after the death of her mother and the suicide pact she kept quiet about for nearly forty years.

Last week’s budget saw a series of big public spending and investment projects announced. These focused on physical infrastructure. But what of social infrastructure – the investment in people who staff social care and the support for women in and out of work as the country faces the enormous challenge of Covid 19. Jenni speaks to Professor Diane Elson of the Women’s Budget Group and Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director of Age UK.

Curator, writer and lecturer Bolanle Tajudeen is the founder of Black Blossoms, a platform dedicated to spotlighting black women and black non-binary visual artists. Jenni met Bolanle recently at the Women of the World 10th anniversary festival. How has black feminism influenced the work of black female fine art artists and why do they struggle to get a platform for their work.

Diana Nammi grew up in the Kurdish region of Iran in the 1960s and 1970s, playing her own part in the revolution of 1979. At the age of 17, under the new Islamic regime, she became a Pershmerga, Kurdish fighter. Twelve years on the frontline, she discusses her book ‘Girl with a Gun’.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Carolyn Abrahams Interviewed Guest: Diane Elson Interviewed Guest: Bolanle Tajudeen Reporter: Jo Morris Interviewed Guest: Diana Nammi

Glenda Jackson, Coronavirus & Advice for Pregnant Women Mar 17, 2020

We consider the latest advice for pregnant women when it comes to coronavirus. Jane speaks to Jess Brammer, editor in chief HuffPost UK, who is currently on maternity leave and Dr Mary Ross-Davie - Director for Scotland, Royal College of Midwives. And in other coronavirus news: many offices, shops, bars, restaurants, schools, are likely to close. Many workers and businesses will see their income collapse, almost overnight. So what if you are laid off? What if you are self-employed? What financial decisions should you be making? What support could you be entitled to?

Glenda Jackson plays the poet, writer and critic Edith Sitwell in Radio 4 drama Edith Sitwell in Scarborough. She joins Jane to discuss Edith, as well as being on grandma duty and what books she would recommend during a period of isolation. The Scottish Government is currently consulting on a Bill to reform the Gender Recognition Act. Jane talks to Rhona Hotchkiss, former governor of Cornton Vale prison in Stirling and signatory of SNP women’s pledge and James Morton, Manager of the Scottish Trans Alliance about concerns for protecting trans rights and women’s rights and how any Scottish legislation will sit with the UK Equality Act 2010. Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Dr Mary Ross-Davie Interviewed guest: Jess Brammer Interviewed guest: Jasmine Birtles Interviewed guest: Glenda Jackson Interviewed guest: Rhona Hotchkiss Interviewed guest: James Morton Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Covid-19. Jane Garvey takes your calls. Mar 16, 2020

Jane Garvey takes your calls on Covid-19. Joined by Psychologist Laverne Antrobus and Sarah Stewart Brown Professor of Public Health at Warwick University .

What measures are you putting in place? How will you manage with young as well as older children, do you face particular problems with those that have special needs. What about work ? If you are someone who can work at home do you have the tech to support that.

Have you thought about setting up a local neighbourhood support network? What provisions are you putting in place for older relatives?

How do you think you will cope with being socially isolated ? If you’re in cramped accommodation or shared housing, how do you see that working out.

What about the financial implications - if you’re on low income or a zero hours contract and perhaps rely on things like free school meals

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Lines open at 8am on Monday morning 03700 100 444. You can email via the website or tweet your comments @bbcwomanshour now.

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Prof Sarah Stewart Brown Guest; Lavern Antrobus

Jessie & Lennie Ware, Christina Lamb, Barriers to disclosing sexual violence. Mar 14, 2020

We hear from the singer turned interviewer Jessie Ware and her mum Lennie about their hit podcast Table Manners, where they cook dinner for a different celebrity every week. They’ve turned their favourite recipes into a cook book.

Black Women and sexual violence. What are the cultural barriers making it difficult for black women to discuss and disclose sexual violence? And what is cultural betrayal theory?

Chief Foreign correspondent Christina Lamb tells us about her new book ‘Our Bodies Their Battlefield'. And we talk about the signficance of Women’s History Month with Professor Selina Todd and Professor Krista Cowman.

Presenter Jane Garvey. Producer Siobhann Tighe

Interviewed guests: Jessie Ware Lennie Ware Christina Lamb Leanne Levers Jennifer Gómez Selina Todd Krista Cowman

Why black women struggle to discuss sexual violence; Self-isolating as a family Mar 13, 2020

Over the past few years we have seen a number of high profile men being publically accused of sexual abuse and assault. It’s become a pinnacle aspect of the #MeToo movement. So why is the act of speaking out still met with so much resentment? Why is it so difficult to criticise male celebrities who have large followings? And how much more complex does this issue become when it intersects with race? Jacqueline Springer is a contemporary black music and culture journalist and lecturer. Leanne Levers has a PhD in politics and international studies, focusing on sexual violence and justice reform in minority communities. Jennifer M. Gómez is an Assistant Professor for the Department of Psychology at Wayne State University in Michigan.

How do you prepare your family in the event of a coronavirus lockdown? What plans should you make to keep your children entertained if the schools shut and they are stuck at home, how can you make home working work for you and how can you stop petty arguments with your partner or loved ones if you’re stuck in each other’s company for an indefinite period of time? Beverly Ramsey is living in Parma in Italy and tells us about the realities of coping with three children in a city in lockdown and Laverne Antrobus a Consultant Child and Educational Psychologist offers advice on we can best deal with this unusual situation.

On Sunday it was International Women’s Day and one of the events to mark the occasion took place at the Roundhouse in North London. It was part of the BBC Radio 6 Music Festival and featured an all female line up including Jehenny Beth on going solo and her relationship with PJ Harvey.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Jacqueline Springer Interviewed guest: Leanne Levers Interviewed guest: Jennifer M. Gomez Interviewed guest: Beverly Ramsey Interviewed guest: Laverne Antrobus Interviewed guest: Jehenny Beth Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Parenting Podcast: Working with your Mum, with Jessie Ware and Lennie Ware Mar 12, 2020

Jessie and Lennie Ware on their relationship since making their Table Manners podcast

BBC's Young Reporter, Women's History, Leftover Women Mar 12, 2020

BBC Young Reporter Competition is in its second year. More than 2000 young people suggested an original story idea that they wanted the BBC to report on and it was Kay from Bristol who won gold this year. She's 19 now but when she was 12 she was sectioned under the Mental Health Act. She's now volunteering at a hospital and it's been life-changing. Our reporter Ena Miller met Kay and her mum, Eileen, at home in Bristol.

March is a big month for women. We have International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, but that gets less attention. Why? Jenni talks to two historians, Professor Selina Todd and Professor Krista Cowman, about it's importance and significance.

Leftover Women is an unflattering term used in China to describe women who aren't married. China has 30 million more men than women, leaving single women under pressure to marry quickly or risk being rejected by society. Jenni hears from Shosh Shlam, writer and co-director of the film Leftover Women, and Qui Hua Mei who's a lawyer.

Lost is a tale of two siblings living in extreme poverty. It's told through the eyes of Lola. She's a resourceful, brave and loyal teenager who’s desperately trying to find her way home. Jenni talks to the author, Ele Fountain, about what inspired her to write the book and why she hopes it’ll start a conversation about friendship, family and finding a sense of belonging.

Women in Music: Woman’s Hour at the 6 Music Festival Mar 11, 2020

We’re celebrating women in music with this special collaboration between Woman’s Hour and BBC 6 Music, recorded at the 6 Music Festival in Camden, North London. Presenter Georgie Rogers goes backstage at the historic Roundhouse venue to speak to some of the brilliant female artists on the line-up about the women that inspire them and their experiences of the music industry. Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes tells Georgie how it feels to call the shots as a solo artist and shares the women that have inspired her in music and in life. Singer Nadine Shah discusses the gender pay gap in music, why there aren’t more women on festival line-ups and why the ticking of her generation’s biological clocks inspired new album Kitchen Sink. We speak to Jehnny Beth of Savages about starting out in the industry and how both David Bowie and her friend PJ Harvey inspired her first solo album. We also hear from composer Anna Meredith and 6 Music presenter and DJ legend Mary Anne Hobbs - who tells us why an event like the 6 Music Festival’s all-female line-up for International Women’s Day is so vital. Sunday’s bill at the Roundhouse saw Nadine, Jehnny and Anna perform alongside Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon and poet, playwright and rapper Kate Tempest. The BBC 6 Music Festival took over Camden for three days of live music, DJ sets and talks with artists from Bombay Bicycle Club to Paul Weller, Hot 8 Brass Band to Roisin Murphy. You can hear highlights on BBC Sounds and watch some of the best performances on the BBC iPlayer and the 6 Music website.

All music featured in this podcast was recorded live at the 6 Music Festival and broadcast on BBC 6 Music.

Presenter: Georgie Rogers Guest: Brittany Howard Guest: Jehnny Beth Guest: Nadine Shah Guest: Anna Meredith Guest: Mary Anne Hobbs Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths Editor: Karen Dalziel

Crazy Cat Ladies, Female QCs and Rough sex as defence Mar 11, 2020

If you are man and own a cat, you are a man with a cat. If you are a woman with one, you are a crazy cat lady. Recently the term crazy cat lady has been reclaimed in a positive way on social media but many say it is a pejorative term used against women who break from tradition. Alice Maddicott is the author of Cat Women and writer Kat Brown has two cats, Ambridge and Genevieve and has written about the support they gave her during fertility treatment. Next week 114 new QCs will receive their silks at a ceremony in front of the Lord Chancellor at Westminster Hall. Of those 114 just 30 are women. So what’s holding women back? A children’s nurse on the edge of physical and mental collapse is at the centre of a new novel Rest And Be Thankful. The author, Emma Glass is a paediatric nurse herself so she knows all about hands red raw from washing and how to support grieving parents so why did she decide to write a novel using her experiences? Rough sex is sometimes used as a defence in court cases involving sexual violence. The government says it’s going to look at these rough sex laws as part of the Domestic Abuse Bill, which had its First Reading in the House of Commons last week. Parliament being prorogued and then the election in December delayed the progress of the Bill. To get the latest on the Bill is the MP and Mother of the House, Harriet Harman.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Interviewed guest: Alice Maddicott author of Cat Women Interviewed guest: Writer Kat Brown Interviewed guest: Sian Mirchandani QC from 4 New Square Interviewed guest: Rebecca Tuck from Old Square Chambers Interviewed guest: Author Emma Glass Interviewed guest: MP Harriet Harman Producer: Henrietta Harrison

Digital sisterhood; Christina Lamb; Learning to swim Mar 10, 2020

Friendship can be one of the most powerful and important aspects of any woman’s life. We explore what sisterhood means to different women at different points in their lives. Kelechi Okafor, Danielle Dash and Seyi Akiwowo all met online. They all have large social media followings and talk about the importance of digital sisterhood.

Foreign correspondent Christina Lamb has reported on wars for over thirty years. She has now written a major book, Our Bodies Their Battlefield, exposing how in modern warfare, rape and sexual violence are used to humiliate, terrify and carry out ethnic cleansing.

Last week saw the launch of the Black Swimming Association, which aims to turn around the fact that 95% of black adults and 80% of black children in England do not swim. It’s a trend echoed more widely in the UK – with Swim England reporting that almost a quarter of all children leave primary school without being about to swim 25 metres. So what are the barriers to learning to swim? And how can they be overcome? Jane speaks to Carina White from Dope Black Mums and Ali Beckman, the technical director and lead teacher of the swim school, Puddleducks.

Jessie & Lennie Ware, Nadine Shah, Naomi Wolf & The Beauty Myth 30 years on Mar 09, 2020

Popstar turned podcaster Jessie Ware and her mum Lennie Ware discuss working together in their hit podcast Table Manners where they cook dinner for a different celebrity every week. Should racing be doing more to celebrate the fact that it is one of the few sports where men and women compete in the same events? We speak to Jockey Lizzie Kelly - the first woman to win a Grade One race in Britain and now holder of two Grade Ones and two Cheltenham Festival winners. As Cheltenham starts again this year she joins us to discuss Just Jockeys, a campaign by Great British Racing. It was International Women's Day yesterday and one of the events to mark the occasion took place at the Roundhouse in North London. Part of the BBC Radio 6 Music Festival it featured an all female line up. Nadine Shah began yesterday's performance. She spoke to reporter Georgie Rogers. Thirty years ago saw the publication of The Beauty Myth. In it, the author, Naomi Wolf argued that the pressure to be beautiful was what she described as ‘a cultural conspiracy’ and ‘the last, best belief system that keeps male dominance intact What, we ask, has changed three decades on?

Presenter: Jenni Murray Interviewed guest: Jessie Ware Interviewed guest: Lennie Ware Interviewed guest: Lizzie Kelly Interviewed guest: Nadine Shah Interviewed guest: Naomi Wolf Reporter: Georgie Rogers Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

The power of crying, Hubble astronaut Kathryn Sullivan, Children and Coronavirus Mar 07, 2020

The power of crying - Keith Brymer-Jones, one of the judges on the Great Pottery Throw Down, the psychoanalyst and psychotherapist Susie Orbach, and voice coach Joanna Cross discuss.

Kathryn Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space, was an astronaut in the team that launched the Hubble Space Telescope in 1990.

After mastectomies the aim is to make breasts look and feel as they did before but sensitivity tends to suffer. Sarafina Nance is leading a campaign to increase understanding of sensitivity and talks about an experimental nerve-preserving procedure she received in the USA last year. We also hear from the breast surgeon Dr Ayesha Khan on treatments available in the UK.

Composer Emily Hall on the inspiration behind her piece for the Seven Ages of Women, a new commission by Radio 3 to mark International Women’s Day.

Coronavirus – how do you reassure children when everyone is talking about it, and how can they best protect themselves? We hear from Professor Trudie Lang, Director of the Global Health Network at the University of Oxford and Emma Citron, consultant clinical psychologist.

Vogue Williams, TV presenter and Instagram influencer on the rise of parent shaming.

Celebrating 10 years of the Women of the World Festival - two young activists Eunice Mwende and Dajanaa 'Dexi' Stosic on working to empower young girls and women in Kenya and Serbia.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Dianne McGregor

Live from the Women of the World Festival Mar 06, 2020

Jenni Murray presents Woman’s Hour live from the Southbank Centre in London where the Women of the World Festival will be celebrating their 10th anniversary this weekend. Founded by Jude Kelly a decade ago, Jenni will be speaking to her about what inspired her to create an organisation that has involved two million people in 30 locations on six continents. What have been her stand out moments and where does the conversation need to go now?

Initially offered for free following an Instagram challenge, #MeAndWhiteSupremacy is set across 28 days, with each day focusing on a different manifestation of white supremacy, including white privilege, cultural appropriation and tokenism. The workbook was downloaded by nearly ninety thousand people around the world in the space of six months, and is now a book. The woman behind the challenge, Layla Saad, joins Jenni to talk about why she’s passionate about helping people answer the question ‘how can I be a better ally to people of colour?’ Journalist and author, Yomi Adegoke joins them.

We’ll hear from Eunice Mwende and Dajanaa 'Dexi' Stosic, two young activists working to empower young girls and women in Kenya and Serbia, two winners from 'With and For Girls,' who recognise girl-led and girl-centred groups and organisations around the world through an annual awards process.

Jenni is joined by intimacy co-ordinator Ita O’Brien and actor Jemima Rooper. Why is a framework for intimate scenes in film, television and the theatre so important? Is it only to protect actors? And how much impact has the #TimesUp movement had since it started in January 2018?

And Pretty Loud is the first Roma girl band. Traditionally, Roma women are homemakers, encouraged to leave school early and marry young. Blending rap and hip hop with their traditional Roma music, Pretty Loud are passionate about putting an end to stereotypes about both Roma people and women through their lyrics. They’ll be performing live from the Southbank Centre.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Jude Kelly Interviewed Guest: Layla F Saad Interviewed Guest: Yomi Adegoke Interviewed Guest: Eunice Mwende Interviewed Guest: Dajanaa 'Dexi' Stosic Interviewed Guest: Jemima Rooper Interviewed Guest: Ita O’Brien Interviewed Guest: Silvia Sinani Interviewed Guest: Zlata Ristic Interviewed Guest: Kristina Mustafic Interviewed Guest: Emina Uka Interviewed Guest: Zivka Ferhatovic Interviewed Guest: Dijana Ferhatovic

Parenting Podcast: Children and Coronavirus Mar 05, 2020

Reducing anxiety in children, and helping them protect themselves and others.

Photographer Doris Derby. Composer Emily Hall. What's behind the success of TikTok? Mar 05, 2020

We hear about the impetus to chronicle the civil rights struggle in 1960s Mississippi from photographer Doris Derby

Women will be disproportionally affected by climate change. But they’re also at the forefront of campaigning against it. One of the most famous, Greta Thunberg, was in Bristol last week addressing crowds of young people. But have things changed since her first school strike in 2018? According to a new book, ‘Our House is on Fire – Scenes of a Family and a Planet in Crisis’, they are but not nearly fast enough. What might motivate governments and people to truly act?

Composer Emily Hall will be telling us about the inspiration behind her piece for the Seven Ages of Women a new commission by Radio 3 to mark International Women’s Day on Sunday.

And we look at the huge success of TikTok the free social media app where users create, share and watch videos and ask; Why is it so popular among teenagers?

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Doris Derby Guest; Emily Hall Guest; Professor Alice Larkin Guest; Dr Alexa Spence Guest; Sarah Manavis Guest; Elizabeth Wosho

Abi Dare, Breast Surgery, Coronavirus Mar 04, 2020

Abi Dare has written a novel about house girls in Nigeria. It's called The Girl with the Louding Voice. The main character is Adunni who's 14 and has been sold into domestic servitude. She becomes a victim of rape, abuse and poverty but more than anything, she wants an education.

Coronavirus is dominating the news. There's a risk that the TV, radio, and social media coverage can be scary for children. So how do we reassure them, and how do we get the message across that what they do can protect themselves as well as others?

After mastectomies the aim is to make breasts look and feel as they did before but sensitivity tends to suffer. We hear about the changes women can expect and what treatments are available for women here in the UK from London breast surgeon, Dr Ayesha Khan. We also go to California to hear from Sarafina Nance who's an astrophysics PhD student in the US. She's leading a campaign to increase understanding of sensitivity and what can help. She talks to Jenni about an experimental nerve-preserving procedure she herself received in the US last year.

Women Beware Women is a Jacobean revenge drama about patriarchy, predation and the manipulation of young women. It's on in London and seems very relevant to our #MeToo era. The play features Tara Fitzgerald. She comes into the studio to discuss whether her character, Livia, is just a comical minx or a woman who both controls and destroys lives?

Hubble astronaut Kathryn Sullivan; Romy Gill cooks spicy chickpeas; Reducing domestic violence Mar 03, 2020

Kathryn Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space, was an astronaut in the team that launched the Hubble Space Telescope on April 25th, 1990. She joins Jane to talk about her experience of being a female astronaut in the '90s, and maintaining and repairing the most productive observatory in history.

The UK government is a world-leading investor in research on the prevention of violence against women and girls. Between 2013 and 2019 it has invested £25 million in pilots across 12 countries in Africa and Asia to research ways to prevent it in different contexts – the largest ever study of its kind. ‘What works to prevent violence against women and girls?’ has focused on producing rigorous evidence on a global scale for the first time that can be shared with other governments, donors and civil society organisations to encourage more effective global action. Many of those experts and organisations involved in the research in Africa are meeting in London today to reflect on their findings. Jane talks to a few of those involved about their research, their recommendations and what they hope will happen next.

Vogue Williams, TV presenter and influencer talks about being a parent in the public eye and parent shaming. Vogue is married to Spencer Matthews who she met on a reality TV series and they have a one-year old son, Theodore. Where does Vogue draw the line between a willingness to share her family life and standing up for herself if she is judged for her parenting decisions? How much is parent shaming here to stay?

Romy Gill’s new book 'Zaika’ celebrates vegan recipes from India. She joins Jane in the studio to cook the perfect Spicy Chickpeas.

Presenter - Jane Garvey Producer - Anna Lacey Guest - Kathryn Sullivan Guest - Prabu Deepen Guest - Jessica Horn Guest - Charlotte Watts Guest - Vogue Williams Guest - Romy Gill

Hadley Freeman, The Power of Crying, Staying in Touch with Children when you're in Prison Mar 02, 2020

Hadley Freeman has written a memoir, House of Glass, the story of her Jewish relatives across the 20th century, her grandmother and great uncles who fled Poland for Paris after the anti-Jewish pogroms in 1918. We discuss the pros and cons of crying particularly if you're in public. What's it like trying to stay in touch with your children when you're in prison? And what happens when you're on the outside again? Jane talks to Kelly who is in a documentary about women in prison, and to the governor of the prison, HMP Foston Hall in Derbyshire.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Hadley Freeman Interviewed guest: Keith Brymer-Jones Interviewed guest: Susie Orbach Interviewed guest: Joanna Crosse Interviewed guest: Kelly Interviewed guest: Andrea Black Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

29/02/2020 Feb 29, 2020

On Monday, Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of committing a criminal sexual act and third degree rape - and could go to jail for over 20 years. He was acquitted of two counts of predatory sexual assault. While some are celebrating the verdict as the start of a new era and a sign of changing public attitudes towards sexual assault, Weinstein's lead attorney Donna Rotunno promised to appeal, saying "the fight is not over". So what does the ruling mean for women?

The man booker prize winning author Anne Enright discusses her new novel Actress, her fascination with strong love between mothers and daughters, and the parallels between her own life and her heroine’s.

An estimated 1.24 million people are affected by eating disorders in the UK yet the treatment and diagnosis is still comparatively misunderstood. A new research programme launched this week will examine the genetic element of eating disorders and how this interacts with environmental factors.

Childhood cancer is thankfully rare and the past few decades have seen dramatic improvements in the outlook for children diagnosed with the disease; today more than three-quarters survive. We hear from three mothers – Sam, June and Jenny - whose children were diagnosed. How did they cope day to day watching their offspring struggle through endless treatment? How does it impact the rest of the family? And how has the experience affected their response to the world around them?

A young Muslim woman, Noor Inayat-Khan was many things: a dutiful daughter, a musician, an artist, a poet fluent in several languages and a published writer. Later, she was a vital part of the fight against Nazism, as a wireless telephonist in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. She sacrificed her life for the cause of freedom and now a new interactive exhibition is keeping her story alive. Lynelle Howson, an historian at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission tells us about her life and work.

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Rosie Stopher Editor Karen Dalziel

Helen Lewis on Difficult Women, elder abuse in care homes, the National Women's Register Feb 28, 2020

Helen Lewis discusses her new book ‘Difficult Women: a history of feminism in 11 fights’ and why she believes that today’s feminists could gain from being more generous to the feminists of previous generations.

A new Care Quality Commission report says that in a three month period in 2018, 899 sexual incidents or incidents of alleged sexual abuse were reported that took place in adult social care services such as residential and nursing homes. Elderly women were the ones most at risk. Jenni is joined by Veronica Gray, deputy CEO for Action On Elder Abuse to discuss their concerns.

Dorka Herner studied psychology at university before becoming a TV journalist in Hungary. After having five children, she decided to change career and write a book ‘Inspired Parenting’ about what she had learnt as a mother. How do you become a more patient parent? How do you share attention between all of your children? And, what are the most common flashpoints in a crowded house? In 1960, a Guardian article on the isolation of mothers in suburbia sparked a network of women to meet up. There was only one rule: no talking about children or housework. The National Women’s Register as it’s become known is still going strong with members all over the country. Jenni talks to its national organiser Natalie Punter and to one of its trustees Jo Thompson, who’s a member of her local group in Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire, about how the organisation and its groups have changed over the years.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts

When your child has cancer... Feb 27, 2020

Childhood cancer is thankfully rare and the past few decades have seen dramatic improvements in the outlook for children diagnosed with the disease; today more than three-quarters survive. We hear from three mothers – Sam, June and Jenny - whose children were diagnosed. How did they cope day to day watching their offspring struggle through endless treatment? How does it impact the rest of the family? And how has the experience affected their response to the world around them?

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Sam Waters-Long Interviewed Guest: Jenny Grenfell-Shaw Interviewed Guest: June Williams Interviewed Guest: Helen Campbell Interviewed Guest:, Anna Regan

Mercury retrograde. A new study into eating disorders. Clever working class women in the UK. Author Anne Enright. Feb 26, 2020

Astrology concepts such as retrogrades and returns are no longer niche, they’re meme-worthy, and horoscopes have evolved from a bit of fun into revered life guidance. This isn’t the first time astrology has been part of the Zeitgeist, but it’s definitely enjoying a mainstream moment. So as Mercury the planet that rules technology, travel and communication is retrograde for the first time this year, we look at what that really means and the impact it could have on our life.

An estimated 1.24 million people are affected by eating disorders in the UK, and less than half of those people make a full recovery. Yet the treatment and diagnosis is still comparatively misunderstood. We look at research which is just about to be launched that'll examine the possible genetic links.

Clever working class women in the UK – how do they break through and how are they seen by their peers and those in power?

Plus the author Anne Enright talks to us about her new novel "actress .

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Yasmin Boland Guest; Wendy Stacey Guest; Melanie Reynolds Guest; Panya Banjoko Guest; Kristin O’Donnell Guest; Anne Enright Guest; Dr Janet Treasure Guest; Andrew Radford

Sharon Horgan, Weinstein verdict, Dads and Hair, and Noor Inayat-Khan Feb 25, 2020

The Military Wives Choir captured the nation’s hearts when they got the number one spot in the Christmas chart in 2011. In her new film, Sharon Horgan plays one of the women who got the choir started. She joins us to discuss working on the feel-good project.

Yesterday, Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of committing a criminal sexual act and third degree rape - and could go to jail for over 20 years. He was acquitted of two counts of predatory sexual assault. While some are celebrating the verdict as the start of a new era and a sign of changing public attitudes towards sexual assault, Weinstein's lead attorney Donna Rotunno promised to appeal, saying "the fight is not over". So what does the ruling mean for women? Jane talks through the ramifications with Amanda Taub from the New York Times and feminist writer and commentator, Joan Smith.

There are a growing number of videos on social media of dads doing hair - not their own but their daughter’s. And there are groups of men across the country who are gaining hairdressing skills so they can confidently style their daughter’s hair. Jack Woodhams is one of those dads, and he loves spending quality time with his daughter doing her hair. Khembe Clarke teaches dads the techniques they need to style their daughter’s natural afro hair.

A young Muslim woman, Noor Inayat-Khan was many things: a dutiful daughter, a musician, an artist, a poet fluent in several languages and a published writer. Later, she was a vital part of the fight against Nazism, as a wireless telephonist in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. She sacrificed her life for the cause of freedom and now a new interactive exhibition is keeping her story alive. Jane talks to Lynelle Howson, an historian at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Presenter - Jane Garvey Producer - Anna Lacey

Guest - Amanda Taub Guest - Joan Smith Guest - Sharon Horgan Guest - Lynelle Howson Guest - Khembe Clarke Guest - Jack Woodhams

Family Secrets. Author Michelle Gallen. Women protesting in India. Feb 24, 2020

We continue our series Family Secrets. Listener Melanie explains why she finally went to the police to reveal her family secret after 37 years.

There's global attention on President Trump’s trip to India – a guest of Prime Minister Modi of the Hindu Nationalist BJP. This morning he'll be making a speech at a cricket stadium in Gujarrat. Meanwhile- hundreds of women are said to be on hunger strike in Uttar Pradesh in the north of the country, protesting about new Citizenship laws. Salman, Divya Arya, a Women’s Affairs journalist at the BBC in India, gives us the background to the protests which have been going on for some time.

Plus Majella works in the local chip shop in a small town in Northern Ireland with her alcohol-dependent mother. She’s the subject of Michelle Gallen’s first novel ‘Big Girl, Small Town’ . She talks to Jane about the inspiration behind it.

Presented Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Michelle Gallen

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Emetophobia, a Perfect Winter Salad Feb 22, 2020

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, famous for Fleabag and Killing Eve, is on the programme.

We hear why the fear of being sick or hearing others be sick affects more women than men. It's called emetophobia and someone who suffers from it explains what it's like. Professor David Veale, a consultant psychiatrist at the Maudsley Hospital, joins us too.

Islamic faith marriages aren’t valid under English law according to a recent Court of Appeal ruling. Now campaigners are worried that thousands of Muslim women have no rights if they divorce. We hear from Somiya who had to persuade her husband to marry her officially and Pragna Patel from Southall Black Sisters.

An all-female team of investigative journalists from the 50-50 team at Open Democracy carried out an investigation into crisis pregnancy centres in 18 countries. Nandini Archer, the assistant editor, tells what they found out.

We cook the perfect winter salad of red leaves, mackeral and orange with the food writer Catherine Phipps.

And Tilda Offen, Harriet Adams and Ellie Welling, friends of 17 year old Ellie Gould who was murdered last year, tell us why they want self-defence classes to be part of the national curriculum.

Presented by: Jane Garvey Produced by: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Siobhann Tighe

Phoebe Waller-Bridge Feb 21, 2020

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the award-winning writer and creator of Fleabag, tells Jenni Murray about all things Fleabag: from celibacy, religion and sexual fluidity to the relationship between feminism and breast size, and of course the ‘Hot Priest’. Plus insight into the characters from Killing Eve, behind the scenes working on the new Bond film and how friends can be the greatest love story of your life. After the first season of Fleabag aired on the BBC in 2016, Phoebe brought us more complex and unpredictable female characters with her hit TV drama Killing Eve. In 2019 the second series of Fleabag won her critical acclaim in the US as well as the UK, including a handful of Emmys and a multi-million pound producing deal, and now a book Fleabag: The Scriptures.

So how has she handled such an extraordinary run of success? And what difference has her work made to the way we see women on TV?

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Helen Fitzhenry Interviewed guest: Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Trouser Suits, Family Secrets, Bishop Cherry Vann Feb 20, 2020

The trouser suit: powerful in its own right or just a copy-cat of a man's? The fashion historian, Lydia Edwards, has a new book out called How to Read a Suit. She discusses when they became fashionable for women and if we'll still be wearing them in the future.

We talk to Cherry Vann, the new Bishop of Monmouth. She's the first openly gay woman bishop in the UK, as well as the first bishop - male or female - to be in a civil partnership. She officially became bishop this month but just beforehand, and quite unconnected to her appointment, the Church of England issued a statement suggesting sex belongs only in heterosexual marriage. So how did that affect her and what message does she think it sends to Anglican LGBT members.

Winter salad and a Pear and Rosemary Upside Down cake is on the menu in our latest Cook The Perfect ...

And we've got Part Two of real life family secrets. Who are Sarah's birth parents?

Family Secrets: Sarah and a secret revealed by a DNA test Feb 19, 2020

Sue Black, Women’s Equality Party candidate, joins Jenni to discuss why she has stepped down from the London mayoral race because of complications with her vaginal mesh implant.

Flood warnings have been issued across the UK from Doncaster to Wales and more flooding is expected. Hundreds of properties have been affected and families evacuated. How are people on the ground coping? And what are communities doing to help each other? We hear from two women in Wales - Vicki Plumber Leclerc, who’s had to evacuate her home in Aberdulais with her two young kids and Tina Rankin who is running the emergency effort at her local church in Pontypridd

Family Secrets - In most families there are things which don’t get talked about and the silences are often rooted in shame and in fear. In a new series of Family Secrets Sarah tells her story. She contacted Woman’s Hour because she wanted to talk about a family secret that she has only recently discovered at the age of 44.

And an all-female team of investigative journalists from the 50-50 team at Open Democracy looked at a US backed network of crisis pregnancy centres in 18 countries. They say these were not the neutral counselling centres that they at first appeared to be. Undercover reporters who presented as women with unwanted pregnancies described being told that abortion increases the risks of physical and mental illness, that hospitals wouldn’t treat medical complications of abortion – and that women, even those who had been raped, would require the man’s consent. Nandini Archer, assistant editor of the 50-50 project explains how they worked over eighteen months and what they’ve found.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Caroline Donne Interviewed guest: Sue Black Interviewed guest: Vicki Plumber Leclerc Interviewed guest: Tina Rankin Interviewed guest: Nandini Archer

Parenting: How do you cope with fear of vomiting? Feb 19, 2020

Does your fear of vomiting make parenting a challenge? Emetophobia, a fear of vomiting, is a relatively common but under-researched psychological disorder that mostly affects women. We speak with Lucy Burton, who’s been coping with emetophobia for most of her life, and is the mother of two young children. And Professor David Veale, a consultant psychiatrist at Maudsley hospital, which has a specialist centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma.

Daisy May Cooper, Self-defence in schools, Fear of vomiting, The High Table Feb 18, 2020

Daisy May Cooper is one half of the sibling duo behind award winning BBC Three comedy This Country which returned for its third and final season on Monday. Daisy plays Kerry Mucklowe alongside her brother Charlie as ‘Kurtan’, two twenty-something cousins who are stuck in their tiny Cotswold village. Their lives revolve around local scarecrow competitions, terrorising neighbours and football training with the friendly local vicar. Daisy joins Jane to discuss the new series, accepting a BAFTA wearing a bin bag and dealing with the real life death of character and friend Sluggs.

Do you fear being sick? Do you fear seeing or hearing others vomit? Do you take significant steps to minimize the risk of catching a sickness bug, which have interfered with your daily life? If you’ve answered yes to most of these questions, then you might be emetophobic. Emetophobia - a fear of vomiting - is a relatively common but under-researched psychological disorder that mostly affects women. Lucy Burton is one such woman and has been coping with emetophobia for most of her life. Jane also speaks to emetophobia expert Professor David Veale, a consultant psychiatrist at the Maudsley hospital in London.

Ellie Gould was just 17. She had her whole life ahead of her. But last May she was killed by Thomas Griffiths who was once her boyfriend. He was also 17 and pleaded guilty to her murder. Now three of her closest friends want self-defence classes to be part of the national curriculum. They believe that if Ellie had some techniques to protect herself she may still be alive. Tilda Offen, Harriet Adams and Ellie Welling talk to Jane Garvey about what they’re doing for their friend.

Every family has their complications - but for Leah, this might be the breaking point. It’s time to tell her traditional Nigerian parents that she is getting married to another woman. A new play - The High Table - explores family tradition, love and trauma. We meet the writer Temi Wilkey.

Presenter - Jane Garvey Producer - Anna Lacey

Guest - Daisy May Cooper Guest - David Veale Guest - Lucy Burton Guest - Temi Wilkey Guest - Ellie Welling Guest - Tilda Offen Guest - Harriet Adams

Choreographer Cathy Marston & 'The Cellist', her new ballet inspired by Jacqueline du Pre Feb 17, 2020

A new ballet 'The Cellist' opens tonight at the Royal Opera House in London. It’s inspired by the life and work of the British cellist, Jacqueline du Pré. It portrays the highs and lows of the virtuoso’s life after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, aged 28. Its choreographer, Cathy Marston, talks to Jane Garvey about why it was such a personal project for her.

Journalist and novelist, Joan Smith discusses the death of Caroline Flack, the CPS decision to prosecute her, and what impact have the findings of the Levenson inquiry really had?

If you’re someone who follows the various targets on climate change, then the year 2050 is surely on your radar. It’s the very latest date scientists agree the world needs to be carbon neutral by in order to avoid life-changing and irreversible damage to the planet. A mere 30 years away – a lot of radical change needs to happen in the next TEN years to make that 2050 target feasible. Christiana Figueres has co-authored a book called ‘The Future We Choose’. It details positive action we can all take – and also specifically as women – to help us reach that 2050 target.

Friday’s Court of Appeal ruling says under English marriage law Islamic marriage is an "invalid" non-legal ceremony. What are the consequences of that decision for thousands of Muslim women? Director of Southall Black Sisters, Pragna Patel, explains.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Joan Smith Interviewed Guest: Cathy Marston Interviewed Guest: Christiana Figueres Interviewed Guest: Pragna Patel

Anya Taylor-Joy on playing Emma. Dirty Mother Pukka on where's my happy ending? Plus A Curious History of Sex Feb 15, 2020

Emma is one of the most adapted books by Jane Austen. It returns to the big screen this week. We hear from the director Autumn De Wilde and Anya Taylor-Joy who plays Emma.

Yvette Cooper the Labour MP talks about the increasing number of violent threats being made to her and other MP’s. She tells us why she wants political parties to draw up a new joint code of conduct against intimidation.

Anna Whitehouse and Matt Farquharson the duo behind the comedy podcast Dirty Mother Pukka discuss the trials, tribulations and rewards of relationships and family life.

Two casting directors, who have just won awards from the Casting Directors Guild for their work; Lauren Evans, for the first series of Sex Education and Isabella Odoffin, for Small Island on stage last year at the National Theatre in London. Why has the role of casting been so undervalued?

We discuss the impact of loneliness with Baroness Diana Barran the Minister for Lonelines, Bethan Harris creator of the Loneliness Lab, Professor of Pyschology at the University of Manchester Pamela Qualter and Kim Leadbetter the Ambassodor of the Jo Cox Foundation.

And we hear from Dr Kate Lister who set up the Whore of Yore project in 2015 with the aim of starting a conversation about the history of sex. She has now written a book, A Curious History of Sex in which she explores the strange and baffling things human beings have done over the centuries in pursuit and denial of sex.

Presenter Jenni Murray. Producer Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor Beverley Purcell

Chivalry, Sex, 90s Teenagers Feb 14, 2020

Is chivalry dead? What is chivalry these days? Is it picking up the bill and opening a door? Is it just up to men or should women be chivalrous too? Podcaster and writer Tolly Shoneye talks about it with Amanda who's dating now.

“To say that humans have overthought sex is something of an understatement.” That's according to Dr Kate Lister, a university lecturer who set up the Whore of Yore project in 2015. It tried to start a conversation about the history of sex. Her latest book is called A Curious History of Sex and in it she explores the strange and baffling things human beings have done over the centuries in pursuit and denial of sex.

Sexual violence in literature: do we need to find the right language to talk about it properly? And how can reading classic novels like Samuel Richardson’s 18th century, ‘Pamela’, help us understand issues of consent better? Professor Rebecca Bullard and crime writer, Val McDermid join me to discuss.

Were you a teenager in the 90s? Went to raves and house parties? We've been delving into archives of the The Museum of Youth Culture. They've got a touring exhibition called “Grown Up in Britain” which is showcasing objects from teenage culture through the decades. Today we hear from Molly, who was part of the party scene in 90s London.

Casting directors, the Equal Pay Act at 50, Shohreh Bayat Feb 13, 2020

This is the first year Bafta has included a casting category, but still none exists within the Oscars. Jenni speaks to two casting directors, who have just won awards from the Casting Directors Guild for their work: Lauren Evans, for the first series of Sex Education and Isabella Odoffin, for Small Island on stage last year at the National Theatre in London. Why has the role of casting been so undervalued?

Shohreh Bayat is a chess adjudicator. Last month she was working in Shanghai and photos were circulated of her appearing not to have a headscarf on. For an Iranian woman, even though you’re outside of the country, it’s still mandatory to wear a headscarf. She says she was wearing one, but it was hard to see in the photo. She updates us on her situation.

The Equal Pay Act (1970) was successfully steered by through parliament by Barbara Castle and became the first piece of UK legislation to enshrine the right to pay equality between women and men. Jenni discusses how it happened and why the aim of paying men and women equally proved harder to achieve in practice with political journalist, Julia Langdon and Sarah Veale, former head of Equality and Employment Rights at the TUC.

What was it like growing up in the 1980s? The Museum of Youth Culture is currently touring their exhibition “Grown Up in Britain”, which showcases artefacts from teen culture throughout the decades. Today, we hear from Mel, who was a teenage goth in North-East England in the 1980s.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts

Anya Taylor-Joy: the latest actor to take on the role of Emma Feb 12, 2020

Emma is one of Jane Austen’s most adapted books. It returns to the big screen this Friday. The new film is directed by Autumn De Wilde and stars Anya Taylor-Joy in the title role. Why's the story still so relevant today?

After a recent discussion on ‘period power’ and the importance of getting to know your own menstrual cycle, listener Dearbhla McKeating got in touch. She doesn't have a monthly bleed and wanted to discuss the impact it has n your life. She joins Jenni alongside Consultant gynaecologist Pradnya Pisa.

The Museum of Youth Culture is currently touring their exhibition “Grown Up in Britain”, which showcases artefacts from teenager culture throughout the decades. To celebrate we’ve been hearing from you about what it was like to be a teenager from the '60s to the present day. Today we hear from Teresa, who was a punk in the 1970s.

Plus Yvette Cooper on why she's called for political parties to “draw up a new joint code of conduct against intimidation“, to make clear that “violent threats must have no place in politics in all parties”.

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest Autumn De Wilde Guest; Anya Taylor-Joy Guest; Dearbhla McKeating Guest; Pradnya Pisa Guest; Yvette Cooper

HRT shortages, Asylum-seeking women and destitution, Long-term relationships Feb 11, 2020

Last week we discussed the shortages of menopause treatment drug HRT, which began in late 2018. This week, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have said they are ‘very concerned’ about women buying HRT products from unregulated online sites. Some sites were found to be selling products at four times the NHS price. Dr Sarah Jarvis, clinical director of patientacess.com, offers advice to HRT users in light of the shortages.

Anna Whitehouse and Matt Farquharson are the duo behind the comedy podcast, Dirty Mother Pukka They have a new book out, Where’s My Happy Ending? where they discuss the trials, tribulations & rewards of relationships and family life.

A new report published by the charity Women for Refugee Women claims that women who have fled rape and other sexual violence in their country of origin are being made vulnerable to further abuse in the UK because of government policy which makes them destitute. The report contains the stories of over 100 asylum seeking women. We hear from one of them and Jane speaks to human rights activist, Natasha Walter, founder of Women for Refugee Women.

Friendship can be one of the most powerful and important aspects of any woman’s life. We explore what sisterhood means to different women at different points in their lives. Kenyera Boothe and Rachel Musekiwa are 19 and are best friends. They both grew up in foster care.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Dr Sarah Jarvis Interviewed guest: Ana Whitehouse Interviewed guest: Matt Farquharson Interviewed guest: Natasha Walter Interviewed guest: Kenyera Boothe Interviewed guest: Rachel Musekiwa Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Loneliness – the last taboo? Feb 10, 2020

Everyone will know someone who has been lonely. The vast majority of us will feel this way at some point in our lives. More and more of us are happy to speak out about depression but why is there still such stigma associated to talking about loneliness? Does it make us too vulnerable? We often hear about the old being lonely – but what about the young and middle aged? It isn’t considered a mental health condition but should it be? What impact does it actually have on our wellbeing? And what can we, as individuals, civil society and government actually do to tackle it? Jane speaks to Baroness Diana Barran, Minister for Loneliness, Professor Pamela Qualter, Prof of psychology for education, Uni of Manchester, Bethan Harris, Creator of Loneliness Lab & Director of Collectively and Kim Leadbetter, ambassador for the Jo Cox Foundation and Jo Cox’s sister.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne Mcgregor and Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Baroness Diana Barran Interviewed Guest: Professor Pamela Qualter Interviewed Guest: Kim Leadbeater Interviewed Guest: Bethan Harris

Anorexia, Rugby, Narcissism Feb 08, 2020

We speak to Hannah Pearson who feels she's not getting the support she needs with her anorexia and bulimia. She’s been told she has to wait 18 months for an assessment because currently she's described as a "healthy weight". After Hannah, Dr Agnes Ayton, chair of the Eating Disorder Facility of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, describes some of the challenges when trying to get medical help.

Catherine Spencer was captain of the England women’s rugby team from 2007 to 2010. She's now retired but has written a book called Mud, Maul, Mascara. Does she regret leaving the sport?

Also on the programme is Danielle Thomas, who’s 32. Her mother is in the late stages of Huntingdon's Disease. Danielle has recently found out that she has the gene too, so what are her plans for the future?

We talk about employing a cleaner and being a cleaner. And we find out what it means to be a narcissist, particularly in a relationship.

Frankie Bridge, Women's Liberation 2020, 'The Gift' Feb 07, 2020

Frankie Bridge is best known as one fifth of 'The Saturdays' and outside of music has established herself as a TV presenter & digital influencer. She became a Mind ambassador after opening up about her experiences of anxiety, depression and panic attacks, after her hospitalisation in May 2012. Having initially dealt with these issues in silence, she now sees that asking for help can save your life. She talks to Jane about her new book OPEN which features practical guidance and advice from the psychologist and psychiatrist who helped her.

Fifty years on from the first Women’s Liberation Conference in 1970, Women's Place UK organised one last weekend. 900 women gathered to discuss ending violence against women and sex discrimination and to defend women only spaces and single sex services. We hear from some of the women who were there and Professor Sophie Scott and journalist, Helen Joyce discuss what they hope the event will achieve.

And, Janice Okoh‘s new play ‘The Gift’ is directed by Dawn Walton and was inspired by the story of Sara Forbes Bonetta – born Omoba Aina in 1843. A Yoruba princess, Sara was taken into slavery, released to the Lieutenant-Commander of the HMS Bonetta, then offered as a gift to Queen Victoria. The play is set in both 1862 and the present day, and explores themes of cross-racial adoption, colonialism and what it means to be British. Janice Okoh and Dawn Walton join us to discuss the play.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Ruth Watts

Parenting: The role of fathers on maternity wards Feb 06, 2020

In January, midwives at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary complained that expectant dads were treating maternity wards ‘like a hotel’. Issues ranged from dads sharing beds with new mums, ordering takeaway food and making other new mothers embarrassed about breastfeeding. But as NHS policy states that maternity services should be ‘mother-focussed and family-centred’, should more be being done to welcome fathers onto wards? Jenni speaks to Dr Jeremy Davies from the Fatherhood Institute, NHS midwife Leah Hazard, and Cathy Nolan, who gave birth to her son last May.

Should more be being done to welcome fathers onto maternity wards? Feb 06, 2020

Last month, midwives at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary complained that expectant dads were treating maternity wards ‘like a hotel’. Issues ranged from dads sharing beds with new mums, ordering takeaway food and making other new mothers embarrassed about breastfeeding. But as NHS policy states that maternity services should be ‘mother-focussed and family-centred’, should more be being done to welcome fathers onto wards?

The UK government is chartering a final flight to bring British nationals back from the Chinese city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak. In China alone, there are now more than 24,300 cases of the virus, with the death toll at nearly 500. Dr Clare Wenham Assistant Professor in Global Health at the LSE tells us why she believes that the response to health emergencies should not be gender neutral.

We asked you to share your experiences of being part of the Women’s Liberation Movement. Today a listener tells us about fighting for the right to sterilisation when her husband withheld his consent. Plus the impact joining the movement had on her life.

Plus we hear from Syrian paediatrician Dr Amani Ballour, now the focus of an Oscar–nominated documentary called ‘The Cave’.

Presenter Jenni murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Dr Clare Wenham Guest; Dr Amani Ballour Guest; Dr Jeremy Davies

Modern domestic service; Mud and Mascara in women's rugby; Teenage subcultures Feb 05, 2020

Right now, there are thousands of people working hard in other people’s homes to keep them running smoothly. But what’s it like working in domestic service in modern Britain? Juliet Adame and Dawn Nickless talk about their experiences of the relationship between employer and employed, and the extent to which class still plays a role in people’s attitudes towards domestic workers. Jenni also speaks to Dr Lucy Delap from the University of Cambridge about how much the life of a cleaner, nanny and gardener has changed – or not – in the past 100 years, and why so many women feel mortally embarrassed about being the boss.

Women’s rugby is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and 29% of all rugby players are women. Since it was announced as an Olympic sport in 2009, the number of participants has grown globally from 200,000 to over 2.6 million. As preparations are underway for this year’s Women’s Six Nations Catherine Spencer the former Captain of the England talks to Jenni about her memoir Mud, Maul, Mascara: How I Led my Country, and Lived to Tell the Tale.

Goth, punk, raver – what kind of teenager were you? The Museum of Youth Culture is currently touring their exhibition “Grown Up in Britain”, which showcases artefacts from teenagers throughout the decades. We discuss how teenage subcultures have evolved from the 50s to today with Ruth Adams, senior lecturer at Kings College London and Lisa Der Weduwe, Archives Manager at the Museum of Youth Culture, before kicking off our four-part feature series “A Short History of the Teenage Girl” with Kay from Derby.

Presenter - Jenni Murray Producer - Anna Lacey Guest - Lucy Delap Guest - Julieta Adame Guest - Dawn Nickless Guest - Catherine Spencer Guest - Ruth Adams Guest - Lisa der Weduwe

Anorexia, Iowa Democrats, Churchill's Cook Feb 04, 2020

We speak to Hannah Pearson who's 25 and has anorexia and bulimia. She recently asked for help from a specialist NHS eating disorder service close to where she lives but because she isn’t considered underweight enough she’s been told she has to wait 18 months. We hear from Hannah as well as Agnes Ayton from the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Last night, Americans living in Iowa had their say on who they think is the best Democrat candidate to beat Donald Trump. Women candidates include Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar. We speak to Dr Anne-Marie Angelo, originally from Virginia, who’s now Senior Lecturer in American History at Sussex University in Brighton.

There was a time when domestic service was the single biggest employer of women in the UK but many of their stories have been forgotten. Author and historian Annie Gray is putting things right with her new book, Victory in the Kitchen. It tells the story of Georgina Landemare’s journey from scullery maid to the much-admired cook of the Churchill family. She's joined by Edwina Brocklesby, Georgina’s granddaughter.

Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone, Narcissistic Abuse, Huntington's Disease Feb 03, 2020

The UK left the European Union on Friday night – so what can women expect from British politics. There have been weeks of speculation about a February reshuffle – we discuss the women who will win and lose. And what of the women among the voters who the Prime Minister has often said “lent” him their votes? Jane talks to Helen Lewis, staff writer for the Atlantic and to Anne McElvoy, senior editor at The Economist about how women’s interests will figure in post-Brexit politics.

Last Wednesday, in our series about breaking free from damaging relationship patterns, we heard a moving account from “Sadie” who described her ex-partner as a narcissist. Today we explore further the subject of narcissistic abuse.

Life for girls in Afghanistan can be dangerous – and with no set education system, they can often find themselves selling tea in the street or married early. But a centre in Kabul is teaching children from poor areas to read, write and… skateboard. It’s the subject of a BAFTA winning film Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're a Girl) by Carol Dysinger, who joins us to discuss the project.

BBC stories has been following Danielle Thomas on her journey to find out if she has inherited the gene for Huntington’s disease. Her mum is in the late stages of the disease and there’s a 50:50 chance that she could have inherited it. Jane talks to her about her decision to discover if she’s a carrier and the impact it’s had on her life.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Helen Lewis Interviewed guest: Anne McElvoy Interviewed guest: Katherine Baldwin Interviewed guest: Carol Dysinger Interviewed guest: Danielle Thomas Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

The double discrimination faced by black parents with autistic children Feb 01, 2020

The double discrimination faced by black parents with autistic children. Damaging relationships - why do we so often repeat the same patterns of behaviour?

Forestry England's writer in residence. Plus Marion Dunn who took up boxing for fitness in her 50's. The campaign to reform the disclosure of criminal records. And Gwyneth Paltrow and her Goop Lab - why are so many of us so keen on advice and products that are not backed up by any scientific research?

Producer Olivia Cope Editor Beverley Purcell

Guest; Pam Aculey Guest; Venessa Bobb Guest; Marion Dunn Guest; Leigh Hardy Guest; Rachel Tynan Guest; Zakiya McKenzie Guest; Louise Tickle Guest; Jenny Beck Guest; Penny Guest; Prof Tali Sharot Guest; Dr Anjali Mahto Guest; Anne-marie Lodge

Rachel Clarke, DBS Checks, Home Schooling Jan 31, 2020

Rachel Clarke is a doctor working at a hospice. She’s a palliative care doctor and says the “currency of a hospice is kindness”. She's talking about sweet and thoughtful gestures that make a difference to dying patients and their loved ones. She’s also a great believer in talking to patients and relatives about how death comes, and says the reality of it is normally not as awful as we fear.

Sixty thousand children stay at home for their education and do very well. They're taught by dedicated mums and dads. However, there are fresh concerns about home schooling due to a couple in Northamptonshire who are now in jail for child cruelty. They told their son's school that they wanted to teach him at home but he suffered four years of abuse. There's been a Serious Case Review into what happened and it concluded that home-schooling regulations in England and Wales need ‘urgent care’. We discuss with the Children's Commissioner, Anne Longfield.

Do you have a criminal record for a relatively minor offence from years ago. Is it stopping you doing the jobs you'd like to do, like being a nurse, caring for children or working in a library? Two legal charities have launched a campaign called #FairChecks. They want the government to reform the way people have to disclose criminal records. Jenni talks to two women who've had DBS problems and to Rachel Tynan, from the charity Unlock.

Georgie Codd, author of We Swim to the Shark, is really really scared of fish. She suffers from ichthyphobia – a fear of fish. She joins Jenni to talk about the drastic steps she took to overcome her phobia.

Breaking damaging relationship patterns, 50 years since the first women's liberation conference Jan 30, 2020

Next month sees the fiftieth anniversary of the first Women’s Liberation conference at Ruskin College, Oxford. The event produced four key demands for equal pay, equal education and job opportunities, free contraception and abortion on demand, and 24-hour nurseries – and it is widely seen as a defining moment in the development of Second Wave Feminism. Jenni discusses its significance and legacy with the organiser of the 1970 meeting, Sally Alexander and with the historian Selina Todd.

In parts of of Uganda, men are pressuring their wives into breastfeeding them before their babies. New research has explored why and how men are doing this, and how the practice may be coercive. We’re joined by a researcher on the project, Dr Rowena Merritt, and BBC reporter in Kampala, Patricia Oyella.

And, how do we break damaging relationship patterns and what does research tell us about what makes relationships strong and healthy? Jenni is joined by Penny Mansfield, co-director of the relationships charity One Plus One and Simone Bose who works for Relate.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts

Parenting: The 'double discrimination' facing black children with Autism Jan 29, 2020

Getting the right information and support to raise a child with autism can be difficult for any parent. But if the child is from an ethnic background, research has shown that this can act as a 'double discrimination'. Why is this the case? We hear from Pam Aculey whose oldest son has autism and now has produced a series of children's picture books. And Venessa Bobb who has two children with the condition and now runs her own charity - A 2nd Voice - set up to help families like hers.

Breaking patterns in relationships. Why nursing may be undervalued. Raising a child with autism from an ethnic background. Jan 29, 2020

Over the past few weeks we've been hearing women’s personal experiences about their relationships and why things went wrong. Today it's the turn of a woman we're calling " Sadie".

Nurses are under-valued across the UK because of an old-fashioned view that caring for others is a ‘feminine characteristic’. That’s according to a new study, commissioned by the Royal College of Nursing. Jenni talks to Dr Anne Humbert one of the authors of the report and to Dame Donna Kinnair Chief Exec and General Secretary of the RCN about what needs to be done to change the public perception of the profession.

The domestic abuse sector is facing a sustained funding crisis, with the Women's Aid Annual Audit showing that 64% of refuge referrals were declined last year. The number of refuge bed spaces in England is now 30% below the number recommended by the Council of Europe. Sarah Davidge the Research and Evaluation Manager from Women's Aid talks about what they think needs to be done to plug the funding gap.

Getting the right information and support to raise a child with autism can be difficult for any parent. But if the child is from an ethnic background, research has shown that this can act as a 'double discrimination'. Why is this the case? We hear from Pam Aculey whose oldest son has autism and now has produced a series of children's picture books. And Venessa Bobb who has two children with the condition and now runs her own charity - A 2nd Voice - set up to help families like hers.

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Dr Anne Humbert Guest ; Dame Donna Kinnair Guest; Pam Aculey Guest; Venessa Bobb Guest; Sarah Davidge

Reporter; Milly Chowles.

Goop Lab and the psychology of wellness; Tolson judgement; French #MeToo; Emma Jane Unsworth Jan 28, 2020

Last Friday, Gwyneth Paltrow launched her new TV series ‘Goop Lab’ on Netflix. It explores everything from reducing your biological age to having the best female orgasms and healing yourself with energy. But where’s the line between fact and fiction when it comes to wellness? What draws people in to trying the vast and bizarre range of creams and contraptions on offer? And what is it about our psychology that means it rarely matters whether the claims are backed up by science? Jane is joined by cognitive neuroscientist Prof Tali Sharot, consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto and self-confessed beauty product obsessive, Ree.

In France there’s a debate going on about very young people having sexual relationships with older, more powerful men: something that used to be deemed acceptable in some intellectual circles. It’s because a woman called Vanessa Springora – a leading French publisher – makes allegations in a book which came out this month, that she was groomed when she was 14 by a much admired author who was 50. Anne-Elisabeth Moutet a French journalist, explains what’s happened, why it’s significant and how it's not acceptable anymore.

Last week a written judgement was published in the family division of the High Court. Ms Justice Russell ruled in favour of a woman seeking a fresh hearing in the family courts. Her child custody case had originally been handled by a senior judge, Judge Tolson. In the course of his fact finding he ruled that the woman had not been raped by her former partner because she had “taken no physical steps” to stop him. The appeal judgement criticised him for his outdated ideas of what constitutes consent. It also recommended that family court judges who regularly deal with allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence should be required to undergo training to the same level as judges trying these charges in criminal courts. Jane discusses the significance of this judgement and what needs to happen next with Jenny Beck, Director of Beck Fitzgerald solicitors, a specialist family law firm and Louise Tickle, a journalist who specialises in social affairs and family law

Jane talks to the award winning novelist and screen writer Emma Jane Unsworth about her new novel 'Adults' – about friendship, family, love and what it means to be an adult.

Presenter - Jane Garvey Producer - Anna Lacey Guest - Tali Sharot Guest - Anjali Mahto Guest - Anne-Marie Lodge Guest - Jenny Beck Guest - Louise Tickle Guest - Emma Jane Unsworth Guest - Anne-Elizabeth Moutet

Edith Eger, Breaking Relationship Patterns, Taking up Boxing at Fifty Jan 27, 2020

Seventy five years ago today Soviet troops liberated the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz Birkenau. January 27th is Holocaust Remembrance day. Edith Eger is a psychologist from Hungary. She was 16, an enthusiastic dancer and gymnast, when she was taken with her family to Auschwitz. She’s now 92. In 2018 she published a memoir about her experiences and how they shaped her life, it’s called “The Choice”. Tina Dahaley asked her what happened when they got to the camp in Poland:

Aged fifty Marion Dunn joined a boxing gym. The fitness training proved incredibly hard but Marion soon became addicted to it and to learning how to punch with the best of them. She explains to Jane why she thinks boxing is such a wonderful activity.

When you look back over your relationships do you see patterns? In the third in a series the story of a woman we are calling Katy who feels that her earliest experiences shaped what she looked for and needed from her partners.

Zakiya Mckenzie, a writer from Bristol, talks to Jane about spending a year as Forestry England's writer in residence and her attempts to make the green movement more black.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Edith Eger Interviewed guest: Marion Dunn Interviewed guest: Zakiya Mckenzie Reporter: Tina Dahaley Reporter: Millie Chowles Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Gail Porter, Modest Fashion & Female Friendships Jan 25, 2020

Gail Porter, once one of the UK’s most sought after female TV presenters, talks about her life in the documentary Being Gail Porter. From developing alopecia to suffering severe mental health problems and ending up homeless.

