In Pics: A Groundbreaking Beauty Pageant For Those With Albinism

A groundbreaking beauty pageant for people with albinism has encouraged confidence and inclusion for people who remain the target of sometimes deadly stigma in Africa.

(Photo: AP)

The first Mr and Miss Albinism East Africa pageant on Friday, 30 November, night in Kenya’s capital saw participants from Tanzania and Uganda as well.(Photo: AP) 

A groundbreaking beauty pageant for people with albinism has encouraged confidence and inclusion for people who remain the target of sometimes deadly stigma in Africa.

The first Mr and Miss Albinism East Africa pageant on Friday, 30 November, night in Kenya's capital saw participants from Tanzania and Uganda as well.

Elizabeth James of Tanzania said she was forced to change schools as a child when people, staring and pointing, started trailing her home.

The aim of the pageant is to bring an end to the myths and ignorance around albinism. (Photo: AP)

She calls for an end to the ignorance that drives some to kill people with albinism for their body parts or even dig up graves in the misguided belief that they will bring wealth and good fortune.

"The threat has reduced greatly, but it's still there," she said.

Event organizer Isaac Mwaura, Kenya’s first albino legislator, called the pageant a way to build self-esteem.(Photo: AP)

Event organiser Isaac Mwaura, Kenya's first albino legislator, called the pageant a way to build self-esteem.

(Photo: AP) 

"People with albinism are people like any other, and for sure we are also beautiful," he said.

“People with albinism are people like any other, and for sure we are also beautiful,” Event Organizer Isaac Mwaura said. (Photo: AP) 

(This article has been published in an association with The Associated Press)