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Last broadcast on Thu, 20 Jan 2011, 10:00 on BBC Radio 4.
Synopsis
Presented by Jenni Murray. Why British clothing sizes can be based more on the shop you visit than the size of your body. What accounts for vagaries in sizing policy? Renowned harpist Sioned Williams performs live with a unique instrument, the MIDI harp. You give us your views on the legacy of the Pill. The women who are training to compete in the boxing ring in Afghanistan. And the ethics of fertility treatment when family members are involved in egg or sperm donation. Is there a need for regulation?
Why do British dress sizes vary so much?
What size are you? Always a 10, definitely an 18? Or do you find it seems to depend hugely on the shop, the item of clothing that you take into the changing room - and a fair wind? Jenni will be asking whether “vanity sizing” – calling what used to be a 16 a 14, for instance, really goes on. Her guests are Ed Gribbin, President of Alvanon and Gemma Seagar, a vintage fashion blogger.
Your views: the legacy of the pill
On Monday, we had a discussion about the legacy of the pill. Lots of you got in touch to share your views on the subject.
Sioned Williams - harpist
Sioned Williams is one of the outstanding harpists of her generation, and Principal harpist with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. She joins Jenni to talk about her career and to perform live using a MIDI harp.
Family egg and sperm donation
Does the UK need to regulate the donation of egg and sperm between family members for fertility treatment? The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has started a public consultation on the issues. Jenni talks to HFEA Head of Policy, Juliet Tizzard and Sarah, who has frozen eggs in case her daughter wants to use them in the future.
Afghan Boxing
At a time when much of the news from Afghanistan is connected to the political and military situation, it’s heartening to hear about progress of a very different kind taking place in Kabul’s National sports stadium. During the reign of the Taliban this is where public executions were carried out and women accused of adultery were stoned to death. Today in a small, dingy gym, equipped with four punch bags and no boxing ring, Saber Sharifi trains a group of 20 female boxers. Set up in 2007 and aged from 13 to 20 some of them have their sights set on the 2012 Olympics, which will include female boxing for the first time. Felicity Finch caught up with three of the most promising young women during a training session with their coach.
Chapters
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Chapter 1
Jenni is joined by Ed Gribbin, President of Alvanon, a company which advises on size and shape and Gemma Seager who blogs about vintge fashion on Retro Chick.
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Chapter 2
Following Monday's discussion about the legacy of the pill, lots of you got in touch to share your views on the subject.
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Chapter 3
Sioned Williams is Principal harpist with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. She joins Jenni to talk about her career and to perform live using a MIDI harp.
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Chapter 4
Saber Sharifi trains a group of 20 female boxers in Afghanistan. Felicity Finch caught up with three of the most promising young women during a training session with their coach.
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Chapter 5
Jenni discusses the HFEA's public consultation on fertility treatment with its Head of Policy, Juliet Tizzard and Sarah, who has frozen eggs in case her daughter wants to use them in the future.
Broadcast
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Thu 20 Jan 201110:00
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