Woman's Hour

To mark our 80th anniversary, Woman's Hour commissioned a survey of 2,000 women across the UK to explore how women feel about using their voice in different areas of their lives, from the most public to the most private spaces. One of the questions we asked was: How many times, if any, have you felt unable to say no in a sexual encounter? More than one in three women surveyed said this had happened to them, and over a quarter said it had happened more than once. The figures were even higher among younger women. Anita Rani is joined by Faustine Petron, who founded the Make It Mandatory campaign five years ago and has been campaigning for the government to extend Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) to all 16 to 18-year-olds; Ellie Softley, a founding member of the charity Everyone's Invited, she created the organisation's education programme and has discussed consent with young people in schools across the UK; and Dr Paula Hall, founder of Pivotal Recovery and a psychotherapist with more than 30 years' experience specialising in porn addiction.At the peak of her fame, Julianna Glasse had a successful career as a Christian pop singer, a high-profile marriage and a respected place within the evangelical community in which she was raised. She even sang at President Trump's first National Prayer Breakfast. Then she started reading certain books that opened her eyes and changed the course of her life. She left her church, her marriage and eventually became CEO of This Is What Happens When Women Read, a global movement supporting four million women in 67 countries as they seek greater autonomy. She joins Anita to discuss the movement and her memoir of the same name.There aren't many sports in which men and women compete directly against each other, but drag racing is one of them. In Europe, women aren't just competing in the world's fastest motorsport, they're dominating it. Top Fuel drag racing sees two vehicles race from a standing start over 1,000 feet, reaching speeds of up to 300mph in just three to four seconds. Sweden's Susanne Callin is a two-time European Top Fuel Champion and joins Anita. Susanne's story is available to watch on BBC iPlayer by searching Global Women, or on the BBC World Service YouTube channel.Olivia Colman has joined the growing ranks of women embracing grey hair and ditching the dye. Freelance journalist Kate Spicer discusses the appeal.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Launching the theme of our 80th birthday year: Use Your Voice, we celebrate live from the Glasgow Women's Library in Scotland, the sole accredited museum of women’s history in the UK.Nuala McGovern is joined by guests: Women's Health Champion for Scotland Dr Anna Glasier, social media influencer and campaigner Fats Timbo, professor of private law Jane Mair and poet and writer and former Makar, Jackie Kay.We hear from some of the Woman's Hour archive including suffragette Mary Richardson from 1957, a woman on breast cancer from 1969, a woman called Candida talking about coming out in the mid 1980s, Margaret Thatcher talking about childcare in 1990, Tracey Emin's reflections on her abortion from 2011 and Rose McGowan talking in 2018 about reigniting the #metoo movement. Our guests reflect on archive from Nancy Astor on being the first female MP in the House of Commons, on a woman talking about the progression of family planning and reactions to the conviction of Sarah Everard's murderer. To mark our 80th birthday we commissioned a poll to ask a nationally representative sample of 2,000 women how they feel about using their voices for themselves – how able do they feel to ask for what they want? Where in life do they feel most able to speak out, and what is most likely to stop them? Nuala talks to Anita Rani who is in the studio in London to find out more.Hollie McNish is the author of five collections of poetry. She was the first poet to record at Abbey Road Studios, in London, and won the 'Ted Hughes Award for New Work in Poetry'. To celebrate our 80th birthday we asked Hollie to write us a birthday poem, and she performs it live on the programme.Then we hear from our listeners - we recently asked you if something you'd heard on the programme over the years had inspired you to use your voice. We hear from listeners Rachel, Barbara, Veronica and Angela. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Corinna Jones

Hundreds of schools in France have closed after clashes between police and student protestors. Chloe Quesnel is a high school teacher in Nice in France. She's been watching her students take to the streets to protest over classroom conditions, lack of resources and the number of teaching staff. Chloe and Paris-based journalist Lisa Louis tell Kylie about the student protest of the last week, and what can be expected from today. The Party is a five-part ITV series based on the acclaimed novel by Elizabeth Day and adapted by award-winning writer and actor Sarah Solemani. At the centre are two men, Ben, a wealthy politician, and Martin, a political journalist, whose life has been shaped by their relationship. While the men drive the central plot of class obsession and co-dependency, the female characters serve as the moral anchors, truth-tellers, and catalysts for the story's climax. Elizabeth Day and Sarah Solemani join Kylie to discuss this tale of class, sex, shame, power, betrayal and secrets.A File on Four investigation has found that one in every 118 children in England who are under 1 years old, are subject to care proceedings - that’s a rise of over 60% in the last two decades. Experts believe that with intensive support many of the 3,000 children who are adopted each year could be cared for or remain in contact with their birth parents. BBC special correspondent Judith Moritz discusses what she's discovered, and Kylie speaks to Prof Karen Broadhurst, co-director of the Centre for Child and Family Justice Research.Artist and poet Cecilia Vicuña is regarded as one of the most important Latin American artists living today - she is often described as an eco-feminist drawing connections between the exploitation of nature and the marginalisation of women. She'll be talking about her new solo exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery in East London.Presenter: Kylie Pentalow Producer: Cerys Maidment

Monica Dolan is starring in a new film, The Lost Children of Tuam, co-produced by Liam Neeson. In it, she plays the extraordinary amateur historian, Catherine Corless, whose relentless pursuit of the truth helped to bring the story of hundreds of babies from an Irish mother and baby home being disposed of in a disused sewage tank to the world in 2014. She joins Nuala McGovern along with journalist Alison O’Reilly to discuss this powerful tale of community activism and how it led to an ongoing mass exhumation.Kemistry is what Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative party leader, is calling her personal brand of conservatism. Almost two years into her tenureship, she has set out her core principles in a 95-page essay. And at their conference in Birmingham yesterday, Badenoch also pledged to scrap the £100,000 earning limit for parents to claim 30 hours a week of free childcare, if her party is elected. Kitty Donaldson, Chief Political commentator at the i Paper gives her thoughts.Broadcaster Ashley James has gone public about the lasting effects of birth complications – including incontinence – and why she believes we need to speak more openly about it. To discuss, Ashley joins Nuala alongside NHS GP Dr Ellie Cannon, who specialises in women’s health.As the weather turns a little more chilly this week, you may be thinking about swapping cereal for something more warming, like porridge. Gina Saarberg has won the coveted Golden Spurtle at the World Porridge Making Championship, which took place in Carrbridge in the Highlands on Saturday. She tells Nuala her tips for a delicious bowl.Stage and screen actor Jane Asher, and Laura Main - best known for Call the Midwife - play The Queen and her dresser in By Royal Appointment, Daisy Goodwin’s play about the quiet power behind the monarch’s public image. It reveals how the Queen expressed what she couldn’t say — through colour, coats and the occasional hat — and how her dresser rose from lipstick advice to real influence. The play is currently on a UK tour – this week they’ll be at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham.

A group of school children have set up a petition calling on the government to ban the use of school uniforms in porn. They say they want to abolish the sexualisation of children through the inappropriate use of school uniform. Kylie Pentelow is joined by two of the campaigners Aylin and Mae, both 15. Kylie also hears from Professor Clare McGlynn, Professor of Law at Durham University and author of Exposed: The problem of Extreme Porn.Helen Rebanks believes the unsung heroes of rural life are often the wives whose behind-the-scenes efforts keep both the family and the business afloat. Descended from generations of Cumbrian farmers, she still lives in the Lake District. Her bestselling 2023 book, The Farmer's Wife, has inspired a play by the same name, running at the Theatre By The Lake in Keswick until 10 October. Helen joins Anita Rani along with playwright Hannah Khalil to discuss the often-overlooked role of farmers wives.A social media-driven resurgence in the popularity of sunbeds is said to be fuelling a rise in cases of skin cancer, particularly among young people, according to some experts. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is now one of the most common cancers in people aged 15 to 34, according to Cancer Research UK. Meanwhile research by the Teenage Cancer Trust found around 48% of 18 to 34-year-olds in the UK use sunbeds – the highest proportion of any age group. Observer journalist Marine Saint has been looking into this, along with Rosie Vare from the Teenage Cancer Trust.The Women’s Art Collection at Murray Edwards College in Cambridge is marking 40 years since its inception in 1986, with a new exhibition inspired by its very first artwork and two new acquisitions. Joining Kylie to discuss putting women in the frame are Harriet Loffler, Director of the Women’s Art Collection, the artist Professor Dame Sonia Boyce and the art historian and author of The Story of Art Without Men, Katy Hessel.Many parents will have just experienced the departure of their children from the family home as they head for university, turning once-bustling households into so-called 'empty nests'. It can leave those left behind feeling unsettled and cut adrift. Denise Turner, Professor of Social Work at the University of Hertfordshire, is researching the impact this life transition has on parents. They are joined by parenting author and journalist Lorraine Candy to discuss her findings.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Multiple protests have been taking place in Delhi over the past week. Hundreds of women have come together in India's capital to protest against a series of sexual assaults - most recently the alleged gang-rape of a 17-year-old near Delhi university's campus. Anita speaks to the BBC's South Asia correspondent Azadeh Moshiri.The manufacturers of a new weight loss drug are warning women to beware of dangerous fakes being offered. The new medication is called Retatrutide. Although you can find it for sale on websites, it's not approved and is still in clinical trials. Dr Emily Pegg the UK medical director of the drug company Eli Lilley, the makers of Retatrutide and Dr Alison Cave, the chief safety officer of the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority join Anita Rani to discuss the issues.A photography exhibition starts at the Vagina Museum in London next week called Just Because We Smile, Doesn’t Mean We’re Over It. The images are of more than 100 people who have experienced miscarriage, baby loss or infertility. It is the passion project of Bex Gunn, who along with Laura Buckingham runs The Worst Girl Gang Ever Foundation. Bex and Laura join Anita to explain why they founded their charity and the community that are reflected in these photos.The fourth part of our listener series 'When My Body Surprised Me'. Saba describes the impact weight training for the first time in her 60s has had on her life. Helen Rebanks believes the unsung heroes of rural life are often the wives whose behind-the-scenes efforts keep both the family and the business afloat. Descended from generations of Cumbrian farmers, she still lives in the Lake District. Her bestselling 2023 book, The Farmer's Wife, has inspired a play by the same name, running at the Theatre By The Lake in Keswick until 10 October. Helen joins Anita along with playwright Hannah Khalil to discuss the often-overlooked role of farmers wives. Presented by: Anita Rani. Producer: Louise Corley

New York state prosecutors say they will reopen a criminal inquiry into the alleged rape of a woman at Cornell University in 2024. The woman, referred to in court documents as Jane Doe, alleges in her lawsuit that seven men from Cornell's Chi Phi fraternity chapter assaulted her in an incident involving alcohol and the drug ketamine. The case was investigated by university police but will now go before a grand jury. The case has been discussed widely online, with many including actress Florence Pugh reacting with fury over the reported disciplinary actions taken by the university. Nada Tawfik, BBC North American correspondent, and Tracey Vitchers, Executive Director of It's On Us, a non-profit programme dedicated to college sexual assault prevention, join Anita Rani to discuss.The broadcaster, campaigner and charity founder Dame Esther Rantzen has died at the age of 86. She will be best remembered for presenting the BBC TV Programme That’s Life. She also set up Childline – the telephone helpline for children suffering abuse or neglect – and spent a lot of time campaigning for older people and for assisted dying. Guardian journalist Zoe Williams remembers her and her impact on women's lives. Australia has launched its Endometriosis Management Plan, which gives GPs and patients a much greater role in the management of their endo. Professor Danielle Mazza from Monash University in Melbourne has been instrumental in designing and delivering the plan. She discusses how the UK might benefit from something like this with Dr Sylvia Kama-Kieghe, a GP in Sheffield, and Vice President of Membership and Workforce at the College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare.A social media-driven resurgence in the popularity of sunbeds is said to be fuelling a rise in cases of skin cancer, particularly among young people, according to some experts. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is now one of the most common cancers in people aged 15 to 34, according to Cancer Research UK. Meanwhile research by the Teenage Cancer Trust found around 48% of 18 to 34-year-olds in the UK use sunbeds – the highest proportion of any age group. Observer journalist Marine Saint has been looking into this, along with Rosie Vare from the Teenage Cancer Trust.Producer: Melanie Abbott Presenter: Anita Rani

The Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced an end to the triple lock for the state pension from 2030, and it’s thought that women could be most affected by the proposed changes. Kylie Pentalow is joined by consumer finance expert Sarah Pennells to explain what the news could mean for women’s pensions. The Women’s Art Collection at Murray Edwards College in Cambridge is marking 40 years since its inception in 1986, with a new exhibition inspired by its very first artwork and two new acquisitions. Joining Kylie Pentelow to discuss putting women in the frame are Harriet Loffler, Director of the Women’s Art Collection, the artist Professor Dame Sonia Boyce and the art historian and author of The Story of Art Without Men, Katy Hessel.A group of school children have set up a petition calling on the government to ban the use of school uniforms in porn. They say they want to abolish the sexualisation of children through the inappropriate use of school uniform. Kylie is joined by two of the campaigners Aylin and Mae, both 15. Kylie also hears from Professor Clare McGlynn, Professor of Law at Durham University and author of Exposed: The problem of Extreme Porn.The cultural historian Mineke Schipper was reading proverbs from around the world, when she stumbled upon an idea for a new research project, into what she describes as the last feminist taboo - what happens to women after their husbands die. The research has now become a book called Widows and Mineke joins Kylie to talk about what she's learnt.Have you ever thought about the ways your body has surprised you? Our bodies carry us through every day, and they vary not only between people, but change hugely over the course of our own lives. We’re exploring the question through the experiences of our Woman's Hour listeners. Today we hear from Rebecca, sharing the story of her recovery from breast cancer, and how her body made it through gruelling cancer treatment to find community and joy in the ocean.Presenter: Kylie Pentalow Producer: Olivia Skinner

Many parents will have just experienced the departure of their children from the family home as they head for university, turning once-bustling households into so-called 'empty nests'. It can leave those left behind feeling unsettled and cut adrift. Denise Turner, Professor of Social Work at the University of Hertfordshire, is researching the impact this life transition has on parents. She joins Kylie Pentelow along with parenting author and journalist Lorraine Candy to discuss her findings.Almost half of electronic tags used to track offenders' movements are not fitted on time, with significant delays putting victims in England and Wales at risk, according to a report by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation. It found only 55% of GPS and radio frequency tags were fitted on time, and some criminals are waiting up to five months to be fitted with a tag. Thousands more prisoners will be released from Thursday as part of the new law. Most will require tagging. Farah Nazeer, CEO of Women's Aid, and Andrea Coomber KC, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, discuss.A new fund has been launched to create 'unstoppable momentum' to end female genital mutilation (FGM). The United Nations has set a goal of elimination by 2030, but progress is not on track as funding declines and legal protections are challenged. This new fund, called Her Horizon Fund, set up by the US-based Wallace Global Fund, seeks to pool $100m from donors to reach a 'tipping point' towards ending FGM within a generation. But Nimco Ali, an FGM survivor and activist, has concerns about this fund. She joins Susan Gibbs, the Wallace Global Fund's senior adviser on women's rights and FGM. The Mexican-American comedian, actor and writer Lara Ricote grew up in Miami before moving to the Netherlands to study politics, where she began performing improv and stand-up comedy. She won the Best Newcomer award at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards in 2022 for her debut show GRL/LATNX/DEF. She joins Kylie to discuss her role in the romantic comedy series Break Clause, which starts on 1 October.Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Ten NHS staff have been removed from duty or suspended after accessing the medical records of three-year-old Noah Woods, without authorisation. A major search for Noah was carried out in the village of Brantham, Suffolk, after the child went missing on 15 September. His body was found the next day in a nearby pond by police divers. An urgent investigation has been launched by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which says any unauthorised access to patient data is 'completely unacceptable.' BBC Health Correspondent Jim Read joins Kylie Pentelow to discuss the case and the issues it raises, along with Sam Smith, from the organisation Med Confidential, which campaigns for confidentiality in healthcare.South Africa also has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world, and calls are intensifying for more to be done to protect women after the bodies of 10 women have been discovered in Ekurhuleni, east Johannesburg in South Africa in the past two months. It has triggered an outpouring of national grief and outrage, and it's brought the issue of femicide and gender-based violence to the forefront of national discussions. The BBC's Southern Africa correspondent Pumza Fihlani gives an update on developments. What happens when retirement doesn't mean giving up work? Joanne, who is 72, and Karen, who is 66, discuss their experiences of working after retirement.Serenity Falls is the latest thriller novel by C. J. Tudor. The story centres on a British father and daughter who unexpectedly inherit a luxurious house in a seemingly idyllic, crime-free town, Serenity Falls, in the US. Dan and Sadie seize the opportunity for a fresh start and emigrate, but on day one a corpse dressed in an armadillo suit turns up in their swimming pool, and that's just the start of a series of freakish events. C. J. joins Kylie to talk about writing thrillers and her passion for tattoos.Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Dianne McGregor

Hollywood star Catherine Zeta-Jones joined Nuala McGovern to talk about her new action thriller series, Kill Jackie and taking on one of her most formidable roles yet, not least because she's finally on screen speaking in a Welsh accent. For months Lucy Godley documented the abuse she suffered at the hands of her former partner. Secretly, she photographed injuries, gathered evidence and sent it to the one person she trusted to keep it safe: her mum, Sharon. The evidence would ultimately help secure his conviction and a 23-year prison sentence. For the first time, Lucy Godley and her mother Sharon spoke to Nuala, together.Morcheeba emerged in the mid 1990s alongside groups like Massive Attack and Portishead, and became pioneers of the British trip-hop scene with hits including Rome Wasn't Built in a Day, The Sea, and Trigger Hippie. They are currently on an international tour, and upcoming dates include the Troxy as part of EFG London Jazz Festival on 13 November. Anita talked to singer Skye about her life and career, and she performs live with bandmate Ross Godfrey, from their album Escape The Chaos.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells

What is the impact of the Durham breast cancer scandal on the women affected? It's been announced that 4,500 patients will have their medical records reviewed. There has been a range of issues including some women who had unnecessary mastectomies. Health correspondent Sharon Barbour and Denise Howarth from the Pink Justice Campaign join Anita Rani to discuss. ‘Donate to charity shops as if you’re giving to a friend’ - that was the advice from author Tansy Hoskins when she joined us on the programme earlier this month. But what can you do with those items in your home that aren’t in good enough condition for a charity shop? From worn-out socks to knickers where the elastic has gone, Laura de Barra, author of Garment Goddess, and Anna Turns, senior environment editor at The Conversation, share what we can do with these items.The leading Dutch dictionary, Dikke van Dale, is adding a new word for the labia to its online edition. Alongside the traditional term schaamlippen, which translates as shame lips, it will now include vulvalippen or vulva lips. Campaigners across Europe have spent years challenging language they say reinforces shame and stigma around women's bodies. So why do the words we use for female anatomy matter? Communication researcher Dr Beth Mallory and Shari Klein, co-founder of the Dutch campaign Schaamteloos, which pushed for the change, discuss.It has been 50 years since the groundbreaking play by Ntozake Shange, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf premiered on Broadway. Now, it has a major London run in a production directed by Diane Page for The Yard Theatre's reopening. Blending poetry, music, dance and storytelling, the play follows women, identified only by the colour they are wearing, as they share stories of love, loss, joy and trauma. Diane Page discusses this landmark in African American feminist theatre which celebrates black women's voices while exploring themes of identity, sisterhood and survival.Presented by Anita Rani Produced by Melanie Abbott

Naomi Alderman is an award-winning novelist, broadcaster, TV producer and videogames creator. Her latest novel The Strangers blends memoir and speculative fiction to explore grief, identity and our search for meaning when our lives are uprooted by events out of our control. Naomi joins Anita to discuss why stories can sometimes help us navigate loss more powerfully than facts, and whether the mysteries we cannot explain reveal something essential about what it means to be human.A Scottish nurse has told an employment tribunal she did not believe her union representative took her objections to sharing female changing rooms with a transgender colleague as seriously as she did. It's the second employment tribunal Sandie Peggie has brought over the dispute with Dr Beth Upton – a transgender woman who was born biologically male. And whilst employment tribunals seldom make headlines, this one is about gender-critical beliefs in the country that has been at the forefront of testing these beliefs in policy and law. Anita speaks to Lorna Gordon who is covering this story for BBC Scotland.Morcheeba emerged in the mid 1990s alongside groups like Massive Attack and Portishead, and became pioneers of the British trip-hop scene with hits including Rome Wasn't Built in a Day, The Sea, and Trigger Hippie. They are currently on an international tour, and upcoming dates include the Troxy as part of EFG London Jazz Festival on 13 November. Anita talks to singer Skye Edwards about her life and career, and she performs live with bandmate Ross Godfrey, from their album Escape The Chaos.Why are women waiting months, and sometimes more than a year, for a procedure that can take just minutes? The College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare says access to hormonal coils has become a postcode lottery, with women seeking treatment for heavy periods, endometriosis and perimenopause facing long delays. It launches a campaign today called Why are Women Waiting? Nuala hears from Hattie Simpson, who waited nearly seven months for treatment, and Dr Zara Haider, President of the College.

Hollywood star Catherine Zeta-Jones joins Nuala McGovern to talk about her new action thriller series, Kill Jackie and taking on one of her most formidable roles yet, not least because she's finally on screen speaking in a Welsh accent. She joins Nuala live in the studio.Nearly 30 years after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister' Earl Spencer recounts his life with his sister and the traumatic days following her death. Does his account help us better understand Diana, the woman who was also a global icon? Nuala discusses with Anne McElvoy, executive editor at Politico and co-host of the Politics at Sam and Anne’s podcast, and Justine Picardie – Social historian and author of Fashioning the Crown: A Story of Power, Conflict and Couture and author of memoir If the Spirit Moves You. The shortlist for the Booker Prize has been announced, and while female writers formed a majority of the 2026 longlist, the final selection includes four male and two female authors. Pulp frontman and Booker Prize judge Jarvis Cocker said that it was a 'surprise' that four books written by men ended up on the shortlist, 'because generally speaking, the male-written books weren't as good as the ones written by women'. Nuala is joined by Gaby Wood, Chief Executive of the Booker Prize Foundation. Good morning Gaby!Hair they say is a woman’s crown. Some 63% of women in the UK have wavy, curly or coily hair. Despite this, it can often be difficult to find a hairdresser who can comfortably style their hair. Paris Tyrell posted a video on social media about her experience, which provoked a lot of discussion. Nuala hears from Paris and Anita Ramshini, Director of Avesta Hair and Academy based in Salford.Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Author Liane Moriarty’s bestselling novel Big Little Lies followed the lives of a group of women in the affluent Sydney suburbs, exploring some dark themes beneath the suburban façade. It was made into a popular TV drama starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Zoë Kravitz. Now Liane has written a sequel, Big Little Truths, which rejoins the women 10 years later. She talks to presenter Nuala McGovern about reimagining her characters in midlife and grappling with the challenges of parenting teens. For years, organised gangs of abusers, mostly of Pakistani heritage, preyed on young girls in Oxford while it's claimed the authorities looked the other way. BBC’s Panorama examines the devastating legacy of this neglect for three survivors, revealing the extent of the abuse they suffered, the enduring impact it has had on their lives and the questions they still have. Producer and director Leanne Hayman tells us about the film.Are girls and boys born looking at the world in different ways? Yumnah Khan is a Doctoral Scientist at The University of Cambridge's Autism Research Centre and she's been investigating sex differences in babies' brain structure and cognition. Previous research has shown that girls, on average, learn to talk earlier and develop social skills faster than boys. This new study suggests that some differences in development may begin before birth, shaped by prenatal biology as well as later life experiences. So what should parents take from these findings? And how much do they actually tell us about the early experiences of girls and boys? Has your body ever surprised you? Perhaps you overcame a difficult health challenge, started a new sport, or maybe you just noticed some of the incredible everyday things our bodies do for us? Listeners have been telling us the different ways their bodies have surprised them. First, we hear from Gail, a nurse who decided to donate a kidney to someone in need. From chicken fillets to padded ‘bum shorts’ and even stick on nipples, women are constantly being marketed products which promise to change how we look. The latest to hit the high street are hip-padding bodysuits, which users say can minimise ‘hip dips’ to create a Kim Kardashian-style silhouette. Susie Orbach, a psychotherapist, psychoanalyst and the author of books including Bodies and Fat Is a Feminist Issue, joins Nuala to discuss the trend along with Ali Bodley, a heritage specialist who has curated exhibitions looking at women's fashion through the ages. Presented by: Nuala McGovern Produced by: Sarah Jane Griffiths

For months Lucy Godley documented the abuse she suffered at the hands of her former partner. Secretly, she photographed injuries, gathered evidence and sent it to the one person she trusted to keep it safe: her mum, Sharon. The evidence would ultimately help secure his conviction and a 23-year prison sentence. For the first time, Lucy Godley and her mother Sharon join Nuala McGovern to tell their story together. The Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing calls to set a national waiting-time target for dementia care in England. A proposal for an 18‑week referral‑to‑treatment target has been backed by Baroness Louise Casey, who's leading a major review of adult social care. Women account for roughly two thirds of dementia cases. Baroness Casey joins Nuala to talk about what needs to change. The play Tits Up! follows four very different women who bond while being treated for breast cancer. Set in an oncology waiting room, the play begins a 23 day UK tour in October. One of the writers, Leah Bell who also stars with actor and comedian Crissy Rock join Nuala to discuss the play, friendships and using humour as a way to get through difficult times.Specialist courts to handle cases of rape and other sexual offences will be introduced across England and Wales over the next two years. Each crown court will have at least one courtroom set up to hear such cases, while alleged victims will be able to view proceedings remotely and give evidence from a separate room via video link. Nuala gets reaction from Chief Executive of Rape Crisis England & Wales, Ciara Bergman. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Dianne McGregor

Dame Meera Syal is a multi-award winning writer and actor, and a name and face very familiar to many of us having graced our screens for decades now. She's just published her first memoir and is also currently on stage in The Children at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London. With her trademark warmth and humour she joined Anita Rani in the studio.More than 1,000 children have died in a measles outbreak in Bangladesh. Government figures show there have been at least 194,000 cases since March, and around 1,000 new cases are being reported everyday. The World Health Organisation says this makes Bangladesh the country with the highest number of cases in the world right now. The government is responding with an emergency vaccination campaign. Anita talked to Dr Zakiul Hassan, a medical doctor who works at an international research institute in Bangladesh and is currently completing a PhD at the University of Oxford's Pandemic Sciences Institute.Elite rock climber Shauna Coxsey has become the first woman to complete the UK's hardest deep-water solo climb. Shauna scaled The Olympiad, an overhanging cliff route above the sea in Pembrokeshire. Deep-water solo climbing involves scaling coastal routes without ropes or a harness, with climbers falling into the sea if they come off. Nuala McGovern spoke to Shauna, who is Britain's most successful competitive climber and the UK's first Bouldering World Champion.One in 10 people in the UK are thought to be currently using GLP-1 weight-loss medication, and their rise is changing the way many people eat, shop, dress and even talk. Nuala spoke to two women exploring the impact the GLP-1 phenomenon is having on body image and the way we think about weight and diet culture. Journalist Rose Stokes hosts new podcast A Matter of Fat, while Dr Kat Schneider is a researcher on body image, weight bias and weight stigma, based at the Centre for Appearance Research at University of the West of England in Bristol.Have you ever said you were ‘triggered’, or casually described a repetitive behaviour as a bit ‘OCD’? Psychiatrist Dr Suzanne Garfinkle-Crowell joined Nuala to discuss her new book Girlhood, Translated, and her concerns about the growing use of ‘therapy speak’ and self-diagnosis among girls and young women.And Jordyn with a Why, the R&B neo-soul singer songwriter of Māori heritage, has found a whole new global audience after going viral with her cover of Olivia Dean's Man I Need, hitting two million views on Instagram. Known for her ethereal sound and strong connection to her culture, she has a particular passion for Te Reo Māori and is currently in London to record a project at Abbey Road Studios. She joined us to perform live and dicuss what it means to represent te reo Māori on an international stage.Presented by: Anita Rani Produced by: Mora Morrison

Georgia Hunter Bell rediscovered her teenage love of running during lockdown, and two years later won Team GB a Bronze medal in the 1,500m at the Paris Olympics, at the age of 30. This year she's won gold medals at the World Indoor Championships, the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships - and tonight she's competing in Athlos, a brand new all-female track and field event taking place in London for the first time. Designed by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanion, it's aiming to reshape women’s athletics by giving them a financial stake in their own sport. Georgia tells presenter Anita Rani about her unusual path, and whether she thinks an event of this kind can change the public perception of women’s track and field events, or even the future of the sport.More than 1,000 children have died in a measles outbreak in Bangladesh. Government figures show there have been at least 194,000 cases since March, and around 1,000 new cases are being reported everyday. The World Health Organisation says this makes Bangladesh the country with the highest number of cases in the world right now. The government is responding with an emergency vaccination campaign. Presenter Anita Rani talks to Dr Zakiul Hassan, a medical doctor who works at an international research institute in Bangladesh and is currently completing a PhD at the University of Oxford's Pandemic Sciences Institute. Seven months after MPs called for tougher safeguards around cosmetic procedures, from liquid Brazilian Butt Lifts or BBLs to breast augmentations, the Women and Equalities Committee says key recommendations remain unanswered. Christine Jardine, Interim Chair of the Committee, and Nora Nugent, President of BAAPS join Anita to discuss how patient safety is being put at risk.Candy Sangare has just become both the first woman and the first black person to win the French Wine Tasting Championship, held annually by a wine magazine, La Revue du Vin de France. Candy isn't a sommelier, but a former air steward turned entrepreneur and now has her eyes set on the world title.Jordyn with a Why, the R&B neo-soul singer songwriter of Māori heritage, has found a whole new global audience after going viral with her cover of Olivia Dean's Man I Need, hitting two million views on Instagram. Known for her ethereal sound and strong connection to her culture, she has a particular passion for Te Reo Māori and is currently in London to record a project at Abbey Road Studios. She joins us to perform live and dicuss what it means to represent te reo Māori on an international stage.Presented by: Anita Rani Produced by: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Dame Meera Syal is a multi-award winning writer and actor, and a name and face very familiar to many of us having graced our screens for decades now. She's just published her first memoir and is also currently on stage in The Children at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London. With her trademark warmth and humour she joins Anita Rani in the studio.A breakthrough breast cancer drug, Enhertu, has been approved for NHS use in England. Charities and patients have campaigned for it to be more widely available since 2024, when the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) said Enhertu was not good value for money. The drug can give patients almost seven extra months to live on average - with some living up to three years longer. Women in Scotland have had access to the drug on the NHS since 2023, and it is available in 26 other European countries. Anita is joined by campaigner Sophie Blake who has stage 4 breast cancer and Dr Simon Vincent, Chief Scientific Officer at Breast Cancer Now.In our recent series of features about Daddy Issues, reporter Jo Morris has been speaking to listeners exploring the impact of paternal absence. Here, Anita is joined by Emma and her father Arthur, who share their story. Emma bonded with her father over sport, as she was a competitive swimmer, and Arthur was a British four time World Powerlifting Champion. But then Arthur became addicted to drugs and left the family home. They discuss the impact of paternal absence and describe how through their Christian faith they came to forgiveness and reconciliation. Founded two years ago by four Black SEND mothers, the Black Child Down Syndrome Project was created to address the lack of representation and support for Black families raising children with Down Syndrome. Earlier this year, their Reflecting Radiance exhibition in London showcased portraits of children supported by the project. Photographed by photographer and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Misan Harriman, the exhibition featured a takeover of the Piccadilly Lights. The organisation has since been nominated for a BBC Make a Difference Award and a National Diversity Award. Co-founders Danise Bartlett-Grant and Oneness Sankara join Anita.And Bonnie Greer, the playwright, novelist and cultural commentator, who died this week, is remembered. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

A new film adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility will be released in cinemas on Friday 25 September. Austen's first published novel tells the story of the Dashwood sisters, who are forced to leave their family estate after their father's death and move to a cottage in rural Devonshire. More than 200 years after its original publication, the story is returning to the big screen. The production stars Daisy Edgar-Jones as Elinor and Esmé Creed-Miles as Marianne. Screenwriter Diana Reid and director Georgia Oakley join Nuala McGovern to discuss the film.A new report from Amnesty International names 87 Iranian officials it says should be criminally investigated for crimes against humanity during the crackdown following the death of young Kurdish Iranian woman Mahsa Amini, four years ago today. Raha Bahreini, a human rights lawyer and Amnesty International's Iran researcher, outlines the report and its call for action. BBC Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet discusses what life is like for women in Iran today.Elite rock climber Shauna Coxsey has become the first woman to complete the UK's hardest deep-water solo climb. Shauna scaled The Olympiad, an overhanging cliff route above the sea in Pembrokeshire. Deep-water solo climbing involves scaling coastal routes without ropes or a harness, with climbers falling into the sea if they come off. Nuala speaks to Shauna, who is Britain's most successful competitive climber and the UK's first Bouldering World Champion.Rebecca F Kuang, author of the bestselling and critically acclaimed novel Yellowface, discusses her latest book, Taipei Story. It follows Lily, a Yale student who leaves America for an intensive summer language course in Taiwan's capital. Food, language, identity, grief and humour are all part of the story as Lily navigates translation, miscommunication and her family's cultural heritage.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Dianne McGregor

A new advert featuring the American actress Sydney Sweeney has sparked a backlash from some female athletes for sexualising women’s sport. The advert, for the sports betting company Novig - a company in which Sweeney has a financial stake - shows her in revealing poses with a series of sporting props. So does the advert undermine the progress women’s sport has made in moving away from the sexualisation of female athletes – or should women be free to present themselves however they choose? Harriet Walker is the fashion editor of The Times. She's been writing about this and joins Nuala McGovern.One in 10 people in the UK are thought to be currently using GLP-1 weight-loss medication, and their rise is changing the way many people eat, shop, dress and even talk. We speak to two women exploring the impact the GLP-1 phenomenon is having on body image and the way we think about weight and diet culture. Journalist Rose Stokes hosts new podcast A Matter of Fat, while Dr Kat Schneider is a researcher on body image, weight bias and weight stigma, based at the Centre for Appearance Research at University of the West of England in Bristol. We hear the final part of Daddy Issues, our series that has been exploring paternal absence in different forms. What happens when you lose your dad as a young woman on the cusp of adulthood? Woman’s Hour listener Donya contacted us on Instagram to tell us about her beloved dad Hussain, who died of cancer when Donya was only 18 and had just finished her A levels. She met reporter Jo Morris to discuss their close relationship - performing in amateur dramatics, cycling and hiking together, his absence, their Iranian culture, and how she’s navigating life without him.British singer-songwriter Sarah Jane Morris rose to international fame with The Communards iconic song Don’t Leave Me This Way in 1986. Over the last four decades she has built an eclectic solo career all over Europe and earlier this year released an album Sisterhood 2. It is the second in a series of albums in which songs are written in the style of other famous female singers to pay tribute to their influence on Morris. Tracy Chapman and Dolly Parton are just two of the artists who appear on the album. Morris and her band join Nuala in the studio to perform a song from the album - Longing To Be Free, a song dedicated to American folk singer songwriter, Peggy Seeger.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Is artificial intelligence more likely to disadvantage women at work? Women make up more than 60% of the UK’s administrative workforce – jobs considered among those most exposed to AI. As unions debate how the technology could affect women’s employment, Nuala McGovern hears from AI consultant Ella Wicks and Bethan, who was replaced in a previous administrative role by an AI tool, about what AI could mean for women at work.Have you ever said you were ‘triggered’, or casually described a repetitive behaviour as a bit ‘OCD’? Psychiatrist Dr Suzanne Garfinkle-Crowell joins Nuala to discuss her new book Girlhood, Translated, and her concerns about the growing use of ‘therapy speak’ and self-diagnosis among girls and young women.Céline Dion has returned to the stage in Paris after a six-year hiatus. Superfan Frankie Jackson-Spence and culture writer Beatrice Hazlehurst discuss her comeback and what she means to her fans.Spain’s football governing body has announced it will offer egg freezing to its top female players. Supporters say it could give athletes more choice over when to have children, while critics question whether it risks encouraging women to put their careers before motherhood. Former Chelsea goalkeeper Carly Telford and sports physiotherapist Michelle Lyons join Nuala to discuss fertility and female footballers' careers. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Simon Richardson

The government has announced plans to require smartphones and tablets to block people from taking, sharing or viewing nude images by default, with adults able to switch the protection off after verifying their age. BBC Senior Technology Reporter Chris Vallance explains how it could work, while Soma Sara, founder of sexual violence campaign group, Everyone’s Invited, tells us if it could protect young people from pressure, coercion and abuse.Callie Khouri won an Oscar for her first screenplay for the film Thelma & Louise. Now she has rewritten the script for a new musical version that has just premiered in London, 35 years after the original film aired. Callie joined Kylie Pentelow to talk about adapting the original and how the story is still painfully relevant.Journalist Rachel Hosie is expecting her first baby in France, where she’s been struck by how much attention and consideration pregnancy receives. Sarah Seror has had babies in both France and Britain and went on to found The Motherhood Practice, which provides private midwifery care in the UK. Nuala McGovern hears from them about the differences in cultural attitudes to pregnancy in the two countries.England Rugby’s Red Roses will be taking part in a major international tournament throughout September and October. But one of the biggest conversations ahead of the WXV Global series is around changes to the size of the equipment. World Rugby will be trialling a smaller ball throughout the tournament. This ball is 3% smaller than the standard size used at elite level for men and women. The changes have had mixed reviews with some saying they are better designed for women to use, while others are concerned about the harm this could do to the image of the Women's game. Rochelle ‘Rocky’ Clark, former Rugby Union player and world cup winning Red Rose and CEO of Women in Sport, Stephanie Hilborne, discuss the impact both on and off the pitch.The latest artwork for London's iconic Fourth Plinth has been revealed. Lady in Blue, by New York artist Tschabalala Self, is a striking ten-foot-tall tribute to a young metropolitan woman inspired by today's London. The figure is the latest in a series of high-profile commissions that have transformed one of the world's most famous public art spaces. Tschabalala joined Kylie to discuss what it means to see her work take centre stage in the heart of the capital.Presenter: Kylie Pentlow Producer: Annette Wells

More than 50 children's charities and parent organisations have written to the Prime Minister, warning that disabled children are being overlooked in the Government's planned reforms to social care. Kylie Pentelow is joined by Anna Bird, Chair of the Disabled Children's Partnership and Chief Executive of the charity Contact to tell us more.The latest artwork for London's iconic Fourth Plinth has been revealed. Lady in Blue, by New York artist Tschabalala Self, is a striking ten-foot-tall tribute to a young metropolitan woman inspired by today's London. The figure is the latest in a series of high-profile commissions that have transformed one of the world's most famous public art spaces. Tschabalala joins Kylie to discuss what it means to see her work take centre stage in the heart of the capital.River Ahmad made history in May when she became the first Afghan woman to climb Mount Everest. She had always dreamed of climbing the mountain with her 20-year-old brother who later took his own life. As a teenager in Afghanistan, she survived a Taliban attack on her bus. River now lives in Australia and she spoke to the BBC's Sodaba Haidare about her inspiration to climb the mountain:The third part in our series Daddy Issues where we explore the impact of fathers on daughters. Woman’s Hour listener Carmen grew up on the North Yorkshire coast. Her father was a retired fisherman. When Carmen was eight, her mum was taken into psychiatric care. Her dad looked after Carmen and her sister, and provided a safe haven for them. But things later became more complex. Reporter Jo Morris met Carmen at the beach, where she explained losing him twice, and the impact of this on her relationships.Dutch writer Doortje Smithuijsen joins Kylie to discuss her book, Capitalism is Sexism, exploring everything from work to childcare and the things mothers buy. Doortje asks how free those choices really are and why they still often produce familiar inequalities.Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Corinna Jones

