Woman's Hour

Suzanne Edwards is a pioneering participant in neural-implant trials, working to regain mobility after a spinal injury, and shares how sport has shaped her journey. Professor Janet Cade, a researcher from the University of Leeds, reveals eye-opening findings from a landmark study linking diet to women's health risks, including cancer and menopause timing. Unbeaten boxer Francesca Hennessy, known as the 'billion-dollar baby,' discusses her rise in women's boxing, her intense training regime, and the excitement of primetime coverage for the sport.

The Covid Inquiry led by Baroness Hallett has concluded that the UK did too little too late in response to Covid-19, that the lockdown could have been avoided if steps such as social distancing and isolating had been introduced earlier. Joining Anita Rani to give their response to the findings and tell their stories of that time, are musical theatre actor Ruthie Henshall, whose mother died in a care home during Covid and Naomi Fulop, from Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK, who also lost her mother during this time. Another chance to hear a shortened version of an interview Anita recorded last month with Melinda French Gates, the most well known and powerful woman in philanthropy. In 2000, Melinda co-founded the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has - to date - donated over one hundred billion dollars to charitable projects. She and Bill Gates married in 1994 and divorced in 2021, after 27 years of marriage. Melinda has since left their joint enterprise and set up her own, Pivotal Ventures, which has one purpose: to put power into the hands of women. In a new report 'Care, courage, change,' the World Health Organisation has conducted analysis of the various health and support policies for survivors of violence in the 53 countries of the WHO European Region. The report reveals that almost one in three women and girls aged 15-years and older, will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime - but countries' health sectors are failing nearly one in three survivors. Anita Rani talks to Melanie Hyde, WHO Europe’s Gender, Equality and Human Rights Technical Officer, author of the report.Poetry, love and an incurable cancer diagnosis are the themes of a new film looking at the relationship between the acclaimed spoken word poet and activist Andrea Gibson and their wife, writer Megan Falley. Megan joins Anita along with the documentary's producer Jessica Hargrave to talk about the film and her late wife. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Francesca Hennessy, the unbeaten 'Billion Dollar Baby' boxer, shares her journey as she prepares for a high-stakes fight, emphasizing the growth of women's boxing. Zoe Conway explores concerning NEET statistics, revealing shifts in demographics and government responses. Painter Caroline Walker discusses her thought-provoking exhibition 'Mothering,' highlighting the often-overlooked realities of motherhood and support networks. Lastly, Suzanne Edwards recounts her inspiring experience with neurotechnology trials, showcasing resilience in her rehabilitation journey.

Saskia Reeves, a versatile actor known for her role in 'Slow Horses,' shares insights into her latest performance in the National Theatre production 'End,' exploring complex relationships with co-star Clive Owen. Georgina Young, a registered childminder, discusses the pressing financial challenges her profession faces amidst declining numbers and government funding cuts. Frank Gardner, BBC Security Correspondent, analyzes the UK’s counterterrorism policies, emphasizing the urgent need for organized repatriation of women and children still in camps in Iraq and Syria.

Lily Megson-Harvey, Policy Director at My Pension Expert, reveals how a staggering number of women could face poverty in retirement due to the gender pension gap. Maxime Rowson, from Rape Crisis England and Wales, discusses troubling delays in rape trials, urging for reforms to protect survivors. Professor Janet Cade shares eye-opening findings from the UK Women's Cohort Study regarding diet's impact on women's health. Novelist Harriet Lane delves into themes of social media, exploring how parasocial relationships shape modern friendships.

Davina Gupta, a seasoned BBC correspondent, dives into the turbulent political landscape surrounding former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her recent court verdict. Laura Brown, a former fashion editor and co-author, shares empowering insights on navigating job loss, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming the narrative around being fired. Emmy-winning composer Laura Karpman introduces her groundbreaking opera 'Balls,' which explores the gender dynamics of the 1973 Battle of the Sexes while advocating for gender parity in music composition.

Caroline Flack was a Bafta-winning TV presenter, host of shows including Love Island and The X Factor. In February of 2020, she took her own life ahead of a court case in which she was charged with the assault of her then boyfriend, after weeks of press scrutiny. Her mother Christine Flack tells Clare McDonnell about spending the past five years uncovering documents from the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service to try to find out more about the events around Caroline’s death and she also questions the role of the press. That journey is documented in a two-part documentary out on Disney+ called Caroline Flack: Search for the Truth.This week, Women’s Super League Football officially unveil Design Guidelines for the Delivery of Elite Women’s Stadiums in England – a world first framework supporting clubs, local authorities, and architects in building or upgrading venues specifically for their women’s teams. They say the rapid growth of the women’s game has demonstrated that football venues, historically built and designed for male players and fans, need to be better equipped to cater towards the specific needs of female athletes and supporters. Hannah Buckley, Head of Infrastructure, Safety and Sustainability for WSL football and Suzy Wrack, women’s football correspondent for the Guardian discuss.Pelvic Girdle Pain, also known as pubic symphysis dysfunction, affects an estimated one in five pregnant women. It is often mild but can sometimes be debilitating and it's been highlighted by a BBC news report that has come out today. It's not harmful to the baby, but it can affect simple things like the mother's mobility. Kylie Pentelow spoke to Victoria Roberton, who experienced Pelvic Girdle Pain during her first pregnancy - she is now coordinator at the Pelvic Partnership, and Dr Nighat Arif, a GP specialising in women's health.As part of the Radio 4 Fatherhood season, Clare McDonnell and her guests discuss the role of fatherhood in men’s lives. Darren Harriott is a 37-year-old comedian and presenter of Father Figuring. Darren has now lived longer than his dad, who took his own life while in prison, and he is questioning would he be a good dad? What even makes a good dad? They were joined by Dr Robin Hadley who has written a book looking at why men, like himself, do not become fathers.Eleanor of Castile was England’s Queen as wife of Edward I. When she died in Lincoln in 1290, heartbroken Edward brought her body back to London with a 200 mile funeral cortege, commissioning 12 elaborate crosses to be created at every place her body rested. Historian Alice Loxton retraced the walk last year on the anniversary of the procession, a mere 734 years later. She joined Kylie Pentelow to tell her why.Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Annette Wells

Layla Alsheikh and Mor Ynon, both members of the Parents Circle Families Forum, discuss their journeys of reconciliation following personal losses in the Israel-Palestine conflict. They share their challenges and hopes for lasting peace, navigating complex emotions after tragedy. Meanwhile, Rebecca Brewer reveals insights into her all-female musical Coven, which explores the Pendle witch trials, emphasizing women's voices and experiences. She discusses the creative process, themes of empowerment, and the unique atmosphere of a female-led production.

Runa Khan, the founder of Friendship and Earthshot Prize winner, discusses her work in Bangladesh on climate adaptation solutions, emphasizing the importance of locally led interventions. Nicôle Leckie, a writer and actor behind the BBC drama Wild Cherry, delves into the portrayal of complex mother-daughter dynamics and the impact of social media on teenagers. Historian Alice Loxton shares her unique journey retracing Eleanor of Castile's funeral cortege, exploring the queen's legacy and modern walking practices.

Laura Mulvey, a pioneering feminist film theorist, reflects on her landmark concept of the 'male gaze' as she receives a BFI Fellowship. Natalie Queiroz shares her harrowing survival story after being attacked while pregnant and reacts to the distressing news of her attacker's prison transfer approval. Suzy Wrack discusses new guidelines for women's football stadiums, emphasizing fan and player needs. Comedian Darren Harriott explores the complexities of fatherhood absence, questioning what it means to be a good dad through humor and personal anecdotes.