Woman’s Hour

[LeaveMyDamnJam]

I was in the car for a couple of hours yesterday and listened to woman’s hour. It isn’t my go to programme at all, but that isn’t the reason for this post.

The 15 minute play series this week is about prostate cancer (annoyingly and tweely called prostrate in this item)- it’s a dreadfully written play as well. Now I realise prostate cancer is being highlighted at the moment and rightly so, but surely a cancer that is totally a male concern doesn’t need WH as a platform. There are 23 other hours of the day for radio 4 to discuss and promote awareness.

Can anyone help me understand why women have to make way again?

It isn't women making way, don't be daft. Youv'e missed the point entirely.

It is to make women the gatekeepers for mens health. To take the blame if he doesn't get the care he needs. Women must be responsible, for everything bad!

That has been driving me mad this week too. Although largely because the dialogue and acting are so completely cringe worthy.

Well I did wonder about the women being gatekeepers as well. Whatever the reason, as an editorial decision, it stinks.

And may be one of the reaons for recent changes in presenters...

Does anyone know much about Emma Barnett? I don't... just wondering!

@CuriousaboutSamphire

And may be one of the reaons for recent changes in presenters...

Does anyone know much about Emma Barnett? I don't... just wondering!

Emma Barnett is smart and a bit TERFy. Or as terfy as anyone can dare to be if they want to keep their job at the BBC.

Ooh! Sounds positive. Thanks

I like Emma Barnett a lot.

Emma Barnett skewered Jo Swinson pre-election with the men-in-women's-prisons issue and then, entirely deadpan, asked "what sort of feminist are you, Ms Swinson".

It was glorious.

That’s good news re Emma Barnett.

That's a relief!

I can see why prostate cancer is featured in that most of us love a few people with prostates.

My husband didn't know that I don't have one. I mean, really?

Hmm I'm not sure what to think about this one...

I have seen Male cancer awareness things in typically Male media, so on football channels etc so they are trying to get to them directly too. However, I don't believe I've seen anything about women's health targeted at men in that way. So that is an unfairness.

I'm aware that it is "A Thing" that men are less likely to seek medical attention in the early stages so by making their female partners aware of symptoms too they're hoping the woman will prompt.

If the net result means that a husband and father gets the help he needs to be around longer for his family then I do think that is positive, however it would equal it up if men were expected to know more about women's health issues too in order to support their partners to get help if they notice something about her.

My husband didn't know that I don't have one. I mean, really? That’s so funny!

Oooh, I hadn't heard that Emma Barentt had been recruited — I'm thrilled. She's GC and has been pretty up-front about it. I get the impression that she's not a woman who will be easily muzzled. She's also been Women's editor at the Telegraph so can't be accused of being a Guardian leftie. I think she might be the shot-in-the-arm that WH has needed for some time.

I believe that a lot of men listen to WH. So there's that.

Why can't we all just be nice, and then be even nicer as the menz take over our agenda? It's not as if we matter, is it?

I don't see the 10.45 slot as part of WH. It's more of a standalone drama slot as can be seen by it it being repeated at 19.45.

Well it’s in the name woman’s hour. The programme starts at 10 and the play is introduced by the WH team at 10:45.

I’m not hating men. I have a husband and son whom I love dearly. I absolutely support awareness raising of prostate cancer. I just feel that in the current climate women’s voices are being eroded.

Woman’s hour, where 1/4 of the hour is about men.

Perhaps rebrand it to women’s 45 minutes?

@Brandaris

Woman’s hour, where 1/4 of the hour is about men.

Perhaps rebrand it to women’s 45 minutes?

👆

I read somewhere that many men get their testicular cancer diagnosed after their partner finds a lump.
I'm not fucking checking your prostate, DP. Sorry.

Can we petition Emma Barnett to promote the slogan "I'm not your mum - check your own bum!" ???

I've had a miserable morning so far but that made me laugh!

@RuffleCrow

Can we petition Emma Barnett to promote the slogan "I'm not your mum - check your own bum!" ???

That should be on tee shirts.

I am my son’s mum but I will not be checking his bum when he is 25/36/48 either.

I've been quite enjoying "Prostrate"!

It's a lot better than that dreadful "Just a Girl", which is even more of a blunt instrument trying to 'educate us'.

But I'd much rather listen to Meera Syal as Jackie Hartwell, the family liason officer. Or Nicola Walker as Annika Strandhed, the Oslo boat police. I'd much rather listen to a 15-minute drama, not a 15-minute propaganda slot/public service announcement.