The number of high earning parents turning down pay rises in order to keep free childcare is on the rise. Research from the University of Warwick and the London School of Economics estimates that by 2030, 12,000 parents will tactically keep their income below £100,000 in order to avoid the 'tax trap.' Kylie Pentelow speaks to Claer Barrett, Consumer Editor at the Financial Times. Emily McBride’s debut novel Queen Mab follows new mother Madeleine as she becomes concerned that her newborn is in fact a changeling. As real life continues around her, Madeleine slips into disturbing visions as she suspects her daughter was swapped by fairies. Kylie is joined by Emily to talk about her fictional exploration of postpartum psychosis and by Dr Jessica Heron, Chief Executive of the national charity Action on Postpartum Psychosis.Lucy Robinson was told she couldn’t go on a work trip abroad to deliver the keynote speech of her career because, despite being disabled, she wasn’t allowed to take her support workers with her. Kylie talks to Lucy about how she fought back and also to her lawyer, Anne-Marie Irwin from Rook Irwin Sweeney and the BBC's Carolyn Atkinson.Callie Khouri won an Oscar for her first screenplay for the film Thelma & Louise. Now she has rewritten the script for a new musical version that has just premiered in London, 35 years after the original film aired. Callie joins Kylie to talk about adapting the original and how the story is still painfully relevant.Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Rebecca Myatt

The government has announced plans to require smartphones and tablets to block people from taking, sharing or viewing nude images by default, with adults able to switch the protection off after verifying their age. BBC Senior Technology Reporter Chris Vallance explains how it could work, while Soma Sara, founder of sexual violence campaign group, Everyone’s Invited, tells us if it could protect young people from pressure, coercion and abuse.England Rugby’s Red Roses will be taking part in a major international tournament throughout September and October. But one of the biggest conversations ahead of the WXV Global series is around changes to the size of the equipment. World Rugby will be trialling a smaller ball throughout the tournament. This ball is 3% smaller than the standard size used at elite level for men and women. The changes have had mixed reviews with some saying they are better designed for women to use, while others are concerned about the harm this could do to the image of the Women's game. Rocky Clark, former Rugby Union player and world cup winning red rose and CEO of Women in Sport, Stephanie Hilborne discuss the impact both on and off the pitch.The second in our series Daddy Issues where we look at the impact on women of having an absent father in their lives. On Monday we heard from Julie who didn’t know her father’s identity throughout her life. But what if your father has been present throughout your life - but then became absent due to an illness like dementia. How to navigate that? Hayley was the apple of her father’s eye: We were joined at the hip. Her father Tony was formally diagnosed three years ago and lives with Hayley, her partner and their blended family. She has been documenting their journey on Instagram as a way of finding support for herself and helping other carers. Reporter Jo Morris went to meet them at the family home in Somerset. Singer songwriter Phoebe Bridgers made her Venice Film Festival debut this week. The topic of conversation around her red carpet appearance was not her role as an actor or her Gucci skirt but her visible leg hair. Body hair on the red carpet is often a hot topic - many will remember the furore over Julia Roberts’s armpit hair at the premier of Notting Hill in 1999. But why are we still so bothered when a woman chooses not to wax or shave? Journalist Eilidh Doran has written about not always shaving herself and joins Nuala to discuss.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Simon Richardson

High-profile Reform UK member and former cabinet minister Nadine Dorris was alerted by the police that a deepfake pornographic image had been made of her. She joins Nuala to discuss the impact this has had on her and her work on the Online Safety Act when she was in Government, as well as her thoughts on the recent row over funding for Reform. It’s Radio 2 in the Park this weekend, and Nuala speaks to award-winning singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé who will be gracing the main stage at City Park in Stirling. She is a prolific writer and collaborator with a hugely distinctive voice and many awards to her name, plus an MBE for her services to music. Emeli will soon be embarking on a UK tour to celebrate 15 years since her first hit album, Our Version of Events.Journalist Rachel Hosie is expecting her first baby in France, where she’s been struck by how much attention and consideration pregnancy receives. Sarah Seror has had babies in both France and Britain and went on to found The Motherhood Practice, which provides private midwifery care in the UK. Nuala hears from them about the differences in cultural attitudes to pregnancy in the two countries.Beau Greaves is a woman of firsts: the first to beat Luke Littler, the first woman to win a Professional Darts Corporation PDC ranking, the first woman to hit a nine-darter, which is a perfect score, in the PDC Pro Tour, and as of Friday, the first woman to win a match on the PDC European Tour. She speaks to Nuala about her rising success and what it’s like competing as a woman in a male-dominated sport.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Cerys Maidment

The Irish boxer Katie Taylor sold out Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday night. More than eighty thousand people turned out to see Katie perform one last spectacular time before she retires. Katie is considered by many as Ireland's greatest athlete and one of the greatest female boxers of all time. Nuala McGovern discusses Katie's career with Ireland's first female world boxing champion Deidre Gogarty - now a coach - and an inspiration to Katie as a child, and the sports writer, broadcaster, and boxing pundit Steve Bunce.Baroness Margaret Hodge's memoir is called Battleaxe - reclaiming a label once used against her by critics. The Labour life peer looks back on her 50 years as an elected representative; and her life from being born in Alexandria to Jewish parents, to arriving in post war Britain stateless, becoming the first Children's Minister and the first woman to chair the Public Accounts Committee, to arguing with Jeremy Corbyn over antisemitism. Now aged 81 and a member of the House of Lords, Baroness Hodge argues that politics can still be a force for good.Woman’s Hour has a new series about the impact of having an absent father. The phrase 'daddy issues' is often used as a soundbite, but the reality behind it can be deeply complex. What can it mean when a father is missing from a daughter's life? We asked you for your stories. Julie wanted to tell us about the secret she had to keep for many years. She met her dad only a handful of times. He became a mystery that has absorbed her for as long as she can remember. She speaks to reporter Jo Morris.Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

The award-winning singer-songwriter and actress Natalie Imbruglia first hit our screens in the early 1990s, playing the role of Beth Brennan in the Australian soap Neighbours. Her 1997 debut single Torn quickly became a worldwide hit, and she’s sold more than 10 million albums. Her latest album, Algorithm, is out now. Natalie joins Nuala McGovern to discuss some of its themes, including doom scrolling on our phones to shame in perimenopause. Whilst the vast majority of nurseries provide safe and caring environments, there have been a number of highly distressing cases in recent years where children have been abused or come to harm. From 1st September this year, strengthened welfare and safeguarding requirements have come into effect for early years providers in England, with the changes designed to help keep babies and young children safe. Clare McDonnell is joined by Jonathan Broadbery from the National Day Nurseries Association and Zoe Raven, Chief Executive of the Acorn Early Years Foundation.As part of a our programme on women and water, we meet Ivana-Maria Carrioni-Burnett, a former Royal Navy officer who now works as a sea pilot on the Thames. She describes climbing aboard huge vessels and taking control of their navigation. Journalist Tansy Hoskins has spent more than a decade investigating the fashion industry, from garment factories to global supply chains. In her new book Charity Shop World she looks into where unwanted clothes end up, volunteering in a charity shop to reveal the hidden stories behind people's donations. Tansy joins Clare to discuss. Divorced. Beheaded. Died. Divorced. Beheaded. Survived. Words familiar to most of us, and perhaps what you learned at school. But what do we really know, in depth, about Henry VIII's wives? There's a campaign to ensure that children learn more about the queens than those six words. Tracy Borman, Chief Historian at Historic Royal Palaces, explains more about their project.Dr Louise Willcott is an NHS doctor and lifelong car enthusiast who recently launched a business, the Women’s Auto Academy, running women-only workshops teaching basic car maintenance. We talk to her and motoring journalist Maria McCarthy about the many benefits of women better understanding how our cars work.Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Dianne McGregor

Tomorrow the Sussex Maternity Review will launch in Brighton to examine more than 1,000 cases spanning over a decade. The independent review's chair, the former midwife Donna Ockenden, will meet with families who have been affected by poor maternity care in the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Bereaved mothers, Hannah Robotham and Katie Fowler join presenter Clare McDonnell to share their stories, along with BBC Social Affairs Correspondent Michael Buchanan.Journalist Tansy Hoskins has spent more than a decade investigating the fashion industry, from garment factories to global supply chains. In her new book Charity Shop World she looks into where unwanted clothes end up, volunteering in a charity shop to reveal the hidden stories behind people's donations. Tansy joins us to discuss over-consumption, textile waste, and the hidden workforce - mainly women - who are dealing with the consequences of fashion industry excess.We hear about the life and work of American feminist icon and journalist Gloria Steinem, who passed away in New York City this week. Feminists Beatrix Campbell and Sarah Ditum reflect on her long-lasting global legacy, from her beginnings as a freelance writer to her life-long battle for women’s rights.The new Women's Super League (WSL) season kicks-off tonight as London City Lionesses play Manchester United. So what exactly can we expect to see this season and what do we need to know? Clare speaks to Helen Hardy, the founder of Foudy's, which she says is the first and only dedicated women’s football retailer in the world. She appeared on our Woman's Hour Power List back in 2023 for her work amplifying the sport.Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Whilst the vast majority of nurseries provide safe and caring environments, there have been a number of highly distressing cases in recent years where children have been abused or come to harm. From 1st September this year, strengthened welfare and safeguarding requirements have come into effect for early years providers in England, with the changes designed to help keep babies and young children safe. Joining Clare McDonnell to discuss are BBC investigative reporter Hayley Hassall, Jonathan Broadbery from the National Day Nurseries Association and Zoe Raven, Chief Executive of the Acorn Early Years Foundation.On Radio 4's Norman Day, we ask what it was like to live through one of the most dramatic turning points in British history and its aftermath. Historian Dr Emily A Winkler, author of Pocket Bayeux Tapestry, and author Claire Fuge whose novel The Siren's Daughter tells the extraordinary story of real-life Welsh princess Nest ferch Rhys, tell Clare what was like to be a woman in Norman Britain.Dr Louise Willcott is an NHS doctor and lifelong car enthusiast who recently launched a business, the Women’s Auto Academy, running women-only workshops teaching basic car maintenance. We talk to her and motoring journalist Maria McCarthy about the many benefits of women better understanding how our cars work.Women are being squeezed out of the film industry as they progress beyond their first films -that's according to the director of the BFI London Film Festival, Kristy Matheson. Women have directed just two of its 21 high-profile gala films this year. So what can be done to help female directors go beyond being 'one hit wonders'?Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Corinna Jones

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the body that represents NHS paediatricians, has warned of a sharp rise in the number of children aged 6 to 17 turning up at A&E units in England in a state of mental health crisis. The RCPCH's Officer for Health Services, Dr Ronny Cheung, a consultant paediatrician based in London, joins Nuala McGovern to discuss the issue. He is joined by Kate Silverton, child therapist and parenting author.Siobhan Daniels joined Woman's Hour a couple of years ago as part of Listener Week to talk about her alternative lifestyle, getting rid of her possessions and living nomadically while travelling the country in a motorhome. Now she's back with a new book, Retire and Refire, which chronicles her 4,000-mile solo RV adventure from Canada to Alaska along the Alaska Highway.The number of babies born in Scotland last year was the lowest on record. Records began in 1855. Esther Roughsedge, Head of Demographic Statistics at National Records of Scotland, explains more.A menopause specialist has said that she is aware of women posing as men to buy testosterone from online pharmacies because of difficulties obtaining NHS prescriptions in Wales. Jenny Rees, BBC Wales Health Correspondent, joins Nuala to discuss the issue.This summer, Woman's Hour has been hearing from some of the academics who have been working with Radio 4 on their research. Professor Nandini Das, Professor of Early Modern Literature and Culture at the University of Oxford, highlights the artist Levina Teerlinc from her new book, This Little World: A New History of Tudor and Stuart England.Divorced. Beheaded. Died. Divorced. Beheaded. Survived. Words familiar to most of us, and perhaps what you learned at school. But what do we really know, in depth, about Henry VIII's wives? There's a campaign to ensure that children learn more about the queens than those six words. Tracy Borman, Chief Historian at Historic Royal Palaces, explains more about their project.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Dianne McGregor

The award-winning singer-songwriter and actress Natalie Imbruglia first hit our screens in the early 1990s, playing the role of Beth Brennan in the Australian soap Neighbours. Her 1997 debut single Torn quickly became a worldwide hit, and she’s sold more than 10 million albums. Her latest album, Algorithm, is out later this week. Natalie joins Nuala McGovern to discuss some of its themes – relationship breakups, perfectionism and perimenopause, and what it feels like to be championed by the new generation of pop stars.A new definition of heart attacks could help transform the way women are diagnosed and treated. Experts in the field say women have been 'deprioritised' for decades, but this new global guidance has a new focus on the types of heart attacks experienced by women, and the criteria used to detect them. Professor Nick Mills, British Heart Foundation Professor of Cardiology at the University of Edinburgh, joins Nuala to explain along with Allison Lawson, who had a heart attack two years ago.Between 1949 and 1976, an estimated 250,000 mothers in the UK had their new-born children taken from them through a system involving the state, social workers and religious organisations. A landmark BBC documentary, available now on iPlayer, Stolen Babies, tells the story of those women and the children who were taken from them. In July, the outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer issued a formal apology. Judy Baker, who features in the documentary talks about her own experience of giving up a baby.Bestselling author Adele Parks joins us to talk about her new book Eyes On You which follows the story of Amy who, at fifteen, witnessed her father brutally murder his mistress. She tells Nuala why she wanted to explore the effect of such a crime on the perpetrator's family, and how she has tried to make each of her 26 books better than the last.

After a summer when hot weather has drawn many of us towards the water, we explore its pull as a place of freedom, adventure and friendship, as well as the risks it can pose.Writer and wild swimmer Brigid Lowe tells us how swimming in Scotland’s lochs gave her a sense of freedom, a journey she charts in her new memoir, Shiver: The Lessons of the Lochs. Musician Tricia Duffy explains how rivers and the sea flow through her songwriting, including her recent EP, River Stories.Seren Jones, co-founder of the Black Swimming Association, joins us to discuss who feels able to enjoy the water, why some communities face greater barriers to swimming and how we can all enjoy open water more safely.We also meet some of the women whose working lives depend on water. Ivana-Maria Carrioni-Burnett, a former Royal Navy officer who now works as a sea pilot on the Thames, describes climbing aboard huge vessels and taking control of their navigation. Plus Sara Barsley and Hayley Garrod from the Canal and River Trust reveal the work that goes into keeping Britain’s waterways flowing.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Simon Richardson

Women who have missed a cervical screening appointment in England are to be offered HPV self-testing kits by the NHS. Over the next year, nearly four million women will receive invites on the NHS App or via text message, email or letter to order a free kit to use at home. The aim is to encourage more women to complete their potentially lifesaving screening to detect HPV, which can increase the risk of cervical cancer. Dr Sue Mann, National Clinical Director for Women's Health in England and a consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health, joined Nuala McGovern.For more than a decade, armed gangs in northern Nigeria have repeatedly targeted schools, kidnapping children for ransom and forcing some educational establishments to close. BBC journalist Yemisi Adegoke has recently returned from the state of Zamfara, where ongoing insecurity has left many girls unable to attend school, threatening their futures. She talks to Anita about her experience.After the death of both her parents, best-selling novelist Louise Doughty made a startling discovery whilst clearing out the family home. Inside a black suitcase, she stumbled upon a treasure trove of letters that revealed the origins of her parents' love affair. She joined Nuala to discuss her first memoir On This Spot Fell One Tear of Love described as a portrait of grief and loss and family – and a love story.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells

Hormone replacement therapy may reduce the risk of dementia, a new study has found. Researchers tracked more than 180,000 postmenopausal women and their analysis suggests that those who had used HRT appeared to be less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and the greatest reduction was seen in women who had undergone surgical menopause. Anita Rani talks to Anne-Marie Minihane, Professor of Nutrigenetics at Norwich medical school at the University of East Anglia and lead author of the study, asking her whether any conclusions can be drawn from these findings. Five time Tony Award-winning musical Kimberly Akimbo has its European premiere this evening at the Hampstead Theatre in North London. Jeanine Tesori wrote the music for the production and joins Anita to explain why she wanted to set the original play to music and song.The latest of our series where our academic researchers in residence talk about something that’s caught their eye this summer. Beth Malory is Associate Professor of English Linguistics and Health Communication at University College London. She’s been troubled by a phrase we’ve discussed a few times on Woman’s Hour: medical misogyny.As the ongoing cost of living crisis keeps food bills soaring, Amy Sheppard has made it her mission to show people interesting, budget-friendly ways to cook with what they’ve got. What started as a personal challenge to feed her own family has grown into several Sunday Times bestselling cookbooks and a community of more than a million followers on Instagram. Amy joins Anita.Cosplay, short for 'costume play', involves elaborate design with fans crafting outfits and dressing up as characters from the world of video games, comic books and films. Live from one of the world's biggest gaming conventions, Anita speaks to Rosie, aka valentinemoon, who is one of the leading cosplayers and a judge on an all-female panel for the competition, and the BBC's Laura Cress, who is attending this year.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

People who were sexually abused as children and later seek help for mental health problems are being failed by the NHS, according to The Royal College of Psychiatrists. The RCOP has issued a public apology, saying decades of mismanagement and misdiagnosis have left many survivors without the support they need. Anita Rani is joined by Caroline Thompson, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, and Dr Jo Stubley, a consultant psychiatrist and clinical lead of the Tavistock Trauma Service, who are co-authors of the RCOP's position statement. Today in towns and cities across the country, parents are being encouraged to go on strike to raise awareness about, what the strike's organisers say are the rising costs of raising children and the impossible demands this puts on parents. Anna Whitehouse, the founder of Flex Appeal, and George Gabriel, who co-founded The Dad Shift, discuss the flexible working and parental leave policies that they are calling for with The Parent Strike and how the Government is responding. For more than a decade, armed gangs in northern Nigeria have repeatedly targeted schools, kidnapping children for ransom and forcing some educational establishments to close. BBC journalist Yemisi Adegoke has recently returned from the state of Zamfara, where ongoing insecurity has left many girls unable to attend school, threatening their futures.Bella Mackie's third novel, Claws Out!, is published this week. It's a witty crime caper about an ageing ‘gold-digger,’ who is rumoured to have murdered three husbands and has a new suitor in sight. Bella - whose debut How to Kill Your Family is currently being turned into a Netflix series starring Anya Taylor-Joy - tells Anita why she loves exploring the British class system in her books and why she’s determined to use her platform to talk openly about mental health.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Singer-songwriter, actress and philanthropist Dolly Parton has died aged 80. She was a feminist icon, although she denied the former. Known as The Queen of Country, she paved the way for many women in music. To remember her, Nuala is joined by Country singer-songwriter Kezia Gill and music journalist Jude Rogers.The Ministry of Justice has announced the introduction of restriction zones for serious sexual and violent offenders that would confine them to areas just a few miles wide after leaving prison. Government ministers say the scheme is designed to give victims greater freedom but some campaigners want more detail about how they will work . To discuss further Nuala is joined by advocate on domestic abuse and stalking, Rhianon Bragg.Broadcaster and former footballer Karen Carney OBE has been awarded the Professional Footballers' Association's merit award for her contribution to football. She joins Nuala to explain what winning the prestigious award means to her. Currently it’s illegal to import a sex doll that looks like a child but not to manufacture, sell or own one. Munira Wilson MP explains why she wants to change the law and close a dangerous loophole, and Nuala also hears from Dr Alex Bailey from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation – an organisation that works to prevent child sexual abuse.'Poetry is everywhere’ - that’s according to spoken word poet Georgie Jones. Her honest takes on the realities of womanhood, friendship, body image, love and self-doubt have struck a chord with audiences and seen her shoot to fame on social media. Georgie joins Nuala to discuss why spoken word poetry is striking such a chord with women online.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Olivia Skinner

Women who have missed a cervical screening appointment in England are to be offered HPV self-testing kits by the NHS. Over the next year, nearly four million women will receive invites on the NHS App or via text message, email or letter to order a free kit to use at home. The aim is to encourage more women to complete their potentially lifesaving screening to detect HPV, which can increase the risk of cervical cancer. Figures show that around a third of women who are eligible for cervical cancer screening have not taken up the offer recently. Dr Sue Mann, National Clinical Director for Women's Health in England and a consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health, joins Nuala McGovern to discuss.Chef Sally Abe, who owns the restaurant The Pem, and Kayla Lawrie, a producer with social media food influencers TopJaw, have launched a map of women-owned hospitality businesses. What began with 350 restaurants, pubs, cafés and bakeries has now grown to more than 1,000 venues across the UK. They explain to Nuala what they hope to achieve.Around 7,500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year, with the majority aged over 50. But around 120 of those women are between 15 and 24. Enlli Thompson was just 19 when a growth was found on one of her ovaries. Since then, she's undergone chemotherapy, egg freezing, a hysterectomy and medically induced menopause. Enlli joins Nuala, alongside GP Charlotte Badescu, who was also diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2021 when she was 31.Stephanie Brown from the University of Hull has spent the past year as Woman's Hour's researcher in residence on the scheme that Radio 4 runs with the Arts and Humanities Research Council. She studies the history of crime and, as part of our summer series exploring some of the latest research into women's lives past and present, she shares new findings about the punishment of women in medieval England.Is your wardrobe a clutter-free haven of beautifully coordinated outfits? Or is it more a chaotic jumble of jumpers, jeans and everything in between? Could an app be the answer? Some apps allow users to catalogue what they own, visualise outfits and experiment with their style. Nuala is joined by Nicole Glennon, Deputy Editor of the Irish Examiner Weekend magazine, and Dion Terrelonge, fashion psychologist and practitioner.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Dianne McGregor

After the death of both her parents best-selling novelist Louise Doughty made a startling discovery whilst clearing out the family home. Inside a black suitcase, she stumbled upon a treasure trove of letters that revealed the origins of her parents' love affair. She joins Nuala McGovern to discuss her first memoir On This Spot Fell One Tear of Love described as a portrait of grief and loss and family – and a love story.More information has been released about the crash that happened on the A66 near Middlesbrough in the early hours of Saturday morning - when a car travelling in the wrong direction crashed into a police vehicle, killing two officers and the 5 teenage boys in the other car. This after a similar incident last week in County Kildare in Ireland. There's a growing concern that social media trends are encouraging young people to drive dangerously and stream risk-taking videos online. We hear from Dr Paula Bradbury - who's a senior research fellow at University of East London. Paula has spent last 2 decades working in online harms, specialising in adolescent behaviour. Skin cancer rates have been rising steadily in the UK and, while men are slightly more likely to be diagnosed overall, younger women face a higher risk than men of the same age. One woman is calling on the government to scrap VAT on sunscreen after being diagnosed with skin cancer at the age of 26. Jessica Zbinden-Webster explains more while on her way to Downing street with her petition.Scotland’s overcrowded prison system is facing a deepening crisis, but a different approach to custody for women is showing early signs of cutting reoffending. The Lilias community custody unit in Glasgow is designed for women who require lower levels of supervision. Paula Arnold, Governor of HMP & Youth Offenders Institute Stirling, and responsible for the unit explains what these units offer.British boxer Chantelle Cameron is Britain’s first female undisputed boxing champion of the four-belt era, and the current WBO super-welterweight world champion. Next Saturday she’ll meet American Mikaela Mayer for a unification fight to win three super-welterweight world titles in Birmingham. She joins Nuala to talk about why she believes women should be fighting three-minute rounds, and why this weekend could be one of the most important nights of her career. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Are GCSE's working for all children? Figures show resits in Maths and English are dragging down the overall results in those subjects. Whilst post 16 education has evolved with A levels, BTECs and T levels, GCSE's have remained largely unchanged since they were introduced in 1988. Chloe Tilly talks to Vanessa Clarke, BBC education correspondent.The CEO of Travelodge Jo Boydell has resigned following a string of security lapses in which unauthorised room access has been granted without the guest's permission. Chloe speaks to Sharon Thompson who made contact with the BBC, reporting that a man accessed her hotel room at 2am, frightening her and her daughter. We'll also hear from Carolyn Pearson, CEO of a travel security company on how women can keep themselves safe while staying in hotels.Parents are taking on debt, cutting maternity leave short and some say they've even resorted to unsafe feeding practices because of the cost of infant formula. New research shows the profits that baby formula companies are making and the impact on family finances, mental health and babies' wellbeing. Chloe is joined by Professor Amy Brown, who led the study and mum Ruth Kenfield.The latest of our series where our academic researchers in residence talk about something that’s caught their eye this summer. Ashleigh Percival-Borley served in the British Army in Afghanistan, but now she’s close to completing a doctorate in history at the University of Durham looking at women in the Special Operations Executive. That’s the organisation responsible for espionage, sabotage and reconnaissance behind enemy lines during the Second World War. But Ashleigh thinks it’s time for us to reconsider one particular set of women who worked at the Special Operations Executive such as June Darton Kerr. This weekend, one of Britain's brightest young female motorsport talents will be racing in the Netherlands. Alisha Palmowski won at Silverstone last month. It was the first time what's known as the F1 academy, which promotes female drivers, has raced there. Alisha is one of a new generation of female drivers hoping to prove that women belong at the very highest levels of motorsport. She joins Chloe.Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Corinna Jones

Doctors are warning that vaping could be harming children's health and say more needs to be done to make vapes less attractive and accessible to young people. The warning comes from experts from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, which has reviewed around 80 studies and said it is linked to higher rates of breathing problems and evidence of harm in babies whose mothers used vapes while pregnant. Anita Rani speaks to Will Carroll, Professor of Child Health at Staffordshire Children’s hospital and co-author of the study.With over 1 million 16-24 year olds out of work, education or some form of training, internet personality Amelia Dimoldenberg - creator of Chicken Shop Date - has launched her own creative academy. Amelia joins Anita to discuss the importance of making the online and media sectors more accessible for the next generation and how best to combat youth unemployment in this country.30,000 people have been tried for bigamy over the past 400 years, many harshly punished, according to a new study from the University of Exeter. Rebecca Probert is Professor of Law there, and a leading expert in the history and current law of marriage, cohabitation, bigamy and divorce. She has been looking at how the law has evolved since 1604 and joins Anita to discuss some of the incredible stories she uncovered, included in her new books Double Trouble and Double Lives.Sarah Smyth from the University of Essex has been delving into archives in America to look at the screenplays of the writer and director Nora Ephron. Before her death in 2012 Ephron won numerous awards, including a Bafta, a Golden Globe – she was nominated for Academy Awards… but has her feminist reputation been watered down?The Grammy award-winning African American soprano Angel Blue will perform at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall this Saturday. She joins Anita to look back on winning a Grammy for her role in Porgy and Bess, how she funded her music studies by entering beauty pageants, and how a recent health diagnosis has affected her.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

A senior French civil servant stands accused of drugging hundreds of women. Police say Christian Nègre kept a spreadsheet documenting what he described as his ‘experiments’ in which he forced them to wet themselves. They believe he drugged as many as 248 women. But more than seven years after Nègre was formally charged, no trial date has been set. For Woman’s Hour and BBC Global Women, Nuala McGovern spoke to one of the women affected, who says the delays to justice have left her feeling victimised for a second time.Within months of what was to be her last Olympic Games, double Olympic taekwondo champion Jade Jones decided it was time to take her career in a new direction. Last year, despite having never thrown a punch, she turned to boxing and, after just eight weeks of training, set herself the ambitious goal of becoming a world champion in another sport. She discusses her career pivot, what prompted her to start again, and how it feels to go from reaching the pinnacle of one sport to starting all over again in another.Queen Camilla has spoken for the first time about the pressure of keeping King Charles' cancer diagnosis secret in the early stages of treatment. In a video to mark the 30th anniversary of Maggie's cancer charity, the Queen, who is president of the charity, shared how difficult it was to avoid discussing her husband's treatment while on an official engagement with cancer patients and their families. Karen Verrill, Centre Head of Maggie's in Newcastle, who is also a specialist cancer nurse, advises how to navigate conversations about cancer, or - if you're supporting a partner - feeling that it isn't your story to tell. Renowned for its night clubs and rave culture - during the 1990s there was one party famous for being the wildest in Ibiza – Manumission. Created by a British couple who forged their life on the island, while promoting and performing in the events, they’ve now written a book to immortalise this time in Ibiza’s club history, and their lives. The book is called The Motel: High Times in 90s Ibiza and the club’s promoter, performer and mastermind, Claire Manumission, joins Nuala.Young children whose lung development has been stunted by pollution can recover when pollution levels drop, according to a new research study. Campaigner Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah’s daughter Ella was the first person in the UK to have pollution listed as a cause of death after she died from an asthma attack. She explains what the research means to her and what she still wants to see when it comes to cleaner air for children.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

The revelation that a paedophile had changed his name more than 20 times to hide his past has renewed pressure on the government to change the law. Jason Brown was first convicted 12 years ago and has now pleaded guilty to a further offence. There's been campaigning for many years for it to be illegal for sex offenders to change their name, as many use their new identities to avoid being monitored. Nuala McGovern speaks to Sarah Champion, the Labour MP for Rotherham and one of those calling for this legal change. Millions of Filipinos work overseas to help raise money for their families back home. And of these millions more than half are women. Here in the UK tens of thousands of Filipinos work in the NHS, they are one of the most common non-UK nationalities for nurses and health visitors in our health system. But what is life like for those who are left behind? Poet and nurse Romalyn Ante’s debut novel, the Left Behind Child, explores the teenage years of Neneng, who is eleven when her mother, Rosa, leaves to work as a nurse abroad. Romalyn tells Nuala McGovern how her true story of being a ‘left behind child’ influenced her writing. The parents of 30 children have told the BBC they fear they were given the wrong sperm or egg donors, during IVF treatments, in northern Cyprus. Fertility clinics in the Turkish-occupied territory are loosely regulated and are popular with British people who need medical help to have a baby. A small team of journalists first exposed this IVF scandal earlier this year - which led to many more people coming forwards. The BBC has now found the majority of cases are linked to one clinic and a small group of staff. Nuala hears from one of those families, a woman called Rachel, who was given the wrong sperm donor. She is joined by Investigative Journalist Anna Collinson and fertility lawyer, Natalie Gamble. From Dua Lipa to Zendaya, the bandana is the 90's accessory that's making a come back. In the heatwaves it has proved practical as well as stylish. But the simple square or triangle of fabric with the paisley design has a history with a range of meanings and cultural references, from workwear and protest movements to fashion and self-expression. Amber Butchart, Fashion & textile historian, and the author and broadcaster Emma Dabiri discuss the history behind the comeback. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

Amy Hunt became the first athlete in the 92-year history of the European Championships to win four gold medals in a single event, claiming titles in the 100m, 200m, women's 4x100m relay and the new mixed 4x100m relay. She had stated that her intention was to become iconic. She joins Nuala McGovern to discuss her sporting achievements. BBC Sport correspondent Jane Dougall also joins Nuala to discuss the other female successes of the championships, including Dina Asher-Smith, who is now the most decorated athlete in European Championships history.In tonight's BBC Panorama, reporter Krupa Padhy has been investigating the Child Maintenance Service. For separated parents, child maintenance payments can help cover essential expenses, from childcare costs to the weekly food shop. But BBC Panorama has spoken to parents who say they are missing out on thousands of pounds they are owed. Some say mistakes within the system have pushed them to breaking point. Krupa joins Nuala to discuss the findings, alongside Katy, who shares her experience of the service.From child classical singing sensation to pop artist, founder of the Arwen Project, an alternative education model, and now wellness retreat owner, Charlotte Church has spent her career continually evolving. Most recently, she appeared as a Faithful on Celebrity Traitors. She tells us about her latest musical project, End Time Pop Dungeon and more.Lucy Porter has been touring as a stand-up comedian for more than 20 years. She is a sought-after comedy writer for television, theatre and film, a regular on television panel shows, and a familiar voice on Radio 4 programmes including The News Quiz and The Now Show. Next year, she will celebrate 30 years in comedy. She discusses her new book, Middle-Aged Women Get Sht Done*, a love letter to middle-aged women.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Dianne McGregor

Five years after the Taliban took over Afghanistan, we hear how it has changed women’s lives in the country and beyond. Anita Rani speaks to 21-year-old Purvin Juma who fled to the UK from Afghanistan in 2021 and the human rights activist Shaharzad Akbar.The Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz won three Grammys for her 2024 album Revolución diamantina, and this week saw the work's UK premiere at the BBC Proms. Gabriela joined Nuala McGovern to discuss how this work was inspired by Mexico’s 2019 Glitter Revolution, the nationwide feminist protests sparked by the rape of a teenage girl by four police officers, during which activists covered Mexico City’s security chief in pink glitter.Dr Amanda Cole found out she had Tourette syndrome in her twenties. Now a professor of sociolinguistics at the University of Cambridge, Dr Cole joins Nuala to discuss her decision to share her diagnosis with her students.A serial sex attacker who had a 'morbid fascination' with sex has been jailed for the rest of his life after he was found guilty of murdering two women and raping a third. His sentence comes after police and the Crown Prosecution Service apologised over a series of disastrous decisions that left him free to roam the streets. To discuss the implications of this case, Anita was joined by Helen Millichap, the deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and director of the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection, and the author and journalist Joan Smith.Kelly Latimer, flight test pilot and aeronautical engineer, is retiring this year after decades spent flying the world's most advanced planes, and even going into space. She reflects on a truly remarkable career.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty McQuire

Five years on since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, we hear how it has changed women’s lives in the country and beyond. Anita Rani speaks to BBC World Service journalist Mahjooba Nowrouzi in Kabul, and human rights activist Shaharzad Akbar. We’ll also hear from 21-year-old Purvin Juma who left Afghanistan in 2021 and fled to the UK.Pregnancy, motherhood, fertility treatment: why are some female entrepreneurs keeping major life events secret? The founder Eshita Kabra joins us to discuss the culture of life editing and whether women still feel they have to choose between business success and family life. We also hear from Emmie Faust from Female Founders Rise, which supports female entrepreneurs.A chance discovery in an attic has revealed that the Booker Prize-winning novelist Iris Murdoch also had an artistic side. More than 80 of her artworks have been found in a secret room in the attic of her former home, where they had been lying for decades. They include the only self-portrait she is known to have painted, four surrealist landscapes and three sketches of female nudes. Dr Miles Leeson, who made the discovery and is Director of the Iris Murdoch Research Centre at the University of Chichester, and Professor Anne Rowe join us to discuss the importance of the art.The Hundred has brought a new audience to cricket with its fast-paced 100-ball format, star players and family-friendly atmosphere. Uniquely, women's and men’s matches are played as double headers at the same venue on the same day, giving equal prominence to both competitions. With this season's finals taking place at Lord's on Sunday, Anita is joined by BBC cricket commentator Alison Mitchell to discuss the growth of The Hundred, the impact it has had on the women's game, and the teams and players to watch as the tournament reaches its climax.PRESENTER: Anita Rani PRODUCER: Melanie Abbott

A serial sex attacker who had a 'morbid fascination' with sex has been jailed for the rest of his life after he was found guilty of murdering two women and raping a third. 40-year-old Simon Levy killed Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo in March 2025 and Sheryl Wilkins five months later. Earlier that year, he raped a third woman in the same Tottenham car park where Wilkins was later found dead. Levy will never be released but his sentence comes after police and the Crown Prosecution Service apologised over a series of disastrous decisions that left him free to roam the streets. To discuss the implications of this case, Anita Rani is joined by deputy assistant commissioner Helen Millichap, director of the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection, and author and journalist Joan Smith.Events of the past are often recounted through facts and dates but how do those legacies play out in the years, decades and generations that follow? Fauzia Musa joins Anita to discuss her debut novel, The Strangling Fig, why her own anxieties around motherhood inspired its inception and how the three generations of women it follows navigate the legacy of Partition.Why are Black American women spending thousands of dollars to fly halfway across the world to access healthcare in South Korea? Why has it become synonymous not only with beauty innovation but comprehensive healthcare? We speak to US journalist Brianna Holt and Meike Schleiff, associate professor at UCL’s Global Business School for Health.Lara Maiklem has been appointed - what's believed to be - Britain’s first 'mudlark-in-residence' after 20 years of finding lost treasures. Lara Maiklem, 55, says she fell in love with the activity when she moved to Greenwich, south-east London. Since then, she has found thousands of objects, most of which she stores in her guest bedroom as a mini museum. Standouts include a Tudor child’s shoes from the late 1500s, a Tudor dagger, Roman game counters, a complete Roman pot and an early 18th-century wine bottle. She joins us in the studio to share how mudlarking has changed her perspective on London - and life.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Simon Richardson

One of the most spectacular solar eclipses the UK has seen for decades is taking place this evening. The extraordinary celestial event will see the Moon move across the face of the Sun, creating a partial solar eclipse across the UK. Dr Becky Smethurst, an astrophysicist at the University of Oxford, and Zara Gray, an amateur eclipse chaser discuss the phenomenon.There are now 30 million more men than women in China due to China's one-child policy and that has led to many single men desperate to find a wife. But desperation can also make people vulnerable to exploitation. The authorities in China are warning of a rise in marriage fraud as scammers target those single men. Nuala is joined by the BBC China Correspondent Laura Bicker and Times columnist and author of the Chinese Whispers Substack Cindy Yu Britain's star athlete Keely Hodgkinson is competing in the women's 800m at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham. She is in the semi-finals tomorrow, with the final taking place on Friday. Team GB are hoping for gold. It has been called the race of the year, but the record has remained unbroken for 43 years despite huge advances in training, nutrition and technology. BBC sports journalist Emma Middleton explains more.Women climbers have defied altitude, expectations and convention. Journalist and author Rosemary J. Brown joins Nuala to discuss her new book, Moving Mountains, which uncovers the extraordinary stories of pioneering female mountaineers and the peaks named in their honour.When Dr Amanda Cole found out she had Tourette syndrome in her twenties, she thought it would destroy her life. Now a professor of sociolinguistics at the University of Cambridge, she is the subject of a new BBC documentary about her experiences with the neurological condition. Having previously kept her Tourette syndrome hidden, Dr Cole joins Nuala to discuss sharing her diagnosis with students at Cambridge and how being diagnosed has influenced both her personal and professional life.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Dianne McGregor

Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz won three Grammys for her 2024 album Revolución diamantina, and this week sees the work's UK premiere at the BBC Proms, when conductor Gustavo Dudamel leads the second of two LA Philharmonic Proms on Wednesday. Gabriela joins Nuala in the studio to discuss her career and how this work was inspired by Mexico’s 2019 Glitter Revolution, the nationwide feminist protests sparked after the rape of a teenage girl by four police officers, during which activists famously covered Mexico City’s security chief in pink glitter. A hospital in a rural area of England has suspended its maternity services from today because of unsafe levels of staffing. Instead of going to the North Devon District hospital in Barnstaple, women in labour will have to travel more than 50 miles to Exeter. More than 15,000 people have signed a petition against the plans that was initiated by the Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon, Ian Roome. He joins presenter Nuala McGovern along with Jemima Knight who is currently pregnant with her third baby and lives in the area.Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences – or IPPs - were brought in by the Labour government in 2005, resulting in many prisoners not being given a fixed release date. One woman given a two year sentence spent sixteen years behind bars, with no idea of when she would eventually be released. They were abolished in 2012, but figures show more than 2,000 people are still impacted. As Prime Minister Andy Burnham looks into how they will play a part in his plan to reduce the prison population, we hear from Dr Muin Boase, the barrister who led the recent complaint to the UN on the continued use of this sentencing and how it's impacted women. How can we get children to read more over the summer? It's officially the National Year of Reading and evidence suggests that reading more over the holidays can help children hit the ground running in September when schools go back. But for many busy parents, getting children engaged in books and actively choosing reading over the lure of a tablet, TV or anything else can be a challenge. Liberty Venn, founder of the Children’s Book Project, and award-winning author and former primary school teacher Luan Goldie join us to discuss the benefits and share their tips for getting children reading more. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths

New York congresswoman and Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has revealed she has decided to freeze her eggs and will be documenting the process on social media - despite what she called a political risk for sharing her decision. She also confirmed over the weekend that she had not ruled out the possibility of running for president. Dr Emma Long Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia joins Nuala McGovern.Actor, Tamzin Outhwaite talks about her latest role as the iconic Beverly in Mike Leigh’s ferocious black comedy, Abigail’s Party. Opening in London’s West End next week they’ll be discussing suburban life, social class, materialism and sexual tension in 1970s England. For those who don’t know - the luteal phase refers to the second part of the menstrual cycle. Dr Nighat Arif & Charlotte Dodds discuss why so-called ‘luteal uglies’ are going viral - videos of women sharing the physical and emotional changes they experience during this time. Nuala is joined by Bethany Bell, Germany reporter for the BBC, to shine a light on surrogacy laws there after a recent story involving a high-profile German politician, a baby born through surrogacy, and accusations of hypocrisy. And Kelly Latimer, flight test pilot and aeronautical engineer, is retiring this year after decades spent launching satellites, flying the world's most advanced planes, and even going into space. She reflects on a truly remarkable career. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Listener 'Sarah' tells us about the burden and resentment she feels at caring for a parent who is in her 90s, when she is a pensioner too. This is the time she thought she would have for herself. Clare Jefferies, who co-runs care companies and has written the book: I’m Your Daughter, Not Your Carer, and Caroline Abrahams, charity director of Age UK, discuss the problem with Kylie Pentelow.Have you ever considered working in boat building? We were contacted by Women in Boat Building, a community of women working hands-on in the industry, who wanted to tell us about their experiences and raise the profile of a trade that's largely male-dominated. Abbey Molyneux, a traditional boat builder who runs her own boatyard in Norfolk and is a director of Women in Boat Building, and Vanessa Larmond, who's just starting out in the industry in Southwold, Suffolk, tell us what it is like.Do you ever use dialect when you speak? Do you think of yourself as having an accent? How do you feel about the way you sound? A listener in Yorkshire, Christina Longden, has got in touch with a request to hear from women like herself who are actively keeping regional dialect alive, an endeavour which she says has traditionally been the preserve of men. Christina would also like to discuss accent and dialect bias and why, she says, men have always been more permitted to speak in dialect than women. To discuss why what you say and how you say it still matters and how it’s influenced by gender, presenter Chloe is joined from Yorkshire by Christina Longden, a council member of the Yorkshire Dialect Society; by Diana Rackham, chair of Friends of Norfolk Dialect; and by Rob Drummond, professor of sociolinguistics at Manchester Metropolitan University.In two weeks’ time, thousands of young people will open their GCSE results - but what about those who don’t get the grade 4 they need in maths and English? 41% of pupils in maths and 29% in English won’t reach that benchmark, and 82% fail their resits, blocking their path to A levels, T Levels and BTECs. Listener Hannah Gee highlights a hidden alternative: Functional Skills, which have a 60–80% pass rate. Chloe Tilley talks to Hannah and her son Joe, and Claire Green from the Association of School and College leaders.Do men make more noise than women? One of our listeners thinks so and wrote: ‘It seems like a bit of frivolity, maybe, but it is blooming annoying, and I started to wonder if there is something psychological behind it: the noise men make when there is no need to make a noise at all. The coughing, sniffing, ‘ahhing’ as they get up and down, the belching, farting etc. It seems to get worse as they get older; or is it that women become less tolerant? Women seem to be silent in a room, but their other half is constantly making some sort of noise.’ Janet Street-Porter and Tim Dowling discuss.Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Annette Wells

Listener Week on Woman's Hour is where we bring your stories, ideas and the issues you want to hear about to air.A father has written to us about his daughter's experience of domestic abuse. He says that while she suffered physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her partner in a small town, the harm didn't end when the relationship did. He says that despite knowing the circumstances, many of her friends and those in their community have encouraged her to 'let it go' and they now maintain happy relationships with him. We'll speak with psychologist Dr Jessica Taylor, about our listener's daughter's experience. Do you ever use dialect when you speak? Do you think of yourself as having an accent? How do you feel about the way you sound? A listener in Yorkshire, Christina Longden, has got in touch with a request to hear from women like herself who are actively keeping regional dialect alive, an endeavour which she says has traditionally been the preserve of men. Christina would also like to discuss accent and dialect bias and why, she says, men have always been more permitted to speak in dialect than women. To discuss why what you say and how you say it still matters and how it’s influenced by gender, presenter Chloe Tilly is joined down the line from Yorkshire by Christina Longden, a council member of the Yorkshire Dialect Society; by Diana Rackham, chair of Friends of Norfolk Dialect; and by Professor Rob Drummond, professor of sociolinguistics at Manchester Metropolitan University.'Most people expect to lose their parents much later in life, often when they're middle-aged or older. But what happens when it happens in your thirties instead?’ Those are the words of Becky Tanswell, who contacted us wanting to share her experience of losing both of her parents before the age of 40. Becky says it changed not only her experience of grief, but also motherhood and her sense of identity. She also wants to explore an aspect of bereavement that's rarely talked about: how grief can coexist with unexpected feelings of freedom, resilience and hope.Granny pants, thongs, shorts, high-legs, bikini briefs. We wear them every single day, but do we spend enough time and money choosing our gussets? And what do you do when your go-to knicker is decommissioned? This is what listener Christine Stainer wanted us to get into, so she joins Chloe along with Kim Hawley, chief wellness tester at Good Housekeeping.Presenter: Chloe Tilly Producer: Simon Richardson

In two weeks’ time, thousands of young people will open their GCSE results — but what about those who don’t get the grade 4 they need in Maths and English? 41% of pupils in Maths and 29% in English won’t reach that benchmark, and 82% fail their resits, blocking their path to A levels, T Levels and BTECs. Listener Hannah Gee highlights a hidden alternative: Functional Skills, which have a 60–80% pass rate. We hear from Hannah and her son Joe, and from Claire Green from the Association of School and College leaders. Do you have an idea that you’ve been mulling over for a while, but you don’t know how to start? Listener Sue will be 60 this year. After building a fulfilling life and career, she wants the next chapter to be just as rewarding. Sue joins Chloe Tilley to discuss ageing, purpose and her podcast idea. They're also joined by Candace Wilson, founder of Your Podcast Producer, to talk about taking the first steps towards making a creative idea happen.For some people, blushing is more than a moment of embarrassment - it can become a debilitating form of social anxiety. Chloe hears from two women about how it's affected their lives and ask clinical psychologist Professor Emma Warnock-Parkes from the Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma at the University of Oxford why it happens and what helps.Are single women treated differently to single men? Woman’s Hour listener Ellie says that people always act as though she has no agency as a single 25 year old woman, whereas she feels that single men are the ones calling the shots in their lives. Ellie asks: ‘Why is it so inconceivable that I'm choosing to be single?’ Chloe is joined by Ellie and author and content creator Milly Goldsmith, who received thousands of comments from women admitting they'd never had a boyfriend, after she posted a viral TikTok describing herself as ‘chronically single’.Presented by Chloe Tilley Producer: Louise Corley

Listener Week on Woman's Hour is where we bring your stories, ideas and the issues you want to hear about to air.Why isn’t more known about Lipoedema? One listener wants to know why there are so few treatment options available, and so little awareness of a medical condition that affects around ten percent of women, and very rarely men. Lipoedema causes a build-up of fat in the hips, buttocks and legs, and sometimes the arms. It causes a disproportionate body shape which can be distressing for women, and can also cause extreme pain and immobility. Kylie Pentelow speaks to Emily Blake, who documents her experiences of Lipoedema on social media, and by Guido Köhler, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital and Spire Norwich Hospital. Do men make more noise than women? One of our listeners thinks so and wrote: ‘I am a big fan of Woman's Hour, and I wanted to run this by you. It seems like a bit of frivolity, maybe, but it is blooming annoying, and I started to wonder if there is something psychological behind it: the noise men make when there is no need to make a noise at all. The coughing, sniffing, ‘ahhing’ as they get up and down, the belching, farting etc. It seems to get worse as they get older; or is it that women become less tolerant? Women seem to be silent in a room, but their other half is constantly making some sort of noise.’ Janet Street-Porter and Tim Dowling discuss.We’ll also be hearing about the experiences of Third Culture Kids those who have been raised in cultures that are different to their parents, often educated at international schools, and what it means to their identity. One listener who is a teacher at an international school, has raised her children around the world but now worries about what this means for their sense of home. Also, where are all the female sprinters? Kylie is joined by a Woman’s Hour listener who is keen to get more women interested in sprinting competitively. She speaks to sprint coach Kerry Dixon, and former Olympian Dr Jessica Piasecki, who is an associate Professor of Female Physiology at Nottingham Trent University, to explore the health benefits of sprinting and how midlife women can benefit from competitive training. Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

Listener Week on Woman's Hour is where we bring your stories, ideas and the issues you want to hear about to air.Sarah tells us about the burden and resentment she feels at caring for a parent who is in her 90s, when she is a pensioner too. This is the time she thought she would have for herself. Clare Jefferies, who co-runs care companies and has written the book: I’m Your Daughter, Not Your Carer; and Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director, Age UK. discuss the problem with Kylie Pentelow.How hard is to get a job in midlife? Age 52, Stacey Duguid is a columnist and former fashion editor, who once held positions at some of the world's top fashion brands; Prada, Harrods, Net-a-Porter and Paul Smith. However for the past 16 months Stacey has been unemployed and actively applying for jobs. She estimates she has sent over 150 applications out and received very few replies and not a single job interview. Stacey posted about this on her social media account and received a tsunami of responses from other women. With decades of experience and perspective under their belts, why are so many midlife women struggling to find employment? Stacey joins Kylie with Ingrid Fawcett from Midlife 360, which advises women returning to work.Have you ever considered working in boat building? We were contacted by Women in Boat Building, a community of women working hands-on in the industry, who wanted to tell us about their experiences and raise the profile of a trade that's largely male-dominated. Abbey Molyneux, a traditional boat builder who runs her own boatyard in Norfolk and is a director of Women in Boat Building, and Vanessa Larmond, who's just starting out in the industry in Southwold, Suffolk, tell us what it is like.How many people can call themselves a fashion/style influencer in their 80s? A listener suggested we interview Viv the Carer about timeless fashion as women get older. She adds I love her energy. Viv Truran is 82 and shares her morning outfit-of-the-day posts with more than 800,000 followers online.PRESENTER: Kylie Pentelow PRODUCER: Melanie Abbott

Listener Week on Woman's Hour is where we bring your stories, ideas and the issues you want to hear about to air.How much of the detail about your marriage or long-term relationship do you share with your best friends? One listener says her husband is unwilling to discuss any of their issues, or go to therapy, but that she feels she can’t talk to friends honestly about their relationship either. To discuss, Kylie Pentelow is joined by psychotherapist Julia Samuel and Natasha Lunn, author of Conversations on Love, a bestselling book.Are library closures misogynistic? Woman’s Hour listener Kirsten thinks so. She believes that libraries help women in a whole range of ways - from providing employment to toddler groups - and so closing them disproportionately affects them. She'll join Isobel Hunter, Chief Executive of Libraries Connected, to discuss. Over 70,000 babies each year require specialist care on a neonatal unit (NICU). Parents of these babies feel the impact on their mental health from time spent in NICU is overlooked. With one in seven babies spending time in NICU, listeners Lorna Tallowin and Lottie King contacted the programme to highlight the long-term impact on the families affected.Judith got in touch to share the benefits of intergenerational friendships and the difference they can make to our lives. Judith and Iona are best friends. She’s 76 and Iona is 22. They join Kylie to discuss. Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Last month, two reports into maternity services in England were published. Donna Ockenden’s review of maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and Baroness Valerie Amos’s investigation into maternity and neonatal services in England. These reports raised important issues about maternity services in England, but what impact have they had on the morale of those working in this area - particularly midwives? Nuala McGovern was joined by author and midwife Leah Hazard, Claire, a midwife practising in Wales, and Safia Saad, a student midwife and founder of Fund Future Midwives UK.Prenups are popular amongst the rich and famous, but research suggests that prenuptial agreements are on the rise for younger couples in the UK. Nuala spoke to Claer Barrett, Consumer Editor at the Financial Times, and Woman’s Hour listener Bethan, who has a prenup with her husband, to discuss why more couples are drawing up legal contracts with their partners before they tie the knot.New analysis on mummies of Egyptian princesses shows they were warriors not just pampered queens with the signs pointing to them being highly skilled archers. They even carried wounds consistent with those made by daggers at close combat. It's an intriguing finding but perhaps an even bigger question is why discoveries like this still have the power to surprise us. We delve into how much of history is shaped not just by the evidence itself but by the assumptions we bring to it. Historian, broadcaster and author Bettany Hughes, whose new children's book explores the lives of people in Ancient Egypt, joined Kylie Pentelow along with Professor of History Olivette Otele.Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Annette Wells

There's been a lot of opposition to FIFA's plans to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors. UEFA, the governing body of football in Europe, have said they would boycott Fifa events if the plans go ahead. The Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf, which governs football in North and Central America, have also opposed the plans. BBC sports correspondent Patrick Gearey explains how this might affect women's football.A new study is investigating why autistic women are less likely to attend cervical screening. Many report pain, anxiety, sensory sensitivities and feeling dismissed during smear tests. Willow Holloway, who is autistic, joins Kylie Pentelow to describe her experience. Researcher Dr Aimee Grant, explains the barriers autistic women face, and why alternatives, like at-home HPV testing, could help improve access to life-saving screening. Do you remember your first kiss? Or perhaps your worst kiss? And what was your last kiss - a smacker, a snog, a pash - or rather a quick peck on the cheek? Maybe just an air kiss? Or perhaps you would rather keep your lips to yourself - and wish others would too. Professor Katie Barclay, a historian of emotions based at Macquarie University in Sydney, has taken a deep dive into a thousand years’ worth of kisses for her new book The Kiss: A History of Passion & Power. She joins Kylie to explain why our ancestors had a kiss for almost every occasion but kissing is now in decline.In the 1990s the work of the young British playwright Sarah Kane caused controversy with its groundbreaking, unflinching portrayal of violence on stage. Almost 30 years after it was first performed, a revival of Kane’s play Cleansed has opened at The Almeida, directed by the theatre’s outgoing, Olivier award-winning Associate Director, Rebecca Frecknall. Now accompanied by content warnings, a self-care guide and a decompression space, how might today’s audiences approach this confrontational work - and how does it feel to perform it? Kylie discusses with the director Rebecca Frecknall and actor Pearl Chanda, who plays Grace in this production.The UK’s only all-women chess team has been crowned champions of the second division of the national league, winning them a historic promotion to the top tier. It is the first time an all-female team has reached the top division in the 33 years of the UK’s national league and a big achievement by the She Plays To Win Lionesses, but because of league rules they may have to lose their all-women status, and include a man in the team to be allowed to play in Division 1. Kylie discusses the issue with Anusha Subramanian and Alisha Vyas - two members of the winning team.Presented by Kylie Pentelow Producer: Louise Corley

Last week, the government announced a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues from April. These spaces are increasingly used for coffee mornings, parent and toddler groups, book clubs etc. - the new church hall for many - and they've become a really important third space for communities especially for groups that support women. The government has said it wants to protect these venues that are the beating heart of many communities. But is this announcement enough to save an industry that has taken a big economic battering in recent years? Joining Kylie Pentelow, Beverley Whitrick, Chief Executive of the Music Venues Trust, sociologist Dr Lisa McKenzie and 22-year-old pub landlady Elsa Mckenna, who's trying to make exactly this model work.Actor Vicky Krieps is known best to UK audiences for acclaimed performances in films including Corsage and the Academy Award winning film Phantom Thread. She has also appeared in many European films including Hanna, Two Lives, and The Chambermaid Lynn. Vicky joins Kylie Pentelow to discuss her latest film, Love Me Tender, a moving and powerful drama about a mother forced to fight for her relationship with her son after choosing to live openly as a gay woman. The film, directed by Anna Cazenave Cambet and based on Constance Debré's novel, is out in UK cinemas early next month.Campaigners who work with women to encourage them to report crime are concerned that the Early Release Scheme proposed by the government could put them off engaging with the justice system altogether.  Andy Burnham has since announced a pause and a review of the scheme, which would have seen around 700 prisoners released from September. Today we hear from a campaigner, herself a survivor of sexual abuse, who fears the policy and the current uncertainty. 'Sam' (not her real name) reported and helped secure the conviction of the man who violently attacked and raped her 23 years ago. A month ago, before the scheme was paused, she received a letter from the Ministry of Justice warning that her attacker would be released early. She joins us alongside Harriet Wistrich, Director of the Centre for Women's Justice.New analysis on mummies of Egyptian princesses shows they were warriors not just pampered queens with the signs pointing to them being highly skilled archers. They even carried wounds consistent with those made by daggers at close combat. It's an intriguing finding but perhaps an even bigger question is why discoveries like this still have the power to surprise us. We delve into how much of history is shaped not just by the evidence itself but by the assumptions we bring to it. Historian, broadcaster and author Bettany Hughes, whose new children's book explores the lives of people in Ancient Egypt, joins Kylie along with Professor of History Olivette Otele.Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Simon Richardson

A BBC investigation has uncovered allegations of sexual assault against the Hollywood star and musician Jared Leto. Four women who've spoken to the BBC were all teenagers at the time of the alleged offences, between 2002 and 2014. Nuala McGovern speaks to one of them about her experience and asks director Alice McShane about the process of making her film, Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret. Some of the details of this story are graphic and the subject matter is distressing.Bestselling author Scarlett Thomas has entered the world of ultra marathons and crypto-crime in her latest novel The Runner. She joins us to discuss writing a male protagonist and turning her hand to standup comedy.Prenups are popular amongst the rich and famous, but research suggests that prenuptial agreements are on the rise for younger couples in the UK. Nuala speaks to Claer Barrett, Consumer Editor at the Financial Times, and Woman’s Hour listener Bethan, who has a prenup with her husband, to discuss why more couples are drawing up legal contracts with their partners before they tie the knot.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

Academy Award-winning actor Helen Hunt is currently performing in the RSC’s production of The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov. She joins Nuala McGovern to discuss what it’s like being back on a UK stage in her latest role as Russian aristocrat and matriarch Madame Ranevskaya.A rape trial has collapsed after the alleged victim used AI to help prepare for her answers in court. The case at Lewes Crown Court was called off after the complainant, referred to only as C, admitted using an AI chatbot. The barrister acting for the accused, argued that a fair trial was impossible. The Court of Appeal ruled that such practices amount to 'witness coaching' which is prohibited in the UK. Barrister Harriet Johnson, specialising in violence against women and girls, discusses the significance of the case. Last month, two reports into maternity services in England were published. Donna Ockenden’s review of maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and Baroness Valerie Amos’s investigation into maternity and neonatal services in England. These reports raised important issues about maternity services in England but what impact have they had on the morale of those working in this area - particularly midwives? Nuala is joined by author and midwife Leah Hazard, Claire, a midwife practising in Wales, and Safia Saad, a student midwife and founder of Fund Future Midwives UK.Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for Prime Minister Andy Burnham to bring in emergency legislation to stop the early release of hundreds of prisoners. She held a press conference while we were on air, along with rape survivors who are concerned their perpetrators could be let out early. The BBC's home and legal correspondent Dominic Casciani joins Nuala.Labour MP Samantha Niblett wants sex education to continue throughout our lives, not just at school. She discusses her campaign and the controversy over displaying sex toys in Parliament.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

The new Reform police and crime commissioner for Norfolk, former detective Colin Sutton, has said that releasing women from prison ‘would be a kind of a radical, outside-the-box way of creating more prison space’. He joins Nuala McGovern along with Andrea Coomber, the chief executive of The Howard League for Penal Reform. We follow up with BBC Journalist Catrin Nye whose podcast, Swingers, highlighted the story of Ruth, a woman who said she had been pressured into having sex with over 100 strangers. Since its release, 50 women have come forward with their own stories. Catrin tells us the latest.Author Wendy Jones recently observed that seven of the top ten fiction paperback novels on the Sunday Times bestsellers list featured a woman who had been murdered. Nuala talks to authors Saima Mir and Lesley McEvoy about why dead women are a central theme in fiction, and why those books are so popular.A new cycling app Sofa to Saddle wants to get one million more Brits peddling by 2028. Olympian and world medallist cyclist Lizzie Deignan and Cicely Lloyd, from Brighton’s Multicultural Women’s Cycle Club, discuss how the barriers to more women cycling can be overcome.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Melanie Abbott

Actor, writer and director Lena Headey is best known for playing Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones. She has created and stars in Intimacy, a new BBC Sounds audio drama and podcast which follows intimacy coordinator Liza Simmons, whose professional life revolves around creating safe spaces and navigating consent on film sets. When a dream job on a big movie production takes her to a Greek island, long-buried secrets resurface and force her to confront a troubled past. Lena talks about this new series and life after Game of Thrones.As the US and Iran continue exchanging fire, Anita Rani talks to global affairs journalist Tara Kangarlou and researcher at King's College London Dr Ahou Koutchesfahani to ask how life for women in the country has changed since the war.How can we explore distant stars, buried water on Mars, or witness the first moments after the Big Bang? And what can we see without having to leave our back garden? Dr Emma Chapman an award-winning radio astronomer based at the University of Nottingham, and a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin research fellow, is joined by Clare McDonnell to discuss the radio universe, the upcoming Perseid Meteor Shower and a partial solar eclipse.Could using conscious sedation transform the experience of hysteroscopy? Around 70,000 women undergo this womb procedure every year, but campaigners say many are still left in severe pain with too few options for pain relief. Clare talked to Dawn Lord who says her hysteroscopy left her traumatised, and to Irina Stankeviciute, a hysteroscopy nurse who has helped pioneer a new conscious sedation service aimed at giving women more choice and control.The Commonwealth Games began this week in Glasgow, and Clare was joined by wheelchair racer Melanie Woods who will be competing.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells

As an immersive version of Grease opens for the summer in London, Anita Rani welcomes Didi Conn, who played 'Beauty School Dropout' Frenchy in the original 1978 film.Can you imagine running an entire country on just a few hours of sleep? Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, who has referred to herself as 'Japan’s Iron Lady', says she often functions on zero to three hours a night. Whether it's long work hours, caring responsibilities, new born babies, pain, anxiety or hormones, women can struggle to get sleep, so we wanted to look at how much is enough? And does it differ between men and women? Anita is joined by Dr Kat Lederle, sleep scientist and chronobiologist.The Church of England's Interim Commissioner for Independent Reviews, which investigates cases of historic sex abuse, has published their first report and it's about one woman’s experience and how her case was handled, or rather mishandled, by those in charge at the time. Jane Chevous has waived her anonymity to speak to Woman's Hour. She alleges that she experienced rape, plus spiritual and psychological abuse by two clergymen. Anita speaks to Jane and the BBC’s Religion Editor, Aleem Maqbool.The Commonwealth Games netball tournament gets underway next week, with all four UK nations set to be involved. England will be hoping to challenge for the medals once again, while Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will all be looking to make their mark on one of the sport's biggest stages. Anna Carter, a former player and coach for England, who now runs Elite Netball Academy, gives Anita her take.This weekend, all around the world, thousands will congregate to recreate Kate Bush's iconic debut single music video. Known as The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever, for those who take part, it's a truly special occasion. But how did it start and why is it so important for those who take part? Anita speaks to Georgie Sworder, one of the women who originally inspired the event, and Belinda Burton, who will be organising her own 'mass wuther' in Sydney.

A BBC investigation has revealed that a police officer, Alan Greer, who took his own life in May was a violent rapist who carried out a spate of sexual attacks and attempted murders of women over at least 14 years. To find out more about women's confidence in the police, Anita Rani speaks to former Met Detective Superintendent Shabnam Chaudhri and Janaya Walker, interim director of the End Violence Against Women coalition. As the US and Iran continue exchanging fire, Anita talks to global affairs journalist Tara Kangarlou and researcher at King's College London Dr Ahou Koutchesfahani to ask how life for women in the country has changed since the war.Georgia Hall won the Women’s Open back in 2018 - one of the four British women to have ever won a golf major championship. She has since gone on to compete around the world, winning countless titles and cups and was awarded an MBE in 2019. Georgia recently returned to professional golf after giving birth in February, and now sets her sights on another win at the AIG Women’s Open, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, right here in the UK.What started as documenting the transformation of her own mouldy rental flat has turned into an award-winning mission to help some of the most vulnerable people. Content creator Bea Elton, known as Clean with Bea, has gained millions of followers by documenting her free extreme cleans in homes affected by poor mental health and financial hardship. She restores properties that could otherwise cost thousands of pounds to clean and discusses the link between our living environments and wellbeing. Anita talks to Bea about why her videos have become such a social media phenomenon and the lives she's helping to change. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

According to experts at Imperial College London, England is seeing a worrying increase in young women in their 20s developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is serious and can lead to severe complications such as heart attacks and strokes. Lead researcher Dr Shivani Misra joins Anita Rani to unpick why this is happening.Actor, writer and director Lena Headey is best known for playing Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones. She has created and stars in Intimacy, a new BBC Sounds audio drama and podcast which follows intimacy coordinator Liza Simmons, whose professional life revolves around creating safe spaces and navigating consent on film sets. Her personal life is far less under control. When a dream job on a big movie production takes her to a Greek island, long-buried secrets resurface and force her to confront a troubled past. Lena talks about this new series and life after Game of Thrones.Women in the armed forces and veterans say they are still being issued ill-fitting kit that doesn’t fit their body shape. A 2021 review called for urgent improvements, but current and former service women have told the BBC key problems remain. Investigative journalist, Rebecca Ricks and Erin Grieve from NP Aerospace which makes female-adapted body armour systems discuss.When the Taliban first ruled Afghanistan in the 1990s, Zahra Joya bravely disguised herself as a boy so that she could attend school. After the US-led invasion, girls were granted access to education and opportunities and Zahra went on to become a journalist, setting up Rukhshana Media to tell the stories of Afghan women. When the Taliban returned in 2021, women’s freedoms and opportunities vanished overnight, and Zahra was one of many forced to flee their homeland, forging a new life in the UK. She discusses her memoir, The Vanishing Girl of Kabul, and her continuing fight for women’s rights in Afghanistan.

We look at the women in Andy Burnham's government. Three out of four of the great offices of state are now occupied by men, but there are lots of female MPs joining - and re-joining - the top table. Clare McDonnell talks to broadcaster and former Labour advisor Baroness Ayesha Hazarika and Bloomberg's UK political commentator Rosa Prince.Could using conscious sedation transform the experience of hysteroscopy? Around 70,000 women undergo this womb procedure every year, but campaigners say many are still left in severe pain with too few options for pain relief. Clare McDonnell hears from Dawn Lord who says her hysteroscopy left her traumatised, and from Irina Stankeviciute, a hysteroscopy nurse who has helped pioneer a new conscious sedation service aimed at giving women more choice and control.The Commonwealth Games begin on Thursday in Glasgow. Which female athletes we should be keeping our eyes on, and what we can look forward to in this year's competition? BBC Sport Journalist Matt Henry gives his picks, and Clare is also joined by wheelchair racer Melanie Woods who will be competing.Gentle Things is a novel set in 1660s London, as the city reels from the impact of the Great Fire and the Plague. Writer Danielle Giles joins Clare to discuss why the world of 17th century apothecaries, who created medicinal cures from herbs, spices and sometimes from human body parts, was the perfect setting for a Gothic novel.

As Andy Burnham takes over as Prime Minister, we ask leading campaigners and experts on women’s issues what they think he should prioritise on day one of his premiership. Clare McDonnell is joined by Labour MP and former Violence against Women and Girls minister Jess Phillips, senior midwife Donna Ockenden who led the recent review into maternity care failings in Nottingham, and Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society Penny East.Fatboy Slim, one of the biggest DJs of the 1990s, has just finished playing four nights to appreciative crowds in his home town of Brighton. And among the crowd were a number of midlife women. More women in their forties and fifties, who are often experiencing the pressure of caring for both children and older parents, are exchanging an early night for being up raving at 4am. Clare McDonnell finds out more from Alinka Greasley, Professor of music psychology at the University of Leeds who has carried out research into women and raving and is a raver and DJ herself. How can we explore distant stars, buried water on Mars, or witness the first moments after the Big Bang? And what can we see without having to leave our back garden? Dr. Emma Chapman an award-winning radio astronomer based at the University of Nottingham, and a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin research fellow. She will be appearing at the Buxton International Festival this Friday. She joins Clare McDonnell to discuss the radio universe, the upcoming Perseid Meteor Shower and a partial solar eclipse.English Heritage has warned the tradition of sending postcards could become a distant nostalgic memory, after half of Brits surveyed said they never send them. But with the rise in popularity of 'Snail Mail', largely driven by social media, how are women leading the charge to stay connected through post? To discuss, Clare McDonnell is joined by Great British Bake Off finalist Alice Fevronia, who set up The Artful Baker Club, and Rebecca McMillan, who co-founded The Sunday Letter Project.Presented by Clare McDonnell Producer: Louise Corley

What impact do hormones have on women with ADHD? A pioneering study by Kings College and Queen Mary University in London is putting the link to the test, by asking 50 women who are medicated for their ADHD to track their menstrual cycle. Report academic Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais and Laura Mears-Reynolds from the charity ADHDAF+ join presenter Nuala McGovern to discuss why the research matters.This weekend Dalia Stasevska conducted the first night of the BBC Proms. The Finnish-Ukrainian Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra also has a new album, Ukrainian Mixtape, recorded with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, showcasing rarely heard works. Dalia joins presenter Anita Rani to discuss her route into conducting and her passion for Ukrainian music.New analysis in The Economist suggests that, after years of progress, fewer women are reaching executive positions and there may also be signs that younger women are becoming less interested in promotion. Nuala speaks to the author of that report, Vinjeru Mkandawire, and Sanchia Neilson who left an executive role to rebalance her life.Australian surf and fashion photographer Cait Miers is photographing 1,000 women globally, bare-faced, for a project she has called Laugh Lines. Anita talks to Cait about her mission to challenge beauty standards and also Alexis Zahner, one of the first women to be photographed for the project.Actor Sarah Hadland will be a familiar face to many, having played numerous roles over the years, but is probably best known as Stevie in the BAFTA-nominated sitcom Miranda. Currently on stage in London’s West End, she joins Nuala to discuss her latest role as Alice in The Truth, a fast-paced comedy of infidelity and duplicity.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty McQuire

There is speculation today that the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will become Chancellor when the incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces his Cabinet on Monday. Whoever takes on the role will face quite the in-tray: high debt, low growth, welfare reform, defence spending, and the economic fallout from the US-Israel war with Iran, to name a few issues. So, if it's Shabana Mahmood, how might she fare and what do we know about her? Anita Rani speaks to Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times and Host of the FT's Political Fix podcast.Australian surf and fashion photographer Cait Miers says that on shoots women often criticise and apologise for their looks before a single photo is taken. She is now photographing 1,000 women globally, bare-faced, for a project she has called Laugh Lines. Anita is joined by Cait to talk about her mission to challenge beauty standards and also by Alexis Zahner, author of Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies, and one of the first women to be photographed for the project.Dr Suzanne Huurman is the only woman to head a country's medical staff in the men's 2026 FIFA World Cup, meaning there is just one woman and 47 men in the lead role for the teams taking part this year. Anita talks to Suzanne about being a trailblazer, how she - as head of medical staff for Curacao's national men's side - got to become only the third-ever female team doctor in the 96-year history of the tournament and what she thinks could be done to increase female representation in football.The Young British Artists, YBA movement of the 1990s is the inspiration for a new novel, Exhibition, by Alex Hyde. The protagonist, Rabble, an aspiring photographer, finds herself in the YBA scene after meeting an artist always referred to in the novel as you. Anita talks to Alex about how, through Rabble, her novel explores the inspiration and process of creating art - and the question of ownership, referencing real works.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

New research from the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse suggests one in five girls and one in ten boys experience sexual abuse during childhood. Yet the organisation says only a fraction of those children are ever identified by professionals. We discuss the findings with the Centre's Deputy Director, Anna Glinski, and ask why so many children are still being missed.The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has worked with female athletes to develop new guidelines that aim to avoid sexualising the action with unnecessary camera angles. UK Athletics President Denise Lewis and Danielle Sellwood, sports documentary maker, gives us their thoughts. AI ethicist Dr Eleanor Drage discusses her new book What If We Got AI Right? and why putting women at the centre of artificial intelligence could help create a fairer future.Tomorrow night Dalia Stasevska will open the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, the biggest night in classical music. Dalia is the Finnish-Ukrainian Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Away from the podium, she’s become one of the fiercest champions of Ukrainian composers and her new album Ukrainian Mixtape, recorded with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, showcases rarely heard works. Dalia joins Anita to discuss what we can expect from the first night of BBC Proms, her passion for conducting, and Ukrainian music.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Simon Richardson

A new report from the Health and Social Care Committee says customers are being pushed towards products high in fat, sugar and salt which are typically cheaper than more nutritious food and that the government's food policy needs overhauling. The chair of the committee, Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran, talks to Nuala McGovern about their recommendations.New analysis in The Economist suggests after years of progress fewer women are reaching executive positions and there may be signs that younger women are becoming less interested in promotion. Nuala McGovern speaks to the author of that analysis and a woman who left an executive role to rebalance her life. We hear from Sarah Ruggins who recently broke the world record for cycling the length of Europe - a distance of over 6,000 kilometres – double the length of the Tour de France. She only started cycling three years ago having spent a decade recovering from a condition that saw her bedridden and immobile – Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, one of medicine’s most painful conditions. Sarah now holds three ultra-cycling records.Known at one point as the Diana of the Middle East and the rose of the desert, Asma al-Assad, the wife of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, quickly became a well-known face around the world. But just how much do we know about the London-born former First Lady and the role she played in her dictator husband’s oppressive dictatorship where peaceful protests against his regime were violently repressed, eventually leading to 13 years of civil war that saw more than half a million people killed. Nuala speaks to investigative journalist Chloe Hadjimatheou about her new podcast, We Call Her Emma. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

What impact do hormones have on women with ADHD? A first of its kind study by Kings College and Queen Mary University in London is putting the link to the test, by asking 50 women who have ADHD and are taking medication for it to track their menstrual cycle. They will log the impact it has on their ADHD symptoms, and daily life more broadly. Report academic Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais and Laura Mears-Reynolds from the charity ADHDAF+ join presenter Nuala McGovern to discuss. We hear about the current government consultation aiming to give added financial security to more than 3.5 million unmarried couples when they separate. It's hoped the overdue reforms will help protect women and better meet the needs of modern relationships. Nuala discusses this with Mandip Ghai, a lawyer from the legal charity Rights of Women, who have campaigned for new laws, and Jenny Allen who is feeling the long-term impact of her separation on her finances now she is semi-retired.Parents of school-age children will know that this is the time of year when thoughts turns to a present for their teacher. But collections can be divisive when so many families are feeling financial pressure. The question of how much to give, who should be included or whether to contribute at all can be fraught. Author and comedian Helen Thorne from the Scummy Mummies comedy duo shares her thoughts on the hot topic dominating many school whatsapp groups.Video game God of War will have a female protagonist for the first time in the form of Laufey, both a powerful woman and a mother. Nuala is joined by player and journalist Vicky Jessop and The Guardian's games editor Keza Macdonald to discuss the significance and online backlash.Presented by: Nuala McGovern Produced by: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Sarah Hadland will be a familiar face to many, having played numerous roles over the years, but is probably best known for her role as Stevie in the BAFTA-nominated sitcom Miranda. Currently on stage in London’s West End, she joins Nuala McGovern to discuss her latest role as Alice in The Truth, a fast-paced comedy of infidelity and duplicity. The second phase of the Southport inquiry will resume in September. It was set up after Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguiar were murdered at a dance class in 2024. Its chairman Sir Adrian Fulford wants to find ways to respond to the dangers posed by violence-fixated individuals - individuals who may carry out extreme violence, where ideology is not the primary driver. The government programme Prevent focuses on tackling extremist ideologies that lead to violence and aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. Lord Anderson was the Independent Prevent Commissioner from January 2025 to April 2026, who published an independent review 'Lessons for Prevent' which also looked at why Prevent failed to stop the Southport attack. Some are asking whether misogyny should be considered an ideology within government schemes. Nuala discusses with Lord Anderson and Dr Ruth Tulley, a consultant forensic psychologist. We're in the middle of our third heatwave of the year - and temperatures are set to climb again later this week. Scientists say that what makes this year's heatwaves distinct is that right across Europe temperatures have remained high overnight as well as in the day. In June, London alone recorded five consecutive nights over 20 degrees Celcius, what meteorologists call tropical nights. The temperatures inside many homes will have been much higher. Lots of us are reporting struggling to sleep. Consultant Paediatrician, Dr Guddi Singh and GP, Dr Sarah Jarvis join Nuala to discuss what to do if you are caring for a baby. The author Jennifer Saint has retold some of the best-known stories from Greek literature and mythology through the eyes of women: Ariadne, Atalanta, Electra and Hera. In her latest novel, This Immortal Heart, Jennifer turns to Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love and reimagines Aphrodites’ relationship with Ares, the god of war. Jennifer joins Nuala to talk about how stories that originated over two thousand years ago and their themes can tackle contemporary questions about female agency and identity – and what happens when two seemingly opposite forces – love and war - are drawn irresistibly together.Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley

Emma Grede is a British entrepreneur and philanthropist who has been featured on Forbes' America’s Richest Self-Made Women list. Emma joins Nuala McGovern to discuss her book Start With Yourself: A New Vision for Work and Life.Parents are being warned about the risks of posting images of their children online due to an increase in AI-generated child abuse imagery. The Internet Watch Foundation found 3,440 AI-generated videos of child sexual abuse in 2025, compared with just 13 in 2024. Nuala is joined by Emma Hardy of the Internet Watch Foundation and Dr Elaine Kasket, cyber-psychologist and the author of Reset: Rethinking your Digital World for a Happier Life.Many of us are familiar with the often painful process of sorting through the wardrobes of our loved ones who have died. Anita Rani discusses what people can do to keep memories alive with Sophie Lewis, founder of The Reincarnation Club, a service which creates new outfits out of old and Pip Housam, of Love Keep Create, a company which transforms clothing into keepsakes.New research into IVF and donor eggs suggests that older women face a lower chance of fertility treatment working, even when using young donor eggs - with a marked drop-off from around the age of 49. Researchers believe age-related changes in the womb lining may be the cause. Nuala is joined by Dr Ippokratis Sarris, chair elect of the British Fertility Society, and writer Grace Ackroyd who had a baby at 47 using donor eggs.The Bayeux Tapestry arrived in London in the early hours of Friday morning, the first time it had left France for over 900 years. Meanwhile in Cambridgeshire, one woman has been painstakingly recreating the tapestry for the last decade. Mia Hansson joins Kylie Pentelow to explain why she took on this challenge.Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Kirsty McQuire

This programme was recorded before the police announced an investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death.Ann Widdecombe's political career spanned decades, serving as Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years, and a minister in John Major's government, then later becoming an MEP and joining Reform UK in 2023. She was also well known for her TV appearances including taking part in Strictly Come Dancing. Kylie speaks to her colleague in the Conservative party Baroness Anne Jenkin and BBC political correspondent Nick Eardley.Campaigners and a cross-party group of MPs and peers presented a petition to Downing Street yesterday, signed by over 100,000 people, urging the government to increase bereavement support for the first time in nearly a decade. Widow’s Fight – who started the petition - say bereaved young families are falling into poverty. Kylie is joined by Holly O’Connor from Widow's Fight and Caroline Voaden, Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon, who was widowed when her children were young, and is supporting the campaign.The Bayeux Tapestry arrived in London in the early hours of this morning, under the cover of darkness, the first time it has left France for over 900 years. Meanwhile in Cambridgeshire, one woman has been painstakingly recreating the tapestry for the last decade.  Mia Hansson joins Kylie to explain why she took on this massive project.This week we have heard about three different new diagnostic tests being developed for endometriosis, a condition thought to affect one in 10 women. We find out what these tests are, how long before they are available, and whether they could reduce the average nine year wait for a diagnosis in the UK. Kylie Pentelow hears from Evelyn Scott, author of A Bloody Scandal - How Medicine Fails Women in Pain and Elisabeth Bean, an NHS consultant gynaecologist and diagnostics chair of the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy.Saint Olga of Kyiv, patron saint of Ukraine has her saint’s day tomorrow. In Ukraine, she’s a beloved religious figure, but she was also a real woman, known for exacting brutal revenge on those who crossed her. BBC Ukrainian’s Irena Taranyuk joins Kylie to discuss Olga’s mythological story, what she symbolises for Ukrainians and why her story is still relevant to women today.

