Andreia Solange Sicato Muhitu, a 28-year-old Angolan model, expressed her joy at being named the co-winner of the inaugural Mr. and Miss Albinism Southern Africa pageant held in Zimbabwe. Muhitu believes that the pageant can bring about positive change in parts of Africa where people with albinism face discrimination and violence due to superstitions. Albinism is an inherited genetic condition that reduces melanin pigment production, resulting in pale-colored skin, hair, and eyes. People with albinism are vulnerable to sun exposure, have eyesight problems, and are prone to developing skin cancer. Superstitions surrounding albinism include the belief that having sex with a person with albinism can cure HIV or that their body parts have supernatural powers. In sub-Saharan Africa, albinism is more common, affecting about 1 in 5,000 people. The pageant aimed to shine a spotlight on the talents of people with albinism and challenge the stigma they face. The event organizer, Brenda Mudzimu, who also has albinism, emphasized that people with albinism are no different from others except for their skin color. The pageant included contestants from various countries in the region and judged them based on their charisma, confidence, poise, quality of walk, and intellect. Muhitu hopes that the pageant will inspire young girls with albinism to follow their dreams and showcase their limitless potential. [49b92614]
Albinism is an inherited genetic condition that reduces melanin pigment production, resulting in pale-colored skin, hair, and eyes. People with albinism are vulnerable to sun exposure, have eyesight problems, and are prone to developing skin cancer. The pageant aimed to shine a spotlight on the talents of people with albinism and challenge stereotypes and stigma. Albinism is more common in sub-Saharan Africa, affecting about 1 in 5,000 people. The prevalence can reach 1 in 1,000 in some populations in Zimbabwe and other ethnic groups in southern Africa. The event organizer, Brenda Mudzimu, who also has albinism, founded the Miss Albinism Trust to combat the harsh treatment and stigma faced by people with albinism in the region. The pageant contestants came from various countries in southern Africa and included fashion designers, health workers, and professional models. Muhitu hopes to inspire young girls with albinism to feel comfortable and beautiful in their own skin and to pursue their dreams. She believes that modeling contests, storytelling, music, and other art forms can be powerful tools to change mindsets and challenge discrimination. [c4fcc7ca]
Anti-racism activists in Spain have called for a ban on the use of blackface seen in many of the country’s traditional Epiphany celebrations. Rita Bosaho, the first black woman in Spain’s parliament, said the practice tarnished the memory of enslaved people and disempowered black children. In the parades, actors portraying the kings, or Magi, ride past on floats and fling sweets, which are eagerly scooped up by children. A 2021 study commissioned by the Equality Ministry found that although nearly half of people of African descent living in Spain were born in the country, only 12 per cent described themselves as “Afro-Spanish” and 60 per cent said they did not feel Spanish due to discrimination they suffered. People defending the use of blackface say they mean no harm and are just continuing a tradition. Antoinette Torres, the founder of Afrofeminas, an online community seeking to boost black women’s visibility, said there was a “lack of political will to tackle racism” but that nationwide legislation was needed to protect minors and end practices such as blackface. [06118ee8]