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Last broadcast on Thu, 5 Aug 2010, 10:00 on BBC Radio 4.
Synopsis
Presented by Jenni Murray. What is the reality for women's rights in Afghanistan now that a date for an exit strategy has been set? Jean Kwok talks about her novel 'Girl in Translation', which is based on her own experience of being a child sweatshop worker in New York. The increasing number of women being attracted to a career as a Park Ranger. And, the role of a forensic physician is crucial to getting a conviction for rape. But how good is the quality of care? And who should be responsible for the service?
Leaving Afghanistan - but what about women's rights?
An exit strategy has been laid down for the withdrawal of coalition troops from Afghanistan. President Obama has set a deadline of July 2011 for beginning the drawdown of US forces and David Cameron has stated that by 2015 Britain will not have a combat presence in the region. But many Afghan women fear that the quest for a quick peace will mean negotiating with the Taliban and a return to their oppressive regime. So how will women’s rights be affected once the troops have gone? Jenni discusses the issues with Sue Turrell, Director of WOMANKIND Worldwide and from Kabul the journalist and human rights activist Horia Mosadeq.
"Girl in Translation" - Jean Kwok
‘Girl in Translation’ is the first novel by Chinese-American author Jean Kwok. It is based on her own family’s experience of being immigrant sweatshop workers in New York in the 1970’s. Her academically gifted heroine Kimberly juggles school with back-breaking piece-work, whilst living in a rat-infested, freezing apartment with her mother.The book sharply portrays the utter bewilderment of suddenly being faced with a whole new language, culture and way of life. Jenni talks to Jean about belonging, learning, poverty and escape.
Photograph courtesy of Sigrid Estrada.
Park Rangers
The UK national park movement has just celebrated its 60th anniversary, and traditionally the role of park ranger was very much a male one. But now, an increasing number of women are being attracted to a career that can involve everything from botany to back-breaking path-laying all in the great outdoors. Caz Graham joins two Park Rangers at work in the Hareshaw Gorge, a site of special scientific interest in the Northumberland National Park.
Forensic Physicians
The role of a forensic physician is crucial to getting a conviction for rape. It’s their job to collect evidence from victims and to present their findings to court. But the British Medical Association has claimed that the quality of care provided by these forensic physicians is diminishing, and an independent review has recently concluded that responsibility for this service should be transferred from the police to the NHS.
Jenni discusses the issues with Dr Michael Wilks, the Deputy-Chairman of the BMA’s Forensic Medicine Committee, and Dave Whatton, the chief constable with special responsibility for rape and sexual assault from the Association of Chief Police Officers.
Chapters
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Chapter 1
How will women’s rights be affected when troops leave Afghanistan? Jenni is joined by Sue Turrell, Director of WOMANKIND Worldwide and by the journalist and human rights activist Horia Mosadeq.
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Chapter 2
Girl in Translation is the first novel by Chinese-American author Jean Kwok. Jenni talks to Jean about belonging, learning, poverty and escape.
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Chapter 3
Caz Graham joins two Park Rangers at work in the Hareshaw Gorge, a site of special scientific interest in the Northumberland National Park.
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Chapter 4
Dr Michael Wilks, Deputy-Chairman of the BMA’s Forensic Medicine Committee and Dave Whatton, chief constable with special responsibility for rape and sexual assault from ACPO.
Broadcast
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Thu 5 Aug 201010:00
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