Woman's Hour

Oprah Winfrey’s interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was broadcast last night on CBS in the US. It is due to air here in the UK tonight on ITV at 9pm. What might be the repercussions of the interview with the two former working Royals? Emma talks to Jennie Bond who was the BBC’s royal correspondent for 14 years and Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, activist, lawyer and author of This is Why I Resist.The broadcaster Clemency Burton Hill tells us about a special one off episode of the Classical Fix podcast celebrating women composers that she recorded with Emma Barnett as part of International Women's Day.British-Iranian charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been released from house arrest, but faces fresh charges next weekend. Nazanin was detained in Tehran in 2016, and sentenced to five years in prison for plotting to overthrow the Iranian government, which she has always denied. We hear the latest on her situation, from Richard Ratcliffe and Faranak Amidi, BBC World Service's Women's Affairs journal

Pensions expert, Baroness Ros Altman talks about the state pension scandal which only affects women. Around 200,000 of them could be due pay-outs averaging £13,500 to top-up the underpayment of their state pension. We hear from the critically acclaimed and award-winning author, Isabel Allende. She tells us about her latest book 'The ‘Soul of a Woman’ - her memoir on feminism and what it means to be a woman. What can Greek goddesses teach us about ourselves today? Classicist, Natalie Haynes and Historian, Bettany Hughes discuss goddesses and what we can learn from them.35 million adults and a third of eleven year olds are overweight or obese in this country. Rachel Batterham is Professor of Obesity, Diabetes and Endocrinology at UCL and one of the authors of a recent study into a drug, semaglutide, that can help some people lose 20% of their body weight. Jan, who took part in Rachel's trial and has struggled with weight since she was a child, talks about how taking part changed her life.When is maximialism

Anita Rani talks to the Chilean author Isabel Allende, also to the Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg. To mark International Women's Day we have music with Madeleine Mitchell & Errollyn Wallen and we look at the future of workwear post lockdown. Will power suits and formal wear be a thing of the past after a year of lounging in comfies? Emma Jacobs from the Financial Times considers our appetite for zoom casual clothing and what we can expect when we all return to the office in the coming months. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineer: John Boland

Silence Is a Sense is a new novel by Layla AlAmmar: a Kuwaiti now based in Lancashire. Her novel is about a young woman from Syria who's living in a block of flats in a small English city. It's about the people she watches from her window, and how she's settling in after leaving a war zone.Two out of every three adults in the UK are either overweight or obese. Usually the message is eat less and move more, but is there something else going on? Rachel Batterham, Professor of Obesity, Diabetes and Endocrinology at UCL discusses the critical role of gut hormones in controlling appetite and the drugs that can help keep them in balance. And Jan from Kent talks about what she's learned about the causes of her own problems with weight and why she thinks anti-obesity drugs could change the lives of millions.We look at the growing trend for ‘more is more’ in home decorating. Maximalism can mean having a riot of different patterns and colours and textures, and also making more space for your treasured objects to go on

From May mothers' names will finally be featured alongside fathers' details on marriage certificates, in England and Wales thanks to years of campaigning both inside and outside of parliament. We hear from Ailsa Burkimsher Sadler who started the campaign for change back in 2013 and Revd Canon Dr Sandra Millar who is the Church of England’s Head of Life Events.Today one of the most powoerful women in UK politics, Nicola Sturgeon has been giving evidence to a special committee set up by the Scottish Parliament to investigate the handling of sexual harassment complaints against Alex Salmond. We look at the implications for her, her Party and for the Scottish Government.If you still crave a career in music what are some strategies for survival? Sound Advice is a new handbook for aspiring musicians written by journalist Rhian Jones and PhD researcher Lucy Heyman. Plus a lookahead to the Chancellor's speech with Mary-Ann Stephenson from the Women's Budget Group. And Captain Sir Tom's daughter Lucy Teixeira on w

