Woman's Hour - 19/01/2009

Presented by Jane Garvey. Actor Bruce Byron talks to Jane about his experience of dieting and how men diet in a different way from women. They are joined by the writer and broadcaster Hardeep Singh Kohli, who has done a detox in Eastern Europe. Vita Sackville West was a unique novelist, poet and gardener. Jane talks to Professor Laura Marcus about Vita's fascinating life and scandalous relationships. Monday Panel: Jane is joined by Wasfi Kani, founder of Grange Park Opera, Hardeep Singh Kohli and journalist Janet Daley. They discuss the Muslim Women Power List; Barack Obama's letter to his daughters; George Bush leaving office; and ask: if poverty is no excuse for schools' exam failures, what is the barrier to academic achievement? A previous item on Woman's Hour discussed work-life balance and why many women and men feel under pressure to fulfil multiple commitments as parents, partners and workers. There was a large response from listeners who wanted to share their own experiences. Including drama: All Passion Spent.