As the Office for National Statistics releases new employment figures – we look at what sorts of jobs women are losing and what's being done to save them, with the Economist Vicky Pryce and the TUC’s Head of Economics Kate Bell.

As well-known high street fashion brands start selling clothes under the ‘Modest Fashion’ banner we find out what "modest fashion" really means from Reina Lewis from the London College of Fashion and the model Amina Begum Ali.

Would you sacrifice having children to save the planet? Jane takes your calls and examines the issue with Anna Hughes who's chosen to be child free for environmental reasons and Professor Sarah Harper Director of the Oxford Programme on Fertility Education and Environment.

Plus the playwright Miriam Battye and the actor Rebekah Murrell talk about their new play at the Royal Court in London which explores the highs and lows of female friendship.

And Lorna Cooper gives us her tips for feeding a family of four on a budget of just £20 a week.

Presented by: Jane Garvey Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Beverley Purcell

Lorna Cooper, Sarah Champion, Jane Sanderson Jan 24, 2020

Lorna Cooper says she feeds her family of four on £20 a week. She's cut it down from £100. She offers her best tips for planning meals and stretching your grocery money.

Churches, mosques and gurdwaras should be safe places for teenagers. Yet due to a loophole in the law adults in faith settings can have sexual relationships with 16 and 17 years old who are under their supervision. This would be illegal if it happened in a school. The MP Sarah Champion is leading a cross-party group of MPs looking into how teenagers can be better protected in faith settings and how this legal loophole can be closed.

Why is the idea of connecting with past lovers so powerful? A new novel called Mix Tape by Jane Sanderson explores the power of music to bring soulmates back together.

Radio 4 has a drama tomorrow which is about the famous novel, The Well of Loneliness. The drama is set in 1928 and is about the obscenity trial that led to the banning of the book. Written by Radclyffe Hall, the novel's about a love affair between two women. Shelley Silas is the writer of the Radio 4 drama and joins Jane to talk all about it.

Breast and cervical cancers; Clara Ponsati; Imposteress Rabbit Breeder; Scenes with Girls Jan 23, 2020

A new scanning technique that can identify aggressive tumours could help to transform the treatment of breast cancer. Dr Ferdia Gallagher, an academic radiologist at Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge explains. Meanwhile, cervical cancer affects more than 3,000 women a year, but there is concern that progress has stalled in tackling the disease. Dr Julie Sharp is head of health and patient information at Cancer Research UK and she discusses what needs to happen.

How much do your girlfriends mean to you? A new play at the Royal Court theatre explores the highs - and the lows - of female friendship. The playwright Miriam Battye and actor Rebekah Murrell join Jenni to discuss.

In October 1726, newspapers began reporting a remarkable event: In the town of Godalming in Surrey, a woman named Mary Toft was giving birth to rabbits. Mary was examined by medics and the case drew the attention of the King, government and law courts. Historian Karen Harvey talks about her new book The Imposteress Rabbit Breeder.

And, Clara Ponsati is a highly regarded economics professor at the University of St Andrews, but in 2017, she was the Catalan minister of Education when the independence referendum was held. The Spanish government declared the vote illegal and it wants Ponsati to return to Spain to face a charge of sedition. The BBC’s Niall Gallagher takes a look at who she is and what is likely to happen next.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts

Gail Porter Jan 22, 2020

In 1999, Gail Porter was one of the UK’s most sought-after female TV presenters. Most famously, she helped sell over a million copies of FHM magazine after her naked image was projected onto the Houses of Parliament. In Being Gail Porter, a documentary for BBC Scotland, she explores her rise to celebrity and her fall into depression, anorexia, self-harming and homelessness. She talks to Jenni about why, after more than 20 years, she now feels able to face up to what she's been through and begin to make sense of it all.

Milly Chowles has set out to try to understand why, when it comes to relationships, we often repeat what we've done in the past. In the second of her series about toxic relationships she talks to Jo who felt compelled to seek out conflict and drama.

Despite a lifetime of correspondence, just 160 of Jane Austen’s letters survive to the present day. The vast majority were burned by her beloved sister Cassandra after her death. But what secrets was she trying to destroy? In her latest novel, Miss Austen, Gill Hornby imagines the complex relationship and lives of these two sisters and the events that motivated the editing and rewriting of Jane’s history.

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Gail Porter Guest; Gill Hornby Reporter; Milly Chowles

Modest Fashion, Behind the Unemployment Figures, the Art of Listening Jan 21, 2020

The Office for National Statistics release new unemployment figures today. We look behind the numbers and ask what sorts of jobs women are losing and what’s being done to save them. What do we know about the jobs that women are employed in? And have efforts to help women get into better paid sectors changed the gender pay gap?

Do you know what “modest fashion” is? It’s about wearing less revealing clothes, and if you’ve a religious faith which emphasises modesty, it’s a style which allows you to do just that and look great. Well-known high-street shops and on-line brands (like M&S and ASOS) sell clothes under this banner, appealing to a more diverse range of customers. But is it really just a new way of describing how many of us prefer to dress, especially as we get older? Reina Lewis from London College of Fashion together with Amina Begum Ali who’s a model, discuss how it fits into the UK’s £32 billion fashion industry.

When you look back over your relationships do you see patterns? Our reporter Milly Chowles does and she wants to understand why this might be. In a new series about toxic relationships she talks to four women who have broken free. Today, a woman we are calling Nina who was drawn to bad boys.

Writer Kate Murphy claims that as a society we’ve forgotten how to listen. She joins Jane to talk about what stops us & to argue the case for better listening.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Vicky Pryce Interviewed guest: Amina Begum Ali Interviewed guest: Reina Lewis Interviewed guest: Kate Murphy Reporter: Milly Chowles Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

PHONE-IN - Would you stop having kids to save the planet? Jan 20, 2020

The population of Earth has doubled since 1970 and is heading for 10 billion by 2050. That’s a lot of extra strain on the planet. Could having fewer kids be the answer? Jane Garvey wants to hear your thoughts!

Would you consider having fewer kids for the greater good? Have you or someone you know decided to live a child-free life? Is Harry and Meghan’s choice to stop at two the ideal compromise? Are you someone who couldn’t ignore the urge for a third? Or is it over-consumption rather than over-population that’s the real issue?

Call 03700 100 444 or email us via the Woman's Hour website. Lines open from 0830

Presenter - Jane Garvey Producer - Anna Lacey Guest - Prof Sarah Harper Guest - Anna Hughes

Maggie Oliver, Music from the Alison Rayner Quintet & Mixed Weight Dating Jan 18, 2020

Maggie Oliver, the former detective and whistleblower who exposed Greater Manchester Police’s poor handling of the sexual abuse of young girls in Rochdale, talks about the publication of the first part of an independent review into failures in the Investigation of the sexual grooming of children. She tells us why she thinks girls are continuing to be abused today.

A mother tells us about her daughter being able to access around 30 cosmetic procedures despite being under the age of 18. Caroline Payne a plastic and reconstructive surgeon discusses how and why this might happen.

We have music Alison Rayner Quintet.

We discuss the term ‘Mixed Weight Dating, used to describe a couple with a noticeable difference in body size or shape, with Steph Yeboah a plus size and body positive lifestyle blogger and Ebony Douglas the CEO of her own marketing and PR agency.

We hear from the heads of the UK’s only two women’s housing associations Zaiba Qureshi the Chief Executive of Housing for Women and Denise Fowler the Chief Executive of Women’s Pioneer Housing. How have women’s housing needs changed since the organisations were set up?

Presented by: Jenni Murray Produced by: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

Iranian referee Shohreh Bayat at the Women's Chess World Championship and the controversy about her hijab Jan 17, 2020

Shohreh Bayat, an Iranian chess referee, has caused controversy this week having been accused of not wearing a hijab at the current Women’s World Chess Championship. The wearing of the headscarf is mandatory in her country and despite disagreeing with the rule she claims she was complying. We hear from Shohreh. How worried is she about returning to Iran? And BBC correspondent, Sarah Rainsford explains her situation.

On the bicentenary of Anne Brontë’s birth, screenwriter Sally Wainwright (To Walk Invisible) and Anne Brontë biographer, Adelle Hay (Author of Anne Brontë: Reimagined) discuss Anne’s most famous work 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall', and why it is now considered one of the first feminist novels.

The latest statistics suggest young British people are having less sex than ever before. Could this be because it can be so hard to be open about what we like, and what we want, from sex? Do our gender expectations make it particularly hard for straight men to admit they like a submissive role in sex? What about when the sexual act itself comes with elements of stigma or taboo - like anal play? We discuss how straight men can talk about sexual desire with female partners and why this matters. Shakira ‘Scotty’ Scott is an erotic romance author and blogger. Habeeb Akande is a sexual well-being educator. Matthew is 30 and has been married for two years.

Francesca Wade has written a group biography about five exceptional women – the modernist poet, H.D., the detective novelist, Dorothy L Sayers, the classicist Jane Harrison, the economic historian Eileen Power and the writer and publisher Virginia Woolf. They all lived at different times in the same London square. She discusses with Jenni the struggles these women faced to live, love and above all, work independently in the early 20th century.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Shohreh Bayat Photographer: Misha Friedman Interviewed Guest: Sarah Rainsford Interviewed Guest: Sally Wainwright Interviewed Guest: Adelle Hay Interviewed Guest: Shakira ‘Scotty’ Scott Interviewed Guest: Habeeb Akande Interviewed Guest: Francesca Wade

Parenting: Why do children lie? Jan 16, 2020

Young children may know they can deceive others but their first lies are often more humorous than effective. Imagine the child who claims not to have eaten any cake while her mouth is still full, or who blames the family dog for drawing on the wall. But is lying actually an important sign other cognitive skills are also developing? As a child matures how does the nature and motivation behind lying change? And is it ever a cause for concern? In this week's Woman's Hour Parenting Podcast, Jenni Murray speaks to consultant child and educational psychologist, Laverne Antrobus.

Maggie Oliver, Alison Rayner Quintet, the history of the breast, and shortbread Jan 16, 2020

A report on child sexual exploitation in Greater Manchester says police and social workers were aware and failed to protect victims fifteen years ago. We hear from Maggie Oliver, the former detective who blew the whistle on the failure to tackle grooming gangs in Rochdale, why she thinks little has changed in that time and why prosecutions must follow.

When she turned 60, bass player Alison Rayner formed a jazz band. She also set up Blow the Fuse, an organisation to support women musicians. Alison talks about her choice of instrument, why it’s never too late to take up music and the reaction she gets from her audience.

Professor Joanna Bourke looks at the history of ideas about the breast from beauty to age and function to sexual pleasure. She also discusses what happens when we turn our attention to the male breast.

And, in Flora Shedden’s new book Aran, each chapter follows a day in the life of the bakery of the same name which is located below the highlands of Scotland. She joins Jenni in the studio with Granny Joan’s and Angus’ shortbread.

Presenter: Jenni Murry Producer: Ruth Watts

Stormont Women, A Friend's Death, Mixed-Weight Dating Jan 15, 2020

You might have seen a striking picture this week of the two top women in Northern Ireland facing four men in suits. The women are the First Minister, Arlene Foster from the DUP and Deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill from Sinn Fein. The new Assembly has more female politicians that ever, so what does this say about how Northern Ireland is changing?

New books and apps help you track your periods and find out when you're on top form and when you're not. But it is true that we can work our life around your hormones if we understand our cycle? Jenni's joined by Dr Emma Ross, Head of Physiology at the English Institute of Sport and Maisie Hill, author of Period Power.

Is mourning a friend different from mourning for someone in the family? You're expected to be very sad when a family member dies but grieving for a friend can be seen as ‘too much’. It can also be complicated, especially if you knew them in a different way to how their family did. When friends of our own age die it can bring up all sorts of tricky emotions. Sue Elliott-Nicholls, who knows what it's like to grieve for friends and family, reports.

‘Mixed-weight dating’ is a term used to describe a couple with a noticeable difference in body size or shape. Some people see it as a straight-forward description of the couple but others say the phrase is offensive. Steph Yeboah is a plus-size and body positive lifestyle blogger. Ebony Douglas is the CEO of her own marketing and PR agency - and has been in a relationship like this for three years.

Under-age cosmetic surgery, Housing for Women, Labour leadership Jan 14, 2020

Today we look at under-18 access to procedures carried out at cosmetic clinics. A listener contacted us to voice her concern over the way these places are regulated because, in the last 18 months, her daughter who is now 17 has accessed more than 20 clinics for around 30 procedures. She was never asked to prove her age despite being asked to sign paperwork saying she is over 18. We hear from our listener and Miss Caroline Payne, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and a member of British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

Five candidates have secured backing from 22 MPs or MEPs, to see their names go on the ballot to become the next Labour leader. The names of four women and a man will go forward: Rebecca Long Bailey, Lisa Nandy, Jess Phillips, Emily Thornberry and Keir Starmer. After the Conservative Party selected its second woman Prime Minister many senior Labour politicians have insisted that the next Labour leader must be a woman. But does it need to be a woman who can win back the women voters the party lost? What do women voters want to hear from the next Labour leader? And is it a problem if the party fails to select a woman once again?

We’ve had a phenomenal response to our interview last week about women and concussion. Dr Priyanka Pradhan - a Woman’s Hour listener and consultant neuropsychologist at St George’s Hospital in London – got in touch to share her expertise in managing concussion and post-concussion syndrome. Jane also reads out a selection of your emails.

We speak to the heads of the UK's only two women’s housing associations - Zaiba Qureshi, Chief Executive of Housing for Women and Denise Fowler, Chief Executive of Women’s Pioneer Housing - about how central the issue of housing was to women’s suffrage campaigns, and whether the housing needs of women have changed much since then.

Presenter - Jane Garvey Producer - Anna Lacey Voice actor - Heather Craney Guest - Caroline Payne Guest - Jenny Chapman Guest - Yasmin Qureshi Guest - Dr Priyanka Pradhan Guest - Zaiba Qureshi Guest - Denise Fowler

PHONE-IN: Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex Jan 13, 2020

When Meghan Markle entered the Royal Family it was seen by many as the dawning of a new age, a breath of fresh air.

Less than three years later the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced their wish to ‘step back’,

We want to hear your thoughts.

Do you think their announcement was outrageous or an inevitable consequence given the treatment of Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex?

What impact will her ‘stepping back’ have on the Royal Family?

The number to phone is 03700 100 444. Lines open at 0900.

Reappraising Christine Keeler, Snowplough Parents & Why women love reading fiction Jan 11, 2020

What impact did the Profumo Affair have on the woman at its centre Christine Keeler? We hear an interview she did with Jenni in 2001 and Baroness Joan Bakewell and Professor Kate Williams discuss the attitudes to Christine Keeler at the time and how they have changed now.

We hear why women are at particular risk when it comes to experiencing a concussion. We hear from Dr Willie Stewart the Head of Glasgow Brain Indury Research Group and from Samantha Ainsworth who has post-concussion syndrome.

Professor Helen Taylor tells us why women are the main readers of fiction.

The government’s official advisers on youth justice are calling for a full review of the age of criminal responsibility. We hear why there are calls for it to be raised from ten years old to twelve. Dr Eileen Vizard a consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Louise King the Director of Policy and Campaigns for Just for Kids Law.

Are you a snowplough parent? Are you guilty of doing your child’s homework so that they don’t experience failure? Rebecca Glover is the Principal of Surbiton High School and Dr Angharad Rudkin is a child psychologist discuss.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Karen Dalziel

How Fat Feels, Rosamund Lupton, Sexual Violence in Conflict Jan 10, 2020

Back in 2018 we had a series called How Fat Feels. It included 16 year old Phoebe who told us how she felt about her body and how her weight has affected her as a teenager. Today Phoebe joins Jane in the studio to listen back to that interview and reflect on how she is now.

The Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative was first championed by Lord Hague and Angelina Jolie in 2014. This week's review by the Independent Commission of Aid Impact says that it's been “valuable & worthwhile” but its fallen short. Baroness Arminka Helic, who was part of the Initiative from the start, joins Jane to discuss.

Rosamund Lupton has brought out a new thrllier. It's called Three Hours and is about a school shooting in rural Somerset. As the minutes count down, the adults and children involved refuse to let evil win and look after each other instead. Rosamund Lupton explains how and why she chose to explore such a distressing story from all angles and perspectives.

Reappraising Christine Keeler, Leah Penniman, Alice Guy Blache Jan 09, 2020

BBC One drama series The Trial of Christine Keeler is an imaginative reappraisal of the 1960s scandal known as the Profumo Affair. It's told from her perspective and the impact a series of powerful men had on the teenage girl. We hear archive of Christine Keeler talking to Woman’s Hour in 2001. And, Baroness Joan Bakewell and Professor Kate Williams discuss attitudes to Keeler at the time and changes in sexual politics since 1963.

New research out today reveals that women in the UK have much poorer sexual health than men. But many of the groups identified in the study – including those with sexual dysfunction and low desire - are often being missed by existing sexual health services. We look at what's happening and why.

Fifteen per cent of UK farmers are women. When it comes to Black or ethnic minority farmers, numbers are hard to pin down - and it seems there’s a similar lack of diversity in farming and food production in America. Leah Penniman is a Black woman who describes herself as an activist farmer. She opened a community farm called Soul Fire Farm in New York State, aiming to provide better quality food for people on low incomes. She talks about her new book, Farming While Black.

Alice Guy-Blache was a pioneering French filmmaker. In 1896 she wrote, produced and directed one of the first narrative films ever made. She created more than 1,000 films during her 20-year career and ran her own studio, yet her contribution to the birth of cinema has largely been largely forgotten. Pamela B Green spent 8 years researching her story, resulting in the documentary film ‘Be Natural’, and joins us to discuss her work.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts

Parenting: Snowplough Parents Jan 08, 2020

We’ve heard of the helicopter mum. Now here comes the snowplough. That’s the term used to describe an overprotective parent who clears anything in their path in order to ensure their child’s success. But what does this behaviour do to a child? Jenni is joined by Rebecca Glover, Principal of Surbiton High School who has created a TedX Talk ‘Do Snowplough parents remove true grit?’ and Dr Angharad Rudkin, a child psychologist.

Sexual offences against men; 'How Fat Feels'; Snowplough parents Jan 08, 2020

Reynhard Sinaga has been identified this week as ‘Britain’s most prolific rapist’. He was convicted of 159 counts of sex offences including 136 rapes, against 48 male victims and will serve a minimum of 30 years in prison. Police believe there may have been up to 200 victims. According to research 1 in 6 men have been targets of rape or sexual abuse. To discuss the issue of male rape and the support available to victims, Jenni is joined by Alex Feis-Bryce, CEO of SurvivorsUK and Neil Henderson, CEO of Safeline and Chair of Male Survivors Partnership.

In our series’ How Fat Feels’ back in 2018 Mellisa talked honestly to our reporter Ena Miller about why she insists on calling herself fat and how her weight shapes her life. ‘Some days I use my fat as armour, some days it’s like a shroud’ she said then. Today Mellisa joins Jenni to listen to that interview again and consider how she feels now about her body.

We’ve heard of the helicopter mum. Now here comes the snowplough. That’s the term used to describe an overprotective parent who clears anything in their path in order to ensure their child’s success. But what does this behaviour do to a child? Jenni is joined by Rebecca Glover, Principal of Surbiton High School who has created a TedX Talk ‘Do Snowplough parents remove true grit?’ and Dr Angharad Rudkin, a child psychologist.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Alex Feis-Bryce Interviewed Guest: Neil Henderson Reporter: Ena Miller Interviewed Guest: Rebecca Glover Interviewed Guest: Dr Angharad Rudkin

Trial of Harvey Weinstein, How Does Fat Feel, Mindfulness for Parents Jan 07, 2020

Harvey Weinstein’s rape trial begins in New York today – two years after the first allegations against him were made public. .The Hollywood film producer who’s 67- faces five charges of rape and sexual assault involving two women. He’s pleaded not guilty. Dozens of other women have made allegations of sexual abuse and harassment against Weinstein since the publication of revelations in the New York Times in October 2017. He denies any non-consensual sex. Amanda Taub is a writer for the New York Times.

In May 2018 we put out a call to our listeners, asking How Does Fat Feel? Ena Miller interviewed three of the dozens of listeners who got in touch. A woman we are calling Jules described herself as fat and said that as she got bigger her life got smaller. Her low self esteem was having an impact on her marriage and her general health was poor. Today 'Jules' joins Jane to listen again to that interview and to talk about how she feels now.

Practising mindfulness can calm parents and children alike, according to Issy Judd who has written a book Mindfulness for Mums. She tells Jane about simple activities to relieve chaotic family stress, along with Sian Warriner, Consultant midwife at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who runs mindfulness courses for expectant parents.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Amanda Taub Interviewed guest: Sian Warriner Interviewed guest: Issy Judd Reporter: Ena Miller Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Edna O'Brien, Christmas Traditions, Women In Law, Joanna Scanlan Jan 07, 2020

Having to leave a child's bedside when they're being cared for in hospital can be a huge wrench. To help reduce the separation anxiety, a third of neonatal units in the UK are now using an app that helps parents stay in touch with their premature babies 24 hours a day. Doctors and nurses can send photos and video updates to parents when they can't be with their baby in hospital. So far, around five thousand families have used the service. Emma Barnett talks to Katharine Da Costa - a reporter for BBC South and Consultant Obstetrician Dr Maggie Blott.

This year saw an unprecedented number of women winning major awards and prizes. What does being a winner feel like, and is it always good to win? Jenni Murray hears from the writer Edna O'Brien who won the David Cohen Prize for Literature. The award celebrates a writer who has broken down social and sexual barriers for women in Ireland and beyond, and moved mountains both politically and lyrically through her writing.

Christmas is steeped in all sorts of tradition – but it’s not just trees, tinsel and turkey. Many families have their own festive rituals and the mere idea of doing things differently would make it feel… well, just not like Christmas. But why do we get so hung up on doing Christmas a certain way - even if it doesn't make us happy? What is it about human psychology that makes tradition so attractive? And if your family festivities make you want to run away and hide, what’s the best way to break the cycle? Jenni Murray talks to Dr Cristine Legare from the University of Texas at Austin about why rituals are an inevitable part of being human.

We mark the centenary of women being able to enter the legal profession. Andrea Catherwood speaks to Cherie Booth QC, Dana Denis-Smith - founder of the First 100 years, Abi Silver, a former associate at a city law firm and now a legal consultant, Beth Collette, who's a barrister in her second year of tenancy, and Mari Takayanagi - a Senior Archivist at the Houses of Parliament.

The actress and writer Joanna Scanlan is known for Thick of It, Getting On, No Offence Puppy Love and most recently The Accident. Her latest role is as Mother Superior in the BBC’s new adaptation of Dracula. She joins Jenni to discuss.

Plus, the Glasgow-based close harmony quartet The All Sorts perform.

Concussion in women, Age of criminal responsibility, Why women read fiction Jan 07, 2020

The word ‘concussion’ might sound like a benign knock to the head but it can have lasting consequences. Women are particularly at risk. With all else being equal, women are two to three times more likely to experience a concussion, will have worse symptoms and take longer to recover. Dr Willie Stewart from Glasgow University has been trying to find out why – but has been hampered by the lack of female brains available to study. He’s now asking women to consider donating their brains in the name of science and understanding how sex differences affect the outcome and treatment of traumatic brain injury. Jane is also joined by Samantha Ainsworth, who talks about her experience of post-concussion syndrome.

Back in October we spoke to the anti-abortion group who put up graphic posters of aborted foetuses in the constituency of the MP Stella Creasy. At the time she was heavily pregnant. The same group, called CBR UK, is now planning regular anti-abortion demonstrations at Cardiff University. They've had three of them already, just before Christmas. We speak to the student who encouraged an automatic pro-choice stance at Cardiff University, and a recent graduate who's part of a group which helps students who are against abortion to express their views. Also, Dr Pam Lowe from Aston University who has been researching attitudes to abortion at UK universities.

Women are the main readers of fiction. They outnumber men in all categories of fiction bar fantasy, horror and science fiction. In her new book Why Women Read Fiction, Professor Helen Taylor draws on over 500 interviews with women readers to examine how and why women consume fiction and why reading fiction is so important to huge numbers of women.

The government’s official advisers on youth justice are calling for a full review of the age of criminal responsibility. They would like it raised by at least two years to 12, as Scotland has done recently. So why do England and Wales continue to set theirs at ten despite it being the lowest in Europe? Should children as young as ten caught committing a crime receive welfare interventions rather than being dealt with by the justice system? Jane is joined by Dr Eileen Vizard, Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Institute of Child Health in UCL and Louise King, Director of Policy and Campaigns, from the legal charity, Just for Kids Law.

Presenter - Jane Garvey Producer - Anna Lacey Guest - Isadora Sinha Guest - Madeline Page Guest - Pam Lowe Guest - Samantha Ainsworth Guest - Willie Stewart Guest - Eileen Vizard Guest - Louise King Guest - Helen Taylor

DJ Lucy Edwards. Civil partnerships for all couples. Breaking or forming habits. Jan 04, 2020

Last weekend Lucy Edwards made history when she became the first blind person to present on Radio 1. How did she begin her career in broadcasting?

After a six year battle, Charles Keidan and Rebecca Steinfeld were finally able, as a heterosexual couple, to opt for a civil partnership. They talk about how their campaign began and their plans for their future.

The power of the habit that’s become entrenched. How do habits form and how easy are they to break? Author Catherine Gray on her latest book – the Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary.

Plus, as the Teenage Cancer Trust reveals that nearly thirty per cent of the young people who need to be treated don’t have any discussion about the impact it might have on their fertility we ask; What difference can such a discussion make?

And we look at one of the big issues of the new decade, social care.

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Rosie Stopher Editor Beverley Purcell

Guest; Catherine Gray Guest; Lucy Edwards Guest; Charles Keidan Guest; Rebecca Steinfeld Guest; Dr Heather McKee Guest; Kate Raworth. Guest; Angela Saini Guest; Dr Sarah Jarvis Guest; Bea Campbell. Guest; Professor Pamela Kearns Guest; Dr Louise Soanes Guest; Ellie Waters

Parenting: Tracking apps Jan 03, 2020

Tracking apps can share a friend or loved ones location with you at all times, so you always know where they are. So it's little wonder that some parents see them as an easy way to keep tabs on their teenagers. But does it stop them becoming independent? And can it ruin trust in your relationship with your children? In this week's Woman's Hour Parenting Podcast, we hear from two different perspectives. Debby Penton tells Jenni Murray why she uses location tracking apps to keep track of where her kids are, while Nicola Morgan explains why she has some concerns about the technology

Why do children lie and when can it become a cause for concern? Jan 03, 2020

Young children may know they can deceive others but their first lies are often more humorous than effective. Imagine the child who claims not to have eaten any cake while her mouth is still full, or who blames the family dog for drawing on the wall. But is lying actually an important sign other cognitive skills are also developing? As a child matures how does the nature and motivation behind lying change? And is it ever a cause for concern? Consultant child and educational psychologist, Laverne Antrobus explains.

What is it like to have to care for young children or the elderly while facing the bushfires and extreme heat in Australia? The Australian states of New South Wales and Victoria are currently being ravaged by bushfires and temperatures exceeded 40C in every state and territory at the start of the week. How do you look after the vulnerable in such a difficult situation?

On Monday’s phone-in we talked about making and breaking habits. A review of the available international research and research at the University of York looks more broadly at how science can help us understand how people makes changes to their lives . Ian Hamilton a Senior Lecturer in Addiction and Mental Health tells us more about the findings and why the impact of addiction on women is not fully understood.

In 2013 Catherine Gray was at rock bottom, feeling suicidal and drinking far too much. Six years on she has made significant life changes and completed a trio of books, the first, The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober, the second The Unexpected Joy of Being Single, and now, The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary. She joins Jenni to describe how she made it her mission to learn how to be default happy rather than default disgruntled.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Dr Rob Gordon Interviewed Guest: Sara Lander Interviewed Guest: Calla Wahlquist Interviewed Guest: Laverne Antrobus Interviewed Guest: Ian Hamilton Interviewed Guest: Catherine Gray

Anne Longfield, Teenage cancer and fertility, Elsie Widdowson and location sharing apps Jan 02, 2020

The Children’s Commissioner for England says that we need an urgent review of the care system. She is concerned that around 30,000 children in care are living miles away from friends and family, while others are living in unregulated and inadequate placements. Anne Longfield explains what she thinks needs to be done.

Cancer treatment can have an impact on fertility, but a recent survey by the Teenage Cancer Trust suggests that nearly a third of young people did not have a discussion about their fertility before starting treatment. We speak to 18 year old, Ellie Waters who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer aged 14, Dr Louise Soanes, a Teenage Cancer Trust Nurse Consultant for Adolescents and Young People and Professor Pamela Kearns, a Consultant Paediatric Oncologist.

Elsie Widdowson was one of the British dietitians responsible for overseeing the government-mandated addition of vitamins to food and wartime rationing in Britain during World War II. Dr Venki Ramakrishnan the President of the Royal Society tells Jenni about her achievements.

Many parents see location tracking apps as an easy way to keep tabs on their teenagers. We discuss the merits and drawbacks of on keeping tabs on your teenagers.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts

The World for Women in 2020 Jan 01, 2020

As we stand at the start of a new decade we look at three key issues that will shape women’s lives in the 2020s. And we hear some big ideas on how things could change.

How do we tackle the crisis in social care in the next decade? Given the fundamental caring roles women perform in households, what new ways of thinking about and valuing care work might help find solutions?

In women’s health - are we getting access to the right treatments and diagnosis? With the growing visibility of conditions such as endometriosis, so long down played as 'women’s troubles', we’ll ask what treatments and drugs are getting funded and why. How could science and medicine better serve women?

What does the workplace of the future need to look like for women, and how do we get there?

Our guests are Kate Raworth, a self-described renegade economist, the sciences author Angela Saini, GP and Clinical Director of PatientAccess.com, Dr Sarah Jarvis, and the writer and activist Beatrix Campbell.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Helen Fitzhenry Guest: Kate Raworth Guest: Angela Saini Guest: Dr Sarah Jarvis Guest: Beatrix Campbell

Mixed sex civil partnerships. Second Mums. DJ Lucy Edwards Dec 31, 2019

Civil partnerships have been in place for same-sex couples since December 2005 but as of today they're open to mixed sex couples. We hear from the campaigners, Rebecca Steinfield and Charles Keidan who first appeared on the programme nearly six years ago after they announced their intention to be civilly married in the Jewish Chronicle. Since then they've fought to be able to legally register their union. We hear from them today as they are finally able to become civil partners in the eyes of the law.

Yesterday a 19 year-old woman was found guilty of lying about being gang-raped in Ayia Napa in Cyprus. She withdrew her allegation after a lengthy late night interrogation by police during which no lawyer was present. She will be sentenced next week. Women’s groups and criminal justice campaigners have expressed their concerns about the police investigation, and the judge's handling of her case. Joan Smith explains her concerns about the conviction and what is likely to happen next.

Sue Elliott Nicholls has had a lot of mothers, some were hers and some she has deliberately found for herself for a little extra maternal back up. She thought it was just her thing but it turns out that spare mother-figures are more common than we might think.

Lucy Edwards made history last week when she became the first blind person to present their own show on BBC Radio 1. She joins Jane to discuss her ambitions and what she's learned from her first shows.

Presenter Jane Garvey. Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Rebecca Steinfield Guest; Charles Keidan Guest; Lucy Edwards Guest; Joan Smith

Reporter Sue Elliott Nicholls

PHONE IN - Jane Garvey takes your calls about making and breaking habits Dec 30, 2019

How do you build healthy habits that you actually enjoy? How do you undo habits that have been bugging you for a life time? We want to hear from you about the decisions and actions you make every day that form the fabric of your life. Do you want to take more exercise, stop eating so much chocolate, stop shouting at your children? Would you like to stop procrastinating, bingeing on box sets and biting your nails? How about reading more books, being nicer to your partner and going to bed on time? We want to hear from you about your successes and failures in making and undoing habits. And if you’re looking for guidance Heather McKee, a behaviour change specialist, will be on hand with evidence-based strategies and advice. Phone lines are open from 0800 on Monday. The number to call is 03700 100 444. You can email now via the Woman's Hour Website.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Heather McKee Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Women in Star Wars; Pelvic Floor; The Real Derry Girls; Dec 27, 2019

The Star Wars saga, which started in 1977, has come to an end with the release of Episode 9 - The Rise of Skywalker. How has the representation of women changed, throughout the generations, in one of the biggest sci-fi franchises of all time? Anna Smith is a film critic and host of the feminist film podcast Girls on Film. Victoria Upton is a member of the Norwich Star Wars Fan Club. Gabriella Geisinger is the deputy movies editor at Digital Spy.

Is your pelvic floor too tight? What are the signs, what are the causes and what exercises can you do to help? Emma speaks to Maggie Blott, a consultant obstetrician at the Royal Free Hospital and Marta Kinsella, pelvic health and rehabilitation physiotherapist.

For a second time, we visit Northern Ireland's second city Londonderry - the setting for the hit TV Channel 4 comedy. Reporter, Kathleen Carragher meets four ‘real life’ teenage 'Derry Girls'. They talked about a range of issues from changes to the law on abortion and equal marriage to why Nadine Coyle’s presence in the jungle on 'I’m A Celebrity' made the hearts of Derry’s teenagers swell with pride. Torrie, Sarah and Mollie all from St Mary's College in Derry and Ellee Dean is from the North West Regional College.

Having to leave a child's bedside when they're being cared for in hospital can be a huge wrench. To help reduce the separation anxiety, a third of neonatal units in the UK are now using an app that helps parents stay in touch with their premature babies 24 hours a day. Doctors and nurses can send photos and video updates to parents when they can't be with their baby in hospital. So far, around five thousand families have used the service. Katharine Da Costa is a reporter for BBC South.

Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Olivia Cope

Interviewed Guest: Victoria Upton Interviewed Guest: Gabriella Geisinger Interviewed Guest: Anna Smith Interviewed Guest: Maggie Blott Interviewed Guest: Marta Kinsella Reporter: Kathleen Carragher Interviewed Guest: Katharine Da Costa

Winning women - Edna O'Brien, Sinead Burke & Khadijah Mellah Dec 26, 2019

This year saw an unprecedented number of women winning major awards and prizes. What does being a winner feel like, and is it always good to win? Jenni Murray hears from the writer Edna O'Brien who won the David Cohen Prize for Literature. The award celebrates a writer who has broken down social and sexual barriers for women in Ireland and beyond, and moved mountains both politically and lyrically through her writing. She also hears from Khadijah Mellah who won the Magnolia Cup at Goodwood, and is the Sunday Times Young Sportswoman of the Year; Natasha Benjamin who won the Lorraine Inspirational Woman of the Year Award for her work supporting children affected by domestic violence; the educator and disability activist Sinead Burke who has achondroplasia and is on the BBC 100 Women list as one of most inspiring and influential women in the world; and Laura Smith who won this year’s Funny Women Stage Award.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Dianne McGregor

Making and Breaking Christmas Traditions Dec 25, 2019

Christmas is steeped in all sorts of tradition – but it’s not just trees, tinsel and turkey. Many families have their own festive rituals and the mere idea of doing things differently would make it feel… well, just not like Christmas. But why do we get so hung up on doing Christmas a certain way - even if it doesn't make us happy? What is it about human psychology that makes tradition so attractive? And if your family festivities make you want to run away and hide, what’s the best way to break the cycle?

Jenni Murray talks to Dr Cristine Legare from the University of Texas at Austin about why rituals are an inevitable part of being human, and also to listeners about their stories of change at Christmas - including starting new traditions with a baby and the family forced to break tradition thanks to a kitchen fire and a large dog...

If there’s one thing that most people expect on Christmas Day, it’s a Christmas dinner. From turkey and pigs in blankets to brussels sprouts and bread sauce it's a meal that many cooks dread. But according to historian Dr Annie Gray, it doesn't have to be that way. She says that if you take the long view, the only common thread from pre-Christian winter festivals to today is ‘light fire, eat meat, get drunk.’ The actual food is completely negotiable. She also explains why we cram so much food into one day, and what social history reveals about why mum generally cooks while dad gets to carve the turkey.

To top off this festive feast, Jenni is joined by the Glasgow-based close harmony quartet The All Sorts with a pick-and-mix of songs both traditional - and a little bit different.

Presenter - Jenni Murray Producer - Anna Lacey

Interviewed guest - Cristine Legare Interviewed guest - Annie Gray Interviewed guest - Sarah Shorter Interviewed guest - Barbara Cole Walton Interviewed guest - Amy Batalli Interviewed guest - Adele Mitchinson Interviewed guest - Louella Miles

The Real Derry Girls Dec 24, 2019

2019 has been another eventful year in Northern Ireland's second city, Londonderry. There was the shocking murder of the young journalist Lyra McKee, shot by dissident republicans and as a border city it's been at the heart of the Brexit debate. The Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont is still deadlocked over power-sharing. On a lighter note, it has also basked in the success of the second series of the hit Channel 4 TV comedy series, Derry Girls - the raucous misadventures of a group of teenagers growing up in the 90s. So what do 'real' Derry girls, from both communities, make of the past year in their city? Kathleen Carragher spoke to four Derry women who are contemporaries of TV’s Derry Girls - they were teenagers in the 90’s

The actress and writer Joanna Scanlan is known for Thick of It, Getting On, No Offence Puppy Love and most recently The Accident. Her latest role is as Mother Superior in the BBC’s new adaptation of Dracula. She joins Jenni to discuss.

Christmas is upon us and whilst many of us hope to celebrate and be merry, for some it is still a time of work and support for those in ill-health. Jenni speaks to Molly Case, a clinical nurse specialist for inherited cardiac conditions at St George’s in London, and author, Christie Watson who was a nurse for 20 years until quite recently. What are the highs and lows for both patients and staff spending Christmas Day in hospital?

Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, The Winner Takes It All – ABBA are one of the most iconic bands of all time. 'ABBA: Super Troupers The Exhibition' explores their incredible career through music, lyrics, costumes and personal photos, many of which have not been previously displayed in the UK. Jane visited the exhibition and discussed their legacy for women with assistant curator, Syd Moore.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Joanna Scanlan Reporter: Kathleen Carragher Interviewed Guest: Christie Watson Interviewed Guest: Molly Case Interviewed Guest: Syd Moore

Women in Law. One hundred years of women being able to enter the legal profession. Dec 23, 2019

We mark the centenary of women being able to enter the legal profession.

Cherie Booth QC, Dana Denis-Smith founder of the First 100 years, Abi Silver a former associate at a city law firm and now a legal consultant, Beth Collette who's a barrister in her second year of tenancy talk about what it's like for women in the profession now - how far we've come and what more needs to be done.

Mari Takayanagi a Senior Archivist at the Houses of Parliament tells us about the The Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 and the changes it brought in and the pioneering women who worked so hard to open up the profession to women.

Plus we look at what it's like to be a female magistrate We hear from former magistrate Katherine McMahon and Jacqui MacDonald who's currently serving as a magistrate in the Central and North London area as well as being Trustee at Magistrates Association

Presenter Andrea Catherwood Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Cherie Booth QC Guest; Dana Denis-Smith Guest; Abi Silver Guest; Beth Collette Guest; Mari Takayanagi Guest; Katherine McMahon Guest ; Jacqui MacDonald

Champagne, Autistic & Pregnant, Single at Christmas Dec 21, 2019

We find out about the so-called Merry Widows of Champagne as well as the women making champagne today. Francoise Peretti, Director of Champagne Bureau UK and Joanna Simon, drinks journalist tell us more.

We hear about the difficulties of being autistic and pregnant from an anonymous listener and from Lana Grant a mother with Asperger’s who's the author of From Here to Maternity: Pregnancy and Motherhood on the Autism Spectrum.

Are beauty pageants still OK in 2019? To discuss is Salma Haidrani, a journalist who documented her experiences as a contestant in Miss England 2018s, Leanne Levers who's a political scientist and the journalist, Tanya Gold.

Since the election last week more than 1000 women have signed up to 50:50 Parliament, registering their interest in standing as an MP. We discuss why with Lucrece Grehoua who's signed up herself and Frances Scott who set up 50:50.

Single at Christmas? How do you feel about it? We talk about the benefits of the single life as well as festive dating trends with the journalist Lizzie Cernik and Rachael Floyd from eHarmony.

And the big Boxing Day film will be Little Women. We talk to its director Greta Gerwig.

Presented by: Jenni Murray Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Siobhann Tighe

Greta Gerwig on Little Women, Signe Johansen, Ursula Owen and Marlene Hobsbawm Dec 20, 2019

Jo March has been an inspiration for many women over the 150 years since Louisa May Alcott’s 'Little Women' was first published in 1869. Greta Gerwig is the director of the latest film version, to be released on Boxing Day - and it's already been highly praised, Greta talks about her life-long love for the character of Jo and her passion for bringing her to the big screen. Marlene Hobsbawm and Ursula Owen have recently published their memoirs, Meet Me in Buenos Aires and Single Journey Only. Both women are in their eighties and both were born to Jewish emigres families who settled in England before the Second World War. They both married at a young age, by the standards of today, to men on the political left. Both loved music and both adored their children. But, there are also significant differences. Marlene was married to one man for 50 years. Ursula had many significant relationships. Work and feminism played a large part in Ursula’s life. Marlene established her music career much later on. They join Jenni to discuss their memoirs. And, Signe Johansen’s new book 'Spirited: How to create easy, fun drinks at home' attempts to opens up the world of cocktails to everyone and celebrates coming together over drinks. She joins Jenni in the studio to make an Oolong, Whisky and Spice Punch.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts

50:50 Parliament. Women and wargaming. Developing language skills. Christmas social burn out. Dec 19, 2019

Since last week's Election, a thousand women have signed up with 50:50 Parliament to register their interest in standing as an MP next time. What's inspiring them to get involved ?

For the last five years, Annie Norman has been on a mission to make women more visible in the wargaming world. She tells us about the inspiration behind her latest collection of minitures.

Professor Usha Goswami, an expert on children’s language development on how much babies understand, and why rhythm so important for developing language skills.

And if keeping up with all the festive celebrations is getting too much, tips on how to avoid "social burnout".

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Professor Usha Goswami Guest; Annie Norman Guest; Frances Scott, Guest; Lucrece Grehoua Guest; Olivia Petter Guest; Louise Tyler.

Champagne, Nurses strike, Autism and motherhood Dec 18, 2019

Champagne goes with Christmas! So who are the women behind the big brands, past and present? We're talking to Françoise Peretti, Director of the Champagne Bureau UK, as well as Joanna Simon. drinks journalist.

Nurses in Northern Ireland are on strike today and over 90% of nurses there are women. They're on strike to get the same pay as colleagues in other parts of the UK and get better staffing levels. But Northern Ireland's healthcare system is in trouble and 300,000 people are waiting to see a consultant according to figures from the Department of Health. We hear from Rita Devlin from the RCN in Belfast.

We're looking at pregnancy and early motherhood if you have autism. One of our listeners got in touch explaining how hard the whole experience can be. We hear her story and then speak to Lana Grant, who's a mother of six and also has autism. She advises midwives on how to help pregnant mums with autism, like our listener.

And Part 3 of our series on Amsterdam's Red Light District.

Parenting: Using fish oils for ADHD Dec 18, 2019

People with ADHD are more likely to have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for healthy brain function. This led to fish oils being tested as a possible treatment - but results have been very mixed. Consultant psychiatrist Prof Carmine Pariante from King's College London talks to Jane Garvey about why they work for some people and not others. She's also joined by Prof Ilina Singh of Oxford University, who reveals what children with ADHD think about using medication to control their symptoms.

Vicki Pepperdine, Beauty pageants in 2019, Labour women for leader Dec 17, 2019

Worzel Gummidge is back this Christmas with a remake of the classic books by Barbara Euphan Todd. Vicki Pepperdine - star of ‘Getting On’ and podcast ‘Dear Joan and Jericha’ - plays the fairground doll Aunt Sally. But this is a very different character from the rosy-cheeked femme fatale made famous by Una Stubbs. How has the story been updated for the modern day? What’s it like to spend hours having your head wrapped in latex? And what’s the attraction to playing female roles that defy expectation?

For the first time, five major beauty pageants - Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss America, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA - have been won by black women. People around the world have seen this as a milestone in representation. But are beauty pageants still relevant and necessary in 2019? And can these competitions be feminist? Salma Haidrani is a journalist who documented her experiences as a contestant in Miss England’s 2018 heats. Tanya Gold is a journalist at the Guardian. Leanne Levers is a political scientist.

There are currently six women being discussed as a future Labour leader: Jess Phillips, Lisa Nandy, Emily Thornberry, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Angela Rayner and Yvette Cooper. How likely is it that the Labour Party will select a woman? And what do Labour’s women voters want from the party’s next leader – both those who voted for them this time – and, those who cast their vote elsewhere?

Presenter - Jane Garvey Producer - Anna Lacey Interviewed guest - Vicki Pepperdine Interviewed guest - Salma Haidrani Interviewed guest - Tanya Gold Interviewed guest - Leanne Levers Interviewed guest - Helen Lewis Interviewed guest - Helen Pidd

Single at Christmas: Love it or Loathe it? Dec 16, 2019

Being single at Christmas – do you love it or loathe it? And what does it mean to be “marleyed” or “scrooged”? We discuss embracing singledom and festive dating trends with journalist Lizzie Cernik and dating expert Rachael Lloyd.

Finland’s new government is young and led by women. Last week, Sanna Marin was sworn into office, making her the world's youngest prime minister at the age of 34. She will lead a centre-left coalition with four other parties, all headed by women, three of whom are under 35. We hear from Li Andersson, the Finnish Minister of Education. And journalist Ndela Faye and Emilie Gardberg, Director of the Finnish Institute join us in the studio to discuss.

ADHD is a common disorder that affects around one in twenty children. Previous research has shown that children with ADHD are more likely to be deficient in omega-3, but there was conflicting evidence that taking fish oils could help symptoms – until now. Prof Carmine Pariante from King’s College London talks about his latest study, and Prof Ilina Singh from Oxford University discusses ADHD treatment from the child’s perspective as well as the importance of taking alternative treatments seriously.

Femke Halsema is Amsterdam’s first female mayor and she says she wants to make sex work in the red light district safer. Four main options are being considered including closing the windows in which women work and moving the red light district altogether. A consultation has been carried out and Ena Miller went to Amsterdam to canvass the opinions of sex workers, campaigners, a brothel owner, residents and tourists about the Mayor’s plans.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Li Andersson Interviewed Guest: Ndela Faye Interviewed Guest: Emilie Gardberg Interviewed Guest: Lizzie Cernik Interviewed Guest: Rachael Lloyd Interviewed Guest: Professor Ilina Singh Interviewed Guest: Professor Carmine Pariante Reporter: Ena Miller

Alison Lapper, HRT Shortage & Women in Space Dec 14, 2019

The artist Alison Lapper talks about her latest exhibition featuring a painting of her son Parys who died this summer aged just 19.

Why is there a shortage of HRT in the UK? The investigative journalist Emma Hartley who writes for the online magazine Tortoise told us what she has discovered.

The first British astronaut Helen Sharman, Dr Varsha Jain, a gynaecological researcher interested in the impact of spaceflight and zero gravity on the human body, and Liz Seward, a senior space strategist at Airbus, discuss the future of women in space.

We hear about the case involving Myanmar’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been defending her country against allegations of genocide at the UN International Court of Justice in the Hague. Our correspondent in The Hague Anna Holligan tells us the latest.

How should parents talk to teenagers about losing their virginity? Flo Perry the author of How to have Feminist Sex and Rachel Fitzsimmons, the sex educator and lecturer in sexual health at the University of Lancashire discuss.

Three students Bukunmi, Osose and Hannah discuss the impact of ‘racist’ hair regulations at their school Townley Grammer in London. Their English Teacher Lauren Binks talks about how she worked with students to get rid of the hair regulations and Emma Dabiri the author of ‘Don’t Touch My Hair’ talks the history and politics around black hair.

Presented by: Jane Garvey Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Beverley Purcell

General Election 2019, HRT shortages and Patricia Ward Kelly Dec 13, 2019

What does the result of the 2019 General Election mean for women? What do we know about how women voted yesterday and what do we know about those women who were elected? We discuss the winners and losers – and how the result will shape the issues that women are affected by in the next parliament with Sarah Childs, Professor of Politics and Gender at Birkbeck, University of London; Alice Thomson, Associate Editor at The Times; Ash Sarkar, Contributing Editor Novara Media and, Dr Rosalind Shorocks, Lecturer in Politics at the University of Manchester. Back in August Woman’s Hour talked about the current shortage of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and what you should you do if your normal supply of HRT tablets, skin patches or gels is unavailable. Investigative journalist, Emma Hartley, decided to find out for Tortoise Media why the shortage existed and why it predominantly affects the UK. She joins Jane to explain what she discovered. And Singin’in The Rain, An American In Paris, On The Town - all those technicolour musicals often on over Christmas, and all starring Gene Kelly. His widow is Patricia Ward Kelly. She talks about why she wants everyone to remember him and his work.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Ruth Watts

Parenting: How should you to talk to your teenagers about losing their virginity? Dec 12, 2019

How should you talk to your teenagers about losing their virginity? How do you even approach the topic with them? Jenni Murray is joined by Flo Perry, the author of ‘How to have Feminist Sex’, and Rachel Fitzsimmons, sex educator and lecturer in sexual health at the University of Central Lancashire. They have plenty of tips on how to have these often difficult conversations when the time is right.

Unpicking the relationship between power and sex during Elizabeth I’s reign. Dec 12, 2019

To many Elizabeth I was only ever a kingless Queen, an unmarried woman and a childless virgin. To others she was a political mastermind, a monarchic powerhouse and a resolute survivor. Playwright, Ella Hickson's talks about her new take on the Queen in her play Swive, now on stage at the Sam Wannamaker theatre in London. How do women in power negotiate patriarchal pressure in order to get their way?

How do you as a parent talk to your teenagers about losing their virginity? Flo Perry author of 'How To Have Feminist Sex' and Rachel Fitzsimmons, sex educator and lecturer in sexual health at the University of Central Lancashire with advice and tips on how to navigate the conversation.

Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been defending her country against allegations of genocide at the UN International Court of Justice in The Hague. The latest from our Correspondent Anna Holligan.

Thousands of parents are turning to so called "BabyBanks" to feed and clothe their children. They work in exactly the same way as a food bank. You're referred by your midwife or social worker and you can pick up donated items, essentials equipment like cots and prams and more everyday things like wipes and nappies. Henrietta Harrison went to meet some families using a bank in South London.

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Flo Perry Guest; Rachel Fitzsimmons Guest; Ella Hickson Reporter; Henrietta Harrison

The Future of Women in Space Dec 11, 2019

What is the future of spaceflight? In October, the first all-female spacewalk was conducted by Christina Koch and Jessica Meir, as they made repairs to the exterior of the International Space Station. As space missions become easier to conduct, the novelty of an all-female astronaut team will wear off. But there are still some barriers to women astronauts. To discuss the importance of diversity in space, Jane speaks to the first British astronaut, Helen Sharman, who visited Mir, the Russian space station, in 1991. Alongside Helen is Dr Varsha Jain, a gynaecological researcher interested in the physiological impact of spaceflight and zero gravity on human physiology, and Liz Seward a senior space strategist at Airbus discussing when humanity will colonise the moon and when the first woman will set foot on Mars.

Femke Halsema is Amsterdam’s first female mayor and she says she wants to make sex work in the red light district safer. The plan is to crack down on human trafficking and the humiliation women working in windows face from tourists. Four main options are being considered including closing the windows in which women work and moving the red light district altogether. A consultation has been carried out and Ena Miller went to Amsterdam to canvass the opinions of sex workers, campaigners, a brothel owner, residents and tourists about the Mayor’s plans.

A record numbers of women are standing for Parliament in the upcoming General Election - making up about a third of candidates. But where are the high profile women? Have we seen enough prominent female voices on screen and in the debates? And what impact is this having? We hear from Anne McElvoy, Senior Editor at The Economist and Alice Thomson, Associate Editor and columnist at The Times.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Dr Varsha Jain Interviewed Guest: Helen Sharman Interviewed Guest: Liz Seward Reporter: Ena Miller Interviewed Guest: Alice Thomson Interviewed Guest: Anne McElvoy

Alison Lapper, Greek Refugee Camps, Weaning Dec 10, 2019

You’ll probably know Alison Lapper. There used to be a huge marble statue of her in Trafalgar Square and it showed her 8 months pregnant, with no arms and short legs. That’s because Alison has a condition called phocomelia. This summer her son, Parys, died. He was 19, and had been struggling with mental health problems and drugs. Alison is an artist and she has an exhibition on right now. One of her pictures is of her son, but that wasn't the intention, she says, when she was painting it.

It's International Human Rights Day. We're focusing on the women and girls in migrant camps in Greece, where conditions are dangerous and risky. Sexual harassment and gender-based violence are problems as well as food and water shortages and poor sanitation. Hillary Margolis of Human Rights Watch has been there recently.

Poet and novelist Helen Mort has written a story called Weaning. It's part of an anthology called The Book of Sheffield. It's about a mother who stops breastfeeding and the impact it has on her mental health. It's also about feeling disconnected from the city of Sheffield as well as herself. Helen tells Jane how her own experience of weaning has inspired the story.

Sexual Violence in India, Mary Rose Diver, Green Christmas on a Budget Dec 09, 2019

With the recent gang rape and brutal murder of a young woman in India, and news this week of another woman being set alight on her way to give evidence at her rape trial, we consider the longstanding issue of sexual violence again women in the country. In 1979 divers were working hard, excavating the contents of Mary Rose, Henry VIII's war ship. Over the next 3 years more than 19,000 artefacts were brought to the surface. Forty years on, we speak to one of the divers, Dr Alexzandra Hildred, who went on to become Head of Research at the Mary Rose Trust. How can you have a green Christmas if you're on a budget? We discuss eco and budget friendly ways to gift, decorate and socialise. The first in our series about eminent women scientists: Medical pioneer, Dame Janet Vaughan whose wartime research saw advances in treatments of blood transfusion, starvation, radiation and anaemia. She later held the position of Principal of Somerville College, Oxford for over 20 years and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1979.

A 'Green' Christmas lunch, Raising bilingual children, #FreePeriods Dec 07, 2019

The U.N. Secretary-General issued a dire warning this week. He said that the international effort to stop climate change has been “utterly inadequate.” What are you doing to have a greener Christmas when it comes to the food you eat? Are you considering a more sustainable alternative to turkey for Christmas lunch? We hear from the food writer and campaigner, Jack Monroe, the journalist, Nina Pullman and Jenny Costa from Rubies in the Rubble.

The President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Professor Lesley Regan, is calling for a bold approach to transform women’s health services. She tells us about her ambitions.

Dr Jessica Wade, a British physicist, tells us why she's made it her mission to include more women in Wikipedia. She's added pages for more than 800 women in STEM and tells us about some of the obstacles she's faced.

Four leading women politicians debate the ongoing problem of child poverty in the UK. We hear from Helen Whately from the Conservatives, Laura Pidcock from Labour, Dr Sarah Wollaston of the Liberal Democrats and Deidre Brock from the SNP.

How difficult is it to raise your children as multi-lingual when you’re the only person who speaks your mother tongue? We hear from Mercy Haruna, the presenter of the podcast Parentland who's trying to teach her children Igala and from Gbemi Isimi the founder of Culture Tree, who's got a Nigerian Yoruba background.

After a long campaign by #FreePeriods, the government has agreed to fund a scheme providing free sanitary products in primary and secondary schools from this January. Gemma Abbott, a campaigner for #FreePeriods, tells us how the opt-in scheme will work and Nadia Collier, a family support worker at a London primary school, tells us how The Red Box Project has been working at her school.

Presented by: Jenni Murray Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Siobhann Tighe

Liberal Democrat Leader Jo Swinson. Plus Anti-Slavery Commissioner Dame Sara Thornton Dec 06, 2019

We continue our series of interviews with party leaders looking at what the political parties are doing to win women’s votes. Today it’s Jo Swinson, leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Plus we hear from a trafficked woman now living in a safe house and the new Anti-Slavery Commissioner Dame Sara Thornton, charged with listening to those brought into the UK to be used as slaves or to work in the sex trade.

Producer Beverley Purcell Presenter Emma Barnett

Guest; Jo Swinson Guest; Dame Sara Thornton

Tash Speed, Eurotunnel Train Driver Dec 05, 2019

Tash Speed, 25, is one of 20 women who work as a Eurotunnel driver in the UK. recently appearing on the BBC2 documentary celebrating its 25th anniversary. Originally a financial advisor, she retrained in a vigorous driving and engineering course with a 90% fail rate. What are the unique challenges of driving trains for the busiest rail system in the world, which includes operating the “dead man’s pedal”?

Andrea Catherwood speaks to Grainne Teggart, from Amnesty Northern Ireland and writer, Siobhan Fenton. What are the key issues for women in Northern Ireland in the upcoming General Election?

After a long campaign from #FreePeriods, the Government agreed to fund a scheme to ensure all primary and secondary schools and colleges provided free period products to menstruating pupils. This was meant to start rolling out in September 2019 but has now been pushed back to January 2020. It is an opt-in scheme and so schools and colleges must sign up to receive free sanitary products. Gemma Abbott is a campaigner for FreePeriods and volunteer from the charity The Red Box Project, and Nadia Collier is a family support worker at a primary school in London, who has first-hand experience of how important these free period products can be.

Most Wikipedia profiles are of men. A British physicist has made it her mission to change that, adding pages for more than 800 women in STEM. But who really decides who is notable enough to be included in the encyclopedia? Dr Jess Wade explains her quest for diversity and equality online, and the real-life impact it can have on the careers of women scientists.

Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Grainne Teggart Interviewed Guest: Siobhan Fenton Interviewed Guest: Tash Speed Photographer: Matthew Wheeler Interviewed Guest: Gemma Abbott Interviewed Guest: Nadia Collier Interviewed Guest: Dr Jess Wade

Parenting: How do you bring up a multilingual child with a minority language? Dec 04, 2019

How do you raise multilingual children? And what happens when your first language isn't very common where you live? Language is one of the things that can help you stay connected to your heritage but raising a child to speak two or more languages can be harder than it sounds. We hear from two Nigerian mums: one who speaks Igala and the other Yoruba.

The Woman’s Hour Election Debate 2019 Dec 04, 2019

With us this morning are five leading women from political parties, ready to debate the issues that are important to you in this General Election. We want to hear from you. If you’d like to ask a question you can call us on 03700 100 444. And on social media you can join the debate on twitter @bbcwomanshour using the hashtag #whdebate. Or you can email us via the website. Jane Garvey will be putting those questions to Helen Whately, Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism and Conservative Candidate; Laura Pidcock, Shadow Secretary for Employment Rights and Labour Party candidate for Durham North West; Dr Sarah Wollaston, Liberal Democrat candidate, Deidre Brock, candidate for the Scottish National Party and Belinda de Lucy, Brexit Party MEP for South East England.

Sian Berry, Liz Saville, Health Dec 03, 2019

Sian Berry is co-leader of the Green Party. The Greens have seen a rise in support at local and European elections, and polling experts say they’ve had success in attracting younger women voters. How do they plan to win further seats at Westminster and promote green policies in their manifesto? We ask Sian Berry what the Greens are offering women that other parties aren't.

