Woman's Hour

How we can age healthily? Today we look at the impact of our diet. How important is it to eat the right thing to live a longer healthier life? If the Northern Ireland Assembly is not restored by Monday October 21st, then abortion will become legal in Ulster in line with the rest of the UK. It’s part of the Northern Ireland Bill which was passed in Parliament over the summer. A power-sharing government hasn’t been restored yet, although of course there's still time. We talk to Dr Alyson Hunter, a consultant obstetrician working at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital in Belfast about the new guidelines which have already been drawn up for healthcare professionals.Are race and gender a double disadvantage in the workplace? Over 85% of BAME women leaders who took part in a study by the management consultancy the Diversity Practice say yes. How should the issue be tackled?Plus we talk to comedian Twayna Mayne about her new series for BBC Sounds and Radio 4 which addresses among other things her upbring

Jung Chang is the best-selling author of 'Wild Swans'. She talks about her new book 'Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister' and how the three Soong sisters helped shape 20th century China. Maternity Action, a charity that campaigns for the rights of women and babies, says it’s receiving an increasing number of calls to its helpline about Maternity Allowance. New mothers are telling them that they’ve started their maternity leave and given birth, but still haven't received the £148 a week benefit. We hear from their Chief Executive Rosalind Bragg. Just two per cent of women do the recommended 150 minutes of exercise each week. This is a problem because older women that exercise have better immune function and are less likely to suffer falls which are a major cause of poor health and injury for older people. In the second part of our series on health in old age we talk to Professor Janet Lord, an expert in muscle health and immunity from the University of Birmingham and Ann Kirby, an 82 year old writer who is

How much are we squeezing play out of our children’s days, our institutions and spaces? Michael Rosen, author of ‘Book of Play’ joins Jenni to talk about why play matters to both children and adults – and to share tips on how we can get more of it in our lives.

In a new three-part series on longevity, we look at how we can shape our health and vitality in old age. Today we focus on the role of our social lives. We all know that meeting up with friends can feel good, but does it actually make any difference to our health? Jenni speaks to psychologist Julianne Holt-Lundstad about how a good social life can be as important to living longer as giving up smoking. Fibres, a new play, explores the legacy of asbestos in the Glasgow shipyards and the women and families affected by the exposure. Jenni is joined by the playwright Frances Poet, and Phyllis Craig from the charity Action on Asbestos. The future of women's cricket is looking rosy. Last week the Women’s and Girls' Cricket Plan announced a £20m boost in funding, and the ICC will award the winners of the Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia in 2020 a million dollar prize. We look at the state of the women’s game with Clare Connor, Managing Director of Women’s Cricket at the ECB. What’s being done to make it more attra

The Queen’s speech yesterday contained mention of 26 new or returning Bills and more than a dozen areas where the government plans action. We look at how Boris Johnson’s legislative programme might address the concerns of women and the charge from critics that this is a pre-election manifesto. We had such a huge response to yesterday’s item on faecal incontinence that today we’ve invited on surgeon Mr Oliver Warren and specialist pelvic physiotherapist Sue Almond to respond to your comments and outline the various treatments available.Being bad at map reading is one of the many well-worn stereotypes about women. But is it true? The results of a massive global study of over 2.5 million people suggests it is, although not through any innate fault with women’s brains. Gillian Coughlan from the University of East Anglia talks about the science behind finding your way, while former Head of Publishing at the AA Helen Brocklehurst talks about the history of route-finding, women’s relationship with navigation,

Picture: Ophelia by John Everett Millais, 1865-66. Private CollectionThe Scottish National Party brings the autumn political conference season to a close this week. The leader of the SNP has made her party’s position clear – she wants the Conservative government out, a Brexit extension secured and a General Election as soon as possible. Last week the First Minister told the Scottish Parliament: "We need to get powers out of the hands of Boris Johnson and his ilk and into the hands of this Parliament so that we don't have to put up with Tory welfare cuts anymore because we can take the right decisions here in the first place to lift people out of poverty." Jane is joined by Shirley Anne Somerville, MSP for Dunfermline and West Fife and Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People to discuss the SNP’s offer to women voters on Brexit, Scottish Independence and other pressing policy issues ahead of a much anticipated General Election.The “Pre-Raphaelite Sisters” exhibition ope

Chanel Miller, who was sexually assaulted while she lay unconscious on the grounds of Stanford University campus, talks about reclaiming her identity.Annalie Riches who's the Winner of the RIBA Sterling Prize for Architecture 2019, tells us about the eco-friendly council estate in Norwich she co-designed. She discusses women’s role in architecture with Zoe Berman, an architect and founder of Part W, which campaigns for more women in architecture.Michael Rosen who's written a new book called Book of Plays tells us why children and adults need to play more.Sonita Alleyne OBE is the first ever black leader of an Oxbridge College and the first woman to lead Jesus College Cambridge. She tells us about her new role.Dr Anne-Lise Goddings, a clinical lecturer at the Institute of Child Health, and Edwina Dunn, a data entrepreneur, tell us why they believe social media can be a force for good and can improve teenager’s mental health.The Grammy Award-nominated Blues singer Beth Hart performs a song inspired by her siste