As International Women’s Day approaches and peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban continue, what are the most pressing issues facing women in Afghanistan? We hear from BBC Afghan reporter Mahjooba Nowrouzi and scholar and women’s rights advocate Dr Orzala Ashraf Nemat.We're missing hugs, but maybe we'll get them back soon. A retired nurse in Scotland has been able to give her elderly mother a big hug for the first time in five months. Fiona Scott went to see her mum, Mary Cook, who's 90 and in a care home in Scotland yesterday. It's because restrictions have been eased a bit in Scotland - now people can go and see the one they love, INSIDE a care home, and touch them. Fiona and sex and relationships columnist for the Times, Suzi Godson, join Emma.Actor Sue Johnston has spoken about the sexism older women face in theatre and screen. Johnston 77, has been cast as 61-year-old Sean Bean’s mother in Jimmy McGovern’s new BBC prison drama. Thirty years ago she played Sean Bean’s wife in a 1992 ep

As the government announces plans for summer school and tutoring to help children catch up on their learning we hear from parents who think it’s more important to just let them go out to play with their friends. Recent polling suggests that mums in the “Red Wall” seats of the Midlands and North of England – areas which traditionally voted Labour but have switched allegiance to back the Conservatives – are against cutting short summer holidays after such a difficult year. We hear from the mums and from Deborah Mattinson from the political consultancy Britain Thinks and from Justine Roberts at Mumsnet.Throughout the course of the history of Greek mythology there have been many Greek goddesses. These goddesses tend to have exaggerated personalities and are often plagued with personal flaws and negative emotions , but do we know everything we need to know about these mythological women and what if anything can we learn from them today? Writer and classicist Natalie Haynes along with historian Bettany Hughes

In her first in-depth broadcast interview since winning the High Court disqualification case regarding the disbanded children's charity Kids Company, its founder, Camila Batmanghelidjh, explains why she fought so long and hard to be cleared.David Watkins is one of the first single men in the UK to have a surrogate baby after a law change in January 2019. David talks about becoming a father to baby Miles in July 2020. Faye Spreadbury, a married mother of two, explains what it was like to take on the role of surrogate.How important is empathy in leadership? Chef Angela Hartnett, and Belinda Parmar, CEO of the Empathy Business, discuss empathy and how business leaders can use it as a tool to manage staff emotions in the workplace.Charlotte Sibtain talks about her collection of more than 400 vintage wedding photos from charity shops, markets and the internet and her quest to track their owners.Novelist Julie Ma talks about her first book Happy Families which is centred around a Chinese takeaway, the Yau Sum in We

Why the latest lockdown has left so many women feeling at breaking point as they try to juggle home schooling and working from home simultaneously. Annie tells us her story and we hear from Leann Cross the Director of Homestart Greenwich and Sam Smethers the former Chief Exec of the Fawcett Society,. Model and TV personality, Zara McDermott talks about revenge porn. Intimate images of her were shared without her consent when she was 14 and again when she was 21. Sharing explicit or intimate images without consent has been illegal since 2015, when Baroness Morgan was in office as Minister for Women and Equalities. Baroness Morgan joins the discussion to talk about the change to the law, which has been failing women and girls.Harry Dunn was just 19 when he was was killed on his motorbike in Northamptonshire in 2019 when an American woman was driving on the wrong side of the road. His mum Charlotte Charles tells us about the latest ruling in the campaign to get Harry justice.Why are so many girls and women

People wanting to start a family, who need to use a sperm donor say they feel forced into finding sperm online in unregulated spaces because NHS funding is rationed or they don’t qualify for it and it's too expensive to go to a private clinic. The UK’s fertility regulator has warned that doing so carries “significant risks”. We hear from the Chair of the HFEA and from two women who sought donors via the internet.Julie Ma's first novel Happy Families won the Richard and Judy/WH Smith 'Search For A Bestseller Competition' in October and has just been published. She talks to Anita about the book which is centred around a Chinese takeaway the Yau Sum in West Wales which closely resembles the one she grew up in and now runs with her brother. And Charlotte Sibtain who's collected more than 400 vintage wedding photos from charity shops, markets and the internet and tries to track their owners.Presenter Anita Rani Producer Beverley Purcellillustration Chris Vallance