Liz Saville Roberts is Plaid Cymru’s leader at Westminster. She's wants to stop a New Deal Brexit, and her party has formed an electoral pact with the Lib Dems and the Greens. That means they're not going to stand against each other in certain seats. She's a supporter of the Unite to Remain Pact saying that it would be the “easiest thing under the sun” for all parties to “go back to the comforts of tribalism”. She tells us what her party is offering women in Wales.

How do you raise multilingual children? And what happens when your first language isn't very common where you live? Language is one of those things that help you stay connected to your heritage but raising a child to speak two or more languages can be harder than it sounds. We hear from two Nigerian mums: one who speaks Igala and the other Yoruba.

Women are facing “unacceptable barriers” to essential healthcare services. That's according to a new report published by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Their survey of 3,000 plus women in the UK shows that many are struggling to access basic healthcare like contraception and menopause support. The Better for Women report says there needs to be a national strategy to meet the needs of girls and women throughout their life: from being a teenager, being middle-aged and then older. Professor Lesley Regan, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, joins us in the studio.

Green Christmas Food, Gaia Vince, Glass Walls Dec 02, 2019

As the EU declares a global ‘climate and environmental emergency’ will you be changing your food habits this Christmas ? Will you ditch the turkey for a more sustainable alternative, buy less and consider food miles when you shop? How will you reduce the amount of food waste over the holiday period? Jane is joined by Jack Monroe the food writer and campaigner, Journalist Nina Pullman and Jenny Costa from the company Rubies in the Rubble.

Glass Walls is a stained-glass art installation which raises awareness of domestic abuse through art. The installation is now being exhibited around Scotland. Dr Emma Forbes is a lawyer who created Glass Walls and has spent the last three years speaking to women about their experience of the justice process and researching Scotland’s response to domestic abuse. She joins Jane to discuss along with Sarah, a domestic abuse survivor who got involved with the project.

Male supremacy, for all its ubiquity, is surprisingly recent, according to the science writer Gaia Vince. In her new book ‘Transcendence’ she tells how there is compelling evidence that patriarchal societies date back less than 10,000 years. She joins Jane to talk about her research and her belief that humans probably evolved as an egalitarian species, remaining that way for hundreds of thousands of years.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Jack Monroe Interviewed guest: Nina Pullman Interviewed guest: Jenny Costa Interviewed guest: Emma Forbes Interviewed guest: Gaia Vince Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party Nov 29, 2019

In the first of a series of interviews with party leaders, we hear from Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party. Jane asks her about her party’s offer for women voters.

Your sex life in your forties - has it become more pleasurable now that sex is less about the biological clock? We’ll hear from psychosexual therapist and couples counsellor, Cate Mackenzie, Samantha Evans a sexual health and pleasure expert and Janet Barter a consultant in sexual and reproductive health at the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Miriam-Teak Lee and Cassidy Janson in &Juliet Nov 28, 2019

‘& Juliet’ has just opened in London’s West End. It’s a comic, musical reimagining of the events of Shakespeare’s tragic romance ‘Romeo & Juliet’ in which Juliet opts not to take her own life at the end and instead heads off to France on a road trip of self-discovery. Both Miriam-Teak Lee who plays Juliet and Cassidy Janson, who plays Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife join Andrea Catherwood.

A decorated senior police officer who was sent an unsolicited child abuse video by her concerned sister has been convicted and put on a sex offenders register. She said she hadn’t seen the video. The Black Policing Association say that the pursuance of the case, which was at the discretion of the Met Police, shows institutional racism. They join us, along with the Internet Watch Foundation who explain what you should do if you receive unsolicited images or videos of abuse.

Sasha Wass QC has been a criminal barrister for nearly 40 years – she’s defended and prosecuted numerous high profile cases such as Rosemary West and Rolf Harris as well as complex fraud, money laundering, murder, and serious sexual misconduct. She co-presents BBC One’s daytime series, ‘Murder, Mystery and My Family’, where she and fellow barrister Jeremy Dein reinvestigate historical cases. The popular series is back for a third time, and there’s also a book to accompany the series.

In her new cookbook Wok On, food writer, Ching-He Huang celebrates the versatility of the wok. She joins us in the studio to Cook the Perfect…Five Spice Saucy Stir Fry Chicken.

Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Susie Hargreaves Interviewed Guest: Janet Hills Interviewed Guest: Miriam-Teak Lee Interviewed Guest: Cassidy Janson Photographer: Johan Persson Interviewed Guest: Sasha Wass Interviewed Guest: Ching-He Huang

Parenting: How much should you limit screen time? Nov 27, 2019

How much do you limit your child's screen time? The runner-up of The Fortnite World Cup, which took place this summer, was Jaden Ashman, a British 15-year-old who won nearly a million pounds. Before the computer tournament he was spending more than eight hours a day in front of a screen. We know that screen time already causes lots of family arguments so what will happen when your child says gaming could win them a fortune, just like Jaden? Tina Daheley talks to Mark Griffiths, Professor of Behavioural Addiction at Nottingham Trent University and Belinda Parmar who campaigns against tech addiction.

What are the parties offering women in the general election? Plus a celebration of Nancy Astor. Nov 27, 2019

Now the manifestos have almost all been published by the political parties we look at what they are offering women in this general election. We hear from Danielle Sheridan, political correspondent at the Telegraph, Ash Sarkar, contributing editor at Novara Media and Rachel Sylvester Times columnist and political interviewer. A statue of Nancy Astor, the first woman MP to take her seat in Parliament will be unveiled in Plymouth on Thursday, the centenary of her election. Mari Takaynagi Senior Archivist , Parliamentary Archives at the Houses of Parliament and Dr Jacqui Turner an Associate professor at Reading University tell us about her legacy and the importance of having the statue in the City she represented for 26 years.

And author Mikhal Dekel talks to Jane about the extraordinary true story of one thousand Polish-Jewish child refugees - among them her father - who escaped the Nazis and found refuge in Iran.

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Danielle Sheridan Guest; Ash Sarkar Guest; Rachel Sylvester Guest; Mikhal Dekel Guest; Dr Jacqui Turner Guest; Mari Takaynagi

Historical Records, Kasi Lemmons, Sarah Hall Nov 26, 2019

The Irish government is proposing that important documents about industrial schools should be sealed for 75 years. But some women who stayed in them, like Rosemary, pictured here when she was a baby, say they don't want the files and testimonies to be kept secret. They say they're crucial, historical documents. The government disagrees, believing it's about confidentiality and preservation. We hear from Rosemary and Elizabeth, women in their 60s and 70s, who describe what it was like living in these places.

There's a new film out called Harriet. It's based on the story of Harriet Tubman who escaped slavery in the States in 1849. She became a leading abolitionist. As a ‘conductor’ she enabled hundreds of enslaved people to gain their freedom along the route of the Underground Railroad. The film stars the British actress, Cynthia Erivo. Jane speaks to Kasi Lemmons, the film’s director.

Gentleman Jack was on BBC One earlier this year, and ever since visitors have flocked to Shibden Hall. They've also traveled to Halifax and York to see where Anne Lister lived and worked. Many are lesbians who've been inspired by her story. As hundreds sign up to attend the Anne Lister Festival next year, we hear why Shibden has become an important trip for gay women and the impact it’s had on local tourism.

A mythic bird-woman stalks abusers. An old lady calmly switches off her own heart. And a grieving daughter breast-feeds in a car-park as her mother’s grave is dug. Sarah Hall’s unsettling new collection of short stories explores female rage and whether we're ever really able to change.

The Morning After Pill, The Economics of Care, Women of the Royal Society Nov 25, 2019

When journalist Rose Stokes wrote about her experience of getting pregnant after taking the morning after pill and what it revealed to her about exactly how this emergency contraception works (and when it doesn’t), the response online was huge. We look at how emergency contraception works, how safe it is, and ask why women don’t know more.

Recent research from the social market Foundation proposed that women start receiving a pension boost to offset the increasing disadvantage of a growing care burden, both with child care and as the population ages. This is one of many policy suggestions that are currently being developed to deal with a problem that all parties acknowledge. But how should we price the care work that so many women do? And do policy makers have the data they need in this area? Kathryn Petrie, author of the report, says not. We ask why the economics profession hasn’t done more on this subject and hear from leading Care Economist Prof. Susan Himmelweit, Emeritus Professor of Economics at The Open University who is working to change that. She explains why a feminist approach to economics is needed to make care work visible.

The Royal Society is a Fellowship of many of the world’s most eminent scientists and is the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence. Its charter book contains the signatures of all the Fellows of the Royal Society since it was founded in November 1660. It wasn’t until 1945 that the first two women were elected as Fellows. Jane discusses eminent women scientists with the librarian at the Royal Society, Keith Moore.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

Listening to survivors, Women in gaming, Frozen 2 Nov 23, 2019

Criticised for not expressing sympathy for Jeffrey Epstein’s victims in his recent interview with BBC's Emily Maitlis, Prince Andrew has since told friends he ‘regretted’ not doing so. We consider how victims and survivors are so often an afterthought when allegations of sexual assault are being discussed.

French women don’t get fat. They look effortlessly chic and coiffed at all times too. We all know the cliché of the perfect French woman – but how much of it is true? And how much does it impact French women who might not fit into this mould? Alice Pfeiffer, author of the book Je ne suis pas Parisienne, takes us through the history of this problematic icon.

Women make up 28 per cent of the police workforce in England and Wales, but in ranks of chief inspector or above, women only represent 20 per cent.? As all 43 forces attend the first Gender Equality Summit, we ask how can they encourage women to see policing as a viable career.

Rhiannon Giddens is a Grammy Award winning musician who went from opera to folk. She explains why she made the move, and the inspiration behind her new album, There Is No Other.

Earlier this month, McDonald's Chief Executive Officer Steve Easterbrook was fired for having a consensual relationship with a subordinate. But what are the rules where you work? And how easy are they to navigate? We hear from two listeners and Chantal Gautier, who specialises in workplace psychology.

As statistics show 46% of gamers are women and the number of women working in the games industry is also growing, we ask how are women re-shaping the landscape of gaming?

And as Frozen 2 hits the cinema, how does it measure up to the first instalment? Bidisha and Rhiannon Dhillon discuss.

Rhiannon Giddens, Women and Data, Crime Writing Nov 22, 2019

Rhiannon Giddens is a Grammy Award winning musician. She's in the Woman's Hour studio to perform a track from her new album “There is No Other”. She’ll be talking about her music, her career and why some of her best gigs have been inside prisons.

This week there's been news of still births, neo-natal baby deaths, mothers dying during labour and children born with brain damage in Shropshire. It involved the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust and it's widely been described as the largest maternity scandal in the UK. This week’s news has led to even more families getting in contact with lawyers asking for help. We speak to one solicitor in Shrewsbury called Beth Harrison, who says new enquiries are coming in every day. We also talk to Dr Bill Kirkup who chaired a major review into the Morecambe Bay scandal.

Women in Data is an organisation which connects up women who work in the field of data. Research suggests that only 26% of people working in data in the UK are women. So why should women think about a career in data and what can they achieve? What's stopping girls from going into it as a profession?

Caring for autistic children; Frozen 2; The Missing Cryptoqueen Nov 21, 2019

Over the last month parents, as well as MPs and peers, have spoken out about autistic children and vulnerable adults being placed in hospitals for a long time and sometimes treated poorly. The Joint Committee of Human Rights said mental health hospitals can inflict “terrible suffering on those detained … causing anguish to their distraught family.” One mother in the West Midlands got in touch with us to tell us about her daughter. Her daughter has autism and other mental health conditions and went to hospital when she was 14. She’s now 28 and has never returned home. In fact, she’s in her sixth hospital, 80 miles from her family. She spoke to Siobhann Tighe about how her daughter’s absence has affected the whole family.

As Disney releases Frozen 2, we’ll be discussing how it’ll go down with its young audience. Its predecessor, Frozen, is the most successful animated musical of all time. And its impact wasn’t just financial – fans called it the most important feminist film ever made. I’ll be speaking to the film critic Rhianna Dhillon and the journalist Bidisha.

We hear about the woman at the centre of new BBC Sounds podcast, The Missing Cryptoqueen. Presenter and technology expert, Jamie Bartlett discusses missing One Coin founder, Dr Ruja, said to have duped investors out of money with Jen McAdam, who says she, friends and family lost money in OneCoin and who supports others like her round the world. They are joined by blockchain entrepreneur and cryptocurrency investor, Jessi Baker, talking about women and the wider world of cryptocurrencies and what you need to know to get involved.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Kari Gerstheimer Interviewed Guest: Bidisha Interviewed Guest: Rhianna Dhillon Interviewed Guest: Jamie Bartlett Interviewed Guest: Jen McAdam Interviewed Guest: Jessi Baker

Women and PTSD. Tackling gender equality in the police force. Re-shaping the landscape of gaming Nov 20, 2019

Following our series of interviews with the wives of veterans who had PTSD we hear from a listener called Sarah who got in touch to share her story. As a woman who suffers from the condition she tells us why it can be just as difficult for a woman to acknowledge having it as it is for a man and why it’s often ignored.

Marie-Elsa Bragg is an author, a priest in the diocese of London, therapist, a spiritual director and Duty Chaplain at Westminster Abbey. Her new book Sleeping Letters is an exploration of grief, loss, healing and faith, that looks back to the childhood moment when her mother took her own life.

Maternity and menopause are being talked about today to try and address gender inequality in the police force. How to recruit more women is also on the agenda, as well as what crimes women police inspectors and detectives investigate when they’re in the job. It’s part of a Gender Equality Summit that ALL 43 forces in the country are taking part in. They’ve already signed up to ways which should improve equality, but how will it work in practice?

And as statistics show 46% of gamers are women and the number of women working in the games industry is also growing, we ask how are women re-shaping the landscape of gaming?

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Marie-Elsa Bragg Guest; Marijam Didzgalvyte Guest; Superintendent Miles Ockwell Guest; DI Liz Warner

Parisienne Cliché, Judy and Punch, Lady Glenconner Nov 19, 2019

Criticised for not expressing sympathy for Jeffrey Epstein’s victims in his recent interview with BBC's Emily Maitlis, Prince Andrew has since told friends he ‘regretted’ not doing so. We consider how victims and survivors are so often an afterthought when allegations of sexual assault are being discussed.

Actor Mia Wasikowska and director and writer Mirrah Foulkes discuss their new film, Judy & Punch, a dark fairy tale that turns the familiar seaside entertainment on its head.

French women don’t get fat. They don’t age or struggle to look effortlessly chic either. We all know the cliché of the perfect French woman – but how much of it is true? Where does the stereotype come from? Alice Pfeiffer, author of the book Je ne suis pas Parisienne, takes us through the history of this problematic icon.

Lady Glenconner grew up in one of the largest estates in England in Holkham Hall, Norfolk, visited by members of the Royal Family. She was maid of honour at the Queen’s Coronation, Lady in Waiting to Princess Margaret for three decades, and also portrayed in the new series of The Crown. She was married to the eccentric Colin Tennant, who bought the island of Mustique, turning it into an exclusive island for the rich, famous and aristocracy. She’s written a book about her life ‘Lady in Waiting’ My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown’.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Mia Wasikowska Interviewed guest: Mirrah Foulkes Interviewed guest: Madeleine Black Interviewed guest: Lizzy Dening Interviewed guest: Alice Pfeiffer Interviewed guest: Lady Glenconner Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

PHONE IN - Jane Garvey takes your calls about relationships at work Nov 18, 2019

Earlier this month, McDonald's Chief Executive Officer Steve Easterbrook was fired for having a consensual relationship with a subordinate. But what are the rules where you work? And how easy are they to navigate?

Do you know where the line is between flirting and harassment in the post #MeToo era? Or has it all gone too far?

Whether you’ve had a relationship at work, been affected by the fallout surrounding one, or are an employer who wants to tell us about policies you’ve put in place to protect your workforce, we want to hear from you.

Call 03700 100 444 - lines open at 0800 - or email via the website: womanshour@bbc.co.uk.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Anna Lacey

Gold Digger, The Catholic Church and women priests, Chilli Tofu Nov 16, 2019

It’s well-known that the Roman Catholic Church is struggling to find new priests. Sexual abuse scandals haven’t helped. But for some years, there’s been a movement to allow women to be priests. Will we see it happen any time soon?

The writer Marnie Dickens explains why she wanted to focus on the life of an older woman for her new BBC One series Gold Digger.

We hear from Kay, who went to an employment tribunal to fight for equal pay. How might the right to ask an employer what a colleague earns help combat unequal pay?

What do you do when your child says they're too ill to go to school – but you suspect that they’re perfectly fine?

Jade Wye and Melissa Rice are the first ever winners of the Rachel Bland Podcast Award. Rachel was one of the presenters of You, Me and the Big C, a 5 Live Podcast about cancer and after she died the podcast competition was set up in her memory. Jade and Melissa's podcast is called Hooked: The Unexpected Addicts. They share their stories of addiction, rehab and recovery.

Food writer Meera Sodha’s new plant-based cookbook ‘East: 120 Vegetarian and Vegan recipes from Bangalore to Beijing’ uses British ingredients to create Eastern inspired recipes. She joins Jane in the studio to Cook the Perfect…Chilli Tofu.

And poet Debris Stevenson – whose semi-autobiographical grime musical, Poet in da Corner, was on at the Royal Court last year – is back with a new show ‘1st Luv’. She explains why grime was such an important genre for her.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Rosie Stopher

Interviewed Guest: Miriam Dunigan Interviewed Guest: Soline Humbert Interviewed guest: Marnie Dickens Interviewed guest: Kay Collins Interviewed guest: Gemma Rosenblatt Interviewed guest: Rebecca Schiller Interviewed guest: Dr Angharad Rudkin Interviewed guest: Melissa Rice Interviewed guest: Jade Wye Interviewed guest: Meera Sodha Interviewed guest: Debris Stevenson

'Queens Of Sheba' challenge misogynoir- where sexism meets racism Nov 15, 2019

Jane speaks to director, Jessica Kaliisa about her play, Queens of Sheba, inspired by the four black women turned away from a London nightclub in 2015 for being “too dark-skinned and overweight”. On stage next week at the Battersea Arts Club in London, actor, Tosin Alabi, joins the discussion of how the lives of a group of friends were changed forever when confronted with misogynoir - where sexism meets racism.

Chile’s worst unrest in decades has transformed into a nationwide uprising demanding dramatic changes to the country’s economic and political system. We hear from Chilean journalist, Constanza Hola, about why people are taking to the streets to fight for equality. Women are taking a significant role in the social movement at all levels. We find out what their particular demands are?

It’s well-known that the Roman Catholic Church is struggling to find new priests, especially in Europe and America. Sexual abuse scandals haven’t helped. But for some years, there’s been a movement to allow women to be priests. Some of the campaigners try and make themselves heard at the Vatican. Last month they staged a protest in Rome when bishops discussed the church in South America.

From the 20s phrase ‘covered wagon’ to the Mumsnet acronym ‘AIBU’ (Am I Being Unreasonable?), women have always been creators and users of slang. We discuss the history of women and slang from the flappers to the Mumsnetters with lexicographer Jonathon Green and linguistics PhD student, Lotte Verheijen.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Constanza Hola Interviewed Guest: Jessica Kaliisa Interviewed Guest: Tosin Alabi Interviewed Guest: Miriam Duignan Interviewed Guest: Soline Humbert Interviewed Guest: Jonathon Green Interviewed Guest: Lotte Verheijen Photographer: Ali Wright

Taming of the Shrew; Rare diseases; Cook the Perfect... with Meera Sodha Nov 13, 2019

In the RSC’s ‘Taming of the Shrew’, currently on stage at the Barbican in London, 1590’s England is a matriarchy. With a radical take on Shakespeare’s comedy of gender, the audience witnesses an explosive courtship and a fast-moving portrayal of hierarchy and coercive control between the female Petruchia, played by Claire Price, and her male opposite still known as Katherine. Claire and Jane are joined by Dr Emma Whipday, lecturer in Renaissance literature at Newcastle University. Why has this gender swap proved necessary and what effect does it have?

My Best Day: we asked you, our listeners, to get in touch and send us a picture that somehow captured you at your best. Not just looking your best, but feeling your best. Today we hear from Sara Tidesel.

3.5 million people in the UK have a rare disease according to Rare Diseases UK – meaning that 1 in 17 people will have a condition that most GPs have never seen before and may struggle to diagnose. In her graphic memoir 'A Puff of Smoke', Sarah Lippet recounts her childhood battles with a mysterious debilitating illness. It begins with headaches and culminates in a loss of mobility and later brain surgery – and tells of the impact on her family and development into adulthood. She joins Jane alongside Dr Lucy McKay, CEO at Medics4RareDiseases, to talk about raising awareness of rare diseases and encouraging the medical profession to #DareToThinkRare.

Food writer Meera Sodha’s new plant-based cookbook ‘East: 120 Vegetarian and Vegan recipes from Bangalore to Beijing’ uses British ingredients to create Eastern inspired recipes. She joins Jane in the studio to Cook the Perfect…Chilli Tofu.

Parenting: What's behind a kid feigning illness and not wanting to go to school? Nov 13, 2019

What do you do when your child says they're too ill to go to school – but you suspect that they’re perfectly fine? Jane discusses with Dr Angharad Rudkin, clinical child psychologist at the University of Southampton, and Rebecca Schiller, parenting journalist and mother-of-two.

Elizabeth Strout, Hooked, Drag Nov 12, 2019

Elizabeth Strout won The Pulitzer Prize in 2009 for her novel, Olive Kitteridge. Ten years later, with three prize-winning novels in between, Elizabeth Strout has written a sequel, OIive, Again. The main character Olive is now quite elderly and still living in the American state of Maine. She's still cantankerous, judgemental and rude but also kind, honest, and as hard on herself as she is on others. And perhaps a little wiser. Old age, small town life, loneliness, tenderness, failed marriages, sickness and death: these are all themes that Elizabeth Strout tackles.

Jade Wye and Melissa Rice are the first ever winners of the Rachel Bland Podcast Award. Rachel was one of the presenters of You, Me and the Big C, a 5 Live Podcast about cancer and after she died the podcast competition was set up in her memory. Jade and Melissa's podcast is called Hooked: The Unexpected Addicts. It talks honestly about addiction and recovery and wants to debunk myths and stereotypes. They share their story with Jane.

The TV show, RuPaul's Drag Race, is half way through, so what do we think about drag queens these days? Do women see them as misogynistic or pure fun ? Historian and performer Rose Collis, drag king Adam All and artist Victoria Sin discuss.

What's behind a kid feigning illness and not wanting to go to school? Nov 11, 2019

What do you do when your child says they're too ill to go to school – but you suspect that they’re perfectly fine?

How could the ‘whole system approach’ support women in the Criminal Justice system in Wales?

The writer and creator of Gold Digger Marnie Dickens. A 60 year old divorced woman and mother of three is seduced by a much younger man. Why is the relationship met with such suspicion and annoyance?

Plus the life and work of Madam C.J. Walker - the daughter of slaves who went on to become the USA’s first self-made millionaire, with a groundbreaking afro haircare business, which still dominates the BAME haircare industry today.

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Marnie Dickens Guest; Dr Angharad Rudkin Guest; Rebecca Schiller. Guest; Elena Favilli, Guest; Charlotte Mensah Guest; Eleri Butler Guest; Martin Nugent Guest; Juliet Lyon

Helen Mirren, Childhood vaccinations, & music from Celeste Nov 09, 2019

Helen Mirren tells us about her new film the Good Liar and why even she has fallen for a scam.

We talk about a DIY home urine or swab test currently being trialled as an alternative to the cervical smear with Imogen Pinnell from Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust Line.

We hear from two female police officers about their difficulties reporting allegations of domestic abuse against their partner who also works for the police. The human rights lawyer and founding director of the Centre for Women’s Justice, Harriet Wistrich talks about launching an official Super-Complaint where repeated allegations of 16 cases of domestic abuse where made only for the cases to be dropped.

We discuss the safety of vaccinations with Professor Helen Bedford from UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Professor Adam Finn a Professor of Paediatrics at the Bristol Children’s Vaccine Centre and from Dr Tonia Thomas from the Vaccine Knowledge at Oxford University.

Rising soul artist Celeste talks about her music and the support of BBC Introducing. She performs her new single, Strange.

Father and daughter Mark and Emily Simmonds talk about overcoming mental illness and their book Breakdown and Repair.

Lyra - His Dark Materials, Talking about abortion, Grandmothers Nov 08, 2019

The central character of Lyra from ‘His Dark Materials’ lives in the alternate Oxford imagined by the author Phillip Pullman. She is tough, curious, and able to lie with impunity. The children’s author Katherine Rundell and the script editor of the new BBC 1 series Xandria Horton discuss what makes Lyra so inspirational and appealing to girls.

Listeners talk about their experiences of abortion. Four children under the age of 3 seemed impossible to a woman we are calling Louise who had an abortion 18 months ago. She spoke to reporter Henrietta Harrison.

Novelist Salley Vickers celebrates the key relationship between children and their grandmothers in her new novel 'Grandmothers'. Why does she feel this bond has been so taken for granted?

Rising soul artist Celeste talks about her music and her upcoming tour with Michael Kiwanuka. And she performs her single, Strange, live in the studio.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Vaccinations - Your questions answered Nov 07, 2019

Nine out of ten people get their children vaccinated. But even so, many people still have questions. Things like: Should I bother with the flu jab? Is it better to get single vaccines? Does immunity wear off? What about side effects? Is the aluminium in vaccines dangerous? Marnie Chesterton asks Prof Helen Bedford, Prof Adam Finn and Dr Tonia Thomas for answers.

One thing we know for sure is that vaccinating or NOT vaccinating both have some element of risk. So what should people do in the face of such uncertainty? Risk expert Prof David Spiegelhalter and experimental psychologist Anne-Marie Nussberger discuss how uncertainty affects the way we behave and the decisions we make.

Presenter: Marnie Chesterton Interviewed guest: Helen Bedford Interviewed guest: Adam Finn Interviewed guest: Tonia Thomas Interviewed guest: David Spiegelhalter Interviewed guest: Anne-Marie Nussberger Producer: Anna Lacey

Domestic Abuse in the Police Force Nov 06, 2019

Presenter: Tina Daheley Producer: Kirsty Starkey

According to Freedom of Information requests made by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism almost 700 cases of alleged domestic abuse involving police officers and staff were reported in the three years to April 2018. An official “super-complaint” is to be launched and central to that are at least 12 cases where women have made allegations of domestic abuse and sexual violence against an officer, only for the case to be dropped and, on occasion, for the alleged victim to be arrested and intimidated. We’ll hear from Harriet Wistrich lawyer and founding director of the Centre for Women’s Justice who are bringing the complaint and two female Police officers, one serving and one former, who are bringing a claim against Gwent Police.

Jann Haworth is the co-creator of The Beatles' iconic Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover. Regarded as one of the leading figures of the British Pop Art movement she was also seen as a pioneer in the face of the 1960’s American feminist movements. Creator of soft sculpture, she is an advocate for the representation of women in the art world and talks to Tina about her current exhibition at Pallant Gallery in Chichester.

Amaryllis Fox was just 21 when she was recruited by the CIA. Posing as an art dealer she infiltrated terrorist networks in the Middle East and Asia. She’s written a memoir ‘Life Undercover’ about her career with the CIA and joins Tina to discuss.

Interviewed Guest: Harriet Wistrich Interviewed Guest: Jann Haworth Interviewed Guest: Amaryllis Fox

Abortion stories - today we hear from Amanda. Nov 05, 2019

Earlier in the year we asked ‘have you had an abortion? How did you feel about it then and how do you feel about it now? We’re featuring five of your stories on the programme over the next couple of weeks. Today it’s the turn of a woman , who’s in her 60’s, who we’re calling Amanda. She became pregnant aged 21 in the early 1970s, while she was on holiday with her boyfriend.

As Northern Ireland prepares for the Election; What are the parties doing to appeal to women?

Imogen Pinnell a Health Information Manager at Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust tells us more about a new DIY home urine or swap test which, when it becomes available, could help more women discover whether they are at risk of cervical cancer..

Plus Mark Simmonds and his daughter Emily talk about over coming mental illness – outlined in the book Breakdown and Repair.

And in our series where we asked you to tell us about and send us photos of your "Best Day" we hear from Listener Evelyn Austin.

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Emily Simmonds Guest; Mark Simmonds. Guest; Imogen Pinnell

Helen Mirren, Talking about abortion, Samantha Power Nov 04, 2019

Helen Mirren talks about equal pay and her new film, The Good Liar, in which she co-stars with Sir Ian McKellen.

In a new series, listeners talk about their experiences of abortion. Today it is a woman we are calling Clare who got pregnant in the 1980s in rural Scotland just before her 18th birthday.

Samantha Power was President Obama's ambassador in the UN between 2013 and 2017. A Pulitzer Prize winner, her latest book is a memoir, The Education of An Idealist.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Helen Mirren Interviewed guest: Samantha Power Reporter: Henrietta Harrison Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Singer-songwriter Lisa Simone, Women in the horror films industry, What is it really like being a teenage mum? Nov 02, 2019

Lisa Simone, songwriter, singer and daughter of Nina tells us all about her new album. Maddy Prior the folk singer and member of Steeleye Span talks about a career in music that's spanned more than 50 years. At BBC Introducing Live we look at how to get into the music business and once you're there how to thrive.

Plus what’s it really like to be a teenage mum? Genetic Counselling – how do families deal with the news that the man they thought was dad isn’t biologically related?

Women in the horror films industry what’s behind their creations? And author Jenny Downham joins on her latest novel Furious Thing about a fifteen year old girl struggling with her feelings of anger.

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor Beverley Purcell

Guest; Lisa Simone Guest; Maddy Prior Guest ; Jenny Downham Guest; Chyna Powell-Henry Guest; Dr Kim Jamie Guest; Aislinn Clarke Guest; Anna Bogutskaya Guest; Lizzie Franke Guest; Nicola Dunn

Getting in and getting on in the music industry Nov 01, 2019

How can young women get in and get on in the music industry? In a special programme, broadcast from BBC Music Introducing Live at Tobacco Dock in London, we discuss how to forge a career in popular music - the need to increase the number of women, careers advice, the challenges that have to be tackled, and what BBC Introducing is doing to help. With live music from singer-songwriter Maisie Peters and a panel of industry figures: Emma Banks, Carla Marie Williams, Rhiannon Mair, Abbie McCarthy, and Maxie Gedge.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Emma Wallace

Horror films, Women's FA, Teen pregnancy, MPs standing down Oct 31, 2019

On Halloween we ask where are the women in the horror film industry? How much do women create and view horror differently and who are the women film-makers to look out for? Jane is joined by Aislinn Clarke, the writer-director of ‘The Devil's Doorway’, Lizzie Franke, production executive at the BFI and Anna Bogutskaya, co-founder of The Final Girls, a film collective exploring the intersections of horror films and feminism. So far seventeen women MPs have announced they'll be standing down and not standing in the general election. Newsnight's Katie Razzall joins us to look at the significance of prominent female politicians such as Amber Rudd, Nicky Morgan and Gloria De Piero standing down. It's 50 years since the Women’s FA was created in 1969, officially reviving women's football for the first time since it was banned it in 1921. We speak to Patricia Gregory, one of the players who was instrumental in founding the WFA and reversing the ban, about how they did it - and to Eniola Aluko, who has played over 100 times for England, to reflect on where the women’s game stands today and what the the FA has done for women's football since they regained control in the 1990s. And, teenage pregnancy rates have been falling in the UK and are now at the lowest level since records began in the 1960s but it continues to have one of the highest teenage birth rates in Western Europe. Pregnant Teens is a new BBC podcast that follows three girls Nicole, Megan and Robyn through their pregnancies in Middlesbrough, a town that is bucking the trend - with the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in England and Wales. Jane looks at the realities of young motherhood with Dr Kim Jamie, Assistant Professor in Sociology at the University of Durham and young mum Chyna Powell-Henry.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Ruth Watts

Maddy Prior, Family Therapy, Linda Boström Knausgård Oct 30, 2019

Here's Maddy Prior, photographed when All Round My Hat was in the charts in the '70s. She's been performing now for over 50 years and she's done more than 3000 shows. She's made 11 albums of her own and 28 with Steeleye Span. Maddy talks to Jenni about her life and music.

Last week we spoke to Cyntoia Brown-Long, who was given a life sentence in America for a murder she committed when she was 16. Today we speak to Jennifer Ubiera who is an attorney at the Georgetown Juvenile Justice Initiative in Washington DC. Her focus is young people in the criminal justice system, especially teenage girls and the poor. She explains how Cyntoia represents the young women she supports.

Linda Boström Knausgård is a Swedish writer whose second novel, Welcome To America, has been awarded the prestigious August Prize. It's about a sensitive, strong-willed child who's 11 and has stopped talking. She thinks she may have killed her father. Her brother barricades himself in his room. Their mother, a successful actress, carries on as normal. Linda Boström Knausgård talks about silence, trauma, childhood, mental illness and imploding families.

Nicola Dunn is a family therapist. She supports people who have genetic testing for medical conditions. Occasionally, perhaps more often than you think, these tests reveal that the man thought to be someone's Dad, turns out not to be. So what impact do these revelations have on the whole family? Woman’s Hour investigates.

Brexit: Deadlock and Compromise, Jenny Downham, Inducing Late Babies Oct 29, 2019

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has so far failed to get Parliament’s backing for his Withdrawal Agreement Bill and he won’t meet the October 31st deadline to leave the EU. MPs have also, so far, declined to back plans for the General Election that he wants. The leaders of two parties, Nicola Sturgeon of the SNP and Jo Swinson of the Lib Dems, presented a plan for an election at the weekend. So, are women politicians brokering a compromise, a way out of the deadlock at Westminster, or is each furthering the interests of their own party? And as the House of Commons prepares to elect a new speaker on Monday, with four female candidates in the running we ask what difference a female speaker could make to our political culture?

Jenny Downham writes international bestselling novels including Before I Die and Unbecoming. Her fourth novel, Furious Thing, is about a 15-year-old girl called Lexi. Lexi wants her step-father to accept her, her mother to love her like she used to, and her step-brother to declare his desire to spend the rest of his life with her. She tries to push the fury down but it simmers below the surface waiting to erupt. Why is Lexi so angry?

Recent Swedish research into how long pregnant women could be left after their due dates was abandoned last year when six of the babies died. So what is the situation here in the UK? Why do we have steadily increasing induction rates? Are we risk averse or necessarily careful in protecting mother and baby? Jane speaks to Andrew Weeks, Professor of International Maternal Health Care at the University of Liverpool.

The untold stories of five of the women of Pre-Raphaelite art whose contribution has been overlooked. Today, Maria Zambaco and her sculpted medallions.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Helen Lewis Interviewed guest: Katy Balls Interviewed guest: Jenny Downham Interviewed guest: Professor Andrew Weeks Interviewed guest: Dr Jan Marsh Interviewed guest: Dr Alison Smith Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Teen sex therapy. Surrogacy Laws. Classical monsters. Singer Lisa Simone. Oct 28, 2019

The NHS have reported that 1 in 10 people seeking sex and relationship therapy are teenagers – up from 1 in 30 two years ago. So what’s changed? We look at the issues that young people are bringing to the therapy room, the impact of porn and social media, and why teenagers are more willing to talk to adults about sex.

We look at why the charity Surrogacy UK is calling for the surrogate’s legal responsibility to end at birth.

Plus from car adverts to cartoons, film and sci-fi - the appeal of classical monsters in our popular culture. And the singer, composer and actor Lisa Simone talks about her latest album ‘In Need of Love’.

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest Miranda Christophers Guest Rachel Fitzsimons Guest Dr Elizabeth Gloyn Guest Natalie Smith

Cyntoia Long-Brown, Being Fat, Children and Climate Change Oct 26, 2019

In 2006, 16 year old Cyntoia Brown-Long was sentenced as an adult to life in prison for killing a man while she was a teenage sex trafficking victim. Granted clemency in January this year and released in August, she tells us about her childhood and the impact of 16 years in prison.

As same sex marriage becomes available in the new year in Northern Ireland, we hear from Grainne Close and Shannon Sickles, the first couple in the UK to get a civil partnership fifteen years ago.

The Danish comic and podcaster Sofie Hagen says she's 'a fat liberationist who wants to abolish the systemic discrimination and abuse fat people endure on a daily basis'. So what's your experience of being fat? We hear from the plus-size model Bischamber Das and from listeners Farah, Les, Jo and Karen.

The Oscar-winning American actress Regina King has been named as one of the most influential people of 2019. She tells us about her leading role in the drama Watchmen.

What's the best way to talk to children about climate change, and are schools doing enough to educate this new generation? Caroline Hickman, a climate change researcher at the University of Bath, the eco-activist Ella Man and Fiona Cowen, the pre-school climate change headteacher at Bolsover Infants discuss.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Siobhann Tighe

Cyntoia Brown-Long Oct 25, 2019

In 2006 16 year old Cyntoia Brown was sentenced as an adult to life in prison for killing a man while she was a teenage sex trafficking victim. Granted clemency in January this year and released on August 7th she joins Jenni to discuss her childhood, what happened the day she shot Johnny Allen and the impact of 16 years in prison.

Food writer, Sue Quinn’s latest book ‘Cocoa: An exploration of chocolate, with recipes’ illustrates how the story of chocolate includes economics and slavery, sex and desire, society and culture. ‘Cocoa’ reveals a wealth of cultural, historical and culinary information about chocolate through the ages and across the world. She joins Jenni in the studio to Cook the Perfect…Gorgonzola, walnuts, rosemary and chocolate.

Over the past two years the charity Combat Stress has been running workshops across the country to help partners of veterans suffering from PTSD. But evidence suggests only a minority of partners seek support for themselves as there are many barriers to participation in workshops in the community especially if the veteran is undergoing treatment and isn’t well enough to be left. A new online programme has just been launched to address this - it’s the first of its kind in the UK and is designed to help partners who find it harder to leave the home due to carer roles, childcare and work pressures. In this final interview we hear from Elaine who was in the first cohort of the online treatment programme which finished in the summer. She’s been married for 31 years and her husband was in the military for 12 years and explains to reporter, Tamsin Smith how his PTSD dramatically worsened in 2015, almost three decades after he left the military service.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Cyntoia Brown-Long Photographer: Flip Holsinger Interviewed Guest: Sue Quinn Reporter: Tamsin Smith

PHONE-IN. Jenni Murray takes your calls on your experience of being fat Oct 24, 2019

Sofie Hagan is a young Danish comedian and author of Happy Fat. We spoke to her on the programme earlier in the year. She’s now touring the UK and has been talking about some of the issues raised in the book as well as tweeting about it. ‘I am not a body positivity campaigner,’ she said, ‘I am a fat liberationist. I care about abolishing the systemic discrimination and abuse that fat people endure on a daily basis.’

What’s your experience of being fat? Do you think your size affects the way people see and treat you?

Share your stories and experiences. Call 03700 100 444 lines open from 0800 or email via the website…

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Parenting: How to talk to children about climate change Oct 23, 2019

As more and more children and young people become engaged in environmental issues, how can parents support them and talk to them about climate change in an age-appropriate way? And are schools doing enough to educate this new generation of eco-warriors? We discuss with climate change psychotherapist Caroline Hickman, climate change teacher Fiona Cowan and eco-activist Ella Mann.

Clean Break, PTSD Partners, Sizeism Oct 23, 2019

Clean Break is a theatre company that works with women in prison or have been in prison. Clean Break is now 40 years old. and as part of their birthday celebrations one of their plays is on in the West End of London. It's called [BLANK] and is at the Donmar Warehouse. It looks at the experiences of women behind bars and the impact on their families and across society. Jacqueline Holborough the co-founder of Clean Break comes on the programme together with the play’s director, Maria Aberg and one of the actors, Lucy Edkins.

We have the second in our series about the partners of soldiers with PTSD. Today we hear from Becky, who's 40 and a mum of two. She's known her husband since they were teenagers but she tells our reporter, Tamsin Smith, how PTSD infiltrated their relationship as soon as they moved into military married quarters.

Partners of veterans with PTSD, Kids and climate change, Regina King Oct 22, 2019

In a new series, we hear from three women whose partners are veterans with PTSD. They describe what it's like living alongside the condition, often for decades, and how it's affected their own mental health, relationships and self-confidence. Over the past two years the charity Combat Stress has been running workshops across the country to help partners in crisis. This summer they launched an online programme - the first of its kind in the UK - designed to help partners isolated at home due to caring responsibilities, childcare and work pressures. Today we hear Sheila's story and how she found help for herself and her husband.

Things are changing for women in Northern Ireland. Abortion has just been decriminalised and we can expect same-sex marriage to become available in the New Year. Northern Ireland was actually the first place in the UK where gay couples could get a civil partnership, but is now the last place in the UK to have same-sex marriage. Jane speaks to Grainne Close and Shannon Sickles - the first couple to get a civil partnership 15 years ago - about how things have changed.

As more and more children and young people become engaged in environmental issues, how can parents support them and talk to them about climate change in an age-appropriate way? And are schools doing enough to educate this eco-conscious generation? We discuss with climate change psychotherapist Caroline Hickman, climate change teacher Fiona Cowen and teen eco-activist Ella Mann.

The Oscar winning American actress Regina King, star of 'Boyz n the Hood', 'Jerry McGuire', 'Seven Seconds' and ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’, has been named as one of Time’s 100 most influential people of 2019. She talks to Jane about her new series, ‘Watchmen’.

Women and Conservation, Linda Hazzard and her fasting cure, Women's attitudes to Brexit Oct 21, 2019

We explore what women think about Brexit and how it might affect the way they vote in another possible referendum and in an expected general election.

Near the beginning of the 20th century 'Dr' Linda Hazzard ran a sanatorium in Washington state, USA where she encouraged her patients to fast for months on end. Some of her patients sang her praises but many died of starvation under her care. Now the subject of a play, we explore her curious life and her search for a 'perfect cure'.

Many of the organisations in charge of protecting the UK countryside are led by women. A coincidence or are women bringing anything different to the table?

There is a new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London, Pre-Raphaelite Sisters. The images of the Pre-Raphaelite painting - all sumptuous locks and languid poses - might be what we think of but their stories as artists, managers and artistic partners have been erased. Today we consider Joanna Boyce Well.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Dr Michelle Harrison Interviewed guest: Dr Rosie Shorrocks Interviewed guest: Kate Valentine Interviewed guest: Kate Barton Interviewed guest: Marian Spain Interviewed guest: Beccy Speight Interviewed guest: Minette Batters Interviewed guest: Dr Jan Marsh Interviewed guest: Dr Alison Smith Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Elizabeth Siddal and the Pre-Raphaelite women, Fibres - a play about asbestos, Women's cricket Oct 19, 2019

We hear the stories of the women of Pre-Raphaelite art whose contribution has been overlooked with Dr Jan Marsh curator at the National Portrait Gallery and from Dr Alison Smith who curated Tate’s major Burne-Jones exhibition.

One in 10 mothers who’ve had virginal births suffer from faecal incontinence. We hear from mums Kirsty and Sophie and from Dr Sarah Webb a specialist midwife in perineal trauma. Oliver Warren a colorectal surgeon and Sue Almond a specialist pelvic physiotherapist answers some of your questions.

The author Jung Chang discusses her latest book Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister which tells the story of three women who helped shape the course of 20th century China.

Are race and gender a double disadvantage in the workplace? According to a new report by the Diversity Practice 85% of BAME women leaders say this is the case, an increase of 20% compared to twelve years ago. We discuss the issues with Carol Campayne Director of Diversity Practice and Yvonne Coghill OBE, Director of the NHS Workplace Race Equality Standard Implementation Team and Deputy President of the Royal College of Nursing.

The playwright Frances Poet tells us about Fibres her new play which explores the legacy of asbestos in the Glasgow shipyards. Phyllis Craig from the charity Action on Asbestos tells us about the women and families affected by the exposure.

And we hear about a 20m pound boost in funding for Women and Girls cricket with Clare Conner Managing Director of Women’s Cricket at the ECB.

How we can age healthily? Race and gender in the workplace, NI abortion, Comedian Twayna Mayne Oct 18, 2019

How we can age healthily? Today we look at the impact of our diet. How important is it to eat the right thing to live a longer healthier life?

If the Northern Ireland Assembly is not restored by Monday October 21st, then abortion will become legal in Ulster in line with the rest of the UK. It’s part of the Northern Ireland Bill which was passed in Parliament over the summer. A power-sharing government hasn’t been restored yet, although of course there's still time. We talk to Dr Alyson Hunter, a consultant obstetrician working at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital in Belfast about the new guidelines which have already been drawn up for healthcare professionals.

Are race and gender a double disadvantage in the workplace? Over 85% of BAME women leaders who took part in a study by the management consultancy the Diversity Practice say yes. How should the issue be tackled?

Plus we talk to comedian Twayna Mayne about her new series for BBC Sounds and Radio 4 which addresses among other things her upbringing as a transracial adoptee and how it’s affected her search for her Black British identity.

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Dr Aylson Hunter Guest; Twayna Mayne Guest; Professor Kay-Tee Khaw Guest; Professor Linda Partridge Guest; Carol Campayne. Guest; Yvonne Coghill OBE

Jung Chang; Living longer: bodies and muscles; Maternity allowance Oct 17, 2019

Jung Chang is the best-selling author of 'Wild Swans'. She talks about her new book 'Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister' and how the three Soong sisters helped shape 20th century China. Maternity Action, a charity that campaigns for the rights of women and babies, says it’s receiving an increasing number of calls to its helpline about Maternity Allowance. New mothers are telling them that they’ve started their maternity leave and given birth, but still haven't received the £148 a week benefit. We hear from their Chief Executive Rosalind Bragg. Just two per cent of women do the recommended 150 minutes of exercise each week. This is a problem because older women that exercise have better immune function and are less likely to suffer falls which are a major cause of poor health and injury for older people. In the second part of our series on health in old age we talk to Professor Janet Lord, an expert in muscle health and immunity from the University of Birmingham and Ann Kirby, an 82 year old writer who is passionate about keeping fit. A new exhibition ‘Empowering Women, Empower Women’ at the Millennium Gallery, Museums Sheffield tells the story of women across the North of England who have fought for change over the last 100 years – from Women Against Pit Closures to the Leeds Clothing strike. Its curator Dr Sarah Marsden is joined by former activists Kate Flannery and Nancy Hall to discuss the tradition of women's protest.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts

Parenting: The Importance of Play Oct 16, 2019

How much are we squeezing play out of our children’s days, our institutions and spaces? Michael Rosen, author of ‘Book of Play’ joins Jenni to talk about why play matters to both children and adults – and to share tips on how we can get more of it in our lives.

How friends help you live longer, Asbestos exposure, Women's cricket, Effie Millais Oct 16, 2019

In a new three-part series on longevity, we look at how we can shape our health and vitality in old age. Today we focus on the role of our social lives. We all know that meeting up with friends can feel good, but does it actually make any difference to our health? Jenni speaks to psychologist Julianne Holt-Lundstad about how a good social life can be as important to living longer as giving up smoking.

Fibres, a new play, explores the legacy of asbestos in the Glasgow shipyards and the women and families affected by the exposure. Jenni is joined by the playwright Frances Poet, and Phyllis Craig from the charity Action on Asbestos.

The future of women's cricket is looking rosy. Last week the Women’s and Girls' Cricket Plan announced a £20m boost in funding, and the ICC will award the winners of the Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia in 2020 a million dollar prize. We look at the state of the women’s game with Clare Connor, Managing Director of Women’s Cricket at the ECB. What’s being done to make it more attractive for women and girls to play and watch it, and to work within the game too?

We hear the untold stories of five women of Pre-Raphaelite art whose contribution has been overlooked. Today, we hear about Effie Millais whose personal life has always distracted from her achievements as a manager, muse and creative partner to her husband John Everett Millais.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Interviewed guest: Frances Poet Interviewed guest: Phyllis Craig Interviewed guest: Clare Connor Interviewed guest: Alison Smith Interviewed guest: Jan Marsh Interviewed guest: Julianne Holt-Lundstad Producer: Anna Lacey

Women and map reading, Faecal incontinence, Sexual desire and the menopause Oct 15, 2019

The Queen’s speech yesterday contained mention of 26 new or returning Bills and more than a dozen areas where the government plans action. We look at how Boris Johnson’s legislative programme might address the concerns of women and the charge from critics that this is a pre-election manifesto.

We had such a huge response to yesterday’s item on faecal incontinence that today we’ve invited on surgeon Mr Oliver Warren and specialist pelvic physiotherapist Sue Almond to respond to your comments and outline the various treatments available.

Being bad at map reading is one of the many well-worn stereotypes about women. But is it true? The results of a massive global study of over 2.5 million people suggests it is, although not through any innate fault with women’s brains. Gillian Coughlan from the University of East Anglia talks about the science behind finding your way, while former Head of Publishing at the AA Helen Brocklehurst talks about the history of route-finding, women’s relationship with navigation, and her new British Road Map puzzle book.

How often have you heard the comment, the menopause seems to have taken away my sex drive? It’s a topic that psychotherapist and sex therapist Louise Mazanti comes across frequently in her practice. We explore how it’s possible for the two – sex and the menopause - to co-exist happily together.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Anne McElvoy Interviewed guest: Oliver Warren Interviewed guest: Sue Almond Interviewed guest: Gillian Coughlan Interviewed guest: Helen Brocklehurst Interviewed guest: Louise Mazanti Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Elizabeth Siddal and Pre-Raphaelite women, SNP Conference 2019, Faecal incontinence after childbirth Oct 14, 2019

Picture: Ophelia by John Everett Millais, 1865-66. Private Collection

The Scottish National Party brings the autumn political conference season to a close this week. The leader of the SNP has made her party’s position clear – she wants the Conservative government out, a Brexit extension secured and a General Election as soon as possible. Last week the First Minister told the Scottish Parliament: "We need to get powers out of the hands of Boris Johnson and his ilk and into the hands of this Parliament so that we don't have to put up with Tory welfare cuts anymore because we can take the right decisions here in the first place to lift people out of poverty." Jane is joined by Shirley Anne Somerville, MSP for Dunfermline and West Fife and Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People to discuss the SNP’s offer to women voters on Brexit, Scottish Independence and other pressing policy issues ahead of a much anticipated General Election.

The “Pre-Raphaelite Sisters” exhibition opens at the National Portrait Gallery this week to show just how engaged and central women were to the production of the art. Over the next few days Woman's Hour features some of these overlooked models, artists, makers, partners and poets. Dr. Jan Marsh curated the exhibition and wrote The Pre-Raphaelite Sisterhood in 1985 and Dr. Alison Smith curated Tate's major Burne-Jones exhibition last year. Today Elizabeth Siddal.

Faecal Incontinence: "It’s like a dirty secret,” one listener told us. Why is faecal incontinence after childbirth so hard to talk about, even to your GP? While conversations around many of the effects of childbirth – from postnatal depression to pelvic floor problems – have become more common in recent years, bowel problems, less so. It’s thought that sphincter injuries can affect 1 in 10 mothers who’ve had vaginal births - with a higher risk to those having their first baby. So why don’t we talk about it more? Jane speaks to two Woman's Hour listeners living with faecal incontinence and to Dr Sara Webb, Research Midwife at the Institute of Applied Health Research, Birmingham University.

Sarah Phelps, award-winning British screenwriter, joins Jane to talk about her latest TV crime thriller Dublin Murders which starts tonight on BBC1. It's drawn from Tana French’s internationally bestselling Dublin Murder Squad books and stars Killian Scott and Sarah Greene as the two ambitious detectives investigating two murders in Ireland around the turn of the millennium.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Caroline Donne Interviewed guest: Shirley Anne Somerville MSP Interviewed guest: Jan Marsh Interviewed guest: Alison Smith Interviewed guest: Dr. Sara Webb Interviewed guest: Sarah Phelps

Sonita Alleyne, Play, Beth Hart Oct 12, 2019

Chanel Miller, who was sexually assaulted while she lay unconscious on the grounds of Stanford University campus, talks about reclaiming her identity.

Annalie Riches who's the Winner of the RIBA Sterling Prize for Architecture 2019, tells us about the eco-friendly council estate in Norwich she co-designed. She discusses women’s role in architecture with Zoe Berman, an architect and founder of Part W, which campaigns for more women in architecture.

Michael Rosen who's written a new book called Book of Plays tells us why children and adults need to play more.

Sonita Alleyne OBE is the first ever black leader of an Oxbridge College and the first woman to lead Jesus College Cambridge. She tells us about her new role.

Dr Anne-Lise Goddings, a clinical lecturer at the Institute of Child Health, and Edwina Dunn, a data entrepreneur, tell us why they believe social media can be a force for good and can improve teenager’s mental health.

The Grammy Award-nominated Blues singer Beth Hart performs a song inspired by her sister.

Presenter:: Jenni Murray Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Siobhann Tighe

The Freedom Project: understanding domestic abuse in relationships Oct 11, 2019

16 years ago a woman in her twenties, who was a translator at GCHQ, leaked an official and confidential email. It instructed Katharine Gun and her colleagues to share any information they might come across concerning a clutch of nations belonging to the UN Security Council. The information could then be used to persuade them to vote for the invasion of Iraq. Her email became an Observer article and she lost her job, nearly lost her marriage and was in fear of going to prison. Now her story is told in a new film ‘Official Secrets’. She joins Jenni to remember that time in 2003 and explain what happened next.

How much are we squeezing play out of our children’s days, our institutions and spaces? Michael Rosen, author of ‘Book of Play’ joins Jenni to talk about why play matters to both children and adults – and to share tips on how we can get more of it in our lives.

When Sally Challen was recently interviewed on Woman’s Hour she talked about the Freedom Programme she attended, once she was in prison. She described how it helped her understand the coercive control and domestic abuse she had suffered for years from her husband Richard. We speak to Clare Walker, a group facilitator and a trainer for the programme, Pat Craven who founded it and Louise, a listener, who wrote in to say how attending for the last year had changed her life.

We speak to Grammy-award nominated blues singer Beth Hart about finally feeling able to be herself with her new album, War In My Mind.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Katharine Gun Interviewed Guest: Michael Rosen Interviewed Guest: Pat Craven Interviewed Guest: Clare Walker Interviewed Guest: Beth Hart

Parenting: Teens and social media Oct 10, 2019

We’re used to hearing about the negative impact that using social media can have on girls – it can cause sleeplessness, low mood, depression and anxiety. Edwina Dunn, a data entrepreneur and founder of the educational charity The Female Lead, thinks differently. She believes that used in the right way, social media can be a force for good and can improve teenagers’ mental health. She joins Jenni to explain her theory and the research she commissioned from Cambridge University, along with Dr Anne-Lise Goddings, Clinical Lecturer at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health.

Chanel Miller, Fushsia Dunlop, Disrupt the feed Oct 10, 2019

We hear from the woman known, until recently, as Emily Doe. Chanel Miller was sexually assaulted while she was unconscious on the ground on Stanford University campus in the USA. Her Victim Impact statement which she addressed to her attacker Brock Turner was published on Buzzfeed and was viewed online by eleven million people within four days. In her memoir is titled Know My Name - she explains why.

Following the death of a new born baby in a cell at Bronzefield prison in Surrey, we talk to Deborah Coles, the director of Inquest about what the overarching investigation will need to do, to help prevent further tragedies in women's prisons.

Edwina Dunn, a data entrepreneur and founder of the educational charity The Female Lead, believes that social media can be used to improve teenagers’ mental health. She explains how - and we hear from Dr Anne-Lise Goddings, Clinical Lecturer at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health.

And, Fuchsia Dunlop explores the flavours of Sichuanese cuisine - known for its liberal use of chillies and Sichuan pepper.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts

Taking babies to protests, Abortion laws in Alabama US, Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong and Simone Ibbett-Brown Oct 09, 2019

Mothers are taking part today in the Extinction Rebellion protests with a mass ‘nurse in’ when they will bottle or breastfeed their young babies on the front line of one of the road blockades. Jenni looks at the history of women taking their children to protests with Anne Pettitt one of the founders of the Women’s Peace Camp at Greenham Common in the 1980’s, Lorna Greenwood one of the organisers of today’s ‘nurse in’ and Dr Caitriona Beaumont, associate Professor of Social History from London South Bank University.

While the catwalks of London, New York and Paris appear to be thriving, the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium reveal that the high street has just experienced its worse September in over 20 years – with clothing sales down 3.9%. There’s also a much greater awareness of the environmental impacts of fast fashion. With 11 million items of clothing going into UK landfill each week, the days of guilt-free shopping sprees are surely over. So what is the real face of fashion today? Stylist and journalist Basma Khalifa discusses the rise of ‘season-less’ style, while Oxfam’s sustainable fashion expert Fee Gilfeather talks about the surge in second-hand fashion as an alternative to buying new.

The second of two reports on the American states that have tightened their abortion laws this year. Today we hear from Alabama which voted in the strictest abortion laws in the whole of America. Despite this there’s a surprising building going up in its largest city, Birmingham. It’s a sexual health clinic which will offer abortions. People are already protesting against it and Siobhann Tighe has been to meet them.

Shuck ‘N’ Jive is the debut play written by Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong and Simone Ibbett-Brown. Frustrated by the stereotypical roles available to them, Cassiopeia and Simone decided to write a play exploring representation and systemic racism in the performing arts.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Caroline Donne

Interviewed guest: Anne Pettitt Interviewed guest: Lorna Greenwood Interviewed guest: Dr. Caitriona Beaumont Interviewed guest: Basma Khalifa Interviewed guest: Fee Gilfeather Interviewed guest: Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong Interviewed guest: Simone Ibbett-Brown

Sonita Alleyne, US Abortion, Women and Architecture Oct 08, 2019

The winner of the RIBA Stirling prize for architecture will be announced this evening. On the short list is Annalie Riches who has co-designed a council housing project, the first ever such project to be nominated for this prestigious prize. Jane talks to her and to Zoë Berman, an architect and founder of Part W, which campaigns for the increased visibility of women in architecture and the promotion of designs that work for women and families in the real world.

Nine American states have changed their laws on abortion making it much harder to get one. In Missouri they passed a law in May which meant abortion would only be available up to 8 weeks. The law was due to go into effect at the end of August but it's been temporarily stopped. Even so, there are many rules and regulations regarding abortion that have to be met. Siobhann Tighe visits an abortion clinic in the city of St Louis.

Sonita Alleyne OBE is the first woman to lead Jesus College, Cambridge in its 523 year history and the first ever Black leader of an Oxbridge College. Born in Barbados and brought up in London, she was a Cambridge graduate herself and founded the media company Somethin' Else aged only 24.

Zoe Wanamaker and Zrinka Civtesic are currently performing at the Bridge Theatre in Two Ladies, loosely based on Melania Trump and Brigitte Macron. As their husbands clash over an international crisis, the first ladies of France and America find themselves alone together in a side room. Friends or enemies? When the stakes are so high, can they trust each other? The 'First Ladies@ join Jane Garvey. What appealed to them about portraying these high profile women?

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Annalie Riches Interviewed guest: Zoë Berman Interviewed guest: Sonita Alleyne Interviewed guest: Zoe Wanamaker Interviewed guest: Zrinka Civtesic Reporter: Siobhann Tighe Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Elaine Welteroth, Endometriosis, 150 Years at Uni Oct 07, 2019

Elaine Welteroth is the former editor of Teen Vogue. She joins us to talk about her memoir More Than Enough and how she became the youngest ever Conde Nast Editor-in-Chief as well as only the second African American to hold a post like that. During her time at Teen Vogue she addressed feminism, climate change and racial justice as well as fashion and beauty. She discusses her mixed race identity, the obstacles she's overcome and the reality of getting your dream job.

