Gaming industry, Unregistered children's care, Sheer fashion, Women's health

This episode of Woman's Hour explores four critical issues affecting women and society in the UK. First, investigative journalist Rosie Taylor reveals a stark disparity in government health funding, with men's health strategies receiving 60% more new investment than women's, despite women living longer in poor health and facing systemic medical misogyny. The discussion highlights the gap between rhetoric and financial commitment, questioning whether the renewed women's health strategy will deliver real change without adequate funding. Next, the gaming industry's £30 million government boost is examined through the lens of gender equity, with Marie-Claire Isaman and Kirsty Rigdon exposing how women—though half of all gamers—make up only 25% of the workforce and less than 10% in leadership, with just 2-5% of investment going to women-led studios. They argue that funding structures favor formal businesses, excluding freelancers and early-stage creators, and call for more experimental, inclusive support. The episode then turns to the alarming rise of unregistered children's homes in England, which have surged by over 370% in five years, with vulnerable youth placed in unsafe settings like Airbnbs and caravans, often costing councils £30,000 per week. Fraser McLean and Rebecca Pierre from Commonweal Housing and Article 39 expose the systemic failures, profiteering by private equity, and lack of accountability, urging transparency and local authority reform. Finally, the return of sheer fashion is discussed, with cultural historian Cassia St. Clair and former Glamour editor Debra Joseph exploring its historical roots, power dynamics, and evolving cultural acceptance—especially among older women—while addressing societal judgment and the balance between self-expression and modesty.