Why the Beeb’s in a hot flush over menopause

WHEN Tony Hall became Director- General of the BBC three years ago, he declared that tackling sexual discrimination would be one of his top priorities.

Gravelly- voiced TV presenter Mariella Frostrup has disclosed, however, that women’s issues still fail to attract any interest among high-ups at the Corporation.

Mariella, a friend of George Clooney, wanted to make a programme about women’s health in middle-age, so a meeting was set up for her to meet a commissioning editor.

But as soon as the male BBC staffer learned the subject of her planned programme, he called a halt to their meeting, which took place earlier this year. ‘ “A documentary on the menopause?” the late-fortysomething BBC executive I was set up to meet asked incredulously,’ discloses Mariella. ‘ “Good luck with that.” He then wandered off, shaking his head amiably in a “whatever crazy notion will she come up with next?” sort of way.’

She adds of the menopause: ‘It’s so enveloped in secrecy it’s a miracle we know how to spell it, let alone recognise it.’

The 53-year- old broadcaster says that, on the same day as her ill-fated meeting, she announced details of a new literary prize, worth $50,000 (£34,000) — the Half The World Global Literati Award — for a writer who puts a credible woman centre stage.

‘ What hope is there of celebrating female maturity when, for the nation’s biggest broadcaster, the “M”- word remains a turn- off, and we’re reduced to enticing authors with cash payouts to write realistic female characters?’ she says.

THIS is not the first time that Mariella has spoken out about the treatment of women going through the menopause.

She complained in 2014 that her insurer had refused to pay for treatment she needed for anxiety attacks, because menopause- related ailments were considered ‘natural’.

Mariella said the refusal by AXA PPP came despite her forking out £400 a month to cover her family against medical problems.

The insurance giant said at the time that it had started an investigation.

‘The woman on the phone agreed it would be better if my symptoms were a mental health issue, as they could cover that,’ added Mariella at the time. ‘ Clearly, madness is more palatable to them than menopause.’