Today a BBC survey reveals just how disruptive endometriosis can be. At the same time an international conference in Denmark is taking place which is highlighting new research into the condition led by two women. We ask why so little is known about it yet it affects so many women.

We celebrate 150 of women at University. It all started at The University of London. Then Girton College, Cambridge followed as well as Edinburgh University. So how has university education for women progressed over the years and what are the pressing issues today? Jane is joined by women of different generations. including the current NUS President Zamzam Ibrahim.

Five frank and fearless moments: a special episode Oct 07, 2019

Whether its tips from a 91-year-old sex therapist or the upskirting story that sparked a campaign to change the law, the reality of being a female crane driver or Nadiya Hussain on getting a haircut with a hijab, Woman’s Hour is the place to hear these conversations.

In this special podcast-only episode we’re joined by Deborah James from award-winning podcast You, Me and the Big C and writer and activist Scarlett Curtis to dissect some of the best, frankest, most fearless and even funny moments in the programme’s recent history.

They also talk to Jane Garvey about the issues close to their hearts, from living with bowel cancer (and talking about poo all the time) to why it’s essential we all start being more open and honest about our mental health.

We’ve come a long way since the programme was first broadcast in 1946 (with a male presenter!) and this special bonus episode is a great insight into the Woman's Hour world right now. The live radio programme and podcast covers the big stories and issues that matter from a female perspective, with women telling their own stories at its heart.

Follow us on Instagram @BBCWomansHour for more frank and fearless discussions and plenty of inspiring women.

Toxic Masculinity, Women & running, Judith Gough UK Ambassador to Sweden Oct 05, 2019

Drag queen, Courtney Act - real name Shane Jenek, Jordan Stephens from the hip hop duo Rizzle Kicks, and the Chief Executive of the ‘Men and Boys Coalition’, Dan Bell discuss what the term Toxic Masculinity means to them and how it makes them feel.

Why are more women choosing running over other sports when it comes to staying fit? Dame Kelly Holmes talks about the influence of athletes like Dina Asher-Smith, Rachel Baker tells us how running helped her lose weight and Jens Jakob Andersen has researched data with the International Association of Athletics Federations.

The international bestselling novelist Johana Gustawsson’s latest book ‘Blood Song’ draws on her own experiences of IVF and her struggle to conceive. Johana and her husband Mattias tell us about finding out about his infertility and their need for a sperm donor.

Judith Gough the now UK Ambassador to Sweden tells us about her job and her four year position in the Ukraine.

Chrisann Jerrett and Dami Makinde discuss their charity We Belong. They set it up to help young people who came to the UK as children, start the process for legal status.

We hear about the impact of so called ‘Superfans’ on female music journalists. Wanna Thompson tells us how a tweet she sent about Nicki Minaj went viral and Hannah Ewens a journalist from Vice discusses what motivates ‘superfans’.

The author Jojo Moyes talks about new novel ‘The Giver of Stars’ based on the true story of the Horseback Librarians of Kentucky.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

Funmi Fetto on her new book, the lack of diversity in the beauty industry and her mission to change it Oct 04, 2019

At least 200,000 older people experienced domestic abuse last year – but the over 75s are being overlooked according to Age UK. Caroline Abrahams is the charity director and joins Jane.

Last year, the music journalist Wanna Thompson posted a tweet about the new album of superstar rapper, Nicki Minaj. The tweet went viral and Wanna received thousands of angry replies from superfans of the star. To discuss the impact of superfans’ responses on music journalism, we hear from Hannah Ewens, Vice journalist and author of ‘FanGirls’, and Wanna Thompson, the music journalist at the centre of the Twitter storm.

Funmi Fetto is the Executive Editor and Beauty Director of Glamour magazine. After many years of being asked by friends, family and stranger on the street for advice on beauty products for women of colour, Funmi decided to curate a comprehensive guide, leading to the release of her new book: Palette: The Beauty Bible for Women of Colour. She speaks to Jane about the lack of inclusivity in the beauty industry and her mission to change it.

International bestselling novelist, Johana Gustawsson has just published a new thriller, 'Blood Song'. The investigation takes readers from the terror of Franco’s rule in 1938 to fertility clinics today in Sweden and Spain. Johana draws on her own experiences of IVF and her struggle to conceive to write 'Blood Song'. Writing the novel was not only a cathartic experience for Johana, it also represented the moment that her husband Mattias agreed to be open about his infertility, their need for a sperm donor and the fact that their three boys are the result of IVF.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Caroline Abrahams Interviewed Guest: Hannah Ewens Interviewed Guest: Wanna Thompson Interviewed Guest: Funmi Fetto Interviewed Guest: Johana Gustawsson Interviewed Guest: Mattias Gustawsson

Women's pension ruling, young undocumented migrants, stillbirth Oct 03, 2019

Women born in the 1950s and 1960s will hear a judgment today about their claim that they were unfairly treated by having to wait longer than they expected for their state pension. They want compensation for nearly four million women who have been forced to wait up to an extra six years to get their pensions after changes to bring women’s retirement age into line with men’s. We'll discuss what the ruling will mean. Chrisann Jarrett and Dami Makinde founded We Belong, a charity to help undocumented young migrants who have spent much of their lives growing up in the UK. They both came here as young children from Jamaica and Nigeria and saw the UK as home, yet when they reached 18 they discovered their legal status meant it wasn't that straightforward. They talk about what life is like for the estimated 120,000 undocumented children in the UK who find they are eligible to start an expensive and long process to become UK citizens. There are about 800 full-term stillbirths every year in Britain. Ministers are considering enabling coroners to hold inquests for all ‘full term’ stillbirths, from 37 weeks’ gestation - all involving a post-mortem. This may be what some women want but what about those who don’t? We discuss. And, listener Sophie Constant describes the photograph that captures her best day.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts

Parenting: Sharenting Oct 02, 2019

Sharenting is the overuse of social media by parents to share content based on their children, such as baby pictures or blogs describing what their children are up to. Posts which adults may see as engaging or funny may not be viewed as such by the children involved when they grow into teenagers or young adults applying for their first job. Jane speaks to Claire Bessant, a solicitor and associate professor at Northumbria law school and Leah Plunkett, an associate professor of legal skills at the University of New Hampshire in the US and author of ‘Sharenthood’.

Jojo Moyes, Grief, Running Oct 02, 2019

Jojo Moyes is the bestselling author of over 15 books, including the smash hit 'Me Before You' which was adapted into a Hollywood film. Her new historical novel 'The Giver of Stars' is based on the true story of the Horseback Librarians of Kentucky. She joins us to speak about the women who inspired her story, her campaign to save local libraries and how her research led her to the mountain trails of Appalachia.

In June this year Freddie McLennan and Joe Atkins, both 19 and on their gap year, were driving across salt flats in Bolivia when their vehicle hit a pot hole and crashed. They were both killed. They would have been due to start university this week and Freddie’s mother Miranda wanted to turn what is a particularly difficult time into something positive. She joined Jenni to talk about Freddie and how his love of football has led her, his friends and their family to focus their grief and energy on raising money for disadvantaged children.

As Britain's Dina Asher-Smith prepares for the 200m final at the World Athletics Championships, we discuss women's running and the impact of 15 years of Parkrun with Dame Kelly Holmes, the double Olympic Champion, Rachel Baker, a mum who started running when her weight reached 20 stone and Jens Jacob Andersen, CEO of Run Repeat.

Sharenting, Stella Creasy, Science Oct 01, 2019

Sharenting is when you put too much information about your children on social media. It could be baby pictures or details of what they're doing or what they've achieved. You might think your post is sweet or funny, but when your children grow up, they might not agree especially when it comes to finding a job. Jane talks to Claire Bessant, a solicitor and Associate Professor at Northumbria Law School and Leah Plunkett, who's an Associate Professor of Legal Skills at the University of New Hampshire in the US and author of ‘Sharenthood’.

Anti-abortion posters were put up in the Labour MP, Stella Creasy’s, constituency in London this weekend. They've now been taken down. Stella Creasy is eight months pregnant, has publicly spoken about the miscarriages she’s had and she’s a prominent campaigner for abortion rights in Northern Ireland. We speak to Stella who feels she's a target for a group called Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform UK, which is behind the posters. We also talk to their spokesperson, Ruth Rawlins.

More books than ever before are now published about women and science. Last week Caroline Criado Perez won the 2019 Royal Society Book Prize for her book ‘Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men’. It lists the ways in which the world is designed for men, rather than women. We bring Caroline together with neuroscientist, Professor Gina Rippon, whose book ‘The Gendered Brain’ refutes the claim that men and women’s brains are fundamentally different.

Courtney Act, Jordan Stephens and Dan Bell discuss 'Toxic Masculinity' Sep 30, 2019

Drag queen and ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ winner, Courtney Act, Jordan Stephens from hip hop duo ’Rizzle Kicks’, and Chief Executive of the ‘Men and Boys Coalition’, Dan Bell, discuss what toxic masculinity means to them and the impact of the term itself. How has it affected their mental health, relationships and gender expression and what needs to change for boys of the future?

Myths of Celtic Europe pervade our collective consciousness in the UK. Passed on as folklore, by word of mouth and tales around the camp fire, the stories have been continually adapted through history. In her new book, 'Foxfire, Wolfskin and other stories of Shapeshifting Women', Dr Sharon Blackie updates the powerful female characters, bringing together myths of women within the landscapes of north-western Europe, and incorporating the modern pressures of climate change and plastic pollution.

Just over thirty percent of UK ambassadors or Head of Mission are women – this is a three- fold increase in the last 10 years but what does the job actually involve? We speak to Judith Gough who has just finished a four year position in Ukraine and is at the start of a new position as UK Ambassador to Sweden.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Courtney Act Interviewed Guest: Jordan Stephens Interviewed Guest: Dan Bell Interviewed Guest: Sharon Blackie Interviewed Guest: Judith Gough

Esther Rutter on the knitted bikini, Sally Challen and composer Suzanne Ciani Sep 28, 2019

Esther Rutter on the secret feminist history of knitting.

Sally Challen was jailed for 22 years for killing her husband Richard in 2011. She was released earlier this year after a change in the law on coercive control. She talks to Jane about her marriage, her sentence and what it’s like to be a free woman.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag won three separate awards at this years Emmy’s - what's behind her success?

Jennie Joseph, a UK trained midwife, tells us about her work in the US reducing maternal and perinatal mortality among black women and other women of colour. Plus could you continue to love your son if he was accused of violent sexual crimes? And the five time Grammy award nominated composer and electronic music artist Suzanne Ciani on her career spanning 40 years.

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor Beverley Purcell

Guest; Emma Bullimore Guest; Hetta Howes Guest; Tracy-Ann Oberman Guest; Anupama Chandrasekhar Guest; Sally Challen Guest; Esther Rutter Guest; Jennie Joseph Guest; Suzanne Ciani

Politics, Dementia, Mary Lindell Sep 27, 2019

A week is a long time in politics they say. At the moment, things are constantly changing. Today we try and make sense of it all from a woman's point of view. Lots to talk about including Paula Sheriff's powerful question in Parliament on Wednesday night and the PM's response to it; the next day's debate in the House about parliamentarians' choice of language; the use of Jo Cox's name in debate, as well as the women who've stood out this week.

More children than ever before are surviving cancer but the effects of it can stay with them as they get older. A couple of weeks ago we heard about the impact having a child with cancer has on the family, particularly mum and dad. Today we hear from the children themselves about what it’s like growing up with cancer. We have Rosa Coker Burnett who was diagnosed with acute Myeloid Leukaemia at 11 and Niamh Hardy who was told that she had a neuroblastoma when she was 15. They're both in their twenties now.

Mary Lindell was a secret agent whose story has been virtually forgotten. But today we get to know her better. She was twice decorated for bravery and she was a pioneer of the Resistance Movement. In the first days of the German occupation she set up an escape line. A book about her is out called Lindell’s List. The author, Peter Hore, talks about her actions in WWI and WWII, including a list she drew up in Ravensbruck Concentration Camp that almost certainly saved the lives of many women prisoners.

Daphne Caruana Galizia inquiry, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Suzanne Ciani, Music and dementia Sep 26, 2019

Malta is to hold an independent public inquiry into the murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. BBC investigative journalist, Alys Harte was the journalist adviser on the recent Radio 4 drama about Daphne’s life and explains the latest developments. What does it take for a mother to stop loving her child? Tracy-Ann Oberman plays a woman whose teenage son is accused of violent sexual crimes in ‘Mother of Him’. While, playwright Anupama Chandrasekhar's new play ‘When the Crows Visit’, set in India, examines the same crisis. They discuss how they have approached a most difficult subject. Suzanne Ciani was an early pioneer in electronic music and sound design in the 60s and 70s. The five time Grammy award nominated composer joins talks about a career spanning four decades. And, we continue our look at the power of music to change the lives of women with dementia. Today we discuss why and how music can be so important for people living with dementia.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts

Parenting: How do you inspire your child to take up a musical instrument or learn to sing? Sep 25, 2019

How do you inspire your child to take up a musical instrument or learn to sing? Is there a 'best' instrument to learn on and how do you help keep their interest should practice become a chore? Jenni speaks to Molly Newton, a music teacher based in York and Yolanda Brown, a saxophonist.

Engineers, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Music, Dementia Sep 25, 2019

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, scriptwriter and lead actor for the series ‘Fleabag’ has won three separate awards at this year’s Emmys. She won the best lead actress in a comedy series, and best writing. The show also won for best comedy. So what is it about this show that struck a chord with so many? Where might Phoebe Waller-Bridge be going next? TV critic Emma Bullimore will be speaking to Jenni, along with Hetta Howes, lecture in literature from the City University of London.

Tomorrow is BBC Music Day, an annual celebration across the corporation about the power of music to change lives. On Woman’s Hour we’re hearing from people who live with dementia and about how music helps them cope. Shelagh is 79, from Madeley in Staffordshire where she lives with her husband Paul, who also has dementia. Woman’s Hour first met Shelagh at a Dementia Diaries event in Birmingham. The group record their experiences about living with dementia and post on dementia diaries.org. Henrietta Harrison went to meet Shelagh in her home and found out how Irish Republican protest songs transport her back to her childhood. Due to an error in this version the music used is not Boolavogue by The High Kings, instead we have used Ireland’s Call by The High Kings. It has been corrected here https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07pc3t4

One hundred years ago, the Women’s Engineering Society was formed. In a new book ‘Magnificent Women and their Revolutionary Machines’, Henrietta Heald charts the history of the society and the pioneering women who excelled in engineering – often against the odds. Henrietta joins Jenni to discuss.

How do you inspire your child to take up a musical instrument or learn to sing? What are the best instruments to learn and how do you help keep their interest should practising become a chore? Jenni speaks to Molly Newton, a music teacher based in York.

History of Knitting, Labour Conference 2019, US Black Maternal Health Clinic Sep 24, 2019

It is widely expected that continuing conflict over Brexit will result in an early general election. Research suggests that younger women who vote Labour are more likely to favour remaining in the EU, while many of the Labour Party’s older female voters and traditional voters are thought to have backed Leave in 2016. So, how will Labour Party appeal to all of its women supporters?

On Woman's Hour this week we’re hearing from people with dementia about how music helps them cope. The Alzheimer's society organises Singing for the Brain groups across the country. Henrietta Harrison went along to one of them in Hackney in North London and met two daughters who are caring for their mothers

Jennie Joseph is a UK trained midwife whose work has successfully reduced maternal and perinatal mortality in the most vulnerable groups of women in the US. Her community based maternity centre in Orlando, the JJ Way, offers free care to all women and has dramatically improved outcomes for mothers and their babies. And The Birthplace, a clinic founded around her model of care has become a renowned pregnancy care centre. So what might the UK learn from work now being done in the US where black women of all backgrounds have long faced a much higher risk of maternal death than white women?

When Esther Rutter received a gift of some unusual Shetland wool, she was unsure what to make with it, and so set out on a voyage of discovery through the knitting history and culture of the British Isles. On the way, she discovered the secret feminist history of knitting.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Anneliese Dodds Interviewed guest: Jennie Joseph Interviewed guest: Esther Rutter Reporter: Henrietta Harrison Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Sally Challen, with her son David: her first radio interview Sep 23, 2019

After years of being controlled and humiliated by him in 2011 Sally Challen was jailed for 22 years for the murder of her husband, Richard. The sentence was reduced to 18 years but in June of this year she walked out of the Old Bailey a free woman. The introduction of coercive control as a crime meant her sentence was reduced to manslaughter. In her first radio interview Sally joins Jane Garvey to reflect on her marriage, her sentence and how it feels to be a ‘free woman’ and a new grandma.

As part of Radio 4, Four Seasons Poetry Day the award-winning poet Fiona Benson reads from her collection to mark the autumn equinox .

BBC Music Day is on Thursday – an annual celebration across the BBC of the power of music to change lives. On Woman’s Hour we’ll be hearing from women about the importance of music in their dementia care. Today - Teresa Davies. She’s from Mold in North Wales and is creating a digital book about her life so future carers can find out what particular pieces of music mean to her.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Sally Challen Interviewed Guest: Fiona Benson Reporter: Henrietta Harrison

Shirley Ballas, Flexible working, Lesley Manville Sep 21, 2019

The magic of dance with Shirley Ballas, head judge on BBC series Strictly, Curtis Pritchard, Love Island participant and professional ballroom dancer, and Theresa Buckland, Professor of Dance History at Roehampton University.

Vicky Phelan exposed a medical scandal which affected her, and over 200 other Irish women. She found out that cervical smear tests, including hers, were mistakenly given the all clear when they were in fact abnormal. Women didn't get the treatment that might have prevented, or halted cancer. Vicky who is now living with a terminal diagnosis took her case to court and she was awarded 2.5 million Euros in compensation. Her book is called Overcoming: A Memoir.

The reality of searching for part time or flexible work. How hard is it to find good jobs that make use of your skills and abilities part-time? We hear from Karen Mattison, Joint CEO of Timewise about their new research. And listener Sarah who is looking for part-time work.

The actor Lesley Manville on her role in the BBC's new Sunday night wartime drama World on Fire.

In the city of St Louis, Missouri, the number of children who’ve been killed by a gun is rising. Most of them were caught in the cross fire, doing normal things like playing outside their house. Mothers, some who’ve lost a child, marched in the City last weekend to express their anger. Reporter Siobhann Tighe met the organiser, the Reverend Traci Blackmon.

Two decades ago, a public health official exposed how contaminated blood and plasma had led to tens of thousands of impoverished villagers and hospital patients being infected with hepatitis and HIV in Henan province, China. Today that story is told in a new production called ‘The King of Hell's Palace’ at The Hampstead Theatre, London. The Chinese whistleblower, Dr Shuping Wang and playwright Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig discuss.

British-born Mauritian cook Selina Periampillai describes the diverse cuisine of Mauritius and its neighbouring islands in her first cookbook, The Island Kitchen. She Cooks the Perfect... Tuna Curry.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Dianne McGregor Edited by Jane Thurlow

Shirley Ballas, Curtis Pritchard, Sujata Banerjee Sep 20, 2019

Strictly’s back! It’s the 17th series and Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have rolled out the red carpet for the class of 2019. To celebrate, Woman’s Hour dedicates a programme to dance with Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas, Love Island participant and professional ballroom dancer Curtis Pritchard, Professor of Dance History Theresa Buckland from Roehampton University, Sujata Banerjee, a Kathak artist and educator and Ingrid Mackinnon, a choreographer who teaches jazz, ballet, modern & African dance. Jane asks whether it is ever too late to learn to dance, why dance can make you feel so good… and hosts a dancing lesson, live on air, accompanied by the musician Joe Stilgoe.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Shirley Ballas Interviewed guest: Curtis Pritchard Interviewed guest: Theresa Buckland Interviewed guest: Sujata Banerjee Interviewed guest: Ingrid Mackinnon Interviewed guest: Joe Stilgoe

Dr Shuping Wang, Cecelia Ahern, Selina Periampillai Sep 19, 2019

Two decades ago, a public health official exposed how contaminated blood and plasma had led to tens of thousands of impoverished villagers and hospital patients being infected with hepatitis and HIV in Henan province, China. Today that story is told in a new production called ‘The King of Hell's Palace’ at the Hampstead Theatre. Jenni hears about that production and the story behind it from Chinese whistleblower, Dr Shuping Wang and playwright Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig. Author Cecelia Ahern talks about her new book Postscript; The Sequel to PS I Love You. British-born Mauritian cook Selina Periampillai describes the diverse cuisine of Mauritius and its neighbouring islands in her first cookbook, The Island Kitchen. And, we discuss the stigma that surrounds childhood sexual abuse.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts

Parenting: How to successfully integrate a family into an established community Sep 18, 2019

Listener Wandja Kimani emailed the programme to ask us to discuss carving out a life in a community when you find yourself in a minority. Jenni speaks to Wandja and to the author Rachel Edwards, who moved from London to a small hamlet in Oxfordshire over 20-years ago.

Reverend Traci Blackmon mobilising mothers in the US against guns Sep 18, 2019

Whilst the UK is dealing with a serious knife crime problem affecting teenagers especially in our cities, America is dealing with a gun problem. In the city of St. Louis, Missouri, the number of children who’ve been killed by a gun keeps on rising. According to latest figures 23 have died this year, most of them were caught in the cross fire, doing normal things like playing outside their house. Mothers, some who’ve lost a child,, marched in the City last weekend to express their anger. Siobhann Tighe meets the organiser, the Reverend Traci Blackmon,

A new BBC drama series ‘World on Fire’ tells the story of World War Two through the lives of ordinary people, from all sides of the conflict. Jenni talks to one of the stars of the series Lesley Manville about taking on a role that's so different from that of Cathy in the series ‘Mum’.

Lucia Osborne-Crowley was fifteen when she was violently raped by a stranger. In her book ‘I Choose Elena’ she's writesabout the aftermath - her silence, shame, and, what she feels is the lasting impact on her body.

And we speak to the woman who led Europe to victory over the US in the Solheim Cup

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Lucia Osborne-Crowley Guest; Lesley Manville Guest; Catriona Matthew

Reporter Siobhann Tighe

Flexible Working, Brexit Party Tour, Australian Suffragettes Sep 17, 2019

Led by Nigel Farage, the Brexit Party was formed in March of this year. In May it took 29 seats in the EU elections, more than any other party and nearly one third of all votes cast. Polls suggest the Brexit Party attracts the support of more men than women. But there are many women among the many voters who still feel strongly that the UK should fulfil the 2016 referendum result and leave with or without a deal. The Brexit party is holding a series of events as part of a national tour. Jane went to an event in Southport.

The reality of searching for part time or flexible work. Just how hard is it to find good jobs - that make use of your skills and abilities - part time? We’ll be looking at new research from the flexible working consultancy Timewise, showing just how few advertised jobs there are for part time or flexible work, and asking why. We’ll also be getting advice on how to negotiate if you see your dream job advertised but at full time hours you can’t manage or don’t want - are employers likely to consider a strong candidate on fewer hours? And what can employers do to make part time or flexible work work for them?

A few weeks ago we asked our listeners to get in touch and send us a picture that somehow captured them at their best. Not just looking your best, but feeling your best. Today Kelly Ford tells us about a reunion captured on camera.

Historian Clare Wright on the overlooked history of the Australian suffragettes and their impact on the campaign for votes for women in Britain.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Claire Fox Interviewed guest: Karen Mattison Interviewed guest: Sarah Hathaway Interviewed guest; Kelly Ford Interviewed guest: Clare Wright Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

My Best Day - Suzanne Goldberg on the power of laughter Sep 16, 2019

Earlier in the summer we asked you, our listeners, to get in touch and send us a picture that somehow captured you at your best. Not just looking your best, but feeling your best. Hundreds of you got in touch with pictures of your best day, and we’ll be running as many of your stories as we can. Today…. Suzanne Goldberg brings us a picture of laughter.

With continuing division over Brexit in Parliament and a General Election expected soon, the Liberal Democrat party’s president, Baroness Sal Brinton, joins us from the Lib Dem Party Conference. What opportunity does the current chaos offer the party and what is their message to women?

Vicky Phelan has become one of the most well-known and well-respected women in Ireland. She exposed a medical scandal which not only affected her but affected over 200 other Irish women as well. She found out that cervical smear tests, like hers, were mistakenly given the all clear but turned out to be abnormal. This meant women weren’t given important treatment that might have prevented cancer or halted it. Vicky took her case to court and won. She was awarded 2.5 million Euros in compensation. Vicky is now living with a terminal prognosis but getting treatment. She says she’s feeling strong at the moment. She’s just published a book called Overcoming: A Memoir.

What does it mean to be a woman in the 21st century? Anna Hope’s third novel, Expectation, opens with three young women in their twenties, living a precarious but happy life in a rented house in Hackney, London. Ten years on they are not where they had hoped to be. Anna joins Jane to discuss friendship, love, the pain of infertility, motherhood, work and feminism.

For Sama, Brexit, Women and Science Fiction Sep 14, 2019

The journalist Waad Al Kateab documented her life on camera in war torn Aleppo, Syria. She tells us about her documentary and how she fell in love, married and had a baby daughter during the conflict.

We discuss intersectionality in feminist economics with Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson the Director of the UK Women’s Budget Group, Dr Zubaida Haque from the Runnymede Trust and Angela Matthews head of policy at the Business Disability Forum.

Adina Claire Acting Co-Chief Executive of Women’s Aid gives her reaction to the cricketer Geoffrey Boycott being knighted despite being convicted by a French court in 1998 for punching his partner.

In 1962 Claire Weekes an Australian GP published a book Self Help for Your Nerves in which she said she could cure panic, depression, sorrow, agoraphobia and anxiety. We discuss how her cures would be received today with Judith Hoare the author of ‘The Woman Who Cracked the Anxiety Code’.

Marina Litvinenko and the actress who plays her MyAnna Buring, discuss the play A Very Expensive Poison. It follows the story of Alexander Litvinenko, Marina’s husband, who died in 2006 after being poisoned with polonium 210 in London.

Listeners give their reaction to how Brexit is affecting relationships with family and close friends with Amber, Ellie, Henry and Gabrielle Rifkind a conflict resolution specialist and psychotherapist.

As Margaret Attwood’s sequel to the Handmaid’s Tale – The Testaments is published, we discuss science fiction readers and writers with authors Mary Robinette Kowal and Temi Oh.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Rabeka Nurmahomed Edited by Jane Thurlow

My Best Day - Diane Barker, Victims' commissioner Claire Waxman, Playwright Tanika Gupta Sep 13, 2019

We asked you to get in touch and send us a picture that somehow captured you at your best. Today Diane Barker tells us about a very special picture that captures an adventure in Eastern Tibet.

We hear the concerns of midwifes about the role they are having to play in delivering the government policy of charging migrant women for maternity care.

The London Victims Commissioner and stalking victim, Claire Waxman on why she's written to the Ministry of Justice to ask them to change way compensation is paid. And the playwright Tanika Gupta talks about her latest project an adaptation of Ibsen’s classic play, A Doll’s House.

Presenter; Jenni Murray Producer; Beverley Purcell Guest; Claire Waxman Guest; Tanika Gupta Guest; Rosalind Bragg Guest; Clare Livingstone Guest; Corinne Clarkson

Susan Sontag, Feminist economics, Waad-al-Kateab Sep 12, 2019

Susan Sontag, the American essayist, novelist and critic rose to fame in the 1960s. She became an iconic cultural figure and during her life she was linked with figures like Andy Warhol and Annie Leibovitz. Fifteen years after her death, Benjamin Moser has written a new biography about her which digs beneath her public image. He discusses her life, her work and how her life charts the changes in women's lives over the last 60 years. It’s 30 years since the concept of intersectionality was introduced by Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw. The Women’s Budget Group, who are also marking their 30th anniversary, thought it apt to address the way feminist economics has embraced the idea that there is no single universal experience of inequality shared by all women. Next week, the Director of the group Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson will chair a panel on Intersectionality in Feminist Economics. She joins Jenni along with Dr Zubaida Haque from the Runnymede Trust and Angela Matthews from the Business Disability Forum to discuss why a one size fits all policy doesn’t work. Waad al-Kateab has documented her life on camera in war torn Aleppo, Syria. While conflict, violence, death and cruelty raged around her, she fell in love, got married and had a baby daughter. She captures stories of loss, laughter, sacrifice and survival. She joins Jenni to discuss her film, ‘For Sama’, a love letter from a young mother to her daughter. And, listener Val Dawson talks about the photograph that captures her best day.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts

My Best Day, Marina Litvinenko, Cancer testing Sep 11, 2019

There's a call for population wide testing for the BRCA gene in the Jewish community, which is at greater risk carrying the gene mutation which is linked to ovarian, breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer. We're joined by Dr Ranjit Manchanda, Consutant Gynaecological Oncologist at Barts NHS Trust who's carried out new research funded by The Eve Appeal, and Caroline Presho who underwent preventative surgery after testing positive for a BRCA gene mutation.

Marina Litvinenko on the play about her husband Alexander's death in London and her subsequent fight for an public inquiry. We're also joined by Myanna Buring who takes Marina's part in the play A Very Expensive Poison at the Old Vic Theatre.

In the next in our series My Best Day, Alison Fletcher explains why this picture (above) means so much to her.

In 1962 an Australian GP, Dr Claire Weekes published a book called Self Help for Your Nerves in which she said she could cure panic, depression, sorrow, agoraphobia and anxiety. The psychiatric establishment dismissed her as under-qualified and populist but her book sold well and is still in print over 50 years later. Judith Hoare, author of The Woman Who Cracked the Anxiety Code tells us about Claire Weekes' treatments, the reaction from her contemporaries and her legacy now.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Ranjit Manchanda Interviewed guest: Caroline Presho Interviewed guest: Marina Litvinenko Interviewed guest: Myanna Buring Interviewed guest: Alison Fletcher Interviewed guest: Judith Hoare

Sci-Fi, Sex Discrimination, My Best Day Sep 10, 2019

Margaret Atwood's new novel is out today. It's science fiction and is called The Testaments. Science fiction is often stereotyped as a male genre, but we forget that a woman was one of its first authors: Mary Shelley who wrote Frankenstein. When it comes to recognising science fiction talent, male authors have got many more awards than women but that's changing. To discuss why science fiction really does appeal to women, we hear from Mary Robinette Kowal who's won this year’s Hugo Award for best science fiction, as well as British writer, Temi Oh.

Teenage girls are getting advice about what’s a healthy relationship and what’s not. The young adult author, Holly Bourne, is the ambassador for a new campaign launched by Women’s Aid. Holly says, “When you’re crazy in love with someone it’s hard to know what’s OK and what’s not OK in a relationship.” The campaign talks about gas lighting, consent and gives advice about what to say if your partner asks for your social media passwords. The answer is: NO!

What’s the link between feeling discriminated against because you’re a woman and depression? Dr Ruth Hackett from University College London explains.

And our series called My Best Day. You sent us some pictures of when you looked and felt great. Today Nilufer Algas tells the story behind her snap from the eighties.

Phone-in: The Psychological Impact of Brexit Sep 09, 2019

We want to hear how Brexit is affecting your relationship, your mood and your behaviour. Do you feel more or less anxious about the future? Do you see eye to eye with others in your family - have you fallen out with close friends - or have you found yourself becoming peacemaker? Have you started to do things differently? Maybe you've had to make very different decisions about your work? Have you been doing an extra bit of shopping each week in anticipation of shortages? Perhaps you're one of the people we've heard about this week who is trying to build up a supply of medicines for yourself or a loved one? We want to hear from you. Joining Jane in the studio is conflict resolution specialist and psychotherapist, Gabrielle Rifkind. Phone lines are open from 0900 on Monday. The number to call is 03700 100 444. You can email now via the Woman's Hour Website.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Gabrielle Rifkind, director of Oxford Process Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Jackie Kay, Equal pay, Fussy eating, Period sex Sep 07, 2019

In a week of extraordinary politics, how have female MPs and advisors fared? We discuss the “macho” culture and language of parliament with Katy Balls, deputy political editor at The Spectator and Helen Lewis, staff writer at The Atlantic.

National Poet for Scotland, Jackie Kay, on a new production of her 1980's play Chiaruscuro.

Sisters Maya and Gemma Tutton tell us about their campaign OurStreetsNow. They want to implemented a law like France has done to make verbal sexual harassment illegal and punishable by an on-the-spot fine.

What is the impact of high-profile Equal Pay cases? Sam Smethers from the Fawcett Society, Charles Cotton from the CIPD and Paula Lee from Leigh Day Solicitors discuss.

When does fussy eating become a danger to health? We get advice from Dr Victoria Aldridge, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at De Montford University, Dr Lucy Serpell, Clinical Lead for Eating Disorders at North East London NHS Foundation Trust and associate professor of Psychology of Eating Disorders at UCL and Clare Thornton-Wood, dietician and spokesperson of the British Dietetic Association.

Research tells us women are responsible for the majority of consumer decisions and most of the final decisions on which clothing, food and family holidays to buy. So how much power and responsibility do women consumers have for sustainability? We ask Lauren Bravo, author of How to Break Up with Fast Fashion, Kate Cawley, director of Veris Strategies and Dr Lucie Middlemiss, Associate Professor in Sustainability at Leeds University.

Why is having sex while you've got your period such a taboo subject? We talk to journalist Emma Barnett who's written Period, It's About Bloody Time and campaigner Nimko Ali, author of What We’re Not Told Not to Talk About (But We’re Going to Anyway).

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Sophie Powling Edited by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Helen Lewis Interviewed guest: Katy Balls Interviewed guest: Jackie Kay Interviewed guest: Maya and Gemma Tutton Interviewed guest: Sam Smethers Interviewed guest: Charles Cotton Interviewed guest: Paula Lee Interviewed guest: Victoria Aldridge Interviewed guest: Lucy Serpell Interviewed guest: Clare Thornton-Wood Interviewed guest: Laura Bravo Interviewed guest: Kate Cawley Interviewed guest: Lucie Middlemiss Interviewed guest: Emma Barnett Interviewed guest: Nimko Ali

The consumer power of women, The week in politics, Author Sue Cheung Sep 06, 2019

Researchers tell us women are responsible for the majority of consumer decisions, making an estimated 80% of purchases, and most of the final decisions on which clothing, food, or even family holidays to buy. We’re also told that women are typically more concerned about the climate, and keener to make environmentally conscious decisions. So how much power and responsibility do women consumers really have? And what are the most efficient forms of sustainable consumerism?

In a week of extraordinary politics, how have female MPs and advisors fared? We discuss the sacking of special advisor Sonia Khan, the female Conservative rebels, and the “macho” culture of parliament with Katy Balls, deputy political editor at The Spectator and Helen Lewis, staff writer at The Atlantic.

A few weeks ago we asked listeners to send us a picture that somehow captured them at their best. Not just looking it but feeling it. Hundreds of you got in touch with pictures of your best day, and we’ll be running as many of your stories as we can. Today Helen Childerhouse tells Laura Thomas about a photo that changed the way she saw herself.

Author Sue Cheung reflects on her up-bringing and how it informed her young-adult novel Chinglish: the funny and sometimes tragic diary of a girl and her family who live above their Chinese takeaway in 1980s Coventry.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

National Poet for Scotland Jackie Kay, Author Tracy Chevalier, Growing up with a child with cancer Sep 05, 2019

National Poet for Scotland Jackie Kay on a new production of her 1980's play Chiaruscuro.

A new survey by NCT (National Childbirth Trust) and Netmums on the limitations of postnatal checks for new mums. Kavita Trevena who's just had a child shares her experience, and we hear from Abigail Wood Head of Campaigns at the NCT, and Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chair of Royal College of GPs.

Tracy Chevalier, writer and author of 10 novels, including Girl with a Pearl Earring and At the Edge of the Orchard, talks to Jenni about her latest book, A Single Thread. Set in 1932, it follows the life of Violet Speedwell, who is still mourning the loss of her fiancé and brother in the First World War.

Every day 12 families in the UK will receive the devastating news that their child has cancer. Over the next few weeks we'll be talking to both the parents and the children themselves about what life's like for them. Today we hear from two mums, Andrea Hanbury mother of Keeva, and Kate Hewson mother of Charlie. How are their families adapting to life after cancer treatment? Plus Lucy Waller, Clinical Physiotherapist in the cancer unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital for children in London tells us about the positive effects of physical activity for children treated for cancer.

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Jackie Kay Guest; Tracy Chevalier Guest; Andrea Hanbury Guest; Kate Hewson Guest; Lucy Waller Guest; Kavita Trevena Guest; Abigail Wood Guest; Helen Stokes-Lampard,

Extreme fussy eating, Pay, Off the Rails Sep 04, 2019

As BBC journalist Carrie Gracie prepares to release her new book, Equal, about her yearlong battle for equal pay, we discuss the impact this case has had on equal pay for all. Have these high-profile cases inspired employees, employers and policymakers to take action? Sam Smethers from the Fawcett Society, Charles Cotton from the CIPD and Paula Lee from Leigh Day Solicitors join Jenni.

Now for the final part in our series Off The Rails. We’ve been following the work of South London youth worker Nequela whose personal experience of getting into trouble and prison helps her reach troubled teens. Jo Morris met her one Thursday afternoon when she was getting things ready for the evening's senior youth club.

Experts are warning about the risks of extreme fussy eating after a teenager developed permanent sight loss after living on a diet of chips and crisps. When does fussy eating become a danger to health? And how can parents distinguish between regular fussy eating in children, and the psychological condition of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder – ARFID? Jenni speaks to Dr Victoria Aldridge, Senior Lecturer in Psychology who conducts research into ARFID, Dr Lucy Serpell, Clinical Lead for Eating Disorders at North East London NHS Foundation Trust and associate professor of Psychology of Eating Disorders at UCL and Clare Thornton-Wood, dietician and spokesperson of the British Dietetic Association.

Presenter: Jenni Murray

Interviewed guests: Sam Smethers, Chief Executive, Fawcett Society Charles Cotton, Senior Reward and Performance advisor, CIPD Paula Lee, Associate Solicitor, Leigh Day Jo Morris, reporter Nequela, youth worker Dr Victoria Aldridge, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, De Montford University Dr Lucy Serpell, Clinical Lead for Eating Disorders at North East London NHS Foundation Trust and associate professor of Psychology of Eating Disorders at UCL Clare Thornton-Wood, dietician and spokesperson of the British Dietetic Association

Parenting: The Other Mother Sep 04, 2019

The comedian Jen Brister talks about what it was like becoming a non-biological mum. She had twin boys with her partner Chloe four years ago after two rounds of IVF, and it was Chloe who gave birth. Jen talks about the reaction of friends, professionals and what she felt like herself having babies in this way and being the other parent - experiences she has written about in her book 'The Other Mother'.

Being the 'other' mother, CMV Sep 03, 2019

The comedian Jen Brister talks about what it was like becoming a non-biological mum. She had twin boys with her partner Chloe four years ago after several rounds of IVF, and it was Chloe who gave birth. She talks about the reaction of friends and professionals, and what she felt like herself having babies in this way - experiences she has written about in her book The Other Mother.

With the rebel alliance of MPs attempting to prevent a no deal Brexit before parliament is prorogued next week, who are the women to watch, what are they thinking and how will they act this week? We're joined by Helen Lewis, staff writer for The Atlantic and Katy Balls, deputy political editor of The Spectator to discuss.

Why a targeted screening programme for a common virus could help new born babies with hearing loss. It's called CMV. Most of us have had it, harmlessly...it feels like a cold but if you're pregnant it can have serious consequences - most commonly deafness. It's more common than Down's affecting 1000 babies a year in Britain but few health professionals know about it. Paediatrician, Dr Tamsin Brown has gathered health professionals together in the East of England and set up a targeted screening programme which she hopes will support the case for nationwide screening.

Another in our series about young people at risk of getting into trouble and the people trying to help them. At a busy private stables in rural Worcestershire Steph works with girls who have been excluded from mainstream education – they have been offered a Changing Lives Though Horses course run by the British Horse Society as alternative way of educating/reaching/calming them. Jo Morris met Steph and the riding teachers Dan and Karen there with Britney, Emma and Libby.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Jane Thurlow Reporter Jo Morris

Interviewed guest: Helen Lewis Interviewed guest: Katy Balls Interviewed guest: Jen Brister Interviewed guest: Tamsin Brown Interviewed guest: Anna Hope

Period sex, Women and insomnia, Street harassment Sep 02, 2019

Why is having sex while you've got your period such a taboo subject? Does the idea disgust you or your partner or has the experience brought you closer together? The BBC journalist Emma Barnett, author of ‘Period’, and campaigner Nimko Ali, author of ‘What We’re Not Told About (But We’re Going to Anyway) discuss sex when you're menstruating, otherwise known as period sex.

Why are women thought to suffer more from insomnia that men? We discuss severe sleep deprivation – and how to try and get back to a healthy sleep pattern with Dr Shelby Harris who’s written The Women’s Guide to Overcoming Insomnia.

We were contacted during listener week by the Instagram account ‘OurStreetsNow’ in response to our item about unwanted sexual attention. In August last year, France implemented a law to make verbal sexual harassment illegal, and to date they have convicted over 700 people of the crime. ‘OurStreetsNow’ is run by two sisters, Maya and Gemma Tutton, who are fed up with the catcalls and verbal abuse they received, and want to change the UK law to make it a fineable offence.

If you drink alcohol when was the last time you had a drink-free day? Drinkaware - an alcohol education charity- has launched a Drink Free Days campaign- aimed at encouraging mid-life drinkers to moderate alcohol consumption by taking at least three drink-free days every week. Jane talks to their chief executive Elaine Hindal tells us more.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Emma Barnett Interviewed guest: Nimko Ali Interviewed guest: Shelby Harris Interviewed guest: Maya Tutton Interviewed guest: Gemma Tutton Interviewed guest; Elaine Hindal

Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Cara Delevingne, Women in construction, Lisa Jewell Aug 31, 2019

Cara Delevingne is one of the most recognisable faces in the world with over 43 million followers on Instagram alone. She’s spoken openly about her sexuality and issues with severe depression. She began modelling when she left school but is now is concentrating on her acting career and plays the lead role in a new Victorian fantasy drama series Carnival Row. She talks about her role as Irish ‘faery’ Vignette Stonemoss opposite human detective Rycroft Philostrate played by Orlando Bloom.

This week Harvey Weinstein pleaded not guilty to two additional charges of predatory sexual assault and has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex. A new documentary looks at the rise and fall of the film mogul. We speak to the director of the documentary, Ursula Macfarlane, and to Hope D’Amore who says she was a victim of his alleged abuse.

What is it like to be a woman in the construction industry? Currently women make up 16% of the total UK workforce of two million people. How can the industry attract more girls to the trades and what’s the reality of working in such a male-dominated environment? Tina Daheley speaks to Roma Agrawal, a structural engineer who worked on the Shard, Katie Kelleher, a former crane operator who now works as an Appointed Person at Select Plant Hire, Hattie Hasan, founder of Stopcocks Women Plumbers, Cristina Lanz Azcarate, Chair of London South East NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction), Sarah Fenton, Partnerships Director Midlands and North, CITB, (Construction Industry Training Board) and Lynsey Davies, a plasterer who is now training to be a quantity surveyor.

Lisa Jewell is celebrating twenty years as a bestselling author. She tells us about her latest psychological thriller The Family Upstairs.

Vegan vlogger Rachel Ama Cook the Perfect… Caribbean Jackfruit Fritters. She explains how she takes inspiration from her Caribbean, West African and Welsh roots and shows how you can take your favourite dishes and adapt them into quick, easy vegan recipes from her book Rachel Ama’s Vegan Eats.

Plus, is the jobs market working for women? We ask if policies on part time or flexible working actually work in practice? We hear from Lucy Adams, CEO of Disruptive HR, Kirsty Holden, blogger and founder of TheMoneySavingMum.com and Anna Codrea-Rado, journalist and presenter of the podcast “is this working?” about the modern workplace.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Sophie Powling Edited by Jane Thurlow

Director Sam Taylor-Johnson, Actor and model Cara Delevingne Aug 30, 2019

The artist Sam Taylor-Johnson began her career as a photographer, part of the Young British Artists set. She moved into film and became a household name when she took the helm of Fifty Shades of Grey. She talks about her new film A Million Little Pieces, based on a story by James Frey , the challenges for women in the industry and what it's like directing your husband's love scenes.

Cara Delevingne is one of the most recognisable faces in the world with over 43 million followers on Instagram alone. She’s spoken openly about her sexuality and issues with severe depression. She began modelling when she left school but is now is concentrating more on her acting career. She plays the lead role in a new Victorian fantasy drama series Carnival Row. She joins Jenni to discuss her role as Irish ‘faery’ Vignette Stonemoss opposite human detective Rycroft Philostrate played by Orlando Bloom.

Plus new research into the profile of men who kill their partners that could save lives. And we take a trip to Looe Island - now owned by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust - for a bit of seal watching and hear from Claire Lewis and her partner John who's the warden.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Beverley Purcell

Guest: Sam Taylor-Johnson Guest: Cara Delevingne Guest: Dr Jane Monckton

Parenting: What's the role of a PTA? Aug 29, 2019

Listener Ellie Kemp wants to raise the subject of school Parent Teacher Associations and the difficulties they face in finding parents who have the time or the confidence to volunteer, particularly in rural areas, as well as the increasing reliance schools have on the money they raise. Ellie is Chair of her son’s school PTA. What is the role of PTAs, what part do they play in children’s learning and what are the benefits for the volunteers and pupils? Jenni Murray speaks to Ellie, Gill Sims, illustrator, blogger and author of the Why Mummy series and Tracey Handley, from the charity Parentkind.

Is work working? Harvey Weinstein, Fedina Zhou Aug 29, 2019

Is the jobs market working for women? We ask if policies on part time or flexible working actually work in practice? And, as more and more women leave careers to go freelance – why are they doing it? We hear from Lucy Adams, CEO of Disruptive HR, Kirsty Holden, blogger and founder of TheMoneySavingMum.com and Anna Codrea-Rado, journalist and presenter of the podcast “is this working?” about the modern workplace.

Hollywood has been rocked by allegations against Harvey Weinstein. This week, he pleaded not guilty to two additional charges of predatory sexual assault and he faces a criminal trial in the New Year. He has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex. A new documentary looks at the rise and fall of the film mogul. Jenni talks to the director of the documentary Ursula Macfarlane and to Hope D’Amore who was a victim of his alleged abuse.

Fedina Zhou is the President of The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Asia’s oldest symphony orchestra, which is celebrating its 140th year with a world tour and a first appearance at the BBC Proms. She talks about the origins of the orchestra which was the first to introduce symphonic music to Chinese audiences and now strives to promote cultural exchanges between East and West.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts

The Menstrual cycle: what's normal? Aug 28, 2019

Data from a large study of women's menstrual cycles shows that just thirteen per cent of women experience a 'text-book' 28 day menstrual cycle and that the date of ovulation can vary significantly. Professor Joyce Harper who led the study, explains the significance of the research for couples trying to calculate the best time to conceive.

Lisa Jewell is celebrating twenty years as a bestselling author. Her first novel, Ralph’s Party, was published in 1999 and was the best-selling debut novel of the year. Since then she has published another sixteen novels, including a number of dark psychological thrillers. Lisa joins Jenni to talk about her latest, The Family Upstairs and to talk about her career as a writer.

Another in the series of features about life Off The Rail. Candy Huxham has been a youth worker since 1991, when she left banking and she hasn’t looked back. She set up the Handy Trust – a charity in Hythe and Dibden, Hampshire – offering advice on anything from drugs, to teenage sexual and mental health. One of those young people was Crystle Rogers. Fast forward more than twenty years and Crystle now works alongside Candy, also as a youth worker and supports kids like her former self. As well as running three youth clubs – they do drop in visits to schools, and street youth work out at night talking to young people. Reporter Jo Morris joined them.

Cook The Perfect Caribbean Jackfruit Fritters. In her first book, Rachel Ama’s Vegan Eats, Rachel takes inspiration from her Caribbean, West African and Welsh roots. She shows how you can take your favourite dishes and adapt them into quick, easy vegan recipes. She joins Jenni to Cook the Perfect… Caribbean Jackfruit Fritters.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Caroline Donne

Interviewed guest: Professor Joyce Harper Interviewed guest: Lisa Jewell Interviewed guest: Rachel Ama

Women in Construction Aug 27, 2019

A £10 million campaign to diversify the building industry was launched this month by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board), backed by the Department for Education. Currently women make up 16% of the total UK construction workforce of two million people. How can the industry attract more girls to the trades and the wider world of construction, and what can be done to keep them there long-term? What’s the reality of working in such a male-dominated environment? And how might things change in the future? Tina Daheley speaks to Roma Agrawal, a structural engineer who worked on the Shard, Katie Kelleher, a former crane operator who now works as an Appointed Person at Select Plant Hire, Hattie Hasan, founder of Stopcocks Women Plumbers, Cristina Lanz Azcarate, Chair, London South East NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction), Sarah Fenton, Partnerships Director Midlands and North, CITB, (Construction Industry Training Board) and Lynsey Davies, a plasterer who is now training to be a quantity surveyor.

Presenter: Tina Daheley

Jada Pinkett Smith, Summer Hats, Female Democratic Front-Runners 2020 US Elections Aug 27, 2019

Six female candidates continue to vie for the democratic nomination for president in 2020 elections. We take a look at the front-runners including Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris

Jada Pinkett Smith is an American actress, producer, philanthropist, singer, businesswoman and talk show host. She, along with her 18-year-old daughter Willow and mother Adrienne, take part in Red Table Talk, an intimate chat show with three generations from the same family.

Throughout the summer we've been talking about clothes and accessories that most of us have and which tend to be trotted out for every holiday. Today the dress historian Amber Butchart examines the straw hat.

In April 2011, Karen Edwards received a visit from a police officer telling her that her daughter, Becky, was dead. Becky had been murdered & had been lying in a makeshift grave since 2003. Despite the killer confessing, he couldn't be convicted at the time as the evidence was not admissible in court. Karen had to fight to see the killer brought to justice. She has now written a book, A Killer's Confession and a Mother's Fight for the Truth.

Presenter: Tina Daheley Interviewed guest: Martina Fitzgerald Interviewed guest: Kelly Jane Torrance Interviewed guest: Jada Pinkett Smith Interviewed guest: Amber Butchart Interviewed guest: Karen Edwards Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour: Listener Week Aug 24, 2019

Why does society judge women who are single? We’ll hear from listener Joy, Emily Hill author of Bad Romance and from the journalist Bibi Lynch.

Doreen and Virginia have belonged to the same book club, set up in 1965, for decades - is it one of the oldest in the UK? They're joined by Melissa Cummings-Quarry and Natalie Carter who are the co-founders of the Black Girls Book Club to discuss why book clubs are so appealing to women.

We explore Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (inattentive type) in girls, with Heidi whose daughter was diagnosed at 14 and Dr Celine Ryckaert a clinical lecturer at King’s College London.

And we talk about the pain of a close friendship ending with Annabel Fenwick-Elliot senior content editor at The Telegraph and psychotherapist Hilda Burke.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Rabeka Nurmahomed Edited by Jane Thurlow

Listener Week: Day Five Aug 23, 2019

Listener Trisha wonders why people seem find it odd that she and her adult son get on so well - she and her daughter don’t get the same surprised reaction when they spend time together. So why the difference?

Following the death of her husband, listener Suzie Ladbrooke lost her appetite and has no pleasure in eating alone. She wants to know how other people adapt after a family loss. She is joined by nutritionist Jane Clarke.

Another listener contacted us to talk about living in private rented housing as you get older. She says it’s not just millennials who are unable to buy their own home and so living in rented accommodation and house shares – but as you get older the challenges change.

Listener Week: Day Four Aug 22, 2019

Day Four of Listener Week.

One Listener wanted us to talk about how you get over falling out with your best friend. Doreen and Virginia wondered if they're members of the longest running Book Club - which began in 1965. Twenty year old Sophie Taylor got in touch seeking advice for female entrepreneurs like herself. And Wandja Kimani asked us to discuss carving out a life in a community when you find yourself in a minority.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Beverley Purcell

Guest; Annabel Fenwick-Elliott Guest; Hilda Burke Guest; Natalie Carter Guest; Melissa Cummings-Quarry Guest; Sophie Taylor Guest; Jo Fairley, Guest; Julie Baker Guest; Wanja Kimani Guest; Rachel Edwards

Parenting: raising sons to be good men Aug 21, 2019

How do you teach gender equality to boys?

Listener Week: Day Three Aug 21, 2019

Listener Ellie Kemp wants to raise the subject of school Parent Teacher Associations and the difficulties they face in finding parents who have the time or the confidence to volunteer, particularly in rural areas, as well as the increasing reliance schools have on the money they raise. She is Chair of her son’s school PTA. What is the role of PTAs, what part do they play in children’s learning and what are the benefits for the volunteers and pupils? With Gill Sims, illustrator, blogger and author of the Why Mummy series and Tracey Handley, from the charity Parentkind

One listener asked us to discuss manners – she says her grandchildren seem to be growing up without learning any table manners and fewer and fewer grown-ups now hold a knife, fork and spoon properly. How much do manners matter? We hear from Gill Sims, author of the Why Mummy series.

Listener Paris Moore is training to compete in her first IronMan competition in Barcelona in October. She wants to raise questions about attitudes to women competing in endurance sports and to inspire other women who may be questioning their ability to train for similar events. She is joined by 13 x IronMan Champion Lucy Gossage who also works as an Oncologist.

Adapting to a new routine and pace of life after the death of a partner can be lonely and isolating. But, as one listener told us, getting out and about can also be life-changing. When 75 year old Bernard Bibby got in touch with us about his new passion for ballet, we sent reporter Tamsin Smith to his weekly class at the Bridge Academy of Performing Arts in Rochester to find him preparing to limber up at the barre.

Presented by: Jenni Murray Produced by: Caroline Donne

Interviewed guest: Ellie Kemp Interviewed guest: Tracey Handley Interviewed guest: Gill Sims Interviewed guest: Paris Moore Interviewed guest: Lucy Gossage Interviewed guest: Bernard Bibby

Listener Week: Day Two Aug 20, 2019

Catherine wrote to us about the wellness industry. She asks whether its relentless focus on improvement whether through diet, exercise or psychological tools such as mindfulness contributes to yet more pressure, particularly for women, to live the perfect life.

At the age of 59 Annie is going back to university. She wants to talk about what she should wear. She's frightened of sticking out like a sore thumb amongst the other students on the course. A personal stylist and a fashion editor are on hand for advice.

Listener Sarah wrote to us about her three daughters and the fact that they often receive unwanted attention on the street from teenage boys and men. Has it got worse since she was their age?

Listener Joy is single and she's not alone. In the latest UK census 34 per cent of the population in England and Wales describe themselves as single. Yet swathes of society still seem to hold singletons and particularly women in judgement. We explore why.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Catherine Venables Interviewed guest: Pixie Turner Interviewed guest: Natasha Devon Interviewed guest: Joy Interviewed guest: Bibi Lynch Interviewed guest: Emily Hill Interviewed guest: Sarah Interviewed guest: Betty Interviewed guest: Gwyneth Interviewed guest: Annie Dehaney-Steven Interviewed guest: Alice Wilby Interviewed guest: Felicity Kay Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Listener Week: Day One Aug 19, 2019

This week Woman's Hour is all yours.

We've had loads of emails and tweets about what you want us to talk about this week.

Today we hear from Heidi who wants us to explore a kind of ADHD which is the Inattentive type and affects girls. Heidi is joined by Dr Céline Ryckaert who explains how and why it can be hard to diagnose in young girls and women.

We've also got Marilyn on. Not only is she a regular listener but she's a psychotherapist and new mum. She wants us to discuss what she calls "mummy drinking” which she believes is a problem. We've paired her up with Lucy Rocca, author and founder of Soberistas, a social network for women struggling with alcohol addiction.

What's it like to divorce when you're 70? Scary or liberating? Our listener Anne tells us all about it.

And how do we bring up sons to be kind and considerate men in the future, especially towards women? How do you encourage them to believe that girls and women have the same rights and opportunities as they do? And what does it really mean to bring your boys up as "feminists"? Kelly-Anne told us that she wanted us to tackle that one.

17/08/2019 Aug 17, 2019

Somaliland’s first midwife, first Foreign Minister and former First Lady, Edna Adan Ismail tells us what galvanised her campaign to end the practice of FGM and why now in her 80s she still works at the hospital she helped to build in her homeland.

We discuss the rise and fall of the bonkbuster with the author Lauren Milne Henderson, Maisie Lawrence editor at Bookouture and Sareeta Domingo editor at Mills and Boon.

The Composer Errollyn Wallen’s work stretches back four decades, she tells us about her latest work with the BBC Proms. A new orchestral work titled This Frame is Part of the Painting.

We talk about the impact of The Country Girls by the Irish author Edna O’Brien. It was banned by the Irish Censorship Board and burned publically in her hometown when it was first published. We hear from Lin Coghlan who has adapted it for radio and from the literary critic Alex Clark.

How should you talk about the subject of race and racism to your children? Behavioural Scientist Dr Pragya Agarwal and blogger Freddie Harrel tell us about their personal experiences.

We discuss the latest show from Zoo Nation Youth Tales of the Turntables with dancer Portia Oti and Director and Choreographer Carrie-Anne Ingrouille.

Presented by Jenni Murray Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Lucinda Montefiore

Edna O'Brien's The Country Girls and Rohingya women refugees Aug 16, 2019

The Country Girls by the Irish author Edna O’ Brien was banned by the Irish Censorship Board and burn publically in her hometown when it was first published in the 1960’s. This story of female friendship and the restrictions of rural Irish life for women became a best seller and the first of a trilogy now recognised as an iconic work of twentieth century Irish fiction. BBC Radio 4 is dramatizing all three books and Jenni speaks to Lin Coghlan who has adapted it for radio and the literary critic Alex Clark about the impact of the trilogy and why the description of female friendship and female experience feels contemporary even 50 years after the books were published. For the last two years hundreds of thousands of men, women and children have left their homes in Myanmar and made a perilous journey to refugee camps in Bangladesh. They’re Rohingya Muslims. They have their own language and culture but the government of Myanmar, a Buddhist country, refuses to recognize them. The first exodus began two years ago when Rohingya villages where burned down and civilians, including children under 5, were attacked and killed. But even though some of them have made it to refugee camps in southeast Bangladesh, it can still be risky, especially for teenage girls. Karen Reidy is from UNICEF and joins us from Cox’s Bazaar, the world’s largest refugee camp.

Stories of lives changed by youth work in our series “Off The Rails”. We’re talking to young people in danger of getting into trouble and to those who help them back from the brink. Nequela, who is now a senior youth worker sees her teenage self in the young people she works with. Jo Morris joined her as she talked with teenager Shenique who has been working with ‘Nix’, as she calls Nequela, after repeatedly getting into fights.

Zoo Nation dance company are celebrated for their narrative hip hop dance productions. Their younger company Zoo Nation Youth now has a new show, Tales of the Turntable, which features some of the best young dancers and looks at the early origins of hip-hop, funk and soul, disco, house and rap. Jenni is joined by director and choreographer Carrie-Anne Ingrouille and by dancer Portia Oti.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

Award-winning author and former Children's Laureate Malorie Blackman Aug 15, 2019

Award-winning author and former Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman discusses Crossfire, the new novel in her Noughts and Crosses series, which will also be a BBC TV series starring Stormzy.

