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EL James's new novel, comedian Catherine Bohart Oct 22, 2026

Show notes

When the writer E L James first self-published Fifty Shades of Grey as an e-book in 2011, she had no idea that her erotic novel would go on to become a publishing phenomenon. Since then, Erika has written eight bestsellers, sold more than 150 million books, and produced three Fifty Shades film adaptations. Few contemporary writers can claim to have changed the conversation around women, sex and popular romance quite so much. E L James has a new novel out – and it’s entirely different to what has gone before. A paranormal romance called Land of Ghosts, the main character is a 17-year old girl. E L James joins Anita to talk about her stellar career and how despite enormous success, she loves anonymity.

Award-winning Irish comedian, writer and actor Catherine Bohart is a debating champion, an Edinburgh Festival favourite, and a familiar face on television, with appearances on Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, QI and LOL: Last One Laughing Ireland. Also a regular voice on BBC Radio 4, her credits include The Now Show, The News Quiz and her own six-part topical series, Too Long; Didn’t Read. She joins Anita to talk about her latest stand-up show, Borrowing Trouble.

Antisemitism in schools, Lolly Adefope, Shingles and dementia, Femtick Oct 21, 2026

Show notes

A government review into antisemitism in schools and colleges in England will publish its recommendations today. The report from former Ofsted inspector Sir David Bell makes 27 recommendations to help schools tackle antisemitism. The review found that three out of five Jewish children had experienced prejudice at school and that leaders in some Jewish schools were spending more time on security than on education. Nuala hears from the BBC's Special Correspondent Judith Moritz, who has been covering the story, and writer and broadcaster Angela Epstein, host of the Jewish Mother Me podcast, who has spoken about Jewish identity and raising children in Britain.

There has been a rise in demand for the shingles vaccine, and this may be because recent studies suggest it could reduce the risk of dementia. Women are at greater risk of developing dementia in their lifetime, and around twice as many women as men have Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia. Nuala hears from two women, Eva and Sally, who are getting the shingles vaccine this winter, in part because of a family history of dementia, and from Lucy Devendra, Head of Research at Alzheimer's Society.

BAFTA-nominated Lolly Adefope reprises her role as Kitty, the endearingly innocent Georgian noblewoman, in the film Ghosts: The Possession of Button House. She's also making her West End debut as Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary!, the Olivier Award-winning play. Set in 1865, the dark comedy imagines the former First Lady of the United States, wife of then-President Abraham Lincoln, as a frustrated cabaret performer trapped in the gilded cage of the White House. Lolly joins Nuala to discuss resurrecting Kitty and taking on the mantle of Mary.

Women's health businesses, such as those in the fem tech sector, can face barriers to accessing financial and commercial services, including banking, insurance, payment processing and e-commerce platforms, according to advocacy organisation CensHERship. Today, the group is launching a new accreditation initiative called FemTick, aimed at recognising organisations that support the growth of the women's health sector. Nuala hears from one of CensHERship's co-founders, Clio Wood, and BBC Senior Reporter Ashitha Nagesh, who has been hearing from women's health creators who say their content has been removed, filtered or suppressed online, a practice known as shadowbanning.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Dianne McGregor

SEND petition, Helen Fielding, Women's Rugby, Child photographers, Teen Summit Oct 20, 2026

Show notes

Campaigners deliver a petition to Downing Street calling for parents of children with SEND to be exempt from being fined if their children miss school. Currently they risk a criminal record and possible jail sentence if the child is off school three or more times within the same period. Alex Stafford, a Senior Solicitor from IPSEA, an independent provider of special education advice, joins Nuala McGovern to discuss the impact on parents.

Author Helen Fielding is launching a competition to find new comedy writers from the North of England. The Bridget Jones Prize will be managed by Newcastle-based writing charity New Writing North. From Yorkshire herself, Helen is looking for first-person stand-alone prose, not unlike the diary entries of her fictional heroine, first published anonymously in The Independent newspaper in 1995. Helen explains why she wants more to be made of the northern humour she grew up with.

