MP Jess Phillips will be joined by women who have “changed laws, challenged abuse and fought against prejudice” in a special, daily mini-series of her podcast Yours Sincerely to mark International Women’s Day.
Across next week, from Monday 7 March, Jess will be asking women to share open letters about issues that they’re passionate about. In special podcasts with each guest, Jess will explore how the issue has defined their lives and what needs to change.
The Birmingham Yardley MP will be joined by guests including Love Island star and documentary presenter Zara McDermott who writes about her experiences with revenge porn.
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi tells Jess that the world needs to “stop saving Muslim women and start listening to them”.
Broadcaster Ayesha Hazarika talks about the traditional and outdated ideas of marriage and motherhood as she proclaims that “women don’t need a happily ever after”.
Jess will share her own letter in line with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Breaking The Bias.
New episodes will be available to listen to every day from 7 March.
On the importance of International Women’s Day and the series, Jess said: “Speaking to women while plotting how we can change the world is how I would spend every day if I could, so recording with women who have changed laws, challenged abuse and fought against prejudice was a gift.
“IWD is a time to celebrate brilliant women of course but also a reminder of all that there is still to fight for. Let’s crack on.”
In the regular Yours Sincerely podcasts, Jess gives her guests a chance to celebrate three people that mean the world to them. Someone they love, someone who’s no longer around and someone who doesn’t realise how significant a role they’ve played in their lives.
“It’s an hour a week where I just chat with people, honestly it’s the best part of my week just chatting with folks and saying nice things about people,” says Jess.
Previous guests include Lorraine Kelly, Arlene Phillips and Vicky Pattison.
Yours Sincerely is produced by MediaCityUK based Audio Always.
