“Everyone in Africa is facing the same challenges, some of them are even killed. Let us talk about Tanzania, they are killed for ritual purposes…”

Humanity consistently frowns upon activities that diminish individual opportunities to thrive and grow. One of the main objectives of the Albinism Dare to Dream Initiative is to ensure that the rights of persons with albinism are protected, promoted, and respected accordingly. The initiative also works to ensure that people with albinism can claim their rightful place in the society they live in.

The founder of the Mr. and Miss Albinism Pageants, Brenda Mudzimu, legally registered this charitable organization in Zimbabwe in 2016 and went on to hold the first-ever Mr. and Miss Albinism Zimbabwe in 2018. Later, she initiated the Mr. and Miss Albinism SADC and is now preparing for the upcoming Mr. and Miss Albinism Africa Pageant in 2025.

Despite efforts to promote awareness, harmful misconceptions and superstitions persist. Various myths and misunderstandings about albinism lead to stigma, discrimination, and harm. Some believe that albinism is a curse or punishment from God, while others assume that people with albinism are intellectually disabled. Even though some view albinism as a good omen, they may also believe that people with albinism can be used to cure diseases, in rituals, or as lucky charms.

Albinism is a genetic condition characterized by a lack or absence of melanin production, resulting in pale skin, hair, and eyes. I remember growing up hearing stories that albinism was contagious. This misconception created fear in communities, leading to further discrimination, even the plates used by a person with albinism would be thrown away. Through awareness campaigns and positive representation in the media, communities are now aware that albinism is a genetic condition and cannot be transmitted through touch or contact.

The Dare to Dream Initiative aims to ensure that persons with albinism are treated like every other human being, with the same needs and rights. Brenda introduced the concept note for Mr. and Miss Albinism Africa, set for April 2025 in Harare, Zimbabwe.

“The success of Mr. and Miss Albinism SADC inspired organizations for people with albinism across Africa to launch the first-ever Mr. and Miss Albinism Africa pageant and African Diversity Fair. So far, 30 African countries have shown interest in the idea. It is anticipated that there will be 60 contestants, ideally representing all African countries. The overarching event theme is ‘Shining in a Rainbow Africa.’ This theme is a powerful social statement by the pageant, a call to action for people with albinism everywhere to take the courageous step to ‘Shine in a Rainbow Africa,’” she said.

The concept note evokes on how for so long many cultures referred to people with albinism as the Shadow people. They are therefore encouraged to find and shine their own light, be the sunshine and get the limelight. Regardless of who you are, a good support system will always build people up no matter the challenges.

Brenda added that: “The objective of all the Mr and Miss Albinism pageants is to identify talents within the albinism community. It is also to make sure that they gain their communication skills, advocacy skills and even gain confidence because persons with albinism are losing their confidence in the society they live in.”

The outcome and impact that the event is supposed to make is for the community and the general society of persons with albinism to gain confidence as well as be bold to achieve goals. Individuals who have participated in previous pageants have been recognized, they are even getting work because of the pageants. This creates positivity and awareness that persons with albinism can achieve just as much as any other people in the community.

Therefore, we may seem different but as the Rainbow African community, we can learn from each other regardless of different interests, talents, backgrounds, cultures and experiences. It is a shame that most of the success stories are not documented, because they are those where many can draw strength to be courageous. It is the hope of the Dare to Dream Initiative team to partner with more media practitioners to assist in changing the narrative through positive feedback, support and awareness of persons with albinism.

Every person was created for a unique and particular purpose. No matter the colour or lack thereof, you are still fearfully and wonderfully made. Now the introduction of a rainbow in the mix signifies a peculiar occurrence bringing light, hope and fulfilment of a promise.

A light which opened many eyes to the possibility is the founder of the initiative Brenda, a renowned Zimbabwean albinism activist, advocate, and author. She faced discrimination, stigma, and social exclusion due to misconceptions and myths surrounding albinism. Brenda’s experiences fuelled her passion for advocacy. She works tirelessly to teach many in the community about awareness and understanding the capabilities of persons with albinism.