Sheila Scott; Symphysiotomy; Feminism and Men

Is there a place for men in the feminist movement? And can the struggle for equality for women around the world  also improve the lives of men?  Those are the questions raised in a new book called ‘Feminism and Men.’ Its author Nikki Van Der Gaag, says unless men are involved in the debate on how best to tackle discrimination against women, then they will continue to block women’s advancement. Nikki Van Der Gaag and feminist and activist Karen Ingala Smith debate the issues.

The Irish Government has announced that it will be giving payments to women who underwent a process during child birth called symphysiotomy. Symphysiotomy is a surgical procedure where obstetricians sawed through women's pelvic bones to deliver their babies. The procedure was performed on about 1,500 women from the 1940s to the 1980s, some were as young as 15.  Most of these women were never told what was happening to them and weren’t asked to give their consent. They have suffered life long pain and incontinence. Jenni speaks to one of the women who had the procedure 50 years ago and to Marie O’Connor – chairperson of the Survivors of Symphysiotomy. 

The British aviator Sheila Scott made history with more than 100 flying records, trophies and awards. Among her record breaking escapades were three solo flights around the world. She died in 1988, aged 61. Here’s an interview from the Woman’s Hour Archive from 1968 when she spoke to Marjorie Anderson about her attitude to flying and record breaking. Jane is joined by Caroline Gough-Cooper, a two time Ladies' World Helicopter Champion and former commercial pilot,who tells her what life is like from women in the cockpit today. 

You can explore the Woman’s Hour Archive Collection for more classic interviews from the history of the programme

 

The passing of a family member is always a difficult time, made even more so when there is family discord surrounding the will. Jane speaks to lawyer Alison Meek, and Professor Carol Smart, on why some people leave a legacy of ill will when they die.