It is 40 years since the UK elected its first woman Prime Minister on May 3rd 1979. We’re marking this moment in our political history with a look at the late Margaret Thatcher. She remains a deeply controversial and divisive figure, admired by many and disliked by others. We explore her symbolic importance as a female leader and look at her impact on women’s lives. Jenni Murray discusses how women’s participation in politics, society and the economy changed throughout the 1980s. We hear from those who met her and discuss why some continue to feel conflicted about her legacy.

Presenter: Jenni Murray Producer: Ruth Watts Interviewed guest: Julia Langdon Interviewed guest: Caroline Slocock Interviewed guest: Anne McElvoy