Next month, BBC Woman’s Hour will mark 80 years on air with a special broadcast from Glasgow Women’s Library.
On 7th October it will look through the BBC archives to remember the stories and voices behind the flagship programme.
A cornerstone of the Radio 4 schedule, it continues to attract an audience of millions.
“Woman’s Hour is one of the defining programmes of Radio 4 and a vital part of the BBC’s programming as a whole,” said Mohit Bakaya, Controller of Radio 4.
“For eight decades, its ability to connect women’s personal experiences with the issues shaping society has ensured its continued relevance across generations. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we recognise the lasting contribution Woman’s Hour has made to public life and look forward to its next chapter.”
READ MORE – Tributes paid to longstanding Woman’s Hour host Dame Jenni Murray
The theme of this anniversary year is Use Your Voice and in this special programme, Nuala McGovern delves into the Woman’s Hour archive to celebrate conversations with the women who have challenged attitudes, driven change and transformed lives.
Results from new polling, shared during the programme, will show how women use their voice in their lives today, including where they feel confident to speak out and where they feel silenced.
The programme will also celebrate the power, insight and joy of women’s voices across generations with a specially commissioned work by award-winning poet, writer and performer, Holly McNish.
During the show, McGovern will view the script from the very first episode in 1946 – which was presented by a man, Alan Ivimey, and focused largely on women’s domestic lives.
Its opening item was a discussion about the ‘problem of mother’s midday meal’, with suggestions including how to cook a herring or a baked potato.
The show’s first female host was Joan Griffiths.
“For 80 years, Woman’s Hour has reflected the realities of women’s lives. Looking back through the archives, it’s striking to see how much has changed and yet how many issues remain just as relevant today,” added Karen Dalziel, editor of Woman’s Hour.
“What has never changed is the importance of listening to women, taking their experiences seriously and putting their voices centre stage. We’re incredibly proud of the programme’s history, and even more excited about its future.”
Woman’s Hour is on BBC Radio 4 weekdays at 10am.
