Breaking the Norms and Shaping Futures : Youth Forum on Girls and Tobacco

New Delhi: Girls and tobacco Control is a conversation that often gets overshadowed, but it's time we shine a light on the unique challenges girls face when it comes to tobacco addiction. 

Think about it: the pressures, the stereotypes, the social norms-we're bombarded with influences that can push us towards tobacco, whether we realize it or not. But here's the thing: we're not just victims of these pressures. We're agents of change, and it's time to own that narrative.

First off, education is key. How many of us truly understand the risks associated with tobacco? I'm talking about more than just the health effects; it's about unravelling the marketing strategies, the peer pressure, and the cultural influences that make tobacco seem like a normal part of growing up. 

Imagine if we had access to comprehensive education programs that empowered us with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to make informed decisions about our health. That's empowerment right there. But empowerment doesn't stop at education—it's about creating spaces where girls feel supported, valued, and heard. Peer support groups, mentorship programs, youth forums—they all play a crucial role in building confidence and resilience.

In this fight against tobacco, advocacy also plays an important role. We have a voice, and it's time to use it. Whether it's rallying for stricter regulations, imposing higher taxes, challenging tobacco marketing tactics, or demanding better access to resources for quitting, we have the power to drive change. But here's the thing: we can't tackle this issue in isolation. It's about recognizing the intersectionality of tobacco use among girls—the way gender, socioeconomic status, and cultural factors all come into play. Our approach needs to be inclusive, culturally sensitive, and responsive to the diverse experiences of girls from all walks of life.

Another aspect to the empowerment of girls is the recognition of their agency as agents of change. Girls are not passive recipients of interventions; they are active participants in shaping the future of their communities and societies. By amplifying their voices, advocating for their rights, and involving them in decision-making processes, we validate their experiences and empower them to become leaders and advocates for change. Together, we can break the norms, challenge the status quo, and shape futures where every girl has the opportunity to thrive, free from the grip of tobacco addiction.

 As suggested above, the importance of youth forum, they play an integral role in motivating, imparting knowledge and creating an environment for open discussions between the youth among themselves. Yesterday, I attended one such forum on this topic for the very first time. The honorable speaker Ravi Gupta shared an insightful knowledge on the topic.  

 As a youth forum, it was an open platform to discuss all the sensitive topics pertaining to the smoking in girls. Various reasons of increase in smoking in girls were discussed, including peer-pressure, sedentary lifestyle, loneliness, etc. 

The panel also discussed on the ill-effects of smoking and tobacco intake in girls, including the risks factors of cancers, effects on reproductive health, and other respiratory diseases. The forum helped me gain an insightful on the topic of girls and smoking. Youth forums like these help in creating an open platform for the youth to discuss their issues openly with their peers which ultimately leads in creating an impact in the society. Let's empower her, and together, let's create a world where health, equity, and justice prevail!

-Ritika Kapoor

Master's in Public health

Panjab University

ritzi.kap56@gmail.com