Iranian writer, Shahrnush Parsipur, who spent her life documenting what it meant to be a woman living under repression in Iran, died this week in the US, at the age of 80. Anita Rani talks to Iranian journalist Paxima Mojavvezi about Shahrnush, a pioneer of feminist literature, whose book Women Without Men was banned in Iran, but nevertheless became an underground bestseller. According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, around two-thirds of women will develop at least one uterine fibroid during their lifetime - that's a non-cancerous growth that develops in or around the womb. Despite being a common reproductive health issues, fibroids remain under-discussed and can leave some women without the knowledge to seek treatment. Anita is joined by a gynaecologist Dr Michelle Griffin, author of a new book, Fibroids: Everything You Need to Know from Symptoms to Diagnosis and Beyond and Dawn Heels who suffered for decades with fibroid symptoms and is now a campaigner for the condition. Many of us are familiar with the onerous, often painful process of sorting through the wardrobes of our loved ones who have died. It raises difficult choices about what to do with clothes that can carry emotional weight and evoke many memories. Anita discusses what people can do to keep memories alive with Sophie Lewis, founder of The Reincarnation Club, a service which creates new outfits out of old and Pip Housam, general manager of Love Keep Create, a company which transforms cherished clothing into lasting keepsakes.Is it correct to assume that a former elite athlete is always healthy? A research project from the University of Edinburgh is exploring just that by looking at the current health status of retired female Olympians and how this compares to females in the general population. Anita speaks to lead researcher Dr Lauren Guilfoyle and five-time Olympian runner, Jo Pavey.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

Emma Grede is a British serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and mother of four. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of Good American, and a founding partner of SKIMS. Recognised for her achievements, Emma has been featured on Forbes' America’s Richest Self-Made Women list. She made history as the first woman of colour to serve as a judge on ABC’s Shark Tank. Emma joins Nuala McGovern to discuss her book Start With Yourself, a bold and empowering guide with advice on how women can build meaningful success on their own terms.Today the goverment will announce plans to boost support for foster carers. The aim is to encourage more people to provide homes for vulnerable children in England. It’s the latest step in the government’s drive to recruit an additional ten thousand foster carers, as they announced back in February. BBC's Social Affairs Editor, Alison Holt explains.At least 5,000 pregnancies a year in the UK end due to Termination for Medical Reasons, but the persistent taboo in society can mean that families keep it secret, in fear of other people’s reactions. The stigma and silence around it mean people can feel incredibly alone in their grief and often feel excluded from the wider baby loss community, increasing their sense of isolation. July is Bereaved Parents’ Awareness Month and to discuss this issue, Nuala talks to a grief coach and bereaved mother, Tanya Wilkinson and to Tommy’s Co Midwifery Manager, Amina Hatia.What do you do with your wedding and or engagement rings after divorce? It’s been reported that a growing number are said to be turning them into something entirely new. The so-called divorce ring trend is seeing women reset engagement diamonds into bold pieces that symbolise independence and a fresh start. So what's driving the trend, and what does it tell us about the changing meaning of jewellery after marriage? Nuala is joined by gemmologist and jewellery expert, Helen Dimmock and author and jewellery historian Rachel Church, to discuss.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Simon Richardson

New research into IVF and donor eggs suggests that older women face a lower chance of fertility treatment working, even when using young donor eggs - with a marked drop-off from around the age of 49. Experts studying more than 1700 women say the findings challenge the idea that donor eggs can fully reset the reproductive clock - BUT that they should not put older couples off trying. Researchers believe age-related changes in the womb lining may be the cause. Nuala McGovern is joined by Dr Ippokratis Sarris, who is chair elect of the British Fertility Society, and writer Grace Ackroyd who had a baby at 47 using donor eggs. Have you ever found love in an unexpected place? At a gig? A restaurant?... What about a library? Four couples have found love in the stacks of Anlaby Park Community Library, in Hull. Nuala is joined by one of them, Mandy and Adrian Strickland, who share their story. What do we know about domestic violence in post-conflict societies, and how important is this knowledge for tackling violence against women in Northern Ireland? Do we see the history of conflict in Northern Ireland reflected in patterns of abuse and violence that women face today? Our guests share their views. Monica McWilliams is a long-standing peace activist and Emeritus Professor at the Transitional Justice Institute Ulster University and Aisling Swaine is Professor of Peace, Security and International Law in Uni College Dublin.Trish Patterson, a 41-year-old mother of twins, has just set a new world record for the National Three Peaks challenge, running 425 miles over five days. We talk to her about her extraordinary feat and what motivates her to keep going.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Parents are being warned about the risks of posting images of their children online due to an increase in AI-generated child abuse imagery. The Internet Watch Foundation found 3,440 AI-generated videos of child sexual abuse in 2025, compared with just 13 in 2024. The National Crime Agency says it is increasingly seeing offenders exploit AI technologies to target children in new ways. What's behind this rise, and what advice is there for parents? Nuala McGovern is joined by Emma Hardy, Director of Communications at the Internet Watch Foundation and Dr Elaine Kasket, cyberpsychologist and the author of Reset: Rethinking your Digital World for a Happier Life.Should emergency contraception – sometimes referred to as the morning after pill – be available to buy next to the condoms on the supermarket shelf? President of the College of Sexual and Reproductive Health Dr Zara Haider thinks so and joins Nuala to discuss.Schools have already broken up for summer in Scotland and schools in England and Wales will begin their holidays later this month. The Great British Summer Savings scheme is, a UK government initiative that recently came into effect with the aim of helping families enjoy the weekend treats, the days out, the small plans that make life enjoyable during the cost of living squeeze. To explain more about what is being made available and the difference this could make to families, Nuala hears from marketing expert and CEO of Get Savvy, Catherine Shuttleworth.At least 11 people have been killed in Kyiv following a second night of Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital in a week, the city's top military administrator has said. For more than four years Ukrainians have been enduring Russian attacks on their cities.  Ukraine is now also carrying out its own drone strikes on targets deep inside Russia.  With no end to the war in sight people in Ukraine have found different ways to cope.  Some women turn to beauty and fashion as a way of dealing with the trauma of war, and as a sign of defiance. Isabella Jewell reports from Kyiv.Trouble Was is the debut novel by the journalist Charlotte Edwardes. It’s the story of a mother who takes her children to live with relatives in Devon in the long hot summer of 1976 – and the unravelling of family secrets, all told from the perspective of nine-year-old Frank. Charlotte joins Nuala to talk about the baby blues, breakdowns and the realities of ‘70s life that she has fictionalised.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Dianne McGregor

Annabel Rook dedicated her life to supporting vulnerable women, yet her own life was violently taken by her partner. Annabel co-founded MamaSuze, a creative grassroots arts organisation in North London to enhance the lives of women who have survived violence. Her co-founder, Catherine Milne and Annabel's sister Sophie join Chloe Tilley to discuss Annabel's impact and what people can learn from their loss.Money is broken for women, according to the founders of Female Invest - a subscription-based financial education app founded in Denmark. In their new book, It’s a Rich Man’s World, they explore the life events and systemic obstacles that women face in building and holding on to wealth. Krupa Padhy talks to co-founder Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen about the possible solutions.As part of Radio 4's Once Upon a Time season we're looking at fairytales through a feminist lens. Award-winning author Kirsty Logan joins us down the line from Glasgow and the mythologist and psychologist Dr Sharon Blackie joins us from Cumbria. They tell Nuala McGovern why they believe women need fairy tales now more than ever and, crucially, why we should keep re-writing them for ourselves.In the week that Baroness Amos released her long-awaited National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation into maternity service failings in England, we hear reaction from the Labour MP and Government Maternity Advisor Michelle Welsh.When the award-winning poet Helen Mort became a stepmother, she went in search of literary role models, but was sadly disappointed by portrayals from the fairytale ‘wicked queen’ to the put-upon parent of the modern blended family. She talks to Anita Rani about creating her new collection, Stepmother, to re-write the role.Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Kirsty McQuire

Joining Nuala McGovern and Anita Rani on stage is Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty, host of the BBC Podcast Fame Under Fire, which focuses on celebrity court cases. Anoushka talks to Nuala about how attitudes to women in high profile trials, such as the trial of P Diddy, influence culture. They are in conversation with Dr Kathryn Higgins who has written about misogyny in the media in her book Believability: Sexual Violence, Media, and the Politics of Doubt. When award-winning poet and author Helen Mort became a stepmother, she went in search of some literary role models, but was sadly disappointed. From the fairytale ‘wicked queen’ to the put-upon parent of the modern blended family. She talks to Anita about writing her new collection, Stepmother, which explores the origins of these maligned female archetypes alongside her own real-life experiences. Lisa Lloyd is a campaigner for SEND children and the author of the best-selling book Raising the SENBetweeners. Following her own diagnosis with autism in her forties, Lisa explains how becoming a mother led her to discover she was autistic, and the challenges of parenting when you’re neurodivergent. Lisa is joined by Prof Megan Freeth from Sheffield University’s Autism Research Lab, who explains how autistic women can experience motherhood. And Nuala and Anita are also joined by Sheffield sportswoman Vanessa Ellis, head coach of the Sheffield Hatters Women’s Basketball Team. She explains how she’s followed in the footsteps of her mother, Betty Cadona, who set up women’s Basketball in Sheffield in 1961.Presenters: Anita Rani and Nuala McGovern Producer: Olivia Skinner Editor: Karen Dalziel

Today the Prime Minister is expected to apologise on behalf of the state for its role in historical forced adoptions. Thousands of unmarried women were pressured into giving up their babies in the 30 years after the Second World War. Krupa Padhy talks to two women who are keenly awaiting this apology - Zara who was adopted, but tracked down her birth mother when she was aged 23 and Susan whose baby was taken from her when she was 16.A large multinational cohort study published in June provides important new evidence of the increased risk of cardiovascular events for women who have premature and early menopause, across ethnic groups. To discuss what this could mean for you, Krupa is joined by Dr Ellie Cannon, GP and author of The Little Book of HRT, and Professor Anne McGregor, menopause specialist and trainer at the British Menopause Society.Some female massage therapists are refusing to take on any more male clients after being subject to sexually inappropriate behaviour. Krupa is joined by Maria Slowik-Capanni, a therapist and Ruth Duncan, Chair of the General Council for Manual Therapies with 26 years of experience in the industry. They discuss why the idea of regulating massage therapy is such a complex issue and what can be done to protect therapists in their workplace.Money is broken for women, according to the founders of Female Invest, a subscription-based Danish financial education app. Their aim is to close the financial gender gap by educating women about investing and in their new book, It’s a Rich Man’s World, they explore the life events and systemic obstacles women face to build and hold onto wealth and what can be done to change things so women can thrive. Krupa speaks to Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen, one of the co-authors of the book.Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Before the potential Prime Minister has even taken up office, a draft letter has been written for Andy Burnham asking him to appoint as many women as men in his government. It's from the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and asks for change to address the toxicity and misogyny within the Labour party and government. Political correspondent Nick Eardley discusses the letter and its context with Chloe Tilley. What happens when you're worried about your child's mental health, but help is months or even years away? A new report by the Children's Commissioner for England paints a stark picture of growing demand and long waits. Referrals have almost doubled since 2018, with more than a million children now in contact with services. Professor Jessica Deighton from the Anna Freud Centre discusses what it means for children and families. And Emma Kluibenschadl tells us how her 15 year old son took his life after being refused help for his mental health problems.Amanda Wakeley OBE is a self-taught fashion designer. Her designs are much loved by the Royal Family and she’s known for her timeless British womenswear. She joins Chloe today to discuss her new book, Style DNA, in which she encourages women to spend time reflecting on their autobiographical relationship with their clothes. In understanding how our lives shape how we dress, Amanda hopes to give women the tools to work out who they are so their style sits in harmony with their sense of self, and how they’d like to position themselves in the world.Annabel Rook dedicated her life to supporting vulnerable women, yet her own life was violently taken by her partner. In June last year, at their home, Clifton George attacked her, attempting to strangle her before stabbing her 31 times after she had tried to end their relationship of more than ten years. He then caused an explosion at the property. Annabel co-founded MamaSuze, a creative grassroots arts organisation in North London to enhance the lives of women who have survived violence. Her co-founder, Catherine Milne, wrote a moving article about the death of her best friend, how she tried to support her, and the question of whether she could have done more. Her and Annabel's sister Sophie discuss Annabel's impact and what people can learn from their loss.Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Melanie Abbott

As Baroness Amos releases her long-awaited National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation into maternity service failings in England, we discuss her key findings and what happens next. Presenter Nuala McGovern is joined by former MP and maternity campaigner Theo Clarke, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Dr Karen Joash, and Legal Lead for the advocacy charity Birthrights, Laura Mullarkey. We'll also hear from MP and Maternity Advisor Michelle Welsh about the government's plan to appoint the UK's first Maternity and Neonatal Commissioner, one of Amos' eight key reccomendations. Summer holidays have already started for some in schools in Scotland and for many families across the UK it's set to be a challenging time juggling finances, time off work and childcare. Marketing expert Catherine Shuttleworth shares her top tips on how to survive financially whilst also trying to have fun and create those lifelong memories. Despite the male-dominated history of the internet's development, women and sex workers have been pioneering online culture since long before the social media platforms we know today existed. For artist and UCLA professor Mindy Seu, this is at the heart of her work, and on the London leg of a global lecture tour, she joins Nuala in the studio to discuss an alternative history of the internet. Glamorous, fashion-forward, fun – wigs are having a moment, with celebrities leading the way and sales up by 10%. But should you go for something flamboyant, or a more natural style? Guardian journalist Leah Harper tried a different wig every day for a week. She joins us to share her experience along with Melanie Burrell, who owns a wig company in Glasgow, to discuss what might be driving this rise in sales. Presented by: Nuala McGovern Produced by: Sarah Jane Griffiths

The most prestigious tennis tournament in the world begins today. But Wimbledon has already attracted global attention before the courts even open, with the wildcard return of tennis legend Serena Williams announced earlier this month, and the shock exit of British number one Emma Raducanu due to a stress fracture in her lower right leg. Nuala McGovern is joined by former British number one tennis champion, Annabel Croft. The Metropolitan Police says that harm to women by London’s most dangerous men has been cut by more than half under their V100 initiative. Over 200 of the worst perpetrators of violence against women and girls have been convicted since they threw out the normal tactics and started employing counter-terrorism techniques, allied with data crunching. Nuala speaks to Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes about how it works.Long before she picked up a pair of forceps as Nurse Trixie Franklin in the BBC drama Call the Midwife, actor Helen George trained in musical theatre. She’s returning to those roots to play Tracy Lord in Cole Porter’s High Society, a role made famous by Grace Kelly. She tells Nuala about coming back to the stage and treats us to a live performance of a classic Cole Porter song. As part of Radio 4's Once Upon a Time season we're delving into shape-shifting feminist fairy tales, stories which have been constantly evolving ever since the early oral tradition, via the ground-breaking works of writers like Angela Carter to the present day. Award-winning author Kirsty Logan, joins us down the line from Glasgow and the mythologist and psychologist Dr Sharon Blackie joins us from Cumbria. They'll tell us why they believe women need fairy tales now more than ever and, crucially, why we should keep re-writing them for ourselves.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Joanna Cherry was elected as an MP in 2015, part of the SNP landslide when they took 56 out of 59 Scottish seats, just a year after the referendum on Scottish independence resulted in a No vote. Joanna went on to lose her seat in 2024 and has become a vocal critic of the party, and of Nicola Sturgeon’s leadership. She was also well-known for expressing gender-critical views and concerns at a time when the SNP was trying to deliver a gender self-ID law in Scotland. She joins presenter Nuala McGovern to talk about what she describes in her memoir as a tumultuous decade in Scottish politics.More than 500 mothers and babies came to harm or died as a result of inadequate care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. That’s according to Donna Ockenden’s review into the maternity services there. Anita Rani speaks to mothers Sarah Hawkins and Sarah Andrews whose babies, Harriet and Wynter, both died from preventable errors.An inclusive fashion show happening in Manchester this weekend is hoping to shine a light on how difficult it can be for people with disabilities, including autism, to find clothes which suit their bodies and feel good. Ellie Brown, the founder of inclusive clothing brand ReCondition, is behind the fashion show and joins Nuala alongside Sam Stein, a YouTuber who makes content about living with autism, who shares how small changes can go a long way.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty McQuire

For three decades, the singer-songwriter Beth Orton has remained one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music. She’s developed a devoted audience, winning a BRIT Award and Mercury Prize nominations for albums such as Trailer Park and Central Reservation. She has collaborated with artists such as The Chemical Brothers, Andrew Weatherall and Nick Cave, and she’s performed at venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Glastonbury Festival and Carnegie Hall. Her 2022 album, Weather Alive, became a major critical breakthrough. Her first self-produced album, it earned widespread acclaim, with The New York Times praising its modal vocal phrases. Beth joins Anita to discuss her new album The Ground Above, and to perform live.Schools across England and Wales have faced major disruption this week as extreme heat forces closures and early finishes. BBC analysis suggests more than 2,400 schools have either shut or been disrupted as temperatures climbed. It’s raised fresh questions about whether the education system and its buildings are prepared for hotter summers. BBC Education reporter Vanessa Clarke explains the impact the heat has had alongside Harry Paticas, architect and Founder of RAFT, non-profit community organisation focussing on reducing emissions in schools and communities.Varsha Gohil’s 23 year case against her ex-husband changed the law for anyone whose spouse hides their wealth in divorce proceedings. It is thought to be the one of the longest-running financial disputes in English family law. Varsha tells Anita Rani about a two-decade battle that included gaining a law degree and representing herself in court. DJ Smokin Jo has been a trailblazer in an industry largely dominated by men. A resident at the legendary Trade parties in London in the early 90s she was soon playing the world’s biggest clubs and was the first - and still only - woman to be named DJ Magazine’s DJ of the year. Jo joins Anita to discuss her memoir which details the highs and lows of her career, from finding her community on the dancefloor to rehab, misogyny and what has and hasn’t changed for women in dance music. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Simon Richardson

More than 500 mothers and babies came to harm or died as a result of inadequate care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. That’s according to Donna Ockenden’s review into the maternity services there. Anita Rani speaks to the Times’ Health Editor Eleanor Hayward, and mothers Sarah Hawkins and Sarah Andrews whose babies, Harriet and Wynter, both died from preventable errors.Sarah Vine’s memoir, How Not to Be a Political Wife, is out in paperback this week, coinciding with the 10 year anniversary of the Brexit vote. The Daily Mail columnist was married to the former Conservative minister Michael Gove, a leading figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union. She gives Anita her take on some of the most turbulent years in modern British politics, and how the pressures affected her friendships, her family, and ultimately her marriage.Over half of women diagnosed with breast cancer are outside the current 50-70 age range for screening, according to new research by a youth focused breast cancer awareness charity. It's calling for the age of women given screening to be lowered. Anita is joined by Sophie Dopierala-Bull, Director of Services and Engagement at CoppaFeel! A new exhibition at the Tate Modern in London looks at how and why the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo became a global icon and a key influence on a generation of artists. Anita speaks to Bea Garcia, co-curator of the exhibition Frida - the making of an icon, and author Hettie Judah.

Why are women’s bodies impacted by heat differently to men’s? What can women do to cool down? Nuala McGovern is joined by GP Dr Amir Khan, Alyx Gorman, lifestyle editor of Guardian Australia, who shares how women are coping with increasingly extreme temperatures, and the practical strategies they’re using to keep safe and comfortable.A new study has found that the majority of IVF add-ons assessed either show no effect on fertility or remain inconclusive due to limited or low-quality data. Nuala speaks to author of the study Dr Sarah Lensen from the University of Melbourne, broadcaster Hannah Vaughan Jones who went through 15 rounds of IVF and Professor Tim Child from the UK IVF regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). Sandy Powell has won three Oscars and is the most BAFTA nominated costume designer of all time for her work on iconic films including Shakespeare in Love, Gangs of New York, Mary Poppins Returns and The Favourite. Now she is turning her attention to the next generation of designers with a new master’s degree course which she has helped create at the National Film and Television School. She tells Nuala about this new course, and what the role of a costume designer involves.Rukky Brume grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. Her debut novel, It Comes in Waves, follows Onome, a law student in London whose father dies suddenly in Nigeria. Returning home for his funeral, she learns a secret that reveals there was far more to him than she knew. In 2021, her writing was longlisted for the Women's Prize Trust's Discoveries programme. She joins Nuala to discuss grief, loss and belonging and combining writing alongside a legal career.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Dianne McGregor

One of Northern Ireland's most high-profile politicians Jeffrey Donaldson is now convicted of 18 child sex abuse charges, including one charge of rape. One politician said the victims showed 'jaw dropping courage' in coming forward. We'll hear from the BBC's Tara Mills who has been in court throughout the trial. Since the start of the Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup, the England team have won all three of their group matches against Sri Lanka, Ireland and Scotland, with the West Indies next up tomorrow at the Lords. Nuala is joined by England’s head coach and former captain and player Charlotte Edwards, one of the most successful figures in the history of the women's game, and Tilly Corteen-Coleman, the 18-year-old spinner who is the youngest member of England's World Cup squad and one of the country's most exciting young prospects, to discuss the tournament and the growth of women’s cricket. An inclusive fashion show happening in Manchester this weekend is hoping to shine a light on how difficult it can be for people with disabilities, including autism, to find clothes which suit their bodies and feel good. Ellie Brown, the founder of inclusive clothing brand ReCondition, is hosting the fashion show. She chats to us. We’re also joined by Sam Stein, a YouTuber who makes content about living with autism, who shares how little changes can go a long way. The education secretary Bridget Phillipson has said inclusion bases – specialised areas in schools to support SEND pupils - are being misused to punish disruptive pupils. Later this week, the Department for Education will publish guidance for schools to tackle what they describe as the conflation of bad pupil behaviour with special educational needs and disabilities. Nuala is joined by Margaret Mulholland - SEN and inclusion specialist at the Association of School and College Leaders, and Hayley Harding a SEND parent and organiser and founder of campaign group Let Us Learn Too - to discuss how these designated SEND spaces can be used as a bridge to school life, and not as a barrier to it.

Maternity care and its shortcomings will be in the spotlight over the next fortnight, as the biggest maternity inquiry in the history of NHS England prepares to report its findings. The independent review by former midwife, Donna Ockenden, has looked into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Meanwhile new figures from the Royal College of Midwives show that more than nine out of 10 of those polled felt unsafe staffing levels are directly impacting the quality of care they provide for women and babies. Next week we'll also hear the recommendations of a national review by Baroness Amos. BBC's social affairs correspondent, Michael Buchanan, talks to presenter Nuala McGovern about what we know so far. Joanna Cherry was elected as an MP in 2015, part of the SNP landslide when they took 56 out of 59 Scottish seats, just a year after the referendum on Scottish independence resulted in a No vote. Her memoir, Keeping the Dream Alive, captures the disappointment and euphoria of that time. Joanna went on to lose her seat in 2024 and has become a vocal critic of the party, and of Nicola Sturgeon’s leadership. She was also well-known for expressing gender-critical views and concerns at a time when the SNP was trying to deliver a gender self-ID law in Scotland. She joins presenter Nuala McGovern to talk about that tumultuous decade in Scottish politics.A new study from the Universities of Exeter and Bristol is looking into how heavy periods impact daily life. Led by Gemma Sharp, a Professor of Epidemiology at Exeter, researchers will collect real-time data from thousands of participants to help us understand the relationship between periods - particularly heavy periods - and our energy levels, sleep and mood. Dr Sampurna Kundu, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow who works with Gemma, also shares her own experience of having heavy periods. Did you know that mini golf has feminist roots? A playful and ‘playable’ exhibition, The Art of Mini Golf, has just opened at the Battersea Arts Centre in London, channelling the inclusive, subversive spirit of the game’s female founders. Nuala's joined by curator Grace Herbert and one of the featured artists, Delaine Le Bas, to hear more about mini golf's hidden history and the art it’s inspired.Presented by: Nuala McGovern Produced by: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Peptides have become a new buzzword in the wellness industry. Social media influencers have spoken about using them for optimising performance in the gym and improving their appearance, and they’re increasingly popular with women. But some unregulated peptides haven’t been through clinical trials and could be ineffective, or even harmful. Nuala McGovern is joined by BBC Health reporter Ruth Clegg, who has been looking into the way women are using peptides, and Adam Taylor, Professor of Anatomy at the University of Lancaster.Jon Snow, the lead presenter of Channel 4 News for over three decades. has revealed he has Alzheimer's disease. During his career, he reported on stories including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the release of Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama's inauguration. In a new Channel 4 documentary, made in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society, Jon Snow: A Last Big Story, he is seen uncovering an environmental disaster in Zambia. In her first broadcast interview since the diagnosis was announced, Jon’s wife, Dr Precious Lunga, joins Anita Rani to talk about how they are navigating life now.Actor Geraldine James is renowned for a host of roles in theatre and on screen, from Jewel in the Crown to The Cage. Now she's making her Chichester theatre debut in the stage premiere of the 2015 film 45 years, alongside Gabriel Byrne. The couple are about to celebrate 45 years of marriage, when news arrives in a letter from Switzerland about a woman's body that's been discovered in a melting glacier, sending shockwaves through their marriage.There is rising demand for homegrown blooms. According to the trade association Flowers From the Farm, small-scale growers now generate £30 million a year — with women making up 80% of members. British Flowers Week is celebrating both the flowers and the women behind them, while highlighting the sector’s economic and environmental impact. Nuala is joined by two women behind Flowers From the Farm, Olivia Wilson, a florist and flower farmer, and Georgie Newberry who has a flower farm in Somerset.The Government recently launched a consultation on employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children. It includes consideration of Hugh’s Law, named after Hugh Menai-Davies, who died aged six from cancer in 2021. His parents are campaigning for a standalone statutory entitlement to leave and pay for parents of seriously ill children. To discuss, Nuala is joined by Frances and Ceri Menai-Davies, and Professor Lorna Fraser from King’s College London, who has been researching the impact on parents of caring for a seriously or terminally ill child.Eli Davies has embarked on a nostalgic and cultural exploration of the single woman's kitchen, unpacking women’s complicated history with domesticity and how their choice to couple up may shape mealtimes and their relationships with food, cooking habits and self-care. Eli’s book The Spinster Cookbook: Culture, Politics and Pleasure in the Single Woman’s Kitchen is also a story of rebellion, explaining how cooking for one as a woman can become an act of care, defiance, pleasure, and self-expression.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day is out today in cinemas. It’s billed as an unromantic-comedy set in the early 20th century and tells the story of young aristocrat Katharine Hilbery, who dreams of studying astronomy at university, but society’s expectation is that she should marry. Anita Rani is joined by Haley Bennett who plays the determined lead character and Anna Snaith, Professor of Twentieth-Century Literature in the English Department, King’s College, London.Andy Burnham has won in the Makerfield by-election, paving the way for a leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer. Baroness Harriet Harman, currently the Prime Minister's Adviser on Women and Girls, spoke this morning about the need for there to be a woman in that likely contest. Anita asks the BBC's Chief Political Correspondent Henry Zeffman why there are currently none in the running.With only men allowed to ascend the throne and only a Princess on offer, Japan’s Parliament has drafted a bill with some solutions. Could the country ever see a female emperor and what would this look like? Anita speaks to BBC Tokyo Correspondent Kurumi Mori and Professor of Japanese Studies at the University of Sheffield, Jennifer Coates. A new study from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark has raised questions about whether each additional hour to an eight-hour working day of bending forward, walking and standing may increase the risk of pregnancy loss in the first trimester. This is an observational study and does not prove cause and effect. BBC health reporter Michelle Roberts explains.Eli Davies has embarked on a nostalgic and cultural exploration of the single woman's kitchen, unpacking women’s complicated history with domesticity and how their choice to couple up may shape mealtimes and their relationships with food, cooking habits and self-care. Eli’s book The Spinster Cookbook: Culture, Politics and Pleasure in the Single Woman’s Kitchen is also a story of rebellion, explaining how cooking for one as a woman can become an act of care, defiance, pleasure, and self-expression.

The latest public version of ChatGPT can be made to generate sexualised images or depict scenes of graphic violence with a simple prompt, researchers have told the BBC. British AI security startup Mindgard figured out how to make ChatGPT create graphic pictures by slightly altering a widely-shared instruction, or prompt, which was originally designed to produce humorous results. To find out more, Anita Rani speaks to Technology correspondent Chris Vallance and Mindgard's Peter Garraghan. A spokesperson for Open AI said: We take these reports seriously. After investigating this trend, we’ve introduced additional safeguards against this type of prompt. Our safety systems are designed to block potentially harmful images that are uploaded to ChatGPT and we analyse whether the AI generated image violates our policies before we show the image to the user. We also combine automated systems and human review to identify and block harmful material.Jon Snow, the lead presenter of Channel 4 News for 32 years, has revealed he has Alzheimer's disease. During his career, he reported on stories including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the release of Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama's inauguration, receiving numerous awards including the BAFTA Fellowship in 2015. In a new Channel 4 documentary, made in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society, Jon Snow: A Last Big Story, he is seen uncovering an environmental disaster in Zambia. In her first broadcast interview since the diagnosis was announced, Jon’s wife, Dr Precious Lunga, joins Anita to talk about how they are navigating life now. Testing the microbiome of your vagina is increasing in popularity, with direct-to-consumer companies offering at-home tests and claiming that this information is critical to women's health. Anita speaks with Dame Lesley Regan, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Imperial College London, and Dr Caroline Mitchell, Professor of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School, to discuss what we know about the vaginal microbiome and the recent surge in private testing. New novel Mrs Dickens by Emily Howes, tells the imagined story of Kate Hogarth, wife of the writer and journalist Charles Dickens. She is much loved at first, but as Charles finds fame and the family rise through the ranks of Victorian society, Charles’s attitude towards Kate changes and she is devastated. Emily talks to Anita about how she pieced together and embellished the invisible life of Kate, a woman who bore Charles 10 children during a 22-year marriage and had an unparalleled view of one of the world’s greatest writers.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

Tomorrow a by-election will be held in the parliamentary seat of Makerfield in Wigan, one of three taking place. Makerfield has found itself at the epicentre of British politics - and the result could decide the next prime minister. We look at what the polls are saying about the way women in the area are saying they will vote and what is impacting that decision. Nuala McGovern is joined by BBC’s political correspondent Alex Forsyth. Scotland are one of the home nations, alongside England and Ireland, hosting the Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup currently taking place here. The Scots got their campaign underway last Saturday against Ireland with an historic win. Nuala is joined by the CEO of Cricket Scotland, Trudy Lindblade and by one of their team, all-rounder, Priyanaz Chatterji to talk about the growth of the women’s game in Scotland and what this tournament means for the future of the game. Peptides have become a new buzzword in the wellness industry. Social media influencers have spoken about using them for optimising performance in the gym and improving their appearance, and they’re increasingly popular with women. But some unregulated peptides haven’t been through clinical trials and could be ineffective, or even harmful. Nuala is joined by BBC Health reporter Ruth Clegg, who has been looking into the way women are using peptides, and Adam Taylor, Professor of Anatomy at the University of Lancaster. Global Sex: What Sex Workers Know about Love and Capitalism is the title of a new book by the Danish anthropologist Sine Plambech. Sine Plambech is an internationally renowned expert on sex work, migration and human trafficking. Sine Plambech joins Nuala to tell us about her book and how she has dedicated her life to pursuing the trail of money and sex across the globe, while introducing us to four women from Thailand and Nigeria at the heart of her research.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Simon Richardson

It’s been 10 years since Jo Cox, the Labour MP for Batley and Spen, was murdered in broad daylight by a man who lived in her constituency, motivated by far-right extremism. That truly shocking event sparked a national conversation about the safety of our elected representatives, and the civility of our public discourse. During her lifetime, Jo’s philosophy was that we are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us – a philosophy which led to the establishment of the Jo Cox Foundation after her death. Their CEO Olivia Field joins presenter Nuala McGovern, along with Alice Lilly, senior researcher at the Institute for Government, to discuss the impact of Jo’s death and the safety of female politicians now. Actor Geraldine James is renowned for a host of roles in theatre and on screen, from her TV debut in The Sweeney five decades ago to Jewel in the Crown, Band of Gold, This Town, The Cage and comedy sketch show Little Britain to name a few. Now she's making her Chichester theatre debut in the stage premiere of the 2015 film 45 years, alongside Gabriel Byrne. The couple are about to celebrate 45 years of marriage, when news arrives in a letter from Switzerland about a woman's body that's been discovered in a melting glacier, sending shockwaves through their marriage. A new BBC podcast asks whether women are always safe on swinging websites. Swingers, an investigation from journalist Catrin Nye, explores serious concerns within the swinging community and asks if abuse can exist behind the language of sexual freedom. Nuala speaks to Catrin Nye and Rachel Horman Brown KC, a lawyer whose practice focuses on domestic abuse. The number of bookshops on our high streets has now grown to the highest number since 2012, with some of the rise being attributed to specialist genre shops fuelled by the surge in popularity for fantasy - and 'romantasy' - fiction. We hear from Amanda Logan who opened Ritual Reads in the town of Whitchurch, Shropshire, last November and says about 75% of her customers are women. Presented by: Nuala McGovern Produced by: Sarah Jane Griffiths

The Prime Minister has announced a social media ban for under-16s to come into force in the early part of next year. The measures are part of the Government's plans to protect young people from harm online and address unhealthy late-night scrolling on phones. BBC reporter Chris Vallance outlines the developments and Nuala McGovern also hears from Professor Victoria Goodyear at the University of Birmngham, whose work explores how social media and digital technologies shape young people's physical activity, heath and wellbeing.OnlyFans is one of the UK's most lucrative tech platformss. Its success comes from hosting content posted by users, a lot of it sexually explicit, which subscribers pay to access. Now a new BBC3 documentary, Only Fans: Inside the Machine - available on BBC iPlayer from today, investigates how some women adult content creators on OnlyFans say that they are being trapped, exploited and threatened by third-party agents. Nuala speaks to Rebecca and Natasha Cox, director of the documentary. There is rising demand for homegrown blooms. According to the trade association Flowers From the Farm, small-scale growers now generate £30 million a year — with women making up 80% of members. Today marks the start of British Flowers Week, celebrating both the flowers and the women behind them, while highlighting the sector’s economic and environmental impact. Nuala is joined by two women behind Flowers From the Farm, Olivia Wilson, a florist and flower farmer, and Georgie Newberry who has a flower farm in Somerset. The Government recently launched a consultation on employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children. It includes consideration of Hugh’s Law, named after Hugh Menai-Davies, who died aged six from cancer in 2021. His parents are campaigning for a standalone statutory entitlement to leave and pay for parents of seriously ill children. To discuss, Nuala is joined by Frances and Ceri Menai-Davies, and Professor Lorna Fraser from King’s College London, who has been researching the impact on parents of caring for a seriously or terminally ill child. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Dianne McGregor

This week, two debut authors received the Women’s Prize for Fiction and Non-Fiction, each worth £30,000, respectively. Anita Rani spoke to the two winners, novelist Virginia Evans and Lyse Doucet, known to listeners as the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent.The Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup has begun. Nuala McGovern talked to Clare Connor, former England women’s captain, now the outgoing Managing Director of England Women. Over her 18 years in the job, Clare has overseen the professionalisation of the women’s game as well as a big boost in grassroots participation.The government has announced how it is planning to roll out quicker and easier access to educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists for SEND families. Nuala spoke to the Schools Minister Georgia Gould and Principal Educational Psychologist for Salford, Claire Jackson, about the upcoming Experts at Hand programme.Last week, Hannah Murray, who played Gilly in Game of Thrones, told Anita that during the final season of the show, the papers wrote she was pregnant - when she wasn't. Hannah said that maybe this was the only acceptable way for a woman in the public eye to gain weight. Following a strong listener response, we discussed if there is a right way to talk about women’s weight. Anita was joined by Alex Light, a body confidence activist and author and Dr Dolly Van Tulleken, food policy researcher, policy consultant and visiting researcher at the MRC epidemiologist unit in Cambridge University.Have you ever had one of those moments when life feels so circular that you just can’t believe it? A 'once-in-a-lifetime synchronicity' is what the poet Emily Cullen called it when she discovered that a poem she had written seven years ago, inspired by her eight year old son, turned up on the English exam paper he was sitting in Ireland. Anita caught up with Emily and son Lee.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells

Last night, two debut authors received the Women’s Prize for Fiction and Non-Fiction, each worth £30,000, respectively. Anita Rani speaks to the two winners, novelist Virginia Evans and Lyse Doucet, known to listeners as the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent.Last week, Hannah Murray, who played Gilly in Game of Thrones, told Anita that during the final season of the show, the papers wrote she was pregnant - when she wasn't. Hannah said that maybe this was the only acceptable way for a woman in the public eye to gain weight. Following a strong listener response to that item we discuss if there is a right way to talk about women’s weight. Anita is joined by Alex Light, a body confidence activist and author and Dr Dolly Van Tulleken, food policy researcher, policy consultant and visiting researcher at the MRC epidemiologist unit in Cambridge University. England is hosting the 2026 T20 Women's World Cup this summer, and England and Sri Lanka launch the competition with their match at Edgbaston today. This is the first time that 12 teams will competing for the World Cup trophy – an increase on previous years. Anita talks to Melissa Story, a cricket player for Gloucestershire and a commentator for BBC’s Test Match Special, about how the tournament works, the players to watch - and the matches we can’t miss.This week the Royal College of Psychiatrists launched its first ever Women’s Mental Health Strategy. It was instigated by Dr Lade Smith, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists who chose women’s mental health as a key focus when she took up her post three years ago. As Lade steps down from that role, she joins Anita to talk about why she thinks that the women’s mental healthcare is in crisis and her vision for improvements.When bride-to-be Kayley Stead was left alone at the altar on her wedding day in 2022, she did what few would think to do - she let the wedding continue. Kayley's photos of enjoying her wedding alone, including the speeches, the first dance and cutting the cake, went viral. Other women congratulated her for celebrating herself and still enjoying the day. Four years on, she's found love again - she's engaged! - and she says she wants her wedding to be a big party. She joins Anita. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

On Tuesday violence broke out across Belfast following a knife attack in the city. Stephen Ogilvie is in hospital with serious wounds after the attack, and a 30-year-old Sudanese man has been charged with attempted murder. Ogilvie's family, politicians and police have called for calm after people took to the streets, with some reporting that residents were targeted based on their skin colour. Anita Rani speaks to Louise Cullen, BBC Correspondent in Northern Ireland and Twasul Mohammed, who came to Northern Ireland as a refugee from Sudan in 2016 and has been helping families affected by the violence. It’s been 17 years since The Help was published, Kathryn’s Stockett’s first novel that sold 15 million copies worldwide, was translated into 38 languages and made into a successful film with Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis. Kathryn has now written her second novel, The Calamity Club. She joins Anita.Have you ever had one of those moments when life feels so circular that you just can’t believe it? A 'once-in-a-lifetime synchronicity' is what the poet Emily Cullen called it when she discovered that a poem she had written seven years ago, inspired by her eight year old son, turned up on the English exam paper he was sitting in Ireland. Anita catches up with them both.Acclaimed horror film Under the Shadow is set in Tehran during the 1980’s Iran Iraq war and explores the boundaries between rational and irrational as fear encroaches. As a new play adaptation opens in London, Anita speaks to the director Nadia Latif and lead actor Leila Farzad. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

A model who alleges Kanye West choked her on a music video set has told the BBC she was left feeling suffocated, unsure and scared. Jennifer An, a former contestant on America's Next Top Model, is suing the rapper, now known as Ye, over an encounter she alleges took place in 2010. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty, presenter of BBC podcast Fame Under Fire, has interviewed Jennifer An and joins us to explain the story.A British woman has become the first ever to cross the Atlantic in a hydrogen gas balloon. Alicia Hempleman-Adams, from near Bath, set off from Maine in the US late on Wednesday and landed in Luxembourg on Sunday with her teammates Bert Padelt and Peter Cuneo. Alicia Hempleman-Adams took the spot on the crew of her father David, who has completed the flight twice before. She joins us live.The government has just announced how it is planning to roll out quicker and easier access to educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists for SEND families. Nuala speaks to the Schools Minister Georgia Gould plus Principal Educational Psychologist for Salford Claire Jackson about the upcoming Experts at Hand programme.And the award-winning writer and poet Doireann Ní Ghríofa devoted three years of her life to researching and imagining the lives of the women who once inhabited the Victorian asylum in Cork. In her immersive work of creative non-fiction, Said the Dead, we meet some of the women who lived and worked in that institution between the 1890s and the 1920s. Doireann Ní Ghríofa joins Nuala to explain how she went about writing these vulnerable, often voiceless women back to life.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Simon Richardson

The Women’s T20 cricket world cup begins on Friday. Nuala McGovern talks to Clare Connor, former England women’s captain, now the outgoing Managing Director of England Women. Over her 18 years in the job Clare has overseen the professionalisation of the women’s game as well as a big boost in the grassroots participation.Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch is arguing that the Public Sector Equality Duty should be scrapped. This duty exists to make public authorities think about things like discrimination and the needs of people who are disadvantaged, or suffer inequality, when they make decisions about how they provide their services. This is in addition to their legal obligation not to discriminate against protected groups, including women, under the Equality Act. We speak to BBC political correspondent Alex Forsyth. The Archers on BBC Radio 4 has been exploring cancer genetics. When Pip discovered a lump in her breast, old fears were revived for her mother Ruth, who survived breast cancer many years earlier. BRCA genes can lead to a higher chance of developing cancer and Pip begins to worry she may be at risk. Felicity Finch, who plays Ruth Archer, joins Nuala along with Julian Barwell, Professor in Genomic Medicine at The University of Leicester.Sudanese-Australian writer Yassmin Abdel-Magied has written her first novel for adults, At Sea. It’s set on an oil rig in the middle of international waters, and is so detailed on the lifestyle and logistics that it’s perhaps no surprise that Yassmin worked in the industry after studying mechanical engineering at university. She joins Nuala.

