Weekend Woman's Hour: Iranian schoolgirls, the womb, Cynthia Erivo, No More Page 3, UK marriage law changes
Mar 4, 2023
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Iranian schoolgirls in hospital due to suspected poisonings sparking concerns, Leah Hazard explores the complexities of the womb, Cynthia Erivo shares her journey as an actor, Jo Cheetham discusses her involvement in the No More Page 3 campaign, UK raises marriage age to 18.
The deliberate poisoning of Iranian schoolgirls highlights the urgent need to protect girls' education in Iran.
Exploring the history and future of the womb reveals its under-researched and misunderstood nature.
Struggles and triumphs of early marriage survivors emphasize the importance of legal protection for vulnerable youths.
Deep dives
Teen Marriage at 16
Some individuals shared their experiences of getting married at 16. Judith got married at 16 to gain financial independence and a council house, which lasted three years. Jeanette, married at 16 due to pregnancy, celebrates her 40th anniversary with her husband. Both reflect on their youthful decisions, highlighting the challenges and outcomes of marrying at a young age.
Impact of Child Marriage Act
The Marriage and Civil Partnership Minimum Age Act came into force in England and Wales, raising the age of marriage to 18. Paisie Mamode shared her experience of being coerced into marriage at 16 but talks about the impact of the new law, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable youths from child marriage.
Campaigning Against Child Marriage
Jo Cheatham's memoir, 'Killjoy,' recounts her involvement in the No More Page Three campaign to end child marriage. Facing trolls, navigating grassroots activism, and advocating against early marriages, Jo emphasizes the power of collective action and individual perseverance in effecting social change.
Legal Impact on Marriage Age
The legal amendment in England and Wales to raise the marriage age to 18 represents a significant societal shift. Encounters with child marriage survivors and their resilience underscore the complexities of marrying young and the necessity of legal protection for minors.
Perspectives on Marriage at 16
Listeners shared diverse perspectives on marrying at 16, reflecting on personal experiences and societal attitudes. Stories of resilience, challenges, and lasting unions shed light on the complexities and implications of marrying young, prompting discussions on legal safeguards and support systems for vulnerable youths.
Schoolgirls in Iran have been admitted to hospital this week after reportedly being poisoned by gas whilst at school. Many Iranians suspect the poisonings are a deliberate attempt to force girls’ schools to close, although the government has not confirmed. Faranak Amidi, BBC Near East Women's Affairs correspondent and Azadeh Pourzand, human rights researcher at SOAS discuss.
In new book Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began, NHS midwife Leah Hazard seeks to explore the organ she describes as 'woefully under-researched and misunderstood'. She shares what she has learnt from looking into the womb’s past, present and possible future.
Actor and singer Cynthia Erivo discusses her role in the upcoming film, Luther: The Fallen Sun, where she appears opposite Idris Elba. She shares her experience working on the movie version of the musical Wicked, playing the lead role of Elphaba, her 2020 oscar-nominated performance as Harriet Tubman, and her new found liberation in expressing her bisexuality.
Jo Cheetham was studying for a PhD and working as a nanny in London when she read news of an upcoming protest. Before she could talk herself out of it, Jo joined the No More Page 3 campaign team. We discuss her new memoir, Killjoy. Jo talks to us about the power of a grassroots campaign and everyday people doing extraordinary things.
On Monday, the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act came into effect, raising the age of marriage and civil partnership to 18 in England and Wales. It's what campaigners against child and forced marriage have worked towards for many years. We reflect on this social change with two listeners, Judith and Jeanette who willingly got married at 16.
Presenter: Anita Rani
Producer: Surya Elango
Editor: Louise Corley
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