16 years ago a woman in her twenties, who was a translator at GCHQ, leaked an official and confidential email. It instructed Katharine Gun and her colleagues to share any information they might come across concerning a clutch of nations belonging to the UN Security Council. The information could then be used to persuade them to vote for the invasion of Iraq. Her email became an Observer article and she lost her job, nearly lost her marriage and was in fear of going to prison. Now her story is told in a new film ‘Official Secrets’. She joins Jenni to remember that time in 2003 and explain what happened next. How much are we squeezing play out of our children’s days, our institutions and spaces? Michael Rosen, author of ‘Book of Play’ joins Jenni to talk about why play matters to both children and adults – and to share tips on how we can get more of it in our lives.When Sally Challen was recently interviewed on Woman’s Hour she talked about the Freedom Programme she attended, once she was in prison. She des

We’re used to hearing about the negative impact that using social media can have on girls – it can cause sleeplessness, low mood, depression and anxiety. Edwina Dunn, a data entrepreneur and founder of the educational charity The Female Lead, thinks differently. She believes that used in the right way, social media can be a force for good and can improve teenagers’ mental health. She joins Jenni to explain her theory and the research she commissioned from Cambridge University, along with Dr Anne-Lise Goddings, Clinical Lecturer at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health.

We hear from the woman known, until recently, as Emily Doe. Chanel Miller was sexually assaulted while she was unconscious on the ground on Stanford University campus in the USA. Her Victim Impact statement which she addressed to her attacker Brock Turner was published on Buzzfeed and was viewed online by eleven million people within four days. In her memoir is titled Know My Name - she explains why. Following the death of a new born baby in a cell at Bronzefield prison in Surrey, we talk to Deborah Coles, the director of Inquest about what the overarching investigation will need to do, to help prevent further tragedies in women's prisons. Edwina Dunn, a data entrepreneur and founder of the educational charity The Female Lead, believes that social media can be used to improve teenagers’ mental health. She explains how - and we hear from Dr Anne-Lise Goddings, Clinical Lecturer at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. And, Fuchsia Dunlop explores the flavours of Sichuanese cuisine - known for its

Mothers are taking part today in the Extinction Rebellion protests with a mass ‘nurse in’ when they will bottle or breastfeed their young babies on the front line of one of the road blockades. Jenni looks at the history of women taking their children to protests with Anne Pettitt one of the founders of the Women’s Peace Camp at Greenham Common in the 1980’s, Lorna Greenwood one of the organisers of today’s ‘nurse in’ and Dr Caitriona Beaumont, associate Professor of Social History from London South Bank University.While the catwalks of London, New York and Paris appear to be thriving, the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium reveal that the high street has just experienced its worse September in over 20 years – with clothing sales down 3.9%. There’s also a much greater awareness of the environmental impacts of fast fashion. With 11 million items of clothing going into UK landfill each week, the days of guilt-free shopping sprees are surely over. So what is the real face of fashion today? Styli

The winner of the RIBA Stirling prize for architecture will be announced this evening. On the short list is Annalie Riches who has co-designed a council housing project, the first ever such project to be nominated for this prestigious prize. Jane talks to her and to Zoë Berman, an architect and founder of Part W, which campaigns for the increased visibility of women in architecture and the promotion of designs that work for women and families in the real world.Nine American states have changed their laws on abortion making it much harder to get one. In Missouri they passed a law in May which meant abortion would only be available up to 8 weeks. The law was due to go into effect at the end of August but it's been temporarily stopped. Even so, there are many rules and regulations regarding abortion that have to be met. Siobhann Tighe visits an abortion clinic in the city of St Louis. Sonita Alleyne OBE is the first woman to lead Jesus College, Cambridge in its 523 year history and the first ever Black leade

Elaine Welteroth is the former editor of Teen Vogue. She joins us to talk about her memoir More Than Enough and how she became the youngest ever Conde Nast Editor-in-Chief as well as only the second African American to hold a post like that. During her time at Teen Vogue she addressed feminism, climate change and racial justice as well as fashion and beauty. She discusses her mixed race identity, the obstacles she's overcome and the reality of getting your dream job. Today a BBC survey reveals just how disruptive endometriosis can be. At the same time an international conference in Denmark is taking place which is highlighting new research into the condition led by two women. We ask why so little is known about it yet it affects so many women. We celebrate 150 of women at University. It all started at The University of London. Then Girton College, Cambridge followed as well as Edinburgh University. So how has university education for women progressed over the years and what are the pressing issues today? Ja

Whether its tips from a 91-year-old sex therapist or the upskirting story that sparked a campaign to change the law, the reality of being a female crane driver or Nadiya Hussain on getting a haircut with a hijab, Woman’s Hour is the place to hear these conversations. In this special podcast-only episode we’re joined by Deborah James from award-winning podcast You, Me and the Big C and writer and activist Scarlett Curtis to dissect some of the best, frankest, most fearless and even funny moments in the programme’s recent history.They also talk to Jane Garvey about the issues close to their hearts, from living with bowel cancer (and talking about poo all the time) to why it’s essential we all start being more open and honest about our mental health.We’ve come a long way since the programme was first broadcast in 1946 (with a male presenter!) and this special bonus episode is a great insight into the Woman's Hour world right now. The live radio programme and podcast covers the big stories and issues that matter

