Only about 20% of UK tech workers are women. That's from a study by WeAreTechWomen & management consultants Oliver Wyman, which also found between 40,000 and 60,000 women leave the UK’s tech sector every year, costing the economy an estimated £2 to £3.5 billion annually. Across the UK this week, a series of events is taking place celebrating British women in tech and Nuala McGovern talks to Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Liz Kendall, as well as the BBC Technology Editor Zoe Kleinman, to discuss the state of the industry with regards to women.
There is a new film out now in cinemas called I Swear. It is inspired by the life and experiences of John Davidson, and charts his journey from a misunderstood teenager in 1980s Britain to a present-day advocate for greater understanding of Tourette syndrome. John was also featured in a BBC documentary back in 1989 called John's Not Mad. There is more recognition of the syndrome now, singers Lewis Capaldi and Billie Eilish have both openly talked about living with Tourette's and it's estimated over 300,000 children and adults in the UK have it. The key features are tics which cause people to make sudden, involuntary sounds and movements. To hear more about the condition and how it impacts women and girls Nuala talks to Wilamena Dyer, musician and Tourette syndrome advocate and Dr Tara Murphy, Consultant psychologist in the NHS, and Trustee of the support and research charity Tourettes Action.
It's taken a few hundred years but we may now know the identity of the Girl with the Pearl Earring. It is one of the world's most recognisable paintings and art historian and critic Andrew Graham-Dixon has been on a quest, which we find out about in his new book, Vermeer: A Life Lost and Found. He spent years exploring the archives of Vermeer’s home town in the Netherlands and tells Nuala what he has discovered.
A three-year study has found that specially designed singing classes can help treat mothers with postnatal depression. Scientists at King's College London analysed the effects of a ten-week singing programme in south London on women at risk of the condition, and found they continued to see long-term benefits compared with those attending other play classes. Researchers say the groups could be a cost effective NHS treatment when mental health services are stretched. Nuala is joined by Professor Carmine Pariante from King's College who led the research and Jay Hayson, mum of 8 month old Ezra who finished the 10 week course run by Breathe Melody for Mums in August this year.
Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Andrea Kidd