Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Woman's Hour

Magazines & Reviews

Podcasts

Factual: Life Stories

Factual: Health & Wellbeing

22/03/2024

Women's voices and women's lives - topical conversations to inform, challenge and inspire.

BBC Radio 4 LW

Sheila McClennon

Ian Bent

Julia Ryan

Denise Robertson

Mary Harte

Laura Nelson

Davis Williams

Antonia Quirke

Helen Berry

Jacqueline Hughes Lundy

Woman's Hour: Older people living together; Gender-based toys; Family films; Women who inspired you

Factual

womans-hour_cohabiting_271213_e_gt.jpg

27/12/2013

Older people living together; Gender-based toys; Family films; Women who inspired you

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, Older people living together; Gender-based toys; Family films; Women who inspired you

Sheila McClennon presents an investigation into gender stereotyping in children's toys.

Sheila McClennon presents the programme that offers a female perspective on the world, discussing older people living together, gender-based toys, family films and inspiring women.

A growing number of older people are living together rather than marrying. The latest figures released by the Office of National Statistics show that the number of over 85s cohabiting doubled in the last decade to 16,000. So why are more older people reluctant to commit to marriage? Sheila is joined by Dr Julia Ryan, Director of Pre-Qualifying Nursing Education at Salford University and by agony aunt, Denise Robertson.

It's that time of year when Christmas lists get written, and one toy which has lasted through the generations is Lego. But, back in January 2012 the toy giant came under fire when it released Lego Friends, a new range aimed specifically at girls. The blocks come in pastel pinks and lilacs, and sets include a beauty salon and a café. Now Lego have also made changes to its monthly magazine, sending different editions to boys and girls - with the girls version focussing specifically on Lego Friends. 10 year old Sakura Gibson from the town of Groomsport in Northern Ireland was so unhappy that her magazine has less choice than her brothers that she decided to write to Lego to get some answers. Mary Harte went to meet her and her family - Dad Stuart, Mum Kirsten and 6 year old brother Jude. We contacted Lego who said: "All LEGO Club members receive a free magazine. We want our Club members to be happy with their choice of magazine and if for any reason, they are not, we are more than happy to send an alternative version as soon as possible if they call our customer services number, which is provided in the magazine." Sheila McClennon speaks to neuroscientist and business coach Dr Laura Nelson who two years ago successfully campaigned to remove boy and girl labelling in the London toy shop Hamleys, and now works to end the gender stereotyping of children. Also joining Sheila is Dave Williams, the European sales director for the toy company Wooky Europe.

For many households, sitting down together to watch a good film on the television is an integral part of celebrating Christmas. Or at least it used to be - increasingly it seems parents bemoan the fact that the family is spread out around the house drawn to watch different films on separate screens. So what qualities make a classic family film at Christmas - which titles, new and old, still have the appeal to get everyone bunched up on the same sofa? Sheila is joined by film critic Antonia Quirke. 

All this year we've been celebrating powerful women with our first ever Woman's Hour Power List. You've heard about their achievements and what they've done to get where they are today - there have been some truly inspirational stories. As 2013 draws to a close we've been hearing from you about the woman in your life who inspired you. Professor Helen Berry, professor of history at Newcastle University & organiser of the Inspirational Women of the North East exhibition and Jacqueline Hughes Lundy, founder & organiser of the Inspiring Women Awards join Sheila to discuss what makes someone inspirational.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Woman's Hour

Older people living together; Gender-based toys; Family films; Women who inspired you

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4