Every year on 13 June, the world marks International Albinism Awareness Day, a moment to reflect, stand in solidarity, and, most importantly, affirm the dignity and rights of persons with albinism. This year’s theme, “Inclusion is Strength,” invites us to move beyond symbolism and into action, challenging discrimination, dismantling misinformation, and ensuring that people with albinism are included meaningfully in every aspect of society.
Despite growing awareness, people with albinism remain one of the most misunderstood and marginalised groups globally, particularly in Africa. Harmful myths continue to circulate, wrongly associating albinism with supernatural beliefs, curses, or spiritual powers. These falsehoods are not just offensive, they are dangerous. In some countries, the stigmatisation has fuelled brutal attacks, killings, and mutilations, with the body parts of people with albinism being sold for rituals. For example, in 2015, a South African woman with albinism was brutally murdered and her body dismembered. In 2024, a mother sold her six-year-old daughter to a healer for black magic rituals; she was killed solely due to her appearance. In Malawi, people with albinism live in fear of attacks as the conditions make them a valuable commodity.
Even where violence is not overt, exclusion runs deep. People with albinism often face discrimination in education, employment, and healthcare. A public hearing in Namibia in 2022 revealed that several people with albinism faced discrimination in access to land, housing, and other services. Moreover, People with albinism often have vision problems that are ignored, which can result in bad grades. Sunscreen is very important for them but is often too expensive or hard to find. Also, public places, jobs, and media often do not listen to their stories and experiences.
Inclusion starts with information. Governments, schools, and media have a responsibility to challenge harmful myths and educate the public: albinism is a genetic condition, not a curse. Inclusive education policies must provide reasonable accommodation for children with albinism, including access to large-print materials and protective clothing. Healthcare systems must guarantee equitable access to sunscreen products and skin cancer screening.
Crucially, inclusion means leadership by persons with albinism, not speaking for them, but listening to them. Advocacy must centre around the lived experiences of people with albinism and not be shaped in boardrooms by those unfamiliar with the reality of exclusion.
When we talk about inclusion as strength, we are recognising a deeper truth: our societies are only as strong as our commitment to equality. Exclusion weakens us; it leaves talent untapped, voices unheard, and communities divided. Inclusion, by contrast, brings perspective, resilience, and collective power.
This International Albinism Awareness Day, let us recommit to building a world where people with albinism are not just accepted, but celebrated; a world where misinformation has no place, and where the strength of inclusion transforms lives and strengthens society.
Inclusion is not a favour; it is a right. It is our collective strength.
