Sofia Bettiza

Sofia Bettiza, BBC's gender and identity correspondent, dives into Belgium's groundbreaking law granting labor rights to sex workers, making it the first nation to do so. She discusses the implications of this legislation, including health insurance, pensions, and maternity leave, and whether it truly protects workers from exploitation. The conversation also touches on global perspectives on sex work regulation and the empowering impact of recognizing sex work as legitimate labor, reinforced by personal stories and post-pandemic activism.

Sergi Forcada Freixas, a BBC journalist from Madrid, and Sofia Bettiza, the BBC's gender and identity correspondent, discuss the explosive fallout from Luis Rubiales' controversial kiss at the Women's World Cup. This incident has overshadowed Spain’s victory and sparked a national dialogue on consent and sexism. Bettiza connects the case to Spain's ongoing cultural evolution from patriarchal norms to gender equality, significantly influenced by prior events like the La Manada case, highlighting a vital shift in public perception and legal frameworks regarding sexual assault.

Sofia Bettiza, BBC's gender and identity correspondent, dives into the booming global surrogacy industry and its ethical complexities. She discusses Italy's controversial ban, likening surrogacy to human trafficking, and shares personal stories of affected couples. The conversation also explores the diverse laws surrounding surrogacy worldwide, the tensions between surrogates and intended parents, and the impact of cultural shifts on this industry. Bettiza balances the empowerment of surrogates against the growing demand from LGBTQ+ and infertile couples.