A family must prove whose parent died first in an extraordinary inheritance battle. That was the situation at the high court this week, which resolved a dispute between two sparring stepsisters. But it is also the plot of Dorothy L Sayer’s much-loved novel The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club. So how did the Mistress of Crime come to predict today’s court battles nearly a century ago? We ask Seona Ford, Chair of the Dorothy L Sayers Society and author, Jill Paton Walsh.

Composer Errollyn Wallen’s work stretches back four decades and includes 17 operas, numerous orchestral, choral and chamber works, concertos, as well as award-winning scores for visual media. You might remember her music being featured in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. She was made an MBE for her services to music in 2007 and has also received an Ivor Novello Award. She was the first black woman to have her work performed at the BBC Proms back in 1998 – and this year she has been specially commissioned by them to write a new orchestral work. It’s titled This Frame is Part of the Painting and it will be performed by Elim Chan, Catriona Morison, and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales on Thursday 15th August.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Malorie Blackman Interviewed Guest: Professor Lisa Avalos Interviewed Guest: Seona Ford Interviewed Guest: Jill Paton Walsh Interviewed Guest: Errollyn Wallen

Parenting: Talking to Your Kids About Race and Racism Aug 14, 2019

Talking to your kids about race and racism with Dr Pragya Agarwal and Freddie Harrel.

Edna Adan Ismail, Smear Tests Over 50 Aug 14, 2019

Edna Adan Ismail has spent her life improving women's health in Africa, campaigning to end FGM and becoming Somaliland’s first midwife. She was also its first Foreign Minister and is a former First Lady. She was the daughter of a doctor in Somaliland at a time when educating women was frowned upon. She saw for herself how poor health care, lack of education and superstition had a devastating effect, especially on women. At eight years old she herself went through FGM and it was supported by all the women in her family. That set her on a path to oppose it. Now in her 80s, she still works at the hospital she helped to build after retiring from the World Health Organisation. Her story: A Woman of Firsts was recently serialised for BBC Radio 4 and is available on the BBC Sounds App.

Talking to your kids about race, HRT shortages, and the demise of the bonkbuster novel Aug 13, 2019

Talking to your kids about race.

The UK is currently facing a shortage of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). What should you do if your normal supply of HRT tablets, skin patches or gels is unavailable? We hear from GP & menopause specialist Dr Hannah Short.

Plus Jane Garvey visits Kitty's Launderette in Anfield which provides much needed washing facilities in one of Liverpool's most deprived areas. And we ask; Why have so called "bonkbuster" novels fallen out of favour with women - and look at what's taken their place.

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Freddie Harrel Guest; Dr Pragya Agarwal Guest; Lauren Milne Henderson Guest; Maisie Lawrence Guest; Sareeta Domingo

School holidays Aug 12, 2019

Today’s programme is dedicated to the challenges and joys of the long summer weeks out of school. Is boredom good? Will children fall behind on their learning? How can you be sure your teenagers are safe while you’re at work? Jane also hears about the impact of holiday food poverty on children with parents on low incomes. Plus minimalist camping tips to get children off their screens and outside. Jane is joined by: Juliet Benis, Primary Head Teacher Carmel McConnell MBE, Founder of Magic Breakfast Dr Laura Harrison, Senior Lecturer in Modern History at the University of West England Briony Hartley author of Minimalist Family Camping: Dee Holmes young persons, family and children’s Counsellor for Relate

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Caroline Donne

Director and actor Kathy Burke on her new series of documentaries: All Woman Aug 10, 2019

Director, actor Kathy Burke on her new series of documentaries for Channel 4 “All Woman” which are about appearance, motherhood, marriage and relationships.

We’ll be talking about women’s finances and the changes to income when women have a family.

There's music from the Scottish songwriter Karine Polwart. Dr Amy Kavanagh a disability campaigner tells us about her experiences of harassment in public spaces.

Plus a look at how to use the last few weeks of the holidays to prepare children for primary school and the wrestler Heather Bandenburg also known as La Rana Venenosa on why she thinks women’s wrestling is a feminist act.

Presented by Jane Garvey Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Beverley Purcell

Guest; Sarah Pennells Guest; Lucy Tobin Guest; Fran Bennett Guest; Helen Stroudley Guest; Vibha Ghei

Kathy Burke, Menopause, Kajal Odedra Aug 09, 2019

Kathy Burke: actor, comedian, theatre director and for many people, a national treasure. She's got a new TV series starting next week which explores what it means to be a woman today. It looks at attitudes to beauty, motherhood and relationships. So what's she learnt from the experience?

There's been a lot of publicity this week around a surgical procedure designed to delay the menopause by 20 years. Today we discuss whether the menopause really needs fixing. To talk about it, we have Dr. Melanie Davies who's a Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician; Emma Hartley who's a journalist who's written about the procedure recently, and Allison Pearson who's written a novel about the menopause called How Hard Can It Be?

If you're passionate about making a change, how do you persuade others to follow you? What do you have to do to create a winning campaign and why are some of the most successful ones started by young women? We hear from Kajal Odedra, author of ‘Do Something: Activism For Everyone? We also speak to Bella Lack, who's a 16 year old environmental campaigner.

Parenting: Children who attack their parents Aug 08, 2019

Police forces across the country have found that the number of crimes involving children attacking their parents has doubled in the last three years from 7,000 to 14,000. The figures have been uncovered by BBC Yorkshire after they made a Freedom of Information request. They were invited to attend a course in Doncaster called Getting On. It’s one of a handful of similar schemes around the country which aim to help parents and children find a solution to this type of abuse. Jenni speaks to Emma Glasbey, BBC Yorkshire’s home affairs correspondent.

Money - why women need to talk about money Aug 08, 2019

Woman’s Hour talks about money. Over their lives, women earn less and save less than men – and, very often, find they need more of it. Research consistently suggests that women are less likely to talk about personal finances or to seek financial advice, but far more likely to worry about it than men. We look at how we manage our relationship with money and, at what our relationships can do to our cash-flow. And, we ask what part the government, work places and financial intuitions can play in building our financial resilience and reducing gender inequality. From student debt to pensions; buying a home to saving for a pension; the costs of paying for care or doing the caring – and, the gender pay gap - we examine where things go wrong and, how we might begin to fix them.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts Interviewed guest: Fran Bennett Interviewed guest: Amy Cashman Interviewed guest: Jude Kelly Interviewed guest: Sarah Pennells Interviewed guest: Lucy Tobin

Remembering Toni Morrison Aug 07, 2019

We remember the woman considered the greatest American writer of the twentieth century – the Nobel Prize winner, Toni Morrison, who died on Monday.

The number of crimes being reported to the police involving children attacking their parents has doubled in the last three years from around 7,000 to 14,000 incidents. That’s according to data obtained by BBC Yorkshire following Freedom of Information requests. The BBC has been given exclusive access to the ‘Getting On’ course in Doncaster. It’s one of just a handful of similar courses across the country, designed to help parents and children find a solution to this type of abuse.

Former Blue Peter presenter, actress and author Janet Ellis joins Jenni to discuss her new novel 'How It Was', the follow-up to her acclaimed debut, The Butcher’s Hook. It looks at the generational divides between mothers and daughters, and deals with difficult topics such as parental bereavement, miscarriage and inappropriate underage relationships.

Scottish songwriter and musician, Karine Polwart is known for her politically charged folk songs. In her new album she gives a folk twist to the Scottish pop hits of her childhood and plays her interpretation of Deacon Blue’s ‘Dignity’ live in the studio.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Emma Glasbey Interviewed Guest: Janet Ellis Interviewed Guest: Karine Polwart

The Yardley Girls, Harassment of disabled women in public spaces Aug 06, 2019

Disability campaigner Dr Amy Kavanagh describes how she experienced harassment in public spaces when she started to use a white cane. Now she has started a project with Dr Hannah Mason-Bish, Director of Centre for Gender Studies at Sussex University to tackle the issue and the intrusions that she and many others face.

‘Beauty is your duty’ was an official propaganda campaign during WWII and the wearing of bright red lipstick seemed to be a patriotic duty and flash of glamour during tough times. While many factories and workers were commandeered for the war effort, the production of lipstick at Yardley’s cosmetics factory in East London continued apace. Kate Thompson’s latest book Secrets of the Homefront Girls features the lives and hardships of the women working in these factories. She joins Jane with two of the original Yardley Girls – Ann and Eileen.

What is breast milk donation and why are some people calling for it to be better funded? Jane talks to author Francesca Segal whose premature twins needed donated breast milk, about why the experience made her want to donate her own breast milk to repay the favour when her next child was born. Plus Dr Natalie Shenker, co-founder of Hearts Milk Bank, the UK’s first independent, non-profit human milk bank talks about the process and problems faced when dealing with donated milk.

Wrestler Heather Bandenburg aka La Rana Venenosa – Queen of the Sewer describes wrestling as her main vehicle of feminist resistance. She joins Jane to talk about its growing appeal and why she thinks more women should take it up. Her new book is "The Unladlylike: A Grrls Guide to Wrestling"

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Caroline Donne

Interviewed guest: Dr. Amy Kavanagh Interviewed guest: Dr. Hannah Mason-Bish Interviewed guest: Kate Thompson Interviewed guest: Francesca Segal Interviewed guest: Dr. Natalie Shenker Interviewed guest: Heather Bandenburg

Hints and tips on helping your child settle into primary school. Aug 05, 2019

Hints and tips on helping your child settle into primary school from early years consultant Helen Stroudley and mum of two Vibha Ghei who are part of a new BBC Bitesize Campaign.

According to the TUC, half of women have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. Rights of Women have just launched the only specialist free legal advice line in England and Wales to help them. We hear more from Deeba Syed, senior legal advisor from Rights of Women, and Dame Heather Rabbatts, Chair of TIME’S UP UK

Plus Dame Victoria Sharp the new President of the Queen’s Bench Division - the first woman to hold the post - which makes her the third most senior member of the judiciary of England and Wales.

And dress historian Amber Butchart with another in her series about our summer wardrobe staple - today espadrilles.

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; DEEBA SYED, Guest; DAME HEATHER RABBATTS Guest; HELEN STROUDLEY Guest; VIBHA GHEI Guest; DAME VICTORIA SHARP Guest; AMBER BUTCHART

Weekend Woman's Hour: Gemma Chan, Lyra McKee's sister, Endometriosis, 15-minute home care visits Aug 03, 2019

The journalist and writer, Lyra McKee was shot dead in Londonderry nearly four months ago. She had been watching rioting in the Creggan area of the city. Her book Angels With Blue Faces, written before her death has just been published. We hear from her sister Nichola Corner.

Careworker Caroline inspired this week’s drama serial Flying Visits. Frustrated by the requirement to keep her home visits to fifteen minutes, she made an impassioned speech to councillors in Southwark, London which led them to change their policy. Caroline, Ian Hudspeth from the Local Government Association and Donna Rowe-Merriman from UNISON discuss the challenges associated with home care visits.

The singer Angelique Kidjo has three Grammy awards and has been described as the undisputed queen of African music. Her latest album Celia is a tribute to the Cuban salsa singer Celia Cruz. She sings for us in the studio.

Endometriosis is a serious and lifelong disease which affects as many as 1 in 10 women. But it often goes undiagnosed. Karen Havelin has turned her experience of the disease into a novel, Please Read This Leaflet Carefully. And Eleanor Thom has written a manual aimed at her fellow sufferers, as well as their friends and family, Private Parts: How to Really Live with Endometriosis.

Actor Gemma Chan talks about her role in the Channel 4 drama I Am Hannah - a woman in her mid-thirties struggling with the pressure to settle down and start a family.

200 years ago a prison was opened in Brixton in South London. It was the first to house only women and Emma Barton was its governor. We hear from Chris Impey, author of a history of HMP Brixton and from the current Deputy Governor Louise Ysart.

The food writer MiMi Aye’s new book Mandalay: Recipes and Tales from a Burmese Kitchen is a celebration of Burmese food, history and culture. She Cooks the Perfect… Red Prawn Curry.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Dianne McGregor Edited by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Nichola Corner Interviewed guest: Ian Hudspeth Interviewed guest: Donna Rowe-Merriman Interviewed guest: Angelique Kidjo Interviewed guest: Karen Havelin Interviewed guest: Eleanor Thom Interviewed guest: Gemma Chan Interviewed guest: Chris Impey Interviewed guest: Louise Ysart Interviewed guest: MiMi Aye

Lyra McKee's book 'Angels With Blue Faces' Aug 02, 2019

It’s been nearly four months since the young journalist and writer, Lyra McKee, was shot in Londonderry; she had been watching rioting in the Creggan area of the city. She had just written a book called 'Angels With Blue Faces' and a week before she died, had approved the cover for it. Lyra didn’t get to see it published, but this afternoon it will officially be launched in The Linen Hall Library in Belfast, where she did most of her research. Her sister Nichola speaks to us from Belfast.

A new survey of older women readers by Gransnet (with publisher HarperCollins) has revealed how they really feel about their portrayal in fiction. Just over half of women over 40 say their age group is portrayed in clichéd roles, and 47 per cent say there’s not enough books about middle-aged or older women. Yet women over 45 buy more fiction than any others, and 84 per cent say they read every day, or almost every day. So how are older women portrayed in fiction? Are we only reading about very stereotypical characters? Are older women being offered the books and characters they really want to read? Jenni is joined by Cari Rosen - the editor of Gransnet, who also runs their bookclub – and by Caroline Lodge who writes a blog about older women in fiction.

Yesterday we heard from Judith, a survivor of domestic abuse in a small community in the Highlands. Scottish Women's Aid has launched a pilot scheme called ASK ME to help women like her. The scheme in Scotland builds on the success of Women’s Aid pilots and projects in England and Wales. Kathleen Garragher joined trainers Catherine Russell and Cathie Way out on the road in the Scottish Highlands. They do sessions with members of the community who train as ambassadors listening to women and signposting them to sources of support and information. We also hear from a survivor of domestic abuse we are calling Kelly. Did you know that the first woman governor of a prison in Britain lived within its walls and took her 12 children on her rounds? Her name was Emma Martin and she ran Brixton Prison in South London, in the 1800s. As it celebrates its 200th anniversary we look back at its beginnings as the first British prison just for women and its life now as a resettlement prison for male offenders. We hear from Chris Impey, author of a history of HMP Brixton and to the current Deputy Governor Louise Ysart.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Nichola Corner Interviewed Guest: Cari Rosen Interviewed Guest: Caroline Lodge Interviewed Guest: Catherine Russell Interviewed Guest: Cathie Way Reporter: Kathleen Carragher Interviewed Guest: Louise Ysart Interviewed Guest: Chris Impey

Rural domestic abuse, Endometriosis, making fun of your mum Aug 01, 2019

Women in rural areas are half as likely to report domestic abuse as those in urban ones. Judith, who moved to the Scottish Highlands from London, tells reporter Kathleen Garragher about the culture of privacy and keeping yourself to yourself. When her husband became abusive she didn’t feel able to ask for help. Endometriosis is a serious and lifelong disease which affects as many as 1 in 10 women. But it often goes undiagnosed. Karen Havelin has turned her experience of the disease into a novel, 'Please Read This Leaflet Carefully'. And Eleanor Thom has written a manual aimed at her fellow sufferers, as well as their friends and family, 'Private Parts: How to Really Live with Endometriosis'. Iranian women have been taking pictures of themselves out in public and without their headscarves as part of the #WhiteWednesdays protests. The head of Tehran's Revolutionary Court has said that they now risk up to ten years in prison for sharing their pictures and videos. We talk to Masih Alinejad, the activist behind the campaign. And, is it ever ok to use your mother as source material for your comedy whatever your relationship history? Jenni speaks to Anoushka Warden, writer and performer of ‘My Mum’s A Twat’ at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe and comedian, Sindhu Vee, ahead of her new show ‘Sandhog’ on tour in September.

Actor Gemma Chan. Who is Princess Haya? Rediscovering picture books. Summer wardrobe staples, the kaftan. Jul 31, 2019

Gemma Chan talks about her role in the Channel 4 drama "I Am Hannah" - a woman in her mid-thirties struggling with the pressure to settle down and start a family.

The ruler of Dubai and his estranged wife, Princess Haya, are in court this week battling over the welfare of their children. Princess Haya fled Dubai earlier this year and has been reportedly living in hiding in London. We hear from Louise Callaghan, Middle East Correspondent for the Sunday Times, who's been following the Dubai family saga for the past year, and BBC Law in Action’s Joshua Rozenberg who's been in court this week watching proceedings.

Do we take children’s picture books, lullabies and nursery rhymes as seriously as we should? The writer Clare Pollard says NO and explores in her new book " Fierce Bad Rabbits" the stories that meant the world to her as a child and how they represent women.

And the dress historian Amber Butchart has been finding out about the history of some of the summer wardrobe staples which get shoved into suitcases every year, today - the kaftan

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest: Gemma Chan Guest: Clare Pollard Guest: Amber Butchart Guest: Louise Callaghan Guest: Joshua Rozenberg

Screen Time, Care Workers, Cook The Perfect Jul 30, 2019

The long summer holidays have started and you'll have heard by now that the runner-up of The Fortnite World Cup was Jaden Ashman, a British 15-year-old who won nearly a million pounds. In the run up to the computer tournament he was spending more than eight hours a day in front of a screen. We know that screen time already causes lots of family arguments so what will happen now when your child says gaming could win them a fortune, just like Jaden? We talk to Mark Griffiths, Professor of Behavioural Addiction at Nottingham Trent University and Belinda Parmar who campaigns against tech addiction.

Food writer, MiMi Aye’s new book ‘Mandalay: Recipes and Tales from a Burmese Kitchen’ is a celebration of Burmese food, history and culture. Along with recipes, she shares stories about her family and her culinary travels around Burma. She joins Tina in the studio to Cook the Perfect… Red Prawn Curry.

This week's Woman's Hour drama is about the care workers who visit old and vulnerable people to look after them, and the pressures carers face. We talk to the real woman who inspired the drama and who spoke out about the challenges of the 15 minute visit system. We also hear from UNISON, which has been campaigning for change in adult social care and more investment in it.

Bestselling Young Adult writer Robert Muchamore and debut YA writer Yasmin Rahman talk about how and why they address teenage mental health in their new novels, Arctic Zoo and All the Things We Never Said.

Theresa May's Legacy for Tory Women, Angélique Kidjo, Anna ‘Delvey’ Sorokin Jul 29, 2019

The UK’s second female Prime Minister stepped down last week after a turbulent three years in office. In the last few weeks commentators have picked over Theresa May’s failure to deliver Brexit, her loss of the Conservative majority in the 2017 General Election and her limited progress in tackling the burning injustices she described on the steps of Downing Street in 2016. Today, we turn to a subject that Woman’s Hour first interviewed Theresa May about nearly 20 years ago, encouraging women to stand as MPs and to get on in the Conservative Party. We discuss her legacy for women in politics and look at how women will fare under Boris Johnson’s premiership.

Angélique Kidjo is a singer from Benin who’s won three Grammys and made 13 albums. This year she makes her Proms debut with her nine-piece band in a late-night tribute to the celebrated salsa songstress Celia Cruz.

Anna ‘Delvey’ Sorokin tricked New York’s city’s elite into thinking she was a wealthy German heiress. In reality she was a fraudster with no trust fund who convinced banks, hotels and friends that her fortune could cover her lifestyle as well as her future plans to set up an arts foundation in her name. She was found guilty of a number of charges including grand larceny, attempted larceny and theft of services. Rachel Deloache Williams, a key witness in the trial, discusses her new book ‘My Friend Anna’.

Presenter: Tina Daheley Interviewed guest: Anne McElvoy Interviewed guest: Katy Balls Interviewed guest: Angélique Kidjo Interviewed guest: Rachel Deloache Williams Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

The best of Takeover week Jul 27, 2019

Dany Cotton the Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade talks about how she dealt with trauma in her years as a firefighter. Dr John Green Chief Psychologist for Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust and Gill Scott-Moore CEO of Police Care UK discuss how best to help first responders with their mental health.

We discuss the power of grime music to politically engage young people with the campaigner Amika George, Dr Joy White who has a Phd in Grime and the author and performer Debris Stevenson.

The Great British Bake off winner from 2015 Nadiya Hussain talks to us about how her pets help her relax. Dr Katherine Garzonis a psychologist, the author of gardening books Hollie Newton and the food writer Bea Wilson tell us how they switch off.

Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell tells us why we all need to find someone like us in literature and why more diversity is needed in books - especially for children. We also hear from Aimee Felone a publisher and the author Patrice Lawrence.

Harriet Wistrich, the lawyer and founder of the Centre for Justice for Women tells us about growing up and losing her disabled brother Matthew. We also hear from the Playwright Atiha Sen Gupta who’s disabled brother Nihal died when he was 17 year old and she was just thirteen.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Rabeka Nurmahomed Edited by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Dany Cotton Interviewed guest: John Green Interviewed guest: Gill Scott-Moore Interviewed guest: Amika George Interviewed guest: Joy White Interviewed guest: Debris Stevenson Interviewed guest: Nadiya Hussain Interviewed guest: Katherine Garzonis Interviewed guest: Hollie Newton Interviewed guest: Bea Wilson Interviewed guest: Cressida Cowell Interviewed guest: Aimee Felone Interviewed guest: Patrice Lawrence Interviewed guest: Harriet Wistrich Interviewed guest: Atiha Sen Gupta

Takeover 2019 - Dany Cotton, Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade Jul 26, 2019

Dany Cotton says, 'I was thrilled to take part in this year’s Takeover and talk about topics I’m passionate about - I have managed to include something tasty, something fluffy and something serious! I will be explaining to the listeners the benefits of therapy dogs and why I will be getting one for London Fire Brigade. I also wanted to talk about an issue I have seen throughout my 32 year career – mental health and how it can affect first responders. I love cooking and I’m sure I was a mouse in a previous life, so I will also be talking about the looming Halloumi shortage.'

Takeover 2019 - Cressida Cowell, Children's Laureate Jul 25, 2019

Cressida Cowell says, "I will be talking about the thoroughly modern magic of reading and how that magic can and must be made accessible to absolutely everybody. Also I'll be talking exclusively to Woman's Hour about lost ancestors including an extraordinary but forgotten relative of mine, plus the vital importance of diverse authors and heroes for children, and funny words for the countryside, the words we are losing and our worrying disconnect with nature."

Presenter: Jenni Murray

Interviewed guests: Cressida Cowell, Children's Laureate David Tennant, actor Jonathan Douglas, director, National Literacy Trust Claire Williams, deputy head, Kenilworth Primary School Patrice Lawrence, author Aimee Felone, publisher Jackie Morris, writer and illustrator Dr Kate Lewthwaite, citizen science manager at the Woodland Trust

Takeover 2019 - Amika George, teenage campaigner who started #FreePeriods Jul 24, 2019

Amika George is a 19 year old student, activist, and founder of #FreePeriods. She's been campaigning to combat period poverty in schools. 200,000 signed her petition and almost 2,000 teenagers protested outside Downing Street. Two years on, the government has pledged to end period poverty by offering free menstrual products in all English primary and secondary schools by 2020.

Amika George says "I’m so thrilled to be a guest editor of Woman’s Hour'. Her chosen topics range from access and diversity in higher education, to why young people are so fascinated by Love Island, to why grime and hip hop artists have more power to influence young people than MPs.

Access, diversions and inclusion in higher education for BAME and state school students. What's the nature and extent of the problem and what needs to be done about it? We talk to Ore Ogunbiyi, one of the authors of 'Taking up Space' and Laura Bruce, Head of Programmes at the Sutton Trust.

What's the appeal of Love Island? What does it tell us about young people and relationships today? We talk to three fans Scarlett Curtis author of 'Feminists Don’t Wear Pink and Other Lies, Bolu Babalola writer and commentator and Ore Orgunbiyi.

The power of grime and hip hop to politically engage young people today and give a voice to the issues that are important to their lives .

Producer: Dianne McGregor Presenter: Jenni Murray

Takeover 2019 - Harriet Wistrich, lawyer and founder of Centre for Women's Justice Jul 23, 2019

Harriet Wistrich is a human rights lawyer and founder and director of the Centre for Women's Justice. Her cases are consistently in the news – the fight to keep the so-called ‘black cab rapist’, John Worboys in prison and the release of Sally Challen, who had been imprisoned for the murder of her abusive husband. As part of our Takeover week Harriet discusses surviving a disabled sibling, her admiration for Claudia Clare a ‘subversive ceramicist’, the treatment of women accused of lying about a rape allegation, and why Zem Zem Mohammed, an Eritrean refugee, is someone she holds in great esteem.

She may not be a household name but we know her cases well. How does a feminist lawyer relax who works tirelessly for the good of women she believes are being mistreated by the criminal justice system? And what compels her to continue to seek justice?

When Harriet Wistrich was just eleven years old her disabled brother, Matthew, died. It was the 1960’s and a time when disabled people were institutionalised, shut away and not spoken about. She speaks to her friend’s daughter, Atiha Sen Gupta, a playwright, who also lost a disabled brother, Nihal, in 2001 when he was 17 and she was 13. What did their different experiences of loss highlight for Harriet in terms of grief, guilt and how society's attitudes to disability changed in that 30 years?

As a human rights lawyer Harriet’s focus is on the treatment of women in the criminal justice system. What happens to women who have alleged rape and who then find themselves charged with perverting the course of justice when it’s suspected they have lied? She discusses how the system needs to change with Gillian Jones QC who worked on the case of Jemma Beale.

Zem Zem Mohammed escaped Eritrea at the age of 18 and spent five traumatic years crossing the Sahara to Sudan and then to Libya and to the UK to claim asylum via Italy and Malta. Now 37, settled with her husband and two children, she works as a Health and Safety inspector on the railways at nights wearing a hard hat over her hijab. Her extraordinarily resilience and entrepreneurial spirit was something Harriet Wistrich wanted to celebrate as part of her Woman’s Hour takeover

Claudia Clare is an artist who uses her ceramics to record and celebrate stories of feminist activism. We find out why she thinks ceramics are the best way to be what she says is subversive.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Harriet Wistrich Interviewed Guest: Atiha Sen Gupta Interviewed Guest: Gillian Jones Interviewed Guest: Zem Zem Mohammed Interviewed Guest: Claudia Clare

Takeover 2019 - Nadiya Hussain, TV cook, author, presenter Jul 22, 2019

Nadiya Hussain says, "My edition of Woman’s Hour focuses on time, and our lack of it! Having enough ‘time’ for everything feels like a constant battle. We're juggling childcare and career demands and I wonder whether women are feeling the pressure more than ever before, and more than men. I'm looking at what we can do to relax and switch off, and tell you what works for me!"

To talk a bit more about Nadiya's ideas we're joined by the food writer Bee Wilson, gardener Hollie Newton and psychologist, Dr. Katherine Garzonis from the Mental Health Foundation.

Black maternal health, Netball World Cup, Imposter Syndrome Jul 20, 2019

Black women are five times more likely to die in childbirth compared to white women. We hear the personal experiences of two women: Candice Brathwaite who got sepsis after her caesarean section and Remi Sade who felt she was pushed towards a more medically managed birth than she wanted. We also hear from Daghni Rajasingam a consultant obstetrician from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Clinical psychologist Jessamy Hibberd on her book, The Imposter Cure and listener, Claire Poole who runs two businesses on how she sometimes fears being found out as not really good enough despite doing her job extremely well.

As the Netball World Cup draws to a close this weekend we talk about how the game has changed over the years with the BBC presenter Hazel Irvine and the former England player Sara Bayman. Three volunteers from the tournament, Caswell Palmer, Mandy and Hannah Cripps tell us why they love the game so much.

The owner of Zara has announced that all the cotton, linen and polyester it uses will be organic, sustainable or recylcled by 2025. Tamsin Lejeune the CEO & Founder of Common Objective and Ethical Fashion Forum tells us about the significance of the move and what sustainable means in the context of a high volume fashion business.

David Trimble, a leading figure in Northern Irish politics and joint Nobel Peace Prize Winner who now sits in the house of Lords, surprised the House this week. He stood up during a debate about Northern Ireland to say his daughter had married her girlfriend, even though he had in the past opposed same sex marriage and voted against it. Vicky Trimble and her wife Rosalind Stephens give their reaction to his speech.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Rabeka Nurmahomed Edited by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Candice Brathwaite Interviewed guest: Remi Sade Interviewed guest: Daghni Rajasingam Interviewed guest: Jessamy Hibberd Interviewed guest: Claire Poole Interviewed guest: Hazel Irvine Interviewed guest: Sara Bayman Interviewed guest: Tamsin Lejeune Interviewed guest: Vicky Trimble Interviewed guest: Rosalind Stephens

Women's sport, Muslim women ex-offenders, Introverts, Sustainable fashion. Jul 19, 2019

How best can we harness the huge amount of interest created by recent big sporting moments to inspire more women and girls to take up sport? Jenni is joined by Dame Katherine Grainger who is Britain’s most decorated female Olympic athlete of all time and Chair of UK Sport. Ali Oliver is the current CEO of Youth Sport Trust and has worked in education and sports development for 20 years and Iqra Ismail a 19-year-old football player and the Founder of NUR (‘Never Underestimate Resilience’) Women’s Football Club, an organisation that aims to increase BAME females’ participation in football.

A new report has found that female Muslim offenders face very real challenges returning to their communities after release - particularly due to honour and feelings of shame - and that attitudes to men are more forgiving. Jenni speaks to Sofia Buncy, who is the Founder and Coordinator of the Muslim Women in Prison Rehabilitation Project and is author of the report, Sisters in Desistance: Community-based Solutions For Muslim Women Post-Prison.

The owner of Zara and other brands like Pull & Bear and Bershka have announced that by 2025, 100% of the cotton, linen and polyester used will be organic, sustainable or recycled. So how significant is this move? And what does sustainable mean in the context of a high-volume fashion business? We hear from Tamsin Lejeune CEO & Founder of Common Objective and Ethical Fashion Forum

The dress historian Amber Butchart has been finding out about the history of some of the essential summer wardrobe staples. Today, the kaftan.

Jessica Pan, a shy introvert, set herself the challenge of living as an extrovert for a year. She forced herself to speak to strangers, take improv classes, perform stand-up comedy. Her book is entitled Sorry I’m late, I didn’t want to come. She joins Jenni to share what she learnt from the experience.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Dianne McGregor

Young composer Alexia Sloane: commissioned to write a piece for this year’s BBC Proms Jul 18, 2019

Ahead of the world premiere of ’Earthward’ at the Proms, young composer Alexia Sloane talks to Jenni about the upcoming performance and the causes that inspire the music.

David Trimble, a leading figure in Northern Irish politics and joint Nobel Peace Prize Winner, now sits in the House of Lords. Last Wednesday it came as a surprise when he stood up in the House - during a debate about Northern Ireland - to say that his eldest daughter got married to her girlfriend, even though, in the past, he was opposed to same-sex marriage and voted against it. The party he used to lead – the UUP – used to be against it too. Vicky Trimble married her girlfriend, Roz, two years ago.

Jenni talks to Professor Dame Sally Davies as she prepares to leave her post towards the end of the year as the Chief Medical Officer for England to take on the role of Master at Trinity College Cambridge,.

Do you ever feel like a fraud, waiting to be found out? Clinical psychologist Jessamy Hibberd has a cure for “imposter syndrome”. And we hear from listener Claire Poole, who asks why the fear of not being good enough at work seems to affect women more than men.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Vicky Trimble Interviewed Guest: Rosalind Stephens Interviewed Guest: Alexia Sloane Interviewed Guest: Dame Sally Davies Interviewed Guest: Dr Jessamy Hibberd Interviewed Guest: Claire Poole

The Squad, NI Abortion, Jobs Jul 17, 2019

We'll be taking a closer look at The Squad: the Congresswomen at the centre of Twitter comments made by President Trump. Who are Alexandra Ocasio Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ayanna Pressley and Ilhan Omar? Why are these four politicians of colour causing such a stir, not just with Republicans but also in their own Democratic Party? Professor of Women’s Gender & Sexuality Studies, Wendy Smooth and journalist for USA Today and Washington Post and a former House Committee Republican Counsel, Sophia Nelson join Jenni.

Could the law around abortion and same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland change this week? We find out with Jayne McCormack, BBC political reporter in Belfast. Today the House of Lords decides on the Northern Ireland Bill which includes recent amendments to these two important social issues.

The Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) Centre for Social Justice says women’s work is most at threat from advances in automation, but it also say robots and AI could create opportunities to make things better for women. Jenni 's joined by Carys Roberts, Chief Economist at the IPPR and author of The Future is Ours: Women, Automation And Equality In The Digital Age.

Netball World Cup Jul 16, 2019

Live from Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena for the Netball World Cup, we're joined by BBC Sport's Hazel Irvine, former player Sara Bayman and Commonwealth gold winning England Netball captain Ama Agbeze to discuss the tournament so far, predictions for the rest of the week and prospects for the growing popularity of the game. We'll also be talking to CEO of Scotland Netball, Claire Nelson.

What does it take to organize a World Cup? We’ll be talking to the Event Director, Lindsay Impett. We're also joined by volunteers at the event to tell us about what they love about the game and why they're getting involved.

And we hear from under 11s in Hertfordshire learning netball on a Saturday morning - and Laura Vila and Corinne Askey who set up Mighty Netball to encourage girls to love playing sport.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Jane Thurlow

Black women are five times more likely to die in pregnancy, birth or postpartum than white women. Why? Jul 15, 2019

Black women in Britain are now five times more likely to die during pregnancy, birth or postpartum than white women. This is according to the latest study from MBRRACE-UK (Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries across the UK). And the risk has been increasing year on year. On today’s Woman’s Hour we concentrate on these disturbing statistics – released late last year, but receiving very little attention.

We discuss why this could be happening with Elsie Gayle, an independent midwife and nurse with 30 years’ experience in the NHS; Daghni Rajasingham, a consultant obstetrician who speaks for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists; Jenny Douglas, the founder and chair of the Black Women’s Health and Well Being Research Network and a senior lecturer at the Open University; and Mars Lord, a doula.

We also hear the birth experiences of some of the many women who contacted us, and are joined in the studio by Remi Sade, a writer and podcaster, and Candice Brathwaite, the founder of Make Motherhood Diverse.

And we look at historical attitudes to black women’s bodies in obstetrics and gynaecology. Deirdre Cooper Owens is a Professor of History who explores how the field of gynaecology developed through the experimental treatment of black slave women in the American south. She is professor of history and medicine at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the author of Medical Bondage: Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynaecology.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Helen Fitzhenry Interviewed guest: Elsie Gayle Interviewed guest: Daghni Rajasingam Interviewed guest: Jenny Douglas Interviewed guest: Candice Brathwaite Interviewed guest: Remi Sade Interviewed guest: Mars Lord Interviewed guest: Deirdre Cooper Owens

Cash Carraway, Parental leave policies, Girl code Jul 13, 2019

Cash Carraway tells us about her life as a working class woman and mother living in poverty today.

We discuss the importance of parental leave policy transparency and why only 23 FTSE 100 companies make their maternity and parental leave policies available to the public with Jo Swinson the Liberal Democrat MP, Mairead Niger the chief Human Resources Officer for one of the 23, Diageo and Deborah Hargreaves the founder of the think tank, the High Pay Centre.

The novelist and writer Sohaila Abdulali who was gang raped as a seventeen year old in Mumbai talks about the continued assumptions around rape and consent.

The teacher and author Emma Kell offers advice around the move from Primary to secondary school and we hear from listeners Jane, Tony and Velda.

We discuss girl code, what it is, how it’s broken and whether it has a place outside the tv show Love Island with freelance writer Moya Lothian-McLean and Lifestyle editor at the Metro Ellen Scott.

And the Lebanese songwriter Tania Saleh and Palastinian poet Farah Chamma share their experiences as women artists in the Arab world.

Presented by Jane Garvey Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Karen Dalziel

Summer wardrobe essentials, Actor Jill Halfpenny, Author Cash Carraway Jul 12, 2019

The dress historian Amber Butchart has been finding out about the history of some of the summer wardrobe staples we all buy or dig out every year - today, sunglasses.

Jill Halfpenny on her new role in the TV drama Dark Money. She plays Sam, the mother of up-and-coming young actor Isaac who accepts a pay-off to keep quiet about the abuse he suffered at the hands of a predatory Hollywood VIP.

Cash Carraway recounts her experience of temporary housing, refuges, violence, loneliness, forced self-employment, sex work and food banks in her memoir Skint Estate, about her life as a working-class woman and mother living in poverty in Britain.

And we have a round-up of the week’s news with Joy Lo Dico, columnist at the Evening Standard, Lara Prendergast, assistant editor of The Spectator, and writer and comedian Nuala McKeever.

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Vanessa Redgrave; And one woman's anorexia recovery Jul 10, 2019

Olivier, Tony and Academy Award winner Vanessa Redgrave on her new stage play, Vienna 1934–Munich 1938 – a production which she has written, devised, and performs in, and which intimately explores her family’s personal history amidst the rise of fascism in 1930s Europe. We hear about the play and her political family history that inspired it.

Our listener, Sarah tells us about being in recovery from a lifetime of anorexia and disordered eating.

Lebanese songwriter Tania Saleh and Palestinian poet Farah Chamma are two artists from two generations sharing their experiences as women performers in the Arab world. They are both in London this week to perform at Shubbak, London’s largest festival of contemporary Arab culture.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Jane Thurlow

Reporter: Georgina Hewes Interviewed guest: Vanessa Redgrave Interviewed guest: Tania Saleh Interviewed guest: Farah Chamma

The Girl Code, Chinese Women in Detention, Sohaila Abdulali Jul 09, 2019

The Girl Code: what is it and what does it include? How about "not going out with your friend's ex"? We find out with Moya Lothian-McLean and Ellen Scott.

A UK refugee charity says Chinese women who’ve been traumatised because of human trafficking are being harmed even more by being put in detention centres. The charity called Women For Refugee Women says they should be housed in safe accommodation and given support rather than being sent to Yarl’s Wood Detention Centre in Bedfordshire. Last year 420 Chinese women were held in places like Yarl’s Wood, making them the largest group in detainment by nationality.

Sohaila Abdulali, a writer from India, was gang-raped as a seventeen-year-old. Police ignored her and the doctor was too embarrassed to examine her properly. She wrote an article about it for a woman’s magazine which challenged perceptions about rape. Thirty years later in 2012 another young woman was raped, this time by a gang on a bus in New Delhi and she died a few days later of her injuries. It caused an outcry and Sohaila's original article about rape was rediscovered and went viral. Jane speaks to Sohaila about her new book called What we Talk About When We Talk about Rape in which she continues to explore frankly the crime and the silence and taboo around it.

Historian Amber Butchart begins a new series on summer wardrobe staples . Today it's the swimsuit. How did we get from the bathing suit to the swimsuit and its racier cousin, the bikini?

Phone-In: School Transitions Jul 08, 2019

Today’s we’re looking at an important milestone in a child’s life: when they move up from primary to secondary school. Can you remember how it felt? Do you have a child who is in year 6, leaving primary school or a child who is just completing their first year of secondary school. Is your Year 6 child excited and ready to go? How do you feel about them going to “big” school? Do you think your child will manage? What, if anything, are you doing to prepare them? We want to hear from you. Please do get in touch with your experiences and questions. Phone lines are open from 0800 on Monday 8 July. Call 03700 100 444. You can email now via the 'Woman's Hour Website.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Emma Kell Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Weekend Woman's Hour: O'Hooley and Tidow's song Gentleman Jack, Women's centres, Job sharing Jul 06, 2019

O’Hooley and Tidow the English Folk duo from Yorkshire talk to us about their track Gentleman Jack and perform Beryl.

We discuss how some women’s centre are being used to facilitate community payback, and how this is affecting vulnerable women with Dr Kate Paradine the CEO of Women in Prison, Nicola Harding who has a PHD in Community Punishment and is a Criminology researcher at Lancaster University and from Sharna Kennedy from the Women’s Centre Tomorrow’s Women Wirral.

The Scottish American composer Thea Musgrave tells us about still working at 91, her career in music and how she copes with some hearing loss.

We look at job sharing with two women Maggy Pigott and Judith Killick who job shared for 23 years and received a joint CBE.

We discuss how 50 years on from the Stonewall riots whether the visability of lesbians has changed with Angela Mason former Stonewall Director 1992-2000, Kate Davies the novelist, Angela Wild the lesbian feminist activist from Get the L Out and from Phyll Opoku-Gyimah.

Julie Heldman the former American tennis player who won 22 tournaments tells us about her time on the tennis circuit and the role of her mother Gladys in her pursuing her tennis career.

Presented by Jenni Murray Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Jane Thurlow

The women in line to lead the EU Jul 05, 2019

Two women have been picked for top European Union positions for the first time. In a surprise choice, Germany’s defence minister Ursula von der Leyen has been nominated to head the European Commission. And France’s Christine Lagarde will be the head of the European Central Bank. Sophie Pedder, The Economist’s Paris Bureau Chief, and Deborah Cole, AFP’s Berlin Correspondent, tell us more about these women and the controversy surrounding their nominations.

Writer Joanna Kavenna talks about her new novel, Zed. Set in a dystopian future the novel covers phenomena such as AI, virtual reality, fake news, creepy surveillance by huge corporations, powerless politicians, public anger, toxic masculinity, revolutionary women and much more besides.

The England Women’s football team has grabbed the attention of a nation, reaching the Women's World Cup semi-finals, before a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat by holders the United States. An estimated 11.7million viewers, a new record for women's football in the UK, watched that game. Tomorrow the Lionesses play Sweden for the bronze medal. Bev Priestman is assistant coach for the team. She joins us from Nice.

And as flexible working is slowly penetrating all sectors of employment we start a series of items looking at how different arrangements actually work in practice. Today, Job sharing: How do you make it work? Maggy Pigott and Judith Killick job shared for 23 years, across 7 different roles, and received a joint CBE at the end. What worked for them and what advice would they share?

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

O'Hooley & Tidow and Gentleman Jack Jul 04, 2019

A new report by the Children’s Commissioner for England estimates that there are 2.3 million children in England growing up with a vulnerable family background and half of these children receive patchy or no support at all. What needs to change to improve the lives of vulnerable children and have children fallen down the political agenda? Jenni speaks to Rachel Dickinson, President of the Association for Directors of Children’s Services, Alka Dass, a mother fighting cuts to children’s services in her area and to Neera Sharma, Head of Policy from the children’s charity Barnardos.

O'Hooley & Tidow are an English folk music duo from Yorkshire, consisting of Heidi Tidow and Belinda O'Hooley. They have been performing together for ten years, and have released seven albums. Their track ‘Gentleman Jack’ features as the closing music on the BBC’s drama series of the same name. They'll be talking about their music and performing live in the studio.

According to UN data an estimated 200 million girls and women worldwide have undergone Female Genital Mutilation. The internationally condemned ritual, which typically involves the partial or total removal of the external genitalia, is most often associated with a swathe of African countries, as well as parts of the Middle East and Asia. In the United States more than half a million girls and women from diaspora communities have had or are at risk of FGM. But in the last couple of years several women from conservative white communities the US have gone public with their stories of having this done to them. We hear from two of them.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Rachel Dickinson Interviewed Guest: Alka Dass Interviewed Guest: Neera Sharma Interviewed Guest: Heidi Tidow Interviewed Guest: Belinda O'Hooley Interviewed Guest: Dr Renee Bergstrom Interviewed Guest: Shelby Quast

Parenting: Parents' evenings Jul 03, 2019

You’re ready for that nerve wracking event in every parent’s life – the school parents’ evening. You’ve done your best to look neat and tidy when your son says, ‘Mum, you’re not going in that jacket are you?’ It seems there is no fashion critic so brutal as a child – especially if Mum is going to be witnessed by their peers and teachers. We sent Tamsin Smith to meet some women and their children to find out why it matters so much.

Julie Heldman, Cannabis, Parents' evenings, Women's centres Jul 03, 2019

New research from the University of York shows that the number of women dependent on cannabis has been underestimated and that there is significant gender bias in the way cannabis dependence is assessed and counted meaning that women may not be getting the help they need. Jenni speaks to Ian Hamilton, senior lecturer in addiction and mental health in the Department of Health Sciences, University of York.

Julie Heldman is a former American tennis player who won 22 women’s tournaments. She reached number 5 in career ranking playing against stars such as Billie Jean King, Margaret Court and Yvonne Goolagong. She has written her memoir ‘Driven: A Daughter’s Odyssey’ about her time on the tennis circuit, the fight for equality in the game and the role her mother Gladys, the founder of World Tennis magazine, played in starting the women’s pro tour in 1970.

You’re ready for that nerve wracking event in every parent’s life – the school parents’ evening. You’ve done your best to look neat and tidy when your son says, ‘Mum, you’re not going in that jacket are you?’ It seems there is no fashion critic so brutal as a child – especially if Mum is going to be witnessed by their peers and teachers. We sent Tamsin Smith to meet some women and their children to find out why it matters so much.

For many years Women’s Centres have provided a safe, all-female environment for vulnerable women who can use them as a means to avoid or exit the criminal justice system or as a way to get support for legal, mental health, housing and substance misuse issues. But now some of these Women's Centres are facilitating a community payback scheme, previously known as community service. How much can women's centres be both a place of empowerment and punishment? Jenni speaks to Dr Nicola Harding, a criminology researcher at Lancaster University, Kate Paradine, CEO of Women in Prison and Sharna Kennedy, communications officer for the women's centre Tomorrow's Women Wirral.

Stonewall 50 years on: lesbian visibility then and now, Thea Musgrave Jul 02, 2019

It's 50 years since the Stonewall riots, a defining moment in the history of the gay rights movement. We ask how visible lesbians were in those early days and how or whether this has changed as rights have progressed and the movement is now ever more inclusive.

Scottish-American composer Thea Musgrave is one of the most respected composers of opera and classical music. At 91 she's still working and is soon to have the world premiere of her trumpet concerto at the Cheltenham Music Festival.

Lisa Taddeo spent eight years talking to three women about their sex lives. Why? And what does the book have to tell us about shame, intimacy, pleasure and love?

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Angela Mason Interviewed guest: Angela Wild Interviewed guest: Kate Davies Interviewed guest: Thea Musgrave Interviewed guest: Lisa Taddeo Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

England Women into the World Cup Semi-Finals Jul 01, 2019

England women’s football team are through to the semi-finals of the World Cup. Ahead of the game on Tuesday evening we discuss their chances of winning the competition and the blossoming global love for the women’s game with Sunday Times sports journalist, Rebecca Myers and Patricia Gregory, who worked for BBC Sport and was one of the founders of the Women's Football Association.

TUC research found that more than 52% of women – and nearly seven out of ten LGBT people – have experienced sexual harassment at work. Currently there is no duty on UK employers to prevent sexual harassment. A new campaign seeks to close the gap in the law that allows too many workplaces to treat such abuse as a sad inevitability. ‘This is not working’ is supported by unions, women’s rights organisations and charities. We hear from an anonymous case study and Nicola Smith, Head of Equality for the TUC joins Jane Garvey.

Anuradha TK is a space engineer and specialises in sending satellites into space. She is the Geosat Programme Director at, the Indian space research organisation. She’s in London to take part in ‘The Engineers: Space Flight', a special event staged by the BBC World Service and the Royal Commission for the Great Exhibition of 1851 – to be broadcast on 13th and 14th of July.

Why are women asked to undergo painful medical procedures like hysteroscopy without adequate warning and pain relief? What are the guidelines, how were they put together, are all hospitals following them, and what is being done to monitor their use? Mrs Caroline Overton is a Consultant Gynaecologist at St Michael’s University Hospital in Bristol, spokesperson for the RCOG, and previously Chair of the RCOG’s Guidelines and Patient Information Committees. She answers these questions and responds to listeners’ emails about their own experience.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Rebecca Myers Interviewed Guest: Patricia Gregory Interviewed Guest: Nicola Smith Interviewed Guest: Anuradha TK Interviewed Guest: Caroline Overton

Weekend Woman's Hour - Vicky Knight, teen mental health, lip fillers Jun 29, 2019

We hear from Vicky Knight, the star of a new film ‘Dirty God’ about a young mother who is the victim of an acid attack.

As we conclude our series on teenage mental health we hear from three parents about how they have helped their child deal with mental health issues and the impact of these problems on the whole family.

With one in eight children being diagnosed with a mental health condition in England today, we look at support for parents while they are waiting for help for their child. We hear from Claire Murdoch the National Director of Mental Health at NHS England, Lisa McNally a director of public health Sandwell, and EmmaThomas the CEO of the charity Young Minds UK.

We discuss the popularity of lip fillers with the journalist Claire Coleman, Megan Orr who has lip fillers and to Nici Cunningham whose daughter recently had her lips enhanced.

Meaghan Beatley on the Spanish Wolfpack trial and the impact of Spain’s feminists on changing the original Supreme Court ruling from sexual abuse to gang rape.

We discuss miscarriage and the convention of the 12 week wait before announcing a pregnancy. Journalist Rebecca Reid told family and friends of her pregnancy before 12 weeks, and then miscarried. Midwife Leah Hazard is the author of Hard Pushed: A Midwife’s Story.

And the netballer Geva Mentor tells us about being part of the England squad.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Rabeka Nurmahomed Edited by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Vicky Knight Interviewed guest: Claire Murdoch Interviewed guest: Lisa McNally Interviewed guest: Emma Thomas Interviewed guest: Claire Coleman Interviewed guest: Megan Orr Interviewed guest: Nici Cunningham Interviewed guest: Meaghan Beatley Interviewed guest: Rebecca Reid Interviewed guest: Leah Hazard Interviewed guest: Geva Mentor

Teenage Mental Health Jun 28, 2019

Over the last two weeks we’ve been looking at teenage mental health - we’ve talked to doctors, teachers, parents and to teenagers themselves. Last year referrals to Child And Adolescent Mental Health services were at their highest level ever. How have we got to this point? How can the situation be improved? We ask a panel of experts – Claire Murdoch, National Director for Mental Health, NHS England, Lisa McNally, director of Public Health in Sandwell, Sarah Hughes, chief executive of the Centre for Mental Health and Emma Thomas, Chief Executive of Young Minds.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Claire Murdoch Interviewed guest: Lisa McNally Interviewed guest: Sarah Hughes Interviewed guest: Emma Thomas Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Kate Tempest, Geva Mentor, Clare Mackintosh Jun 27, 2019

Kate Tempest talks about her new album project produced by Rick Rubin. 'The Book of Traps And Lessons' has a run time of 43 mins and has a continuous narrative. She talks about her work and performs part of her ode to England and love. We look at what has become of the women who became the face of the peaceful protest that led to the removal of Sudan's president Omar al-Bashir, after his 30 year rule. We hear about a recent military crackdown and the sexual violence women that protesters have faced from journalists Yousra Elbagir, Channel 4 News’ foreign news reporter and Nima Elbagir, CNN Senior International Correspondent about the the women demanding democracy. Crime writer Clare Mackintosh's new novel ‘After The End’ looks at a couple who cannot agree over how to deal with their very ill son. She discusses how it draws, in part, on her own experience. And, the netballer Geva Mentor was part of England’s 2018 team, the Vitality Roses, who won gold at the Commonwealth Games. She talks about her career her aim to make netball more popular.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts

Parenting: Teen mental health Jun 26, 2019

Catherine Carr speaks to four young people, ranging in age from 13 to 19, to hear from them directly about their mental health experiences. We don't use their names.

Lip fillers, Dirty God, Teen mental health Jun 26, 2019

Vicky Knight, star of new film Dirty God, discusses how her experience of a fire influenced her role in the film.

In the next in our series about teenage mental health, Catherine Carr speaks to four young people aged between 13 and 19 about their experiences.

Love Island season is here and speculation is rife about which contestants have had cosmetic procedures. The most common appears to be lip fillers; Hyaluronic Acid which is injected into the lips for a temporarily inflated pout. But why is this procedure so popular, how is it administered and what are the risks? Jenni speaks to Megan Orr who has had lip fillers, Nici Cunningham whose daughter has enhanced lips and Clare Coleman. a journalist who’s written extensively about the subject.

Twelve-week wait, MEPs for Remain, Dame Inga Beale Jun 25, 2019

When journalist Rebecca Reid discovered she was pregnant she didn’t want to wait until her 12 week scan to share her news. But, having told friends, family and even colleagues, at 10 weeks Rebecca discovered she had miscarried. She joins Jane to explain why she doesn’t regret her decision to announce her pregnancy before 12 weeks, along with Leah Hazard, author of Hard Pushed: A Midwife’s Story.

What impact is a recent rape case having on calls for a change in laws around sexual abuse having in Spain? We're joined by Barcelona journalist Meaghan Beatley to discuss the so-called 'Wolfpack' trial and its repercussions. Three years ago Britain voted in a referendum to leave the European Union by 52 to 48 per cent. The country remains divided and in the EU elections last month many voters rejected the Conservative and Labour Party. Yesterday we spoke to two female MEPs elected last month for the new Brexit Party which benefited from the votes of frustrated Leave supporters. The Liberal Democrats, who back another referendum, were the major beneficiary of the Remain vote seeing their numbers grow from one to 16 seats in the new parliament. And, the Greens who have increasingly been seen, especially by some women voters, as an appealing alternative have also seen their vote share increase – taking seven seats this time. Irina von Wiese is a Lib Dem MEP for the London region and Alexandra Phillips is a Green MEP for the South East of England region. With the opening session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg next week, we ask what they hope to do in a job they are due to vacate when the UK leaves the EU on October 31st.

Dame Inga Beale was the first female CEO of Lloyds of London- she was there for five years until the end of last year. She’s now left the job but made a speech in Cambridge recently in which she said “quotas and targets in all sorts of areas” are needed. She tells us why.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Leah Hazard Interviewed guest: Rebecca Reid Interviewed guest: Irina von Wiese Interviewed guest: Alex Philips Interviewed guest: Inga Beale Interviewed guest: Meaghan Beatley

Exploring Teenage Mental Health - our series continues Jun 24, 2019

Third in our series about teenage mental health. So far we’ve talked to doctors and teachers, today we hear from the parents. 75% of mental health problems start before a child reaches their 18th birthday. How do parents or carers cope when their child develops an issue and they find themselves trying to help find solutions to really complex or upsetting problems? Catherine Carr reports.

Britain’s Domestic abuse charities have got together this morning to issue a joint statement about the importance of taking action if you’re worried about someone’s safety. Jane speaks to Sarah Green, co-director of End Violence Against Women to explain why.

The Brexit Party won 29 seats in last month’s European elections taking nearly a third of all votes cast. Eight of those MEPs are women and we’re joined by two of them. Belinda De Lucy was elected for the East of England region and June Mummery for the South East. With the opening session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg next week we talk to them about why they personally decided to stand and what they hope to do in their new role.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Sarah Green Interviewed Guest: Belinda De Lucy Interviewed Guest: June Mummery Reporter: Catherine Carr

Weekend Woman's Hour: Sex therapist Dr Ruth, Painful gynaecological procedures, Poetry for the summer solstice Jun 22, 2019

The sex therapist Dr Ruth will be discussing porn, vibrators, Vigara and the importance of communication when it comes to great sex.

We celebrate the summer solstice with the poet Elizabeth-Jane Burnett and her poem Preface.

Why are women asked to undergo painful medical procedures without adequate pain relief? We hear one woman’s experience and from Paula Briggs a consultant in reproductive health and from Katherine Tylko an anti-hysteroscopy campaigner.

UNICEF statistics reveal one woman and six new borns in Yeman die every two hours from pregnancy and childbirth complications which the organisation say is as a direct result of the conflict. We hear from Malak Hasan an advocacy and policy worker for UNICEF and from Yemeni born Mai Noman, a Digital Content Editor for the BBC’s Arabic Service.

How tricky is it to introduce a new partner to family and friends after the death of a loved one? We hear from Barbara Want whose husband died in 2012, from Colette Jelfs whose husband died in 2006 and from the relationship therapist and author Cate Campbell.

More than 2000 people have died after being infected with HIV and Hepatitis C through blood treatment. The victims were mostly infected 25 years ago in what has been called the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS. Michelle Tolley tells us how she became infected after the birth of her first child in 1987and why she’s taking part in the Infected Blood Inquiry.

The Bristol based cook and food writer Elly Curshen known on social media as Elly Pear Cooks The Perfect Spiced paneer, spinach and grains.

Presented by Jenni Murray Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Jane Thurlow

International Women in Engineering Day Jun 21, 2019

Sunday 23rd June is International Women in Engineering Day. We hear from three female engineers about their routes into the industry. Why despite various campaigns to attract women is it still such a male-dominated trade?

The Resolution Foundation Think Tank studied changes in pay, housing, taxes and benefits to see if it was still true that newer generations are better off than their predecessors were. It found under-30s are spending less than that age group did 18 years ago. Over-65s' spending has risen by 37%. But they also found a huge gender wealth gap for baby boomers. While men and women have similar amounts of individual net wealth until their 50s, a huge divide opens up after that. The report finds that women in their late 60s have just over half the wealth of their male counterparts. Jenni speaks to Laura Gardiner, Research Director for The Resolution Foundation, to find out why.

Friendship in modern times: longing for closer ties in the digital age, forging close friends as family, and idealised female friendship in the media – is social media making us lonely, and do we have perhaps ever higher expectations of those real life friends we do have? How important are our friends and what expectations should we realistically have? The author Jessica Francis Kane, whose character in new book, Rules For Visiting, longs for closer ties and has high expectations of her few and distant friends; is joined by Natalie Lue of the Baggage Reclaim blog and podcast; and by friendship expert Kate Leaver, author of The Friendship Cure: Reconnecting in the Modern World and friendship columnist for Metro.

As part of Radio 4’s Four Seasons poetry we celebrate the summer solstice with the poet and academic Elizabeth-Jane Burnett. She reads ‘Preface’ from her poetry collection Swims.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Laura Gardiner Interviewed Guest: Naomi Climer Interviewed Guest: Michelle Hicks Interviewed Guest: Olivia Sweeney Interviewed Guest: Jessica Francis Kane Interviewed Guest: Natalie Lue Interviewed Guest: Kate Leaver Interviewed Guest: Elizabeth-Jane Burnett

Parenting: Teenage mental health Jun 19, 2019

Over the next couple of weeks we’ll be focusing on teenage mental, talking to health professionals, teachers, parents and teenagers. Today the Prime Minister is at a school in London to launch a new initiative, that all teachers will be trained to spot early signs of mental health issues in pupils. Last year referrals to child and adolescent mental health services were at their highest level ever. We’ve become much better at acknowledging mental health issues, but if you need help, is it available? We speak to a consultant in emergency medicine with responsibility for mental health issues and to a GP.

Wally Funk, Blood Inquiry, Gloria Vanderbildt, Conservatives Jun 19, 2019

As the candidate field narrows further in the Conservatives quest for the next leader, we discuss how those left are trying to win over different female electorates - MPs, the party membership and the women who will have to vote for the new PM in any general election. And, how do they compare to the Lib Dems where the favourite to become their next leader is a woman? Jenni spoke to Anne McElvoy, a senior editor at the Economist and Miranda Green, a journalist and former adviser to the Lib Dems.

