By Goldalyn Kakuya

On June 18, the Accessibility Inclusion office, in partnership with the Persons with Disabilities Club, hosted an International Albinism Awareness Day event themed “Demanding our Rights: Protect our Skin, Preserve our Lives.” In alignment with the theme, the event aimed at calling for urgent and sustained action to safeguard the health, dignity, and human rights of persons with albinism.

Dr. Victor Boiyo, Deputy Vice Chancellor - Student Life, delivered the opening remarks, reaffirming the university’s dedication to inclusive education and equitable participation through the implementation of inclusive policies and supporting initiatives that protect the rights of all students, including those from marginalized and vulnerable groups, such as persons with albinism. He reiterated the role of conversation, commitment, leadership, and action in building a truly inclusive university community.

Delivering her keynote address, Ms. Jane Waithera, a celebrated disability rights advocate and founder of Positive Exposure Kenya, addressed the need to break down myths and misconceptions about albinism. Defining it as a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited condition that results in little or no melanin production, Jane stated that albinism affects people from all ethnic backgrounds. She highlighted that this condition affects the color of the skin, hair, and eyes, and comes with vision impairment. Jane urged the community to engage on issues affecting persons with albinism with empathy, evidence, and respect, asking them to focus on facts, not fear or stigma, when raising awareness or advocating for persons with albinism.

The keynote address was followed by a compelling panel discussion featuring renowned experts from across the globe. Panelists tackled real-world issues, including the impact of climate change on skin health, inaccessibility of sunscreen and protective clothing, systemic exclusion, and the emotional and psychological toll of discrimination on individuals with albinism. They discussed the importance of creating accessible supply chains for sun protection products, particularly in remote and underserved communities. Dr. Fredrick Sigar, a renowned dermatologist, talked about medical realities where he highlighted that people with albinism are highly vulnerable to sun-induced skin damage, including skin cancers. He reiterated the need for regular dermatological care and preventive protection.

As the day came to an end, attendees were urged to become ambassadors of inclusion in their academic, social, and professional spaces and to actively advocate for policies and grassroots efforts that protect the rights and dignity of persons with albinism.