Thando Hopa, a South African model, lawyer and activist, is on the April cover of “Vogue Portugal” for their “Africa Motherland” edition. The magazine stated that the issue is an ode “to origins” and to “Africa, as the birthplace of mankind”.
Women with albinism are making a strong and growing contribution to changing perceptions and seeing all People with Albinism (PWA) and other marginalised groups being integrated into society more fully.
The Albinism Society of Kenya has launched Mr. and Miss Albinism East Africa a beauty pageant to help create awareness and encourage inclusion by showcasing the beauty and talent of people with albinism. #BeautyBeyondtheSkin
A 5 year-old girl, Ramata Diarra was decapitated last month in a suspected ritual murder for her body parts in Mali. The Salif Keita Global Foundation published this emotional poem of the girl “speaking” from the grave, asking for justice, and protection of people with albinism.
Today we celebrate International Albinism Awareness Day with the global theme “shining our light to the world”. People with albinism continue to face multiple forms of discrimination worldwide. “The battle continues, but we are gaining ground,” UN expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism Ikponwosa Ero said.
A five-year-old girl with albinism Djeneba Diarra was beheaded in a suspected ritual murder for her body parts in Mali. Her murder has caused an outrage in her home village and on social media. Prominent campaigner on albinism, Malian musician Salif Keita has commented on the murder of Djeneba, and pledged to fight for her justice.
Violence and stigma aimed at people with albinism is widespread. South African doll makers are creating dolls that resemble girls living with albinism to give them representation and help dispel stereotypes.
Today we celebrate Zimbabwe’s first Miss Albinism 2018, 22 year old Sithembiso Mutukura. The pageant, tagged beauty beyond the skin, seeks to create awareness on albinism.
Everton FC stars recently met with Albino United FC players and joined the Tanzanian based team in a training session. The team aims to, and continues fighting stigma. Amid widespread discrimination, Albino United FC is proving that people living with albinism are no different from other people.
In commemoration of Albinism Awareness Day we get to meet Weah Bangura, a Sierra Leonean model with albinism whose encouragement from his mom has pushed him to believe in himself. Bangura walked on the runway during the Australian Fashion Week. His success brings more awareness that those with albinism are human just like every human being.
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