In 1961 an American pilot, Wally Funk wanted to be an astronaut and passed the Woman in Space programme as part of a group known as the Mercury 13. The programme was abruptly cancelled and instead Wally became America’s first woman aviation safety inspector and taught 3,000 pilots to fly. Now nearly 80, Wally still wants to go into space and is on the waiting list to go as a tourist.

More than 2,000 people have died after being infected with HIV and hepatitis C through blood treatments. The victims were infected over 25 years ago, in what has been called the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS. But even now new cases are still being diagnosed. Michelle Tolley found out that she had been infected with Hepatitis C while she was giving birth in 1987. She tells Jenni what happened and why she is taking part in the Infected Blood Inquiry.

Earlier this week we heard of the death in Manhattan of Gloria Vanderbildt. She was 95. She was a famously beautiful, fabulously wealthy socialite, but she was also a fashion designer and known as the Queen of Jeans. Jenni spoke to the fashion historian, Amber Butchart about what led Vanderbildt into the promotion of jeans.

Dr Ruth, Maternal mortality in Yemen, Carrie Lam profile Jun 18, 2019

One woman and six new-born babies die during pregnancy or childbirth every two hours in Yemen according to UNICEF statistics released recently. The organisation says this is a direct result of the conflict there. We hear from Malak Hasan, an advocacy and policy worker for UNICEF and Yemeni-born Mai Noman, Digital Content Editor for the BBC’s Arabic service.

Sex therapist Dr Ruth K Westheimer joins us to talk about a working life giving sex advice, and her recent 91st birthday celebrations. Dr Ruth became famous in the 1980s and 1990s with her frank advice about sex on radio and television. Born and brought up in Germany - she lost both her parents in the holocaust. She settled in America, writing and broadcasting about sex. She’s the subject of a new documentary ‘Ask Dr Ruth’ and was in the UK to take part in a debate at the Oxford union on pornography.

We profile Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam, the city’s first female leader, elected in 2017. Roughly two million people marched in Hong Kong on Sunday, demanding her resignation, even though she'd announced she'd pull back from a bitterly unpopular law that that would allow extraditions to mainland China. Tania Branigan, Guardian foreign leader writer and BBC’s Helier Cheung join Jane.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Jane Thurlow

Women obsessed with women, Returning to work, Jack Monroe Jun 17, 2019

What's the fascination with films books and television programmes like Killing Eve where the story centres on women obsessed with other women? Author Joanna Briscoe and journalist Sirin Kale discuss.

We hear why a UK wide coalition of women’s organisations, represented by the Centre for Women’s Justice, has begun legal action against the Crown Prosecution Service claiming that rape cases are being dropped because of a change in policy and practice. Beth and Gina tell us what happened to them and Rachel Krys the co-founder of End Violence Against Women tells us what the coalition is hoping to achieve.

Food writer Jack Monroe Cooks the Perfect....Cannellini Beurre Blanc.

Emma Land and Tontschy Gerig tell us how the struggled to find work after a long period off.

The Booker Prize winner for fiction Arundhati Roy tells us about her new book of political essays focusing on environmental degradation, government elites and the impact on the poorest and most marginalised people in India.

Ell Potter and Mary Higgins tell us about their theatre show Hotter.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Rabeka Nurmahomed Edited by Jane Thurlow

A New Series Exploring Teenage Mental Health Jun 17, 2019

Over the next couple of weeks we’ll be devoting a lot of time to teenage mental health. If you’re reaching for the off switch you do need to hear this - people on the front line with real experience and insights. We’ll be talking to health professionals, teachers, parents and, finally, young people themselves. We aren’t naming any of them so they can talk freely. Today, two health professionals: a Consultant in Emergency Medicine who leads on Mental Health and, to begin with, a GP, the first point of call for many teenagers and their parents. You’ll hear them talking about CAM-H. – that’s an acronym for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

We discuss the latest front cover of French satirical publication Charlie Hebdo. It is an explicit and sexualised image of a football on a woman’s vulva. How have French feminists reacted to it and what is the impact on the Women’s Football World Cup which France is hosting?

For more than thirty years, Maud West ran a detective agency in London. What was it like being a female detective in the early 1900s? We hear from Susannah Stapleton on her new book about the life and career of Maud West, one of Britain’s first female detectives.

Why are women asked to undergo painful medical procedures without adequate pain relief, how prevalent is this, and what are the consequences? We hear from Paula Briggs, Consultant in Reproductive Health at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS, Katherine Tylko anti-hysteroscopy campaigner and a woman who recently underwent an hysteroscopy.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Agnes Poirier Reporter: Catherine Carr Interviewed Guest: Susannah Stapleton Interviewed Guest: Paula Briggs Interviewed Guest: Katherine Tylko

Misogyny online, The week’s news, Talking about turn-ons Jun 14, 2019

As new data shows just how many women are silenced by the threat of abuse online, we ask what is being done to make women feel safer on social media. And who is responsible for monitoring abusive content? Jane talks to Hannah Bardell MP, Leigh Hopwood, Chair of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and to Isobel Asher Hamilton, Tech reporter at Business Insider.

We discuss the news stories of the week - the elimination of the only two women in the Conservative leadership content, Esther v Lorraine and why the media loves to pit women against one another, the next John Lewis boss, and new Nike mannequins.

Ell Potter and Mary Higgins’ sell-out show Hotter talks about what gets you hot. Creators and ex-girlfriends Ell and Mary talk about discussing the ins and outs of their relationship with a room full of people, and bringing up masturbation with a 97 year old.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

Women obsessed with women, Hannah Arendt, CPS challenge Jun 13, 2019

With the second series of the BBC's Killing Eve underway, Villanelle and Eve continue their obsession with each other. We discuss why the obsession women have for other women has become such a familiar dramatic theme – from Mrs Danvers in Rebecca, to Notes on a Scandal - with writer, Joanna Briscoe and journalist, Sirin Kale. We examine what is behind the resurgence in popularity of twentieth century political thinker, Hannah Arendt and The Origins of Totalitarianism with Professor Lyndsey Stonebridge. Why do so many feel her writing chimes with contemporary politics? And we look at why a number of women’s groups are planning to launch a legal action against the Crown Prosecution Service, saying it’s failing to prosecute cases of rape. We hear from Rachel Krys, one of the founders of End Violence Against women, and two women whose cases were dropped.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts

Parenting: Nanogirl Jun 12, 2019

You don’t need qualifications to teach your children about science. The founder of Nanogirl, aka Dr Michelle Dickinson, who set up a nanomechanical testing lab in New Zealand has created a cookbook to teach children about cooking and science at the same time. Michelle joins Jenni to talk about the significance of nanotechnology and easy ways for non-scientific parents to get their children into it.

Nanogirl, Tory leadership, Kenya sex law, Emilie Pine Jun 12, 2019

We look at the prospects for the two women in the race for the Conservative Party leadership. Is there a chance the UK may see its third female Prime Minister? We hear from Rachel Sylvester, the award winning journalist who has interviewed them both and from Jessica Elgot, chief political correspondent for the Guardian about the view from the parliamentary lobby as MPs make their minds up ahead of the first ballot on Thursday.

You don’t need qualifications to teach your children about science. The science blogger Nanogirl, aka Dr Michelle Dickinson, who set up a nanomechanical testing lab in New Zealand has created a cookbook to teach children about cooking and science at the same time. Michelle talks about the significance of nanotechnology and easy ways for non-scientific parents to get their children into it.

Emilie Pine, an associate professor at University College, Dublin has written her first non-academic book, Notes to Self, a collection of essays about what it is to be a woman. She talks to Jenni about the taboo subjects she explores including infertility, miscarriage, menstruation and the effects of alcoholism in a family.

Kenya's High Court has ruled against campaigners seeking to overturn a law banning gay sex. Gay sex in Kenya is punishable by up to 14 years in prison, although it is not clear whether there have ever been any convictions. Two women talk about the impact of this ruling on them and other queer women in Kenya.

Food writer Jack Monroe Jun 11, 2019

Food writer and anti-poverty campaigner Jack Monroe’s new book ‘Tin Can Cook’ is filled with recipes made from tinned ingredients that can be bought from corner shops and supermarkets. An outspoken voice on poverty in the UK – her mission is to help people eat delicious food on a tight budget. She joins Jane in the studio to Cook the Perfect…Cannellini Beurre Blanc.

Today Radio 1 Newsbeat will be broadcasting a 15 minute radio special about sex abuse in the music industry and the young female music fans and musicians being taken advantage of. We hear clips of young women talking about what they’ve suffered and a record company exec on what his label is trying to do about it. And to discuss the extent and nature of the problem, why it’s happening despite #metoo, and what needs to be done, Naomi Pohl, Deputy General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union discusses.

Have we been doing pelvic floor exercises wrong? Can you ever do too many? And when should you really start doing them? We try to get to the bottom of the pelvic floor… We talk to Louise Kenyon, a Pilates instructor and Jane Simpson, a Continence Nurse Specialist who has written The Pelvic Floor Bible.

Ugandan writer Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi discusses her new book Manchester Happened, a collection of short stories including 'Let's Tell This Story Properly', which won the Commonwealth Short Story prize.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Jack Monroe Interviewed Guest: Naomi Pohl Interviewed Guest: Louise Kenyon Interviewed Guest: Jane Simpson Interviewed Guest: Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi

Arundhati Roy, Returning to work, Treatment after smears Jun 10, 2019

Arundhati Roy won the Booker Prize for Fiction in 1997 with The God of Small Things. It was followed up twenty years later with Ministry of Utmost Happiness. Now she has just published My Seditious Heart, a collection of political essays written in the two decades between those novels. She had a lot of praise for the essays but also a lot of criticism for challenging subjects like the acquisition of land, environmental degradation, government elites and the impact on the poorest and most marginalised people in India.

How easy has it been for you to get back into work after a long time away? Did you apply for hundreds of jobs before getting one? Were you able to return to what you wanted to do? We hear from two women who struggled. They are Tontschy Gerig and Emma Land.

A cervical cancer charity says we don’t always know that treatments for abnormal smear tests can have side effects. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust says some women experience bleeding, pain and even lose interest in sex after going for follow up procedures. They conducted a small survey and found that 1 in 5 women said that no one discussed side effects with them.

Weekend Woman's Hour: Women's Football World Cup, the word Wife, Chelsea Pensioner Helen Andrews Jun 08, 2019

We look ahead to the Women’s Football World Cup in France with former England, Chelsea and West Ham player Claire Rafferty, BBC Women’s Sports reporter Jo Currie and Gemma Clarke author of Soccer Women: the Icons, Rebels, Starts and Trailblazers Who Transformed the Beautiful Game.

The author Elif Shafak tells us about her latest novel 10 minutes 38 seconds In This Strange World.

The Violinist Nicola Bennedetti talks about her new album a collaboration with the jazz legend Wynton Marsalis.

The writer and journalist Francesca Segal tells us about her identical twin daughters born prematurely at 30 weeks and how her expectations of motherhood were shattered by their early arrival.

As part of coaching week talk to Louisa Arnold and Kim Johnson about Project 500, a scheme to inspire and support women to become sports coaches.

We hear about a new play Wife which explores the meaning of the word wife over 90 years with the director Indhu Rubasingham and Dr Rebecca Jennings lecturer in modern gender history at UCL.

As we mark D Day this week we hear from Chelsea Pensioner Helen Andrews one of thousands of women who volunteered for the British Army at Bletchley Park during the Second World War.

Presented by Jenni Murray Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Eleanor Garland

Elizabeth McGovern, Trump's visit to D-Day: Decoding state ceremony Jun 07, 2019

Elizabeth McGovern, best known in the UK for being Lady Cora in Downton Abbey is in a play in London at the moment called Starry Messenger. Elizabeth plays the wife of a man going through a mid-life crisis. Plus the latest Sadie and the Hotheads news.

From President Trump’s state visit to D-Day celebrations, we reflect on a week of ceremony with Jess Brammar Executive Editor, HuffPost UK, Sarah Elliot Chair of Republicans Overseas UK, and Bonnie Greer, columnist with the New European newspaper, playwright and critic. We continue our look at women sports coaches as part of coaching week with tennis coach, Francesca Lewis. She fell in love with the game when she was just 8 years old, and she went on to compete in tournaments right across the world. But it was as a tennis coach, rather than a player, that Francesca really found her calling. She now trains some of the best junior players in the world at Swansea’s Regional Player Development Centre.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

Elif Shafak, Women Chelsea Pensioners, Sports Coaching Jun 06, 2019

Turkish writer Elif Safak’s latest novel '10 Minutes 38 Seconds In This Strange World' tells the story of Leila, a woman whose body has died, but whose mind has a precious ten minutes to reflect on the joy, pain and injustice of her life as a prostitute in Istanbul. Jenni talks to her about tackling controversial subjects and being accused of obscenity. Chelsea Pensioners are well known by the bright red military coats with gold buttons that they must wear when they go out in public. In return for their army pension, 300 residents live at the Royal Hospital cost free - and today they welcome ex-servicewomen. We hear from Chelsea Pensioner Helen Andrews, who served during the Second World War at Bletchley Park as Private Maria Teresa Helen McQuibban, with the Royal Corps of Signals. To celebrate UK Coaching Week Louisa Arnold tells us about Project 500 - a scheme to inspire and support women to become sports coaches - and Kim Johnson explains why she loves being a rugby coach. And, this week’s Woman’s Hour drama, I’m A Slave, has been showing the misery of human trafficking and modern slavery in the UK today. But, how much is this a female problem? To discuss how it affects women and the work being done to help them, Jenni is joined by the Salvation Army’s Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Operations Manager, Emilie Martin.

Anna & Elizabeth, Fat, Slavery Jun 06, 2019

Anna & Elizabeth are a folk duo with a banjo, Virginia roots and a catalogue of traditional ballads, but their latest album, 'The Invisible Comes To Us' is much more than a classic folk record. They join Jenni to discuss creating music with geographical history, and working together despite a 500-mile distance.

21 million women and men are trapped in modern day slavery, estimates the charity Stopthetraffic.org. Of these, approximately 4.5 million are sexually exploited. Anna was one of them, snatched off a London street and taken to Ireland where she was raped, beaten and forced into prostitution. Her book Slave tells the story of what happened and she tells Jenni how she found the courage to fight back.

The BBC has been exploring attitudes to weight and healthy living in a series of programmes. Woman's Hour asked listeners 'How Does Fat Feel?' One listener who we will call Jules responded, saying she is 54 and calls herself fat. Until 10 years ago she was an average weight, but an underactive thyroid, steroids, anti-depressants which stimulated her appetite, secret eating and just eating too much too fast all contributed to a large weight gain. Ena Miller went to visit her.

Presenter: Jenni Murray.

Wife, Francesca Segal on premature babies, Love Island Jun 05, 2019

After her identical twin girls were born prematurely at 30 weeks, writer and journalist Francesca Segal found herself sitting in what she called the “mother ship” of neonatal intensive care, all her expectations of parenthood shattered. She speaks to Jenni about the diary she kept and about the band of mothers who joined her in the Mother Ship – which is the title of her memoir of the 56 days spent with her daughters in hospital.

Inspired by Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, new play Wife focuses on a married woman facing a sexual identity crisis in 1959 in order to explore what we have meant by the word ‘wife’ over 90 years. Set in 1959, 1988, 2019 and 2042 the play follows four queer stories within four generations of one family and it highlights the changes within the institution of marriage. Jenni talks to director Indhu Rubasingham and historian Dr Rebecca Jennings.

This year's Love Island producers have introduced changes to make the hit TV programme more inclusive, and Monday’s launch revealed the new line-up. Do the changes go far enough? Jenni is joined by journalist Habiba Katsha, and by make-up artist Frances Shillito.

Today is the start of a judicial review into women’s pensions. A group called BACK TO 60 is behind the court action. They want women’s state pensions to start at 60, as it did until 2010. It’s been rising ever since and is set to go up to 67 by 2028. Jenni talks to Davina Lloyd.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Laura Northedge Interviewed Guest: Francesca Segal Interviewed Guest: Indhu Rubasingham Interviewed Guest: Rebecca Jennings Interviewed Guest: Habiba Katsha Interviewed Guest: Frances Shillito Interviewed Guest: Davina Lloyd

Parenting: Premature babies Jun 05, 2019

After her identical twin girls were born prematurely at 30 weeks, writer and journalist Francesca Segal found herself sitting in what she called the “mother ship” of neonatal intensive care, all her rosy expectations of parenthood shattered. She speaks to Jenni about the diary she kept and about the band of mothers who joined her in the Mother Ship – which is the title of her memoir of the 56 days spent with her daughters in hospital.

Women's Football, Nicola Benedetti Jun 04, 2019

We look ahead to the Women’s Football World Cup in France with former England, Chelsea and West Ham player Claire Rafferty and BBC Women’s Sports Reporter, Jo Currie. Who are the teams and players we should be looking out for? We also discuss the history of women’s football in the UK and around the world with Gemma Clarke, author of author of Soccer Women and Natasha Rolt who’s Schools Heritage Officer for Luton Town FC Community Trust. What progress has been made since the FA banned women’s matches in 1921 – and how are coverage and attitudes changing?

The Fawcett Society will be joining protests in Trafalgar Square today. Donald Trump is making his state visit to the UK. Those women protesting are concerned about his record on women’s rights and don’t want the UK government to honour him. But not all women agree with them – many are concerned about respecting the special relationship. We hear the arguments for protesting and whether it is the best way of prioritising women’s rights. We discuss with Sam Smethers, CEO of the Fawcett Society and Assistant Comment Editor at the Daily Telegraph, Madeline Grant.

Violinist Nicola Benedetti was placed 18th on the Woman’s Hour Power List 2018. Chosen for being “a fabulous spokesperson who’s devoted so much time and energy to supporting music education for all” in the past 12 months she has worked with over 2,000 students and 500 teachers, she’s also launched her own online series of educational videos and received a CBE. Jane talks to her about her achievements and her new album Nicola Benedetti and Wynton Marsalis’ Violin Concerto & Fiddle Dance Suite.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Nicola Benedetti Interviewed guest: Claire Rafferty Interviewed guest: Gemma Clarke Interviewed guest: Natasha Rolt Interviewed guest: Sam Smethers Interviewed guest: Madeline Grant

Juno Dawson, Sport Coaches, Frances Ryan Jun 03, 2019

Juno Dawson’s latest novel is called Meat Market. It's inspired by her time working in fashion and being in contact with models, editors and agents. It's a story about young girls seduced by money and images of perfection but vulnerable to predators, exploitation and ill health. Juno speaks to Jane about writing Meat Market and her hopes for the fashion industry.

This week we’re celebrating women sport coaches. Today we hear from Gemma Lumsdaine who's a wheelchair basketball coach at Dundee Dragons Club. She tells us about the benefits of sport and the confidence that coaching gives her.

The journalist and campaigner Frances Ryan says austerity has led to the ‘demonization of disabled people’ especially disabled women. Disabled women and mothers, she says, are more likely to be unemployed, rely on benefits, to be abused, raped, and have their children taken from them. She says austerity has both caused and increased their problems. Frances explains to Jane why she believes austerity has harmed those women most in need. Her book, Crippled: Austerity And the Demonization of Disabled People has just been published by Verso.

Eve Ensler, Dress codes at work, Women's sexual desires Jun 01, 2019

The playwright and activist Eve Ensler talks about her book The Apology an imagined letter from her father apologising to her for sexual, physical and emotional abuse.

Does what you wear to work matter? We discuss exactly who determines work dress codes with the brand and image consultant Isabel Spearman, Helen McCarthy – who lectures in early modern history at Cambridge University, Magdalene Abraha, the group editorial manager at a publishing company, Lindsey Bauer who’s is a teacher at Colyton Grammar school in Devon, Viv Groskop the comedian, writer and author of How to Own the Room: Women and the Art of Brilliant Speaking, and Uma Creswell who runs her own business and is vice president of the City Women Network.

As the final series of Mum airs on BBC2 – we examine the character Pauline and ask why so many British sit coms and novels centre around women who are obsessed with status. We hear from critic and journalist Alex Clark and from Julia Raeside the broadcaster and television critic.

We discuss myths about sexual desire: why do so many women want more pleasure and how do they get it? Dr Wednesday Martin is the author of Untrue: why nearly everything we believe about women and lust and infidelity is untrue and how the new science can set us free. Fran Bushe is a playwright and comedian with a show called Ad Libido.

Professor Kimberle Crenshaw talks about the term intersectionality: why she first used it in 1989 and its continued importance today.

What’s it like coming out to your parents? We hear from Amelia Abraham the author of Queer Limitations, from Riyadh Khalaf who's written Yay! You’re Gay! Now What? and from Amelia's stepmum Tessa.

Why has the white plimsoll become such a desirable piece of footwear? Hannah Rochelle the author of En Brogue and Dr Thomas Turner the author of The Sports Shoe – A History from Field to Fashion tell us more.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Rabeka Nurmahomed Edited by Jane Thurlow

Women’s Sexual Desire May 31, 2019

Is it time to challenge stereotypical ideas about male and female sexual desire? We hear from women who think so. According to Dr Wednesday Martin research in recent years has suggested that much of what we’ve been told by scientists is untrue, for instance the assertions that men have a stronger libido than women and that men struggle with monogamy more than women do. She joins award-winning comedian and playwright Fran Bushe to discuss

It’s a week since Theresa May announced her resignation as Conservative Party Leader – we look at the reaction to her stepping down and discuss the news highlights of the week with director of Civil Exchange, Caroline Slocock, Co-founder and editor of Black Ballad, Tobi Oredein and journalist Sonia Sodha.

When we talk about men and women's levels of sexual desire, do we too often default to using narrow, stereotypical categories? According to Dr Wednesday Martin research in recent years has suggested that much of what we’ve been told by scientists up till now is untrue, for instance the assertions that men have a stronger libido than women and that men struggle with monogamy more than women do. She joins award-winning comedian and playwright Fran Bushe to discuss.

Booksmart is a new film about best friends and academic overachievers Amy and Molly who on the eve of their graduation from school discover they may have spent too much time studying and not enough time partying. It has been described as one of the most perfect coming-of-age films. We speak to the journalist and writer Karen Krizanovich and film student Sophie Foxley.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

What's so funny about socially aspiring women? May 30, 2019

The third and final series of Mum is currently airing on BBC2 and Pauline is proving to be as terrifyingly class-conscious as ever. Why do so many British sitcoms and novels centre around women who are obsessed with status? From Margot in The Good Life to Hyacinth Bucket, from Mrs Bennett to Becky Sharp - why are so many of our iconic female characters shameless social climbers? Jenni talks to television critic Julia Raeside and journalist and critic Alex Clark.

Jenni speaks to Jo Miller as she steps down from one of the most high-profile local government jobs in the UK. Jo was appointed Chief Executive of Doncaster Council by central Government in 2012, when the Council was officially a “failing” local authority. Jo’s turnaround strategy has brought in investment of £2 billion and the town is now in the UK’s top ten for growth. How did she achieve this and why is she leaving?

A report by Lancaster University and Fatherhood Institute earlier this year states that the number of men working in early years childcare is just 2%, a figure which has not changed for decades. What can be done to attract more men into the career? And, for those working in the sector already, what is the reaction from parents to having a man working with young children?

Nearly 2,000 domestic abuse survivors iare being put at risk of homelessness because local authority rules state they aren’t vulnerable enough, according to a new report published by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Ending Homelessness. The research and funding was carried out by Crisis, the national charity for homeless people.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Laura Northedge Interviewed Guest: Alex Clark Interviewed Guest: Julia Raeside Interviewed Guest: Jo Miller Interviewed Guest: Rebecca Pritchard

Woman's Hour Parenting Podcast May 29, 2019

Coming out to your parents. How do you prepare ? Advice for parents and children.

Eve Ensler, White Pearl, White Plimsolls May 29, 2019

Eve Ensler’s play The Vagina Monologues was first performed in 1996 and became a worldwide phenomenon. Her recent book The Apology is an imagined letter from her father apologising to her for a lifetime of devastating sexual, physical and emotional abuse. She tells Jenni why she's written the book from the perspective of her father and why it might provide a blue-print for apologies in the #metoo era.

In the European Elections over the weekend nearly half of the elected MEPs were women. Significantly, all three of them in Northern Ireland are now women. We analyse fast-moving politics from a Woman’s Hour point of view with Helen Lewis.

White Pearl is a comedy set in a Singapore-based cosmetics company which is having a PR crisis. The play is about an advert for a skin-lightening cream which goes public by accident but the problem is, it's racist. Jenni speaks to Anchuli ‘Felicia’ King, the writer of the play, and Kae Alexander who's one of the six Asian women trying to get the ad taken down as it goes viral. The play's on at The Royal Court in London.

White plimsolls are in fashion, so what's their history and why do we love them? We speak to Thomas Turner, author of The Sports Shoe: A History From Field To Fashion , and to Hannah Rochelle, author of the shoe-dedicated En Brogue book and blog.

Kimberlé Crenshaw and Intersectionality at 30, and Bishop of London Sarah Mullally May 28, 2019

Intersectionality at 30. In 1989 Kimberlé Crenshaw Professor of Law at Columbia University and UCLA coined the term Intersectionality. It recognises that race and gender discrimination can work together simultaneously, along with other factors like class, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, religion, and more. Kimberlé Crenshaw joins Tina Daheley with Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, Head of Equalities and Learning at Public and Commercial Services Union and Co-founder of UK Black Pride to explain how the term has developed, how it has been misunderstood and why it’s important.

Sarah Mullally was installed as the Bishop of London one year ago making her the Church of England’s most senior woman and the first female Bishop of London. Before being ordained she was UK Chief Nursing Officer having spent the early years of her career as a nurse specialising in cancer care. She talks about her work serving more than 400 London parishes and her new role as Dean of Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal.

Sarah Ladip Manyika's debut novel In Dependence is a set text in the US and Zimbabwe and has sold over three million copies. It's a story of love and friendship over four decades and has been re-released on the tenth anniversary of its publication. Sarah speaks to Tina about the enduring appeal of her novel.

What’s it like to come out to your parents? How do you prepare? What if it all goes wrong? Tina speaks to Amelia Abraham, author of “Queer Intentions,’ her step-mum Tessa and YouTuber Riyadh Khalaf, author Yay! You’re Gay! Now What?

Presenter: Tina Daheley Producer: Caroline Donne Interviewed guest: Kimberlé Crenshaw Interviewed guest: Phyll Opoku-Gyimah Interviewed guest: Sarah Mullally Interviewed guest: Amelia Abraham Interviewed guest: Tessa Abraham Interviewed guest: Riyadh Khalaf

Women's workwear - does it matter? May 27, 2019

Tailored suits, uniforms or jeans and trainers – do you dress up or down for work? How much does what you wear matter in the workplace? Do you feel pressure to be polished? How much do you suppress your natural style in order to fit in? How has fashion in the workplace changed over the years? And can you really dress for success? Tina Daheley hears from Isabel Spearman who is a brand and image consultant, Uma Creswell, Vice President of City Women Network, Helen McCarthy, Lecturer in early modern history at Cambridge University, Magdalene Abraha Editorial Manager Jacaranda Books, Lindsey Bauer, a teacher at Colyton Grammar school in Devon and Viv Groskop, comedian, writer and author of ‘How to Own the Room: Women and the Art of Brilliant Speaking.’

Presenter: Tina Daheley Producer: Dianne McGregor

Weekend Woman's Hour: Deborah James, Jayson Greene, Infidelity May 25, 2019

The author, blogger and podcaster Deborah James talks abut living with bowel cancer and why we all need to talk about poo.

Jayson Greene talks about dealing with the unexpected death of his two year old daughter Greta.

We discuss why the conversation around ageing can be so negative with Ashton Applewhite who is calling for a movement to end ageism in her book This Chair Rocks and with Maggy Piggott who’s book is called How to Age Joyfully.

Mary Loudon talks about her debut novel My House is Falling Down about infidelity and an adult love triangle.

The author, blogger and podcaster Deborah James talks abut living with bowel cancer and why we all need to talk about poo.

People in the UK have a worrying lack of knowledge about what constitutes a crime when it comes to the sexual abuse of children. Amanda Naylor from Barnado’s talks about the lastest YouGov Survey and why we need to be concerned about both young girls and boys and from Cris McCurley a member of the Law Society’s access to justice committee.

Lyra Mckee was killed in Londonderry just over a month ago. Her partner talks about living with Lyra why she’s been speaking at an equal marriage rally in Belfast.

As a new retrospective of the work of Posy Simmonds opens in London this week we discuss the significance of her work with the curator Paul Gravett, the UK Comics Laureate Hannah Berry and with Edith Pritchett a cartoonist.

Presented by Jenni Murray Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Jane Thurlow

Fostering, Mary Loudon, Infidelity May 24, 2019

It's Foster Care Fortnight. It's a yearly campaign designed to raise the profile of fostering and show how it can transform lives. It's also the time when there's a big push for new foster carers. According to the Fostering Network, over 8,000 new foster families are needed to meet demand.

Mary Loudon, known for her non-fiction books, has written a first novel called My House is Falling Down. The story centres on a love triangle. Lucy, in her forties, married to Mark with two children falls passionately in love with a man in his sixties. Adamant that she will not deceive her husband, Lucy instead asks his advice. Mark’s reaction is startlingly unorthodox, leaving Lucy to steer an impossible course between duty and desire, adventure and security. The novel explores what infidelity means when no one lies about it.

We explore the subject of infidelity from a historical, cultural and psychological perspective. How have our views changed over the centuries? Are women still judged more harshly than men when they have an affair? How to negotiate this tricky terrain?

Parenting: Nitrous Oxide May 23, 2019

What do you know about Nitrous Oxide? The Royal College of Nursing says the public need to be made aware of its dangers. It was made illegal to sell it for psychoactive purposes three years ago, but the Home Office estimates that in the last year, half a million 16 to 24 year olds in England and Wales used it. Laughing gas or ‘Noz,’ is particularly popular during the music festival season. Jane speaks to Catherine Gamble, Royal College of Nursing Professional Lead for Mental Health Nursing.

Posy Simmonds, Chelsea Flower Show, Emmerdale, India election May 23, 2019

People in the UK have a worrying lack of knowledge about what constitutes a crime when it comes to the sexual abuse of children, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by Barnardo’s. The children’s charity has been working with ITV’s Emmerdale on a story-line about a teacher who grooms and has sex with a pupil. Jenni is joined by Amanda Naylor, Head of Child Sexual Abuse at Barnado’s and Cris McCurley, a partner at BenHoareBell Solicitors in Newcastle to discuss adults in positions of trust and how the Sexual Offences Act 2003 relates to them.

The Chelsea Flower Show has started. Women and children are at the heart of one of the gardens that has achieved gold. It’s a recreation of a village in Zimbabwe with crops rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients especially good for women, teenage girls and children under five. Siobhann Tighe has been to see it.

Today India learns the outcome of its general election. For the first time ever more women are likely to have voted than men. Political parties sought to appeal to women, offering educational loans, free cooking gas cylinders and bikes for girls. Eight percent of parliamentary candidates were women. In one party, the Trinamool Congress Party (TMC), 41 per cent of its candidates were women. Jenni is joined by the BBC's India correspondent Yogita Limaye in Varanasi and Dr Champa Patel, Head of the Chatham House Asia-Pacific programme.

To mark the opening of a new retrospective of the work of Posy Simmonds at the House of Illustration in London, Jenni talks to its co-curator Paul Gravett, to comic laureate Hannah Berry and to cartoonist and winner of last year’s Observer Cape graphic short story prize, Edith Pritchett. How did Posy become a trailblazing female cartoonist in a male-dominated field? And what impact has her work had on the next generation of women cartoonists and graphic novelists?

Alina Ibragimova, Food poverty, Jayson Greene May 22, 2019

Four years ago, two year old Greta Greene was killed by a piece of falling masonry while out with her grandmother. Her father, Jayson, has written a memoir ‘Once More We Saw Stars’. He discusses how he has dealt with his grief and loss. Violinist Alina Ibragimova famously performed Bach’s complete sonatas and partitas at the BBC Proms in 2015. She talks ahead of her performance of Strauss's rarely performed Violin Concerto next week at the Royal Festival Hall. The winner of the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year is announced today. We hear what makes her game special and about the Women’s World Cup which kicks off in France in two weeks’ time with Rebecca Myers of The Sunday Times. And, two international reports highlight concerns with food poverty and the impact of austerity on families in the UK. We ask what these reports have found.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts

Deborah James on bowel cancer, Maria Miller, Nitrous oxide, Sandra Newman May 21, 2019

Author, blogger and podcaster Deborah James on living with bowel cancer and busting taboos with her Sun column and the You Me and the Big C podcast.

Maria Miller, chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee is introducing a Ten Minute Rule Bill to outlaw discriminatory redundancies. She has cross party support for her Bill to give new protections to pregnant women and mothers on maternity leave and for six months after returning to work. So how would her plans works and how hopeful is she that they will become law?

The public need to be made aware of the dangers of nitrous oxide say nurses at the Royal College of Nursing Annual Congress. So what is nitrous oxide, what are the dangers, the legal situation and should parents be concerned?

The Heavens by Sandra Newman is a time slip novel with a mind-expanding love story, set in New York 2000 and London 1593. Sandra joins Jane to talk among other things about utopias, mental illness and daring to be disrespectful to William Shakespeare.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Deborah James Interviewed guest: Maria Miller Interviewed guest: Catherine Gamble Interviewed guest: Sandra Newman Producer; Lucinda Montefiore

Sara Canning, partner of Lyra McKee May 20, 2019

It’s been a month since Lyra McKee was killed in Londonderry. She was 29 and was already making waves in journalism as well as being an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. The night she was shot she had been watching rioting in Creggan, a housing estate on the outskirts of the city. The New IRA said its members carried out the murder. At her funeral politicians were urged to find solutions to Northern Ireland’s problems and Lyra’s partner, Sara Canning, addressed them personally, seizing the opportunity to speak to them candidly. From the very start, she faced the TV cameras to pay her own tributes to her girlfriend. This weekend she’s been speaking at an equal marriage rally in Belfast. She talks to Jane Garvey.

Ashton Applewhite is calling for a movement to end ageism in her book 'This Chair Rocks'. Maggy Pigott’s twitter account @AgeingBetter, about the unexpected joys of aging, picked up huge numbers of followers overnight; Her upcoming book is called How To Age Joyfully. So why is the conversation around aging so negative? And how much could our lives, health and economy improve if it changed?

In 2018 over 100,000 online images of child sexual abuse were taken down by the Internet Watch Foundation. The UK-based organisation is seeing a sharp increase in self-generated content, particularly girls aged 11 to 13, who are filming themselves on webcams in their own bedrooms. Chief Executive Susie Hargreaves discusses what can be done.

Shakespears Sister. The nineties pop duo have reunited as a band after not talking to each other for 26 years. Siobhan Fahey and Marcella Detroit look back, explain how they got back together and to perform their new single, live in the studio.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Sara Canning Interviewed Guest: Ashton Applewhite Interviewed Guest: Maggy Pigott Interviewed Guest: Susie Hargreaves Interviewed Guest: Marcella Detroit Interviewed Guest: Siobhan Fahey

Weekend Woman's Hour: Red Lipstick, Domestic violence and terrorism, Gentleman Jack May 18, 2019

We explore the origins and enduring appeal of red lipstick with beauty journalist Rachel Felder and Florence Adepoju the founder of the lipstick brand MDMflow.

What do women voters think about the two new political parties: Change UK and the Brexit Party? We hear from Jane Green a Professor of Politics at Nuffield College, Oxford who is also co-director of the British Election Study and Deborah Mattinson the founding partner of research and strategy consultancy, Britain Thinks.

The journalist and author Joan Smith tells us about the links she’s found between domestic violence and terrorism.

Three women, who all have a parent who has transitioned tell us about their experiences.

Joanne Ramos on her debut novel, The Farm about a luxury retreat where women are paid handsomely to produce babies.

Sally Wainright tells us about her new BBC One Sunday night drama Gentleman Jack about the Victorian landowner Anne Lister. Anne Choma the author of The Real Anne Lister tells us about the coded diaries which revealed her lesbian relationships.

As part of a series of interviews on complex mental health we hear from Hannah who has been diagnosed with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Rabeka Nurmahomed Edited by Jane Thurlow

Saudi Arabia's imprisoned activists: One year on May 17, 2019

This time last year prominent women’s rights campaigners in Saudi Arabia started to be arrested and imprisoned. In total there were 20 arrests, including some men who were their supporters. When the women appeared in court some of them said they’d been electrocuted, flogged and sexually harassed in prison, which the Saudi authorities deny. Recently, seven women including Aziza al-Yousef (pictured) have been released for trial. If they’re found guilty of charges related to their activism they’ll go back to prison. Rothna Begum joins us from Human Rights Watch.

As part of a BBC season about mental health we’ll be hearing from 29 year old Hannah who has a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder. She tells Jo Morris about the intensive NHS-funded therapy which she thinks saved her life. And Hannah and her partner explain how BPD has affected their relationship.

And Jane is joined by neuroscientist Professor Sophie Scott, podcaster Tolani Shoneye and associate editor of the New Statesman Helen Lewis, to discuss some of the news stories of the week.

Red lipstick, Nigel Slater, Joan Smith and abortion in the US May 16, 2019

Red is the best-selling lipstick colour on the market for most brands. Beauty journalist Rachel Felder, author of ‘Red Lipstick’ has explored the origins and history of red lipstick, looking at its association with film stars, the aristocracy, its sex appeal, its power and glamour. She joins Jenni to discuss why the colour has stuck around for centuries, along with Florence Adepoju the founder of a lipstick brand who studied how to make cosmetics at the London College of Fashion. .

Alabama has become the latest US state to move to restrict abortions by passing a bill to outlaw the procedure in almost all cases. Earlier this year the governors of four other states - Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi and Ohio - signed bills banning abortion if an embryonic heartbeat can be detected. Jenni speaks to National Public Radio’s correspondent, Sarah McCammon.

Nigel Slater’s newest book Greenfeast: Spring, Summer is the first in a pair of season –led vegetable books. The second comes out in October for the autumn and winter months. Nigel discusses eating less meat and his collection of recipes for spring and summer vegetables.

Jenni is joined by journalist and author, Joan Smith, to discuss her new book ‘Home Grown: how domestic violence turns men into terrorists’. She questions why, in the debate about what makes a terrorist, a striking common factor has long been overlooked - a history of domestic abuse.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Sarah McCammon Interviewed Guest: Nigel Slater Interviewed Guest: Joan Smith Interviewed Guest: Rachel Felder Interviewed Guest: Florence Adepoju

Sally Wainwright on Anne Lister May 15, 2019

Sally Wainwright’s new drama Gentleman Jack tells the story of Anne Lister, the Victorian landowner and industrialist whose coded diaries have revealed a hidden world of lesbian relationships and class and gender struggles in 19th Century Yorkshire. Starring Suranne Jones, the series covers just two years of Anne’s eventful life, including the beginning of her relationship with future wife Ann Walker. Jenni is joined by Sally and Anne Choma, author of Gentleman Jack: The Real Anne Lister.

As part of a series about mental health we have been asking women how it feels to live with a mental illness. Heather is now 35 and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 29. In 2013, she was snapped by a street photographer at the height of her psychosis. Heather has tracked the photo down and shows it to our reporter Jo Morris. Although the photo is hard for her to look at it also reminds her how far she has come.

Adelaide Bon was raped by a stranger when she was nine years old. She told her parents who registered the crime with the police. She talks to Jenni about the impact that day had on her life and how decades later she came face to face with her rapist in a Paris courtroom, experiences she describes in her book ‘The Little Girl on the Ice Floe’.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Laura Northedge

Interviewed Guest: Sally Wainwright Interviewed Guest: Anne Choma Interviewed Guest: Adelaide Bon

Parenting: Potty training May 15, 2019

Potty training over the weekend? From birth? What are the fads and what really works? Jenni is joined by Rebecca Mottram, a children’s nurse who now runs her own business teaching potty training and Christina Hardyment, author of Dream Babies, to try to work out the dos and don’ts and what has changed over the generations.

Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder, EU Elections, Joanne Ramos May 14, 2019

This year has seen ongoing turmoil at Westminster, the date on which Britain leaves the EU deferred and two new political parties founded and fielding candidates – Change UK and the Brexit Party. It is frequently claimed that we are seeing a realignment in British politics. But is that claim borne out among women voters? And, how do the varied concerns of women fit into a conversation that is so often dominated by men? We look at what light electoral research, opinion polling and focus groups might shed on the way different groups of women voters are currently thinking.

As part of a BBC season about mental health, tomorrow we hear from a 40 year old woman who lives with Dissociative Identity Disorder. We’re calling her Melanie and she was first diagnosed aged 22. She explains her diagnosis as being like a set of Russian dolls. She, Melanie, is the main doll and inside her are lots of other dolls, her alternative personalities. She feels her DID helped her as a child when she suffered repeated sexual abuse but living with it as an adult is challenging.

The Farm, the title of Joanne Ramos’s debut novel, refers to a Golden Oaks, a luxury retreat where women get the very best of everything provided they dedicate themselves to producing the perfect baby. For someone else. Joanne Ramos joins Jane to talk about the rights and wrongs of surrogacy, being an immigrant, nannies who rarely get to see their own children and the myths and reality of the American dream.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Deborah Mattinson Interviewed guest: Jane Green Interviewed guest: Joanne Ramos Reporter: Ena Milller Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Women's toilets, Domestic violence, Fasting May 13, 2019

Women’s loos: a place of camaraderie, retreat or even high drama? Samantha Jagger has been documenting what happens in the ladies for 10 years. She's captured candid moments between friends and strangers and her photographs, mostly taken in pubs and clubs in Manchester and Leeds, are about to be on show in an exhibition called Loosen Up.

Being the child of a parent who's transitioned. Katie Sherdley, Catriona Innes and Cath Lloyd talk to Tina Daheley about it.

Ramadan and taking exams: how do Muslim parents and students approach it and what do schools need to do? Education consultant, Rukshana Taqoob, and Anna Cole from the Association of School and College Leaders discuss. We also hear from two A level students in Bolton.

It will be announced today that local council will have a legal duty to provide safe homes for victims of domestic abuse. We get reaction from Suzanne Jacob, CEO of SafeLives.

Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Going away with friends, Potty training May 11, 2019

Cellist, songwriter and singer Ayanna Witter-Johnson performs her track Unconditionally from her new album Road Runner.

It’s nearly a year since Ireland voted in a referendum to change its law on abortion. The majority who cast their vote last May wanted to repeal the Eighth Amendment and liberalise the law. So what is the abortion provision like now and how have the changes been rolled out? We’ll hear from Dr Rhona Mahony the Executive Director of Women’s Health in Ireland, Sinead Gleeson is a writer and essayist and Susan Lohan is a member of the Collaborative Forum on Mother and Baby Homes.

What's the appeal of a weekend away with female friends - and what stresses can it put on friendship? The actor Arabella Weir and Tianna Johnson the founder of Black Girls Camping Trip discuss.

An estimated 5000 women a year around the world are killed through so called honour killings by a member of their own family. The investigative journalist Lene Wold tells us about her new book, Inside An Honour Killing, where a father and daughter tell their story.

We hear from listeners about how attitudes to food affect what - and how much - we eat, and from the registered nutritionist Laura Thomas.

Travel writers Kathi Kamleitner and Gail Simmons tell us why they love solitary hiking.

What are the do’s and don’ts of potty training? What has changed over the generations? We hear from the Potty Training Consultant Rebecca Motram and from Christina Hardyment the author of Dream Babies.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Rabeka Nurmahomed Edited by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Rhona Mahony Interviewed guest: Sinead Gleeson Interviewed guest: Susan Lohan Interviewed guest: Arabella Weir Interviewed guest: Tianna Johnson Interviewed guest: Lene Wold Interviewed guest: Ayanna Witter-Johnson Interviewed guest: Kathi Kamleitner Interviewed guest: Gail Simmons Interviewed guest: Rebecca Motram Interviewed guest: Christina Hardyment

Remembering the Magdalene Laundries May 10, 2019

This month there are two important anniversaries in Ireland attached to the way women, children and babies were looked after by the State and the Church. Twenty years ago the Irish State issued a formal apology to them, and 10 years ago the Ryan Report came out looking at church sexual abuse. Some girls were held in Magdalene Laundries and pictured is Sean McDermott St, Dublin which was the last to close. It will be turned into a place of remembrance. We’ve been talking to Mary Merritt who’s 88 and spent time at Sean McDermott Street as well as taking a look at the site itself with historian, Katherine O’Donnell.

Why do fewer women hike alone than men? Travel writers, Kathi Kamleitner and Gail Simmons join Jenni to talk about the joys of hiking alone as a woman and why they think it’s much safer than many people assume.

Do you have an old teddy that has seen better days? Or an old vase that has the odd crack but you could never part with because it means too much to you? Well, these are the types of items that are taken into the BBC1 TV show The Repair Shop to get a new lease of life. Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch are teddy bear restorers and Kirsten Ramsay repairs ceramics. Jenni talks to them about the skills needed to repair people’s much loved items.

We consider our ideas of motherhood and how they measure up to the realities, past and present. What do we know of motherhood in the past? And what are the ideas that shape our expectations of motherhood today? Professor Sarah Knott, blogger and campaigner, Remi Sade and comedian, Taylor Glen discuss.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Mary Merritt Interviewed Guest: Katherine O’Donnell Interviewed Guest: Kathi Kamleitner Interviewed Guest: Gail Simmons Interviewed Guest: Kirsten Ramsay Interviewed Guest: Professor Sarah Knott Interviewed Guest: Remi Sade Interviewed Guest: Taylor Glen

Potty training, Going away with friends, Jude May 09, 2019

When it comes to potty training, we unpick the fads from what works. Rebecca Mottram, a children’s nurse who now runs her own business teaching potty training and Christina Hardyment, author of Dream Babies help us to work out the dos and don’ts - and what has changed over the years. Netflix's new comedy film Wine Country stars Amy Poehler and Tina Fey as friends who go away to the Napa Valley to celebrate a 50th birthday. During the course of the weekend, wine is drunk, singing and dancing ensue - and, tensions arise. We discuss why trips with female friends so often follow this formula with actor, Arabella Weir and Tianna Johnson, the founder of Black Girls Camping Trip. A play, loosely based on Thomas Hardy's 1895 tragic novel Jude the Obscure, has opened at the Hampstead Theatre in London. In this version Jude is a woman, a cleaner, a Syrian refugee who dreams of studying Classics at Oxford University. Actor, Isabella Nefar is joined by Karin Koehler, editor of the Thomas Hardy journal and a lecturer at Bangor University to discuss the challenge of re-working well-known characters for the stage. And, reporter Henrietta Harrison hears about a new libretto by Sheila Hill, performed by a community choir of women and children trained by Glyndebourne opera house in Sussex.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts

Ayanna Witter-Johnson May 08, 2019

Mark Carney will step down as Governor of the Bank of England on January 31st 2020. The search is on for a successor and the Chancellor hopes to make an appointment in October. An executive search agency has been tasked with widening the diversity of candidates and a number of high-profile women have been tipped for the role – who are they?

Classically trained cellist, songwriter and jazz singer Ayanna Witter-Johnson has just released her debut album Road Runner. She performs live and talks about being inspired by her mum, how Reuben her cello is her dancing partner and being an advocate for the women’s movement.

An estimated 5000 women a year around the world are killed through so-called honor killings, often by a member of their own family. What drives a person to murder their sister, mother or daughter? What is life like in a society in which women are imprisoned for their own "protection," while their potential killers walk free? Jenni speaks to Lene Wold, an investigative journalist, author of Inside an Honor Killing: A Father and A Daughter Tell Their Story.

With the arrival of the Meghan and Harry’s new baby, we consider the best ways to help new parents as they celebrate a new arrival. In Berlin an ‘It’s A Boy!’ balloon was given to the Duchess of Cornwall, Niagara Falls has been lit in blue, and trees were planted in New Zealand. But as Prince William noted, the reality is what he called, “the sleep deprivation society that is parenting." So, are balloons and flowers in order, or would short visits, ready-made food, and practical help in the house be more welcome? To discuss, Jenni is joined by Ellie Gibson, one half of parenting comedy duo Scummy Mummies, and parenting blogger Clemmie Telford.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Laura Northedge Interviewed Guest: Ayanna Witter-Johnson Interviewed Guest: Lene Wold Interviewed Guest: Ellie Gibson Interviewed Guest: Clemmie Telford

Parenting: Party bags May 08, 2019

Plastic whistles, stretchy men, pencils with rubber toppers, bubbles, balloons and sweets – How do you fill your goody bags for your child’s party? Are you totally anti the concept of handing out obligatory plastic tat … or do you go down the right-on environmental route with a sock filled with a bag of seeds, an educational book or a sugar-free cake mix? Jane speaks to Lucy Parsons mother of two who despairs over party bags and Isabel Thomas, a children’s science writer with three children who is taking steps to change the throw-away culture of children’s parties.

Woman's Hour in Ireland May 07, 2019

This time last year there was a referendum in Ireland about abortion. The country voted to change its strict laws and make it legal up to 12 weeks. So Jane and the crew are taking the whole show to Dublin to talk about how the country's changed for women over the last 12 months.

As well as examining how abortion provision is actually working, we’ll discuss divorce because in a couple of weeks they’ll be another referendum on that too. We'll also talk about the correct way to memorialise Magdalene Laundries, Mother and Baby Homes and Industrial Schools. Plus, there's a clause in the Irish Constitution about a woman's place in the home but many women argue it's outdated and patriarchal, so we'll tackle that subject too.

There’s so much to talk about. It’ll be a lively, freewheeling discussion with our panellists Dr Rhona Mahony who is Executive Director of Women's Health in Ireland East; Susan Lohan who's a member of the Collaborative Forum on Mother and Baby Homes, and the author and essayist Sinéad Gleeson. And there's live music from singer and songwriter Ailbhe Reddy.

We're live from the beautiful meeting room in the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin.

What kind of relationship do you have with food? May 06, 2019

What kind of relationship do you have with food? Do you have a tendency to restrict what you eat, to go on diets, to worry about your weight? Do you worry about your children’s eating habits? Do you put some foods on a pedestal and demonise others? Perhaps you have NO issues about food, and have never worried about what you or your children eat. Either way we want to hear from you. Tweet or email us in the usual way and the number to call is 03700 100444. Lines are open from 9am Monday morning. Laura Thomas, a registered nutritionist who specialises in non-diet nutrition, joins Jane in the studio.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Laura Thomas Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Sofie Hagen Happy Fat, Margaret Thatcher, Rosacea May 04, 2019

The Danish comedian and podcaster Sofie Hagen talks about what she sees as endemic fatphobia in our society.

We discuss Margaret Thatcher’s legacy for women in politics with the Conservative MP for Saffron Walden Kemi Badenoch and with Ayesha Hazarika, former special adviser to Harriet Harman.

The author Esther Wojcicki gives us tips and advice on how to raise successful people.

We discuss the debilitating skin condition Rosacea with Dr Emma Wedgeworth and the beauty blogger Lex Gillies.

We hear from one of Ireland’s most famous singers Mary Black.

In her latest novel, A Thousand Ships, Natalie Haynes tells the story of the Trojan War from an all-female perspective.

And we discuss the film 8th Grade and its portrayal of a young teenager in the age of social media with the film critic Rhianna Dhillon and University student Steph Campbell.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Rabeka Nurmahomed Edited by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Sofie Hagen Interviewed guest: Kemi Badenoch Interviewed guest: Ayesha Hazarika Interviewed guest: Esther Wojcicki Interviewed guest: Emma Wedgeworth Interviewed guest: Lex Gillies Interviewed guest: Mary Black Interviewed guest: Natalie Haynes Interviewed guest: Rhianna Dhillon Interviewed guest: Steph Campbell

Mary Black, Monster trucks, Defining intersex May 03, 2019

We discuss the impact of Margaret Thatcher for women in politics. We’ll be dipping into the Woman’s Hour archive and asking why she is still relevant for women politicians today. With Kemi Badenoch, MP for Saffron Walden and Vice Chair of the Conservative Party, and Ayesha Hazarika, former special adviser to Harriet Harman.

In the wake of Caster Semenya’s legal battle we look at differences in sexual development (DSD). How are they identified, treated, and what impact do they have? Jane is joined by Cambridge University Emeritus Professor of Paediatrics, Ieuan Hughes, expert in paediatric endocrinology and DSD, and by Holly Greenberry, Founder and Lead Consultant at advocacy group Intersex UK.

Mary Black is one of Ireland’s most famous singers. She was born in the 50s in Dublin and has seen the country change dramatically over the years. One of her most famous albums, A Woman’s Heart, was a collaboration with other Irish women musicians and is now twenty five years old. Last year the first song of the album called ‘Only a Woman’s Heart’ became an anthem for those wanting to change the law on abortion, appealing to a new generation of young women. Mary talks to our reporter, Siobhann Tighe.

We speak to monster truck driver Brianna Mahon who drives 5 tonne vehicles, performing wheelies, donuts and big air stunts. She joins Jane to talk about life on tour, and surprising her hair salon clients with her second career.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Helen Fitzhenry Interviewed guest: Kemi Badenoch Interviewed guest: Ayesha Hazarika Interviewed guest: Ieuan Hughes Interviewed guest: Holly Greenberry Interviewed guest: Brianna Mahon

Small Island, Esther Wojcicki, Natalie Haynes May 02, 2019

Andrea Levy’s novel Small Island was published in 2004, dramatised for television in 2009 and now Helen Edmundson’s theatrical adaptation has begun a run at the National Theatre. It tells the stories of Hortense, who grows up in Jamaica and moves to England as part of the “Windrush” generation, and Queenie, who escapes life on a Lincolnshire farm to find herself in inner-city London as social and ethnic dynamics shift after the War. Jenni talks the actors playing Hortense and Queenie, Leah Harvey and Aisling Loftus.

How do you raise successful people? Esther Wojcicki claims to have done just that. She is the mother of YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, 23andMe Co-Founder and CEO Anne Wojcicki, and Fulbright Scholar and Professor of Pediatrics Janet Wojcicki. Esther has written a book including 'simple lessons for radical results' and she shares her strategies with Jenni, explaining her TRICK theory and why she thinks it works equally well whether you are raising children or managing a company.

Why has Leeds become the first city in the UK to report a drop in childhood obesity, what’s the significance of this for the rest of the UK and what else is being done throughout Europe and the world to tackle the problem? Jenni is joined by Esther Wojcicki, author of How to Raise Successful People, Susan Jebb, Professor of Diet and Population Health at Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford and Franco Sassi, Professor of International Health Policy and Economics at Imperial College, London.

In her latest novel, A Thousand Ships, Natalie Haynes tells the story of the Trojan War from an all-female perspective. She joins Jenni to explain why she decided to give a voice to these overlooked women, girls and goddesses and what can be gained by listening to their stories.

Presenter: Jenni Murray

Margaret Thatcher - 40 years on from her election as PM May 01, 2019

It is 40 years since the UK elected its first woman Prime Minister on May 3rd 1979. We’re marking this moment in our political history with a look at the late Margaret Thatcher. She remains a deeply controversial and divisive figure, admired by many and disliked by others. We explore her symbolic importance as a female leader and look at her impact on women’s lives. Jenni Murray discusses how women’s participation in politics, society and the economy changed throughout the 1980s. We hear from those who met her and discuss why some continue to feel conflicted about her legacy.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts Interviewed guest: Julia Langdon Interviewed guest: Caroline Slocock Interviewed guest: Anne McElvoy

Parenting: Going it alone May 01, 2019

Why do some women opt to go it alone and become solo parents using donor sperm and eggs? Jenni speaks to Genevieve Roberts, author of 'Going Solo,' a book about her experiences of becoming a mum using donor sperm and Beth who is pregnant with her first child, using both a donor egg and donor sperm.

Sofie Hagen, Rosacea, Party Bags Apr 30, 2019

Danish comedian and podcaster Sofie Hagen challenges what she sees as endemic fatphobia in our society. In her new book, Happy Fat, Sofie shares how she found a true acceptance of her body and offers practical tips to those who are still struggling with a world that wants you to be smaller.

Rosacea is a little known chronic skin condition. We hear from a blogger who lives with the condition and from consultant dermatologist Dr Emma Wedgeworth who talks about the treatment options and long term management of Rosacea.

This week we’re marking the election of the UK’s first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. We hear form listeners about life in 1979. What were the opportunities open to women and what of the attitudes many still faced?

Plastic whistles, stretchy men, pencils with rubber toppers, bubbles, balloons and sweets – How do you fill your goody bags for your child’s party? Are you totally anti the concept of handing out obligatory plastic tat … or do you go down the right-on environmental route with a sock filled with a bag of seeds, an educational book or a sugar-free cake mix? Jane speaks to Lucy Parsons mother of two who despairs over party bags and Isabel Thomas, a children’s science writer with three children who is taking steps to change the throw-away culture of children’s parties.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Sofie Hagen Interviewed guest: Lex Gillies Interviewed guest: Dr Emma Wedgeworth Interviewed guest: Lucy Parsons Interviewed guest: Isabel Thomas Reporter: Henrietta Harrison Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

8th Grade, Jing-Jing Lee, Mozambique floods Apr 29, 2019

Bo Burnham's film Eight Grade has just been released in the UK and explores the challenges of being a young teenager in the age of social media. Is it a coming of age film for our time? Jane speaks to film critic Rhianna Dhillon.

While Storm Hannah hit the UK over the weekend, Cyclone Kenneth has unleashed flooding on Mozambique causing widespread destruction barely a month after a previous cyclone killed hundreds and devastated large areas. Cate Turton heads-up the UK’s Department for International Development and is based in Mozambique. What has been the impact of the recent flooding in Mozambique and the response? She also talks to Jane about her life and what has taken her into international humanitarian work.

It is 40 years this Friday since the UK elected its first woman Prime Minister on May 3rd 1979. Woman’s Hour marks this pivotal moment with a week of programming. The late Margaret Thatcher remains a deeply controversial and divisive figure and Woman's Hour will explore her importance as a female leader; focusing on the woman and her impact on women’s lives. Today Jane Garvey looks at how the Woman’s Hour archive captured this moment in time.

Jing-Jing Lee on her debut novel, How We Disappeared. Based partly on her own traumatic family history, Jing tells the story of one woman’s survival in occupied Singapore and a child's quest to solve a family mystery

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Caroline Donne

Interviewed Guest: Rhianna Dhillon Interviewed Guest: Cate Turton Interviewed Guest: Jing-Jing Lee

Weekend Woman's Hour: True crime, parental alienation and Borscht Apr 27, 2019

With countless television documentaries dedicated to true crime cases, why do women make up the majority of the audiences? We hear from Julia Davis editor of Crime Monthly Magazine, Jacqui Hames former police officer and presenter of Crimewatch and criminologist Dr Gemma Flynn.

Parental alienation is the process, and the result of psychological manipulation of a child into showing unwarranted fear, disrespect and hostility towards a parent. We look at whether there is a growing understanding of this concept with Charlotte Friedman a psychologist with a background in family law and mediation and with Paula Rhone Adrien a family law barrister.

What is the best way to support a partner who is suffering from depression? The journalist and author Poorna Bell, psychiatrist Linda Gask, Nicole Krystal Crentsil a public speaker and couple Alan and Karen Phillips discuss.

It’s six years since the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh which killed more than a 1000 garment workers. How do we raise awareness of where and how our clothes are made and how do we all learn how to consume less? Fashion industry insiders Alice Wilby and Bernice Pan explain.