Drag queen, Courtney Act - real name Shane Jenek, Jordan Stephens from the hip hop duo Rizzle Kicks, and the Chief Executive of the ‘Men and Boys Coalition’, Dan Bell discuss what the term Toxic Masculinity means to them and how it makes them feel. Why are more women choosing running over other sports when it comes to staying fit? Dame Kelly Holmes talks about the influence of athletes like Dina Asher-Smith, Rachel Baker tells us how running helped her lose weight and Jens Jakob Andersen has researched data with the International Association of Athletics Federations.The international bestselling novelist Johana Gustawsson’s latest book ‘Blood Song’ draws on her own experiences of IVF and her struggle to conceive. Johana and her husband Mattias tell us about finding out about his infertility and their need for a sperm donor.Judith Gough the now UK Ambassador to Sweden tells us about her job and her four year position in the Ukraine.Chrisann Jerrett and Dami Makinde discuss their charity We Belong. They set it

At least 200,000 older people experienced domestic abuse last year – but the over 75s are being overlooked according to Age UK. Caroline Abrahams is the charity director and joins Jane.Last year, the music journalist Wanna Thompson posted a tweet about the new album of superstar rapper, Nicki Minaj. The tweet went viral and Wanna received thousands of angry replies from superfans of the star. To discuss the impact of superfans’ responses on music journalism, we hear from Hannah Ewens, Vice journalist and author of ‘FanGirls’, and Wanna Thompson, the music journalist at the centre of the Twitter storm. Funmi Fetto is the Executive Editor and Beauty Director of Glamour magazine. After many years of being asked by friends, family and stranger on the street for advice on beauty products for women of colour, Funmi decided to curate a comprehensive guide, leading to the release of her new book: Palette: The Beauty Bible for Women of Colour. She speaks to Jane about the lack of inclusivity in the beauty industry an

Women born in the 1950s and 1960s will hear a judgment today about their claim that they were unfairly treated by having to wait longer than they expected for their state pension. They want compensation for nearly four million women who have been forced to wait up to an extra six years to get their pensions after changes to bring women’s retirement age into line with men’s. We'll discuss what the ruling will mean. Chrisann Jarrett and Dami Makinde founded We Belong, a charity to help undocumented young migrants who have spent much of their lives growing up in the UK. They both came here as young children from Jamaica and Nigeria and saw the UK as home, yet when they reached 18 they discovered their legal status meant it wasn't that straightforward. They talk about what life is like for the estimated 120,000 undocumented children in the UK who find they are eligible to start an expensive and long process to become UK citizens. There are about 800 full-term stillbirths every year in Britain. Ministers are consi

Sharenting is the overuse of social media by parents to share content based on their children, such as baby pictures or blogs describing what their children are up to. Posts which adults may see as engaging or funny may not be viewed as such by the children involved when they grow into teenagers or young adults applying for their first job. Jane speaks to Claire Bessant, a solicitor and associate professor at Northumbria law school and Leah Plunkett, an associate professor of legal skills at the University of New Hampshire in the US and author of ‘Sharenthood’.

Jojo Moyes is the bestselling author of over 15 books, including the smash hit 'Me Before You' which was adapted into a Hollywood film. Her new historical novel 'The Giver of Stars' is based on the true story of the Horseback Librarians of Kentucky. She joins us to speak about the women who inspired her story, her campaign to save local libraries and how her research led her to the mountain trails of Appalachia.In June this year Freddie McLennan and Joe Atkins, both 19 and on their gap year, were driving across salt flats in Bolivia when their vehicle hit a pot hole and crashed. They were both killed. They would have been due to start university this week and Freddie’s mother Miranda wanted to turn what is a particularly difficult time into something positive. She joined Jenni to talk about Freddie and how his love of football has led her, his friends and their family to focus their grief and energy on raising money for disadvantaged children.As Britain's Dina Asher-Smith prepares for the 200m final at the W

Sharenting is when you put too much information about your children on social media. It could be baby pictures or details of what they're doing or what they've achieved. You might think your post is sweet or funny, but when your children grow up, they might not agree especially when it comes to finding a job. Jane talks to Claire Bessant, a solicitor and Associate Professor at Northumbria Law School and Leah Plunkett, who's an Associate Professor of Legal Skills at the University of New Hampshire in the US and author of ‘Sharenthood’.Anti-abortion posters were put up in the Labour MP, Stella Creasy’s, constituency in London this weekend. They've now been taken down. Stella Creasy is eight months pregnant, has publicly spoken about the miscarriages she’s had and she’s a prominent campaigner for abortion rights in Northern Ireland. We speak to Stella who feels she's a target for a group called Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform UK, which is behind the posters. We also talk to their spokesperson, Ruth Rawlins. Mor