By Thandiwe Matsenjwa
MANZINI – The Stukie Motsa Foundation celebrated the International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) at Manzini Millennium Park today (Thursday, June 13, 2024), marking a decade of collective progress under the theme, ‘10 years of IAAD: A decade of collective progress.’
The event, made possible by the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPMO) and supported by various stakeholders including the City of Manzini, UNFPA Eswatini, SWAGAA, and FODSWA, among others. The event brought together individuals and organizations dedicated to raising awareness about albinism.
Stukie Motsa, founder of the Stukie Motsa Foundation, expressed how it was so humbling to celebrate this day, given the hardships they have faced in previous years as a foundation. She then highlighted how the foundation was established in 2016, after seeing people’s lack of knowledge in albinism and the need to spread its awareness.
The President of the Persons with Albinism Organisation in Eswatini, Philemon Gama briefed the audience on the background and progress of the International Albinism Awareness Day.
“After the establishment of the Association in 2013, the office of Human Rights Council in Geneva adopted Resolution Number 23 of 2013, which mandated this International Albinism Awareness Celebration which started in 2014. This day, made possible by the United Nations after seeing the need of not leaving behind people with albinism in countries, launched this day in order to raise awareness in albinism in the United Nations. In 2017, we started to celebrate this day for the first time in history,” Gama said.
The celebration at Millennium Park (Manzini) was a testament to the commitment and collaboration of all those involved in the cause. Attendees were treated to a day filled with educational activities, inspiring speeches, and interactive displays highlighting the achievements and on-going efforts in promoting albinism awareness globally.
Gama further explained what Albinism was and the impact it has on people living with it due to lack of knowledge. “It is a genetic condition which is characterised by partial to total absence of melanin in the eyes, skin and hair, although it occurs throughout the world, in all gender, ethnic and racial groups, the condition is rare. The exact number is unknown, but equivalence has most recently been estimated to vary from 1 to 15 000 in Europe to 1 to 4 000 in African countries. Lack of knowledge about this condition often leads to persons with Albinism being stigmatised and discriminated against, based on their physical appearance as well as their disabilities,” he said.
The DPMO’s pivotal role in making the event a reality underscored the Government’s dedication to addressing the challenges posed by albinism. Furthermore, the support from the City of Manzini and other stakeholders demonstrated the widespread recognition of the importance of spreading awareness about albinism.
The theme, ‘10 years of IAAD: A decade of collective progress,’ served as a reminder of the strides made over the past decade and the continued dedication required to further advance the cause. As the international community came together to commemorate this milestone, it was evident that the efforts to raise awareness about Albinism have not only gained momentum but have also made significant impacts on a global scale.
(Pics sourced from DPMO’s Facebook page)
