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Queens of Industry, Yrsa Daley-Ward, Northern Ireland and abortion

Queens of Industry exhibition, Northern Ireland and abortion access in the province, Instagram poet Yrsa Daley-Ward and women in classical music and the Southbank Sinfonia.

This week, the highest court in the land, will rule on abortion in Northern Ireland. The Supreme Court in London will decide whether or not the law as it stands breaches human rights. At the moment, Northern Ireland is the only region in the UK where women cannot get an abortion, unless their life is in danger. Last week's abortion referendum result across the border, in the Republic, has shone a spotlight on the situation in Northern Ireland and pro-choice demonstrators have been demanding change.

An exhibition currently running at the Leeds Industrial Museum celebrates the stories of the Queens of Industry. Inspired by the tradition of May Queens, these women represented some of Britain's greatest industries, from coal to cotton and railways to wool. The tradition began in the 1920s and continued into the 1980s. It took young women out of their day to day lives to become Queens who would promote their industry and represent their fellow workers. Louise Adamson has been to Leeds to have a tour of the exhibition with the curator, John McGoldrick, and to hear from some of the Queens themselves.

The Instagram poet Yrsa Daley-Ward joins Jane to talk about her new memoir 'The Terrible', which mixes poetry and prose, and details her religious upbringing, sexuality and her struggle with depression. The Terrible is published by Penguin Random House on Tuesday 5th June.

The Woman's Hour Power List 2018 is celebrating women in music, but what are things like for women in the classical sphere? Composer Cheryl Frances-Hoad, conductor, Karin Henrickson, and pianist, Ivana Gavri膰 are premiering Cheryl's new piano concerto as part of Southbank Sinfonia's Rush Hour series, and join us to discuss the creative process and their respective careers.

Presenter: Jane Garvey
Producer: Kirsty Starkey.

Available now

58 minutes

Chapters

  • Northern Ireland Abortion

    Duration: 13:40

  • Queens of Industry

    Duration: 11:06

  • Yrsa Daley-Ward

    Duration: 08:05

  • Women in Classical Music

    Duration: 09:21

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Jane Garvey
Interviewed Guest Stella Creasy
Interviewed Guest Bernadette Smyth
Interviewed Guest Grainne Teggart
Interviewed Guest John McGoldrick
Interviewed Guest Doreen Kerfoot Fletcher
Interviewed Guest Deborah Barry
Interviewed Guest Yrsa Daley-Ward
Interviewed Guest Cheryl Frances Hoad
Interviewed Guest Karin Hendrickson
Interviewed Guest Ivana Gavric
Producer Kirsty Starkey
Reporter Louise Adamson

Broadcast

  • Mon 4 Jun 2018 10:00

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