The author Jennifer Eberhardt, Professor of Psychology at Stanford University talks about her years of research into unconscious racial bias.

When Josie Rourke became the artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse she was one of the first female theatre directors to be appointed to that role in a major London theatre. Eight years on she tells us why she has picked the musical Sweet Charity as her swan song and how theatre has changed in the last 10 years.

And the food writer Alissa Timoshkina joins us to Cook the Perfect... borsch.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Rabeka Nurmahomed Edited by Jane Thurlow

Biggin Hill Women, Eco Heroines, Parental Alienation Apr 26, 2019

We take a trip to Biggin Hill airport. Popular with millionaires and stars who travel in private jets, there's a small group of women working there. Some of them fly planes, but in the UK as a whole only 6% of our pilots are women.

This week the 16 year old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has impressed the country with her confidence. She was at Westminster addressing crowds of environmentalists and meeting politicians. She's been critical about the UK’s response to climate change, telling MPs her future has been stolen. We look at how she's managed to make such an impact and hear about other influential women in the environmental movement.

We explore parental alienation. It's defined as the process of psychologically manipulating a child into showing fear, disrespect or hostility toward a parent. It can happen when couples split up acrimoniously. We explore how understood the concept is and hear how the term is used in the family courts.

Melinda Gates Apr 25, 2019

Melinda Gates’s new book The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World explains that empowering women can profoundly change the way that societies function. She is, along with husband Bill Gates, the founder the world’s largest private charitable organisation and has consistently been ranked as one of the world's most powerful women by Forbes. So why has creating equality in her home life been such a struggle?

When Josie Rourke became the Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse she was one of the first female theatre directors to be appointed to that role. Nearly eight years later she tells Jenni why she has chosen the musical Sweet Charity as her swan song and, in terms of gender, how much the face of theatre has changed in the last ten years.

The UK government is backing a Nigerian advertising campaign urging Nigerian women and girls to find jobs at home instead of “risking a life of modern slavery” in Britain. So how bad is the problem here in the UK? Jenni is joined by Kathryn Baldacchino, Project Manager at Protect, the Anti-Trafficking Project at the British Red Cross and Kate Roberts, Head of Office at the Human Trafficking Foundation.

The World Health Organisation has advised screen time is best avoided for the first two years of life. But what evidence is there behind this advice? Jenni speaks to Sarah Jarvis, GP and Clinical Director of Patient.co.uk.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Laura Northedge Interviewed Guest: Melinda Gates Interviewed Guest: Josie Rourke Interviewed Guest: Kathryn Baldacchino Interviewed Guest: Kate Roberts Interviewed Guest: Elizabeth Interviewed Guest: Sarah Jarvis

Photo Credit: Jason Bell for Pivotal Ventures

Fashion Revolution Week: 6th anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh Apr 24, 2019

Today is the 6th anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh, where over 1,000 garment workers died. Over half were women. Fashion Revolution Week wants to raise awareness about where and how our clothes are made - and what it’s doing to the planet. Fashion industry insiders Alice Wilby and Bernice Pan explain why sustainability needs to be more than just a trend.

A home for unmarried mothers and babies in Tuam in Galway was run by Bon Secours Sisters from 1925 to 1961. Nearly 800 babies died there and when it was discovered a few years ago that they’d been buried in a secretive, undignified way it caused widespread outrage in Ireland and beyond. Since then an official investigation into what happened at 18 mother and baby homes across Ireland began, and is ongoing. Last week ‘The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes’ released its latest report. This one – the fifth – focuses on how babies were buried at mother and baby homes, and part of it looked at another home called Bessborough in Cork. The BBC’s Deirdre Finnerty has been investigating.

Why some women choose to become a solo parent using donor sperm and eggs and what they have learnt since making their decision. Jenni speaks to Genevieve Roberts, author of ‘Going Solo’ who has already become a mum using donor sperm and Beth who is using both donor sperm and egg and is pregnant with her first child.

In Salt & Time, food writer Alissa Timoshkina transforms perceptions of the food of the former Soviet Union and in particular her home Siberia – the crossroads of Eastern European and Central Asian cuisine. Salt & Time contains recipes from the pre-revolutionary era and the Soviet days that are treated with a modern interpretation. Alissa joins Jenni in the studio to Cook the Perfect…Borsch.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Deirdre Finnerty Interviewed Guest: Alice Wilby Interviewed Guest: Dr Bernice Pan Interviewed Guest: Genevieve Roberts Interviewed Guest: Beth Interviewed Guest: Alissa Timoshkina

Parenting: Feeding a child with allergies Apr 24, 2019

A paediatric dietitian gives advice on how to feed a child with food allergies.

Mental Health Problems and Relationships, British Charcuterie, Unconscious Bias Apr 23, 2019

If you have a common mental health problem such as depression or anxiety what effect does it have on your relationship? What should you expect from your other half? Equally, if your partner has depression, what is the best way to support them? Linda Gask has had 30 years of clinical practice experience as a psychiatrist in the NHS. Poorna Bell is a journalist and author. She has written about her late husband’s struggle with depression and suicide. Nicole Krystal Crentsil is the co-founder of Black Girl Festival and a public speaker on culture. Nicole has spoken openly about her own mental health and the importance of a strong relationship. Alan Phillips has experienced severe depression in the past - his wife Karen has been hugely supportive.

Henrietta Green, founder of British charcuterie Live, tells Tina why British charcuterie is worth sampling and celebrating.

In her new book Biased - The New Science of Race and Inequality, Jennifer Eberhardt, Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, draws on years of research looking at how unconscious racial bias is ever present in our lives and tells us what we can do to counter it.

Presenter: Tina Daheley Interviewed guest: Poorna Bell Interviewed guest: Nicole Krystal Crentsil Interviewed guest: Alan Phillips Interviewed guest: Karen Phillips Interviewed guest: Linda Gask Interviewed guest: Henrietta Green Interviewed guest: Jennifer Eberhardt Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

True Crime Under Investigation Apr 22, 2019

We are currently experiencing a boom in true crime, with countless TV documentaries about cases like the Yorkshire Ripper, the murder of Jill Dando, the disappearance of Madeleine McCann and podcasts such as Serial, The Teacher’s Pet and My Favourite Murder. Not only are women usually the victims of these infamous crimes, but they are also the main consumers of the genre. So why are we so fascinated by true crime? Jane speaks to criminologist Dr Gemma Flynn, ex-police officer and Crimewatch presenter Jacqui Hames, All Killa No Filla podcast host Rachel Fairburn and to magazine editor Julia Davis, whose latest title Crime Monthly hit the news stands last month.

What is the appeal of reflecting on the grisly detail of violent crime? And how do we ensure that the victims and survivors are not ignored in the clamour to analyse a killer's motives or pathology? Jane speaks to Mo Lea who survived a brutal attack for which Peter Sutcliffe is the prime suspect, and to Carol Ann Lee who has written the book Somebody's Mother, Somebody's Daughter which highlights the stories of the women who's lives were devastated by Sutcliffe.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Laura Northedge

Interviewed Guest: Dr Gemma Flynn Interviewed Guest: Julia Davis Interviewed Guest: Jacqui Hames Interviewed Guest: Rachel Fairburn Interviewed Guest: Mo Lea Interviewed Guest: Carol Ann Lee

Women in Sudan, Game of Thrones, Nurse Molly Case, Top Girls Apr 20, 2019

The photo of a young Sudanese woman chanting on top of a car went viral and became an iconic image in the protests against Omar al-Bashir’s rule. What role have women played in the protests? And what is the current status of women in the country? CNN correspondent Nima Elbagir in Khartoum and Associate Fellow, Chatham House and former British ambassador to Sudan Rosalind Marsden discuss.

The nurse and spoken word artist Molly Case on her book How to Treat People – A Nurse at Work.

How can we live an environmentally friendly life? Dr Tara Shine and Madeleine Murray, who run Change by Degrees, a sustainability consultancy that offers advice to business and communities, and environmental journalist, Lucy Siegle offer for some tips on the ways we can live better, greener lives.

Top Girls, the iconic feminist play by Caryl Churchill is currently on stage at the National Theatre in London. Lucy Black, Liv Hill and Katherine Kingsley, three actors from the cast discuss why the play made such an impact when it was first performed in 1982 and why it is still relevant today.

It's the final season of Game of Thrones - three fans Danielle Ward, Georgia Humphrey and Ruth Websdale tell us why the series appeals to female viewers.

The Shatila Refugee camp in the south of Beirut was originally built in 1949 to house Palestinian refugees. Following the outbreak of civil war in Syria in 2011 tens of thousands of Syrian refugees have fled to Lebanon many of them also taking refuge in the Shatila Camp. The publisher and author Meike Ziervogel talks about the work she is doing with 100 Syrian refugee women who have set up The Shatila Studio, a bespoke needlework business that is attracting orders from outside the camp.

BLACKPINK made history by becoming the first female K-Pop band to perform at the festival, Coachella. With a world tour set for this year and their single ‘Kill This Love’ climbing the charts in the UK and the US, it looks like they might be poised to break the western pop music market. We discuss the role of women in K-Pop, both as performers and as fans. And what’s behind the ‘girl crush’ concept? K-Pop dance instructor Tammy Jane Mejia, music journalist Biju Belinky and Dr Haekyung Um from the University of Liverpool discuss.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Dianne McGregor

Women in K-Pop: the success of BLACKPINK Apr 19, 2019

As we’ve mentioned recently, the number of children being taken into care in England is currently at a 10-year high. Two weeks ago we looked at the repeat removals of children by the court and the lengths some mothers have gone to avoid that. Today we look at one of the most frequent outcomes for children removed from their parents' care - placement with a Special Guardian, usually a member of their extended family, under a Special Guardianship Order. A recent study from Lancaster University shows that while only 5% of children placed with Special Guardians end up back in care, there is a severe lack of support from local authorities and government. What more could be done to support these families, often looking after children in very difficult circumstances?

Trying to live an environmentally friendly life is complicated. With our hectic lives, caring for the environment might seem like a problem too big to solve. We hear from Dr Tara Shine and Madeleine Murray, who run Change by Degrees, a sustainability consultancy that offers advice to business and communities, and environmental journalist, Lucy Siegle for some tips on the ways we can live better, greener lives.

Last week, K-pop girl group BLACKPINK made history by becoming the first of its kind to perform at the festival, Coachella. With a world tour set for this year and their single ‘Kill This Love’ climbing the charts in the UK and the US, it looks like they might be poised to break the western pop music market. We discuss the role of women in K-Pop, both as performers and as fans. How powerful are their female fans? What’s behind the ‘girl crush’ concept? And how are women being marketed? We’re joined by K-Pop dance instructor Tammy Jane Mejia, music journalist Biju Belinky and Dr Haekyung Um from the University of Liverpool.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Professor Judith Harwin Interviewed Guest: Dr Tara Shine Interviewed Guest: Lucy Siegle Interviewed Guest: Madeleine Murray Interviewed Guest: Tammy Jane Mejia Interviewed Guest: Biju Belinky Interviewed Guest: Dr Haekyung Um

Three Sisters, Molly Case, Women's Football Apr 18, 2019

Three Sisters, Anton Chekov’s 1901 classic play, is on at The Almedia Theatre in London. It's about Olga, Masha and Irina who are frustrated with their small-town life especially after growing up for while in buzzing Moscow. When two glamorous military men arrive on the scene it all gets emotional and sexually charged. Other problems get in the way too and the sisters have to take on responsibilities. Jenni speaks to Patsy Ferran, Pearl Chanda and Ria Zmitrowicz who play the sisters about how this revival of the play still feels relevant to young women today.

Molly Case is a young nurse. In 2013 she achieved national recognition for her poem ‘Nursing the Nation’ which she recited at the Royal College of Nursing Congress. She wrote it when she was a nursing student as a reaction to the criticism of the NHS at the time. That performance at the Congress has been viewed over 400,000 times on YouTube. She’s now written a book called How to Treat People – A Nurse at Work. Jenni talks to her about what inspired her to become a nurse and why she wants to champion their work.

It's just 50 days to go until the biggest tournament in women’s football begins: the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. It will be held in France. Today five players who've been shortlisted for the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Award have been announced. Sarah Mulkerrins from the BBC World Service joins Jenni to discuss the growing popularity of women’s football and gives her own predictions.

Top Girls, Dame Glenys Stacey, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Apr 17, 2019

Dame Glenys Stacey is stepping down as HM Chief Inspector of Probation for England and Wales at the end of May. In her last annual report she was deeply critical of the Probation services saying that privatising offender management was "irredeemably flawed". She looks back at nearly forty years in public service.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a condition which can lead to severe depression, anxiety and personality change, leaving sufferers feeling suicidal and desperate every month. It is sometimes mis-diagnosed as mental ill health and is estimated to affect 5% of menstruating women. Paula Briggs, a consultant in Reproductive and Sexual health is leading a study looking a new treatments for PMDD.

Fifty years ago today (17th April)) a 21-year-old woman from Northern Ireland, Bernadette Devlin, became Britain's youngest ever female MP and the third youngest MP ever when she was elected to Westminster in a by-election in the Mid-Ulster constituency. Historian, Dr Margaret Ward explains why her election was a seismic event at the time.

Top Girls, the iconic feminist play by Caryl Churchill is currently on stage at the National Theatre in London. Three actors from the cast join Jenni to discuss why the play made such an impact when it was first performed in 1982 and how relevant it is today.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Interviewed guest: Dame Glenys Stacey Interviewed guest: Dr Paula Briggs Interviewed guest: Katherine Kingsley Interviewed guest: Lucy Black Interviewed guest: Liv Hill Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

Woman's Hour Parenting Podcast: food allergies Apr 17, 2019

Diagnosing and managing food allergies in infants and children.

Women and protests in the Sudan Apr 16, 2019

The photo of a young Sudanese woman chanting on top of a car has gone viral and has become an iconic image in the protests against Omar al-Bashir’s regime/rule. What role have women played in the protests? And what is the current status of women in the country? CNN correspondent Nima Elbagir in Khartoum and Associate Fellow, Chatham House and former British ambassador to Sudan Rosalind Marsden discuss.

In the run up to World Earth Day next week on the 22nd April we speak to two women who are using their skills to solve some of our environmental problems. Dr Fanya Ismail has invented a waterproof material that will be used in disposable coffee cups which removes the need to use plastic, and Dr Carmen Hijosa has invented a natural textile made from pineapple leaf fibre which can be used as a leather substitute. Jane asks them how and why they created their products.

Dr Joan Malleson ran sexual counselling sessions in the 1950’s. From the Wellcome Foundation archives, historian, Dr Caroline Rusterholz reveals the approach of this birth control activist and family planning doctor. Why was the advice on offer in a period better-known for sexual repression and what does it tell us about current sexual behaviour?

Food allergies affect 3 to 6 per cent of children in the developed world and appear to be on the rise. Last week we heard about the diagnosis and management of food allergies in infants and children. This week we focus specifically on how to feed your child well if he or she has food allergies. Clare Thornton-Wood is a paediatric dietician.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Nima Elbagir Interviewed Guest: Rosalind Marsden Interviewed Guest: Dr Carmen Hijosa Interviewed Guest: Dr Fanya Ismail Interviewed Guest: Dr Caroline Rusterholz Interviewed Guest: Clare Thornton-Wood

Abortion and the Republic of Ireland, Meike Ziervogel, Game of Thrones Superfans Apr 15, 2019

Nearly a year ago the Republic of Ireland voted to change the law on abortion in a referendum. The majority voted to make it more available and so in January abortion became legal up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy. But Woman’s Hour has found out that some women are still travelling to England for an abortion despite being eligible to get one back home. Siobhann Tighe reports on the new abortion law

The Shatila Refugee camp in the south of Beirut was originally built in 1949 to house Palestinian refugees. Following the outbreak of civil war in Syria in 2011 tens of thousands of Syrian refugees have fled to Lebanon many of them also taking refuge in the Shatila Camp. Jane speaks to publisher and author Meike Ziervogel about the work she is doing with 100 Syrian refugee women who have set-up The Shatila Studio, a bespoke needlework business that is attracting orders from outside the camp. What is life like for these women in a place they cannot leave, where no police or ambulance will enter, where killings are frequent - and yet where life goes on and the women save every penny to send their children to school. Meike also describes why her own family history of war and displacement have taken her to Shatila and are the inspiration for her latest novel “Flotsam”

The final season of Game of Thrones begins tonight for viewers in the UK. As this legendary series comes to an end, Superfans describe what they love about it, what appeals to the female fans and how they’ll survive without it.

A new film and photo exhibition aims to challenge the stereotypes around black, single mothers. Jane speaks to co-creator Ebun Sanusi and mothers Bola Tajudeen and Miranda Armstrong.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Produce: Caroline Donne

Reporter: Siobhann Tighe Interviewed guest: Meike Ziervogel Interviewed guest: Ebun Sanusi Interviewed guest: Bola Tajudeen Interviewed guest: Miranda Armstrong

Fleabag, Food allergies and Feminism in the Archers Apr 13, 2019

As the second series of the comedy Fleabag comes to an end we talk about the appeal of female comedic characters. The author Erin Kelly, the TV Development Executive Danielle Dash and the Editor in Chief of Empire Magazine Terri White discuss.

Katy Bourne the Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex tells us how she was stalked for five years and how this experience motivated to get her own police service inspected. The results found that Sussex police still has problems around investigating stalking cases and supporting victims.

How feminist is the Archers? Academics Nicola Headlam and Cara Courage authors of, Gender, Sex and Gossip in Ambridge: Women in the Archers, discuss.

Food allergies affect 3-6% of children in the developed wold. What do parents need to know about the diagnosis and management of food allergies. We hear from Holly Shaw a nurse advisor from the charity Allergy UK and from Stephanie Hulme whose son experienced an unexpected and severe allergic reaction when he was three.

Heavy bleeding or flooding can be one of the symptoms of the menopause, what can be done to help women affected? Paula Briggs a consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health for Southport and Ormskirk Hospital, offers some advice.

Sabrina Cohen-Hatton was just 18 when she joined the fire service. She’s now a Deputy Assistant Commissioner and one of the most senior female firefighters in the UK. She tells us about her work and her book In the Heat of the Moment.

The writer of the film Wild Rose, Nicole Taylor tells us why she wanted to write about a singer from Glasgow making it as a country singer in Nashville.

Presented by Jenni Murray Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor :Eleanor Garland

Female comedic characters, Mental healh support in schools Apr 12, 2019

The television comedy dramas Fleabag and Derry Girls finished this week. What’s the appeal of the seriously flawed female character from Jane Austen’s Emma through to Bridget Jones?

Upskirting is now a specific criminal offence across England and Wales. We hear from the activist and writer Gina Martin who started the campaign for a change in the law after being targeted at a music festival.

Next week, one of the subjects on the agenda at the NEU (National Education Union) conference is the mental health of pupils. Increasingly, staff in schools are being asked to provide emotional support for the children they teach. But do they have the adequate resources or training to help these vulnerable individuals? We discuss with Sarah Kendrick from the children's mental health charity, Place2Be, Brenda McHugh from Anna Freud centre and Anne Lyons, the former president of the National Association of Head Teachers.

Bev Thomas is a clinical psychologist. She's written her debut novel 'A Good Enough Mother' about a trauma therapist who is trying to treat a patient who bears a striking resemblance to her own missing child. She joins Jenni to discuss.

As part of Late Night Woman's Hour we hear from the barrister Samantha Davies about what we can do about modern slavery in the supply chain.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Dianne McGregor

Virginia Nicholson: sex and the 1960s, Katy Bourne, Sabrina Cohen-Hatton Apr 11, 2019

The Sexual Revolution liberated a generation, but did it do as much for women as it did for men? Virginia Nicholson joins us for a conversation about the impact that decade had. It's said that dogs are man’s best friend - but, we talk to two women whose lives have been transformed by their canine companions. Sabrina Cohen-Hatton joined the fire service at 18. She is now one of the most senior firefighters in the UK and is looking at decision-making in the most difficult situations. And, Katy Bourne is the Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex. She talks about how her direct experience of stalking led her to get her own force inspected. We hear about how stalking cases should be investigated and how victims can be supported.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts Interviewed guest: Virginia Nicholson Interviewed guest: Theresa Edwards Interviewed guest: Rosalyn St Pierre Interviewed guest: Emily Dean Interviewed guest: Kate Spicer Interviewed guest: Sabrina Cohen-Hatton Interviewed guest: Katy Bourne

Parenting: The Teenage Brain Apr 10, 2019

What makes the adolescent brain different and why is it that an easy child can become a challenging teenager? Jenni talks about risky behaviour and how to limit it with the neuroscientist Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, author of Inventing Ourselves - The Secret Life of the Teenage Brain.

Mary Quant, No-deal Brexit, Wild Rose Apr 09, 2019

Waterproof mascara, mini-skirts, vibrant tights and athleisure: Mary Quant is widely considered to be a pioneer in women’s fashion. A new exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum celebrates the work of the iconic fashion designer. Jane talks to co-curator Jenny Lister and Deborah Cherry - who donated a Mary Quant dress to the exhibition that she had worn when she was 16.

Theresa May has asked the European Council for a further extension to the Article 50 period. On Wednesday EU leaders will meet to discuss her request, and if they say no, the UK will be leaving without a deal this Friday. So what would a no-deal Brexit mean for women? What will the economic impact be on women: the catastrophe that some fear or, the opportunity that others hope for? Dr Victoria Bateman and Victoria Hewson discuss.

A young single mother from Glasgow just out of prison with dreams of making it as a country singer is the subject of a new film Wild Rose starring Jessie Buckley and Julie Walters. Jane is joined by the writer of the film, Nicole Taylor, who also wrote the award winning drama ‘Three Girls’ about the Rochdale grooming scandal.

Alys Conran on her new novel, Dignity, which features a woman controlled by her husband in the British Raj, her daughter, whose life was shaped by the difficult relationship, and a young second generation immigrant who works as a carer. All three women are looking for a place to feel they belong.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Victoria Bateman Interviewed guest: Victoria Hewson Interviewed guest: Jenny Lister Interviewed guest: Deborah Cherry Interviewed guest: Nicole Taylor Interviewed guest: Alys Conran

Women in The Archers, Jill Dawson, Menopausal flooding Apr 08, 2019

Radio 4’s soap opera, The Archers has long inspired a diverse and loyal fan base. The everyday tale of farming folk has tackled everything from unplanned pregnancy in the 1960s to the coercive control and domestic violence a couple of years’ ago. But with women still more likely to be found baking at Brookfield or gossiping in the post office, exactly how feminist is Ambridge? That’s a question tackled in a new book, Gender, Sex and Gossip In Ambridge: Women In The Archers. Academics, Nicola Headlam and Cara Courage, explain what drives them to give up their free time to organising academic conferences about The Archers - as well as listening to it - and they share a few of their thought-provoking conclusions.

Heavy bleeding or "flooding" can be one of the symptoms of the menopause. What do we know about it and what can be done to help women affected? Jane speaks to Paula Briggs a consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health for Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust and hears from listeners about their experiences.

Jill Dawson is the author of ten novels and the editor of six anthologies of short stories and poetry. In her latest novel, The Language of Birds, she takes inspiration from the infamous Lord Lucan case, placing the murdered nanny at the centre of this shocking tale.

Chemicals are an essential component of our daily lives, but some chemicals can severely damage our health or the environment. There is growing interest in the possible health threat posed by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). They can be found in our environment, food, and consumer products. What do women need to know about EDCs? We find out with Dr Sibylle Ermler, research Fellow at the Institute of Environment, Health and Societies at Brunel University and Elizabeth Salter Green – Director of CHEMTrust

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Caroline Donne

Interviewed guest: Nicola Headlam Interviewed guest: Cara Courage Interviewed guest: Paula Briggs Interviewed guest: Jill Dawson Interviewed guest: Dr. Sibylle Ermler Interviewed guest: Elizabeth Salter Green

Juliet Uzor Sewing Bee winner, Shame, Teenage brains Apr 06, 2019

Juliet Uzor tells us about winning this year’s Great British Sewing Bee.

What is the best way to care for a parent with dementia? We hear from Sarah Mitchell whose mother Wendy was diagnosed with early onset dementia at the age of 58. Sarah tells us how they've adapted their lives and relationship.

A new Amnesty International report has found what it calls 'a shocking level' of unreported and acquitted rapes across the Nordic countries. Why? Jacqui Hunt the Director of Equality Now’s European office and Helle Jacobsen a senior Advisor and Researcher at Amnesty Denmark, discuss.

What makes the adolescent brain different and why is it that an easy child can become a challenging teenager? Sarah-Jayne Blackmore a Professor in Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London helps us understand.

Why is ‘Shame’ the emotion of now? Hetta Howes a lecturer in Medieval and Early Modern Literature at City University London, and Tiffany Watt-Smith a cultural historian discuss.

Laura Lattimore and Rashida Hardy tell us about having severe hair loss and why wearing a wig is important to them.

The poet Helen Mort on her first novel Black Car Burning about rock climbing, trust and polyamory.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Rabeka Nurmahomed Edited by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Juliet Uzor Interviewed guest: Sarah Mitchell Interviewed guest: Jacqui Hunt Interviewed guest: Helle Jacobsen Interviewed guest: Sarah-Jayne Blackmore Interviewed guest: Hetta Howes Interviewed guest: Tiffany Watt-Smith Interviewed guest: Laura Lattimore Interviewed guest: Rashida Hardy Interviewed guest: Helen Mort

Repeat removals of children, Joanne Harris on The Strawberry Thief Apr 04, 2019

With the numbers of children being taken into care in England at a ten year high, we take a look at the women who face the repeat court-ordered removal of subsequent children. We hear the story of one woman who had already had her first two children removed under court orders - and decided to flee the country when she was 37 weeks pregnant with a third child. Jenni discusses why some women face the repeat court-ordered removal of their children and what support vulnerable mothers require to break the cycle. And the author of Chocolat, Joanne Harris, talks about her latest novel The Strawberry Thief which returns to the story of chocolatier Vianne Rocher and of her daughters, Anouk and Rosette.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts Interviewed guest: Sophie Humphreys, child protection expert and board member of Cafcass Interviewed guest: Claire Mason, senior research associate at the Centre for Child and Family Justice Research and social worker Interviewed guest: Paula Jackson-Key, from Doncaster Children’s Services Trust Interviewed guest: Joanne Harris, author of The Strawberry Thief

Winner of The Great British Sewing Bee Apr 03, 2019

Origami outfits, upcycled upholstery and canine coats have kept viewers of the Great British Sewing Bee captivated for the last eight weeks on BBC2. Jenni speaks to the series 5 winner who was announced last night.

What makes the adolescent brain different and why is it that an easy child can become a challenging teenager? Jenni talks about risky behaviour and how to limit it with the neuroscientist Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore.

Soprano Carolyn Sampson’s latest album shows the various way composers have contemplated the madwoman. On her new album ‘Reason in madness’, tragic characters like Ophelia, Gretchen and Bilitis are explored through multiple versions by composers including Brahms, Strauss, Saint-Saëns, Poulenc and Schumann. Carolyn Sampson joins Jenni to discuss musical responses to the theme of women and madness.

Women from all over the globe go to the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the UN in New York every year. It's the intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women .This year our reporter Ena Miller joined the delegates to hear their stories and why they are determined to be part of the conversation.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Caroline Donne Interviewed guest: Interviewed guest: Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore Interviewed guest: Carolyn Sampson Reporter: Ena Miller

Parenting: Maths anxiety Apr 03, 2019

“Maths anxiety” is real and one in ten children suffer from despair and rage when faced with the subject, according to new research from Cambridge University’s Faculty of Education and its Centre for Neuroscience. 1,700 British pupils aged eight to 13 were surveyed and Jenni is joined by Lucy Rycroft-Smith, research officer at Cambridge Mathematics and Kayla Fuller a mum of two and digital communications coordinator at National Numeracy to discuss their reactions and what parents can do to support their children if they have maths anxiety.

Black women and wigs, Author Helen Mort, Supporting a parent with dementia, Child poverty Apr 02, 2019

More in our series looking at what wigs mean to a range of different women. Yesterday we looked at the experience of women who'd lost their hair through cancer treatment. Today we look at why wigs can be so political for black women. Mikai McDermott is a blogger and hair stylist and specialises in wigs for women of colour. Maria Edaferhoro chooses to wear wigs and believes there can be a stigma against them in the black community and Michelle Annan-Baidoo owns a hair salon in East London.

The Sheffield-born poet Helen Mort talks about writing her first novel ‘Black Car Burning’ about women climbers, polyamory and trust.

What is the best way to care for a parent with early on-set dementia? A few weeks ago we spoke to Wendy Mitchell who was diagnosed with young on-set dementia at just 58 years old. Today we hear from her daughter Sarah about how she helps support her mum and the techniques they use to make caring easier.

A new report on children from low income UK families highlights their experience of hunger, shame and social exclusion because of lack of money and food. Rebecca O’ Connell lead author of Living Hand to Mouth published by the Child Poverty Action Group describes the stories she heard from the 11-15 year olds in the study

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest Rebecca O’ Connell Guest Mikai McDermott Guest Maria Edaferhoro Guest Michelle Annan-Baidoo Guest Helen Mort Guest Sarah Mitchell

Women and Wigs Apr 01, 2019

Hair can be intensely personal and equally political. It can be a sign of confidence or beauty, rebellion or activism. But what about wigs? Why do some women choose to wear them and how significant can they be? Throughout this week we'll explore what wigs mean to a range of different women. First: Wearing a wig during cancer. Approximately 65% of individuals undergoing chemotherapy will experience hair loss as a result. Alex Petropoulos and Angelina Hall both lost their hair this way and turned to wigs. Azmina Verjee works for the Macmillan Cancer Information Centre.

The subject of this year’s BBC Radio 3 Free Thinking Festival at Sage Gateshead is Emotion. One of their debates aims to decide ‘What is the emotion of now?’ The academic Hetta Howes argues that shame is the prevailing emotion of our time. We’ll be examining the relationship women have with shame in more detail with Hetta, a lecturer in Medieval and Early Modern Literature at City University, London, and with the cultural historian Tiffany Watt-Smith, author of ‘The Book of Human Emotions’.

Anne Acheson was a sculptor who changed medical history by combining her knowledge of art and anatomy. During the Great War, many soldiers suffered limb injuries which were treated with splints. However, Portadown-born Anne created an alternative method - using plaster of Paris. As the Millennium Court Arts Centre in Portadown plans a historic exhibition of Acheson’s work we discuss her importance as a sculptor and inventor with Rosamund Lily West, Research Curator at the Royal Society of Sculptors, Jackie Barker, director of Millennium Court Arts Centre, and Virginia Ironside, Anne’s great-niece.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

Fran & Flora, Maths anxiety, the spy Virginia Hall Mar 30, 2019

The folk duo, Fran and Flora play Eastern European inspired music from their album, Unfurl.

The former Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark, tells us about her recent work with the children’s charity World Vision where she’s been trying to help eradicate child marriage in Afghanistan.

According to recent research Maths anxiety is real and one in ten children suffer from despair and rage when faced with the subject. We hear from Kayla Fuller who suffered from maths anxiety at school and from Lucy Rycroft Smith a research and communications officer at Cambridge mathematics.

Do cultural attitudes to women and pain stand in the way of effective treatments? We're joined by Katy Vincent, Senior Pain Fellow at the Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health at the University of Oxford.

Sonia Purnell on her book, A Woman of No Importance, about Virginia Hall an American turned British spy who overcame a lost leg to become a legend in espionage and guerrilla warfare.

We hear from Julie Morgan the deputy minister for Health and Social Services in the Welsh Assembly on why she is fighting to ban smacking children in Wales.

And Hallie Rubenhold tells us about the five female victims of Jack the Ripper. She's written about their lives in her new book The Five.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Rabeka Nurmahomed Edited by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Helen Clark Interviewed guest: Kayla Fuller Interviewed guest: Lucy Rycroft Smith Interviewed guest: Katy Vincent Interviewed guest: Sonia Purnell Interviewed guest: Julie Morgan Interviewed guest: Hallie Rubenhold

Brexit anxiety, Bedtime Stories, UN women, Pain management Mar 29, 2019

Westminster Politics aside, we look at the wider impact that uncertainty about Brexit is having on families, friendships and out in the wider world of work. With MPs currently debating the way ahead for the whole country, we hear about some of the fallout for people trying to get on with their lives and their businesses.

'Bedtime Stories' is a project set up by the Stratford Literature Festival which helps prisoners to write original stories for the children they're separated from while serving time. Milly Chowles visited HMP East Sutton Park ,a women's open prison in Kent, and talked to festival director Annie Ashworth, Children’s writer Smriti Prasadam-Halls and to some of the prisoners at a writing workshop.

Women from all over the globe go to the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the UN in New York every year. It's the global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women .This year our reporter Ena Miller also attended. We hear from some of the unsuspecting women she followed in the street and between sessions to find out why they had made the journey.

Plus, are our cultural attitudes to women and pain standing in the way of effective treatments? We discuss how pain fits into female identity and what to do about it.

Presenter Tina Daheley

Guest Louise Stewart Guest Anoosh Chakelian Guest Katy Vincent

Reporter Milly Chowles Reporter Ena Miller

Fran & Flora, Margaret Thatcher, Maths Mar 28, 2019

Fran & Flora are the violinist Flora Curzon and cellist Francesca Ter-Berg. Their debut album is called ‘Unfurl’ and it combines new arrangements of traditional Transylvanian, Romanian, Klezmer, Greek and Armenian music. They play live in the studio and explain why they're so influenced by the music of far-flung places.

Forty years ago today the opposition party of the day won a No Confidence Motion against the ruling Labour Government. That led to the General Election which brought in the UK's first female Prime Minister: Margaret Thatcher. The Conservative politician, Edwina Currie, remembers campaigning for her and lobby journalist, Julia Langdon reflects on covering Margaret Thatcher all the way through her career.

Maths anxiety is a real problem. One in ten children suffers from despair and rage when they do maths according Cambridge University. They base this figure on a survey they carried out with nearly two thousand pupils who were between 8 and 13 years old. Jenni's joined by Lucy Rycroft-Smith, research officer at Cambridge Mathematics to discuss children's anxious reactions and what support parents can give.

Parenting: Ketamine Mar 27, 2019

According to the latest government crime survey for England and Wales, Ketamine, a powerful horse tranquilizer and anaesthetic is an increasingly popular drug of choice for teenagers. The proportion of 16- to 24-year-olds using the drug rose in 2017-18 rose from 1.2% to 3.1%, the highest figure since records of ketamine use began in 2006-07. Joining Jane to talk about what Ketamine is, its effects – and what every parent should be aware of is Lauren Moss, BBC South East Social Affairs & Education Correspondent who has been investigating the drug, Wendy Teasdill whose 18-year old daughter Eleanor died from taking the drug at a festival and Professor Celia Morgan, Professor of Psychopharmacology at Exeter University.

Celebrating the bicentenary of her birth: Northern Ballet's Victoria Mar 27, 2019

When you go shopping do you use the self-service checkouts? Or when you pop into a fast food place do you order on the touch- screens rather than go to the counter? If so, your transaction is through computers rather than people. This week the Office of National Statistics says that nearly 1.5 million jobs are at risk because of this type of automation and they’re jobs that many women carry out.

Victoria, a new ballet being performed at Sadler’s Wells in London, tells the remarkable story of Queen Victoria through the eyes of her youngest child and lifelong companion Beatrice. Choreographer and director, Cathy Marston and dramaturg, Uzma Hameed join Jenni to discuss the challenges of recreating a royal icon onstage, and reveal the true story behind Victoria and Beatrice's unique mother-daughter relationship.

Zeenat Aman has often been called Bollywood’s first sex symbol. She starred in numerous films in the 70s and 80s and redefined the archetypal heroine in Indian cinema. In an era when women played secondary characters, largely obedient wives and lovers, she was drawn to more unconventional roles. From the drug-taking hippie in 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' to the opportunist who leaves her unemployed lover for a millionaire in 'Roti', she was an inspiration for so many other heroines. She tell us about her illustrious career, Bollywood and the UK Asian Film Festival.

Last year Gina Haspel became the first female director of the CIA . She talked about how she stood “on the shoulders of heroines who never sought public acclaim” and was “deeply indebted” to women who challenged stereotypes and broke down barriers to make her appointment possible. One of the women she was referring to was Virginia Hall, an American-turned-British spy who became a legend in espionage and guerrilla warfare. Sonia Purnell has spent more than three years finding out more and talks to Jenni about her new book 'A Woman of No Importance' which has already been optioned for a film with Daisy Ridley set to play Virginia.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Professor Gina Neff Interviewed Guest: Cathy Marston Interviewed Guest: Uzma Hazeed Interviewed Guest: Zeenat Aman Interviewed Guest: Sonia Purnell

Child marriage, Jack the Ripper's victims Mar 26, 2019

According to the children’s charity World Vision, nine percent of girls in Afghanistan are married before the age of 15. Jane speaks to Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand who's been working with this charity to tackle this issue. She recently came back from Afghanistan where she spent time with the families affected by this. She also shares her views on the recent mosque attacks.

Hallie Rubenhold’s new book focuses on the lives of Mary Jane Kelly, Polly Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes. ‘The Five’ is about the women who were murdered by Jack the Ripper, and not about him.

Also on the programme, Jane speaks to Judy Kuhn,the voice of Disney’s 1995 classic Pocahontas. She’s also a four time Tony Award nominated Broadway star who is currently performing on the West End stage playing the part of Golde in latest revival of Fiddler on the Roof at the Playhouse Theatre. Jane finds out how the much loved musical mimics Judy’s own family history.

Producer: Sej Asar

Women and Environmental Activism Mar 25, 2019

Smacking children in Wales could be banned after the Welsh Government published a bill removing “reasonable punishment” as a defence. If it’s made law children will get the same protection from physical punishment as adults. Some argue such a move could criminalise ordinary parents. Jane speaks to Julie Morgan, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services in the Welsh government.

As World Earth Day approaches on April 1st we speak to different generations of women who are environmental activists. Whether it’s taking the decision to march, break the law, or vow not to have children, what made them act?

Parent protests against schools in Birmingham and Greater Manchester teaching children about LGBT rights continue. We hear from parents and teachers.

Nigerian-Romanian pianist Rebeca Omordia is the artistic director of the first ever African Concert series at The October Gallery in London. It’s a programme of African Art Music, a genre that originated in Ghana and Nigeria and which forms a bridge between Western classical and traditional African music.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

Jacinda Ardern's leadership, Spring poetry, and Tomi Adeyemi Mar 23, 2019

Jacinda Ardern New Zealand’s Prime Minister has been praised for her calm, clear and compassionate handling of the Christchurch massacre but do women leaders really do politics differently? Journalist Anne McElvoy and former special adviser Ayesha Hazarika discuss.

How has the terrorist shooting at Mosques in Christchurch New Zealand affected Muslim women in the UK? We hear from Rabina Khan a Liberal Democrat Councillor in East London, Akeela Ahmed MBE a social entrepreneur and activist and from Nadia Khan the co-founder of a mental health charity The Delicate Mind.

The author Tomi Adeyemi talks about her fantasy fiction for young adults set in the West Africa inspired world of Orisha - and tells us why it took her so long to write lead characters that reflect her own culture.

What does the discovery of a database called Breedready in China mean? Is it part of a bigger plan by the Chinese government to halt the countries declining birth rates? We talk to the BBC’s Asia Pacific Editor Celia Hatton.

Nice Nailantei Leng’ete tells us about the work she is doing in Kenya to bring about alternative rites of passage ceremonies to replace FGM.

We have poetry to mark the Spring Equinox from Christine de Luca.

Carol Morley tells us about her new film Out of Blue - a crime thriller adapted from Martin Amis’ novel Night Train.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Rabeka Nurmahomed Edited by Jane Thurlow

Interviewed guest: Anne McElvoy Interviewed guest: Ayesha Hazarika Interviewed guest: Rabina Khan Interviewed guest: Akeela Ahmed Interviewed guest: Nadia Khan Interviewed guest: Tomi Adeyemi Interviewed guest: Nice Nailantei Leng'ete Interviewed guest: Christine de Luca Interviewed guest: Carol Morley

Impact of Cyclone Idai. Film director Carol Morley. Author Tomi Adeyemi. Losing your mum. Mar 22, 2019

Last week Cyclone Idai swept through Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, leaving behind a trail of destruction, killing hundreds and affecting an estimated 2.6 million people. We hear from Sacha Myers, part of Save the Children’s Emergency Health Unit who's currently in Central Mozambique about the current situation there . Plus Daphne Lagrou, Sexual and Reproductive Health advisor for Médecins Sans Frontières tells us why there's a bigger impact on women and children when disasters like this strike.

Author Tomi Adeyemi talks about the impact of her first novel Children Of Blood and Bone which was hailed as a landmark publication in the very white and very male world of fantasy fiction.

Losing your mum is a very difficult experience. It's especially hard at this time of year when we’re bombarded with all the advertising and marketing ahead of Mother’s Day. Three women who attended a symposium called Motherless Daughters - which aims to get women to open up about their loss and the impact it's had on them - share their stories.

Director Carol Morley on her new film ‘Out of Blue’ – a crime thriller adapted from Martin Amis’s novel Night Train. What drew her to this neo-noir mystery ? and how have her own experiences influenced her directing? .

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest: Carol Morley Guest: Tomi Adeyemi Guest: Sacha Myers Guest: Daphne Lagrou

Reporter: Georgina Hewes

Jacinda Ardern's leadership; W series; Talking to children about their disabilities Mar 21, 2019

There's been widespread praise for Jacinda Ardern handling of the terrorist attack in Christchurch. She's been held up as an example of how women leaders can handle some problems better. But do women leaders really do things differently? Journalist Anne McElvoy and former special adviser Ayesha Hazarika discuss. The W series for women's motor racing has launched, it aims to address the imbalance in a sport which hasn't seen a female compete at the top level for well over 25 years. We talk to driver Jamie Chadwick, W Series CEO Catherine Bond-Muir and to journalist, Poppy McKenzie Smith. When is it the right time to talk to your child about their disability? And how should you do it? Disability activist Caroline Casey and Woman’s Hour listener, Kate who has three children with different disabilities discuss their experiences. And Spring fashion has landed and colour is back. How to wear lilac and yellow? Lisa Armstrong and Basma Khalifa give sceptics their advice on embracing the new season's colours.

Porn, Breed-Ready Women, Poetry Mar 20, 2019

A recent study connected to a current BBC 3 series, Porn Laid Bare, spoke to a thousand 18 to 25-year-olds across the UK. They were asked about porn. 47% of women said they'd watched porn in the last month and 14% said they felt that, at some point, they might have been addicted to it. Whilst a lot has been written on the subject of men and excessive porn use, very little work has been done on women. Woman’s Hour investigates why.

A list of what's been called “Breed Ready" women has been discovered on an open database in China. It's raised alarm among women’s rights activists who are concerned that this is a covert way the Chinese government is dealing with the country's declining birth rates. The list is made up of the names of nearly two million women who are between 15 and 39 years of age along with their contact details. It was discovered by a researcher called Victor Gevers who works at the Global Disinformation Foundation which is a Dutch non-profit organisation. The BBC’s Celia Hatton explains what we know.

Lichen sclerosus is a rare auto immune condition which happens when there's an over production of collagen. Following on from yesterday's item about vaginal health we discuss the condition with Fatima Sulaiman from SRUK.

As part of Radio 4’s Four Seasons poetry to celebrate the Spring Equinox, Jenni talks to Christine De Luca. She was Edinburgh’s Makar until 2017. She was raised in Shetland and writes in Shetlandic dialect.

Parenting: Making Friends Mar 20, 2019

Friendship battles between children have always existed – but how can you support your child if you feel they aren’t fitting in? How do you help your child make friends? And how much can friendship be taught anyway - or should adults leave children to work it out for themselves? Jenni talks to Tanith Carey, author of ‘The Friendship Maze’ and Dr Angharad Rudkin, Clinical Child Psychologist at the University of Southampton.

Mary Berry, Ketamine, New Zealand attacks Mar 19, 2019

Every month Woman's Hour is joined by top chefs and cooks about how to perfect well loved dishes. Mary Berry takes the lead this week and tells us how to make a limoncello trifle.

According to the latest government crime survey for England and Wales, ketamine, a powerful horse tranquilizer and anaesthetic is an increasingly popular drug of choice for teenagers. The proportion of 16- to 24-year-olds using the drug rose in 2017-18 from 1.2% to 3.1%, the highest figure since records of ketamine use began in 2006-07. Joining Jane to talk about what ketamine is, its effects and what every parent should be aware of is Lauren Moss, BBC South East Social Affairs & Education Correspondent who has been investigating the drug, Wendy Teasdill whose 18-year old daughter Eleanor died from taking the drug at a festival and Professor Celia Morgan, Professor of Psychopharmacology at Exeter University.

After the shootings in Christchurch that left 50 people dead, New Zealand's government have agreed in principle to toughen the country's gun laws. People around the world have been talking about how they have been affected by the incident. We talk to three British Muslim women about how they're feeling and what conversations they are having with their children about what happened.

Dr Anita Mitra, a Gynecologist wants to talk about the myths we all have about our vaginas. She's written a guide called 'The Gynae Geek' which she says answers questions and worries you may have about women's health.

Producer: Sej Asar

Actor Lupita Nyong'o Mar 18, 2019

In less than 10 years Lupita Nyong’o has starred in a number of high profile and award-winning roles. Her latest project ‘Us’ is a thriller-horror, directed by the Oscar-winning Jordan Peele. Lupita joins Jane to discuss skyrocketing into fame and the impact of being an African woman in Hollywood.

Bryony Frost is the first women to win a grade one race at the Cheltenham Festival. She’s 23, from Devon and the daughter of a Grand National winning jockey. She has won over 100 races and made over a million pounds. Her win is thought to be a significant day for sporting equality but she’s quoted as saying, “It doesn’t matter whether you are a boy or a girl. I live by the metaphor about looking up the mountain.”

After official figures revealed the number of women going for smear tests had reached an all-time low, there was a campaign aimed at encouraging women to go for the tests which look for the early signs of cervical cancer. Not surprisingly, more women went for testing…but the Guardian reports this morning that the service is in meltdown as scientists have been leaving. Kate Sanger, from the charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, explains why.

As a Maasai child in Kenya, Nice Nailantei Leng’ete accomplished something remarkable: she refused to undergo her culture’s ritualized female genital mutilation. As an adult, she has gone on to negotiate with village elders, who traditionally have not worked with women, and convince them that alternative coming-of-age ceremonies will be healthier for girls and better for communities. Nice joins Jane to talk about her escape, and how her work has saved an estimated 15,000 girls around Kenya from the cut, as well as from child marriage.

Author, Eleanor Anstruther’s father, Ian, was sold to his aunt for £500 because his mother was in terrible debt. After hearing his story, Eleanor wanted to know more about how and why this had happened all those years ago, so she began some research and then wrote about it. Her debut novel is ‘A Perfect Explanation’ .

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Lupita Nyong'o Interviewed Guest: Bryony Frost Interviewed Guest: Kate Sanger Interviewed Guest: Nice Nailantei Leng'ete Interviewed Guest: Eleanor Anstruther

The jailed Iranian lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, Early onset dementia & Cleaning Tips Mar 15, 2019

We discuss the case of Nasrin Sotoudeh the Iranian lawyer, who’s been jailed for 38 years, and sentenced to 148 lashes for defending women’s rights. We hear from Mansoureh Mills Middle East Researcher from Amnesty and from Rana Rahimpour from the BBC Persian Service.

Five years ago Wendy Mitchell was diagnosed with young onset dementia, she was just 58 years old. She tells us how she copes with the disease which is robbing her of her memories.

After winning the SheBelieves Cup in America recently England’s women are now setting their sights on the World Cup. Nike and Adidas have come on board with sponsorships but what difference, if any, will this make? Rebecca Myers, Sports Journalist from the Sunday Times explains the significance of big brands getting involved in the women’s game.

Baroness Liz Barker, the Liberal Democrat Peer and an ambassador for Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Women’s health week, tells us why lesbian and bisexual women say they feel invisible to their doctors and nurses.

Fern Champion was raped three years ago but has waived her anonymity to call on the government to provide more support to people like her. She tells us why she’s set up a petition to ask for rape counselling to be made available to anyone who needs it and Rebecca Hitchin the Campaign Manager at End Violence Against Women, explains why there is a funding shortfall for these services.

Margaret Busby the editor of the anthology New Daughters of Africa and writer and contributor Candice Carty-Williams tell us about the new volume.

And with Instagram full of cleaning tips we ask if cleaning has become cool? Lynsey Crombie Instagram’s Queen of Clean and journalist Zing Tsjeng discuss.

Presented by Jane Garvey Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor: Erin Riley

Interviewed Guest: Mansoureh Mills Interviewed Guest: Rana Rahimpour Interviewed Guest: Wendy Mitchell Interviewed Guest: Rebecca Myers Interviewed Guest: Baroness Liz Barker Interviewed Guest: Fern Champion Interviewed Guest: Rebecca Hitchin Interviewed Guest: Margaret Busby Interviewed Guest :Candice-Carty-Williams Interviewed Guest: Lynsey Crombie Interviewed Guest: Zing Tsjeng

Jane visits the Bike Project Mar 15, 2019

Women seeking asylum in the UK often find the expense of travel in their new country prevents them from being free to move around, volunteer and become involved in their community. The Bike Project in London supports female asylum seekers and refugees to develop cycling skills. Jane attended a weekly lesson that was funded by Comic Relief and delivered by The Bike project and Young Roots.

Labour MP Rachel Reeves joins Jane to discuss her new book ‘Women of Westminster: The MPs who Changed Politics’. From steering pioneering legislation to the continuing fuss over clothes and haircuts - she’ll be talking about how women MPs have made a difference to our political culture.

In 2012 two teenage high school football players from Steubenville, Ohio were convicted of raping a sixteen year old girl. The case attracted huge national attention due to the role social media played as well as outspoken members of the community defending the boys. A film about the case ‘Roll Red Roll’ is being shown tonight and tomorrow at the Human Rights Watch film Festival in London. Jane speaks to the producer and director Nancy Schwartzman about the case and its aftermath.

Has your Instagram feed been full of recipes for homemade dishwasher tablets and tips for getting red wine out of carpets? A new wave of influencers are keen to share advice and inspiration for keeping your home spick and span. But why is cleaning suddenly cool? Jane talks to Lynsey Crombie, Instagram's Queen of Clean and author of How to Clean Your House and Tidy Up Your Life, and to Zing Tsjeng, UK Editor of Broadly.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Laura Northedge Interviewed Guest: Rachel Reeves Interviewed Guest: Nancy Schwartzman Interviewed Guest: Lynsey Crombie Interviewed Guest: Zing Tsjeng

Margaret Busby on New Daughters of Africa, sponsorship of women's football Mar 13, 2019

'New Daughters of Africa' features more than 200 writers from more than 50 countries. Its editor, Margaret Busby and Candice Carty-Williams, who has contributed to the collection, discuss why such a rich tradition of writing by women of African descent has been overlooked and if this is finally changing. Children have always fallen out with their friends, but how can you support your child if you feel they aren’t fitting in? And can you help your child make friends? Tanith Carey, author of ‘The Friendship Maze’ and Dr Angharad Rudkin, Clinical Child Psychologist at the University of Southampton discuss what parents can do. Evidence is crucial when prosecuting domestic violence cases, but often survivors and witnesses find it difficult to remember exact dates and incidents of abuse. We hear about one app that has been developed to deal with this challenge with funding from Comic Relief. The England women's football team has set its sights on winning the World Cup. The players will be in a kit designed by Nike, who’ll also sponsor fourteen national kits, in the tournament in France this Summer. Adidas have said that all 2019 World Cup winning team mates will receive the same performance bonus payout as their male peers. Rebecca Myers, a Sunday Times sports journalist explains the significance of big brand sponsorship.

Parenting: Philippa Perry Mar 13, 2019

The author and psychotherapist Philippa Perry talks to Jane about her latest publication ‘The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read’ and answers listeners' questions about how to parent well and give children a healthy start – while not being too hard on yourself.

Women priests, Treasuring your mother's memories, Violent women on TV Mar 12, 2019

Twenty five years ago today, women were allowed to become priests in the Church of England. Thirty two women were ordained that day at Bristol Cathedral and now there are nearly six thousand women priests who are women. We speak to one of the first women priests and Rachel Murray who will be ordained this summer.

Lesbian and bisexual women say they often feel invisible to their doctors and nurses. Some report being asked inappropriate questions or ignored while others say they’ve been discouraged from taking up vital screening. Baroness Liz Barker is and an ambassador for LBT women’s health week and joins us to explain how healthcare professionals can recognise their needs and experiences.

When Elma van Vliet’s mother was diagnosed with inoperable cancer she decided to create a book to record her mother’s memories. In a blank diary she asked all the questions that she’s always wondered about but never asked. Questions like what were you like as a child? How did motherhood change you? And what special things have you achieved in life? Realising how precious these family stories can be, Elma decided to publish her template book so that others could collect their mother’s stories. ‘Mum, Tell Me’ is the first in a series that have sold millions. Jane speaks to the Dutch author about what she learnt about her mother and why she wanted to share the experience.

Writer Phoebe Waller Bridge who also adapted Killing Eve told Andrew Marr that she thinks watching violent women on TV is empowering. We discuss these comments with two guests with their thoughts.

Producer: Sej Asar

Reshma Saujani, Wendy Mitchell, Fern Champion Mar 11, 2019

We speak to author Reshma Saujani about the idea that girls and women are brought up to be perfectionists while boys are expected to be brave.

Wendy Mitchell was diagnosed with young on-set dementia at just 58 years old. Before the diagnosis she was known for her sharp mind and organisational skills, both at work and as a single mum to two daughters. She talks to Jane about how she copes with the disease which steals her memories and why she wanted to write her memoir Somebody I Used to Know for the woman she once was and as an affirmation of the woman dementia has seen her become.

A woman who was raped three years ago has decided to waive her anonymity so she can call on the government to provide more support to people like her. Fern Champion has set up a petition and written to Theresa May saying that rape counselling must be available to anyone who needs it, wherever they live. When Fern wanted support she couldn’t even get on a waiting list. She was told a funding shortfall was stopping her getting the help she needed.

About one in everyone one thousand women experiences Post Partum Psychosis - the rare but very serious mental illness that can occur in the first few days after having a baby. Claire and Aiden, from Leicestershire, have two children and after both births Claire had Post Partum Psychosis. We hear how it affected them as a couple.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Helen Fitzhenry Interviewed guest: Reshma Saujani Interviewed guest: Wendy Mitchell Interviewed guest: Fern Champion

Knife crime, Women and Equalities Minister Penny Mordaunt, Waitress the musical Mar 09, 2019

How do you keep your children safe from knife crime? We hear from youth worker Elaine Donnellon, and two mothers Yvonne Lawson and Rachel Webb whose sons died from knife attacks.

The Minister for Women and Equalities, Penny Mordaunt on the government campaign to end period poverty globally by 2030.

Katherine McPhee and Sara Bareilles on their new West End musical Waitress.

The Israeli writer and psychologist Ayelet Gundar Goshen on her new novel The Liar.

The former Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard and the founder and director of WOW on the progress towards gender equality around the world.

The journalist Melanie Reid had a riding accident breaking her neck and fracturing her lower back in 2010. She's written her memoir, The World I Fell Out Of.

How has Kylie Jenner managed to become the world’s youngest self-made billionaire at just 21? Nyree Ambarchian, a founder of the branding agency Stand and cultural commentator Bolu Babalola discuss.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Dianne McGregor Editor: Jane Thurlow

The first all-women-of-colour cast and crew production of Richard II Mar 08, 2019

A production of Richard II has just opened at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in London. All the cast and crew are women of colour. It's co-directed by Adjoa Andoh, who also takes on the role of Richard II. She discusses the significance of this version of the play, a story of a troubled King beset by problems at home and abroad. The psychologist and author Ayelet Gundar-Goshen talks about her latest novel, Liar, and explores, through the character of Nofar, an average teenage girl working in an ice cream parlor during the summer holidays, the consequences of not telling the truth.

Dr Holly Birkett, Lecturer at Birmingham Business Schoo, on the University's Equal Parenting Project. It's some of the most extensive research yet into the take up of Shared Parental Leave, and looks at why more eligible parents don’t use it.

Today and tomorrow, Women of the World Festival London takes place at Southbank Centre. What does the future hold for women in Leadership? We hear from Jude Kelly, the founder and director of WOW, and former politician Julia Gillard, the former Prime Minister of Australia and the only female to have held the post, who is now Chair of the Global Institute of Women’s Leadership at King’s College in London.

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Photographer; Ingrid Pollard.

Guest; Adjoa Andoh Guest; Lynette Linton Guest; Dr Holly Birkett Guest; Ayelet Gundar-Goshen Guest; Jude Kelly Guest; Julia Gillard

Kylie Jenner's success, Kristalina Georgieva CEO of the World Bank Mar 07, 2019

According to Forbes, Kylie Jenner is the world's youngest self-made billionaire at just 21. The youngest Kardashian family member is making her fortune from her best-selling cosmetics business. We discuss the debate about whether she's "self-made" with cultural commentator Bolu Babalola and branding specialist, Nyree Ambarchian, Co-Founder and Director at Stand Agency.

Women have only three-quarters of the legal rights that men enjoy according to a new index produced by the World Bank. This makes it harder for them to get jobs, start businesses and make economic decisions. Kristalina Georgieva, the World Bank's Group Interim President explains why we need to remove the barriers that hold women back.

Getting clean has been a theme of Michele Kirsch’s life: from scrubbing other people’s showers to weaning herself off the prescription medicine she’d spent her life addicted to. She talks about her memoir 'Clean', which brings together her own experiences with the stories she’s found in clients' homes.

The Woman’s Hour babies are now one. Reporter, Abby Hollick meets their mothers to discuss how motherhood has changed their relationships.

Talking to your children about knife crime Mar 06, 2019

There appears to be rise in knife violence among young people, and it’s happening right around the country. Parents are asking themselves how to keep their children safe, especially when some of the recent stabbings appear to be so random, have happened in open spaces and when other people have been around. So what should parents tell their children when they go out, and what do they need to be alert for?

‘Runaways’ is a new novel by Fatima Bhutto. Set between Pakistan and the UK, it tells the story of three young people drawn to radical forces. She joins Jenni to discuss the themes of poverty, alienation, class, technology and the West’s lack of understanding of radicalism.

And we return to the series ‘Bump, Birth and Beyond’. Last week we heard from the dads and one gran as they had frank chat about dad guilt, dad privilege, sex and feeling like a spare part. In the latest edition we catch up with the mothers – it’s been a whole year since we last spoke to Charlotte Dore, Jen Barratt, Rowan Lawton and Laura Horrocks. Abby Hollick, who also had a baby at the same time, sits down with them to find out how they’re doing, how they’ve coped with the unexpected and going back to work.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Laura Northedge Interviewed Guest: Fatima Bhutto Interviewed Guest: Yvonne Lawson Interviewed Guest: Rachel Webb Interviewed Guest: Elaine Donnellon

Parenting: Eating Disorders Mar 06, 2019

The number of boys receiving treatment for eating disorders has doubled in recent years, according to NHS figures. Since 2012, the number of boys going into hospitals in England, Scotland and Wales increased from 235 to 466. Jenni is joined by Samuel Pollen, author of ‘The Year I Didn’t Eat,’ a teen novel about a boy with anorexia. Samuel had anorexia from age 12. And Dr Sandeep Ranote, Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist at the North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to talk about why the incidences of boys with eating disorders appear to be rising, the impact of eating disorders on boys and advice for any parent who may be worried about their son.

