As we move towards a tobacco and nicotine free society it is critical that we assist those who work in the tobacco industry find alternative livelihoods. Article 17 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) emphasizes the importance of promoting economically viable alternatives to tobacco production, but unfortunately this article is not adequately implemented around the world. In 2024, ASH had the opportunity to meet a multidisciplinary team who provided a fascinating example of an alternative livelihood program in Tamil Nadu, India that not only provided income for women but also helped cancer patients.
In India, at least 4.5 million workers are employed in rolling thin, handmade cigarettes called bidis (or beedis). Although the large part of the workforce is home based, including both women and children, bidi manufacturing is highly labor intensive and carries significant occupational health hazards.
In an effort to shift beedi rollers to alternative healthy livelihoods, the Cancer Institute (WIA), with support from HCL Foundation, initiated a series of activities, beginning with creating awareness on the occupational health hazards of working in the bidi industry. Through these awareness programs, nearly 3000 bidi rollers were sensitized on the risks and ill-effects associated with their livelihood. Following the awareness campaigns, the institute conducted a survey among 1000 beedi workers; about 78% of those surveyed were found to suffer from one or the other ailment namely respiratory disorders, chronic cold, cough and skin diseases. In addition, 80.4% of them expressed their willingness to shift to an alternate livelihood.
The next step in the program focused on various skill development trainings, at no cost to the trainees. The training included skills required to make handicrafts, tailor clothes, and/or make wigs. A survey of 148 trained women, revealed that 106 successfully stopped engaging in beedi rolling, while 32 still continued to do so (10 couldn’t be reached).
That is approximately a 72% success rate!
At ASH, we are often asked about practical, local examples of programs that embody human rights concepts. This project is the perfect example.
By providing women with alternative livelihoods, this program is protecting women and others in their household from numerous illnesses associated with rolling bidis, and from malfeasance by the tobacco industry, as well as preventing more bidis from entering the market.
But this program goes even beyond that- by providing wigs for cancer patients, this program is providing not just for victims of tobacco manufacturing, but also victims of tobacco use. In this case, one wrong was turned into two rights.
Read the report from the Cancer Institute (WIA) on Skill Development Training in Mukkudal, Tirunelveli: Alternative Livelihoods for Women Rolling Beedis.
ASH is thrilled to highlight this important work by our Indian colleagues. We applaud this initiative and encourage others around the world to think outside the box and to use human rights-based approaches to help and protect the victims of the tobacco industry.