Almost three years ago, Valdo Calocane – who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia – killed Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates. After three months of hearing evidence at the Nottingham Inquiry, Nuala McGovern talks to Emma Webber and Sinead O’Malley-Kumar, the mothers of Barnaby and Grace, about what they believe must change and what they want to see happen now.Serena Williams - who after nearly four years is making her return to competitive tennis, playing in the doubles event, alongside Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko. Serena - a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion - has said she has 'nothing to prove', and her main motivation is the prospect of her daughters seeing her play again. BBC Sports reporter Karthi Gnanasegaram joins Nuala to discuss. BBC Radio 4 has announced its latest cohort of New Generation Thinkers—early-career academics selected for a year-long residency run in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council. As part of the scheme, participants contribute research-led insights and historical context to programmes across the network, including Woman’s Hour. Nuala speaks to a PHD researcher at Oxford University about her academic work. The history of female pleasure has often been misunderstood, according to the historian and broadcaster Dr Kate Lister. In her new book, Flick: The Story of Female Pleasure, she traces the history—from Ancient Mesopotamian sex goddesses to today—examining how women’s sexual pleasure has been feared and controlled, but also celebrated, persistently fought for, and enjoyed.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Dianne McGregor

In 2024, Gisèle Pelicot waved her legal right to anonymity for the trial of her then husband, declaring that shame has to change sides. Her then husband had drugged and raped her and invited other men to rape her, filming as they did so. He was found guilty of her aggravated rape, along with 46 other men. Gisèle has now written her memoir, A Hymn to Life and joins Nuala McGovern to talk about her decision to have an open court, the devasting effect on her and her family of her ex-husband’s actions and finding love again in her 70s.New Ground is the UK’s first purpose-built co-housing community for women over 50, designed and developed on their own terms. The women moved in ten years ago, and the community is still going strong. But what’s it really like to live this way? Kylie speaks to two residents, Jude and Ann.Hannah Murray is best known for playing Cassie in E4’s teen drama Skins, and as a regular in the HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones as Gilly. But behind the scenes Hannah was struggling with her mental health, and she found herself involved in an organisation that offered courses in magical healing. The following year, Hannah was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She’s since retired from acting and written a memoir about those turbulent times, called The Make-Believe – A Memoir of Magic and Madness.A newly qualified doctor, Charlotte Buttercase, has said she was subjected to repeated sexual harassment and intimidation while studying medicine at the University of Manchester. 32 other female students have now come forward to report similar abuse. Charlotte joins Nuala alongside Henry Budden, the co-chair of the BMA medical students committee. Mother Courage and Her Children is Bertolt Brecht’s 1939 tale of a wartime profiteer who prefers to see herself as a savvy survivor and devoted mother. Currently on stage at the Globe in London for the first time, Nuala speaks to playwright Anna Jordan who has adapted the story for a modern audience. Why is this story one for retelling now and why does it continue to be performed more than 80 years later around the world?Produced by Kirsty McQuire Presented by Kylie Pentelow

The way women give birth is changing, according to BBC analysis, which has discovered that one in four births in England are now emergency caesareans. The current figure is 26% - an increase of 8% in the past five years - and the rate of elective caesareans has also gone up. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists say the system is struggling to cope with this increased level of unplanned surgeries. To discuss what's behind the rise and the potential impact on women, presenter Kylie Pentelow is joined by BBC Health Correspondent Catherine Burns, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Dr Alison Wright, and Helen Cheyne who’s a Professor of Maternal and Infant Health Research at the University of Stirling. Hannah Murray was at the height of her fame as an actor in 2016, having found fame as the much-loved Cassie in E4’s teen drama Skins, she was now a regular in the HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones as Gilly. But behind the scenes Hannah was struggling with her mental health, and she found herself involved in an organisation which offered courses in magical healing. The following year, Hannah was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She’s since retired from acting and written a memoir about those turbulent times, called The Make-Believe – A Memoir of Magic and Madness. Women’s rights charity FiLiA has launched a new national campaign to get Sexual Entertainment Venues, commonly referred to as strip clubs, off the streets. This is informed by new research examining how the venues are viewed and experienced by women living, working and moving nearby. They spoke to more than 700 women across Cardiff, Edinburgh and Manchester, with 55% of women opposed to the venues, and 8% expressing supportive views. Dr Laura Favaro, Director of Research at FiLiA, joins Kylie to discuss their report. The female CEO of dating app Hinge has said that Gen Z need AI to start conversations on dating apps because they lack the confidence of older generations. Jackie Jantos told the BBC that daters in their 20s are spending less time with other people, compared to two decades ago, has affected their ability to meet and chat in person. To discuss whether AI could help or hinder dating, and the challenges of meeting people IRL, Kylie is joined by author and journalist Olivia Petter and Jessica Evans, founder of events company BODA, which stands for Bored of Dating Apps.And BBC Music correspondent Mark Savage joins us to discuss the breaking news that Kayna King, the entrepreneur and founder of the Mobo awards, has died aged 57 from colon cancer. The Mobo Organisation called her one of the UK music industry's most fearless champions. Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Survivors who say they were abused by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed met Sir Keir Starmer yesterday afternoon, in what campaigners have described as a potentially significant moment. More than 400 allegations of sexual misconduct against Al Fayed, dating back to 1977, have now been made. The meeting was organised by The Survivors Trust and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Survivors of Mohamed Al Fayed and Harrods. Kylie Pentelow was joined by Lucy Duckworth from The Survivors Trust and survivor Carrie Lazell.A breakthrough drug for ovarian cancer that is kinder on the body and extends lives is now available on the NHS. Victoria Clare from Ovacome and patient Patricia Hill talk to Kylie. New Ground is the UK’s first purpose-built co-housing community for women over 50, designed and developed on their own terms. Each resident has her own self-contained flat, along with shared spaces. The women moved in 10 years ago, and the community is still going strong. But what’s it really like to live this way? And could co-housing be a model more women should consider? Kylie speaks to two residents, Jude and Ann.Stories about queens and princesses have shaped some of our most enduring ideas about womanhood. Historian Kate Williams joins Kylie to discuss her new book, Regina: A New History of Women and Power, which spans thousands of years, from the queens of ancient Egypt to the modern day.Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Corinna Jones

New research shows that strength training twice a week can lengthen your life. Sarah Best and Emma Holmes, who are 49 and 51, will compete at an elite indoor fitness competition, the Hyrox World Championships later this month. Only the top 0.5% of competitors worldwide qualify to compete. They tell Nuala about how they achieved this impressive level of fitness and explain how you can be strong at any age.Lady Brittan is calling on the government to recognise those falsely accused as victims, when a perpetrator is released. This follows the release of Carl Beech who was jailed in part for perverting the course of justice. Beech, whose allegations sparked one of the Metropolitan Police’s most high-profile investigations, Operation Midland, was jailed for 18 years in 2019 after his claims of historic child abuse against prominent figures were proven to be false. Now Lady Brittan is among those saying they should have been informed about his release. She explains why she is is a signatory to a letter to the Justice Secretary, alongside some of those falsely accused by Carl Beech. Mother Courage and her Children is Bertolt Brecht’s 1939 tale of a wartime profiteer who prefers to see herself as a savvy survivor and devoted mother. Currently on stage at the Globe in London for the first time, Nuala speaks to playwright Anna Jordan who has adapted the story for a modern audience. Why is this story one for retelling now and why does it continue to be performed more than 80 years later around the world?Author Claire Powell joins Nuala to discuss her latest novel All In. It follows a couple on an all-inclusive holiday with their extended family and explores the strain that IVF can place on a relationship. She tells Nuala why she chose the setting of a luxury resort to explore family dynamics. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Olivia Skinner

A newly qualified doctor Charlotte Buttercase, has said she was subjected to repeated sexual harassment and intimidation while studying medicine at the University of Manchester. 32 other female students have now come forward to report similar abuse. Charlotte tells Nuala McGovern why she has waived her right to anonymity and written an open letter to the university to request a formal review of sexism within the School of Medical Sciences. More than 1000 women have added their signatures. Sprinter Hannah Brier holds the Welsh 100m record, and last week became the fastest Welsh woman of all time. She broke her country's long-standing 200m record running it at 22.79 seconds at the Stratford Speed Grand Prix in London. But that time was just a few days after the Team Wales deadline for selection for this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. She explains to Nuala how missing out on the chance to compete at the games pushed her to prove herself all over again. Is Marilyn Monroe still a name that needs no introduction? Fans were marking her 100th birthday yesterday so we ask why her legacy still endures almost 64 years after her death and what she means to women today. Nuala is joined by Ellen E Jones, a film critic and the presenter of a new radio documentary on BBC Sounds called 'Bombshell: Five Faces of Marilyn Monroe', and Sarah Churchwell, professor of American Literature at the University of London and the author of 'The Many Lives of Marilyn Monroe'.Tenderness and Rage, and the juxtaposition of these contrasting emotions is at the heart of a new exhibition at the Wellcome Collection. It explores the history of HIV from the AIDS epidemic of the 80s and 90s to today. We see stories of protest and of tender care through photography, film and objects belonging to those who faced these illnesses when so little was known about how to treat or survive them. Angelina Namiba was one of them. She was diagnosed with HIV in 1993, and at first, thought it was a death sentence. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

In 2024 Gisèle Pelicot waved her legal right to anonymity for the trial of her then husband, declaring that shame has to change sides. Her then husband had drugged and raped her and invited other men to rape her, filming as they did so. He was found guilty of her aggravated rape, along with 46 other men. Another two were found guilty of attempted rape and a further two were found guilty of sexual assault. Gisèle has now written her memoir, A Hymn to Life and joins Nuala McGovern talk about her decision to have an open court, the devasting effect on her and her family of her ex-husband’s actions and finding love again in her 70s.For the first time since 2023, a women’s match will take centre stage in the tournament’s primetime night session at the French Open. The coveted slot has been dominated exclusively by men's matches since then. The absence has drawn growing criticism from players and fans, questioning why they’ve been overlooked. But now, a fourth round clash between – Belarus's Aryna Sabalenka current number one player and former number 1 Japan's Naomi Osaka finally breaks that run. Tennis reporter Karthi Gnanasegaram joins us.72% of those affected by osteoporosis are women. The government promised to roll out fracture liaison services to every NHS Trust in England two years ago. But there is still no progress or plan. Just over half of NHS Trusts currently have them. Nuala speaks to the Royal Osteoporosis Society CEO Craig Jones and expert Dr Nicola Peel, as well as Irene Baker who says her osteoporosis wasn't treated properly for five years as she has no specialist service in her area.She came to fame on one of the first TV talent shows back in 2002, and twenty four years later Zoe Birkett’s now out on tour with Take That. She’s played Tina Turner in the West End and the lead in The Bodyguard. She tells us all about performing with Gary, Howard and Mark and stepping into Lulu’s shoes on their hit record Relight My Fire for their tour The Circus Live.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

World Rugby Player of the Year and World Cup Champion Ellie Kildunne joins Nuala McGovern fresh from a Player of the Match performance at the Six Nations final. She reflects on her rise to the top and the story behind her memoir Game Changer.What are the implications for girls and young women of Alan Milburn's review for the Government into rising levels of inactivity among 16 to 24-year-olds? There are currently just under a million young people in this age range dubbed NEETs because they are not in education, employment or training. Anita Rani speaks to Baroness Smith, Minister for Skills, as well as the Minister for Women and Equalities.As part of our special programme on wonder — how to find it and how to hold on to it when life gets in the way —Nuala speaks to Dr Jean Bennett, the research scientist whose medical breakthrough recently restored the sight of a six-year-old girl.Would you ever consider working from your bed? Perhaps you do, by choice or otherwise? Dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite and The Archers Podcast's Emma Freud are both fans and join Anita to discuss. When the American Professor of Law Kimberlé Crenshaw was five years old, at the time of the civil rights era in Ohio, USA, she was allowed to portray a witch but not a princess in a nursery play. Puzzled by her teacher’s behaviour, Kimberlé spoke up and never stopped, firmly establishing herself as a Backtalker, the name of her new memoir. Kimberlé joins Anita to talk about becoming a pioneering scholar and writer on civil rights and her instinct to question power and challenge what others accept as fair.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

What are the implications for girls and young women of Alan Milburn's review for the Government into rising levels of inactivity among 16 to 24-year-olds? There are currently just under a million young people in this age range dubbed NEETs because they are not in education, employment or training. Anita Rani speaks to former Labour Home Secretary Baroness Smith, now Minister for Skills, as well as Minister for Women and Equalities. A BBC investigation looks at on the global expansion of the manosphere and the social media algorithms which are driving young men towards increasingly extreme views on gender, relationships and masculinity. BBC Global Disinformation reporter Jacqui Wakefield examines the rise of two of the most influential manosphere figures in Latin American and Africa – El Temach in Mexico and, Andrew Kibe in Kenya. She joins Anita to tell her what it was like spending time with these influencers and about the women living with the real-life consequences of their influence. Would you ever consider working from your bed? Perhaps you do, by choice or otherwise? Dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite and The Archers Podcast's Emma Freud are both fans and join Anita. Jodi Kantor is a Pulitzer-prize winning investigative journalist. In October 2017 she - alongside her colleague Megan Twohey - published a groundbreaking exposé in the New York Times detailing decades of sexual abuse allegations against the former film producer Harvey Weinstein - which galvanised the global MeToo movement. Jodi is back with a new book: How to Start, which is all about how to launch a career in uncertain times. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

The role of women is growing in Ukraine’s war effort, from military recruitment to frontline drone warfare. Anita Rani talks to 'Morva,' a female combat drone pilot who, aged 25, is fighting Russian forces on the front line and Olesia Horiainova, Deputy Director of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre - a think tank that works in military recruitment - about how women, and not just Ukrainian women, are getting involved in the fight to defend the country.Alan Milburn, the former Labour health secretary says there's a risk of a lost generation in the UK, unless urgent action is taken to ensure more young people are either earning or learning. He's the author of a government-commissioned interim report titled Young People and Work that's released today. To look at what this means for women Anita talks to Kate Nightingale, the campaigns director at Young Women's Trust which champions for young women on low or no pay. When the American Professor of Law, Kimberlé Crenshaw was five years old, at the time of the civil rights era in Ohio, USA, she was allowed to portray a witch but not a princess in a nursery play. Puzzled by her teacher’s behaviour, Kimberlé spoke up and never stopped, firmly establishing herself as a Backtalker, the name of her new memoir. Kimberlé joins Anita to talk about becoming a pioneering scholar and writer on civil rights and her instinct to question power and challenge what others accept as fair.A new retrospective of the late Indian artist Mrinalini Mukherjee, a modernist sculptor, has opened at The Hepworth Wakefield in Yorkshire. Called Mrinalini Mukherjee: Unbound Forms - Women Sculptors of India and Bangladesh, it presents her art alongside that by other sculptors from India and Bangladesh, including her own mother, and explores the impact of South Asian women. Anita talks to the exhibition's curator Tarini Malik and the artist and close friend of Mrinalini’s, Bharti Kher. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

World Rugby Player of the Year and World Cup Champion Ellie Kildunne joins Nuala McGovern fresh from a Player of the Match performance at the Six Nations final. She reflects on her rise to the top and the story behind her memoir Game Changer.It's 15 years since Panorama exposed the scandal of abuse of people with learning difficulties and autism at Winterbourne View assessment and treatment centre. One mother, Ann Earley, tells us about the lasting damage to her son from his time at Winterbourne View. He now has a bungalow of his own but Ann says thousands of others like him still in hospitals must be allowed out. Another mother tells us how her daughter has been stuck in hospital for seven years. Jackie O Sullivan from the charity Mencap explains how the new mental health act, which is designed to stop this, may prove inadequate. It took more than a hundred years for the UK's largest spy agency GCHQ to get a woman at the helm. In post since April 2023 Anne Keast-Butler gives her inaugural annual lecture at Bletchley Park setting out the threats she thinks the UK faces and the measures she believes are needed to confront them. Dan Sabbagh, the defence and security editor at the Guardian and Professor Ciaran Martin, the former Chief Executive and founder of the National Cyber Security Centre which is part of GCHQ. discuss and analyse what she will do to encourage women in the field.Singer, songwriter and producer Kamille is one of the UK’s most successful hitmakers, with two Grammy Awards, a Brit, an Ivor Novello and six UK number ones to her name. She’s worked with artists including Dua Lipa, Kylie, The Saturdays, Stormzy and Fred Again and became known as ‘the fifth member’ of Little Mix while writing some of the girl band’s biggest hits. After being honoured with the Inspiration Award by the Music Producers Guild for her impact on the music industry, she discusses how she went from junior stockbroker to songwriter extraordinaire and is now forging a career as a solo artist.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Melanie Abbott

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has urged the competition watchdog to look into hidden extra charges some parents have encountered when trying to access Government-funded childcare. The Department for Education said 'too many' parents have reported being asked to pay extra to secure a place – including waiting list deposits, compulsory add-ons or additional hours to access what they are entitled to. So what impact is this having on parents? Joeli Brearley, founder of Growth Spurt and a campaigner for working parents, explains to Nuala McGovern.Young people want more age-specific protections for online spaces, according to new research from the Ada Lovelace Institute. Aged between 14 and 24, those who took part in the Nuffield Foundation’s Grown up? Journeys into adulthood programme – say they want to make sure future generations are not exposed to the same online harms they have experienced. Octavia Field Reid, Associate Director of Public Participation at the Ada Lovelace Institute, discusses their findings.Care for the elderly, whether in hospital, a specialised residential setting, or a person’s own home, is one of our most pressing social issues. Not regularly looked at by the entertainment industry, a new play is addressing this topic. Most familiar in her role as Phyllis Crane in Call the Midwife, we hear from Linda Bassett who plays Joan - an unwilling new arrival in a decidedly unglamorous care home in CARE, now on stage at the Young Vic in London. Maria Semple is the bestselling author of books including Where’d You Go, Bernadette, which was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize. Her latest novel, Go Gentle, focuses on Adora Hazzard - a Stoic philosopher and divorcee living on New York City’s Upper West Side. She has a job as a moral tutor for an old money family. She is assembling a ‘coven’ of like-minded single women living on the 6th floor of the legendary Ansonia building. But then a chance encounter with a charming stranger threatens her joyfully curated life. She joins Nuala to discuss the idea of ‘invisible’ women who are just getting started. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

We're putting our head in the clouds and going in search of wonder. How do we find it and how do we keep hold of it when life gets in the way?We know that women still hold the lion’s share of caring responsibilities and typically carry the mental load for home, often on top of work. How do we make space for the perspective that wonder gives us, when we’re distracted by the perpetual to do list? And can a sense of wonder, with its built-in inspiration and aspiration, help us see beyond the day-to-day? To lead us on this quest we have an eclectic mix of wonder-women: the award-winning children’s author and academic, Katherine Rundell, evolutionary biologist and explorer, Ella Al-Shamahi, the environmentalist-turned-musician Natalie Fée and Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, computer scientist and former ‘wunder-kind’. We’ll also hear from Dr. Jean Bennett, the research scientist whose medical breakthrough recently restored the sight of a six-year-old girl. And joining us from New York, Jenette Khan, the first ever female boss of the Wonder Woman-publisher, DC Comics.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty McQuire

Comedian, actor and writer Dawn French is best known as one half of one of the UK’s most successful comedy double acts, and as the fictional vicar Geraldine Granger. She’s also a bestselling author, and her latest book, Enough, is her fifth novel — her eighth book in total. It blends dark humour with some tougher themes she thinks are important to explore. She joined Nuala to discuss.Best known as the co-founder of Reddit, Alexis Ohanian is now turning his focus to the future of women’s sport. Once overlooked and underfunded, it is now undergoing rapid change. Alexis is today announcing he's bringing his all-female track and field meet series, Athlos, to London. He tells Anita Rani why, and talks about being married to one of the most successful and well known sports stars of all time - Serena Williams.We discuss a new play that unfolds entirely in the ladies loos. April Hope Miller wrote and performs in ‘Flush’, it was a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe and it’s just opened at the Arcola Theatre in London. April and co-star Jazz Jenkins tell Nuala why the real drama on any night out is always to be found in the women’s toilets. And why it took an ensemble cast of five, playing no less 16 different characters between them, to capture something universal about women's lives.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells

Yesterday, the Government published guidance on how the Equality Act should be implemented in relation to single-sex spaces. This follows the landmark Supreme Court ruling in April last year that the definition of a woman under the Equality Act should be based on biological sex. According to the new guidance, single-sex spaces - such as changing rooms and toilets - must be used on the basis of biological sex. This means, for instance, that a trans woman - a biological male who identifies as a woman - should not use female toilets or changing rooms, or a trans man - a biological woman who identifies as a man - should not use men's toilets. Alison Holt, the BBC's social affairs editor, joins Anita Rani to explain the guidance. Natalie Cassidy is the actor best known for playing Sonia Fowler in the BBC soap, EastEnders. She’s also been a presenter and has a successful podcast, Life with Nat. She's now returned to the classroom to study Health and Social Care. Inspired by supporting her dad through end-of-life care at home, Natalie has enrolled to study towards a Level 3 qualification, with the aim of becoming a professional carer. She joins Anita to discuss the experience, which is documented in an eight-part BBC series, Natalie Cassidy: Caring Together.It’s been nearly two years since the attack on a group of girls at a Taylor Swift–themed dance class in Southport. Three were murdered and others seriously injured. The families of those who survived say a court order protecting their identities has also left them feeling invisible. BBC Special Correspondent Judith Moritz has been hearing about the long-term impact on their daughters, and she joins Anita.And genre-defying musician and composer Hannah Peel joins us to talk about forging her unique career, whispers of encouragement she received from Paul McCartney and her new collaboration with Chinese percussionist Beibei Wang. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Simon Richardson

Best known as the co-founder of Reddit, Alexis Ohanian is now turning his focus to the future of women’s sport. Once overlooked and underfunded, it is now undergoing rapid change. Alexis is today announcing he's bringing his all-female track and field meet series, Athlos, to London. He tells Anita Rani why, and talks about being married to one of the most successful and well known sports stars of all time - Serena Williams.Some social media posts relating to menstruation, menopause, fertility and sexual health are being incorrectly flagged as 'adult content', then removed or their visibility limited - a practice described as 'shadow banning'. Charities and health professionals have signed an open letter to Meta - who own Facebook and Instagram - asking for an explanation for what they call the 'hiding' of information about women's health. Anita speaks to the BBC's Shona McCallum, the CEO of gynaecological charity The Eve Appeal Athena Lamnisos, and Tania who has personally experienced the benefit of this sort of content.The Emma Rice Company’s theatre show adaptation of Enid Blyton’s 1940s boarding school books, Malory Towers, is touring the UK. It’s the brainchild of the company’s director, Emma Rice, formerly artistic director at Shakespeare’s Globe in London. And it comes in the same year that Blyton’s series celebrates its 80th anniversary. Emma joins Anita.Margo Oakley tells Anita about her experience on the current series of the BBC TV show Race Across The World, making it to the final, and the incredible feedback she's had from audiences on her combination of optimism and vulnerability. She talks about grieving the loss of her sister Julia and coming together with her brother-in-law for this mammoth challenge.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Sarah Crawley

In November 2024 Harshita Brella's body was found in the boot of a car in Ilford, East London, approximately 100 miles away from where she lived in Corby, Northamptonshire. Now her family have arrived in the UK to appeal for renewed action by police in the stalled investigation into her death; bringing the alleged murderer to justice. Nuala McGovern is joined by Harshita’s sister Sonia Dabas and Poonam Joshi, founder of Indian Ladies UK who support Indian victims of domestic abuse.The England Rugby team now has 38 straight victories, 8 Six Nations titles, the Rugby World Cup title and a world number one ranking after their latest victory in the Six Nations yesterday. The BBC pundit Ruby Tui said they may just be the best team ever, in any sport. But is their dominance hurting the game at large? Nuala is joined by Katy Daley-McLean, who was captain of the England team when they won the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup.Folk and classical singer-songwriter Olivia Chaney has collaborated with some of the biggest names in folk music, including Shirley Collins and Richard Thompson, and her The Queen of Hearts collaborative album with the Decemberists was Grammy nominated. She discusses her current album and how it felt to have her music included in the box office hit film Wuthering Heights.Vocal Break: On Women, Music and Power is the title of the new book from Lauren Elkin. For millennia women singing were cast as sirens: mythical creatures who lured sailors to their death. But in this part memoir, part feminist manifesto, Lauren Elkin explores how women from Cyndi Lauper to feminist punk rockstar Kathleen Hanna to Beyonce have used their voices as women to defy convention, genre, capitalism, racism and sexism.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Andrea Kidd

Comedian, actor and writer Dawn French is best known as one half of one of the UK’s most successful comedy double acts, and as the fictional vicar Geraldine Granger. She’s also a bestselling author, and her latest book, Enough, is her fifth novel — her eighth book in total. It blends dark humour with some tougher themes she thinks are important to explore. She joins Nuala to discuss.More than 10,000 pregnant women and girls, primarily unmarried mothers, passed through mother and baby homes in Northern Ireland from the 1920s to the 1990s. Survivors have long campaigned for compensation and have criticised Stormont’s proposed redress scheme. The current bill limits compensation to the families of victims who died after 29 September 2011. Yesterday, an amendment to remove the cut-off date was not selected for debate at the Assembly. Campaigners say this excludes many women who were 'failed in life and now failed in death.' The legislation will also establish an inquiry into the institutions. Nuala is joined by BBC Ireland Correspondent Chris Page and Mechelle Dillon from the campaign group Birth Mothers and their Children for Justice.There were 35,000 assaults on staff in Scotland’s schools in the last academic year, according to a BBC investigation. New figures suggest assaults by pupils have increased by 55% in just two years. Unions say the true total is likely to be far higher, as not all incidents are recorded. Nuala is joined by the BBC education and social affairs correspondent in Scotland, Lucy Adams, who’s been investigating the issue, and Mandy MacDowell, UNISON Scotland’s education lead, which represents support staff. Two Weeks in August is a new BBC One drama series centred on a group of old university friends who reunite in Greece for what’s meant to be a relaxing holiday, but when an illicit kiss sparks escalating tensions, things unravel in unexpected, even slightly supernatural ways. Nuala is joined by its writer and creator Catherine Shepherd and one of its stars, Jessica Raine, known for Call the Midwife, Wolf Hall and The Devil’s Hour.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Dianne McGregor

Two women have told a BBC Panorama investigation they were raped during the filming of one of Channel 4's biggest shows, Married at First Sight UK, while a third has described an allegation of a non-consensual sex act. Channel 4 has now removed all episodes of the programme from its streaming and linear services and commissioned an external review of welfare on the show. The programme makers CPL have said its welfare system was ‘gold standard’. Nuala McGovern is joined by BBC News' Lizo Mzimba and Helen Wood, Professor of Media and Cultural Studies at the University of Aston in Birmingham.Many women live with fibromyalgia for life - chronic pain, exhaustion, brain fog - with no clear cure. But some doctors say that for women with breast implants, the story may be different. Rheumatology Professor Jan Willem Cohen Tervaer from the University of Alberta explains why some patients improve after their implants are removed, and why he believes the condition of Breast Implant Illness deserves recognition from the medical community. Nuala is also joined by Professor Lynda Wyld, President Elect of the Association of Breast Surgeons in the UK to explain the position currently held by the medical profession in the UK. We discuss a new play that unfolds entirely in the ladies loos. April Hope Miller wrote and performs in ‘Flush’, it was a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe and it’s just opened at the Arcola Theatre in London. April and co-star Jazz Jenkins tell Nuala why the real drama on any night out is always to be found in the women’s toilets. And why it took an ensemble cast of five, playing no less 16 different characters between them, to capture something universal about women's lives.School closures in England may be disproportionately affecting children with special educational needs and disabilities. File on Four Investigates has been looking into this in the run up to government reforms of the SEND system, and Nuala is joined by BBC education reporter and former primary school teacher Hayley Clarke. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

Women are being forced to turn to loan sharks due to a hidden but devastating form of economic abuse, according to new research. Scottish Women's Aid has published a study on the problem of coerced debt – where an abusive current or ex-partner builds up debt in their victim's name, either without consent or knowledge or through force, threat or coercion. Anita Rani is joined by Dr Jenn Glinski, author of the report and the national policy lead for economic abuse at Scottish Women's Aid, to talk about the report findings.Menopause can be challenging for many women, but for those with ADHD, the experience can often feel like life is completely unravelling. For some women in their 40s, 50s and 60s it can also be the first time they realise they may have ADHD, as fluctuating hormones amplify their challenges with sleep, mood, attention and overwhelm. GP and Menopause expert Dr Helen Wall joined Anita to talk about her new book Menopause and ADHD, which aims to debunk some of the myths and support women navigating the combination.A new medical device to assist at birth is now in use in eight NHS trusts in the UK and 40 hospitals in the whole of Europe. The OdonAssist can replace forceps in many situations and is a much gentler way to deliver a baby which is stuck in the birth canal. NHS Specialist registrar Dr Emily Hotton has worked on the UK clinical trials. She describes how the device works and why it can give a much better outcome for both mothers and babies.M&S has announced that following a successful trial they are ditching the measuring tape for bra fittings. Other underwear retailers have done this for years, but how does it work fitting a bra by eye? Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, Professor of Biomechanics at Portsmouth University, and virtual bra fitter Katie Weir join Nuala McGovern to discuss. Canwen Xu was born in China and moved to the US when she was two years old. She grew up in predominately white areas – North and South Dakota and Idaho. When she was 18 she gave a TEDx talk, titled, I Am Not Your Asian Stereotype, which has been watched more than 3.7 million times. Canwen joins Anita to discuss her debut novel - Boring Asian Female – and its themes of identity, ambition, failure, and obsession.Love it or dread it, flat-pack furniture tests us all. But for Hayley McAuley from Wigan, it’s a sport - she’s just defended her title as Flatpack World Champion and tells Anita about the win.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Menopause can be challenging for many women, but for those with ADHD, the experience can often feel like life is completely unravelling. For some women in their 40s, 50s and 60s it can also be the first time they realise they may have ADHD, as fluctuating hormones amplify their challenges with sleep, mood, attention and overwhelm. GP and Menopause expert Dr Helen Wall joins Anita to talk about her new book Menopause and ADHD, which aims to debunk some of the myths and support women navigating the combination.A cunning and manipulative former imam in east London has been given a life sentence with a minimum prison term of 20 years for a series of sexual attacks on women and girls as young as 12. Abdul Halim Khan, 54, was described as having abused the trust and authority that came with his position to carry out attacks against seven victims from the local Muslim community between 2005 and 2014. Presenter Anita Rani is joined by BBC Religion editor, Aleem Maqbool, and Aisha K Gill, a professor of criminology at the University of Bristol and expert witness in the case. Love it or dread it, flat-pack furniture tests us all. But for Hayley McAuley from Wigan, it’s a sport - she’s just defended her title as Flatpack World Champion and tells presenter Anita Rani how she did it.The Government wants to change how women are sentenced, with new courts designed to keep them out of prison and stop them reoffending. Instead, women must commit to change and have regular check ins with a judge. They are called intensive supervision courts and the first is already running in Birmingham, now ministers want to roll them out more widely. We hear from Joy Doal of the women's centre Anawim, who helped set up the pilot, and criminologist Professor Simon Pemberton on whether they really work.We meet the award-winning farmer running free workshops where food starts in the field, not a packet. Milly Fyfe has just been named Farming Woman of the Year at the National Women in Agriculture Awards. Her business, Countryside Kitchen, provides free workshops to show children how to shake cream to turn it into butter and teaches them exactly where their burgers and chicken nuggets come from.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Women are being forced to turn to loan sharks due to a hidden but devastating form of economic abuse, according to new research. Scottish Women's Aid has published a study on the problem of coerced debt – where an abusive current or ex-partner builds up debt in their victim's name, either without consent or knowledge or through force, threat or coercion. Anita Rani is joined by Dr Jenn Glinski, author of the report and the national policy lead for economic abuse at Scottish Women's Aid, to talk about the report findings.Canwen Xu was born in China and moved to the US when she was two years old. She grew up in predominately white areas – North and South Dakota and Idaho. When she was 18 she gave a TEDx talk, titled, I Am Not Your Asian Stereotype, which has been watched more than 3.7 million times. Canwen joins Anita to discuss her debut novel - Boring Asian Female – and its themes of identity, ambition, failure, and obsession.The Government is consulting on an outright ban of social media for under-16s, as well as other measures designed to stop teenagers accessing addictive and harmful material. In March in the US, a Los Angeles jury handed down an unprecedented win for a young woman who had sued Meta and Google over her childhood addiction to social media. So, what is social media addiction and how do you identify it in children? What’s the tipping point between a ‘keen interest’ and an addiction? Anita is joined by Dr Bernadka Dubicka, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Jenny Afia, a privacy and reputation lawyer for the law firm Schillings, who contributed to the UK Children’s Commissioner’s Digital Task Force.The Royal Shakespeare Company’s musical production of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind has just transferred to London’s West End. Based on the true story of 13-year-old William Kamkwamba who, in drought-stricken Malawi, and despite the lack of support from those around him, dreamt of saving his village. Anita is joined by the director Lynette Linton, and Madeleine Appiah, who plays William’s mother.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

