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Episode details

Radio 4,16 Oct 2026,55 mins

RIBA Stirling Prize winner, NHS guidance on single-sex spaces, Caroline Hirons

Woman's Hour

Available for over a year

Last night, architects gathered to celebrate some of Britain’s most acclaimed buildings as the RIBA Stirling Prize marked its 30th anniversary. The prize is considered the UK’s most prestigious award for architecture and recognises a building that has made a significant contribution to the evolution of the built environment. And at last night’s anniversary ceremony, Lion Green Road, a council-commissioned housing scheme in Coulsdon, South London, was declared the winner. It was designed by Mary Duggan Architects and delivered by the practice Ruff Architects. Mary Duggan joins Anita Rani in the studio. New NHS England guidance says trans patients should be cared for on single-sex hospital wards or bays that align with their biological sex rather than their gender identity. The BBC's Social Affairs Editor Alison Holt joins Anita to explain the guidance. Social media has lit up in recent days after comedian Shane Gillis made a controversial joke on the US show Saturday Night Live. In his opening monologue, Gillis said he “didn’t know women just dress like whores now” at the gym. There was an immediate backlash, particularly from women online, from gym goers and athletes to celebrities, calling his comments misogynistic, even dangerous towards women. But many have chosen to see the funny side, poking fun at Gillis as a means of fighting back. Comedian Rachel Parris and Lifestyle Editor at The Metro, Kristina Beanland, give us their reaction. Have you ever stood at the skincare counter and felt baffled at the vast array of options? Caroline Hirons has made it her mission to help. She's built a career in the beauty industry spanning more than three decades, from working on skincare counters to becoming a bestselling author, social media personality and founder of her own skincare brand, Skin Rocks. She's attracted a large following for her outspoken views on skincare products, beauty trends and the cosmetics industry. Now she's published a new book, Skin Rules, offering advice on navigating the increasingly crowded skincare market. Caroline joins Anita in the studio. This month sees Britten Sinfonia, Ancient Greek Meze tour- the story of three powerful women of Greek myth through music. The event marks 50 years since the death of composer Benjamin Britten, with the Britten Sinfonia and stand-up classicist Natalie Haynes, alongside the sublime mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston, who is the soloist in his late micro-opera Phaedra. Helen joins Anita to discuss these mythical women. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Simon Richardson

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