Northern Ireland Humanists celebrant Sheena Bradley delivered BBC Radio Ulster’s Thought for the Day on International Women’s Day.
Unlike the rest of the UK, where BBC policy bans non-religious people from contributing to the daily morning radio slot, humanists have been making regular contributions to Thought for the Day in Northern Ireland since 2021.
Sheena’s contribution this morning touched on the issues affecting women amidst the war in Ukraine, including refugee women carrying their families across Europe while fathers and husbands stay at home as part of the war effort.
Sheena Bradley said,
‘It’s a privilege to be able to speak on International Women’s Day about how global issues affect women and how we humanists think about supporting those most in need.’
Humanists UK’s Campaigns Officer Rachel Taggart-Ryan commented:
‘Radio Ulster is leading the way in showing what inclusive broadcasting should look like. Humanists have continually been discriminated against by being denied the space to give a Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4 as their religious counterparts can. Sheena’s words this International Women’s Day are proof positive that humanists have much to contribute to moral and social discussions.
‘We hope the BBC will see sense and lift the bizarre ban on humanists in the equivalent Radio 4 slot.’
Notes:
For further comment or information, please contact Northern Ireland Humanists Coordinator Boyd Sleator at boyd@humanists.uk or phone 07918 975795.
Read more about Humanists UK’s policy on broadcasting quality and equality.
Northern Ireland Humanists is part of Humanists UK, working with the Humanist Association of Ireland. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by 100,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.
Per tradition, Humanists UK will be celebrating International Women’s Day with its Rosalind Franklin Lecture, which this year will be given by Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE (Thursday, 10 March, online).