Main content

Sex Education in Schools

A look at why the government has rejected MPs' calls to make sex-and-relationship education compulsory in all schools. Plus writer KM Peyton and gender theorist Kate Bornstein.

Branwen Jeffreys the Â鶹ÊÓƵAV's Education Editor on why the government's rejected MPs' calls to make sex education in schools compulsory.

Kate Bornstein the American author, playwright, performance artist, and gender theorist. She identifies herself as gender non-conforming having been born male - but undergoing gender surgery in the 1980's. She's talks to Jane about her new series of performances where she explores the notion of "not-man, not-woman identity in a world that demands we be one or the other".

We hear from Ruth Ehrlich a young woman who decided to report a sexual assault on a London bus after seeing an advertising campaign urging women to come forward. Laura Bates Founder of the Every Day Sexism Project looks at what's being done around the country by police forces to catch those responsible.

KM Peyton, author of Flambards, had her first book published at the age of 15 and has had a book published every year since. She's now 86. She talks about her latest novel Wild Lily set during the 1920s and her life as a writer over the last 70 years.

Presenter Jane Garvey
Producer Beverley Purcell.

Available now

41 minutes

Chapters

  • Sex Education

    Should it be compulsory in schools?

    Duration: 11:07

  • K M Peyton

    The author of Flambards talks about her latest novel Wild Lily, set during the 1920s

    Duration: 10:19

  • Sexual Harassment on Public Transport

    Why are so many victims so hesitant to come forward?

    Duration: 07:55

  • Kate Bornstein

    The American author, playwright, performance artist, and gender theorist

    Duration: 07:49

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Jane Garvey
Interviewed Guest Kate Bornstein
Interviewed Guest KM Peyton
Interviewed Guest Laura Bates
Interviewed Guest Branwen Jeffreys
Interviewed Guest Ruth Ehrlich
Interviewed Guest Andy Phippen
Producer Beverley Purcell

Broadcast

  • Wed 17 Feb 2016 10:00

Follow us on Instagram

Get all the pictures, videos, behind the scenes and more from Woman’s Hour

Podcast