Main content

Sheila Scott; Symphysiotomy; Feminism and Men

Female aviator Sheila Scott, feminism and men, wills that destroy families, and the fight for compensation for the women in Ireland who underwent symphysiotomy during childbirth.

The extraordinary life of female aviator Sheila Scott, who was the first woman to fly around the world in a light aircraft. The Irish Government has announced that it will be giving payments to some women who underwent a process during child birth called symphysiotomy, a surgical procedure involving sawing through a woman's pelvic bone to deliver her baby. But are these women being offered a fair deal? Men in the feminist movement; we ask if there is a place for them. And why do wills have the power to destroy families? We hear from a woman whose life was derailed by a family dispute over inheritance.

Available now

58 minutes

Last on

Fri 5 Dec 2014 10:00

Chapters

  • Men and Feminism

    Duration: 09:42

  • Symphysiotomy

    Duration: 11:56

  • A Pilots Passion: Sheila Scott

    Duration: 08:58

  • Wills That Destroy A Family

    Duration: 09:38

Men and Feminism

Is there a place for men in the feminist movement? And can the struggle for equality for women around the worldÌý also improve the lives of men?Ìý Those are the questions raised in a new book called ‘Feminism and Men.’ Its author Nikki Van Der Gaag, says unless men are involved in the debate on how best to tackle discrimination against women, then they will continue to block women’s advancement. Nikki Van Der Gaag and feminist and activist Karen Ingala Smith debate the issues.

Symphysiotomy

The Irish Government has announced that it will be giving payments to women who underwent a process during child birth called . Symphysiotomy is a surgical procedure where obstetricians sawed through women's pelvic bones to deliver their babies. The procedure was performed on about 1,500 women from the 1940s to the 1980s, some were as young as 15.Ìý Most of these women were never told what was happening to them and weren’t asked to give their consent. They have suffered life long pain and incontinence. Jenni speaks to one of the women who had the procedure 50 years ago and to Marie O’Connor – chairperson of the .Ìý

A Pilots Passion: Sheila Scott

The British aviator Sheila Scott made history with more than 100 flying records, trophies and awards. Among her record breaking escapades were three solo flights around the world. She died in 1988, aged 61. Here’s an interview from the Woman’s Hour Archive from 1968 when she spoke to Marjorie Anderson about her attitude to flying and record breaking. Jane is joined by Caroline Gough-Cooper, aÌýtwo time Ladies' World Helicopter Champion and former commercial pilot,who tells her what life is like from women in the cockpit today.Ìý

You can explore the Collection for more classic interviews from the history of the programme

Ìý


Wills That Destroy A Family

The passing of a family member is always a difficult time, made even more so when there is family discord surrounding the will. Jane speaks to lawyer Alison Meek, and Professor Carol Smart, on why some people leave a legacy of ill will when they die.

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Jane Garvey
Producer Laura Northedge
Interviewed Guest Marie O'Connor
Interviewed Guest Nikki van der Gaag
Interviewed Guest Karen Ingala Smith
Interviewed Guest Caroline Brown
Interviewed Guest Alison Meek
Interviewed Guest Carol Smart

Broadcast

  • Fri 5 Dec 2014 10:00

Follow us on Instagram

Get all the pictures, videos, behind the scenes and more from Woman’s Hour

Podcast