The British and Irish Lions Rugby Union team will play a historic first ever women's fixture when they face France at Cardiff's Principality Stadium next August, ahead of their 2027 tour to New Zealand in September. It will bring together leading players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales and will see the team play five matches in New Zealand, including three Test matches against the six-time world champion Black Ferns. Nuala is joined by Maggie Alphonsi - England Rugby World Cup winner - and Ruby Tui, New Zealand Rugby World Cup winner and Olympic Gold medallist, who are both ambassadors for this first women’s tour.

A new survey for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Bitesize of over 2,000 young people across the UK helps to build a picture of teenage girls in Britain in 2026 and indicates how their lives differ from the experience of boys. A broadcast live from Newcastle upon Tyne on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Bitesize will bring together an audience of 50 teenagers for the 2026 BBC Teen Summit to discuss teenagers' concerns about their future job prospects, the growing influence of AI, and the impact of online life. BBC Radio 5 Live and Woman’s Hour presenter Clare McDonnell explains the findings.

We’ll be celebrating the creativity of children behind the camera to mark the opening of a new exhibition in London: Snap Happy! How Children Became Photographers. It looks back at the photos children have been taking since the Victorian era. The Cottingley Fairies were the most famous but curator Annebella Pollen has found other examples. She joins us along with photographer Lillian Spibey.

PRESENTER: Nuala McGovern PRODUCER: Melanie Abbott

Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, Chair EHRC, Dame Harriet Walter, Grey divorce, PMDD Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

It was World Menopause Day yesterday, the last before employers of more than 250 people in England, Scotland and Wales are mandated to have a Menopause Action Plan in place. This new legal duty begins in April 2027. What does it actually mean and how will it be enforced? Nuala McGovern is joined by the Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson.

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s revival of Phyllida Lloyd’s all-female Julius Caesar set in a woman’s prison, which originally ran at the Donmar Warehouse in 2012, is now touring secondary schools. Female prisoners from HMP New Hall in Wakefield and their resident drama group have worked alongside the production. Dame Harriet Walter, who plays Brutus, and Rachel Frank, a criminal justice associate, discuss their collaboration and what the young people and the women from the prison gain from the experience.

For decades married couples have feared the seven-year itch. But the latest divorce statistics for England and Wales show opposite sex couples are now more likely to get divorced after 20 years of marriage. Just over a quarter of divorces last year happened after two decades - or more - of marriage, according to the Office for National statistics. Nuala speaks to break up and divorce coach, Sara Davison, to find out what's behind this trend and the implications for women.

What if, for half of every month, you felt like a different person? That's the reality for many women living with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, or PMDD. Laura Elizabeth Woollett is author of Hell Days, which blends her personal experience of the condition with research and cultural analysis. Dr Georgina Standen is, a GP and PMDD specialist on what latest research tells us about the condition and what treatments are available.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Weekend Woman's Hour: Navi Pillay, Women in tech, Caroline Hirons Oct 17, 2026

Show notes

Navanetham 'Navi' Pillay, a former International Criminal Court judge and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. She is the 21st female to win the award, and the first South African woman. Navi speaks to Nuala McGovern.

In the programme's 80th year, we’re reflecting on how women’s lives have changed in the last eight decades, and today, Nuala digs into the Woman’s Hour archive to find out how technological advancements have impacted women’s lives over the years. Nuala talks to Zoe Kleinman, the BBC’s Technology Editor and Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE, an entrepreneur and champion of women’s visibility in the UK technology industry and author of book 404: Women Not Found.

How well do we know our mothers? The novelist Laleh Khadivi’s latest book Female Life on Planet Earth is about a woman who discovers her dead mother had a secret Iranian revolutionary past. Laleh joins Nuala to talk about her inspiration for the book.

Caroline Hirons has built a career in the beauty industry spanning more than three decades, from working on skincare counters to becoming a bestselling author, social media personality and founder of her own skincare brand. Now she's published a new book, Skin Rules, and joins Anita in the studio.

Nigella Lawson is back on our screens as a judge on The Great British Bake Off but has hit the headlines for taking big bites. So why are some people commenting on a woman actively enjoying food... on a baking show? Nuala is joined by body confidence activist and author Alex Light and personal trainer Laura Ghiacy.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

RIBA Stirling Prize winner, NHS guidance on single-sex spaces, Caroline Hirons Oct 16, 2026

Show notes

Last night, architects gathered to celebrate some of Britain’s most acclaimed buildings as the RIBA Stirling Prize marked its 30th anniversary. The prize is considered the UK’s most prestigious award for architecture and recognises a building that has made a significant contribution to the evolution of the built environment. And at last night’s anniversary ceremony, Lion Green Road, a council-commissioned housing scheme in Coulsdon, South London, was declared the winner. It was designed by Mary Duggan Architects and delivered by the practice Ruff Architects. Mary Duggan joins Anita Rani in the studio.

