Unsung Heroines

Writer and comedian Viv Groskop reminds us of some of history's amazing unsung heroines.

History is full of incredible women who did amazing things. But, even though their legacy is still felt today, some of their names aren’t often remembered. We've all heard of Florence Nightingale and Amelia Earhart - but what about Annie Russell Maunder, Jayaben Desai or Josephine Butler? They're much less well known, yet they all made significant and enduring contributions to our world.

Viv Groskop has been trawling the BBC radio archives to find out about a sisterhood that refused to stay at home when that's what was expected of them.

We hear from pioneering physician Sophia Jex-Blake; Nobel laureate environmentalist Wangari Maathai; social reformer Caroline Norton and champion cyclist Beryl Burton. Plus we take a trip to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home to learn about its founder, Mary Tealby.

Viv also invites contemporary women to nominate their favourite unsung heroines, We hear from Cathy Newman, Samira Ahmed, Natalie Haynes, Gemma Cairney, Angela Barnes and Jessica Fostekew about the women they call phenomenal.

From ancient Rome to the 21st Century, Viv Groskop brings inspiring women out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

• Producer: Moy McGowan for BBC Radio 4 Extra

Publicity contact: Radio 4 Publicity