As the Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO), we are immensely proud to have participated in today’s highly significant and impactful continental webinar.
Organized jointly by the African Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA) and the Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research (ATIM), this remarkable webinar was held under the theme “Celebrating the African Women Defending the Continent from Tobacco Industry Manipulation.” The session featured extensive discussions on exposing the destructive marketing strategies targeted by the tobacco industry at women and youth, as well as strengthening the leadership role of women.
Summary and Key Highlights of Today’s Webinar
- Industry Tactics and Impacts: Across Africa, tobacco industries in developing nations are shifting their marketing strategies to target women and girls by exploiting themes such as empowerment, beauty, and independence. This poses a severe threat to women’s health, economic well-being, and social progress.
- Multifaceted Role of Women: Although women are disproportionately affected and targeted, they serve on the front lines as a vital defense force—leading research, shaping policy, mobilizing youth, and strengthening institutions.
- Commemoration of African Women’s Day: Held in connection with Africa Women’s Day (July 31), this platform served as a monumental opportunity—convened by ATCA and ATIM—to amplify the voices of African women, honor their resilience, and foster a new generation of change-makers.
At a time when tobacco industries utilize social media, digital platforms, and deceptive schemes to target women, the contributions of African women in research, policy framework development, youth mobilization, and sustaining continental defenses are invaluable.
MCDO remains steadfastly committed to working alongside continental efforts to safeguard public health within our community and counter such destructive industry interference.
Event Details
- Date & Time: August 6, 2026, at 15:00 Africa/Addis_Ababa (09:00 Local Time)