Hello, this is the History Hour Podcast from the BBC World Service with me Max Pearson, the past brought to life by those who were there.

This week, feminism in the 20th century, including the leading woman in early Russian communism and the fate of British women

after the First World War.

You just take it for granted that you wouldn't get married.

There were too many women and not enough men to go around.

Also this week, a tragic case of mass poisoning in the Balkans, the world's worst ever

aviation disaster, and the most notorious miscarriage of justice in British history.

We waited a long time for this.

16 years because of hypocrisy and brutality. That may all sound a bit like heavy going, and it's a sad fact that much of what we mark

out as moments in history does tend to be bound up with the more grim aspects of life,

but bear with us because each of our stories from the past is brought vividly to life

through personal recollections and recordings.

And the first half of the podcast is something of a celebration,

as we take time to look at some key individuals from the 20th century

who blazed a trail when it comes to gender equality.

In many parts of the world, granted not in all countries, huge strides have been

taken over the last 100 years. The role of women in society has changed dramatically,

but the earliest feminists had to fight hard for that change.

And one of the most remarkable characters in this field was Alexandra Colin Ty,

who was the leading woman in early Russian communism.

She became one of the most influential feminists of all time, even after she fell out with

Lenin in March 1921 and was sidelined from mainstream Russian politics.

...