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A growing number of women in the Gambia are secretly battling an addiction to “taba,” a locally-used tobacco powder, with devastating consequences ranging from health complications to tragic loss. The practice, often shrouded in secrecy, is now coming under increased scrutiny as advocates and officials raise alarms about its widespread use and dangerous effects.
Aishatou, a widowed mother whose name has been changed to protect her identity, is sharing her story as a stark warning to other women. Speaking to the BBC from a community health center in The Gambia, she revealed a fifteen-year struggle with taba, which she believes directly lead to the loss of her child.
what is Taba?
“Taba” is the local name for a tobacco powder traditionally used for decades by both men and women in West Africa. While commonly consumed by snorting, smoking, or chewing, a particularly dangerous trend has emerged: women secretly purchasing taba and inserting the paste into their vaginas for perceived benefits.
The trade in taba operates through a clandestine network of dealers, frequently enough found in local markets, where the powder is sold discreetly, sometimes requiring a “password” for purchase. It’s also circulated within close-knit circles of elderly women in rural communities. The original formula of taba has evolved in recent years, with tobacco powder now frequently mixed with other substances to create a paste. It is widely available in the Upper River Region, North Bank Region, West Coast Region, Lower River Region, Sierra Leone, and Casamance in Senegal. Sellers often conceal the powder while displaying other goods, catering onyl to customers who know the correct “passwords.”
Ramat, a 56-year-old seller in the North Bank region, admitted to making a 200% profit on each five-liter bucket of taba she sells, despite acknowledging the addictive nature of the product. “If I find another profitable activity, I will stop selling this product, because I no longer want to harm my sisters,” she said. She also recounted clients experiencing near-fatal reactions to the substance.
A Call for Awareness and Support
As authorities consider stricter measures, former users like Aishatou and Rashida are actively campaigning against taba within their communities. “I don’t want other women to go through what I went through,” Aishatou asserted.Rashida expressed regret and a desire to quit, stating, “If I could get help, I would quit in a heartbeat. I will not advise anyone to consume “taba” so that thay do not become addicted like me.”
The story of taba in The Gambia is a sobering reminder of the hidden dangers lurking within traditional practices and the urgent need for awareness, support, and effective intervention to protect vulnerable women.
