People living with albinism in East Africa are still leaving in fear of killings and gruesome attacks however, non-governmental organisations are joining hands to mitigate the effect.
Yesterday Nairobi County held the first ever beauty pageant for Mr and Miss Albinism East Africa awards with the theme, ‘Beauty beyond the skin’.
Shunned by the society, but defiantly undeterred, one by one they walked down the runway with all the glamour that befits professional models.
Below are young individuals who participated in the beauty contest.
The contest boasted a group of 30 ladies and gents from Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. 5 girls and 5 guys who represent their country in the journey to crowing the first ever Mr and Miss Albinism East Africa.
Do you think the beauty contest will help curb stigma for the people living with albinism?
The Kenyan Albinism Society organised the pageant again to celebrate 12 years of its existence. It also wants to show the beauty in persons living with albinism, and do away with the stigma associated with the medical condition.
Members of the group between the ages of 18 and 35 years were given a chance to participate in the auditions that went down before the final selection
Contestants come from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, and awards will be given in different categories. Cash awards and other gift hampers was given to the finalist.
People with albinism have long been persecuted in the sub-Saharan part of Africa, with East African communities taking the lead in these abuses,the genetically inherited condition is very rare, affecting approximately one in 20,000 people worldwide. People with the disorder lack pigment in their skin, hair, and eyes.