Promoting the social inclusion of people with albinism in Tanzania – 24th October, 2016

Date : Monday, 24th October, 2016

Time : 5pm to 7pm

Location : School of Oriental and African Studies, Russell Square WC1H 0XG

A seminar hosted by the Britain-Tanzania Society and the SOAS African Studies Centre and facilitated by Standing Voice as part of the African Studies Centre programme , SOAS.

Albinism—a genetic condition reducing or eliminating melanin pigment in the skin, eyes and hair—is poorly understood across much of Tanzanian society. Dehumanising myths and superstitions surround the condition, with misconceptions breaking up families and leading to mockery, abandonment and violence. Seen as ghosts or ‘zeru zeru’ (‘sub-human’ in Swahili), people with albinism are often construed as curses on their families and communities and are segregated as a result. Some are even targeted for their body parts, used in witchcraft charms thought to bring wealth and fortune. Since 2006, 76 have been murdered and 69 more attacked. Because people with albinism are often thought to be subhuman, services are not built to meet their needs. Marginalisation impedes access to health services, restricts the delivery of health education, and isolates individuals with albinism from their families, communities and caregivers. This engaging and interactive seminar will be delivered by Jamie Walling (Standing Voice Project and Fundraising Coordinator) and present the issue of human rights abuses against people with albinism in Tanzania.

Standing Voice is an international non-governmental organisation based in Tanzania with its headquarters in the United Kingdom, deeply committed to promoting the social inclusion of people with albinism through delivering Health, Education, Advocacy and Community Programmes, reaching thousands of people with albinism across Tanzania on a structured, regular basis.

A Full report  of the seminar appears on page 4 of BTS Newsletter Jan 2017

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