Main content

The future of feminism; Patricia Clarkson; Marina Benjamin

Programme that offers a female perspective on the world. The future of feminism, Patricia Clarkson on Learning To Drive, and Marina Benjamin on turning 50.

This week the Fawcett Society celebrates its 150th anniversary. It also marks the point when Millicent Fawcett and other campaigners handed in the first petition for women's suffrage to Parliament. On Tuesday we looked at the impact of a century and a half of feminism on women's lives. Today we look at where women continue to need to make inroads and what battles there are left to win? Sam Smethers, chief executive of the Fawcett Society, Helen Lewis, deputy editor of the News Statesman and writer and teacher, Lola Okolosie, join Jenni.

In a society obsessed with living longer and looking younger, what does middle age nowadays mean? Jenni talks to Marina Benjamin about The Middlepause - On Turning 50. How should a fifty-something be in a world constantly redefining ageing, youth, and experience?

American actor Patricia Clarkson stars in Learning to Drive, a film about a woman who finally takes lessons following the break -up of her marriage. Patricia talks to Jenni about becoming a Hollywood sex symbol in her 50s.

And what's it like returning home - perhaps indefinitely - after graduating from university? What about the shattered peace of a previously empty nest? Jenni is joined by twenty something graduate and journalist Lucy Tobin, who went back to her mum and dad's after university, and by mother Celia Dodd, whose children returned after studying. She's also the author of The Empty Nest: How To Survive And Stay Close To Your Adult Child.

Presenter: Jenni Murray
Producer: Laura Northedge.

Available now

45 minutes

Chapters

  • The future of feminism

    Sam Smethers, Helen Lewis and Lola Okolosie mark 150 years of the Fawcett Society

    Duration: 16:15

  • Patricia Clarkson

    Patricia Clarkson talks to Jenni about becoming a Hollywood sex symbol in her 50s

    Duration: 09:51

  • The Middlepause

    Marina Benjamin on turning 50 and constantly redefining ageing, youth, and experience

    Duration: 06:49

  • Moving home after graduation

    Lucy Tobin and Celia Dodd discuss the process of moving home as a graduate and a parent

    Duration: 08:57

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Jenni Murray
Producer Laura Northedge
Interviewed Guest Sam Smethers
Interviewed Guest Helen Lewis
Interviewed Guest Lola Okolosie
Interviewed Guest Patricia Clarkson
Interviewed Guest Marina Benjamin
Interviewed Guest Lucy Tobin
Interviewed Guest Celia Dodd

Broadcast

  • Thu 9 Jun 2016 10:00

Follow us on Instagram

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

Podcast