Author Melanie Reid, Parenting tips, Intrepid women Mar 05, 2019

We talk to Journalist and Author Melanie Reid about her memoir where she gives us an honest account about when she fell from her horse, breaking her neck and fracturing her lower back. Melanie was paralysed from the top of her chest down she spent almost a year in hospital. To help her recover she turned to the one thing she knew, writing to help her navigate her way through a world that had previously been invisible to her. Her book 'The World I fell Out Of' comes out this week.

We hear from a Curator involved in an exhibition about the lives of women who carried out anthropological fieldwork around the world in the early twentieth century. Six are being featured in a new exhibition at The Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford.

What queries and problems do you have when it comes to parenting? Author and Psychotherapist Philippa Perry talks about her latest publication ‘The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read’ and answers your questions about how to parent well and give children a healthy start.

Producer: Sej Asar

Missing children, Women's minister Penny Mordaunt, Waitress the musical Mar 04, 2019

In the UK, someone is reported missing every 90 seconds - around 180,000 a year. What is it like for the families who are never reunited? How does it feel to be a mother with a missing son or daughter? Jane speaks to three women about their own experiences.

Jane speaks to the Minister for Women and Equalities, Penny Mordaunt, about a new government campaign to end period poverty globally by 2030.

Waitress is the first ever West End musical that has been written, composed, directed and choreographed by women. Jane meets its star Katharine McPhee - best known for Smash and American Idol - and the woman behind the songs and music multi Grammy Award nominee singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles.

We discuss the lives of women who carried out anthropological fieldwork around the world in the early twentieth century. Six are being featured in a new exhibition at the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford.

Periods, Caroline Criado Perez, Simran Kaur, Cook the Perfect... with Tom Kerridge Mar 02, 2019

A film about the stigma of menstruation in rural India has just won an Oscar – we hear from three British Asian women about the stigma in the UK. Psychologist Dr Sunny Kleo, journalist Poorna Bell and the writer Sonal Sachdev Patel.

The world has been built by men, for men and, according to Caroline Criado Perez author of 'Invisible Women', we’ve struggled to do anything about it because we’ve been using biased data that excludes women. She explains why and what she thinks we can do about it.

Seventeen year old national youth champion boxer Simran Kaur has just won her her fifth consecutive National ABA crown. What does she love about the sport?

Elli Radinger gave up her legal career to study wolves. She's written a new book 'The Wisdom of Wolves'. She tells us about the wolves she’s encountered and why she-wolves make the key decisions in the pack. Getting a business started if you’re a black, Asian or minority ethnic woman – how difficult is it to find investment? Charmaine Hayden, senior partner at GOODsoil Venture Capital and Mariam Jimoh, founder of Women in the City Afro-Caribbean Network discuss.

A new play 'The Son' is about a teenage boy whose parents have separated and he is skipping school, self-harming and is depressed. How accurate a reflection is the play of a troubled teenager? We speak to the actress Amanda Abbington who plays the boy's mother and to Dr Bernadka Dubicka, Chair of the Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry from the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

The Michelin starred chef Tom Kerridge who famously lost 12 stones - Cooks the Perfect Roasted Winter Sprout Curry.

The violinist Madeleine Mitchell found some of the unpublished work of Welsh composer Grace Williams who died in 1977 - why has she put together an album of her Chamber Music?

Presented by Jenni Murray Producer: Dianne McGregor

Amanda Abbington, Asma Khan, Bumps & Babies Mar 01, 2019

The actress Amanda Abbington, who's well-known for her part in Sherlock, is now in a harrowing new play about teenage depression. It's called The Son and has just opened at the Kiln Theatre in North London. It's about 16 year old Nicolas who is going through a difficult time after his parents’ divorce. He misses school, lies and self-harms. Amanda plays his mother and joins us in the studio. Also with us is Dr Bernadka Dubicka, Chair of the Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry from Royal College of Psychiatrists. She talks to us about some of the important themes in the play.

We speak to Harriet Wistrich, the lawyer of Sally Challen, the woman in prison for killing her husband. Yesterday her murder conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal. She now faces a retrial. Her lawyer wants her conviction downgraded to manslaughter because they say she was a victim of coercive control.

Asma Khan calls herself a "house cook" but she's set up a central London restaurant which is completely run by women. Her rotas are made up of four hour shifts so her staff can combine work with family commitments. It just makes sense she says and helps women enter the workplace. Asma's new cookery book is a bestseller on Amazon. She joins us to talk about food, work and family. More ‘Bump, Birth and Beyond’. We catch up once more with our group of listeners who are telling us about their new babies. They're now one years old. We hear from the dads today, and one of the grannies, to find out how the new babies have affected their mental health.

Caroline Criado Perez on the gender data gap, Maggie Gee, Madeleine Mitchell Feb 28, 2019

The world has been built by men, for men and, according to Caroline Criado Perez, we’ve struggled to do anything about it because we’ve been using biased data that excludes women. She explains why and what she thinks we can do about it. Author, Maggie Gee discusses her latest novel, Blood – an exploration of some of the darker human emotions in a literary comedy with dashes of thriller, elements of farce, criminal caper and political satire. The English Collective of Prostitutes is campaigning for the decriminalisation of sex work. We discuss the launch of their new campaign #makeallwomensafe and claims the current law puts 70,000 women’s lives at risk by forcing them to work alone. Violinist Madeleine Mitchell talks to Jenni about her new album Grace Williams: Chamber Music, in which she performs previously unpublished work by the Welsh composer. And, we hear why school governors and trustees are going to Westminster today to lobby MPs for more money.

Cook the Perfect... with Tom Kerridge, LGBTQ adoption, boys and eating disorders Feb 27, 2019

Tom Kerridge's new book Fresh Start features recipes for home cooks who want to stop eating ready meals and takeaways and start cooking from scratch using fresh ingredients. He joins Jenni in the studio to Cook the Perfect…Roasted Winter Sprout Curry.

The number of boys receiving treatment for eating disorders has doubled in recent years, according to NHS figures. Jenni is joined by Samuel Pollen, author of ‘The Year I Didn’t Eat,’ a novel for young people about a boy with anorexia, and Dr Sandeep Ranote, Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist at the North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Does ‘the black tax’ exist in UK venture capital? An article published Goodsoil Venture Capital says there is reason to believe that black women-led businesses have a lower probability of securing venture capital investment than their male and female counterparts. Jenni is joined by Senior Partner at GOODsoil Venture Capital, Charmaine Hayden and tech entrepreneur and founder of the Women in the City Afro-Caribbean Network, Mariam Jimoh.

Edinburgh-based St Andrew’s Children’s Society is working with LGBT nightclubs to encourage awareness of LGBT adoption. Why choose a nightclub to promote adoption? And why are there relatively few LGBT couples adopting in Scotland in the first place? Rita Grant is the Adoption Support Manager at St Andrew’s Children’s Society and Tor Docherty is the Chief Executive of New Family Social, a UK charity supporting LGBT adopters.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Laura Northedge Interviewed Guest: Tom Kerridge Interviewed Guest: Samuel Pollen Interviewed Guest: Sandeep Ranote Interviewed Guest: Mariam Jimoh Interviewed Guest: Charmaine Hayden Interviewed Guest: Rita Grant Interviewed Guest: Tor Docherty

Parenting: Alcohol Feb 27, 2019

What do you do if you suspect your child is drinking alcohol and everything seems to be getting out of control? And what’s the best way to introduce alcohol to your child – if at all? Jane Garvey speaks to Mandy Saligari, author of ‘Proactive Parenting’ and Dorothy Newbury-Birch, Professor of Alcohol and Public Health Research, at the School for Social Sciences, Humanities and Law at Teeside University.

University Sexual Violence, Bump, Birth and Beyond, Periods Feb 26, 2019

According to a new survey, more than half of university students in the UK are being exposed to unwanted sexual behaviour. That ranges from inappropriate touching, explicit messages, cat-calling, being followed or being forced into sex or sexual acts. So why are only a tiny fraction of women reporting what’s happened to them?

We have an update on our ‘Bump, Birth and Beyond' babies. You may remember that in 2017 our reporter Abby Hollick was 33 weeks pregnant and she formed the 'Bump Birth and Beyond' group which was made up of listeners who were pregnant around the same Those babies are now teething. So today we hear from their dads and one of their grandma's to find out what the first year's been like.

A short film called Period-End of Sentence won an Oscar on Sunday night. It’s a film set in rural India and it's about the stigma around periods It's the story of a young woman who lives in a place where women are thought to be impure when they're on their period and they're stopped from going into temples and taking part in religious events. Today Jane talks to three British Asian women who say there are still taboos in this country around periods within some Asian communities in the UK.

A self-confessed ‘wolfaholic’ comes onto the programme to talk about her devotion to the animals. Elli Radinger gave up her legal career to study them and has spent many years studying the wolves of Yellowstone National Park. In her new book ‘ The Wisdom of Wolves’ she tells us about the wolves she’s encountered, what wolves can teach us about being human and why she-wolves make the key decisions in the pack.

Producer Sej Asar

Simran Kaur, 17-year-old national youth champion boxer Feb 25, 2019

Monday 25th February is 25 years to the day that serial killer Fred West confessed to the murder of his daughter Heather, and the first set of remains were excavated from 25 Cromwell Street, Gloucester, crimes for which he and his wife Rose were found guilty. Lucy Partington was one of their victims, an English student in her final year at Exeter University who vanished while waiting for a late-night bus. For twenty years her family didn’t know what had happened to her. Her sister Marian, author of 'If You Sit Very Still' speaks to Jane about her journey from “murderous rage” towards her sister’s killers, to a vow she made to bring something positive out of Lucy’s death.

Menopause and the workplace: What are employers doing to help women with menopausal symptoms? We hear from Deborah Garlick founder of the over 40’s website, Henpicked.

Emma Morgan’s debut novel, 'A Love Story for Bewildered Girls', follows three young women in Leeds and their adventures in love. One knows she likes women, one men, and one just isn’t sure. Is it rare to see so much sexual diversity in romantic fiction? She joins us to discuss.

Boxer, Simran Kaur, National youth champion, has just won a fifth consecutive National ABA crown. What is it like to already have such success at just 17?

'Mary’s Babies' is a fictional play based on the true story of Mary Barton, a fertility treatment pioneer who set up a ground-breaking fertility clinic in London alongside her husband in the 1930s. The real clinic’s practices were controversial at the time and kept secret, with all records of donors destroyed in the early 1960s. It is now thought that Mary’s husband, Bertold Weisner, fathered around 1,000 babies himself. Jane speaks to playwright, Maud Dromgoole and fertility historian, Dr Yuliya Hilevych

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Marian Partington Interviewed Guest: Deborah Garlick Interviewed Guest: Emma Morgan Interviewed Guest: Simran Kaur Interviewed Guest: Maud Dromgoole Interviewed Guest: Dr Yuliya Hilevych

Fatimah Asghar, teenagers and alcohol, nursing's gender pay gap Feb 23, 2019

The poet and writer Fatimah Asghar is the voice behind the web series Brown Girls. She talks about her experience of being a young Pakistani American woman and tells us about her new poetry collection.

Men hold one in five of the best paid jobs in nursing, why? Alison Leary Professor of Health Care at London South Bank University tells us about the latest study in the nursing gender pay gap.

The writer Mariam Khan talks about her anthology ‘It’s Not About The Burqa’ with Salma El-Wardany who contributed a piece about sex.

Is it a good idea to introduce children to alcohol in the family home? How can they be encouraged to have sensible drinking habits? Mandy Saligari, a former addict and author of Proactive Parenting, and Dorothy Newbury-Birch a Professor of Alcohol and Public Health Research at Teeside University discuss.

Clara Schumann was a famous pianist in the 19th century. 2019 is her bicentenary. We hear about her life and success from Beverley Vong, curator of the Clara Schumann Festival at St John's Smith Square and Lucy Parham who created the I, Clara stage tour.

Why is genital herpes still a source of embarrassment? Marian from the Herpes Virus Association and Slyvia and Jess talk about their experiences of herpes.

The artist and author Laura Dodsworth tells us about her latest project which features images of 100 vulvas. Two of the women photographed for the book - Womanhood: The Bare Reality - Lily and Saschan join the conversation.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Rabeka Nurmahomed Edited by Jane Thurlow

Women In Film, Female MP's joining the Independent Group, Mariam Khan Feb 22, 2019

Of the twelve MPs who resigned so far this week from the Labour and Conservative parties, seven of them are women. Jane speaks to Sarah Childs, Professor of Politics and Gender at Birkbeck University about the significance of their resignations.

The first survey of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in young people in the UK suggests girls are twice as likely to develop PTSD following a traumatic experience, with 1 in 13 young people across the UK having had post-traumatic stress disorder before reaching the age of 18. Andrea Danese, Professor of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Kings College London explains the implications of the survey and Flo Sharman who experienced PTSD and is an ambassador for mental health charity MQ.

The 2019 Oscars are on Sunday - and this year the hashtag #OscarsSoMale has been trending. That’s because not one woman has been nominated in the Best Director, Original Score, Film Editing and Best Picture categories. Only 25% of non-acting Oscar nominations this year went to women. Radio 4 film podcast presenter and playwright Melody Bridges shines a light on some of her favourite women in film with three of her favourite films directed by women who she believes were snubbed an Oscar win for Best Director.

How much do you know about herpes? 7 out of 10 people over the age of 25 carry a type of the virus, but it’s still a source of embarrassment and frequently misunderstood. We speak to three women who have genital herpes about the impact it’s had on their lives, and the reality behind the myths

It’s Not About the Burqa” features seventeen essays from Muslim women speaking frankly on topics as wide ranging as the hijab and wavering faith, love and divorce, feminism, queer identity, sex, and the twin threats of a disapproving community and a racist country. The writer and activist Mariam Khan talks to Jane about why she wanted to put the anthology together, with writer and poet Salma El-Wardany on her essay A Gender Denied; Islam, sex and the struggle to get some.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Caroline Donne

Interviewed Guest: Professor Sarah Childs Interviewed Guest: Professor Andrea Danese Interviewed Guest: Melody Bridges Interviewed Guest: Mariam Khan Interviewed Guest: Salma El-Wardany Interviewed Guest; Flo Sharman

Afghan Women and the Peace Negotiations Feb 21, 2019

Jenni speaks to Mary Akrami, director of the Afghan Women’s Network and Sunday Times Chief Foreign Correspondent and author, Christina Lamb who has been reporting on Afghanistan for decades. Why are there no women involved in the current peace negotiations involving the US negotiators and the Taliban? And what could be the consequences for women?

Clara Schumann might not be the best known composer with her surname, but her ability and talent as a pianist made her a star in the 19th Century. 2019 is her bicentenary, and she’s being celebrated around the country. We’re joined by curator of the Clara Schumann Festival, Beverley Vong, and Lucy Perham, whose tour ‘I, Clara’, tells the composer’s story through her letters and music.

Over the last 6 weeks we have been hearing from listeners about the family secrets they have discovered and how their lives and relationships were changed by the revelations. Lots of you have been in touch to tell us how the tales and their tellers have chimed with you. Psychotherapist Sue Cowan-Jenssen discusses the power and fall-out of family secrets.

Laura Bates has just written her debut novel for young adults called The Burning. Inspired by the real stories of teenage girls contributing to the Everyday Sexism Project Laura created in 2012, the book tells the parallel stories of two young women, 15 year old Anna who is mercilessly bullied after a topless photo of her is shared by a boy at her school and Maggie, who lived 400 years earlier and was accused of witchcraft.

Family secrets, Who was Mary Macarthur? Poet Fatimah Asghar, Gender pay inequalities in UK nursing Feb 20, 2019

More Family Secret, today we hear from Prue who's niece brought her a DNA kit for her 70th Birthday. When she found out that she could find people with matched DNA, she was shocked to discover that the man who brought her up was in fact NOT her biological father. Since then she's been trying to find him. Reporter Jo Morris meets her at her home to talk about the impact the news had on her.

Nursing is predominantly a female occupation in the UK, but men still hold one in five of the best paid jobs, according to a new study by London South Bank University . Jenni talks to Professor Alison Leary, Chair of Workforce Modelling, who headed up the study called ‘Nursing pay by gender distribution in the UK - does the Glass Escalator still exist?’

Rouse, Ye Women! a folk opera is currently on tour around the country. It tells the tale of Mary Macarthur, a female trade unionist in the early part of the twentieth century who relentlessly fought for better working conditions and pay for women. We hear from actor and singer, Bryony Purdue who plays the activist and Mary’s biographer, Dr Cathy Hunt.

And Fatimah Asghar, is an impassioned voice on the experience of young Pakistani-American women and the voice behind the web series Brown Girls. She shares some of her debut poetry collection which examines daily microaggressions and the long term trauma that the Indian-Pakistani partition has had on her culture.

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Bryony Purdue Guest; Dr Cathy Hunt. Guest; Fatimah Asghar Guest Prof. Alison Leary

Reporter Jo Morris

Parenting: Vaccinations Feb 20, 2019

Measles cases in Europe have tripled between 2017 and 2018. It's the highest number recorded this decade, according to the World Health Organisation and in America, two states are experiencing an outbreak of measles. Jane is joined by Helen Bedford, Professor of Children’s Health at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Samantha Vanderslott, social sciences researcher at Oxford Vaccine Group to discuss parental attitudes to vaccinating children.

The Shamima Begum case, #OscarsSoMale, Young people and alcohol Feb 19, 2019

A look at the issues raised by the case of Shamima Begum the 19 year old former east London schoolgirl who travelled to Syria back in 2015 to join the Islamic State group. We hear from Huda Jawad a Muslim feminist, Nimra Tahir who's a lawyer and Saiqa Ali from WARN - Women Against Radicalisation Network.

As we approach this year's Oscars which has seen the #OscarsSoMale trending Jane talks to Radio 4 film podcast presenter and playwright Melody Bridge No women have been nominated in the Best Director, Original Score, Film Editing and Best Picture categories this year with only a quarter non-acting Oscar nominations going to women. Yesterday she talked about some of the films that have missed out. Today she compares modern female film makers with some of their counterparts in the past. What do you do if you suspect your child is drinking alcohol and everything seems to be getting out of control? And what’s the best way to introduce alcohol to your child – if at all? Jane speaks to Mandy Saligari, a former addict and author of ‘Proactive Parenting’ and Dorothy Newbury-Birch, Professor of Alcohol and Public Health Research, School for Social Sciences, Humanities and Law at Teeside University.

This is an edited version of the original broadcast.

Presenter Jane Garvey. Producer Sej Asar

Guest; Huda Jawad Guest; Nimra Tahir Guest; Saiqa Ali Guest; Melody Bridge Gust; Prof. Dorothy Newbury-Birch

Nadine Labaki, Vulvas, Films Feb 18, 2019

The 2019 Oscars are on Sunday and no women are in the Best Director category. However, one woman's made it in the Best Foreign Language category. She's Nadine Labaki, the director of Capernaum. She's also the first Lebanese woman ever to be nominated for an Oscar. Capernaum is set in the slums of Beirut and follows a young boy called Zain who sues his parents for giving him life.

Staying with the Oscars, this year we have the hashtag #OscarsSoMale. That’s because some categories contain no women nominees at all. They are: Best Director, Original Score, Film Editing and Best Picture. Overall women make up just a quarter of this year's nominees across the board. Melody Bridges who presenters a Radio 4 podcast about films joins us to shine a light on some of her favourite women in film history who haven't been nominated, but deserve recognition.

Photos of a hundred vulvas. That's what Laura Dodsworth's latest book is all about. It's called Womanhood: The Bare Reality. Laura was last on Woman's Hour talking about a companion book called Manhood: The Bare Reality which included pictures of a hundred penises. Lily and Saschan are also with us in the studio talking about why they agreed to take part in the book.

Tracey Neville, Working as a Barrister, Vaccinations Feb 16, 2019

Head coach of the England netball team, Tracey Neville tells us about her work to get netball recognised as a professional sport.

New research shows almost two thirds of those who left the Bar on the Western Circuit over the last six years were women. Why is it so difficult for women to progress in a career as a barrister? We hear from Sarah Langford who specialises in criminal and family law and Arlene Small, a specialist in family finance and children work.

Cases of measles in Europe have tripled between 2017 and 2018 the highest recorded this decade according to the World Health Organisation. Helen Bedford, Professor of Children’s Health at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Samantha Vanderslott a social sciences researcher at Oxford Vaccine Group discuss the recent outbreaks in America and why some parents are reluctant to get their children vaccinated.

The day before Valentine's Day has now become Galentine's Day, a day to celebrate female friendships. Claire Cohen Women’s Editor at the Daily Telegraph and Rachel Pashley a marketing consultant and the author of New Female Tribes discuss the marketing of gal pals.

Breast ironing is a way to stop teenagers' breasts from growing. It’s painful but mothers in some communities call it tradition and believe it will protect their daughters from sexual assault. It happens in some African countries but has been recorded in the UK too. Milly Kerr from the National FGM Centre tells us what the UK government is doing to tackle this form of child abuse.

The textile artist Clare Hunter tells us about the importance of sewing when it comes to protest banners and story telling tapestries.

Fran Thomas, who can have up to 15 epileptic fits a day, tells us how her seizures are linked to her menstrual cycle. Dr Simona Balestrini, an epilepsy expert, explains why new research should bring better and new treatment options to women.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Rabeka Nurmahomed Edited by Beverley Purcell

Being a barrister, Historian Suzannah Lipscomb, Stopping Breastfeeding Feb 15, 2019

New research highlights how many women leave the bar mid-career. So why is it so difficult for women to progress in a career as a barrister? We hear from a barrister currently on maternity leave and another who has returned to the profession after having children.

After our programmes on feeding your baby, you told us how hard it is to find help if you’re, for whatever reason, trying to stop breastfeeding. Whether its dealing with a baby or child who doesn’t want to stop, staying full of milk when you need to go back to work, or dealing with the emotional and hormonal fall out. You wrote to us about all of these things. So what should women be aware of when they stop breast feeding? And what can they do to help themselves and their babies? We speak to International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Clare Meynell and Clare Byam-Cook, author of 'What to expect when you're breast-feeding, and what if you can't?'

Historian Suzannah Lipscomb uncovers the lives, behaviours and attitudes to love, marriage and sex of ordinary 16th and 17th century French women. Based on the evidence of over a thousand cases brought before the moral courts of the Protestant church of Languedoc. She joins Jenni to discuss her new book ‘The Voices of Nimes - Women, Sex & Marriage in Reformation Languedoc.

We remember the author Andrea Levy

We hear the fifth story of our family secrets series.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Helen Fitzhenry Interviewed guest: Arlene Small Interviewed guest: Sarah Langford Interviewed guest: Suzannah Lipscomb Interviewed guest: Clare Meynell Interviewed guest: Clare Byam-Cook

Tracey Neville: Head Coach of the England Women’s Netball Team Feb 14, 2019

Netball is played in schools across the UK, but as a professional sport has had little recognition. When the England Netball team took home Gold at the Commonwealth Games last year, that changed. Head Coach Tracey Neville joins us to discuss the impact that moment had, and what she loves so much about the game.

In the UK, there are 800,000 disabled children under the age of 16 - nearly all of them live at home and are supported by their families. But what happens when their behaviour becomes so challenging you struggle to look after them? We look at the difficult decision to consider whether residential care might be the answer not only for them but for you and the rest of the family. We hear from Sharon King, mother of three older children all of whom are on the autism spectrum, and Amanda Batten Chief Executive Contact a charity for families of disabled children.

Breast ironing is a way to stop teenagers’ breasts from growing. It’s painful and sometimes involves large, hot stones pushing down on the breasts. Hammers or spatulas are also used, and so are elastic belts or binders. Usually mothers do it, calling it tradition and saying that it stops their daughters being sexually attractive or sexually active. It happens in several African countries but cases have been recorded in the UK too, although it’s impossible to know the true scale. This week the UK Government has called it child abuse and says it will be dealt with in law.

Laura Mucha has spent her life trying to understand romantic relationships and has now brought interviews with strangers together with research studies in her new book. She discusses her findings and how they’ve helped her own approach to love.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Amanda Barren Interviewed Guest: Sharon King Interviewed Guest: Tracey Neville Interviewed Guest: Milly Kerr Interviewed Guest: Laura Mucha

Galentine's Day Feb 13, 2019

How important is it to celebrate your female friendships? It's Galentine’s Day! The day before Valentine’s Day, it was first mentioned in an episode of the American sitcom Parks and Recreation nearly 10 years ago. It's now a part of card and present marketing.

From identical pyjamas, to matching jewellery, to apps which help women to make friends; the concept of ‘gal pals’ or a ‘female tribe’ has become hugely commercialised. Does is matter? Claire Cohen is the Women’s Editor at the Daily Telegraph. Rachel Pashley has over 20 years of experience in global marketing and advertising, specialising in female insight. They both join Jenni to discuss.

Female friendships taking centre stage. We look at three current theatre productions examining women’s relationships with actor Tanya Loretta Dee who's performing in Boots, the writer of Soft Animals, Holly Robinson and actor/producer Josie Dale Jones whose play Dressed is soon to open in London. They discuss the importance of the support and nurturing these bonds provide.

How important are friends at work? It is a good idea to be best friends with a colleague? And what happens when promotions, redundancies and annoying office habits get in the way? We talk to Kate Leaver, journalist and author of The Friendship Cure: A Manifesto for Reconnecting in the Modern World, and to business psychologist Adina Tarry.

What impact does having children have on friendships groups? Is it possible to carry on as before once babies are added to the mix? Do you have friends who have children but you don’t? Has your relationship with your friends changed? We're joined by blogger Candice Brathwaite and journalist Momtaz Begum Hossain.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Jane Thurlow

Parenting: Autism Feb 13, 2019

There is no single 'autism test'. But as diagnosis can lead to a child getting the right support, what do you do if you think that your child may be autistic? How do you get a diagnosis and what can you do to support your child? Jane speaks to Emma Gill whose four year old daughter has been diagnosed with autism and Dr Sarah Lister Brook, clinical lead at the National Autistic Society’s Lorna Wing.

Measles and childhood vaccinations, epilepsy research, the women who back Trump Feb 12, 2019

Measles cases in Europe have tripled between 2017 and 2018, the highest number recorded this decade according to the World Health Organisation. We discuss parental attitudes to vaccinating children and what parents should know with Helen Bedford, Professor of Children’s Health at University College London's Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Samantha Vanderslott, social sciences researcher at Oxford Vaccine Group. There are 600,000 people in the UK with epilepsy and one third of them find that current treatment options do not fully help them to control their seizures. Many of those are women who find that their condition worsens in pregnancy or experience increased seizure frequency around their menstrual cycle. Jane talks to Fran Thomas who has epilepsy and to Dr Simona Balestrini who is undertaking research into improved diagnosis and treatment options that may benefit women. President Trump has attracted regular criticism from left of centre women, not least at last month’s women’s marches across the US. But what of those women who already back his party, the Republicans? We hear about the many women who support him and his policies. And, what’s the secret to hosting and delivering a great speech, presentation or event? We hear from Mariella Frostrup and Viv Groskop.

Nelson Mandela's PA, Sewing, Porn Feb 11, 2019

Zelda la Grange was Nelson Mandela’s PA. She was with him for nearly 20 years and became indispensable to him, so much so that some members of his family found it hard, and still do. As for her, she regarded him as a grandfather-type figure. It’s nearly 6 years since Nelson Mandela died and now there’s a new exhibition in London about him. Zelda’s come over from South Africa to choose some of the items on display. She comes into the Woman's Hour studio to talk about her bond with Mandela, how working with him changed her and what she’s doing now.

Sewing has been the work of women for centuries: in clothing and furnishings and also protest banners, tapestries that tell stories and even communicating messages in war time. In her new book, the artist Clare Hunter argues that world history can be seen through the craft. She joins Jane to discuss.

Guidelines on how to define "obscene" pornography have been changed in England and Wales. The Crown Prosecution Service had previously listed torture, bondage and sadomasochism as obscene and distributing it risked a prosecution. Now the CPS has replaced that list with a series of "tests" which are supposed to determine whether an image or video is classed as obscene. Some women have hailed change as a victory for queer, feminist and fetish porn but others have expressed concerns saying that it could damage and exploit women.

#NunsToo, Onlyness, Black female professors Feb 09, 2019

Pope Francis has for the first time publicly acknowledged the scandal of priests and bishops sexually abusing nuns. Rocio Figueroa, a theologian and lecturer and Doris Reisinger Wagner tell us their experience in a discussion with Sister Sharlet Wagner, a sister of the Holy Cross and the current President of The Leadership Conference of Women Religious in the United States.

The Football Association should increase the Women’s FA Cup Prize Fund according to Charlie Dobres from Lewes FC, the only football club to pay their men and women teams equally. He's joined by sports writer Anna Kessel to tell us why.

We discuss Onlyness – when you’re the only person with a certain characteristic, perspective or life experience in a group – usually a work setting. Chloe Davies Executive Officer at UK Black Pride and Chloe Chambraud Gender Equality Director at the Prince’s Responsible Business Network discuss.

The writer Lucy-Anne Holmes tells us about her book Don’t Hold My Head Down where she explores her sexuality and looks at improving her sex life.

Southeastern Trains wants more women to become train drivers. It’s launched a campaign to get 40% of applicants to be women by 2021. We hear from their Services Director, Ellie Burrows and from Kelly-Joe Ballard who has been a train driver for two years.

Bullying and stereotyping of black female academics is stopping them from progressing at UK Universities according to a new report. We hear from Gina Higginbottom an emeritus professor of Ethnicity and Community Health at the University of Nottingham and Dr Nicola Rollock a reader in Equity and Education at Goldsmiths, University of London, who carried out the research.

Catherine Simpson on her memoir, Once I Had a Little Sister - about suicide, loss and how it felt to come from a family who never spoke about their feelings.

Presented by Jane Garvey Produced by Rabeka Nurmahomed Edited by Jane Thurlow

Women train drivers. The new smear test. Novelist Yvonne Battle-Felton Feb 08, 2019

Southeastern trains said fewer than 5% of its drivers are women. They've launched a campaign to get forty percent of applicants to be women by 2021. Driver Kelly-Joe Ballard talks to Jane about why she loves the job.

All graphic images of self-harm will be removed from Instagram, the head of the social media platform has told the BBC. This is after the father of 14-year-old Molly Russell, who took her own life in 2017, said Instagram had "helped kill" his daughter. We hear from Naomi Salisbury the Director of Self Injury Support:

At just 25 US journalist Noor Tagouri is already breaking down barriers in the media industry. She joins Jane to discuss her career and what it means to be a Muslim female journalist in America today. By the end of this year a new smear test system will be rolled out across England. It’s already happening in Wales. It’s taken decades of research to get to this point but experts say the new screening regime will be more accurate. Dr Matejka Rebolj a Senior Epidemiologist at King’s College London explains more.

And the author, Yvonne Battle-Felton discusses the lengths mothers go to protect their children in even the most tragic circumstances, themes explored in her novel Remembered.

Presenter Jane Garvey Producer Beverley Purcell

Guest; Noor Tagouri Guest; Ellie Burrows Guest; Kelly-Joe Ballard Guest; Yvonne Battle-Felton Guest; Dr Matejka Rebolj Guest; Naomi Salisbury

#NunsToo: Nuns abused by priests and bishops Feb 07, 2019

Pope Francis has for the first time publicly acknowledged the scandal of priests and bishops sexually abusing nuns, and says he is committed to doing more to fight the problem. Jenni speaks to survivors; Rocio Figueroa a theologian and lecturer, and author, Doris Reisinger Wagner, who were both once nuns and to Sister Sharlet Wagner, a Sister of the Holy Cross and the current President of The Leadership Conference of Women Religious in the US.

A report released by the University and College Union suggests that bullying and stereotyping is blocking the professorial path for black women. Dr Nicola Rollock conducted the research and spoke to 20 of the 25 female black professors in the UK including Gina Higginbottom, Emeritus Professor of Ethnicity and Community Health at the University of Nottingham. They join Jenni to discuss the explicit and more subtle ways that black female academics are prevented from attaining the highest positions at UK universities.

American actor and Paralympian Katy Sullivan plays Ani, who becomes quadriplegic following a car accident in Martyna Majok’s Pulitzer prize winning drama The Cost of Living. Katy talks to Jenni about how the play explores attitudes to disability, race, class and wealth.

And the fourth in our series of family secrets. A woman we are calling Liz found out her father’s secret at the worst possible time.

Parenting: Breasts Feb 06, 2019

Emma Pickett, author of The Breast Book and a former deputy head teacher says that girls and boys aren’t being taught properly about breasts. She joins Jane along with Ruby Stevenson from Brook, the sexual health and well being charity for young people, to talk about how children are informed and to give advice for parents.

Shelly Chopra Dhar, Women's Rights in Poland, Lucy-Anne Holmes, OCD Feb 06, 2019

Human Rights Watch has concluded that the Polish government is putting women's rights and safety at risk. It says that since coming to power in 2015, the Law and Justice Party government has targeted women’s rights groups through raids and funding cuts, often with little warning and no clear rationale. Hillary Margolis explains their concerns. Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga ( How I felt when I saw a Girl) is the first mainstream, commercial film featuring a Lesbian love story. We hear from director and co-writer, Shelly Chopra Dhar. How do you turn a memoir about living with ‘pure O’, a type of OCD which causes intrusive and disturbing thoughts, into a TV show? Pure is a new Channel 4 drama based on Rose Cartwright’s autobiography of the same name about living with the condition. Kirstie Swain, the screen writer and Charly Clive who plays Marnie, the main character discuss how they turned the book into a comedy drama. In her book Don’t Hold My Head Down, Lucy-Anne Holmes, writer and founder of the 'No More Page 3' campaign, describes her “sexual odyssey”. Disappointed by sex and uncomfortable with the porn industry, she compiled a list of things that would improve her sex life. She explains how exploring her sexuality changed her life.

Nicole Lecky in Superhoe at the Royal Court Feb 05, 2019

Sasha Clayton is 24 and lives in Plaistow with her mum, step-dad and little sister. She spends most of her time scrolling through social media alone in her room. Sasha wants to singer - but she needs money to make that dream come true. Superhoe is a new play at the Royal Court Theatre in London exploring Sasha’s life, and the dangers that lie on social media for vulnerable young women. Nicole Lecky is the writer and stars in Superhoe. She discusses the play and all that she learnt whilst putting it together.

New research from Carers UK shows that 6% of women have quit their jobs in order to care for a loved one, with a further 5% having reduced their hours. So what can employers do to improve things for carers? And is it fair to expect even small businesses to comply?

It’s 50 years since ‘In Place of Strife’, the late Labour politician Barbara Castle’s attempt to reform the trade unions. In an era of powerful unions, who would negotiate over beer and sandwiches at No 10 Downing Street, her plan failed. But within a year she succeeded in driving through the Equal Pay Act and in 1975 she reformed family allowances to “take money out of the husband's pocket on the Friday and put it into the wife's purse on the following Tuesday”. We discuss how Castle fought for union reform, what she learnt from it and her legacy with biographer, Anne Perkins and journalist, Helen Lewis.

Lewes FC, the only football club to pay their men and women teams equally, have asked the Football Association for an increase in the Women’s FA Cup prize fund. The FA recognises a significant disparity but say they’re doing what they can to make progress. Sports Writer, Anna Kessel and Charlie Dobres from Lewes Football Club share their thoughts.

There is no single 'autism test'. But as diagnosis can lead to your child getting the right support. what do you do if you think that your child is autistic? When can you tell and where can you go for help? Jane speaks to Emma Gill who has a 4-year old daughter who has been diagnosed with autism and Dr Sarah Brook, clinical lead at the National Autistic Society’s Loma Wing.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Madeleine Starr Interviewed Guest: Alan Beazley Interviewed Guest: Anne Perkins Interviewed Guest: Ayesha Hazarika Interviewed Guest: Anna Kessel Interviewed Guest: Charlie Dobres Interviewed Guest: Nicole Lecky Photographer: Helen Murray Interviewed Guest: Emma Gill Interviewed Guest: Dr Sarah Lister Brook

Weekend Woman's Hour - Feeding Your Baby, Skin from Skunk Anansie, Body Hair Heirachy Feb 02, 2019

Woman’s Hour joined forces with BBC Radio Sheffield for a series of programmes looking at how women are feeding their babies and how it makes them feel. Jane talks to their Weekend Breakfast presenter Kat Cowan who’s recently returned to work after maternity leave, following the birth of her son Cooper. Plus, we hear from other mums around the country, about what they went through whether they breast, bottle or mixed fed their babies.

Skunk Anansie have brought out a new album 25LIVE@25 - a compilation of live recordings from the last 25 years. Lead singer, Skin talks to Jenni and sings live in the Woman's Hour studio.

Januhairy is a month-long campaign urging women to embrace their body-hair - we ask if there's a hierarchy when it comes to women and body hair. Jenni talks to Karín Lesnik-Oberstein, Professor in the Department of English Literature at the University of Reading, and the editor of new book called The Last Taboo – Women and Body Hair and freelance journalist Chitra Ramaswamy.

Under the 'guardianship' system in Saudi Arabia women can be tracked and monitored via a large government database and an app called Absher. We look at the impact that can have on those wanting to escape domesic abuse.

Presented by Jenni Murray Produced by Sophie Powling Edited by Jane Thurlow

Skin from Skunk Anansie Feb 01, 2019

Skunk Anansie have brought out a new album 25LIVE@25 - a compilation of live recordings from the last 25 years. It was released on Jan 25th. The band ‘turn’ 25 this year. Skin talks to Jenni and sings live in the Woman's Hour studio.

Women in Saudi Arabia are tracked and monitored via a large government database and an app called Absher. We look at how difficult and dangerous it makes it for them to flee.

Is this theatre world doing enough to appeal to minority groups like young women and people of colour? Tobi Kyeremateng is the founder of the Black Ticket Project and Babylon Festival at the Bush Theatre - which both target a young, black audience. Tanika Gupta is a theatre writer with over 20 years of experience. Her work is often inspired by her Indian culture.

Chef, cookbook author and broadcaster, Clodagh McKenna’s new book ‘Clodagh’s Suppers’ celebrates seasonal cooking and entertaining at home. She'll Cook the Perfect…Kale, Bean & Winter Roots Soup.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Bill Bostock Interviewed Guest: Rothna Begum Interviewed Guest: Tanika Gupta Interviewed Guest: Tobi Kyeremateng Interviewed Guest: Clodagh McKenna Interviewed Guest: Skin

Parenting Podcast: Feeding your baby Jan 31, 2019

Woman’s Hour has joined forces with BBC Radio Sheffield for a special series of programmes looking at how women are feeding their babies and how it makes them feel. Today Jane talks to their Weekend Breakfast presenter Kat Cowan who’s recently returned to work after maternity leave, following the birth of her son Cooper. Plus hearing from other mums around the country about what they went through whether they breast, bottle or mixed fed their babies.

Sarah Ewart, Janice Galloway, hair and family secrets Jan 31, 2019

Sarah Ewart has brought a case against the Northern Ireland Department of Health and Justice for breaching her human rights. Six years ago she travelled to England to terminate a pregnancy for a fatal foetal abnormality. She discusses her decision to bring this action. Scottish writer Janice Galloway talks about Jellyfish, her collection of short stories. Januhairy is a month-long campaign urging women to embrace their body-hair - we ask if there's a hierarchy when it comes to women and body hair? And, the third in our series family secrets - Jess wanted to talk to us about the impact of a family secret she discovered when she was just fourteen.

Your experience of feeding your baby Jan 30, 2019

Listeners to Woman's Hour and BBC Radio Sheffield share their experience of breast, bottle or mixed feeding. Following our survey which found half of women felt they'd let their baby down when they struggled we discuss how women make their decisions, the difficulities they encountered and things they wish they'd known.

Presenters Jane Garvey and Paulette Edwards Producer Jane Thurlow

Your experience of feeding your baby. Jan 29, 2019

We reveal the results of the survey we commissioned, together with BBC Radio Sheffield, to discover how, in the 21st century women are feeding their babies. We asked Comres to carry out the research. More than a thousand women took part. They were all between 18 and 40 in the UK and had had a baby in the past decade. To analyse the findings Dr Ellie Cannon, a GP and author of Keep Calm: The New Mum’s Manual. Shereen Fisher the chief executive of the Breastfeeding Network and Gill Diskin a maternity Matron at Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation .

Presenter Jenni Murray Producer Beverley Purcell

Feeding Your Baby, Walking the South West Path, Meeting your Ex Jan 28, 2019

Woman’s Hour has joined forces with BBC Radio Sheffield for a special series of programmes looking at how women are feeding their babies and how it makes them feel. Today Jane talks to their Weekend Breakfast presenter Kat Cowan who’s recently returned to work after maternity leave, following the birth of her son Cooper. Plus hearing from other mums around the country about what they went through whether they breast, bottle or mixed fed their babies.

We speak to author Raynor Winn, who lost her home and her livelihood just as she found out her husband was terminally ill. The couple’s response was to start walking the 630-mile South West Path.

BBC Three’s latest programme ‘Eating With My Ex’ brings together two young people who have broken up to discuss what went wrong in their relationship and why. Is there something to be learned from meeting up and speaking to an ex-partner? And what should you be thinking about before having this conversation? Jo Hemmings is a behavioural and relationships psychologist. Oloni is a sex and relationships blogger.

Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

Interviewed guest: Kat Cowan Interviewed guest: Raynor Winn Interviewed guest: Jo Hemmings Interviewed guest: Oloni

Lorraine Kelly, the Pelvic Floor Challenge, Women proposing Jan 26, 2019

The doyenne of ITV Lorraine Kelly tells us what it’s like to have spent the last 35 years in broadcasting and why she's so excited about space travel.

The Children’s Commissioner for England Anne Longfield discusses the growing pressure on child protection services. She says more needs to be done to tackle child poverty.

Inspired by her own experience of 25 years in the Church of Scientology, Mariette Lindstein has written a thriller called Fog Island. It's a bestseller in Sweden and is about a fictional cult based on an island off the Swedish coast.

The campaigner and founder of Victim Focus Jessica Eaton tells us why she believes some frontline child protection workers don’t feel equipped to do their jobs.

Urinary incontinence will affect 50 per cent of women during their lifetime. Wendy Powell explains how the #PelvicFloorChallenge will help and physiotherapist Elaine Miller gives indepth advice.

Freida Pinto tells us about her latest film Love Sonia about global sex trafficking.

Why are men still more frequently expected to propose in heterosexual relationships? Editor of Bride Magazine Jade Beer and writer Bella Mackie, who proposed to her husband, discuss.

Presented by Jane Garvey Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed Editor:Jane Thurlow

Anne Longfield, children's commissioner for England; Family secrets; Pelvic floor Jan 24, 2019

Are children missing out? The National Audit Office and the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health have raised concerns about services for children this week. Anne Longfield, Children's Commissioner for England joins us to discuss what she thinks is happening. We hear about why incontinence affects fifty per cent of women during their lives and what they can do to improve their pelvic floor. With Burn's Night tomorrow, was Robert Burns an early feminist or an old sex pest? - we debate. And, we hear about Christine's discovery in our series on family secrets.

Freida Pinto in Love Sonia Jan 23, 2019

Inspired by real life events, a new film ‘Love Sonia’ is the story of a young girl from a small village in India who finds herself caught up in the global sex trafficking industry. One of the stars of the film is Freida Pinto. She joins Jenni to discuss.

The first leader of the Women’s Equality Party is standing down. Sophie Walker has been doing the job since 2015. In 2017 her party published a manifesto full of feminist policies from which she openly invited all the mainstream parties to steal. She has said repeatedly that she wants to change the way we do politics. And yesterday, she sought to change it saying that “sometimes in order to lead, you have to get out of the way”. She explains what she meant and why she’s decided to go now.

Basma Khalifa was born in Saudi Arabia, but grew up in Northern Ireland before moving to London as a stylist. In a new BBC 3 documentary, she explores whether it’s a place she could consider living in again. Basma and Director Jessica Kelly discuss their experience.

An Irish couple say they've been denied an abortion in an Irish hospital even though their unborn baby had a fatal foetal abnormality. They were told by doctors to wait for a miscarriage. Their situation has been brought up in the Irish Parliament, with their consent, and it’s raising questions about whether Irish hospitals are ready, or willing, to implement the new law on abortion. There was a referendum last Spring in which the Irish people voted 66.4% in favour of Repealing the Eighth Amendment, which was a law restricting access to abortion. We hear the facts.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Interviewed Guest: Sophie Walker Interviewed Guest: Freida Pinto Interviewed Guest: Basma Khalifa Interviewed Guest: Jessica Kelly Interviewed Guest: Dr Peter Boylan

The Favourite, Abortion in Ireland, Mid Winter Dec 20, 2018

New film ‘The Favourite’ set in 18th century England features a frail and irascible Queen Anne played by Olivia Coleman whose attention and affection is being sought by her political adviser Lady Sarah Churchill (Duchess of Marlborough) and ruthless chambermaid Abigail. It is a story of sexual politics and power games, starring Olivia Coleman, Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone. Jenni talks to screenwriter Deborah Davis.

Abortion will be legal in the Republic of Ireland from the first day of January 2019. A bill to legalise abortion services passed all stages of the Irish Parliament last week, but given the tight time frame, how will this work in practice? Jenni is joined by Ellen Coyne, Senior Ireland Reporter at The Times and Dr Peter Boylan, consultant obstetrician and former master of the National Maternity Hospital.

In May we heard from 25 year old Samantha Jury-Dada who, concerned by the surge in knife crime in London, was going to several parts of the US to find out how young women and girls associated with gangs are supported. She’s back and tells Jenni what she found out and how that information will help her forge better support for young women at risk here in the UK.

Gillian Monks is the author of ‘Merry Midwinter: How to rediscover the Magic of the Christmas Season' and she joins Jenni to discuss the history and significance of Winter Solstice celebrations. She’ll be sharing some simple tactics on how to shut out Christmas stress and remember the spirit of the season.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Laura Northedge

Interviewed Guest: Deborah Davis Interviewed Guest: Ellen Coyne Interviewed Guest: Dr Peter Boylan Interviewed Guest: Samantha Jury-Dada Interviewed Guest: Gillian Monks

Sex in long-term relationships Nov 03, 2017

Psychotherapist Esther Perel wrote her first book Mating in Captivity ten years ago. Her second book The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity has just been published. She joins Jenni to hear from Woman's Hour listeners about the challenges they face keeping the sexual spark alive in a long-term relationship and to give advice based on 20 years experience of talking to couples .

Mismatched libidos, pain during intercourse, getting into a routine and what happens to desire when kids come along are some of the issues raised. Is it unrealistic to expect passion in a marriage? Why does the sex seem to go off even in the most loving relationships and does it really matter?

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Erin Riley Reporter: Abigail Hollick.

Late Night Woman's Hour: Work and Rest Oct 25, 2017

Lauren and guests reflect on how we can find the right balance between work and rest.

Often presented as opposites, our attitudes to work and rest are changing under the influence of a range of technological and social forces. Many people work from home, but how many of us also home from work? And how do we maintain the boundaries between the two when it's so easy to check your work email at midnight?

Lauren's guests this month are:

Emma Gannon: writer, blogger, and founder of the podcast Control Alt Delete. Emma wrote a book of the same name in 2016, and is currently working on a new book, The Multi-Hyphen Method, in which she's going to be looking at how we can 'design our own careers and work less.'

Dr Zeena Feldman: lecturer in digital culture at King's College London. Zeena is interested in how digital media blur the boundaries between our work and home lives. Earlier this year she launched the Quitting Social Media project, examining peoples' reasons for disconnecting.

Rosie Fletcher: writer, stand-up comedian and co-founder of the Rosie & Jessica's Day of Fun podcast. Rosie has M.E., which has affected her ability to work and meant a radical reassessment of how she manages her energy. She writes about her experiences for the New Statesman and Huffington Post.

Ash Sarkar: lecturer and senior editor at Novara Media, Ash's work focuses on the enduring legacies of colonialism in modern Europe, the intersections between race, class and gender, as well as the political meaning of Beyoncé.

Late Night Woman's Hour: Women in Tech Sep 26, 2017

Lauren Laverne talks to technology evangelist Dr Sue Black, Professor of New Technologies at Goldsmiths University Sarah Kember, and games scriptwriter Rhianna Pratchett about the challenges and opportunities currently facing women working in technology, and about the ways in which new technologies cater to women or fail to do so. Recorded with an audience at the British Science Festival in Brighton.

Presenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Laura Thomas.

Late Night Woman's Hour: Self-Esteem Aug 23, 2017

What's the secret to healthy levels of self-esteem? And can we ever have too much?

Late Night Woman's Hour: Travel & Adventure Jun 30, 2017

Women have always dreamed of escaping their ordinary lives - but it's only in recent history that travel has become a legitimate opportunity to do so - and then only for some. Lauren discusses the pleasures and pitfalls of wanderlust, with some very well-travelled women...

LOIS PRYCE has travelled the world alone on her motorbike. Named one of the greatest female travellers by the Daily Telegraph she has written a number of books about her life as - her word - and adventuress.

RANA RAHIMPOUR grew up in Iran and had to seek her parents' permission as a young female student to go travelling in her own country. Now based in London she presents on the BBC's Persian TV network. Her decision to move here means she cannot return to Iran even to visit because under the present regime BBC employees face arrest. She has also written about being stopped from travelling to the US by Donald Trump's travel ban....

CAROLYN PEARSON is the founder of women's travel network MAIDEN VOYAGE. It seeks to make life easier for women travelling alone, and was inspired by her own experiences.

VICTORIA ADE-GENSCHOW who was born in Manchester but is now based in Berlin. A passionate advocate of travelling with a family and on a budget, she blogs at thebritishberliner.com and her motto is "just go.".

Late Night Woman's Hour: Ageing May 25, 2017

"What do you mean I'm going to sag? Sag WHERE?"

These days the world seems full of well-intentioned cat-poster sentiment designed to cheer us up over the passage of time -You're only as young as you feel, 70 is the new 40 - but for women in particular, advancing age can mean a sense of panic.

Lauren invites writer and broadcaster Miranda Sawyer, cultural historian Helen Small, founder of the Ruby & Millie makeup range Ruby Hammer and writer and Guardian columnist Michele Hanson to provide LNWH listeners with a toolkit - philosophical, cultural, emotional, sartorial - for getting older.

Presenter Lauren Laverne.

Late Night Woman's Hour: Breakups Apr 28, 2017

Emma Barnett and guests Sali Hughes, Philippa Perry and Daisy Buchanan discuss break-ups.

Late Night Woman's Hour: Viv Albertine Mar 30, 2017

Lauren Laverne interviews Viv Albertine at the Free Thinking festival for the first edition of BBC Radio 4's Late Night Woman's Hour to be recorded in front of an audience.

Writer and film maker Albertine reflects on being the guitarist in pioneering all-female punk band The Slits, whose 1979 album Cut is frequently voted one of the most influential albums of all time. But - as she outlines in her autobiography Clothes, Clothes, Clothes, Music, Music, Music, Boys, Boys, Boys - she hasn't always had an easy relationship with her punk past, and when her daughter was born, Albertine initially didn't tell her about her part in the punk revolution. Following the breakup of The Slits, Albertine briefly worked as an aerobics instructor before going on to film-making, acting (she took a lead role in Joanna Hogg's 2013 film Exhibition) and a solo recording career (debut solo album The Vermilion Border was released in 2012). When her autobiography was first published, with its frank reflections on (amongst other things) masturbation, sex, the punk ethos, IVF, and marriage, Albertine confessed to journalist Alexis Petridis that she worried "have I gone too far? I always go too far."

In a frank and funny conversation, Albertine reflects on the resurgence of feminism after the 'desert' of the 1980s, the vital role her daughter played in her decision to return to music, and the advantages of not caring too much what people think.

Late Night Woman's Hour: Instinct Feb 22, 2017

"The hackles on the back of my neck stand up and the orange warning signs come on."

You know the feeling. It's the emotional equivalent of seeing something out of the corner of your eye. So fleeting you're not sure it's real. She's lying, it says. Or maybe, don't call him back. Or perhaps just, something's not right.

So do you trust it, this feeling, or brush it aside? And if you do trust it, what do you call it? Instinct or intuition? Sixth sense? Your bulls**t detector?

Whatever name you prefer, there's no doubt that - historically speaking - it gets a mixed press. At best perhaps, it's the preserve of animals. At worst, it's downright witchy. By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes. Because after all, where does it come from, this information? Some kind of dialup to the spirit realm? Or could there be a scientific explanation?

Lauren Laverne and guests businesswoman Hilary Devey, neuroscientist Sophie Scott, anthropologist Kit Davis and former detective Mo Dowdy explore the benefits and frustrations of trusting your instincts.

Family Drug and Alcohol Courts, Sandi Toksvig, Allison Schroeder Feb 13, 2017

We discuss the future of Family Drug and Alcohol Courts in the UK. They try and find solutions for parents who have addictions and are at risk of losing their children. But despite some success it seems funding for the scheme is under threat. Jane is joined by Sophie Kershaw, Co-Director of the Family Drug and Alcohol National Unit, and Rosie, a mother who's managed to keep her third child with her because of these courts, despite losing two already.

We speak to Allison Schroeder, screenwriter of Hidden Figures. It's a new film about a trio of African-American women who did the maths behind a voyage around the earth in the early days of the Space Race. She talks about this unknown and inspirational story, as well as her own personal connections to NASA.

TV and radio all-rounder, Sandi Toksvig, talks to Jane about her new play called Silver Lining, as well as family life, her plans for when she's older and making the world a fairer and more equal place for women.

Late Night Woman's Hour Dec 23, 2016

Lauren Laverne discusses the delights and perils of parties with seasoned partygoers Fran Cutler, Brigid Keenan, Bryony Gordon and Zing Tsjeng.

Fran Cutler is the queen of party organisers, and thinks nothing of dialling Cher's number to ask her to perform at one of her legendary 'dos. Writer Bryony Gordon is a former 3am girl whose idea of a good night out is a party for two in her back garden with her husband. Editor of UK Broadly, Zing Tsjeng, is no stranger to the coolest parties in town, but always leaves at 3am when the 'blue plastic bag brigade' switch off Britney and start playing intelligent dance music. Writer Brigid Keenan is a former 'trailing diplomatic spouse' and once spent an entire party locked in a loo, dressed as Mary Queen of Scots.

They are your guides for this Late Night Woman's Hour on partying. So have you fixed your hair? Lined your stomach? Drunk a glass of water? Your taxi is waiting....

The broadcast edition of this programme will be available on Iplayer soon after transmission. A longer version will be available as a podcast.

Late Night Woman's Hour Nov 24, 2016

She's your BFF, your Bestie. Thelma to your Louise, or Eddie to your Patsy. This month on Late Night Woman's Hour, Lauren Laverne discusses female friendship, its rules, strengths and weaknesses, and how it changes over time, with psychologist Terri Apter, novelist Lucy Caldwell, Into Film journalist Ceyda Uzun and Julie-Ann Richards and Sarah Adams-Greener, two Woman's Hour listeners who have been friends since they were three.

This programme is available in two versions. The long version is podcast only and is available by clicking the MP3 button on the Late Night Woman's Hour programme page or subscribing to the Woman's Hour daily podcast. The shorter broadcast version will be available on Iplayer shortly after transmission on Friday 25th November.

Lucy Caldwell's collection of short stories, Multitudes, is published by Faber. Here We Are, Lucy's short story about two young women falling in love in 1990s Belfast, first appeared in Granta.

Late Night Woman's Hour: Home Oct 27, 2016

Lauren Laverne and guests discuss home. What does home mean to you? Is domesticity a joy or a drudgery? And why has the Scandinavian art of Hygge become the word of the winter? Is it genius marketing or emotional need? Joining Lauren are:

Trine Hahnemann, Chef and author of 'Scandinavian Comfort Food - Embracing the Arts of Hygge'.

Susie Orbach, psychotherapist and author.

Dr Rachel Hurdley, Research Fellow in the School of Social Science at Cardiff University

Helen Zaltzman, podcaster and crafter.

This programme is available in two versions. The long version is podcast only and is available by clicking the MP3 button on the Late Night Woman's Hour programme page or subscribing to the Woman's Hour daily podcast. The shorter broadcast version will be available on Iplayer shortly after transmission on Friday 28th October.

Presenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Eleanor Garland

Guest: Susie Orbach Guest: Rachel Hurdley Guest: Trine Hahnemann Guest: Helen Zaltzman.

Late Night Woman's Hour: Public Space Sep 29, 2016

Where does private space for women end and public space begin? Where does a woman's right to wear, or walk, or say, what and where she wants become different to men's - on the beach? On the bus? Online? Joining Lauren Laverne to discuss:

Shelina Janmohamed, author of Generation M

Helen Lewis, Deputy Editor of the New Statesman

Becca Bunce of the disabled women's collective Sisters of Frida and co-director of the I C CHANGE campaign

Bridget Minamore journalist

This programme is available in two versions. The long version is podcast only and is available by clicking the MP3 button on the Late Night Woman's Hour programme page or subscribing to the Woman's Hour daily podcast. The shorter broadcast version will be available on Iplayer shortly after transmission on Friday 30th September.

Presenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Eleanor Garland.

Late Night Woman's Hour: Sport Aug 25, 2016

Following the massive success of female athletes on Team GB in the Rio Olympics, Lauren Laverne discusses women in sport with: Maggie Alphonsi, World Cup-winning rugby player and sports commentator and pundit Cherrelle Brown, champion boxer and personal trainer Anna Kessel, sports writer and author of Eat Sweat Play Jean Williams, Professor of the History and Culture of Sport at DeMontfort University

Producer: Luke Mulhall.

Late Night Woman's Hour: Masturbation Jun 23, 2016

Lauren Laverne and guests discuss women and masturbation - is it still a taboo? Her guests this month are:

Emily Yates, accessibility consultant and sex educator with the charity Enhance the UK.

Irma Kurtz, who has been the agony aunt for Cosmopolitan Magazine since 1970.

Ky Hoyle, the founder and Managing Director of the Sh! Women's Erotic Emporium.

Stephanie Theobald, a writer whose most recent book Sex Drive is a memoir of her drive across America in search of her lost libido.

Producer: Luke Mulhall.

Late Night Woman's Hour May 26, 2016

Lauren Laverne and guests discuss the origins and pitfalls of stereotypes of women.

With Joanne Harris, best-selling author of Chocolat who has written about myth and fairy tales.

Lisa Mckenzie, a sociologist at the London School of Economics, who has explored portrayals of working class women

Emma Dabiri, teaching fellow at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, who has studied what people mean by the term 'mixed-race' in Britain today.

Jane Cunningham, founder of advertising and marketing consultancy Pretty Little Head.

The broadcast edition of this programme will be available on Iplayer soon after transmission. A longer version is available now as a podcast.

Late Night Woman's Hour - Clothes Apr 28, 2016

From the shock value of punk to Muslim modesty codes, via clothes as art and how police officers personalize their uniforms, Lauren Laverne and guests discuss what we wear and what it means.

With punk pioneer Jordan, fashion designer Barjis Chohan, philosopher Shahidha Bari, and former police officer and blogger Ellie Bloggs

Producer: Luke Mulhall.

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