News / Women in Business
Special radio station ‘takeover’ highlights workplace challenges faced by women
A special broadcast to mark International Women’s Day on community station, BCFM Radio brought together some of Bristol’s most influential women for a discussion on role models, resilience and the challenges faced by women.
The two-hour radio takeover was co-hosted by Sheetal Jethwa, founder of South Asian Voices Bristol CIC, alongside guest presenter Domini Choudhury.
The programme featured a mix of music by female artists and in-depth conversations with community leaders, entrepreneurs and campaigners from across the region.
Beverly Douglas, one of the first Black police officers in Avon and Somerset Police, and author of PC Bev drew from her own experience of being a lone voice against the tide of open racism at work
Guests included author and former Avon and Somerset police officer Beverley Douglas; Sophia Brown, founder of the Steppin Sistas walking group; equality, diversity and inclusion specialist Monira Ahmed Chowdhury; Bristol-based artist Elaine Robinson; Lisa Zimmermann; youth leader Mariam Cisse; design director Fern Hughes; financial coach Marcia Pregal and Meera Pandya, founder of ethical children’s clothing brand Moja Kid.
Throughout the programme, contributors reflected on the women who had shaped their lives.
Many cited their mothers as key role models, particularly those who had migrated to the UK and made significant sacrifices to create better opportunities for their children.
The two-hour radio takeover was co-hosted by Sheetal Jethwa, founder of South Asian Voices Bristol CIC, alongside guest presenter Domini Choudhury
Historical and global figures were also highlighted, including writer and activist Maya Angelou and Nadia Murad, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning campaigner against human trafficking.
Closer to home, local inspirations were also celebrated.
Beverley Douglas pointed to Peaches Golding and Helen Holland, while Sophia Brown highlighted community figure Sherrie Eugene Hart.
Monira Ahmed Chowdhury referenced a Bristol-based pioneer of race and gender equality in education as a formative influence.
Discussion also turned to the structural challenges women continue to face.
Elaine Robinson on being a female artist and creative in Bristol
Guests spoke candidly about the challenge of balancing careers with childcare and wider caring responsibilities, alongside the enduring prevalence of sexual harassment in both the workplace and society at large.
The conversation explored how shifting political rhetoric and more traditional gender expectations are shaping women’s experiences, alongside the compounded impact of racism and sexism, often described as misogynoir.
Beverly Douglas, one of the first Black police officers in Avon and Somerset Police, and author of PC Bev drew from her own experience of being a lone voice against the tide of open racism at work and beyond.
Throughout the programme, contributors reflected on the women who had shaped their lives
A powerful moment in the broadcast came with the airing of an award-nominated song created by young people from Integrate UK.
The track tackles the growing influence of online misogyny, highlighting how social media algorithms can expose boys and young men to harmful content, including deepfake pornography, and the impact this has on attitudes towards women and girls.
The accompanying video has been shortlisted for the Smiley Charity Film Awards.
The programme also shone a light on the ongoing work of South Asian Voices Bristol CIC, which aims to celebrate and connect South Asian communities across the city.
Organisers are now planning a major programme of events for South Asian Heritage Month in July, including another radio takeover, as well as a cultural festival featuring food, crafts, dance and music, alongside educational resources for schools.
BCFM Radio brought together some of Bristol’s most influential women for a discussion on role models, resilience and the challenges faced by women
The International Women’s Day broadcast served not only as a celebration of women’s achievements, but also as a platform for honest conversations about inequality, representation and the work still to be done.
The full episode can be found at www.bcfmradio.com/listen-again
All photos: Darius Jéan Photography
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