New NHS England guidance says trans patients should be cared for on single-sex hospital wards or bays that align with their biological sex rather than their gender identity. The BBC's Social Affairs Editor Alison Holt joins Anita to explain the guidance.

Social media has lit up in recent days after comedian Shane Gillis made a controversial joke on the US show Saturday Night Live. In his opening monologue, Gillis said he “didn’t know women just dress like whores now” at the gym. There was an immediate backlash, particularly from women online, from gym goers and athletes to celebrities, calling his comments misogynistic, even dangerous towards women. But many have chosen to see the funny side, poking fun at Gillis as a means of fighting back. Comedian Rachel Parris and Lifestyle Editor at The Metro, Kristina Beanland, give us their reaction.

Have you ever stood at the skincare counter and felt baffled at the vast array of options? Caroline Hirons has made it her mission to help. She's built a career in the beauty industry spanning more than three decades, from working on skincare counters to becoming a bestselling author, social media personality and founder of her own skincare brand, Skin Rocks. She's attracted a large following for her outspoken views on skincare products, beauty trends and the cosmetics industry. Now she's published a new book, Skin Rules, offering advice on navigating the increasingly crowded skincare market. Caroline joins Anita in the studio.

This month sees Britten Sinfonia, Ancient Greek Meze tour- the story of three powerful women of Greek myth through music. The event marks 50 years since the death of composer Benjamin Britten, with the Britten Sinfonia and stand-up classicist Natalie Haynes, alongside the sublime mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston, who is the soloist in his late micro-opera Phaedra. Helen joins Anita to discuss these mythical women.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Simon Richardson

Grok deepfake images, Educating Afghan girls, Runner Esmée Gummer Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

An estimated three million deepfake images were non-consensually requested from Elon Musk’s chatbot Grok around Christmas of last year, mostly of women and children. Since then, UK investigations have been unable to find or charge any of the users who made those requests. Jess Davies, a presenter targeted by this image abuse, reported it to the police at the time but is now pursuing her own civil action. She joins Anita Rani, alongside BBC Technology reporter Laura Cress, to discuss the developments.

After more headlines today about shortages of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), clinicians are urging women to seek advice if their medication has been affected. The warning follows official confirmation from the Department of Health that supplies of major HRT patch brands have been disrupted. Anita is joined by Dr Paula Briggs, Consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health at Liverpool Woman’s NHS Foundation Trust, and Roisin Hillman, co-founder of Menopause Together, the first menopause charity in Northern Ireland.

Shabana Basij-Rasikh is a leading advocate for girls' education in Afghanistan. In 2001, when she was still a teenager, she co-founded a boarding school in Kabul called the School of Leadership (SOLA) to enable girls to learn. Last month Shabana was named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 world’s most influential rising stars. She joins Anita to talk about her campaigning career and decision to create a post-graduate scholarship for a woman like her to attend the University of Oxford.

Esmée Gummer recently completed her own Guinness World Record challenge, having run between every city in the UK, hosting free 5km clubs in each. An incredible achievement because when she was aged 18, Esmée woke up paralysed following complications during surgery - and she had to re-learn how to walk, and eventually run. Esmée didn't want to make the challenge just about her own achievement, so the record is for the most amount of run clubs held in different cities and those who attended any can apply for a certificate. Esmee tells Anita about her passion to encourage people to connect through running, not racing.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Women in Tech, Climate change and gender, Bed bugs, Endometriosis and work. Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

1 in 10 women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis. A new report on the condition, just published by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Endometriosis and supported by Endometriosis UK, has found that the condition is having a significant impact on women's finances and careers. Nearly half of those surveyed said they'd lost income because of their symptoms, more than a quarter had left a job. Nuala discusses the implications with the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Endometriosis Labour MP Kirsteen Sullvan and Alice Cooper who has endometriosis.

