Al Fayed abuse allegations, Co-housing, Ovarian cancer, Queens

In a landmark episode of Woman's Hour, survivors of alleged abuse by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed met with the UK Prime Minister in a historic moment that has reignited demands for justice and systemic reform. Over 400 allegations dating back to 1977 have been reported, with survivors describing a decades-long pattern of grooming, sexual exploitation, and institutional cover-up involving powerful enablers and international networks. The meeting, organized by the Survivors Trust and the all-party parliamentary group, secured a commitment for government-led forums and a review of Operation Corn Poppy, though survivors remain deeply skeptical of the Metropolitan Police’s handling of the case. Meanwhile, the episode spotlighted a breakthrough ovarian cancer drug, Mertuximab, hailed as a 'biological missile' that delivers targeted chemotherapy with dramatically fewer side effects, offering renewed hope for patients facing recurrent disease. The treatment, now available on the NHS, was made possible by a powerful patient-led campaign that influenced NICE’s approval. In a heartening shift from isolation, the programme also explored New Ground, the UK’s first purpose-built co-housing community for women over 50, where residents emphasize mutual support without loss of privacy.