Nadiya Hussain, winner of the Great British Bake Off, discusses her latest book and BBC Two series on Bangladeshi recipes with eight spices. The podcast also covers the ongoing struggle for equal pay in the UK and the impact of natural disasters on women, highlighting the recent earthquake in Morocco. Additionally, there is a chapter on adapting a novel into a screen series and filming experiences in different locations.
Gender discrimination in pay persists in local governments, with female care workers in Sunderland being paid less than litter pickers.
Women and children are disproportionately affected by earthquakes and other humanitarian emergencies, requiring immediate and long-term support.
After the earthquake in Morocco, Education for All faces challenges in rebuilding boarding schools for girls, emphasizing the need for privacy, shelter, and education.
Deep dives
Equal Pay Claims in Sunderland
Female care workers in Sunderland, employed by Sunderland Care and Support Ltd, a company fully owned by Sunderland City Council, are making equal pay claims. The GMB union claims that these women are effectively paid less than litter pickers and are put on lower grades, depriving them of full pension benefits. The discrimination practices are gendered, with chronic undervaluation of work predominantly done by women. The solution is to pay out the liabilities quickly, implement job evaluation schemes, eliminate discrimination, and secure central government funding for local government.
Impact of Natural Disasters on Women in Morocco
A catastrophic earthquake in Morocco's southern region has left thousands affected, with buildings destroyed and survivors in urgent need of shelter and basic necessities. The CEO of the Penny Appeal, who visited the affected areas, highlights the challenges faced by women, including the lack of privacy, sanitary products, and hygiene items. Women are the primary caregivers in these communities, and their wellbeing is crucial for the entire family's welfare. Similarly, the recent floods in Libya further exacerbate the situation, with women and children being the most vulnerable. Adequate support, including shelter, food, and education, is needed to address their immediate and long-term needs.
Education for All and Devastation in Morocco
Education for All, a charity working in Morocco, is facing significant challenges after the earthquake. The charity runs boarding schools for girls in rural areas, aimed at providing education opportunities and a safe environment. Unfortunately, most of their schools will need to be rebuilt, as they were severely damaged. The immediate concerns are providing the affected girls with privacy, shelter, food, and support to cope with the trauma. Efforts are underway to fundraise for temporary housing and eventual reconstruction, with a focus on creating educated societies that can better respond to natural disasters.
The Importance of Validation from Family
In this podcast episode, the speaker reflects on the significance of receiving validation from her mother. She shares a touching moment when her mom complimented her appearance, which was a rarity in their relationship. Despite understanding her mother's upbringing in a society where beauty was seldom acknowledged, the speaker valued this validation and felt it uplifted her. She further emphasizes the importance of celebrating women like her mother, who often go unnoticed but play a crucial role in shaping their daughters' strength and resilience.
Reclaiming Heritage and Challenging Stereotypes
This podcast episode also explores the speaker's journey of reclaiming her heritage and challenging stereotypes associated with Indian cuisine. She discusses how many Indian restaurants, despite being called Indian, are actually owned and run by Bangladeshis. Dissatisfied with the uniformity and lack of representation in these establishments, the speaker's father, a talented cook, refused to showcase their authentic family recipes in his restaurants. However, the speaker takes pride in her mission to put their unique flavors and traditions on the map, breaking free from the constraints of commercialized Indian cuisine and honoring her father's legacy.
Last week, Birmingham City Council effectively declared bankruptcy, issuing a section 114 notice, after it admitted an equal pay liability of £760m. Now the GMB, the UK's third largest Trade Union, says female care workers in Sunderland have been underpaid for years compared with the mostly male litter-pickers, and are making a similar claim against their council. Anita hears the latest from Rhea Wolfson, head of the GMB's National Equal Pay Department.
Since winning the Great British Bake Off in 2015, Nadiya Hussain has published seven cookery books, presented numerous TV shows and been awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting and the culinary arts. Nadiya joins Anita to talk about her latest book and BBC Two series, Nadiya’s Simple Spices, in which she concentrates exclusively on recipes from her Bangladeshi heritage, and creates recipes with eight spices.
The death toll from last Friday’s earthquake in Morocco has reached nearly 3,000 people. Three hundred thousand people are said to have been affected, including 100,000 children. The aftermath of earthquakes poses numerous challenges to women and children who are said to suffer the most during humanitarian emergencies. Anita speaks to Ridwana Wallace-Laher, CEO of the Penny Appeal, who has been working in Morocco, and the actor Laila Rouass, a British-Moroccan representative for Education for All, a charity which provides schooling for girls in Morocco.
Wilderness is a new Prime Video psychological thriller series which stars Jenna Coleman and Oliver Jackson-Cohen. It's the story of a young British couple, Liv and Will, who seemingly have it all. But their glamorous new life in New York changes dramatically when Liv learns Will has been seeing another woman. Liv's heartbreak turns into fury and revenge. Anita is joined by Marnie Dickens, the writer and creator of the series.
Presenter: Anita Rani
Producer: Rebecca Myatt
Studio manager: Bob Nettles
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