Cigarette Smoking: Women Setting New, Dangerous Records

In this report, our Reporter, Juliet Jacob who spoke with women who indulge in cigarette smoking found that the sudden rise is alarming. And, that the number of females in tobacco smoking is not only rising astronomically but could also outmatch the number of male smokers.

A Growing Trend

The rise in smoking among Nigerian women, particularly teenagers, has become a concerning trend. Traditionally, smoking was seen as something women were ashamed to do publicly. However, this stigma appears to be eroding rapidly, with many women now openly smoking both inside and outside nightclubs, beer parlours, and social gatherings.

Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that more women are taking up smoking than men in recent years, a reversal of past trends. This shift in behaviour is reflected in both urban and rural settings, with smoking of shisha, cigarettes, weed, and e-cigarettes becoming more commonplace among young women.

Women Now Smoke More Than Men in Nigeria

Smoking among women, once considered taboo, has now outpaced the rates among men in some regions. A 2023 report from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey highlighted that the prevalence of smoking among Nigerian women aged 15-24 has increased by 15% over the last decade. While smoking was once viewed as a male-dominated habit, these statistics reveal a concerning rise in female smokers, particularly in metropolitan areas like Abuja and Lagos.

Health Implications for Women

The health effects of smoking in women are profound. Smoking is known to damage nearly every organ in the body, including the heart, lungs, and kidneys. In women, the risk of certain diseases, such as breast and cervical cancer, is elevated due to smoking.

According to Dr. Abimbola Adeoye, a pulmonologist, “Women who smoke are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic respiratory illnesses. Additionally, second-hand smoke exposure can have devastating effects on those around them, particularly children.”

Women who smoke during pregnancy are also at risk of passing on harmful toxins to their unborn children, leading to complications such as low birth weight, preterm labor, and developmental issues later in life. Even women who remain fertile may face challenges, as smoking has been linked to reduced fertility and complications in conception.

The Voices of Female Smokers in Abuja

During our investigation, AHR correspondent spoke with several female smokers at a popular nightclub in Abuja. Their stories reflect a range of motivations for smoking, from addiction and frustration to leisure. At one popular nightclub, 28-year-old Miss Blessing, a regular smoker, shared her story: “I started smoking when I was 12 because I lost both of my parents. It helped me cope with my frustration. I’m not proud of it, but now it’s an addiction. I’ve tried to stop, but it’s difficult.”

Another woman, Miss Sharon, was more indifferent to the warnings associated with smoking. She said, “I smoke for fun. Yes, I see the warnings that smokers are liable to die young, but I don’t believe it applies to me. Smoking is fun for me, and I don’t think it will harm me.”

Florence, a woman in her mid-30s, revealed a darker side to her smoking habit. “I started smoking after I divorced my husband. Now, I’m into hookup [sex work], and without smoking weed, shisha, or cigarettes, I can’t bring myself to do my work. I use it to numb myself.”

Sandra, another woman interviewed at the same club, echoed similar sentiments. “For me, it’s a way to forget my problems. Life is tough, and smoking helps me cope.”

The Dangers of Second-Hand Smoke

One of the biggest non-communicable diseases linked to smoking is the damage it causes to those who do not even smoke but are exposed to second-hand smoke. “Second-hand smoke is especially dangerous for women and children,” Dr. Adeoye emphasized. “Those who inhale it are at risk of developing respiratory illnesses, and even cancer, just by being around smokers.”

Conclusion

The rise in smoking among Nigerian women is an urgent public health issue. As more women take up this habit, the long-term health consequences will become more apparent, not just for the smokers but for those around them. Efforts need to be made to address the underlying issues driving this trend, such as addiction, social pressure, and economic challenges, to mitigate its impact on Nigeria’s future generation.