[1] Duignan, with co-producer Patrick Farrelly, brought together who she felt were the top female reporters on RTÉ Radio at the time and pitched the idea of an all-female show discussing issues that were true and authentic to women, not simply what men thought would pique women's interests.
[1] In addition, Betty Purcell served as co-producer and Hilary Orpen assisted Ní Bhriain in reporting duties.
[6] In the other report, Finucane followed an Irish woman who planned to travel to England for an abortion, with the process chronicled from beginning to end.
[8] Women Today would air for 30 minutes five days a week until 21 October 1983, when it was replaced with a similar programme on television[4] the next Monday, 24 October 1983,[2] called The Women's Programme, with the involvement of Duignan, Finucane, Ní Bhriain, and also Nuala O'Faolain in the role of co-producer.
It also focused on taboo topics such as sexual harassment, unequal treatment in the workplace, breaking societal norms, and domestic violence.
Despite its overwhelming success, Women Today was still controversial, especially considering it aired during peak listening times in the afternoon, when literally anyone turning on a radio could hear.
[4] In particular, one installment of the programme which discussed the topic of female orgasms in a frank manner resulted in hundreds of complaints being lodged to RTÉ by listeners.
[5] Finucane said of the show's sudden success, "[We were] broadcasting in peak time radio about aspects of women’s sexuality...which had [now] been talked about out loud.
"[6] Women Today also had an impact on the roles expected of female presenters on RTÉ, although perhaps not in the way Duignan had originally intended.