Sadly in Kenya and other parts of Africa, being Albino creates more issues than just needing to try and stay out of the sun and having people look at you a little odd! Being albino can leave you fearing for your life!

Millions of Africans have albinoism, a lack of pigment (melanin) in skin, hair and eyes. This condition, in some places, carries the belief that if an albino limb is used in a potion then wealth and good luck awaits! This witchcraft practise actually means albino people are attacked and have their limbs literally stolen. Many die! Also general predudice is faced daily with slurs of ghost “zeru” (Swahili) and “pesa,” which alludes to the value of their body parts!

Of course, this has to stop. There is absolutely no place for mutilation and murder in any society.

SO, Kenya is trying to combat these issues and the general view on Albino people, they recently held the first African Albino beauty pageant.

The pageant named “Beauty Beyond Skin” was held in Nairobi. 10 women and 10 men dressed up as army officers, waiters and police officers. The idea was to normalise the contestents as participants of daily life.

The Guardian reported Loyce Lihand, the crowned winner as saying:

“For so long albinos have been treated as half-humans because they [are] different. In turn this has affected our self-esteem and the ability to utilise and explore our skills and talents.”

Speaking of the pageant Kenya’s first ever albino Member of Parliament, Isaac Mwaura, said:

“A time is coming when we will have people with albinism serving in the army and police force. We already have some in the National Youth Service, and this is a milestone in achieving inclusion despite the difference in skin color.”

“We have come to say that people with disability are beautiful people. We can have the names ‘beautiful’, ‘handsome’ and ‘albinism’ in one society.”

This contest is a great initiative. These people need to be accepted as sisters and brothers.

Read more: www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/31/kenya-hosts-worlds-first-albino-beauty-pageant

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