“World No Tobacco Day ‘10” aims at protecting women
WORLD Health Organization (WHO) selects “Gender and tobacco with an emphasis on marketing to women” as the theme for this year’s “World No Tobacco Day”, May 31, 2010.
In an internet site, WHO said “Controlling the epidemic of tobacco among women is an important part of any comprehensive tobacco control strategy”.
World No Tobacco Day 2010 will draw particular attention to the need to protect women and girls from the harmful effects of tobacco marketing and smoke in accordance with WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
WHO accused tobacco companies of spending heavily on alluring marketing campaigns that target women knowing that women are gaining spending power and independence, so they are more able to afford tobacco and feel freer to use it.
Tobacco companies are also investing heavily in the low-income and middle-income countries, where most potential new female users live, and the problem is compounded as many countries do not do enough to protect their people from second-hand smoke.
WHO also said many women do not know about the harm done by second-hand smoke, or feel as if they have no right to complain. (PIA-Bohol)
