Woman's Hour - 11/03/2009

Presented by Jenni Murray. Jenni talks to the historian Simon Dixon, author of a new biography of the 18th century Russian Empress Catherine The Great. Is cosmetic surgery anti-feminist? To discuss the issues Jenni is joined by Professor Ruth Holliday and the novelist and journalist Yvonne Roberts. We also hear from Claire Thornton and from Nadia Kamil, a member of a feminist protesting group on Facebook. Wilf Mbanga, editor of the newspaper The Zimbabwean talks to Jenni about Susan Tsvangirai, the late wife of the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai. The Home Secretary Jacqui Smith recently came on the Today programme to discuss the launch of a public consultation on domestic violence. There was an overwhelming response to this item; here are just a few listener stories and suggestions. Why are clothes swapping parties gaining in popularity? Psychologist Nadine Fields listens in as four friends compare unwanted items. Including drama Writing the Century 1948-1953: Starting from Scratch.