Hungary election, Women managing male footballers, Being a girl in 2026

This episode of Woman's Hour explores pivotal shifts in gender politics and female empowerment across Europe, beginning with the historic defeat of Hungary’s Viktor Orban after 16 years in power. His successor, Peter Magyar, is expected to reverse Orban’s conservative policies that prioritized pro-natalism and traditional family values while suppressing gender studies and academic freedom. The episode highlights how women’s loyalty shifted from Orban’s financial incentives to Magyar’s promise of broader social welfare, including better healthcare, education, and gender equality. In a landmark moment for sports, Marie-Louise Ita becomes the first woman appointed as interim head coach of a men’s team in Germany’s Bundesliga, sparking discussion about the 'glass cliff' and systemic barriers women face in male-dominated fields. Journalist Catherine Carr shares insights from her nationwide interviews with girls aged 11 to 21, revealing their dreams, resilience, and reliance on family and female role models—especially mothers, older sisters, and public figures like Taylor Swift and Zendaya. The episode also celebrates the life and legacy of artist Paula Rego through a major retrospective, emphasizing her fearless portrayal of women’s struggles and triumphs. Throughout, themes of joy, agency, and intergenerational sisterhood emerge as powerful forces shaping girlhood in 2026.