WHO Accuses Tobacco Manufacturers of Targeting Females

The World Health Organization is asking for more action to be taken against tobacco manufacturers who target females. Tobacco manufacturers are accused of launching aggressive campaigns that encourage young women to start smoking in developing countries. The WHO is getting a jump start on the worldwide No Tobacco Day that is being recognized on May 31st.  In 2003, the WHO drew up a treaty that prohibits the marketing of tobacco products. Only 26 of the 160 countries that agreed to the treaty have actually enforced the law.

The latest statistics about smoking confirm the tobacco industry’s aggressive marketing strategies are working. Worldwide, 1 billion people are smokers with 80 percent of them being male. 40 percent of smokers are adult males and just 9 percent are female. This leaves the tobacco industry with a huge opportunity to expand their businesses. However, women account for 64 percent of the deaths related to tobacco use.

Out of the 151 countries surveyed, half reported the ratio of smokers between males and females is about equal. This indicates the marketing techniques are working, more females are picking up the deadly habit. Cigarette ads are being designed to give a female the perception that smoking is beautiful, classy and most importantly, liberating. In Japan, the cigarette packs are pink,  an obvious attempt to appeal to the female crowd. Cigarette manufacturer, Phillip Morris International’s defense, their advertising does not target minors. Marlboro realizes a ban on certain forms of marketing like radio and TV are necessary, but opposes a complete ban on all marketing techniques.