Powerful Women under Pressure, the 'Toxic' Sex and Gender debate, Periods and Parenting

Theresa May has been described by journalists as "iron", a "rock", as handling the situation as "only a woman can" while simultaneously being subjected to public displays of sympathy. We discuss attitudes towards powerful women under pressure. Why has the current debate about women's rights and transgender rights become so difficult? It has been marked by aggressive confrontation, routine no-platforming and competing claims of misogyny and trans-phobia. So, how can and should we balance free speech with the competing rights of different groups. And how do we go about resolving these tensions? When is the right time to tell your children about periods and what's the best way of talking about them? Composer Hilda Paredes talks about her new opera, Harriet. This chamber piece celebrates the life and impact of Harriet Tubman, an icon of African-American abolitionist history. Presenter: Jane Garvey Interviewed guest: Helen Lewis Interviewed guest: Anne McElvoy Interviewed guest: Bex Stinson Interviewed guest: Natalie Byrne Interviewed guest: Emma Chesworth Interviewed guest: Hilda Paredes Producer: Lucinda Montefiore