Persons with Albinism in Malawi: Promoting an Inclusive Future for All Ages

In this session, drawing from the lived experiences of persons with albinism and from projects that aim to provide support in different ways and in different stages of life, we will share how vital it is to replace discriminatory attitudes with a positive appreciation of the capabilities of persons with albinism, and explore how persons with albinism can be supported to build the self-confidence that will enable them to participate more fully in social and economic life.

It is estimated that there are 135,000 persons with albinism in Malawi, among whom 85% live in poverty and are likely to experience discrimination, violence, exclusion from education and employment and social protection programmes, and difficulty in meeting health-related needs.

The risk to the safety and security of persons with albinism can increase around the time of elections due to superstitious beliefs that electoral success can be influenced by ritualistic killings and the body parts of persons with albinism. Ahead of the 2025 Presidential and Parliamentary elections it is important to raise awareness and take action to uphold the human rights of persons with albinism and to dispel the myths that underlie discrimination and violence.

Stigma, which is usually experienced from birth, involves verbal and physical abuse, sexual and gender-based violence, marginalisation, and devaluation of persons with albinism and their families. At an individual and household level, the experience of discrimination can lead to ‘stigma consciousness’ in which self-confidence and aspiration can be damaged, with wide-ranging negative effects on educational and labour market attainment, entrepreneurial efforts, health, and well-being.

Effectively, persons with albinism face chronic threats such as hunger, ill health and need protection from sudden acts of violence in their daily lives, whether at work and education, at home, when travelling, or in their communities. This underscores the importance of changing societal attitudes and developing a coordinated rights-based response to promote socio-economic inclusion at all levels.

More details about those presenting at this meeting will be shared soon.