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Women in Science; Jessica Swale; Vatican PR

Encouraging women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths; the signficance of the appointment of a female PR to a Vatican commission. Jenni Murray presents.

Only 13% of all jobs in Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) in the UK are occupied by women. As many students across the country take in their exam results and head to university we talk to Shaleem Grant, soon-to-be student and Anne-Marie Imafidon founder of 'Stemettes' an organisation trying to encourage women to pursue careers in the sciences.

With international, military intervention into Syria looking more and more likely by the hour Jenni speaks to Alison Phillips, editor of the Sunday Mirror, currently in Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, home to 130,000 Syrian refugees, half of them under 18 years old.

We look at how throughout our cultural history, women's sexual organs have often been demonised and rendered obscene. So what does this mean for women's identities and how is this issue addressed in literature and culture?

Why the appointment of a 30 year old woman PR consultant to a high profile Vatican commission is causing quite a stir in Rome. So how significant is her appointment and are attitudes to women changing under Pope Francis?

And Jessica Swale makes her play-writing debut at the Globe with Blue Stockings. Set in and around Girton College, Cambridge in the 1890s - it's the story of four young women fighting to be allowed to graduate along with their male counterparts. She joins Jenni to discuss her inspiration for the play and why she thinks the issues it raises are as relevant today as they were when it was first produced.

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58 minutes

Chapters

  • Report from Syria

    The editor of the Sunday Mirror reports from a refugee camp in Syria.

    Duration: 05:39

  • Women in Science

    Shaleem Grant, soon-to-be student & Anne-Marie Imafidon founder of 'Stemettes'.

    Duration: 07:15

  • Cultural History of the Vagina

    women's sexual organs have often been rendered obscene, what are the cultural implications

    Duration: 11:53

  • Dating Feedback

    Listener feedback about our dating special.

    Duration: 01:52

  • Women in the Vatican

    Why the appointment of a woman PR consultant to a Vatican commission is an issue in Rome.

    Duration: 05:27

  • Jessica Swale

    Jessica Swale makes her play-writing debut at the Globe with Blue Stockings.

    Duration: 09:26

Syria Update

With international, military intervention into Syria looking more and more likely by the hour Jenni speaks to Alison Phillips, editor of the Sunday Mirror, currently in Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, home to 130,000 Syrian refugees, half of them under 18 years old.

Careers in STEM for women.

How are young women being encouraged to get into science, technology, engineering and mathematics? Jenni talks to Anne-Marie Imafidon, founder of , and soon-to-be science undergraduate Shaleem Grant.

Cultural representations of the vagina

In her new book ‘The Vagina: A Literary and Cultural History’, Dr Emma L. E. Rees looks at how throughout our cultural history, women’s sexual organs have often been demonised and rendered obscene. So what does this mean for women’s identities and how is this issue addressed in literature & culture?

Changing attitudes to women in the Catholic Church?

The appointment of a glamorous 30yr old PR consultant to a high profile Vatican commission is causing quite a stir in Rome. Since she took up her role, a semi-topless picture of Francesca Chaouqui and her partner has emerged on the internet. On top of that she is accused of criticising one of the most powerful men in the Vatican. So how significant is her appointment and are attitudes to women changing under Pope Francis? Guest: Journalist and Catholic Joanna Moorhead.

Jessica Swale

Jessica Swale's first play, Blue Stockings, is set in Cambridge in the 1890s and follows the story of four young women fighting to be allowed to graduate alongside their male counterparts. Jessica discusses her inspiration for the play and how the questions it raises are as relevant today as they were then.
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Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Jenni Murray
Interviewed Guest Joanna Moorhead
Interviewed Guest Alison Phillips
Interviewed Guest Jessica Swale
Interviewed Guest Shaleem Grant
Interviewed Guest Anne-Marie Imafidon
Interviewed Guest Emma LE Rees
Producer Rebecca Wood

Broadcast

  • Thu 29 Aug 2013 10:00

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