Woman's Hour - 15/01/2009

Presented by Jenni Murray. Writer Edna O'Brien joins Jenni to discuss our ongoing fascination with the man who was notoriously labelled 'mad, bad and dangerous to know': Byron. Edna has written a new biography of him which takes a writer's view of his life and in particular of his loves, including his infamous relationship with his half-sister. Laura Kuenssberg reports about the role that Michelle Obama will play in her husband's presidency. Jenni is joined by Cynthia Weber, Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Lancaster and Margo Miller, of Democrats Abroad, to discuss the women who will play a role in the new US Government. Jenni talks to Harriet Wistrich, a solicitor and a founding member of Justice for Women, about the implications a new parliamentary bill will have for women in abusive relationships. Emily Cummins is a young inventor who has designed and built a fridge powered by sunshine. She talks to Jenni about her drive and inspiration and about why more women aren't turned on by technical professions. Including drama: Dear Mr Spectator.