Abuja, Nigeria – June 27, 2025 — In a bold move to confront long-standing discrimination and champion the rights of persons with albinism, a coalition of stakeholders converged at the National Human Rights Commission Hall in Abuja to mark this year’s International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) under the theme: “Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives.”
The one-day stakeholder meeting was convened by the Women and Girls with Albinism Network (WGWAN), in partnership with Ability Life Initiative, CBM, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The event attracted a wide array of civil society organizations, government agencies, international development partners, and members of the albinism community, especially women and girls, who are often the most marginalized within an already vulnerable group.
A Decade of Advocacy, But the Struggle Continues
Delivering a stirring keynote address, Onyemaechi Constance, Executive Director of WGWAN, called for urgent, multi-sectoral action to combat the deep-rooted discrimination and violence persons with albinism continue to face in Nigeria.
“This is not a call for charity — this is a call for justice. Persons with albinism are not to be pitied or hidden away. They are leaders, visionaries, and citizens entitled to dignity, access, and opportunity,” Constance declared to resounding applause.
She highlighted systemic barriers including limited access to dermatological healthcare, discrimination in schools, and social stigma rooted in myths and misconceptions. “We must amplify the voices of persons with albinism and place them at the center of decision-making processes,” she added.
A Day of Voices, Vision, and Vulnerability
The event featured a powerful technical session moderated by disability rights advocate and journalist, Comrade Chris Agbo, where diverse panelists—including Prof. Cyril Eyop, Vincent Okoye, Ruth Madojemu, Susan Kelechi, and representatives from the Ministries of Women Affairs and Education, and the NHRC—shared insights on inclusive policy, personal experiences, and the urgent need for implementation of existing disability rights frameworks.
The session served as a platform for lived-experience storytelling, expert analysis, and consensus building. Many in attendance were moved by testimonies of rejection, bullying, and exclusion — experiences that remain all too common among persons with albinism in both urban and rural areas.
Communiqué: From Dialogue to Commitment
At the close of the meeting, a comprehensive communiqué was issued capturing key observations, resolutions, and a call to action. Among the major observations were:
- Cultural myths and dangerous stereotypes continue to fuel discrimination and violence.
- Access to dermatological care remains limited; sunscreen is unaffordable for many.
- Children with albinism face barriers in education due to poor visual support and insensitivity from educators.
- Women and girls with albinism are underrepresented in leadership and policy circles.
- Digital exclusion is growing, particularly for youth in rural areas.
- The media often perpetuates negative portrayals, deepening stigma.
Despite these challenges, the tone was far from pessimistic. Representatives from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Women Affairs Ministry, Education Ministry, National Human Rights Commission, Ministry of Women Affairs, National Commission For Persons With Disabilities, UNFPA, and JONAPWD FCT Chapter reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with albinism in all spheres of life.
Resolutions: From Talk to Tangible Action
The forum adopted a range of resolutions, including:
- Engage traditional and religious leaders to dispel harmful myths and promote community acceptance.
- Integrate sunscreen into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) essential drug list and expand dermatological services.
- Enforce inclusive education policies and provide training for teachers to support learners with visual impairments.
- Create pathways for women and girls with albinism to access mentorship, leadership development, and policymaking roles.
- Promote accurate, respectful media portrayals and collaborate with journalists on guidelines for disability-sensitive reporting.
- Invest in digital literacy, assistive technology, and vocational training for youth with albinism.
Call to Action: Government, Media, and Society Must Step Up
The communique included a powerful call to action to:
- Policymakers: Mainstream albinism rights into all national and sub-national human rights and development frameworks.
- National Assembly & Ministry of Education: Institutionalize inclusive education policies in collaboration with OPAs (Organizations of Persons with Albinism).
- Ministry of Health & NHIA: Expand access to affordable dermatological care and preventive screenings.
- NHRC: Maintain its role in investigating and addressing rights violations.
- Media: Promote positive, empowering stories that reflect the diversity and resilience of the albinism community.
- Donors & Development Partners: Support programs that empower, educate, and equip persons with albinism—especially women and youth.
Conclusion: From Awareness to Accountability
The 2025 International Albinism Awareness Day commemoration wasn’t just another event—it was a clarion call to prioritize inclusion, challenge injustice, and affirm the humanity of every Nigerian, regardless of skin tone.
“Let this not end in applause and photos,” Constance urged as the event drew to a close. “Let today mark the beginning of collective advocacy, bolder action, and enduring solidarity.”
The signatures on the communiqué were from leading organizations including WGWAN, NHRC, JONAPWD FCT Chapter, Federal Ministry of Education, UNFPA, AWWDI, Data Lead Africa, and the Ministry of Women Affairs.
As participants departed, one message echoed loudly through the halls of the National Human Rights Commission: Persons with albinism must no longer be invisible. They must be included, respected, and protected. The journey continues, but the momentum is growing—and this time, it is powered by purpose, policy, and people.
🟡 Byline: The Qualitative Magazine | June 2025
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