Primary school suspensions, Chess, Female birdsong

Woman's Hour explores a range of powerful themes on this episode, beginning with a critical examination of the rising number of suspensions in England's primary schools, where over 7,000 children under six were suspended in 2024-25. Kieran Gill of The Difference charity highlights the disproportionate impact on children from low-income families and those in care, linking suspensions to unmet social and emotional needs, especially post-pandemic. He praises schools like Percy Main Primary, which reduced suspensions to zero through staff training and inclusive support spaces. The conversation shifts to chess, celebrating 11-year-old Bodhana Sivandhanan becoming England’s highest-ranked female player, while discussing the gender gap in elite chess despite growing female participation and streaming popularity. Sarah Longson and Sarah ElBarberi reflect on the challenges women face in a male-dominated space, including intimidation and the pressure to represent all women when winning. The episode then turns to a harrowing case of racially aggravated rape in Birmingham, where a Sikh woman was attacked in her home. Her bravery in testifying and the community's response reveal deep trauma and fear, especially within the South Asian community. Finally, the programme celebrates female birdsong, challenging the long-held assumption that only male birds sing. Lucy McRoberts discusses how female birds like robins, swifts, and mallards contribute richly to the dawn chorus, urging a re-evaluation of ornithological bias and conservation efforts. Pippa Cleary, the first female British composer with three West End musicals, shares her journey, emphasizing collaboration and resilience in a male-dominated industry, while also reflecting on her visual impairment and how it shapes her creative process.