Weekend Woman's Hour: Stalking, Children and happiness, Indigo Reign

This episode of Woman's Hour explores a range of powerful and timely topics, beginning with a harrowing account from Jodie Morrow, a survivor of a prolonged and manipulative stalking case in Northern Ireland. Despite repeated reports to police, she was wrongly arrested after her stalker used spoofing apps and falsified evidence to frame her, highlighting systemic failures in how harassment cases are handled. Jodie now works with police to improve policies, emphasizing the need for systemic change. The discussion then shifts to the science of light, with GP Dr Radha Modgil explaining how natural daylight boosts mood, resets circadian rhythms, and impacts physical and mental health—particularly noting that women are more sensitive to evening light and at greater risk of seasonal affective disorder due to lower exposure. The programme also features a tour of the King's Gallery exhibition 'Elizabeth II, Her Life in Style,' showcasing the Queen’s iconic wardrobe, her personal style choices, and the deep relationship she had with designers like Norman Hartnell. Later, the conversation turns to parenthood, with mothers Iko Haruna and Ella Whelan discussing a new study suggesting children do not significantly increase happiness, arguing instead that societal pressures around 'intensive parenting' and unrealistic expectations are the real sources of distress. They advocate for a more balanced, joyful approach to raising children and emphasize the importance of community and self-fulfillment beyond motherhood. Finally, Indigo Rain, a pioneering female MC in jungle music, shares her journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a global cultural leader through her Young Urban Arts Foundation, which uses music to empower youth in deprived communities.