Smoking In Kuwait
Why is it taboo for women to smoke in Kuwait? I never actually understood it. When I ask my friends or family, the usual answer would be “3eib” or “mo 7elwa.” Umm.. why? How is that different from men smoking?
Back in the old days, sheesha was popular with the women. And I think it was only in the early 1990s that this stupid taboo started to really spread. Other Arab countries are fine with it. I believe it’s only the Gulf countries that follow it.
It’s normal to see boys smoking in the street or in the malls, and all people do is just shake their heads. But God forbid they see a GIRL smoking! Oh my God, I think they will follow, point, and stare at her. However, once the woman reaches the age of about 40-45 it’s not that big a deal. Isn’t that just so weird? What is so striking of a female smoker between the ages of 16-40?
Because of all this unnecessary judgement on female smokers, they have to go to great lengths to smoke a cigarette. Some actually leave the house to go to some obscure street in some suburb so that no one can see them. Their families don’t know of course, and some even let only their very very close friends know. They are terrified of what might happen if the wrong person finds out. You might say, why did she become a smoker in the first place, well I’ve never met a smoker who hasn’t regret starting for whatever reason and besides that’s in the past and most don’t have the determination to stop.
This is yet another Kuwaiti stereotype that I hate and I wish it would change. I urge all smokers to quit because it’s bad for you, but if you’re not ready yet and you’re a female smoker, then do it in public! If large number of you do, it will cease being a taboo. Just like the veiled women who wear leggings with no underwear.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Another sex inequality issue?
I think one of the many reasons that people dismiss a cigarette smoking female is because-culturally-cigarettes are associated with masculinity and manhood. Add the fact that people tend to associate women’s pregnancy with cigarette as a bad match up and you get a repulsive reaction.
I for one get disgusted wether the person was a man or a woman. Cigarettes are bad, get the hell rid of it already!!
April 10th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Well even when the women are older they are judged … I see it and hear it between older (50+) at gatherings and its only when a Kuwaiti women smokes not when another women smokes!
Bas one GOOD thing about this sexist view is that women don’t smoke at gatherings!!!!!
April 10th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
i cant wait for smoking to be banned in kuwait. i couldnt believe my eyes when i saw how strict the not smoking in public laws recently in new york and london, i hear france is following too i will have to see that for myself soon.. even the UAE started a very firm banning public smoking policy. in this time of life it should be frowned upon to see a smoker male or female. personally i dont judge female smokers more than i judge male smokers.
April 10th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I agree with oraganic kuwait. I don’t judge female smokers as any worse than male smokers, but smoking in general in Kuwait is ridiculous! I just moved here last summer and was shocked to see so much smoking in public places. At home, smoking is banned in all public places now. In Kuwait, there is smoking in the HOSPITALS! It is insane.
April 10th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Angelo, but why is it associated with masculinity and manhood here and not anywhere else? doesn’t make sense.. and i don’t the pregnancy thing is a valid argument because a woman isnt pregnant all the time.. hehe
at women-only gatherings?? yes they do! i know it haha..
chirp & carly, yes i know but honestly, i don’t see it happening any time soon.. we can’t get people to follow the big important rules in the country, i don’t think small rules would have a chance.
April 10th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
thats no longer applicable, wayed ashoof 7arem edakhnoon in public
April 11th, 2008 at 2:44 am
why is it 3aib
lana ma 3ndhum salfa
its strictly an issue of health
April 11th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
laialy, 7areem 7areem, wela women our age?? fe farg!
eshda3wa, im not talking about health.. i just want to know why women are judged differently