Women should unite against tobacco industry interference

Kathmandu, March 8. In the context of the 116th International Women's Day, women leaders from the social and civil sectors have come together to discuss the interference of tobacco product regulations and the impact it has on women.

In the dialogue and panel discussion program on the interference of tobacco control and the role of women organized by the Health Rights and Tobacco Control Network Nepal on Sunday in the context of International Women's Day, women leaders from the social sector have realized the need to unite in tobacco control.

Inaugurating the program, Shantalal Mulmi, National Coordinator of the Health Rights and Tobacco Control National Network, said that entrepreneurs are using various tricks to attract women to tobacco. He presented an example of trying to establish a narrative that it is normal for women to consume tobacco through social media and movies and that men and women are equal by consuming tobacco. He also clarified that women are being pushed into bad habits through e-cigarette and vape culture. He believed that in the current situation, the role of women is indispensable in raising a strong voice against the implementation of tobacco control laws and the interference of industrialists in tobacco control.

The speakers at the event said that the tobacco industry is trying to expand its market by targeting women using new strategies. They said that efforts are being made to attract young women, especially through social media, lifestyle marketing, attractive packaging and flavored products.

According to the speakers, although tobacco use among women in Nepal is lower than that of men, its pattern seems to be changing in recent years. They said that there are signs of increasing attraction towards non-smoking products such as e-cigarettes, especially among urban women.

Speaking at the event, former member of the National Planning Commission, Saloni Singh, said that the tobacco industry uses the image of women's freedom and modernity to expand its market. According to her, presenting smoking in a way that is associated with freedom and a modern lifestyle is the industry's long-term marketing strategy.

Health experts said that the impact of tobacco use on women is very serious. According to them, smoking increases the risk of cancer, heart disease and respiratory diseases in women, and can also cause serious health problems during pregnancy. According to experts, pregnant women using tobacco increases the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight and premature birth. This can have long-term effects on maternal and child health.
Environmentalist Dr. Anusuya Joshi said that although there is a law to control tobacco in Nepal, it has not been implemented effectively. She said that stricter measures are needed, especially to ban smoking in public places, control the sale of tobacco products and stop indirect propaganda through social media. She commented that tobacco consumption is polluting and destroying the environment hundreds of times as much as it is damaging human health.

At the program, former president of the Federation of Non-Governmental Organizations Sharmila Karki said that the tobacco industry also tries to influence the policy-making process. She mentioned that the industry adopts strategies such as trying to stop tax increases, trying to weaken law enforcement and expanding the market through new products.

At the program, women leaders also emphasized that the role of the women's movement can be important in the tobacco control campaign. They said that women's groups, mothers' groups and local women's representatives can conduct awareness programs at the community level for tobacco control.

The speakers also said that health education programs targeting youth are needed at school and university levels. They said that it is especially necessary to spread the message among the youth that vaping and e-cigarettes are not a safe option.

The participants in the program believed that cooperation between the government, civil society, the health sector and the media is necessary for tobacco control. They pointed out the need to increase taxes on tobacco products, control flavored products and stop propaganda targeting youth. At the end of the program, the speakers said that there is a deep connection between women's empowerment and a tobacco-free society. They expressed their belief that building a tobacco-free society is possible through women's leadership and collective efforts.