Arrest of stalked woman, Endometriosis, Ageism at work, Egg donation

This episode of Woman's Hour tackles a powerful array of issues affecting women's lives today. The programme opens with the harrowing story of Jodie Morrow, a student in Northern Ireland who was wrongly arrested after reporting repeated stalking by a man she had met on Tinder. Despite providing evidence of harassment, police initially treated her as the perpetrator due to manipulated digital evidence and systemic failures, only apologizing years later after her stalker was convicted. The case highlights deep flaws in how stalking cases are handled, particularly with digital manipulation and lack of continuity in investigations. The conversation then shifts to endometriosis, with Labour MP Kirsten Sullivan and patient Bethann Allen discussing the crippling impact of the condition on women’s careers. With an average diagnosis time of nine years and one in six women leaving the workforce due to symptoms, an all-party parliamentary inquiry is launching to examine workplace support. The episode also confronts ageism in the workplace, featuring Eleanor Mills and Lucy Standing, who argue that women over 50 are undervalued despite their experience and potential. They offer practical advice—like re-skilling, shadowing, and reframing CVs—to help midlife professionals navigate a biased job market. Finally, the programme shares a heartwarming story of serendipity: Ginny Bogle, who donated her eggs to a stranger on a London Tube ride in the 1990s, now shares a deep bond with her biological son Christopher, who learned of his origins years later. The episode ends with a call to action for systemic change across justice, healthcare, and employment systems.