Chapter ten
nwat--the International Network of Women Against Tobacco- is a
network dedicated to supporting and uniting women in actions to
prevent tobacco use among women. The network, formed in 1990,
has great potential to improve the health and promote equality
of women.
Inwat publishes an international newsletter, a list of members as a contact persons, and occasional publications.
Inwat has worked very informally but it is recognized as a force within the tobacco control movement. Cooperation especially among Nordic countries is lively. There is also valuable experience in many European countries in the development and implementation of women-centered tobacco control strategies. Thus, Finland's Inwat organized an informal European Inwat meeting during the conference hours. Our aim was to share information and discuss about the common strategy and networking.
Members of Inwat are expecting to increase measurable networking activity in Europe through its European project. The project aims to contribute to the reduction of tobacco use among women in Europe by developing Inwat in Europe and using it 1) to promote communication and exchange, 2) to develop consensus on the main elements of a women-centred tobacco control strategy for Europe, and 3) to raise awareness of women's tobacco control issues in Europe. The participating member states are Sweden, UK, Spain, Italy and Finland. The advisory group will consist of representatives of the five participating EU member states and observers from eastern Europe and the main Inwat committee. Its task will be to advise on how to ensure that the project's work is applicable throughout Europe (e.g. translation, removing cultural barriers) and on evaluation. Inwat has applied to the European Commission for funding.
There are many areas of the world where the use of tobacco is still at a low level. This is where the future disease could be effectively prevented. The network of women against tobacco is one of our strongest cards in achieving improved health and greater equality. n
In building a regional network the key word is cooperation. Someone has to bring out the idea and put it into practice. Our network has approximately 100 active members who represent a variety of fields: politicians, civil servants, health officers and authorities, researchers, teachers, consumer organizations, media and voluntary organizations. Each member is encouraged to enlarge the network within the sphere of her daily work.
Finland's Inwat has two general meetings a year. These decide what the main activities are to be and select the members who are to carry out each effort. The chairperson is Dr. Liisa Elovainio, Secretary General of the Cancer Society of Finland.
To ensure flexibility Finland's Inwat does not have any bureaucratic organization. The executive members carry out Inwat`s plans and efforts as part of their normal daily duties. There is also a coordinator.
Finland's Inwat provides contacts for individuals and organizations interested in tobacco control measures. Since the members of Finland's Inwat represent different fields, it is easy to obtain new information concerning women and smoking issues. To raise public interest Finland's Inwat has organized press conferences and issued press releases and leaflets containing statistics on smoking patterns and trends among women. It also has contacts among members of parliament.
Besides Finnish activities, our keyword has been international cooperation, especially with the Baltic states where smoking prevalence tends to increase. In the future, international cooperation will play an even more important role, because the tobacco industry is strengthening efforts to target women in those countries where the smoking rates among women are still low.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health gives financial support to Finland's Inwat