In her first in-depth broadcast interview since winning the High Court disqualification case regarding the disbanded children's charity Kids Company, its founder, Camila Batmanghelidjh, psychotherapist and author, joined Emma earlier this week. The High Court judgement came about because the Official Receiver claimed that Camila Batmanghelidjh, and seven former trustees of the charity Kids Company, had failed to properly manage the charity in the final months of its existence. After a three and a half year case, and 10 weeks in court, Mrs Justice Falk praised Camila Batmanghelidjh for the “enormous dedication she showed to vulnerable young people over many years” and her achievements in building a charity that “until 2014 was widely regarded as a highly successful one". Camila tells Emma why she fought so long and hard to be cleared.Last week, the BBC obtained videos in which Princess Latifa, the daughter of Dubai's ruler described being held in solitary confinement after trying to flee the United Arab Emira

It's been announced that around 31,000 women in England will be offered the opportunity to do a smear test at home. It's all part of a trial by the NHS and experts hope it'll be a way to encourage more women to screen for the early warnings of cervical cancer. It's another step in helping women take charge of their own reproductive health. There are two consultations open at the moment. One which may see us being able to buy two brands of the contraception ‘Mini’ pills over the counter. The other is looking at whether to make permanent the current temporary arrangement allowing early medical home abortions, using pills sent through the post. Professor Lesley Regan, former chair of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists joins Emma to discuss the impact of these potential changes.David Watkins is a 42 year old teacher from Southampton and is one of the first single men in the UK to have a surrogate baby after a law change in January 2019. Previously, only couples were able to apply for a paren

Is being a tough guy (or girl) no longer the key to getting on? How important is empathy in leadership now that we know the effect that working from home, juggling child-care, concerns about unemployment and dealing with grief are having on mental health and well being. Can businesses afford to be empathetic? Emma speaks to Chef Angela Hartnett and Belinda Parmar, CEO of the Empathy Business. The census is being held next month and for the first time the public will be asked about their gender identity as well as what sex they are. The campaign group Fair Play for Women isn’t happy about the guidance which has been issued to help people answer the sex question and they’re threatening legal action if the Office for National Statistics doesn’t make changes. Dr Nicola Williams from Fair Play for Women and the CEO of Stonewall Nancy Kelley talk to Emma Barnett about the issue. Kelly Michaud is 26 and has been left in ‘crippling pain’ due to her size H breasts. She’s now raising money t

Are women in the UK jazz scene facing discrimination and sexual harassment? Sarah Raine, an academic and anthropologist, carried out research of ten interviews with anonymised female jazz musicians of a “notable level of success” who performed at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival event in 2019. Emma discusses the issues with Sarah, who is an academic at Edinburgh Napier University and researcher into gender equality in the music industry and with Jas Kayser, who is a jazz drummer and musician.In her last book, Don't Hold My Head Down, Lucy-Anne Holmes, writer and founder of the 'No More Page 3' campaign, described her “sexual odyssey” and compiled a list of things that would improve her sex life. She has now gone a step further and collected the testimonies of 51 women around the world, revealing their innermost thoughts and feelings during sex. There are women of all ages and sexualities. Lucy-Anne joins Emma to talk about the very varied experiences of female sexuality. Just days after Japan's Olympics chi

Anita Rani talks to Love Island Star Zara McDermott about her new documentary on the growing issue of Revenge Porn and we hear from Baroness Morgan about the government's efforts to tackle the problem. Dr Angela Joyce and Dr Tracey Jensen about the idea of the "Good Enough" Mother, a phrase first coined by the paediatrician and child psychoanalyst D W Winnicott as we mark the 50th anniversary of his death and presenter Mehreen Baig talks about the new tv film campaign urging people from BAME backgrounds to get the covid-19 vaccine. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio engineers: Gayl Gordon & Matilda Macari

