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Last broadcast on Thu, 9 Dec 2010, 10:00 on BBC Radio 4.
Synopsis
Presented by Jenni Murray. Lung cancer is a disease that's traditionally associated with male smokers, so why are rates rising among women while decreasing in men? The life of pioneering anti-apartheid activist Ruth First through the eyes of her daughter Gillian Slovo on the eve of the re-publication of her mother's account of that time. From mistresses to divers and 'dippers', we take a tour of Brighton and visit the haunts of some of its most notable women in the seaside town's Regency period. According to the latest figures, the pay gap between men and women has shrunk to its smallest in 13 years. A cause for celebration? Not so, says Fawcett which is calling for urgent action to speed up progress.
Why are lung cancer rates rising in women?
Traditionally a male smoker’s disease, the rates of lung cancer are increasing for women but decreasing for men. What lies behind these figures, and what more can be done to raise awareness amongst women? Jenni is joined by the journalist Cassandra Jardine who has just been diagnosed with the illness, Prof Stephen Spiro, Deputy Chair of the British Lung Foundation, and Dr Julia Verne, Director of the NHS’s South West Public Health Observatory.
Closing the gender pay gap
The gender pay gap has narrowed as women have seen bigger pay increases in 2010. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show the gap between men and women's median pay has shrunk to 10.2% - the closest since figures started in 1997. But how should this progress be viewed? Abigail Morris, Employment Advisor from the British Chamber of Commerce, and Cerri Goddard, Chief Executive of The Fawcett Society, discuss.
Women’s history walk - Brighton
The East Sussex coastal town of Brighton became fashionable as a seaside resort in Georgian times and has attracted hoards of visitors ever since. Brighton resident Louise Hume is a writer and lecturer as well as a tour guide at the famous Brighton Pavilion. She devised a special walking tour of the town for Herstoria magazine, taking a route that highlights the role of women in its history. Anna Bailey reports.
Ruth First - anti-apartheid pioneer
Ruth First was one of South Africa’s pioneering anti-apartheid white activists. In 1963 she was arrested under the infamous 90-day detention clause and held in solitary confinement. She was released only to be re-arrested before she had time even to reach a phone box. She prided herself on her sharp mind and resolution but the detention pushed her to the absolute brink. Her extraordinary, sparse account of that time, '117 Days', is being re-published, and Ruth's daughter Gillian Slovo talks to Jenni about this harrowing period in her mother's life.
'117 Days', by Ruth First, is published by Virago
Chapters
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Chapter 1
Why are lung cancer rates rising in women?
Journalist Cassandra Jardine, who has lung cancer, Dr Julia Verne, Director of NHS South West Public Health Observatory & Prof Stephen Spiro, Deputy Chairman of the British Lung Foundation.
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Chapter 2
Closing the Gender Pay Gap
Abigail Morris, Employment Adviser from the British Chamber of Commerce and Ceri Goddard, Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society join Jenni.
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Chapter 3
Women's History Walk - Brighton
Reporter Anna Bailey meets Louise Hume, writer and lecturer who's devised a walking tour of Brighton which highlights the role of women in the town's history.
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Chapter 4
Ruth First anti-apartheid pioneer
Jenni is joined by Gillian Slovo who talks about her mother Ruth First. She was one of South Africa's pioneering white, anti-apartheid activists.
Broadcast
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Thu 9 Dec 201010:00
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