The Rise of Smoking Among Women: Trends and Influences in India and Northeast India, writes Swapnodeep Sen

//Swapnodeep Sen//

Smoking has long been seen as a predominantly male activity in most parts of the world, including India. However, recent trends have shown a noticeable rise in smoking among women, which reflects broader social, cultural, and economic shifts in society. While tobacco consumption remains more common among men, an increasing number of women, particularly in urban areas, have been taking up the habit. The reasons behind this shift are multifaceted, ranging from changing societal norms to economic factors, and the growing influence of globalization and media.
Historically, tobacco use in India was associated with traditional practices such as chewing betel leaves and consuming smokeless tobacco. Smoking, as it is commonly understood today, was more of a male-dominated activity. Women’s roles were often confined to the domestic sphere, and smoking was seen as an activity that transgressed gender norms. However, in the late 20th century, as more women entered the workforce and became economically independent, the perception of smoking gradually began to change. Influences from Western culture, coupled with growing urbanization, led to a shift in attitudes, especially in metropolitan cities where women’s empowerment was beginning to gain ground.

In India, the rise in smoking among women is reflected in data from recent health surveys. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data, the percentage of women who smoke in India has increased from 0.9% in 2015-2016 to 1.2% in 2019-2020. Though the numbers may seem small, they indicate a notable shift in smoking behaviors. The rise is most pronounced in younger women, especially in urban areas, where modern lifestyle factors and increased disposable income contribute to more women adopting smoking as a form of socialization or stress relief.

In Northeast India, this trend is particularly notable. Traditionally, tobacco consumption in the region was more common among men, with smokeless tobacco products like khaini and betel nut being widely consumed. However, over the past few decades, smoking among women in the region has become more apparent, particularly in states like Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), the prevalence of smoking among women in some Northeast states is higher than the national average. In Mizoram, for instance, approximately 8% of women smoke, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.2%. This is partly due to the region’s historical relationship with tobacco cultivation and consumption, which has played a role in normalizing tobacco use in everyday life.
Several factors are driving the rise of smoking among women, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. The most prominent reason is the changing roles and empowerment of women in society. As more women pursue higher education and enter the workforce, they face new stressors and pressures that often lead them to seek coping mechanisms, with smoking emerging as one option. The normalization of smoking in movies, advertisements, and media has also played a significant role, especially among younger women. With smoking portrayed as a symbol of rebellion, independence, or even sophistication, many women are increasingly turning to tobacco as a form of expression or a way to fit in.
However, the rising trend of smoking among women also brings significant public health concerns. Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable diseases, including lung cancer, respiratory diseases, and heart disease, and women face unique health risks due to smoking. Research has shown that women are more susceptible to certain diseases caused by smoking, including breast cancer and complications during pregnancy. Moreover, as women in India and Northeast India take up smoking at a younger age, the long-term health consequences are likely to be more severe. To address this growing issue, there is a need for more gender-sensitive tobacco control policies that not only focus on men but also recognize the rising prevalence of smoking among women.

The rise of smoking among women in India and Northeast India highlights significant societal changes. From shifting gender roles to the influence of media and globalization, several factors contribute to this growing trend. While tobacco consumption among women remains lower than among men, it is essential for policymakers to address the public health risks associated with this trend, ensuring that women are provided with the support and resources to avoid the dangers of smoking. In a rapidly changing society, understanding and addressing these influences will be key to promoting healthier lifestyles for women across India.