"Tobacco Control Experts Advocate for Gender-Inclusive Approach"

By Abdullahi Alhassan

Gombe State - The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for a gender-inclusive approach to tobacco control in Gombe State. Senior Programme Officer at CISLAC, Solomon Adoga, made the advocacy during a training workshop on tobacco taxation and gender mainstreaming organized by the centre with support from Tax Justice Network Africa.

According to Adoga, tobacco affects women more than men, citing its link to breast cancer, cervical cancer, and other health problems. "Tobacco affects women more than men," Adoga noted. "It's essential to make tobacco control policies gender-inclusive to protect women." The senior programme officer also highlighted the dangers of tobacco on public health, including increasing risks of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and mental illness.

The participants at the workshop also shared their perspectives on the impact of tobacco on different groups. Barrister Martha Daniel, Executive Director of Advocacy for Children's Right Initiative, noted that tobacco has grave effects on children, "who are now indulging in smoking". "We need to increase tobacco taxes as a way to control tobacco use among children," she advocated.

Another participant, Yargata Yusuf, a woman activist, emphasized the need to sensitize girls on the dangers of tobacco use, particularly in higher institutions where smoking is seen as a social activity. "We need to use undercover approaches to reach girls who hide to smoke, noting that they often perceive it as a way to fit in," she suggested.

The Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, represented by Murtala Muhammad, stated that the workshop underscored the importance of addressing the gender dimensions of tobacco use and control. "We call on policymakers to take a more inclusive approach to tobacco control policies," he said. The workshop brought together civil society actors and stakeholders to discuss the impact of tobacco on the public with a gender-inclusive approach.

The advocacy for a gender-inclusive approach to tobacco control highlights the need for policymakers to consider the unique challenges faced by different groups, particularly women and children, in addressing the scourge of tobacco use. By taking a more inclusive approach, policymakers can develop more effective strategies to reduce the harm caused by tobacco and promote public health.