Women and tobacco: moving from policy to action

A gender perspective contributes to a better understanding of the epidemiol ogical trends, social marketing strategies, economic policies, and internat ional actions relating to women and the tobacco epidemic. Evidence is provi ded in this article for the negative impact of tobacco use by women and of passive smoking on the health of women and children. Use of tobacco by wome n is increasing and this is related to the tobacco industry's aggressive ad vertising, sponsorship and promotion strategies. Policy directions are proposed in this article. At all levels, a multi-pron ged strategy - including changes in legislation and fiscal policies, improv ements in gender-sensitive health services, and cessation programmes - shou ld be considered. Much more gender-specific research on tobacco use is need ed, particularly in developing countries. Women's empowerment and leadershi p should be at the centre of all tobacco control efforts and are essential for the success of national programmes and the recently introduced Framewor k Convention on Tobacco Control.