A new report out today is calling for urgent reforms to better protect and support children affected by parental domestic homicide, following an examination of the long-term impact on young people across the UK and Ireland. Reporter Jo Morris has been speaking to a woman, we are calling Katy, who experienced the unimaginable as a child, when her father killed her mother. Despite this, when he was released from prison, Katy was required to stay with him at weekends. How should children and young people be supported? Chloe Tilley is joined by Sarah Burrows from the charity Children Heard and Seen, and Professor John Devaney from the University of Edinburgh and author of the report. Two of the government ministers who resigned yesterday, Jess Phillips and Alex Davies-Jones, were responsible for the government's violence against women and girls strategy. In her resignation letter, safeguarding minister Jess Phillips highlighted the need for urgent action to combat the spread of online child sexual abuse imagery, where progress has been 'repeatedly stalled and delayed'. The government says it wants to make it 'impossible' for children in the UK to take, share or view nude images. Hannah Swirsky from the Internet Watch Foundation joins Chloe to discuss.At the height of the Cold War, women led one of the most enduring protests against nuclear weapons. What began as a march to Greenham Common became a peace camp that lasted nearly 20 years - inspiring Eleanor Anstruther’s new novel, Fallout.Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Dianne McGregor

In netball, once you’ve got the ball you have to pivot. It turns out that skill can be applied just as neatly to careers for Tracey Neville. The former England netball coach joins Nuala McGovern to discuss her new role as the new managing director of the Stockport County Women Football Club.A new medical device to assist at birth is now in use in eight NHS trusts in the UK and 40 hospitals in the whole of Europe. The OdonAssist can replace forceps in many situations and is a much gentler way to deliver a baby which is stuck in the birth canal. NHS Specialist registrar Dr Emily Hotton has worked on the UK clinical trials. She describes how the device works and why it can give a much better outcome for both mothers and babies.New research suggests the age of 28 is a key turning point for women’s finances. Investment platform AJ Bell says that’s when many start to fall behind on pension savings. And women retire with around 48% less wealth. Charlene Young, Senior Pensions and Savings expert at AJ Bell explains.Mina came to the UK from Iran 15 years ago. She is appearing on Channel 4’s Your Song, a new series celebrating the power of music and storytelling. Growing up where women’s voices were restricted, she learnt to sing secretly as an act of quiet rebellion. On the show, she performs a song that has followed her from childhood through exile to her new life in the UK. For Mina, this performance isn’t just personal — it’s about representing millions of women still silenced. She talks about identity, resistance, and what it means to finally reclaim her voice.An online safety group, the Early Warning Working Group, is encouraging schools across the UK to rethink how they use photographs of pupils online, amid growing fears that images taken from school websites and social media accounts are being stolen and manipulated into sexually explicit content using AI tools. Nuala speaks to Carole Osborne - a mother of two daughters who used to work in school communications. After hearing growing concerns from parents and headteachers about AI-generated abuse imagery, she decided to try to do something about it herself. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

In its 80-year history, no woman has ever held the role of United Nations Secretary-General. The race for the job, which happens every 10 years, began in January and the candidates have recently appeared in their one and only TV debate. Four people are currently in the running, two of whom are female. But should it matter if the top job goes to a woman? Nuala McGovern discusses with Susana Malcorra, former Chief of Staff to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and founder of GWL Voices, which stands for Global Women Leaders, and Ben Donaldson, advisor to 1 For 8 Billion, a campaign group calling for an open, inclusive and merit-based selection process to appoint a woman as Secretary-General. Nuala speaks to actors Liv Hill and Tanya Reynolds, stars of the new West End play 1536. Set in Tudor England, the drama follows three young women in Essex as they grapple with the shockwaves of Anne Boleyn’s execution. Through the stories of Jane, Anna and Mariella, the play explores how events at the Royal court ripple through ordinary lives, and what the fall of a queen means for women far beyond the palace walls.It has been called 'a last ditch reset', 'a very important moment' and 'the speech of his career'. That's the speech that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is giving today as he tries to convince Labour MPs he's the right man for the job after heavy election losses last week. One of those listening is Labour backbencher Catherine West who, if still dissatisfied after hearing him, says she will send out an email and attempt to trigger a leadership contest. Meanwhile Angela Rayner put out a 1000-word statement yesterday, warning that the party’s current approach isn’t working and it needs to change. Joining Nuala to discuss what the political landscape looks like for women after the elections is BBC political correspondent Alicia McCarthy and Dr Annabel Mullin, Director of communications at Elect Her, an organisation that works to get women into elected office. M&S have announced that following a successful trial they are ditching the measuring tape for bra fittings. Other underwear retailers have done this for years, but how does it work fitting a bra by eye? Nuala is joined by Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, Professor of Biomechanics at Portsmouth University, and virtual bra fitter Katie Weir.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Andrea Kidd

Motherland spin-off Amandaland is back for a second series, starring Lucy Punch as Amanda and Joanna Lumley as her frosty mum, Felicity. Nuala McGovern talks to the show’s award-winning writer and co-creator Holly Walsh about what’s in store for the SoHa crew second time around, as Amanda navigates life as a single mum of teenagers, juggling online influencing and her ‘co-labs’ with her dreams of moving up in the world.The classically trained pop musician Rosalía topped many end of year polls for her opera-influenced album, Lux. This week she graced the stage at the O2 Arena as her sell-out tour reached London and last week it was announced she'll receive the 2026 Ivor Novello award for International Songwriter of the Year. Pop Critic of The Observer, Kitty Empire joins us to profile the artist.TV personality Vicky Pattison, psychotherapist Gabrielle Rifkind and comedian Helen Thorn join Nuala to discuss tackling difficult conversations in our personal lives.The mainstreaming of violent sexual content is reshaping society, according to Clare McGlynn, a Professor of Law at Durham University, whose first book, Exposed, was published yesterday. In Clare’s view, the problem isn’t porn per se, it’s patriarchal porn - pornographic content that was once niche and difficult to find, including incest, racism and rape, that has been normalised and is widely consumed. Clare joins Anita Rani to discuss the harms of extreme pornography.It was Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday on Friday 8 May and the BBC has launched a week-long celebration of his work and legacy. So we wanted to take this moment to shine a spotlight on women working in nature programmes. Sophie Darlington was one of the first female wildlife cinematographers and her work has earned her a BAFTA and an Emmy. She joins Nuala to talk about her work and Sir David.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Simon Richardson

Megan Boxall is a 33-year-old runner who has been running clockwise around the coast of Britain, aiming to complete the equivalent of 200 marathons in 204 days. She began at Sizewell Beach in Suffolk in October and is now just one day away from that same point, having circumvented the whole island. Megan joins Anita Rani to talk about how she is feeling so near to completion.Violent sexual content in the mainstream is reshaping society, according to Clare McGlynn, a Professor of Law at Durham University, whose first book, Exposed, was published yesterday. In Clare’s view, the problem isn’t porn per se – it’s patriarchal porn; Pornographic content that was once niche and difficult to find – including incest, racism and rape - has been normalised and is widely consumed. Clare joins Anita to discuss the harms of extreme pornography.The prevalence of chronic pain is higher among women than men, but for millions of people living with it, the hardest part can be the sense that it is taking over their life. New research from University of Warwick shows how ‘mental defeat’ drives suffering and causes people with chronic pain to withdraw from everyday activities. Anita speaks to Professor Nicole Tang, lead researcher and Fiona, a former nurse who has lived with chronic pain for over 30 years.Samantha Harvey, winner of the 2024 Booker Prize with novel Orbital, has adapted Barbara Pym's 1977 book - Quartet in Autumn - for the stage. This is Harvey’s debut play and it opened last night at the Arcola Theatre in London. Samantha talks to Anita about what drew her to choose Pym’s book, about four lonely 60-something office workers.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Motherland spin-off Amandaland is back for a second series, starring Lucy Punch as Amanda and Joanna Lumley as her frosty mum Felicity. Nuala McGovern talks to the show’s award-winning writer and co-creator Holly Walsh about what’s in store for the SoHa crew second time around, as Amanda navigates life as a single mum of teenagers, juggling online influencing and her ‘co-lab’ with her dreams of moving up in the world. A review into the death of 21‑year‑old showjumper Katie Simpson has found 'institutional misogyny' and 'systemic failures' within the Police Service of Northern Ireland. The review, commissioned by the Department of Justice and released yesterday, found that not one officer seriously considered abuse or coercive control during the initial investigation. Katie died six days after being admitted to hospital in in 2020 and her death was initially treated as suicide. The PSNI has acknowledged the review and apologised to Katie's family. Nuala is joined by Allison Morris, Crime Correspondent at the Belfast Telegraph who's been following the case.What if the next five minutes were your last? That’s the question the American born author Ilona Bannister wants us to answer in her latest novel Five. Set on a train station platform we meet five strangers: a child, a mother, a businessman, an old woman and a gambler. Unbeknownst to them they are facing a countdown where in just five minutes one of them will die. Ilona tells Nuala what drew her to this idea. A case in Denmark is prompting public debate and urgent questions about child protection practices and the treatment of Greenlandic people. The case centres on a Greenlandic mother, Keira Alexandra Kronvold, whose newborn daughter was taken into care just two hours after birth in 2024, following the use of controversial psychometric assessments known as FKU tests. Critics say these tests, conducted in Danish and based on culturally specific assumptions, have disproportionately led to Greenlandic children being removed from their families. Her case has now reached the Danish high court, with a decision due imminently, and now the United Nations has intervened. Joining Nuala to discuss are Miranda Bryant, the Guardian’s Nordic correspondent, and Tillie Martinussen, a former MP in Greenland from the Cooperation Party.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Andrea Kidd

A BBC investigation has uncovered misleading fitness adverts featuring AI‑generated characters that breach UK advertising rules. If you use social media you've probably seen them: polished fitness videos promising dramatic body transformations in weeks. They show chiselled physiques, striking before‑and‑after images and claims that you can look years younger by following a simple routine. The results often look too good to be true and in many cases, they are. Anita Rani is joined by Katie Gornall, BBC Sport Correspondent to tell us about her report alongside Kate Rowe-Ham, women's strength and longevity coach, who talks about how to stay fit for real.The classically-trained pop musician Rosalía topped many end of year polls for her opera-influenced album Lux. Last night she graced the stage at the O2 Arena as her sell-out tour reached London and last week it was announced she'll receive the 2026 Ivor Novello award for International Songwriter of the Year. Pop Critic of The Observer, Kitty Empire joins us to profile the artist. As a sex educator, Milly Evans knows more about contraception than most. But in the run-up to getting a hormonal coil (IUS), her social media feed was flooded with content discouraging her from using hormonal contraception, and she found herself doubting her choice. Anita talks to Milly about this experience and what she decided to do, as well as to Dr Zara Haider, President of the College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare.Brazilian jiu-jitsu is regarded as one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports, with membership soaring from around 10,000 in 2016 to over 40,000 in 2025, according to the UK Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association. An increase in the number of women taking up the sport has been a factor in this growth. To find out more, Anita is joined by Lauren Brown, chair of the UK Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association, and Frankie Renda, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu European silver medallist and coach at ARMA Gym in London, where 40% of members are now women.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Simon Richardson

A BBC News investigation exposes an unregulated, booming industry of so-called baby sleep influencers or sleep consultants. Some people who become sleep consultants have relevant medical licenses, but others hold no qualifications and are pushing dangerous practices to desperate mothers, which doctors say risk causing harm. Those women now feel traumatised by the advice they’ve been given from consultants like these, and guilty for putting their babies through procedures they did not need, after paying high fees for the advice. Senior BBC reporter Divya Talwar and Olivia Hinge, NHS midwife and lactation nurse, join Nuala McGovern.On 18 June 2023,19 year-old Suleman Dawood died alongside his father, Shahzada, and three other men in the Titan submersible as it attempted to dive to the Titanic. They were 500 metres above the wreck when the submersible imploded. It was a horrifying tragedy that made headlines around the world. Christine Dawood has now written a book, Ninety-Six Hours and joins us to talk about what happened during the 4-day search for the lost sub. It's Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday on Friday 8 May, and the BBC has launched a week-long celebration of his work and legacy... so we wanted to take this moment to shine a spotlight on women working in this industry. Sophie Darlington was one of the first female wildlife cinematographers and her work has earned her a BAFTA and an Emmy. She joins Nuala. KOGG is an experimental electronic duo created by Selena Kay and Cerys Hogg. Both formally trained - Selena has her roots in classical contemporary composition and Cerys in jazz improvisation and art. They combine their skills in composition and improvisation, create new instruments and have developed their own distinctive sound world, from recorded sources. KOGG discuss their sound, their debut album Mechanista and receiving a Women Make Music Grant.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

We all have to have difficult conversations at some point in our lives. We have them at work, at home, and with friends and family. So why do we often feel ill-equipped to initiate that challenging chat? And why are we not more optimistic that airing our issues will lead to a more positive outcome for all involved? In this special edition of Woman's Hour, Nuala McGovern explores how we can have better difficult conversations. She is joined by psychotherapist, international conflict mediator and author of How to Agree to Disagree: Turning Conflict into Connection, Gabrielle Rifkind. She reflects on what makes a conversation difficult and the skills we require to tackle them. In our personal lives, difficult conversations can feel especially daunting, because they’re usually with the people we care about most. TV and podcast host Vicky Pattison and comedian and author Helen Thorn reveal how they approach discussing sensitive topics with their loved ones. And difficult conversations at work can make even the most confident among us feel strangely tongue‑tied: asking for a pay rise, giving feedback or managing conflict. Entrepreneur Izzy Obeng MBE and former social worker Sophie Baker explain how to have the hardest conversations at work. And romance author, Talia Hibbert, explains how she scripts difficult conversations and explores how they work as plot devices in novels and on screen.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sophie Powling

Dame Maureen Lipman joins Chloe Tilley to talk about Allegra, the joyful new musical play that begins a nationwide tour just two days after her 80th birthday. She tells us about playing a woman who finds happiness in a world that can't quite handle it, and the physical demands of singing and dancing eight times a week.The use of illegal, unregistered children's homes in England has surged by more than 370% in five years, according to a new report, Hidden Children: An investigation into Unregistered Children’s Homes, published by Commonweal Housing and written by Public First. Nuala is joined by Fraser McLean, Policy and Communications Manager for the charity Commonweal Housing and Rebekah Pierre, Deputy Director of the charity Article 39.Simone Pennant, the founder and CEO of The TV Collective, has just been presented with the 2026 BAFTA Television Craft Special Award at this year’s ceremony. It was in recognition for her outstanding contribution in championing diversity within the screen industries. Is it time to retire the term 'bouncer'? We hear from Satia Rai, CEO of the International Professional Security Association, who told the largest gathering of the security profession in Europe this week that we should ditch it in favour of 'guardian' to help women feel safer, and to attract more women into the job. We also get the view of Tee, a female door supervisor at a Birmingham bar.And as the spring dawn chorus reaches its peak, a new book is challenging long held assumptions about birdsong, and revealing the overlooked role of female birds. Researcher Lucy McRobert, collaborator for the new book, The Sound of Birding: Second Edition, joins Anita to tune our ears to a richer, more complex soundscape.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty McQuire

According to the latest Department of Education data, more than 7000 children under six were suspended in the 24 /25 school year in England and the number of children losing learning to repeat suspensions has doubled in two years, with the steepest rises among the youngest. This is against a slowing of suspensions in secondary schools. So why is this happening in primary schools? Anita Rani is joined by Kiran Gill, chief executive of The Difference, a school leadership charity who's been analysing this data.Last month eleven year old Bodhana Sivanandan became England’s highest ranked female chess player. The numbers of women registering to compete is slowly rising, but the game is still male dominated. Anita talks to two women who work in chess to find out more - Sarah Longson, CEO of the UK chess challenge, and chess player and streamer Sarah El Barbry.Last October a Sikh woman was subjected to racially aggravated rape and assault in her own home just outside Birmingham. Perpetrator John Ashby followed his victim - a stranger to him - off a bus into her house, where he carried out the brutal assault. Last week he was sentenced to life in prison. The BBC's Midlands Correspondent Phil Mackie joins Anita to tell us more about the case, alongside Sukhvinder Kaur, the Chair of Trustees at Sikh Women's Aid.As the spring dawn chorus reaches its peak, a new book is challenging long held assumptions about birdsong, and revealing the overlooked role of female birds. Researcher Lucy McRobert, collaborator for the new book, The Sound of Birding: Second Edition, joins Anita to tune our ears to a richer, more complex soundscape. Pippa Cleary is the only female British composer to have had three musicals in the West End, with hits like The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole and The Great British Bake Off Musical. Her latest show, Bank of Dave the Musical, co-written with Rob Madge, is about to make its world premiere and she joins Anita to talk about turning the true life story of Dave Fishwick into a joyful stage show.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

Shrink Solves Murder is the first novel by the artist and psychotherapist Philippa Perry. She talks to Anita Rani about her new book and protagonist Patricia Philipps, who like Philippa is also a psychotherapist. However the similarity ends when Patricia turns sleuth after one of her patients turns up dead. Two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green in north London yesterday, in an incident police are treating as a terrorist incident. The attack took place in an area with a large Jewish population and comes amid a wider rise in antisemitic incidents across the UK. The government’s independent adviser on terrorism legislation, Jonathan Hall KC, has said attacks targeting Jewish people now represent the biggest national security emergency in almost a decade. To talk more about the impact on families, children and communities we are joined by Debbie Fox, the chief executive of the Jewish Leadership Council, which represents the largest Jewish organisations in the UK.The NHS says there are around 6,000 children born each year in the UK with genetic conditions so rare they remain undiagnosed and unnamed. This group of children, known as SWAN children, Syndromes Without A Name, have complex medical needs. Ten years ago Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity funded the world’s first nurse specialising in this area at Great Ormond Street. They have now secured a second post. We hear from SWAN nurses Anna Jewitt and Lucy Michaels along with Tali Drumgoon, the mother of Roscoe who is undiagnosed and who's under the care of the SWAN nurses at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Simone Pennant, the founder and CEO of The TV Collective, has just been presented with the 2026 BAFTA Television Craft Special Award at this year’s ceremony. It was in recognition for her outstanding contribution, championing diversity within the screen industries. She joins us to discuss her work and what it means to receive the award.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Andrea Kidd

Dame Maureen Lipman joins Chloe Tilley to talk about Allegra, the joyful new musical play that begins a nationwide tour just two days after her 80th birthday. She tells us about playing a woman who finds happiness in a world that can't quite handle it, and the physical demands of singing and dancing eight times a week.A University of Cambridge study has found that socioenvironmental stressors - such as racism or poverty - may influence the body’s ability to function healthily in pregnancy - they say it could help to explain why black women and their babies face significantly higher rates of complication than white women. We hear from the lead author of the study Dr Grace Amedor. Is it time to retire the term 'bouncer'? We hear from Satia Rai, CEO of the International Professional Security Association, who will tell the largest gathering of the security profession in Europe this week that we should ditch it in favour of 'guardian' to help women on a night out feel safer, and to attract more women into the job. We also get the view of Tee, a female door supervisor at a Birmingham bar.And we've heard today that Afghan women footballers will be able to play international matches from as early as June, after FIFA have said they will recognise the women's national team. The players haven't been allowed to play any official competitive internationals since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Mahjooba Nowrouzi, senior reporter from the BBC Afghan service, discusses the significance of the decision.As Lena Dunham’s new book Famesick debuts at the top of the bestseller charts, we discuss the art of memoir and how tricky it can be for women’s stories to navigate the line between emotional honesty, ‘oversharing’ and self-protection. Chloe is joined by bestselling author Cathy Rentzenbrink, whose memoirs include The Last Act of Love, and Sarah Gwonyoma, book reviewer and founder of @whatsarahreadnext.Presenter: Chloe TilleyProducer: Helen Fitzhenry

King Charles and Queen Camilla are on their four-day state visit to the United States. Today King Charles will address the US Congress. But at the same time, survivors of the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and the family of one of his most prominent victims, Virginia Giuffre, have urged the King to meet them during his state visit. A round table featuring Epstein survivors is planned ahead of his meeting to Congress. Joining Chloe Tilley is India McTaggart, royal correspondent for the Telegraph.This week, a significant change to abortion law in England and Wales is expected to receive Royal Assent - meaning it will become law. An amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill will remove criminal liability for women who end their own pregnancies. But while supporters of the bill believe this is about preventing vulnerable women from being prosecuted, critics argue that it risks reducing safeguards and say the change hasn’t had sufficient scrutiny. We hear from Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi and historian Dr Jessica Cox from Brunel University. Millions of Indians have been voting in elections across five states in a set of contests. We'll look at why the number of female voters in India has significantly increased in the last few decades - outnumbering male voters in the last general election - and how the female vote is changing politics in India.Single-use plastic waste was found on 97% of the beaches surveyed by the Marine Conservation Society in the UK and Channel Islands last year. But one woman who's passionate about changing that is Sammie Aplin. Sammie, who is known online as The Plastic Coast, is a nurse who spends her spare time combing beaches, searching for plastic waste which she uses to create colourful artwork. She joins Chloe to share why she wanted to do something about it.Presenter: Chloe Tilley Producer: Kirsty Starkey

£30m is being invested in the games industry in the UK, mainly to help develop ideas for the next big games. But will this government funding benefit women, in an industry where just 16% of leadership roles in UK studios are held by women and women-founded studios receive less than 3% of total investment? Nuala McGovern is joined by Marie-Claire Isaaman, CEO of Women in Games, and Kirsty Ridgen, CEO of FuturLab studios and Deputy Chair of the UK Video Games Council.The use of illegal, unregistered children's homes in England has surged by more than 370% in five years, according to a new report, Hidden Children: An investigation into Unregistered Children’s Homes, published by Commonweal Housing and written by Public First. To discuss some of the reasons behind this, the implications and what can be done, Nuala is joined by Fraser McLean, Policy and Communications Manager for the charity Commonweal Housing and Rebekah Pierre, Deputy Director of the charity Article 39, who fight for children’s rights in England.Sheer fashion – that is clothing with a see-through element - is having a moment. Actors Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow and Naomi Watts have all worn it recently. And all of these women are over 50. So, what’s the appeal? And is there judgement of women of a certain age wearing ‘invisible clothes?’ Nuala is joined by Deborah Joseph, former editor of Glamour magazine and Kassia St Clair, a cultural historian to talk about the latest trend for see-through materials.'Men's health to get 60% more new funding than women's' - that's a headline in the Times newspaper today, comparing the women's health strategy, published by government earlier this month with the men's health strategy that was launched last November. Rosie Taylor is an independent investigative journalist reporting on women's health in the UK who worked on this for the Times and she joins Nuala.

Melanie C has been a household name for the past three decades, since the Spice Girls burst into the charts with Wannabe and went on to become the world’s biggest ever girl group. She says her new solo album Sweat is a chance to bring together all the different aspects of herself, from pop star to superstar DJ, teenage raver to being fit in her 50s. She joins Anita Rani to discuss her latest album, body image, and finding confidence in her 40s and 50s.At the height of the Covid pandemic, hundreds of women undergoing treatment for breast cancer had mastectomies without reconstruction - procedures that would usually happen at the same time, but were paused because they were considered non-essential. Many women were told they would be able to have reconstructive surgery once the restrictions lifted. But five years on, some are still waiting: living with pain and discomfort, and unable to move on with their lives. Joining Nuala McGovern are journalist Rosie Taylor, who has been speaking to the women affected, and Alison from StockportOn Monday, Sarah Finch became the European recipient of the Goldman Environmental Prize, for her work against oil drilling in Surrey, with the Weald Action Group. Their long legal battle led to a landmark judgement on fossil fuel emissions. The Goldman Prize, often referred to as the ‘Green Nobel’, honours grassroots environmental activists from around the world. For the first time since its inception, all six prizes were won by women. Sarah joins Anita to discuss what the award means to her. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

According to NHS England, every maternity service in England will need to meet new clinical standards set out by the NHS to significantly reduce the number of women who die each year during or after pregnancy. This comes after figures published earlier this year showed a 20% increase in maternal deaths between 2022 to 2024 compared to rates from 2009 to 2011. More than 500,000 babies are born in England every year and to discuss what these announcements mean in practise for pregnant women, Anita Rani is joined by Michael Buchanan, BBC Social Affairs correspondent.At the age of nearly 40, BBC broadcaster Sophie Raworth thought she was too old to start running. She’d done no exercise for decades. But after being invited to take part in The Great North Run and then seeing a friend do the London Marathon, Sophie decided to give it a go. Although it didn’t quite initially go to plan, she kept going on a path that would take her around the world, from Sydney to New York and the Sahara Desert, completing 20 marathons and 10 ultra-marathons. She tells Anita about her new book, Running On Air, and reveals how in running, she has discovered an unexpected strength, new confidence and great friendships. The Suzy Lamplugh Trust has published a report spotlighting the link between stalking and homicide to mark National Stalking Awareness week. They say there are huge gaps in recording stalking as a contributing factor to homicide and want to see further research on this. Anita is joined by Saskia Garner, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, and Detective Inspector Karen Butler from the Metropolitan Police, who works in the Stalking Threat Assessment Centre.On Monday, Sarah Finch became the European recipient of the Goldman Environmental Prize, for her work against oil drilling in Surrey, with the Weald Action Group. Their long legal battle led to a landmark judgement on fossil fuel emissions. The Goldman Prize, often referred to as the ‘Green Nobel’, honours grassroots environmental activists from around the world. For the first time since its inception, all six prizes were won by women. Sarah joins Anita from California where the awards took place.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Andrea Kidd

Melanie C has been a household name for the past three decades, since the Spice Girls burst into the charts with Wannabe and went on to become the world’s biggest ever girl group. She says her new solo album Sweat is a chance to bring together all the different aspects of herself, from pop star to superstar DJ, teenage raver to being fit in her 50s. She joins Anita Rani to discuss why she’s bringing the joy on a quest to get people dancing, and the enduring legacy of the Spice Girls. Concerns are being raised over a lack of safeguards for ‘child influencers’ after an investigation found children as young as two demonstrating skincare routines on TikTok. The Guardian's Consumer Affairs Correspondent Sarah Marsh tells Anita about their research which found that from 8,000 skincare-related posts on the social media platform, there were hundreds featuring children believed to be under 13, and at least 90 featuring children under five. Dermatologists have said children do not need multi-step skincare routines, which could damage their skin and increase anxiety about their appearance.Writer and newspaper columnist Bryony Gordon joins Anita to talk about her novel People Pleaser, her first work of fiction after writing seven memoirs about her experiences with addiction and mental health and her attempts to combat those. Maddie Haining, an 18-year-old wheelchair user from Oldham, posted online her experience of being asked to leave a Manchester nightclub for safety reasons. She described feeling embarrassed and infuriated when told that her wheelchair was a safety risk. Maddie joins Anita to explain what happened and we also hear from Dr Shani Dhanda, Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Consultant.Calli Hauger-Thackery was bronze medalist in the women's half marathon at the 2024 European Athletics Championships, and a member of the gold medal-winning team in the 2024 European Half-Marathon Cup, held at the same time. She represented Great Britain at the 2024 Paris Olympics and England at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She's just returned from the Boston Marathon which took place on Monday, where she completed the marathon whilst 22-weeks pregnant with her first child. She tells Anita about her achievement. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

Naomi Parry, the costume designer who worked closely with Amy Winehouse to craft her iconic style, has this week been vindicated in a high court judgement. Amy Winehouse's father brought the case against Naomi, and another of Amy’s friends Catriona Gourlay, challenging their right to auction items that had belonged to the late singer. Naomi joins Nuala McGovern in the Woman’s Hour studio to tell us what Monday’s judgement means to her. Women have never walked on the Moon until now - at least not for real - but in the living rooms of East Belfast artist, Deby McKnight has made it her mission to get 100 women to take a moonwalk, recreating Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's historic steps in 1969. Using nothing more than imagination, moon boots and a small piece of the moon itself. We hear from Deby and Aislinn Duffield, who has taken part in her project.At the height of the Covid pandemic, hundreds of women undergoing treatment for breast cancer had mastectomies without reconstruction - procedures that would usually happen at the same time, but were paused because they were considered non-essential. Many women were told they would be able to have reconstructive surgery once the restrictions lifted. But five years on, some are still waiting: living with pain and discomfort, and unable to move on with their lives. Joining Nuala are journalist Rosie Taylor, who has been speaking to the women affected, and Alison from Stockport.'Passport Bros' is the name given to Western men travelling to countries like Vietnam, searching for what they call good women who hold traditional values. A new edition of The Economist’s Weekend Intelligence Podcast has been exploring the phenomenon - what’s attracting these men to relationships abroad and what’s pushing them away from dating in the UK or USA. Reporter Carla Subirana explains more.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Earlier this year, the UK lost its status as a measles-free country after a rise in deaths from the disease and a fall in the proportion of children having the MMR jab. Yesterday, the House of Lords Childhood Vaccinations Rates in England Inquiry questioned witnesses from a range of healthcare settings, including GPs and practice nurses, health visitors and midwifery experts to find out exactly what is happening and why vaccination rates are falling. Presenter Nuala McGovern is joined by the Chair of that inquiry, Baroness Joan Walmsley. Women make up 75% of those who have used the Couch to 5k app, which turns 10 years old today. Over the past decade, the running companion has been downloaded more than eight million times and inspired an incredible one billion minutes of movement. Nuala is joined by Jo Whiley, the most popular coach on the app, and Claire Baird and Ellen Morris, who have completed the challenge. Earlier this month, in a landmark verdict in the Scottish courts, Lee Milne was found guilty of culpable homicide after his wife Kimberly took her own life. Culpable homicide is similar to the charge of manslaughter in England and Wales. His coercive and controlling behaviour was said to have been a significant contributing factor in Kimberly’s death. Laura Buchan, Legal Director with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and Kate Ellis, Joint Head of the Litigation Team at the Centre for Women’s Justice, join Nuala to discuss. On what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday, we explore her enduring legacy, the new monuments that will commemorate her reign, and how future generations may remember her. We hear from Tessa Dunlop, author of Lest We Forget: War and Peace in 100 British Monuments, and BBC Royal Correspondent Daniela Relph. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths

New analysis from the Royal Society for Public Health shows a 14% reduction in the number of public toilets across England since 2016. The report warns that the lack of facilities is contributing to an increase in public urination, creating unhygienic conditions. But is the impact felt equally - or are women disproportionately affected? Nuala McGovern is joined by Gail Ramster, Senior Research Associate at the Royal College of Art who carries out inclusive design research around public toilets and co-author of a book 'Designing Inclusive Public Toilets: Wee the People'Last week former Major General Tim Cross said UK youngsters on benefits should undertake military service. As anxiety about global conflict increases, what might military conscription look like for UK women? RAF veteran and reservist Amy Hill and Victoria Basham, Professor of International Relations at Cardiff University join Nuala to discuss.Using cheerleading to appeal to girls and young women to stay engaged with sport is one of several recommendations in a new report from MPs aimed at getting people to move more. After a more than year-long inquiry the Culture, Media and Sport Committee discovered a patchy picture of how well community and school sport is meeting the needs of people in England. So is offering cheerleading the way forward? Sarah Bellew, Head of Communications at Women in Sport and Millie Fannin, who runs Swindon Lightening Cheerleading club discuss. Four years after Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine, the human cost of the war continues to mount. A new documentary looks back to the months before the invasion, following a group of young female journalists reporting independently as press freedom in Russia were under threat. It captures the danger they faced - and the friendship and humour that sustained them. Director of My Undesirable Friends Part 1: Last Air in Moscow Julia Loktev, and journalist Anna Nemzer, who features throughout the documentary, join Nuala.In 2018, Rebecca Dale made history when she became the first female composer to sign to the prominent British classical music label, Decca Classics, and the first woman to sign to Decca publishing. Her debut album was programmed around her piece Requiem for my Mother and reached no. 1 in the specialist classical charts. Rebecca has been commissioned to compose by major organisations including the BBC and 20th Century Fox, in addition to having written for choirs and orchestras for studio albums. Rebecca’s latest album - Studies in Disappearing [Music for Screen] - is released on 15 May.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce

The singer-songwriter Jessie Ware's new album, Superbloom, was released this week. As well as being known for her music, Jessie's family’s passion for food led to the weekly podcast, Table Manners, that she co-hosts with her mother Lennie, featuring celebrity guests like Ed Sheeran and Kylie. Jessie joins Datshiane Navanayagam to talk about her new album, inspired by disco and funk and how she became more confident in her 40s.We hear about a new report alleging breaches of the Online Safety Act. Children as young as 13 could be recommended sexually explicit content on the social media platform X, according to the Centre for Countering Digital Hate, who say X's algorithm and what it describes as weak safeguards mean teenagers are also being exposed to possible direct sexual contact from adults. Imran Ahmed, CEO at the Centre for Countering Digital Hate joins Datshiane to explain.For the first time, a woman has been appointed to coach a men's team in one of Europe's top five football leagues. Marie-Louise Eta has been named interim Head Coach of Union Berlin in the German Bundesliga, the equivalent of the Premier League here. It's a sudden appointment, until the end of the season, and it follows a string of losses and the dismissal of the previous coach. We talk to Rosi Webb, previously one of the few female coaches in charge of a men's team in England for five years, alongside Laura McAllister, former international footballer and Vice President of UEFA.Figures show there are close to one million people diagnosed with dementia in the UK, of which two thirds are women. A campaign to highlight the caring duties that fall on the families of those diagnosed with young-onset dementia launches this week. We hear from Emilia, who spent her teenage years tussling with the medical community to get her mother - in her late 40s - diagnosed, and Amy Pagan from the charity Younger People With Dementia.Scottish comedian Susie McCabe is a stalwart of the BBC comedy scene - from The News Quiz and Breaking the News to Just a Minute and Have I Got News For You? It was in 2024, while touring, that she had a heart-attack. She was only in her mid-forties at the time. It made her not only take a long hard look at her life, but it also inspired her latest show, Best Behaviour. Susie joins Nuala McGovern to discuss making comedy gold out of life's trials and tribulations.Presenter: Datshiane Navanayagam Producer: Simon Richardson

The 22nd BAFTA Games Awards will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre in London tonight. Datshiane Navanayagam is joined by this year’s host, YouTube gaming influencer Elz The Witch. Who are the female runners and riders for this year's awards, and what impact are these women having on the games industry? Datshiane is joined by Baroness Kishwer Falkner former chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission. A year ago, the Supreme Court made its landmark judgment on single-sex spaces. In a long-running case against the Scottish government brought by gender-critical campaigners For Women Scotland (FWS), the court clarified that, for the purposes of the Equality Act, the legal definition of a woman was based on biological sex. She'll be responding to the government announcement this week that the new guidance on single-sex spaces will be published next month after elections on the 7 May. Away From Home: The Untold Stories of Women Football Fans is an exhibition currently on at the Beacon of Light in Sunderland. Portraying the experiences of women on the terraces of the north-east since the 1950s, it looks at the more recent feminisation of sports fandom over the last 30 years and how it's led to more opportunity for women to actually become football fans. But has this led to gender equality? Co-curator Stacey Pope is Professor in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Durham University and joins Datshiane to tell us more. Children as young as 13 could be recommended sexually explicit content on social media platform X, according to a new report which exposes potential breaches of the Online Safety Act. The Centre of Countering Digital Hate has warned that X’s algorithm and weak safeguards mean porn is being recommended to teenagers, and they're also being exposed to possible direct sexual contact from adults. The CCDH's CEO Imran Ahmed joins Datshiane to discuss. Citlali Fabián was announced last night as the winner of Photographer of the Year at the Sony World Photography Awards, receiving amongst other things, $25,000 in prize money. She’ll be telling Datshiane about her winning series Bilha, Stories of my Sisters, in which she photographs several women from the Indigenous communities across the Oaxaca region of Southern Mexico, highlighting their pioneering work.Presenter: Datshiane Navanayagam Producer: Corinna Jones

Today is primary school offer day in England and Wales, when parents will be finding out where their children might be starting school in September. A new government-backed campaign has been launched to help parents and carers as figures show that over a third of children are currently starting reception without the basic skills they need for the classroom. Datshiane Navanayagam is joined by BBC Education reporter Kate McGough and Felicity Gillespie from children’s charity Kindred Squared, to talk about what parents and carers need to know.The singer-songwriter Jessie Ware's new album, Superbloom, was released this week. As well as being known for her music, Jessie's family’s passion for food led to the weekly podcast Table Manners, that she co-hosts with her mother Lennie, featuring celebrity guests like Ed Sheeran and Kylie. Jessie joins Datshiane to talk about her new album inspired by disco and funk and how she became more confident in her 40s.Autism Central is an online support service for the parents and carers of autistic people. Set up by NHS England in 2021, it has now been expanded to offer help for everyone in the support network of autistic people, including grandparents, partners, friends, and adult siblings. It’s paid for by NHS England and run by the mental health charity Anna Freud. With growing numbers being diagnosed with autism - and waiting for a diagnosis - what can this type of online help offer? Datshiane is joined by Victoria Jackson who has been using the service, and Dr Georgia Pavlopoulou, Director of Autism Central at Anna Freud.Katriona O’Sullivan’s childhood was marked by extreme poverty, neglect, addiction and abuse. She became pregnant at 15 and experienced homelessness, but went on to become an award‑winning academic and bestselling author, with her memoir Poor adapted for the stage. Katriona's new book, Hungry, explores her lifelong struggles with her body and the unrelenting drive to feel, enough. Katriona talks to Datshiane about how trauma, class and gender shape how women see themselves. Presenter: Datshiane Navanayagam Producer: Rebecca Myatt

A renewed Women’s Health Strategy for England has been published today. The first Women’s Health Strategy came out in July 2022 under the Conservative government, with this ‘refresh’ being put forward as a ‘chance to travel further and faster’. However with over half a million women still waiting for gynaecological care in England and many women saying they don't feel listened to, why has there been so little progress? Nuala McGovern discusses the renewed strategy with the Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Author Elizabeth Arnott talks to Nuala about her novel, The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives, which investigates the impact of violent crime, not only on its victims, but also on the people closest to the criminals. The story follows Beverley, Elsie and Margot, who all discovered they were married to serial killers too late to save the women they murdered. Set in 1960s California, in an era where the understanding of the serial killer phenomenon was in its infancy, these women find themselves in a unique position to dig into the psychology of their husbands and band together, using their knowledge of dangerous men, to track down other violent predators. Scottish comedian Susie McCabe is a stalwart of the BBC comedy scene - from The News Quiz and Breaking the News, to Just a Minute and Have I Got News For You. It was in 2024, while touring, that she had a heart-attack – she was only in her mid-forties at the time. It made her not only take a long hard look at her life, but it also inspired her latest show, Best Behaviour. Susie joins Nuala to discuss making comedy gold out of life's trials and tribulations. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Andrea Kidd