Harry Dunn was 19 years old when he was killed on his motorbike by an American woman driving the wrong way. His parents have been fighting for justice for their son since it happened in 2019. It happened near RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire. The suspect, Anne Sacoolas returned to the States claiming diplomatic immunity. Now Harry's family has been told Anne Sacoolas will face a civil claim and it'll be held in the States. Charlotte Charles joins us on Woman's Hour.There's a consultation going on about whether or not the mini-pill should be sold over the counter in UK pharmacies. The public are being asked for their views. We speak to Dr Sonia Adesara, who's a doctor with a special interest in reproductive health.Kiran and Nivi are American twin sisters who've become a TikTok sensation. They've become famous for their harmonies, emotion-filled lyrics plus doing versions of songs with an Indian twist. One track has had more than 15 million views. They join Emma to talk about the surprising way they discover

Emma Barnett presents Woman's Hour with Mary Beard who talks about her new BBC Two show Inside Culture looking at witches and their enduring presence in culture. We get the latest from the Salmond Inquiry from BBC Scotland's Political Editor Sarah Smith and we hear from Dr Naomi Crouch and Alex Fox about the problem of vulva anxiety in teenage girls.Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Studio Engineers: Donald MacDonald and Matilda Macari.

The pandemic has pushed many working mothers to breaking point. Juggling family and career is nothing new, but working a full-time job while simultaneously home schooling children for many weeks is unprecedented. A recent TUC report revealed that women are shouldering the lion's share of this responsibility, and that a lack of employer flexibility has left mums in an impossible situation. So how are these women coping? And for those that aren't, why do they feel so reluctant to talk about their struggles? Emma Barnett speaks to mum-of-three Annie about her experience. She's also joined by Sam Smethers, who recently stepped back from her role as chief executive of the Fawcett Society, and Leann Cross, the Director of Homestart in Greenwich. Christine Keeler: the woman who nearly brought down the government in the 60s. She had an affair with Secretary of State for War, John Profumo, when she was just 19. In an unconnected court case, but one which is also linked in a complicated saga, she ended up being sentenc

Loujain al-Hathloul, the Saudi women's rights activist, has just been released from prison after spending nearly three years in prison. Instrumental in the movement to allow women to drive in the kingdom, she was imprisoned in 2018, just weeks before the ban was lifted. We speak to her sister Lina who has led the campaign to free Loujain for the last three years. Why are period pants still being taxed and not classed as a sanitary product? With Ruby Raut, founder of WUKA period pants and Sarah Olney MP, who's leading an early day motion to remove the 20% tax. How do we cope with the grief of losing a friend to suicide? It has been exactly one year since TV presenter Caroline Flack took her own life. Caroline stood down as presenter of Love Island in 2019 after she was charged of assaulting her boyfriend. She pleaded not guilty, and was due to stand trial in March. Emma speaks to her close friend Ophelia Lovibond and to Sarah Bates from the charity, Support After Suicide. Christine Keeler: the woman who n

We hear from Sandra Igwe, co-chair of an urgent inquiry set up to investigate how alleged systemic racism in the NHS manifests itself in maternity care and Dr Karen Joash, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Imperial College.After the Topshop buyout by online fashion retailer Asos, Topshop worker, and a lifestyle fashion blogger Kirsty Mead tells us what it’s like to pack up one of the shops in Leed for the final time.Some women in the ultra orthodox Jewish community believe the laws on forced marriage are not serving them adequately and action needs to be taken. We hear from Yehudis Fletcher, the founder of think tank Nahamu and Chaya Spitz, chief executive of the Interlink Foundation, which represents Orthodox organisations.Nearly a year into the pandemic, all over the UK there has been a push to pass legislation to allow better access to relatives and loved ones in care homes. 23 year old, university student, Lucy Challenor talks During the pandemic her mother and her grandmother have been in c