In the programme's 80th year we’re reflecting on how women’s lives have changed in the last eight decades and today Nuala digs into the Woman’s Hour archive, to find out how technological advancements have impacted women’s lives over the years. Joining Nuala to discuss Women in Tech is Zoe Kleinman, the BBC’s Technology Editor and Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE, an entrepreneur and champion of women’s visibility in the UK technology industry who has just authored the book 404: Women Not Found.

Britain may have reached "peak bedbug". Experts say infestations are on the rise, with some evidence that the insects are becoming increasingly resistant to common pesticides. It is a job that's still overwhelmingly done by men - 94% of the workforce is male. Nuala finds out more from Leah Darby, founder of Complete Bed Bug Solutions.

Why are men less concerned about climate change than women? Nuala explores the research behind the gender gap and how traditional ideas of masculinity shape environmental attitudes, with political scientist Ingvild Zinober and Tom Hornbrook from MenEngage Alliance.

Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Auto-immune conditions, Author Laleh Khadivi, Women in football Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

A new study suggests that women going to the doctor with symptoms of auto-immune conditions are up to 74% more likely than men to be told their symptoms are psychological or psychosomatic. The research, published in the Lancet eClinicalMedicine journal, and led by the University of Cambridge and University of East Anglia, also found that women were more likely to face delays in getting a correct diagnosis, and hence the right treatment. Lead author, Dr Melanie Sloan, joins presenter Nuala McGovern. How well do we know our mothers? The novelist Laleh Khadivi’s latest book is about a woman who discovers her dead mother had a secret Iranian revolutionary past. In ‘Female Life on Planet Earth,’ she tells the story of Heti, an Iranian mother of two teenage girls who works in an accountancy firm in Los Angeles – and whose life is upended when an anonymous parcel arrives which contains evidence that her mother had had a secret life. Laleh joins Nuala to talk about her inspiration for the book, the complexity of uncovering and sharing secrets and comparing life for women in America with that of those in Iran. Women’s football is growing rapidly around the world, but many professional players are still dealing with low pay and insecure working conditions, according to a new survey. The players’ union FIFPRO spoke to more than 800 footballers playing in the top tier of their countries. Only 78% said they had a written contract, while just 57% said their pay was enough to cover the costs of playing football. Financial pressures and psychological stress were also among the reasons players gave for potentially leaving the game early. BBC Senior journalist Sally Freedman and former England International player Lucy Staniforth, now FIFPRO Women’s Football Officer, join Nuala to discuss.

Have you ever thought about going back to school? Older learners are more likely to have caring responsibilties, come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and also be female. We spoke to listener Sue Goldsmith and fellow recent graduate Rahat Ismail about deciding to study in later life. Sue, 71, had graduated from the University of Essex with a first in criminology, and Rahat, 53, has a first-class degree in Global Politics and International Relations from Birkbeck, University of London. They share their experiences of mature student life. Presented by: Nuala McGovern Produced by: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Navi Pillay Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Medical misinformation, Nigella eating Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

Navanetham 'Navi' Pillay, a former International Criminal Court judge and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. In a statement announcing the award, the Nobel Committee praised Pillay's 'efforts to promote peace and international law'. She is the first South African woman to receive the award, and dedicated her win to 'all the survivors of international crime'. In her first interview to be broadcast with the BBC, Navi speaks to Nuala McGovern.

How can medical misinformation harm women, and how do we combat dangerous myths? Nuala is joined by former consultant breast surgeon and cancer survivor Liz O'Riordan and Dr Rachael Kent, whose academic research focuses on the impact of digital technology on mental and physical health.

Women’s groups have called for an emergency demonstration in Glasgow this Monday evening over concerns about women’s safety, following a rise in reported sexual crimes. We speak to Nicola Love, Communications Manager for Rape Crisis Scotland which is taking part and Beth Templeton, a journalist from local news outlet The Bell.

Nigella Lawson is back on our screens as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, but something about her approach has got people talking online… it's the way she eats the cakes - taking big bites, with gusto. So why are some people commenting on a woman actively enjoying food...on a baking show? Nuala is joined by body confidence activist and author, Alex Light, and personal trainer Laura Ghiacy to discuss.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

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