A public inquiry has concluded catastrophic failures by the parents of the Southport killer and various agencies meant the murders of three young girls could have been prevented. Alice da Silva Aguiar, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Bebe King were killed during an indiscriminate knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop on 29 July 2024. Inquiry chair Sir Adrian Fulford says the sheer number of missed opportunities for intervention with the killer is striking. Presenter Nuala McGovern talks to Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, a human rights lawyer, who formerly sat as coroner in England and is the former Ireland's Special Rapporteur on Child Protection. Figures show there are close to one million people diagnosed with dementia in the UK, of which two thirds are women. A campaign to highlight the caring duties that fall on the families of those diagnosed with young-onset dementia launches this week. We hear from Emilia, who spent her teenage years tussling with the medical community to get her mother - in her late 40s - diagnosed, and Amy Pagan from the charity Younger People With Dementia. The singer Sade has become the first black British women who will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Known for her songs including Smooth Operator, Your Love is King and The Sweetest Taboo, she blended jazz, soul, and R&B into a sound entirely their own. As the longer days may be inspiring you to get out walking a bit more, here's another chance to hear a story about women helping others in their community. A little while ago, one of our Woman’s Hour listeners, Thomasina, got in touch and invited us to visit her mother and baby walking group Blaze Trails. Nuala laced up her walking boots and took a trip up to Staffordshire to join a group of women and their babies for a walk at Stone Common Plot to find out more. What surprised you about turning 60? The actor Tessa Peake-Jones has been thinking about it for her latest work. She is probably best known as Mrs Chapman in the ITV series Grantchester, or maybe Raquel in BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, but she's currently on stage in Invisible Me. The comedy-drama asks: What does love look like when you're 60, single, and starting over? Tessa plays Lynn, who has been a carer for her mum and escaped an abusive relationship, and joins Nuala in the studio. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's 16 years in power are coming to an end after an election that saw massive voter turnout. Orbán was seen as a friend to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump and his right wing government also introduced a range of policies aimed at boosting Hungary's declining birth rate, with particular focus on women as workers and mothers. Nuala McGovern talks to BBC East and Central Europe Correspondent Nick Thorpe alongside Éva Fodor, a Hungarian academic and sociologist at the Central European University, whose gender studies course was effectively banned by the Orbán government in 2018. What’s the best thing about being a girl in 2026? In her new Radio 4 series, About the Girls, author and journalist Catherine Carr travels around the country to talk to girls about friendship, life online, body image and relationships. She joins Nuala to share what she learnt about the world this generation of girls are navigating. For the first time, a woman has been appointed to coach a men's team in one of Europe's top five football leagues. Marie-Louise Eta has been named interim Head Coach of Union Berlin in the German Bundesliga, the equivalent of the Premier League here. It's a sudden appointment, until the end of the season, and it follows a string of losses and the dismissal of the previous coach. We talk to Rosi Webb, previously one of the few female coaches in charge of a men's team in England for five years, alongside Laura McAllister, former international footballer and Vice President of UEFA.Dame Paula Rego has been described as one of the most important artists of the 20th century. She said, I paint to give fear a face, and her art depicts the world from the female perspective and highlights themes including abortion, fairy tales, religion and how women are viewed in society. Now, four years since her death, a new exhibition, called Story Line, brings together 140 of her drawings, showcasing her life from eight to 80. Nuala is joined by Paula’s son Nick Willing, who curated the exhibition, and her friend, the writer Marina Warner.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Simon Richardson

Student Jodie Morrow tells Nuala McGovern about her ordeal of being arrested after her stalker falsely accused her of stalking him. He has now been jailed after pleading guilty to harassment and perverting the course of justice, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland has acknowledged shortcomings in how the case was handled. Jodie is now helping the police to try to improve how they handle stalking cases.How does light inspire and motivate us, and how can we harness it and use it to our advantage? GP Dr Radha Modgil joins Nikki Bedi to discuss the impact of light on our health and wellbeing.The largest display of Queen Elizabeth II’s clothing has opened at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace. The exhibition, 'Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style', marks the centenary of the late Queen's birth and brings together around 200 items. Spanning all 10 decades of her life, it showcases the full breadth of her wardrobe. Anita Rani visited the gallery for a tour with its curator, Caroline de Guitaut.Do you think that having kids makes you happy? A new study from the University of Nicosia in Cyprus suggests not. It drew on data from more than 5,000 participants in ten countries, including the UK, and concluded that there is no strong evidence that parenthood leads to a measurable increase in positive emotions. To discuss the findings and weigh up their own experiences, we hear from two mothers of two - Ella Whelan author of ‘What Women Want,’ and Iko Haruna, a family photographer and former presenter of ParentLand, the BBC World Service’s podcast.Indigo Reign, formerly known as Lady MC, is one of the first female MCs in jungle music. She's just been part of a landmark moment for global music culture, bringing the 'godfathers' of drum and bass, Fabio and Grooverider, to headline the first-ever jungle and drum & bass festival in East Africa, called NURAFest and it took place in Kenya. Born in prison, she grew up around gang culture and found her voice in jungle music, becoming an award-winning MC and artist, who turned disadvantage on its head. She's also the founder of the Young Urban Arts Foundation, helping thousands of young people through music.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Police in the Netherlands have taken the unusual step of launching a campaign on social media to track down women and girls who were blackmailed into sharing explicit pictures of themselves on line. Detectives have found 50 alleged victims of the man who has pleaded guilty. They're aged 13 to 20 and include those in the UK. But they believe there may have been many more. Our reporter Anna Holligan, in the Netherlands, has been following this.Riki Lindhome is a comedy songwriter and actor who went viral for her song Hysteria, about medically induced orgasms, and her break up anthem, So Long Farewell, on behalf of Baroness Schraeder from The Sound of Music. She's also appeared in cult TV series The Big Bang Theory and played therapist Dr Valerie Kinbott in the the hugely popular Netflix sequel to The Addams Family, Wednesday. Currently on stage at the Soho Theatre in London, she talks to presenter Anita Rani about her very personal and poignant one-woman comedy, Dead Inside, which documents her own experiences of infertility and longing for a family as well as having a child through surrogacy. Student loans have made the headlines multiple times this year with critics calling them unfair. But does student debt affect women differently? Amy Brooker from the feminist economics group the Women's Budget Group thinks so. This week she's written a blog post to highlight her own student loan story and why women may be impacted more than men in repaying their loans. This comes as the Government’s Treasury Committee calls for people to share their experiences of student loans. Amy joins us along with Kate Ogden, a Senior Research Economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies who focuses on higher education.Lucy Apps’ debut novel, Gloria Don’t Speak, has recently been longlisted for the 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction. The novel paints a tender portrait of 19-year-old Gloria, a young woman with a learning disability. When she forms an unlikely friendship with a man named Jack, it offers her a new sense of connection - but after an act of violence, their relationship is forced to come to an end. Lucy speak to Anita about her book and why she wanted to explore themes of vulnerability, connection, and agency. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths

The Church of England is planning to issue an apology for its role in forced adoption, according to a draft seen by the BBC. During the 1950s, 60s and 70s tens of thousands of babies were forcibly taken from their unmarried mothers, women who had been sent away to homes run by the Church and state. The news of a potential apology comes just a fortnight after the House of Commons education committee published a report of their inquiry into the issue and called for a state apology from the Government. Anita Rani is joined by Labour MP Helen Hayes, chair of that committee, along with Diana Defries, Chair of the Movement for an Adoption Apology, whose daughter was taken away 12 days after she gave birth.The largest display of Queen Elizabeth II’s clothing ever to be staged will open on 10 April at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace. The exhibition, called Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, marks the centenary of the late Queen’s birth and includes around 200 items, about half of which are on display for the first time. It charts clothing worn in all 10 decades of Queen Elizabeth’s life, many designed by Norman Hartnell, and it spans the full breadth of her wardrobe, from couture eveningwear to impeccably tailored off-duty clothing. Ahead of the exhibition opening to the public, Anita went to meet its curator, Caroline de Guitaut, to take a tour.Once thought politically unstoppable, recently Italian voters said 'no' to Giorgia Meloni’s proposed judicial reforms in a referendum. So what does that rejection tell us about her current political position after more than three years in charge? And why, earlier this morning, did she feel the need to address the Italian Parliament? In October 2022 she became Italy’s first female Prime Minister and as of September this year she will have had the longest continuous term in office in Italy since the Second World War, surpassing the late Silvio Berlusconi’s record. Anita is joined by senior BBC European reporter Laura Gozzi and Director of the Institute of International Affairs Nathalie Tocci.Indigo Reign, formerly known as Lady MC, is one of the first female MCs in jungle music. She's just been part of a landmark moment for global music culture, bringing the godfathers of drum and bass, Fabio and Grooverider, to headline the first-ever jungle and drum & bass festival in East Africa, called NURAFest and it took place in Kenya. Born in prison, she grew up around gang culture and found her voice in jungle music, becoming an award-winning MC and artist, who turned disadvantage on its head. She's also the founder of the Young Urban Arts Foundation, helping thousands of young people through music. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Andrea Kidd

Student Jodie Morrow talks to Nuala McGovern about her ordeal of being arrested after her stalker falsely accused her of stalking him. He has now been jailed after pleading guilty to harassment and perverting the course of justice, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland has acknowledged shortcomings in how the case was handled. Jodie is now helping the police to try to improve how they handle stalking cases.The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Endometriosis is launching an Inquiry into endometriosis and the workplace. The inquiry follows the latest data from Endometriosis UK showing it takes on average nine years and four months for diagnosis of endometriosis in the UK, a statistic that hasn’t improved in over a decade. Labour MP Kirsteen Sullivan, who chairs the inquiry, and Bethan Allen, who has the condition, discuss how this can be improved and what employers should do to support sufferers.If you’re in your 50s and feeling as though the workplace is quietly moving on without you, overlooked or pushed out, you’re not alone. Author Lucy Standing argues that this could in fact be the most powerful decade of your working life, if you rethink how a career should look. And Eleanor Mills, who runs a website for midlife women, or Queenagers as she calls them, argues this period of life is not about decline, but about being on the cusp of something transformative. Each year egg donation enables between 2,000 and 3,000 women to have children who otherwise wouldn’t be able to. One woman, Gini Bhogal, helped someone in this way after donating her eggs to a woman she met randomly on a London Tube. It began on a crowded carriage in the early 90s, and when she spoke about it on social media she says the reaction was overwhelming. Gini and Christopher, the child born from that donation, explain how he came to be conceived and how he found out about his origins.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Melanie Abbott

Women in Northern Ireland who have had a miscarriage - along with their partners - will now be entitled to two weeks paid leave. The government is planning to bring in at least one week of leave for families in England, Scotland and Wales next year. Nuala McGovern is joined by Niamh Campbell, Reporter for the Belfast Telegraph and Erin Sharkey who is a volunteer with the Miscarriage Association in Northern Ireland.Last August, 250 harvest mice were released into a nature reserve in Devon to replenish the natural stocks of this little animal that is under-threat. The project wasn’t conceived by a big conservation group or local wildlife centre – in fact it barely involved adults at all. It was the dedication of two 13-year-old naturalists, Eva Wishart and Emily Smith, who bred the mice at home in empty fish tanks, using plants from their garden, and a custom-built release enclosure. We hear from them and we have an update on the success of their project. Do you think that having kids makes you happy? A new study from the University of Nicosia in Cyprus suggests not. It drew on data from more than 5,000 participants in ten countries, including the UK, and concluded that there is no strong evidence that parenthood leads to a measurable increase in positive emotions. To discuss the findings and weigh up their own experiences, we hear from two mothers of two - Ella Whelan author of ‘What Women Want,’ and Iko Haruna, a family photographer and former presenter of ParentLand, the BBC World Service’s podcast.Thousands of rapes are reported every year across the UK in fact, and the numbers continue to rise. ‘Sophie’ was raped by a man pretending to be a taxi driver after a night out in Glasgow in 2022. She decided she wanted to talk publicly about her experience and approached BBC Scotland newsreader Laura Miller, presenter of Scotcast, who tells us more of Sophie's story.What if people who have affairs were sent off, in their extramarital pairings, to an unknown city to spend time together? All the while their 'real' lives were put on pause and waited for them to come back. How long would the paradise last for? This is the premise of a new book, Permanence by Sophie Mackintosh. Sophie joins Nuala to discuss it.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Easter Monday in the Christian calendar means Christ is risen and symbolises a shift from darkness and death to life, hope and light. We’re also in the middle of Passover which signifies spiritual illumination, freedom, and the transition from darkness to light. So in this special edition of Woman's Hour, Nikki Bedi focuses on women and light. How does light inspire and motivate us, and how can we harness it and use it to our advantage? Nikki speaks to GP Dr Radha Modgil about the impact of light on our health and wellbeing.We hear from Paule Constable, an award-winning lighting designer with Olivier and Tony awards for best lighting design for her work spanning theatre, opera, dance and pop music. She is joined in the conversation with Nikki by Ruth Kelly Waskett, a lighting director at engineering consultancy Hoare Lea where she advises architects and engineers on lighting choices in public buildings.In May last year we dedicated a whole programme to women and farming. When thinking about the impact of light on our lives, who better to ask than early rising farmers? We catch up with Sinead Fenton, an edible flower and herb farmer in East Sussex, and dairy farmer Lorna Burdge.We discuss light's influence on how our ancestors behaved and what they believed with Carolyne Larrington, Emerita Professor of medieval European literature, University of Oxford and Dr Jennifer Wexler, curator of history for English Heritage. How can you recreate light in other art forms? Cecilia McDowall, who is one of the UK’s leading composers of sacred and secular choral music, tells Nikki about writing music inspired by light and the changes in the seasons.Presenter: Nikki Bedi Producer: Corinna Jones

Childhood epilepsy, medical treatment, and the power of a mother and son working together. Filmmaker Emma Matthews and her son Louis Petit have created a new film, along with his father Chris Petit. D is for Distance focuses on Louis’s own experience of severe, drug‑resistant epilepsy. He suffered hundreds of seizures, frightening drug withdrawals and years of uncertainty — until they travelled to the Netherlands to get medical cannabis. Their film opens today at the British Film Institute in London. Emma and Louis join Anita Rani, along with Professor Finbar O'Callaghan from the Epilepsy Research Institute.The sale of second hand clothing is forecast to rise this year to £217bn globally. Here in the UK it's estimated the market has grown to more than £7bn, and nearly one in four fashion transactions. So why are women turning to resale sites like Vinted and Depop? Consumer expert Kate Hardcastle, founder of Insight With Passion, tells us where this growth is coming from and discusses future trends. Composer Tansy Davies tells Anita about The Passion of Mary Magdelene, which has just premiered at The Barbican in London and will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Saturday 4 April at 10.30pm. The piece tells the story of the crucifixion through Jesus’s most important female follower and the first person to witness the resurrection. Tansy talks about why she wanted to focus on Mary and examines the conflicting views about Mary Magdalene.In her new book Herlands, BBC global reporter Megha Mohan explores the history of women-led communities both physically and virtually, from co-housing for older women in Paris to the controversial feminist online trolls of South Korea. Megha travelled around the globe to hear from the women who created and care for these communities, which offer refuge, resilience, and connection to the land. Producer: Melanie Abbott Editor: Sarah Crawley

Nasa's Artemis II spacecraft has blasted off from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida and is now orbiting the Earth in the first crewed mission to the Moon in half a century. If all goes well in the next few hours, it will head off to go around the Moon. The mission should take 10 days, with four astronauts on board including one woman. Anita Rani speaks to Sian Cleaver, a spacecraft engineer on Artemis II.The Women’s Six Nations is just around the corner and after last year’s Rugby World Cup win, the expectations for England’s Red Roses are sky high. Over 70,000 tickets have already been sold for the women's opening game against Ireland on Saturday 11 April, and the team have announced a new captain, Meg Jones. There’s also the release of a new documentary England Meet England on ITV. So, is the team feeling the pressure? Red Roses' new captain Meg Jones joins Anita.The Ministry of Defence has been accused of failing women who are suffering domestic abuse at the hands of their partners in the forces. A dossier of cases has been compiled by the Survivor Family Network, which supports domestic abuse victims in the family courts. Their investigation alleges that battlefield techniques are being used to inflict violence on wives and girlfriends. And when they try to report it, they say the military closes ranks. Anita talks to the director of the Survivor Family Network, Natalie Page.Former lawyer turned author Ella King’s new novel, Dear Darling is the story of Lauren, a young teenage girl who has a relationship with a much older man. When she’s an adult and a mother herself, he comes back into her life and Lauren decides to confront him and the harm that he did to her. Ella joins Anita to discuss the novel and how her former work with victims of abuse and domestic violence have informed her research.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

The week marks one month since the United States and Israel attacked Iran. We take a look at the impact the resulting war has had on the women and children of the country. Krupa Padhy is joined by BBC Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet and Ghoncheh Habibiazad, Senior Reporter from BBC News Persian.Recurrent miscarriage is when you experience more than two or three pregnancy losses, and it affects around one in 100 women. A device designed to offer more care and dignity during miscarriage, and that could aid greater understanding, is now being used in 28 hospitals across the UK. Engineer Laura Corcoran created a miscarriage collection cradle after she suffered the loss of her third pregnancy. She is calling for a wider roll-out of the device. Laura speaks to Krupa, along with Siobhan Quenby, Professor of Obstetrics at the University of Warwick.A new exhibition at Kensington Palace is celebrating the 150th birthday of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh – the Punjabi princess and suffragette. The Last Princesses of Punjab exhibition explores her life and five other women who shaped her. Krupa talks to the curator Polly Putnam and journalist and Radio 4 presenter Anita Anand, author of Sophia: Princess, Suffragette, Revolutionary.Another chance to hear our interview with Janet Willoner, known as the tree growing granny. Janet has grown more than 4,000 trees in her garden.  She forages for seeds, grows them, and they eventually grow in forests in her local area of North Yorkshire.  Zoom bombing involves crashing into a meeting and taking it over - more often than not showing shocking content including pornography. Businesswoman Lou Robey was holding a meeting on International Women's Day when it was zoom bombed. Lou has put out a call for action for media platforms and the wider community to act. She and Gina Neff, Professor of Responsible AI at Queen Mary, University of London join Krupa to discuss.Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Dianne McGregor

The music in this broadcast has been removed from this podcast for rights reasons. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said last week that it is shameful that Northern Ireland is the part of the UK where it is most dangerous to be a woman. He described the scale of violence against women and girls in the area as a source of enormous sadness and shame. Thirty women have been violently killed in Northern Ireland since 2020, two lost their lives just this month. They were 28-year-old Amy Doherty and 23-year-old Ellie Flanagan. So what is being done about the violence, which is predominantly carried out by men? Krupa Padhy is joined by Allison Morris from the Belfast Telegraph, BBC journalist Jennifer O'Leary, who has made a documentary telling the story of domestic violence in Northern Ireland through the tale of a women's refuge, as well as Marie Brown, CEO of Foyle Women's Aid and Foyle Family Justice Centre. Rita Wilson discusses her new album of deeply personal songs, Sound of a Woman. She's a film and TV actor, as well as a singer/songwriter, and was the producer behind blockbuster movies Mamma Mia! and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Rita also happens to be married to Tom Hanks. She joins Krupa to share her reflections on marriage, parenthood and illness. The Society of Radiographers has said that the demand for ultrasound has increased, but there aren't enough people being trained to do the work. They say this is leading to pregnant women and cancer patients facing delays for vital ultrasound scans which could be 'dangerous for the patient.' Rachel Nolan, president elect of the Society of Radiographers, tells us what needs to change.A recent Vogue Business size inclusivity report has documented a decline in the use of models with bigger bodies on the catwalk. Of the almost 8,000 looks presented across over 180 shows and presentations for Autumn/Winter 2026, over 97% of the looks were what is called straight-size (that's a UK size 4-8), just over 2% were mid-size (a UK size 10 - 16), and only 0.3% were plus-size (a UK size 18). Last season, it was 0.9%. So plus-size representation has declined. The report also cites the growing use of weight loss drugs (GLP-1s) as a key part of the change compared to recent years. So, what's happening in the fashion industry when it comes to body-size inclusivity, and are we seeing an impact on the clothing sizes available in the shops on our high streets? Elizabeth Paton, Fashion Editor of the Financial Times, and Gabriele Dirvanauskas, Deputy Editor at Drapers magazine, join Krupa in the studio.

Christina Koch is ready to make history. She is one of the four astronauts of Artemis 2 which is set to head around the Moon in the next few days. During her career as a Nasa astronaut, she has spent more than 300 days aboard the International Space Station, and she was part of the first all-woman spacewalk with Jessica Meir. This mission will take her and her crewmates on a 10-day journey, further into space than any humans have ever gone. Joining Krupa Padhy to talk more about Christina and the importance of having women in space, is planetary and space scientist Professor Caroline Smith, Chair of the European Space Agency Human Spaceflight and Exploration Science Advisory Committee and also Head of Collections at the Natural History Museum, and Natasha Carr, PhD researcher at the University of Leicester, who is researching planetary sciences and space instrumentation. Millions of voters will head to the polls on Thursday 7 May for the biggest set of elections since the 2024 general election. Today a group of organisations, including the Electoral Commission, are calling for the elections to be free from abuse. The Commission’s most recent research, following the 2025 local elections, found that 61% of respondents experienced harassment or security threats during the campaign and previous research found that respondents who were women were twice as likely to report serious abuse and those from ethnic minorities were three times as likely. To discuss the impact of this, Krupa is joined by Niki Nixon, Director of Communications and External Affairs at the Electoral Commission, and Hannah Perkin, a Liberal Democrat councillor on Faversham Town Council in Kent. According to the NHS, one in eight known pregnancies end in miscarriage. For some women, they will experience more than one miscarriage, and for those who have more than three, then this is known as 'recurrent miscarriage', which affects around one in 100 women. It is a hugely devastating experience for those going through it, and is one that is often underrepresented on screen. A new BBC drama, Babies, aims to bring this issue in to the light, as it follows a young couple on their journey to parenthood. Siobhán Cullen plays Lisa and she tells Krupa about playing the role. They are joined by Zoe Clark-Coates, CEO of the baby loss charity The Mariposa Trust.The countdown to May's Eurovision song contest in Austria is on. As critics and fans analyse all 35 competing entries, it's Romania's song that is attracting a lot of attention. Choke Me is performed by Alexandra Căpitănescu and is facing criticism from sexual violence campaigners. The song repeats the phrase ‘choke me’ around 30 times in three minutes, raising concerns that it glamorises strangulation, a practice linked to brain injury and even death. Alexandra Căpitănescu has defended the track, saying the lyrics refer to the feeling of being overwhelmed by emotion and ‘being suffocated by self-doubt’. Krupa hears from Dr. Catherine White, Medical Director for the Institute for Addressing Strangulation, and Lisa-Jayne Lewis, Broadcaster and Commentator specialising in the Eurovision Song Contest.Presenter: Krupa Padhy Producer: Andrea Kidd

Dame Sarah Mullally is installed as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury in the Church’s 1,400‑year history. What unique skills and priorities will she bring to the role, and what challenges lie ahead for her as she takes on one of the most influential positions in the Anglican Church? Kylie Pentelow explored the questions with Reverend Martine Oborne, chair of WATCH Women and the Church; and Professor Andrew Atherstone, author of a new biography of the Archbishop.Emmy award-winner Elisabeth Moss, best known for Mad Men and The Handmaid’s Tale, and Kate Mara from House of Cards and The Martian joined Kylie in the Woman's Hour studio. Playing best friends – they discussed their new drama series, Imperfect Women.Non-monogamous relationships appear to be having a pop culture moment, with polyamorous couples on our screens and open marriages profiled in numerous books on the topic, alternative relationships appear to be everywhere currently. Molly Roden-Winter, author of the memoir More: A Memoir of Open Marriage, and The Times journalist, Sarah Ditum joined Anita to discuss. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

A young woman in the US has successfully sued Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp - and Google, owner of YouTube, over her childhood addiction to social media. In an unprecedented case, a jury in Los Angeles has found that the companies intentionally designed addictive platforms that harmed the 20-year-old's mental health. The woman, known as Kaley, has been awarded $6 million dollars (£4.5m) in damages. Both tech companies say they disagree with the verdict and will appeal. Anita Rani is joined by BBC Tech reporter Shiona McCallum. Non-monogamous relationships appear to be having a pop culture moment, with polyamorous couples on our screens and open marriages profiled in numerous books on the topic, alternative relationships appear to be everywhere currently. Anita will discuss polyamory with Molly Roden-Winter, author of the memoir More: A Memoir of Open Marriage, and The Times journalist, Sarah Ditum. Spain is to formally pardon 53 women survivors who were among thousands incarcerated by the Franco regime for being supposed 'fallen' women. Anita speaks to BBC Mundo journalist Alicia Hernandez and freelance journalist Cristina Garcia Casado about what happened in the 1940s when, as adolescents, the women were locked up by the Board for the Protection of Women, a collection of institutions run by religious orders and overseen by Carmen Polo, the wife of the dictator Gen Francisco Franco.Actor Katherine LaNasa is starring in the second series of HBO’s award-winning TV medical drama The Pitt. She plays Dana Evans, a nurse; a part for which she won an Emmy. Katherine talks to Anita about nearly throwing in the boot before landing this role, how she and the rest of the cast were trained for hospital scenes and how her real-life experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer has impacted her work.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

It's OIivia Dean's world and we are all just living in it. The 27-year-old music star picked up three MOBO awards last night to add to her four Brit awards and her Grammy for Best New Artist. So what is the secret to her massive success? BBC Newsbeat reporter Naomi Clarke who was at the MOBOs in Manchester last night and joins Anita Rani.A new investigation by CNN has uncovered online group chats which they say show men from around the world openly exchanging tips on how to drug and rape their wives. It has echos of the Gisele Pelicot case which shocked the world, when a high profile court case in 2024 revealed how she was drugged and raped, whilst unconscious, by her husband. He and 46 other men were convicted of rape, two more of attempted rape and two of sexual assault. Joining Anita is CNN's Paris Bureau Chief Saskya Vandoorne, who conducted their investigations into online group chats, and Zoe, who also took part in their report. We’re delving into the world of eSports, also known as electronic sports, as a major video game festival gets underway in Birmingham. eSports is a thriving business with professional leagues and a global, devoted following. To discuss, Anita is joined by Hannah Marie ZT, an eSports and gaming journalist, and Viiki, an eSports gamer and content creator who is competing at the festival. Actor, writer and comedian Andi Osho’s latest novel, Most Wanted, is about a couple who are so frustrated with not being able to get a foot on the housing ladder, they go on a crime spree to bring prices down. Andi tells Anita how her own demoralising property search inspired the book and why community spirit matters.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

Today marks a historic moment for the Church of England as Dame Sarah Mullally is installed as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury in the Church’s 1,400‑year history. What unique skills and priorities will she bring to the role, and what challenges lie ahead for her as she takes on one of the most influential positions in the Anglican Church? Joining Kylie Pentelow to explore these questions are the Bishop of Gloucester, Rachel Treweek; the Reverend Martine Oborne, chair of WATCH Women and the Church; and Professor Andrew Atherstone, author of a new biography of the Archbishop.A campaign backed by charities, MPs and peers is urging for more checks on pornography websites to protect children and vulnerable people. It’s looking to change the law to get websites to verify the age of people appearing in the content that’s published, and to guarantee that their consent has been given. To discuss the proposals, Kylie is joined by Baroness Bertin, author of an independent review into the regulation of online pornography, and Naomi Miles, founder of the Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation charity.The revolutionary Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli is being celebrated in a dazzling new exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Sonnet Stanfill, Senior Curator of Fashion at the V&A and curator of Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art and fashion historian, Justine Picardie, author of Fashioning the Crown, discuss her life and work.What can Taylor Swift teach us about the economy? Associate Professor at the University of Kansas, Misty Heggeness, explains how her concept of Swiftynomics shines a light on the true value of women’s work and influence.Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Emma Pearce

Naz Shah has been the MP for Bradford West since 2015, after a battle with George Galloway’s Respect Party, but her personal journey into politics is remarkable. Naz was born in Bradford but sent to Pakistan at the age of 12, to escape the attentions of her mother’s abuser. Then when she was 20 her mother was convicted of his murder. For years Naz looked after her younger siblings, while campaigning alongside Southall Black Sisters for her mother’s release and was instrumental in achieving a reduction in her mother’s jail term. She joins presenter Kylie Pentelow to discuss her story as she publishes her memoir Honoured: Survival, Strength and My Path to Politics.Have you heard about the ‘alpine divorce’ trend? Women on social media are describing it as an extreme style of breakup in which a man leaves his partner stranded during a hike or outdoor adventure. Jo Hemmings, a Behavioural Psychologist and Relationship Counsellor, and broadcaster and author Mary-Ann Ochota discuss this troubling new relationship trend and how women can feel safe while navigating the outdoors.The Anti-discimination charity Kick it Out has received 131 reports of sexist incidents at football matches from the start of the men's season until the end of February this year. That's more than double than for the same period last season, with comments to female fans including, 'What do you know about football? You should be in the kitchen getting your husband's tea. We discuss why this sexism is increasing and what can be done about it with BBC Sport senior journalist Sally Freedman, who's written a book about her expereinces, and Sarah Collins, head of Safeguarding at Stockport County Football Club. In the new play, John Proctor is the Villain, high school girls in small town America are studying The Crucible, Arthur Miller's allegorical portrayal of the Salem witch trials. The play takes place just as the #MeToo movement catches fire, and comes close to home. As the Broadway hit premieres in the UK at London's Royal Court Theatre, playwright Kimberly Belflower and director Danya Taymor join Kylie to discuss viewing Miller's classic through a #MeToo lens. Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths

NB The music in this broadcast has been removed from the podcast for rights reasonsWe start today's programme with the sad news that Dame Jenni Murray has died. For 33 years she brought her sharp intellect, wit and passion for women's stories to generations of listeners, having conversations with some of the most famous women on the planet from Margaret Thatcher to Nicole Kidman. And yet it was her intuition for understanding women's lives - the struggles and the opportunities - and her openness about the challenges in her own life that endeared her to so many. To help us remember her, Kylie Pentelow is joined by former Woman's Hour editor Jill Burridge, who worked closely with her for many years.Emmy award-winner Elisabeth Moss, best known for Mad Men and The Handmaid’s Tale, and Kate Mara from House of Cards and The Martian join Kylie in the Woman's Hour studio. Playing best friends – they discuss their new drama series, Imperfect Women.Experts at the British Pharmacological Society (BPS) are highlighting the urgent need for clearer, evidence-based guidance on the use of medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding. They want to draw attention to what they say are significant evidence gaps, inconsistent advice for patients, and the longstanding exclusion of pregnant and breastfeeding women from clinical trials. Kylie speaks to Dr Emma Magavern, a clinical lecturer in Clinical Pharmacology at Queen Mary University and a fellow of the BPS, and Nikki Wilson, CEO of The Maternal Mental Health Alliance, who decided to go onto antidepressants when pregnant with her second child.Singer and showbiz legend Jane McDonald talks about her new album, Living the Dream.Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Kirsty Starkey

New regulations state that every team in FIFA's women's football tournaments must include at least one female head coach or assistant coach. The requirements will come into effect during the under 17s and under 20s Women's World Cup and Women's Champions Cup competitions this year. Kylie Pentelow caught up on the news with Fern Buckley, sports presenter and former Talksport commentator, and Claire Buzzeo, a football coach at the Sunderland football academy.Women in Glasgow are pulling together after a fire near the city’s Central Station forced several female‑run salons and small businesses to shut their doors. For nearly two weeks, nail technicians and hairdressers have been unable to trade after their businesses were destroyed by the blaze. But amid the shock and uncertainty, a powerful network of local women has stepped in—rallying support, fundraising, and even donating equipment to help these business owners get back on their feet. Anita speaks to Carolyn Currie from Women's Enterprise Scotland, a membership body for businesswomen and Carina McCreedy who runs Bonos Nail Salon and who has received some of that help.Dame Sarah Mullally, the new Archbishop of Canterbury, is on a walking pilgrimage from St Paul’s Cathedral to Canterbury. She is walking the ancient Becket Camino which was once travelled by medieval pilgrims, and her office believes she is the first Archbishop of Canterbury to do this. It will be part of her spiritual preparation for her role. Rev Sally Hitchiner, who knows Dame Sarah and is the Parish Priest of North Lambeth, where she worked alongside the Archbishop when she was Bishop of London joins Nuala to talk about the pilgrimage experience. Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Dianne McGregor

New regulations state that every team in FIFA's women's football tournaments must include at least one female head coach or assistant coach. The requirements will come into effect during the under 17s and under 20s Women's World Cup and Women's Champions Cup competitions this year. Kylie Pentelow caught up on the news with Fern Buckley, sports presenter and former Talksport commentator, and Claire Buzzeo, a football coach at the Sunderland football academy.Cuba is experiencing one of its worst economic and humanitarian crises in decades. We hear from entrepreneur Idania del Rio who explains what it’s like for Cuban women to live under longstanding embargo restrictions and BBC Cuba Correspondent Will Grant joins Kylie from Havana to explain the political landscape and the impact of US sanctions.This week the Government told the BBC that they need to make big changes to the adoption system. Josh MacAlister, the Children and Families minister, apologised to adoptive parents and said that too many of them have been left isolated, to battle a system that doesn’t understand them. His comments follow a BBC investigation last year which found there was widespread blame of parents who were pleading with the authorities for support. Kylie speaks to BBC Special correspondent Judith Moritz who led the investigation and Sara Taylor, an adoptive mum of two and CEO and founder of peer support organisation, It Takes A Village.Shelley Klein is a writer and psychotherapist whose new novel follows the story of a woman whose husband of 25 years announces he’s leaving her, just at the same time that she finds out she has cancer. She tells Kylie about why she wanted to write the book: My Husband and Other Rats.Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Corinna Jones

**This programme has been edited since originally broadcast**This month a legal case in the High Court has shed light on an industry of so-called 'Chatters' who work with online creators. 'Chatters,' are people, often women, who chat to fans of creators or models on subscription platforms such as OnlyFans - and other platforms - where users can pay creators, often for adult content, and can message them directly for a fee. The fans think that they are speaking directly to the creator or model. The court heard that many of those messages aren’t actually written by the creators themselves, but by these chatters, agency workers, whose purpose is to keep conversations going. Anita Rani is joined by Lara Bowman, a freelance journalist who has been reporting on the story.For many of us, our relationships with our siblings will be the longest of our lives, sometimes closing in on a century. Whether loving or fraught, competitive or codependent, these dynamics are integral in shaping us. Author and journalist Catherine Carr says it’s time we acknowledge their significance in our lives. She joins Anita to discuss her new book Who’s the Favourite? The Loving, Messy Realities of Sibling Relationships.Women in Glasgow are pulling together after a fire near the city’s Central Station forced several female‑run salons and small businesses to shut their doors. For nearly two weeks, nail technicians and hairdressers have been unable to trade after their businesses were destroyed by the blaze. But amid the shock and uncertainty, a powerful network of local women has stepped in—rallying support, fundraising, and even donating equipment to help these business owners get back on their feet. Anita speaks to Carolyn Currie from Women's Enterprise Scotland, a membership body for businesswomen and Carina McCreedy who runs Bonos Nail Salon and who has received some of that help. The artist LR Vandy’s new exhibition Rise has opened at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Lisa has transformed the space into an immersive environment using her trademark rope and found materials. The show explores the themes of power, cultural traditions and international trade and at its centre is a monumental maypole, celebrating communal gathering, ritual and collective dance. Lisa joins Anita to talk about what it was like to become a full-time artist later in life and how she challenges traditional representations of women’s bodies with her rope work.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

According to the UK Health Security Agency, five new cases of meningitis have been confirmed in Kent. Two people have died in the outbreak. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has described it as an 'unprecedented' outbreak although the risk of the disease spreading is low. So what are the facts parents and young people should be aware of? Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director, Immunisations and Vaccine Preventable Diseases at the UK Health Security Agency, and GP Dr Ellie Cannon join Anita Rani.Today, the Football Association is launching new educational resources to tackle the barriers girls face in playing football in school. Sue Day, director of women's football at the FA tells Anita how we can get more girls onto the pitch, and how she kept playing sport as a teenager.MI5 will pay compensation and has apologised to a woman who was coercively controlled and attacked with a machete by one of its agents. The woman, who is being called Beth, made a legal claim following a BBC investigation four years ago, which showed that the man was a neo-Nazi misogynist who used his security service role as a tool of abuse. Joining Anita are Kate Ellis from the Centre for Women's Justice who represented Beth, and BBC investigations reporter Daniel de Simone.Have you ever stopped to think about how our gardens got to be filled with so many different plants and flowers? A new exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford answers exactly that question, taking visitors across the world. Anita talks to Dr Francesca Leoni, the co-curator of In Bloom - How Plants Changed Our World. Last year, MPs voted to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales, meaning a woman would no longer face prosecution for ending her own pregnancy. The amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill removes criminal liability for the woman herself, but medical professionals and others who assist an abortion outside the legal framework could still be held criminally liable. The Bill is still passing through Parliament, and according to research by the Guardian, women are still being arrested. We hear from Guardian reporter Hannah Al-Othman.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Researchers in Australia have developed an AI tool that means a routine mammogram can also monitor your heart health. The study, published in Heart, the journal of the British Cardiovascular Society, shows it’s as accurate as the standard methods used by doctors. Cardiologist and Associate Professor Clare Arnott, Global Director of the Cardiovascular Program at The George Institute for Global Health, which is an independent medical research organization, joins Nuala McGovern from Sydney to discuss the work.Prisons are failing to get the basics right when it comes to helping vulnerable inmates keep in touch with families, that's according to a report out today. The investigation by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons looked at jails in general, but visited two women's prisons as part of their inspections. They found keeping in touch with families was too often only seen as ‘nice to have,’ and having a detrimental impact on both prisoners and their children. Nuala talks to HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor, and also to Sophie Carter, whose partner is 18 months into a 25-year sentence.Now for a moment of history in the Church of England. Dame Sarah Mullally, the new Archbishop of Canterbury, is today beginning a pilgrimage from St Paul’s Cathedral to Canterbury. She will walk the ancient Becket Camino which was once travelled by medieval pilgrims, and her office believes she is the first Archbishop of Canterbury to do this. It will be part of her spiritual preparation for her role. To help us explore more about this journey, we’re joined by the Rev Sally Hitchiner, who knows Dame Sarah and is the Parish Priest of North Lambeth, where she worked alongside the Archbishop when she was Bishop of London. She has also walked this 87-mile route herself, more than once.On Woman’s Hour we've often spoken about how to tackle extreme misogyny online, and discussions have been sparked again following Louis Theroux's latest documentary, Inside the Manosphere, where he speaks with influencers who promote hyper-masculine, often misogynistic ideas and their impact on boys and young men. To discuss ideas on how to deal with manosphere misogyny, Nuala is joined by Professor Sarah Hawkes from the gender equality think tank 50/50, who specialises in gender equality and health equity, and Raewyn Connell, a feminist sociologist studying the social theory of gender relations and masculinity. She is Professor Emerita at the University of Sydney.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Andrea Kidd

