“I smoke to dispel the myth that smoking is only for men,” some women say.
Those women admit that they do not smoke at home, in front of family and relatives. They smoke in open air cafés, usually with the intent that they also can smoke publicly.
“I get a sense of calm, accomplishment in knowing that I have challenged a man. Whenever I inhale I get that sense of joy.”
The number of students who smoke are also increasing. Those students say they started smoking to escape the stress from home and school. Such students remain defiant, stating that they will not stop in spite of the comments and remarks they get.
Studies show that 70 percent of individuals begin smoking after seeing smokers from home.
The number of smokers have increased over the years in the country, with many women and minors. The imports of cigarettes and related products are increasing, in spite of the many duties impose by the Government.
If we are to make our youth into responsible, productive adults, careful consideration must be given to the issue. The signboards, the duties and the anti-tobacco day have failed to bring a solution to the issue. Marking the said days fails to bring a positive change to the issue.
Smokers are aware of the various health risks and financial losses posed by smoking. In spite of this the smokers persist in their habits. Even in Islam, instructions have been given that any substance that causes any type of harm is a banned item. However, by just making this statement in the Friday sermon is hardly likely to bring a change.
Women turning to smoking to challenge gender norms
