Policywonk, in Hobbs and em and ess, LIVE FROM THE G20

[policywonk]

YOWZA

Well, and if that's so, don't we just have to accept that there won't be a 'big bang' moment for gender development issues - progress will be extremely slow and frustrating?

Or: can anything be done to break through these cultural barriers in time to improve the fortunes of the next generation of women in developing countries?

I guess he'd probably say answer is yes to that one (though would be good to see if he squirms uncomfortably...)

Interesting to know whether UK sees a new approach to dealing with these type of issues with new US administration - applies to MNH and other things like HIV and sexual health where the US have been 'unhelpful' in Bush era

Oh, I like Prince Philip - don't get me wrong. He is (perhaps unintentionally) hilarious.

I think you have to start further back with education, infrastructure, and there is a long lead in time for those. If girls don't have to fetch water all day and have a decent road to where they live - they can go to school...and learn about healthcare and become part of the solution.

like the bit about improving the fortunes of next generation of women in developing countries

repeats question:

"urm, so where is the blog? The one linked to from the homepage has only got a few posts. Or is that it so far"

Can I chuck in links to this film and feature from DFID about maternal health in Kenya. We're poised by the radio for PW's interview by Victoria Derbyshire at noon.

is pw wearing a pretty purply skirt today?

On the live feed now...

Very good pw.

Oh oh oh.

Quick question - what does MNH mean? Maternal neonatal Health? Sorry. Please tell.

Yes, that is the question agree with others, should be the focus of your questions PW. Well done.

I have to go out! I can't bear it. I want to hear PW at 12.00. Damn it.

yes I do want you to interview the chinese blogger please, if you get a chance. I'm just interested in him! Not sure you should actually elbow your way towards him just for me though. Perhaps you might find yourselves side by side at some point, and you could be nosy on my behalf?

Progress on women's issues in Afghanistan? The presisdent there has just signed into effect a law which makes forbids women from refusing sex to husband, and requires women to get permission fom husband before visiting doctor or similar.

Fantastic PW. will go back to watching the midwives and motorbike video now.

'Worse than the Taliban' - new law rolls back rights for Afghan women

If you get a chance can you pick him up on Wormsmeat's point?

Or does that make you too much like Jeremy Paxman?

link to live feed

PW - what was your impression of DA?

Do you think the fact that the world is over-populated is the reason that MNH is not a priority? I mean I bet if we were under-populated it would quickly become a burning and vital issue.

Well done Pee Dubya. Good luck with radio interview.

Seemed nice but can only say so much I suppose - cabinet responsibility and all that

Got to go to radio peeps. bac son