Albinism is a genetic condition in which a person lacks the gene for producing melanin –the pigment that protects the skin from ultraviolet light from the sun. Persons with albinism (PWAs) may lack pigmentation in the skin, eyes and hair. Albinism is found in all cultures in Nigeria and myths, stigma and discrimination differ from culture. Children with albinism have dropped out of school as a result of bullying from peers and discrimination from teachers, PWAs who passed employment tests and interviews have been denied employment, women with albinism have been impregnated and refused marriage by would-be suitors and mothers who have given birth to children with albinism have been kicked out of their matrimonial homes. Additionally, most PWAs are ignorant of their health conditions which put them at risk of skin cancer and other health challenges. Based on the above background and through the My Nature, My Pride project TAF Plateau State is addressing these issues through engaging the relevant stakeholders, government, religious leaders and parents. TAF is also sensitising PWA’s as rightsholders to become more aware of the challenges they face and create safe spaces for themselves. This is done through capacity building so that they are better informed about their condition making them PROUD of who they are and aware of their rights

I am more than just my skin colour! 

“Often times on the streets of Jos, Lucy and I will go out and people will casually tell me- See this Albino from America ooo!!!, get out of the sun before you melt; and we will simply laugh it off. Deep down in our hearts, we know that we are Nigerians and not white Americans, but it reminds us about our root and how differently the society looks at us”. Mr. Abel, a rightsholder. 

Life of a Person with Albinism (PWA) is often marred by many challenges as they go through hardship, pains, stigmatisation, rejection, stereotypes, and many others. They are generally referred to as “albino” or “Oyibo” -Oyibo means ‘white person’ in pidgin English. Similarly in many tribes of Nigeria, there is a local name for albinos with same meaning. For instance, in Tiv language, it is “Orbuter”, in Hausa- Bature, and Jarawa-  “Anasara”; and all simply refer to their fair skin colour.  

To some extent, the albino community in Plateau State have simply taken to the amusing side of this stereotype instead of getting offensive. Thus, while interacting freely amongst themselves, they will usually add ‘white’ to their names, for example- Lucywhite, white Angels, Chritabelgold, Chriswhite,  Oscarwhite, Mimiwhite, Mercygold, etc. many add white or gold to their names to make them happy and feel good about themselves, boost their self- esteem and promote positive attitudes. This is because they know that for the society, that phrase ‘white person’ has a different connotation for their community as opposed to the meaning ascribed to the name when used for a Caucasian. For the albino community, the name has negative perception, discrimination and rejection; it create an image of worthlessness. Thus, many find it difficult to see anything good in them. The name is indeed a revelation of the type and level of limitation placed on the community by the society.  

This is the state of the Albino community in Nigeria and for a smaller community in Plateau, their plight is more discouraging because of lack of awareness amongst the society. There are cases of some being locked up, women being sent away from their matrimonial home etc. because the society struggle to accept the fact that a ‘white person’ can suddenly became a member of their kinsmen. Thus for the woman, she must have been witched by a strange god. 

A national movement for the promotion & protection of the rights & welfare of PWA is already in existence through the Albino Foundation umbrella body. However, impact is yet to trickle down to many local communities as this umbrella body most often engage in bigger influencing efforts at national level. The project ‘My Body, My Pride’ is a symbolic announcement by the Albino community of Plateau State that they are proud of their skin, that they consider it their nature and that they are at peace with it. No wonder they focused on expressing their beauty and talent through beauty pageants and talent shows organised under the project. They also engaged in a lot of awareness creation, leveraging on international events to amplify some of the messages they communicated in order to address cases of ignorance such as- albinism is hereditary and has nothing to do infidelity/being bewitched by strange gods. 

This project has been able to establish that persons with albinis are much more than their skin colors – they have talent, they are beautiful and they are smart. It has created a lot of buzz in Plateau State about albinism, many are now aware of their existence, what they go through and how they feel about the discriminatory practices against them. The community has gained some level of popularity in the State and now connected to key government representatives at both local and State level. With this comes a lot of self-esteem and worth amongst members as they see that their issues has now become a matter of concern to both the society and government. More importantly, the project has supported the community to strengthen pockets of small communities of PWA across the State, reaching even the most remote parts of the State. Now those who have been locked up in their homes/remote villages can see many others that look like them and understand their skin condition. The safe space is now a place of succor for many, to drop their burden as many like-minded people are willing to listen. 

In the words of Mr. Abel (project lead), ‘we have benefitted more as an organisation than as individual. Who would have thought of trusting us with such a huge amount knowing that we have no experience’. When the grant was awarded, there were conversations whether the national body should manage the grant on behalf of the Plateau branch. Voice was willing to take the risk of implementing with the Plateau branch, at the level of an informal group. It has been a beautiful journey because the Plateau branch was transparent and open in areas where they lack strength and have grown tremendously due to their dedication. It is indeed a true story of upholding the principle of Nothing about Us without Us.  

Through the project, they have learned that teamwork is critical in achieving set targets and that everyone must be involved. They are bold in affirming- ‘nobody can tell our story better than ourselves so it is time to increase our Voice’. Looking at the future, the Albino community in Plateau State would like to see Nigeria and indeed Africa make deliberate efforts to provide quality and easy-to- access health care services. They also dream of a country/continent that recognises that being an albino in itself is already worrying (due to the health implications) and try not to further complicate their situation through discriminatory practices and or gestures.