It was an historic night for Ireland and for those watching in her home town of Killarney in County Kerry, as Jessie Buckley became the first Irish woman to win the Best Actress Oscar, honoured for her powerful performance as Shakespeare’s grieving wife in Hamnet. She had been widely tipped to win, and in her emotional acceptance speech she paid tribute to women and mothers. Ireland is an island of five million and punches above its weight in artistic and literary endeavours and success. So what's behind it as Ireland celebrates Jessie? Nuala McGovern is joined by Evelyn O'Rourke, RTE'S Arts and Media Correspondent in LA, who has been at the Oscars. What if lasers could spot danger before anyone else does? After her own experiences of feeling unsafe in public spaces, Rosie Richardson is developing a laser-based system that can detect when someone’s behaviour shifts from ordinary to predatory. Working with innovation company Createc, she’s adapting technology already used to track crowds in major stations like King’s Cross and turning it towards women's safety. A new public art project, Social Work Happens Here, is aiming to challenge the public’s misconceptions about the profession and honour the positive impact social workers can have on people’s lives. Figures show 86% of UK social workers are women, and while it can be hugely rewarding work, there are also plenty of challenges for the sector including recruitment and retention. Sarah Blackmore, Exec Director for Professional Practice at the regulator Social Work England, and Alex, who is a palliative social worker supporting people with an advanced serious illness or a life-limiting condition, join Nuala to discuss. Author, poet and playwright Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s latest novel Almost Life is a queer love story about the paths not taken and two women whose lives become intrinsically linked over several decades. Her 13th book is adult fiction but she’s previously written for a range of ages and genres including 2020’s The Mercies and her debut fantasy novel, The Girl of Ink and Stars, which won the 2017 Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and a British Book Award. And new research from Bristol University indicates that children can show signs of deception as early as eight months old. Early ploys can include pretending not to hear their parents or hiding toys, while by the age of three they may be telling lies such as a ghost ate the chocolate. We hear from Elena Hoicka, the professor of developmental pschology who led the research. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths

The health secretary Wes Streeting has appointed senior midwife Donna Ockenden to lead a review into maternity and neonatal services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The appointment came after a sustained campaign by bereaved and harmed families who said that she was the only one they trusted to lead the review into failings in Leeds. Donna Ockenden joined Nuala McGovern to discuss her new appointment as well as her ongoing review into Nottingham university hospitals.How would you feel if everyone in your household forgot your birthday? After a woman's social media post saying her family had forgotten hers went viral, Anita talked to the author Poorna Bell and the journalist Nell Frizzell about whether forgetting a spouse's birthday is simply a careless moment or the sign of something deeper.Dr Amy Blakeway, Senior Lecturer in 16th Century Scottish History at the University of St Andrews, talked to Nuala about the history of the term 'rough wooing', and why she thinks it’s time we stopped using it.Ashley Dalton, the MP for West Lancashire, announced last week that she was stepping down from her role as Health Minister to focus on constituency work and her health. Last year she revealed that her breast cancer had returned, and metastasised. This means living with advanced breast cancer everyday – it can’t be cured, but it can be managed. She joined Nuala to discuss her decision.Maimuna Memon is an actress, singer, composer, and playwright. Last year, she won a Laurence Olivier Award for her performance in the musical Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 at the Donmar in London. Maimuna talks to Anita about the real-life stories behind her latest show Manic Street Creature.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells

New figures out from Thames Valley Air Ambulance show that women are less likely than men to receive bystander CPR, with one in three female cardiac arrest patients getting no CPR until crews arrive on scene. The CEO of Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Amanda McLean will join Anita Rani to talk about what is causing this reluctance, and we'll be joined by Chloe Lipton, a woman who is campaigning for female manikins to be mandatory in CPR and defibrillator training.Yesterday, Mandy Wixon was jailed for 13 years for keeping a vulnerable woman captive in her home for 25 years. She was found guilty of two counts of requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour and four charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Gloucestershire police have said that the victim was kept in 'squalid conditions'. BBC West of England Journalist Chloe Harcombe picks up the story with Anita Rani. Cambridge University have conducted research into AI toys, which are marketed to children as young as three. But what are they, and what is the impact of this tech on such young children? Joining Anita is Dr Emily Goodacre from the University of Cambridge's Faculty of Education. Monika Radojevic tells Anita why she took the inspiration for her debut novel Strangerland, from her own parents' love story. Set in the early 1990s, these two immigrants from Brazil and Montenegro, then part of Yugoslavia, fall deeply in love in London. However, it takes journeying across continents and into the start of a civil war for them to be together. She joins Anita. Maimuna Memon is an actress, singer, composer, and playwright. Last year, she won a Laurence Olivier Award for her performance in the musical Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 at the Donmar in London. Maimuna talks to Anita about the real-life stories behind her latest show Manic Street Creature.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

Ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Dunblane massacre on Friday, presenter Anita Rani speaks to three women whose lives changed for ever that day; Melanie Reid, a journalist who was one of the first at the scene in Dunblane that morning, Rosemary Hunter, one of three women leaders of The Snowdrop Campaign that changed UK gun laws and Anna Hall, who grew up in Dunblane and is the director of a Channel 4 documentary about the shootings, The Dunblane Tapes.How would you feel if everyone in your household forgot your birthday? After a woman's social media post saying her family had forgotten hers went viral, Anita talks to the author Poorna Bell and the journalist Nell Frizzell about whether forgetting a spouse's birthday is simply a careless moment or the sign of something deeper.Catfishing is the act of creating a fake online persona to deceive others for romantic, financial, or malicious reasons. This happened to 19-year old Sasha-Jay Davies, from Aberdare in Wales who for almost four years has been accused of leading men on, arranging to meet them and not showing up, and been harassed by complete strangers, all because someone else has been using her photos without permission on social media. BBC Wales reporter Eleri Griffiths has been covering the story and joins us along with Reagan Brien, a solicitor at Cohen Davis who has worked on similar cases.New research carried out by the University of California in the US has revealed that a blood test can detect dementia in women, years before they have symptoms. Dr Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, explains the research findings and what it could potentially mean for women's dementia diagnosis in the future.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

The health secretary Wes Streeting has appointed senior midwife Donna Ockenden to lead a review into maternity and neonatal services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The appointment came after a sustained campaign by bereaved and harmed families who said that she was the only one they trusted to lead the review into failings in Leeds. BBC reporter Divya Talwar tells us about breaking the story and Donna Ockenden joins Nuala McGovern to discuss her new appointment as well as her ongoing review into Nottingham university hospitals.We look at the changing gender split in the veterinary profession, 61% of working vets are women and 80% of recently qualified vets - what's behind the shift? Dr Christianne Glossop is Honorary Professor and Honorary Fellow at the Royal Veterinary College and Wales' first Chief Veterinary Officer, she joins Nuala.During World War One, women working in munitions factories formed football teams. They would sometimes play in front of thousands of people, until the Football Association banned women's football in 1921, a ban that lasted for 50 years. This is the focus of a play at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, The Ladies Football club. One of the stars is Ellie Leach, formerly in Coronation Street and who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2023. She joins Nuala alongside director Elizabeth Newman.Dr Amy Blakeway, Senior Lecturer in 16th Century Scottish History at the University of St Andrews, talks to Nuala about the history of the term 'rough wooing', and why she thinks its time we stopped using it.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

The government’s independent advisor on rape, Professor Katrin Hohl, is warning that despite an overhaul on how to investigate rape, there is a lack of awareness of the changes across courts in England and Wales which is affecting the outcomes of trials. Also today, the Justice Secretary David Lammy is launching a new national Legal Advisors service for rape victims, as well as a pilot project that will look at shifting the focus of rape court cases from the victim to the perpetrator. It will be led by Professor Hohl who joins presenter Nuala McGovern to discuss it along with Nogar Ofer from the Centre for Women's Justice.As the Winter Paralympics get underway, we look at why women remain under-represented. Only 26.5% of Paralympians are expected to be women, and just 24% of Team GB. Meanwhile research from Activity Alliance and Women in Sport shows that disabled girls are far less likely than boys to see a future for themselves in sport. So what’s holding them back, and what needs to change? We’re joined by Phil Smith of ParalympicsGB, Kate Baker from UK Sport, and Paralympic champion Kelly Gallagher, all live from Italy.Ashley Dalton, the MP for West Lancashire, announced last week that she was stepping down from her role as Health Minister to focus on constituency work and her health. Last year she revealed that her breast cancer had returned, and metastasised. This means living with advanced breast cancer everyday – it can’t be cured, but it can be managed. She joins Nuala to discuss her decision.How far would you go for a year off work? The character at the centre of new comic novel Motherfaker is prepared to fake a pregnancy. After her husband disappears with her life savings, teacher Barri Brown is dreaming of escape and a new life, but has limited options. So begins her great pregnancy heist. Anna Brook-Mitchell discusses the inspirations for her debut novel and its key themes from grief to connection and being child-free by choice. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Iran has a new Supreme Leader, the hard-line cleric, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has succeeded his father who was killed on the first day of the US-Israeli war against Iran. This morning, Iran's woman’s football team are facing building pressure as they prepare to leave Australia’s Gold Coast after being eliminated from the Asian Cup on Sunday. Fears for their safety has been growing since they failed to sing the national anthem ahead of their first match against South Korea last week. The decision prompted fierce criticism within Iran and in subsequent matches the players sung, or at least mouthed, the anthem’s words. Katy Watson, the BBC's Sydney correspondent, is on the Gold Coast where the tournament is being held and talks to Nuala McGovern about what's been happening. There has been a surge of understanding about the menopause and we are better informed on many aspects. However three quarters of women surveyed for a YouGov poll do not know that a new mental illness can be triggered by the hormonal changes associated with the menopause. Those figures come from a YouGov poll commissioned by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The College wants to raise awareness about mental health and menopause and the implications for clinical practice. To tell us more about why this was needed now, Nuala is joined by Dr Lade Smith, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Do you have a hassler in your life? If so, they could be making you age faster. That's according to new research funded by the US National Institute of Aging. A third of all respondents in the study said they had at least one hassler in their life - that is someone who is creating problems and making your life harder. The study also shows that the impact on your health is worse if they are a family member. Psychotherapist and writer Lucy Cavendish explains how to deal with that difficult person in your life.The singer/songwriter Katherine Priddy played her first gig at the O2 and has since performed at the BBC Proms, and at festivals such as Glastonbury, Green Man and Cambridge Folk, where she was awarded the Christian Raphael Prize for best emerging artist. Katherine tells Nuala about her newly released third album, These Frightening Machines, and performs her track Madeline. Why do some women who commit crimes come to be seen as a definition of evil? The Moors murderer Myra Hindley became an enduring symbol of female wickedness but she is not the only one. Professor Joanna Bourke has written a new book, Five Evil Women. It looks at the fascination with these figures and finds it often reveals as much about society as it does about the crimes themselves. Joanna tells Nuala why she chose these five women and they're also joined by BBC Radio 4 New Generation Thinker, criminologist Professor Stephanie Brown.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Andrea Kidd

The BBC has had exclusive access to the world’s largest study scanning pregnant women’s brains. The BeMOther project is based in Spain and has found that women's brains change significantly through pregnancy and beyond. Nuala McGovern talks to Smitha Mundasad, a BBC health and science reporter and Lucy Jones, author of Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood.Ramadan is a time for worship and reflection. But many women of the so-called 'sandwich generation' may feel that they are up against the clock, juggling caring for young children and elderly parents, while also trying to find the time to fuel their bodies and their minds. Anita is joined by Shelina Janmohamed, an author and podcaster, and Tabassum Niamat, a mother and community activist, both of whom think of themselves as 'sandwich carers.'According to the NGO International Justice Mission, live-streamed online child sexual abuse is one of the fastest‑growing yet least‑detected types of child abuse globally. Nuala is joined by Molly Hudson from the International Justice Mission, and Sharon Pursey, co‑founder of SafeToNet, a British online safety technology company.Barrister turned bestselling crime author and recent star of The Traitors, Harriet Tyce joins Nuala to talk about her latest novel, Witch Trial. Harriet reflects on how motherhood was the impetus for her career change, how her knowledge of the legal system inspires her work and her experience as a ‘Faithful’ on the hit BBC TV series.Model, author and activist Charli Howard says she has always been treated like a sex object. Charli joins Anita to discuss how, through a new book of essays called Flesh, she is reclaiming her body for herself, piece by piece. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty McQuire

Conflict continues in the Middle East, but with near total internet blackout in Iran, there's currently very little access to information from within the country. Many women outside of Iran are unable to hear from their own family and friends. To look at the ongoing conflict and how it is impacting women and the Iranian diaspora in the UK in particular, Anita Rani speaks to Faranak Amidi, a BBC Global Women reporter and the presenter of the World Service Languages Fifth Floor programme, Kamin Mohammadi, a writer and journalist born in Iran and based in Britain, and Donya, a 25-year-old British Iranian. A new global survey of 23,000 people across 29 countries has shown an increase in traditional views on gender among younger people. For example, it found that a third of Gen Z men surveyed - those born between 1997 and 2012 - believed husbands should have the final say on decisions, compared to only 13% of Boomer men, born between 1946 and 1964. Anita speaks to Joan Smith, journalist, novelist and human rights activist, and Professor Heejung Chung, Director of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College, who led the study.Onjali Raúf’s award-winning novel The Boy at the Back of the Classroom has been adapted for the stage and is currently on a UK tour until the end of May. She joins Anita to explain what originally led her to write this children’s novel tackling immigration and death and what she wants audiences to take away from seeing this production.Big Nobody is the debut novel from Alex Kadis. The main character is teenager Constance Costa whose life is spiralling after the loss of her mother and brothers in a car crash. We see how she uses music, humour, a burgeoning relationship and murderous thoughts towards her father as coping strategies. Alex joins Anita. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

Schools in England must provide allergy awareness training for all staff for the first time, under new statutory guidance announced by the Department for Education today. From September, all schools will be required to stock auto-injectors - those pen-like needles that quickly deliver a dose of adrenaline. Anita Rani is joined by Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, whose daughter Natasha died in 2016 of a severe allergic reaction after eating a baguette containing sesame seeds - an ingredient not listed on the packaging's label. Tanya is co-founder of the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation to fund research to eradicate allergies. Ramadan is a time for reflection, spirituality, worship and mindfulness. But many women who are part of the 'sandwich generation' may feel that they are up against the clock. Juggling caring for young children and elderly parents, while also trying to find the time to fuel their bodies and their minds. Anita is joined by Shelina Janmohamed, an author and podcaster and Tabassum Niamat, a mother and community activist, who both think of themselves as sandwich-generation carers.Breasts, skin, stomach, thighs; Model, author and activist Charli Howard says she has always been treated like a sex object. But in a new book of essays called Flesh Charli is reclaiming her body for herself, piece by piece. She joins Anita to discuss how she believes sexualisation and misogyny has impacted the way women view themselves across time, why she likes to share ‘real’ images online and what the true meaning of empowering really is.Barbara Taylor Bradford's novel A Woman of Substance sold more than 32 million copies and has never been out of print since it was first published in 1979. Its original 1985 television adaptation became Channel 4’s highest-rating drama, drawing almost 14 million viewers for its final episode. Now, more than four decades later, the epic saga of ambition, betrayal and revenge is back on our screens. Anita is joined by Jessica Reynolds who plays Emma Harte and the writer of the series, Katherine Jakeways in this new version of the story which follows the character Emma Harte in a rags-to-riches tale of class struggle, gender politics and unrelenting drive.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

The BBC has had exclusive access to the world’s largest study scanning pregnant women’s brains. The BeMOther project is based in Spain and has found that women's brains change significantly through pregnancy and beyond. We learn more about the changes and ask why Matrescence - and the transformations that can come with pregnancy, birth and raising a child - are only just starting to receive attention as a distinct life-stage. There's even a campaign to get the word in US dictionaries. Nuala McGovern talks to Smitha Mundasad, a BBC health and science reporter who visited the trial in Spain for her documentary, Baby Brain: What’s Really Going On? and Lucy Jones, the journalist and author of Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood. Hester Musson’s latest book is The Night Hag. It’s a Victorian Gothic novel which takes place in 19th century Scotland. It delves into themes including the budding science of archaeology, spiritualism and folklore legends, but at its heart is the question of the role of women in Victorian society. A major global study says more than a quarter of healthy years lost to breast cancer could be prevented through lifestyle changes like cutting red meat, staying active and not smoking. The Lancet Oncology analysis shows cases worldwide are set to rise by a third, reaching over 3.5 million by 2050. We are joined by Professor Jayant Vaidya, Professor of Surgery and Oncology at University College Hospital, London, Dr Liz O'Riordan, a former breast cancer surgeon who herself has had breast cancer and is currently in remission, and Claire Rowney, Breast Cancer Now’s chief executive, who has been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Last week, news broke of the killing of one of Mexico’s most dangerous men - known as El Mencho. He was killed by the Mexican military. He ran one of Mexico’s most powerful drug cartels, the Jalisco Cartel New Generation. In response, members of his cartel torched businesses and buses across the country. But among the burnt-out cars, a new wave of posters appeared, with the faces and names of some of Mexico’s 130,000 people who are either missing or disappeared – a tactic used by criminal cartels. The people taping their faces to walls are often their mothers, part of groups fighting to find out what happened to their loved ones. They are known as 'madres buscadoras' or searching mothers. Journalist Andalusia Soloff joins us from Mexico City, she has been following stories like these for years.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

Five years ago, Sarah Everard was abducted, raped and murdered by a Metropolitan Police officer. It was the catalyst for an outpouring of grief and anger about the safety of women. It also led to a number of reviews which documented a toxic culture at the Met Police and other forces, highlighting the lack of trust by women in the force. Since then, reforms have been instituted to try and rebuild confidence and eradicate misogyny. We discuss what has changed in the five years since with BBC Correspondent Sima Kotecha and Ellie Butt, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Refuge. Barrister turned bestselling crime author and recent star of The Traitors, Harriet Tyce joins Nuala to talk about her latest novel, Witch Trial. Harriet reflects on how motherhood was the impetus for her career change, how her knowledge of the legal system inspires her work and her experience as a ‘Faithful’ on the hit BBC TV series. An Oscar-nominated new documentary explores the impact school shootings in the US can have on the families that are left behind in a unique and moving way. All The Empty Rooms follows journalist Steve Hartman’s seven-year project documenting the bedrooms of some of the children who’ve been killed. The Netflix film features Gloria Cazares and Jada Scruggs, two American mothers who each lost their nine-year-old daughters in separate incidents in 2022 and 2023. Gloria and Jada talk to Nuala about their decision to let a documentary film crew into the bedrooms they preserve just as their daughters, Hallie Scruggs and Jackie Cazares, left them, along with director Joshua Seftel. Why do women seem more reluctant to shout about their intelligence and potential genius? New Channel 4 quiz Secret Genius has highlighted a trend of women underplaying their abilities that is backed up by Mensa data. The gender breakdown of applications to the world’s largest and oldest high-IQ society is around two-thirds men to one-third women. To discuss this, Nuala is joined by Dr Sonja Falck, a psychotherapist and author, and Hajar Woodland, who recently appeared as a contestant on the Channel 4 show. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths

On Saturday Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed after Israel and the US launched a massive and ongoing attack against Iran's leadership and military. US President Donald Trump urged Iranian forces to lay down their arms, and for Iran's people to rise up against its government. Iran has responded by firing ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region. Whilst huge questions still remain about what will happen next in this conflict, on Woman's Hour today we ask what this moment might mean for women in Iran. Nuala McGovern is joined by BBC Persian reporter Ghoncheh Habibiazad and international human rights lawyer Azadeh Zabeti, Co-President of the Committee of Anglo-Iranian Lawyers.Mary Ann Evans is better known by her pseudonym George Eliot. She's the author of many important novels including Middlemarch, Silas Marner, and Mill on the Floss, which brings the issue of women’s education to the fore. A new play, Bird Grove, the name of George Eliot's home, has just opened at the Hampstead Theatre in London. When we meet Mary Ann she has not yet started writing fiction, but beginning to have her mind opened to progressive new ideas. Nuala finds out more with the play's director, Anna Ledwich, and actor Elizabeth Dulau who plays Mary Ann Evans. According to the NGO International Justice Mission, child sexual abuse that takes place on social media and other online platforms is one of the fastest‑growing yet least‑detected types of child abuse globally. Offenders pay to direct the real‑time sexual exploitation of children via any internet‑connected, camera‑enabled device. Most identified victims are in the Philippines and the UK is among the top three countries consuming this material, with the United States at number one. Nuala is joined by Molly Hudson from the International Justice Mission, and Sharon Pursey, co‑founder of SafeToNet, a British online safety technology company.Kate Pickett is Professor of Epidemiology at the University of York. Her new book is The Good Society and How We Make It and in it she looks at ideas she believes will build a better society and says we can’t afford to nibble when it comes to solving some of the big issues we are facing. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Andrea Kidd

A 40-year career retrospective of Dame Tracey Emin’s work has opened at the Tate Modern in London, featuring many of the artist’s most iconic pieces, from her controversial, Turner Prize shortlisted My Bed (1998) to her neon artworks, textiles, bronze sculptures, photos, and paintings. Called A Second Life, it explores the connections and tensions between her early career and the work she’s created since 2020, when she was diagnosed with cancer and underwent a huge operation. Tracey joins Anita Rani to discuss her body of work.Student midwives have contacted us to say many of them are struggling to find jobs despite a serious shortage of midwives in the NHS. A new survey from the Royal College of Midwives finds 31% of newly qualified midwives are still not employed in the role, and the majority of those who have found employment are on fixed-term contracts. Nuala McGovern hears from Safia, who is in her final year of midwifery training, and Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives.Molly vs the Machines is a new feature-length documentary that tells the story of Ian Russell and his fight for online safety after his daughter Molly took her own life in 2017 following months of viewing content relating to self-harm and suicide on social media. Molly’s friends Charlotte Campbell and Sophie Conlan tell Anita why it was important for them to take part in the film.In collaboration with our Send in the Spotlight podcast, Nuala speaks to Schools Standards Minister Georgia Gould about the government's proposed SEND reforms.Writer and actor Kyla Harris joins Clare McDonnell to discuss reframing disability with her acclaimed BBC comedy We Might Regret This, which she co-created.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

A 40-year career retrospective of Dame Tracey Emin’s work has opened at the Tate Modern in London, featuring many of the artist’s most iconic pieces, from 1998’s controversial Turner-Prize nominated My Bed (1998) to her neon artworks, textiles, bronze sculptures, photos and paintings. Called A Second Life, it will explore the connections and tensions between her early career and the work she’s created since 2020, when she was diagnosed with cancer and underwent a huge operation. Tracey joins Anita Rani to discuss her body of work and her journey from controversial 90s YBA to national treasure.Anita speaks to Dr Danielle Einstein - a clinical psychologist specialising in anxiety and our use of tech and screens, whose research was integral to Australia’s social media ban for under 16s. We take a scientific look at menstrual blood - one of the few easily produced bodily fluids not regularly used for medical testing. We ask why and speak to scientists currently working in this field. Renate van der Molen is from Radboudumc in The Netherlands and Christine N Metz, from the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research New York.And, Hannah Spencer, a 34-year-old plumber, has become the first Green Party candidate to win a Westminster by-election - and the party's first Green MP in northern England - after taking the seat for Gorton and Denton with more than 40% of the vote. Reform came second, pushing Labour, who previously received more than 50% of the vote in the 2024 general election, into third place. Anita asks the Times political Reporter Daisy Eastlake: who is Hannah Spencer? Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

An interim report from Baroness Amos, who is leading a government-commissioned review into NHS maternity care in England, says maternity services are failing too many families, with problems at every stage of the maternity journey. Six factors were highlighted including racism, staffing and accountability issues. To give their reactions, Anita Rani is joined by the film-maker and activist Pippa Bennett-Warner and Theo Clarke, parent and campaigner and formerly a Member of Parliament, who suffered from birth trauma and gave evidence to Baroness Amos' investigation this week. Molly vs the Machines is a new feature-length documentary that tells the story of Ian Russell and his fight for online safety, after his daughter Molly took her own life in 2017 following months of viewing content relating to self-harm and suicide on social media. The film recreates the inquest where Ian was told the online images were safe and follows twin narratives – the story of what happened to Molly in the lead-up to her tragic death, and the broader economic logic behind AI and giant tech companies as they continue to shape and influence lives. Molly’s friends Charlotte Campbell and Sophie Conlan tell Anita why it was important for them to take part in the film.Last week the Taliban published a new penal code and women's rights groups have said that women and girls in particular are set to suffer at the hands of the courts in Afghanistan. Anita is joined by Mahjooba Nowrouzi, a senior journalist for the BBC’s Afghan Service and Manizha Bakhtari, who was the Afghan Ambassador to Austria until the Taliban took control in 2021. She continues to be an Ambassador, but without a country, representing the Afghan people against the Taliban's order. She remains accredited in Vienna, and works with a renewed focus on advocating for the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. She's the subject of a new documentary The Last Ambassador. Fantasy fiction author Saara El‑Arifi’s new novel Cleopatra is a bold re-imagining of one of history’s most iconic women, Cleopatra VII, the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty that ruled Egypt from 51 BC - 30 BC, a woman celebrated for her beauty and her love affairs with the Roman warlords Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. El-Arifi's Cleopatra is not confined by the limits set by men or society. She reclaims Cleopatra’s story through the perspective of a Black woman and gives voice to the queen behind the myth.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

A baby boy has become the first to be born in the UK to a mother with a womb transplant from a deceased donor. Grace Bell, who is in her 30s, delivered her baby boy, Hugo, in December. Clare McDonnell is joined by transplant surgeon Isabel Quiroga who completed the transplant in collaboration with Professor Richard Smith and colleagues at Oxford University Hospital and Imperial College, London, and established the first uterus transplant programme in the UK.Today is the day Season 2 of the TV series We Might Regret This is released. Its creator and star, Kyla Harris, discusses how she has drawn on her experiences as a disabled person to create this funny and unflinching look at life with disability. The first results from the University of Exeter's Women in Farming health and wellbeing study are in, and they paint a concerning picture of the wellbeing of women in farming across the UK.Alev Scott’s latest book, Cash Cow, investigates the global fertility industry, exploring how much the female body is being commodified, and its impact on women across the world. Who should make money from the maternal body - only the women themselves, anyone or no one? Going undercover, she explores the breast milk black market, the trade in harvesting eggs, and the women who are surrogates for others. Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Woman's Hour in collaboration with our SEND in the Spotlight podcast brings you a special programme on the impact of the government's SEND reforms in England.Whether you’re a parent, a young person, a teacher or someone who works in the wider system we find out what the changes mean for you - and help you decode the new language - whether it's IB, ISP, Targeted, Targeted Plus, or SPP. Nuala McGovern speaks to parents, teachers, charities, the School Standards Minister and the Children’s Commissioner for England. We also hear from SEND in the Spotlight podcast regulars - actors Anna Maxwell Martin and Kellie Bright.Search for the SEND in the Spotlight podcast on BBC Sounds.Contributors: Georgia Gould MP, Schools Standards Minister Marsha Martin, founder of Black SEN Mamas Katie Ghose, CEO of Kids charity and Disabled Children's Partnership Margaret Mulholland, Association of School and College Leaders Kate McGough, BBC Education reporter Eleanor Wright, solicitor at SOS!SEN Ramandeep Kaur, SEND parent Carrie Grant, SEND parent and broadcaster Katie Nellist, SEND ambassador Louise Gittins, chair of the Local Government Association Dame Rachel de Souza, Children's Commissioner for EnglandPresenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Crawley, with Carolyn Atkinson Digital producer: Olivia Bolton Editor: Karen Dalziel

Irish author Marian Keyes has sold over 30 million copies of her books worldwide over the past three decades. From her 1995 debut Watermelon to Rachel's Holiday and last year's 'menopause romance' My Favourite Mistake, she’s championed telling ordinary women's stories in all their glory, with plenty of humour thrown in. Now some of her most-loved books and characters have been adapted into a TV series called The Walsh Sisters which has just debuted on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Marian and the show’s co-creator Stefanie Preissner talk to presenter Nuala McGovern about bringing Rachel and her sisters to life on screen. As the Government prepares to unveil its plans for a major overhaul of the SEND system, we hear from BBC Political Correspondent Alex Forsyth on what's been said so far and what's expected. The government has said it will spend billions to make English mainstream schools more inclusive for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, with Sir Keir Starmer saying that the experience of his late brother, who had learning disabilities, makes him determined to change Britain so that it is truly built for all. The number of people with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) up to the age of 25 in England has doubled in a decade. Student midwives have contacted us to say many of them are struggling to find jobs despite a serious shortage of midwives in the NHS. A new survey from the Royal College of Midwives echoes that finding. It says 31% of those newly qualified midwifes are still not employed in the role and the majority of those who have found employment are on fixed term contracts. This comes a year after the government announced it's Graduate Guarantee pledging that every newly qualified nurse and midwife in England would have the opportunity to apply to join the NHS workforce. We hear from Safia, who is in her final year of midwifery training, and Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives. Award-winning British Nigerian fashion designer Tolu Coker joins Nuala in the studio fresh from kicking off London Fashion Week with King Charles in the front row. Her latest collection, Survivor’s Remorse, is inspired by grief, nostalgia and childhood memories and is a joyful celebration of growing up in 1990s London and the community that shaped her. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Rosamund Pike, the Emmy and Golden Globe winner, is known for standout roles in Saltburn, her Oscar nominated lead in Gone Girl, and Made in Dagenham. Next month she stars on the West End stage, coming back to the role of Jessica Parks, the maverick judge at the heart of the National Theatre’s hit play Inter Alia, also filmed for NT Live screenings. She joined Anita Rani to discuss her role that explores motherhood, masculinity and the complexities of justice.It’s more than a decade since Nadiya Hussain became a household name after winning the Great British Bake Off. Since then, she’s fronted her own cookery shows, written more than a dozen cookbooks and a series of children’s books. Her latest collection of recipes is called Quick Comforts, and Nadiya joined presenter Clare McDonnell to talk about finding comfort in food, her career so far and lots more.In December 2024, Dominque Pelicot and 46 other men were found guilty of the aggravated rape of his wife Gisèle. Another two were found guilty of attempted rape and a further two were found guilty of sexual assault. Dominque had drugged Gisèle with medication without her knowledge, raped her and invited other men to rape her, filming as they did so. At least another 20 men who took part in these rapes could not be identified. Waving her right to anonymity, Gisèle Pelicot declared that shame has to change sides. Despite her becoming a household name, not only in her native France but around the world, very little was known about Gisèle herself. She has written her memoir, A Hymn to Life, with writer Judith Perrignon and Judith joins Nuala McGovern to discuss.Dr Punam Krishan is a Glasgow based NHS GP and the resident doctor on the BBC’s Morning Live programme. Back in 2024 she was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing where she was the first dancer to perform a Bollywood routine. But six months ago, at the age of 42, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and has since gone through treatment. She has recently written about how being a doctor didn’t prepare her for the experience of being a patient. Dr Punam joined Anita to discuss.Ketamine has become a worryingly popular recreational drug among young people, and the consequences can be devastating. That's according to a specialist NHS clinic which reports that some teenagers suffer such severe bladder damage from taking it, that some rely on incontinence pads. To discuss the implications, Anita was joined by Dr Alison Downey, Consultant Urologist at Mid Staffs NHS Foundation Trust, who is treating young people with ketamine related bladder problems. Also joining them is Eva, who has stopped using ketamine and is receiving support from the hub.The award-winning internationally renowned Welsh harpist and composer Catrin Finch first came to prominence in her early 20s as the official Royal Harpist to King Charles, the-then Prince of Wales. She achieved chart success with her No. 1 recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations and has performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras. Catrin, who began playing the harp at just six years old, has a new album, Notes to Self, a series of reflective and deeply personal new tracks she has composed for Katy, her 13-year-old-self. She joined Nuala and performed live in the studio. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells

Rosamund Pike, the Emmy and Golden Globe winner, is known for standout roles in Saltburn, her Oscar nominated lead in Gone Girl, and Made in Dagenham. Next month she stars on the West End stage, coming back to the role of Jessica Parks, the maverick judge at the heart of the National Theatre’s hit play Inter Alia, also filmed for NT Live screenings. She joins Anita Rani to discuss her role that explores motherhood, masculinity and the complexities of justice. Ketamine has become a worryingly popular recreational drug among young people, and the consequences can be devastating. That's according to a specialist NHS clinic which reports that some teenagers suffer such severe bladder damage from taking it, that some rely on incontinence pads. To discuss the implications, Anita is joined by Dr Alison Downey, Consultant Urologist at Mid Staffs NHS Foundation Trust, who is treating young people with ketamine related bladder problems. They are also joined by Fay Maloney, Director of The Lifeboat Recovery Community Hub, along with Eva, who has stopped using ketamine and is receiving support from the hub. The American writer Madeline Cash has just published her debut novel Lost Lambs — already an instant bestseller — and she’s only 29. She won high praise from Lena Dunham, who has called her ‘a voice like no other’. Lost Lambs follows the Flynn family — parents Bud and Catherine and their three teenage daughters — whose decision to open their marriage plunges the household into chaos. As the Winter Olympics comes to a close, BBC sports reporter Katie Falkingham joins Anita to discuss the standout female athletes and record breaking performances.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Children with special education needs and disabilities - known as SEND - in England will have their support reviewed as they move into secondary school, according to leaked government plans. Anita Rani speaks to Catriona Moore, policy manager from IPSEA, and SEND parent and campaigner Rachel Filmer.It's 150 years since the death of George Sand, the pen name of Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin who, by the time she was thirty, was one of the most famous writers in the world. Born in 1804, her works became extremely popular in French and in translation, outselling Hugo and Balzac in Britain. She wrote more than 70 novels, countless plays, political essays, and an autobiography as well as launching a literary review, two local newspapers and two national republican political journals. She dressed as a man, smoked cigars, and had what was said at the time to be a promiscuous private life. Her biographer, Fiona Sampson tells her story to Anita. Dr Punam Krishan is a Glasgow based NHS GP and the resident doctor on the BBC’s Morning Live programme. Back in 2024 she was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing where she was the first dancer to perform a Bollywood routine. But six months ago, at the age of 42, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and has since gone through treatment. She has recently written about how being a doctor didn’t prepare her for the experience of being a patient. Dr Punam joins Anita to discuss.We hear from the creators of a brand new opera exploring the Divine Feminine, its relevance in the modern world and the enduring archetype of the Goddess across different cultures. Soprano Emma Tring from the BBC Singers, composer Shiva Feshareki and award-winning poet Karen McCarthy Woolf join Anita to discuss their empowering, futuristic opera, which has been commissioned by Radio 3 to celebrate International Women’s Day next month. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

The woman tipped to be the next head of the UK Civil Service has faced multiple bullying complaints according to reports this morning. The Times newspaper says there is more than a whiff of misogyny in the briefings against her. Nuala McGovern hears more about the debate over the possible appointment of Dame Antonia Romeo with Kitty Donaldson, the Chief Political Commentator for the i Newspaper, and Caroline Slocock. Caroline was the first female private secretary to a British Prime Minister when she served alongside Margaret Thatcher.Belle Burden is a former corporate lawyer, a pro bono immigration lawyer, a Harvard graduate and a mother of three, born into American high society. When she got married in 1999, her wedding was announced in the New York Times. Two decades later she broke with convention and published her candid essay on the marriage’s sudden rupture, in the long-running New York Times Modern Love series. Now her book Strangers: A Memoir of a Marriage has become a New York Times bestseller. Belle Burden joins Nuala live from New York to discuss ghosting, grieving and getting on with life on her own terms.Tomorrow, the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will speak about the plight of women and girls in Sudan at the United Nations Security Council. Stories from the war-torn country are harrowing. Sudan’s conflict began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces or RSF. More than 150,000 people have died in the conflict across the country, and about 12 million have fled their homes in what the UN has called the world's largest humanitarian crisis. Nuala is joined BBC’s Africa Correspondent, Barbara Plett Usher.Two years ago, Dr Henrietta Hughes, England’s first Patient Safety Commissioner, published a report laying out a plan for compensation for women harmed by pelvic mesh implants. The Hughes report set a deadline for the government, which has just passed without action. Dr Hughes tell Nuala what action she wants to see from the government, and Kath Sansom, the founder of the Sling The Mesh campaign group, tells us how women’s lives have been affected.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

More than 141,000 children are in kinship care in England and Wales. According to new research from the charity Kinship, 40% of kinship carers are forced to claim benefits or increase their benefits when they step in to take on the care of a child from a family member. To explain why some kinship carers want the same parental rights as others in a parental role, like an adoptive parent, Clare McDonnell is joined by the CEO of Kinship, Lucy Peake and carer Nash, who took on the permanent care of her sister’s children after her sister died.Broadcaster, model and activist Ashley James says she’s always been underestimated and often written off as a ‘bimbo’. But now she’s reclaiming the word as the title of her new book, which explores many of the judgmental labels used to describe women and their life choices. From 'bossy' to 'mumsy' to 'silly girl', Ashley joined Clare to unpack the impact such words can have on women and girls and why she hopes opening up about her own experiences will inspire others to stop shrinking and shake them off.Team GB snowboarder Mia Brookes gave an amazing performance coming fourth in the women's snowboard big air final at the Winter Olympics in Italy. The 19-year-old had been hoping to become Great Britain's first gold medallist on snow. She went for a backside 1620 trick - featuring four-and-a-half rotations - and landed before she over-rotated and her heel edge caught in the snow. Mia's mum, Vicky Brookes, joined presenter Nuala McGovern on the line from her campervan in Livigno close to the Olympic venue.Deborah Douglas has written a memoir about her experience as a victim turned campaigner in one of the biggest scandals in British medical history. Her story sits at the centre of the case of disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson, jailed in 2017 for performing harmful and unnecessary operations on women who believed they were being treated for cancer. An inquiry in 2020 found both NHS and private hospitals missed repeated chances to stop him. Deborah joined Clare to discuss The Cost of Trust.A new exhibition at the Charles Dickens museum celebrates the women who influenced the great Victorian novelist's female characters, social commentary and campaigning to improve the lives of vulnerable women. But how does this sit alongside the other, darker narrative, that Dickens himself was a misogynist who mistreated his own wife? To sort the fact from the fiction, the exhibition curator Kirsty Parsons & the historian Professor Jenny Hartley joined Nuala to discuss.Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Annette Wells

In December 2024, Dominque Pelicot and 46 other men were found guilty of the aggravated rape of his wife Gisèle. Another two were found guilty of attempted rape and a further two were found guilty of sexual assault. Dominque had drugged Gisèle with medication without her knowledge, raped her and invited other men to rape her, filming as they did so. At least another 20 men who took part in these rapes could not be identified. Waving her right to anonymity, Gisèle Pelicot declared that shame has to change sides. Despite her becoming a household name, not only in her native France but around the world, very little was known about Gisèle herself.Today sees the publication of her much-anticipated memoir, A Hymn to Life. Nuala McGovern is joined by writer and journalist Judith Perrignon, who co-wrote the memoir with Gisèle, and Professor Manon Garcia, who watched the trial in Avignon and analysed its resonance in her book Living with Men, Reflections on the Pelicot Trial. The award-winning internationally renowned Welsh harpist and composer Catrin Finch first came to prominence in her early 20s as the official Royal Harpist to King Charles, the-then Prince of Wales. She achieved chart success with her No. 1 recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations and has performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras. Catrin, who began playing the harp at just six years old, has a new album, Notes to Self, a series of reflective and deeply personal new tracks she has composed for Katy, her 13-year-old-self. She tells Nuala about her first album of solo compositions in a decade.One of the children talking about their everyday achievements in our new podcast, SEND in the Spotlight, which features young people with special educational needs, is Henry. He's autistic, and school is not always easy. Things got even tougher when his grandma died. That's when Henry decided to raise money for the hospice which looked after her. We hear his story in his own words.With the Winter Olympics in full swing in Italy, how are sports like ice hockey faring here in the UK? And what are women doing on the ice rink? Joining Nuala are Ellie Wakeling and Abbie Sylvester, who both play alongside male players with the Romford Buccaneers.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Andrea Kidd