Winner of albinism pageant says Zimbabwe event made her feel beautiful and provided sense of purpose

By FARAI MUTSAKA
Associated Press

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — A beauty pageant held this month in Zimbabwe is seen by its contestants and organizer as a way to push back against prejudice and promote understanding of people living with albinism. An Angolan model was crowned the first Miss Albinism Southern Africa and a Zimbabwean paralegal in training was crowned Mr. Albinism Southern Africa. Many countries in southern Africa have laws against discrimination on the basis of race or skin color but people living with albinism still face countless prejudices and even violence driven by dangerously misguided superstitions. Albinism is a genetic condition that affects melanin pigment production and causes pale skin, hair and eyes. It is more pronounced in sub-Saharan Africa.