Albinism: How misconceptions destroy our confidence amid denied opportunities, marriage bias – Albino

People living with albinism in northern Nigeria continue to face widespread social discrimination, ranging from mockery within their communities to rejection in schools, workplaces, and even marriage.

Many of them say the stigma often starts from within their own families, long before they step into the wider society.

According to Mariya Ishaka, the National Vice Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria and the Chairperson of the Kano State chapter, persons with albinism regularly encounter prejudice that undermines their confidence and denies them equal opportunities.

She said many are insulted in public, denied jobs due to assumptions about their abilities, and some students are even forced out of hostels because peers refuse to share rooms with them.

She explained that some families discourage their sons from marrying women with albinism out of fear that future children would inherit the condition.

In other cases, young people are denied school admission or employment simply because of misconceptions about what they can or cannot do.

“Sometimes you walk within the community, and people call you names that are inappropriate and hurtful.

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“Some families reject a marriage proposal just because the girl has albinism.

And many capable people among us are denied jobs or school opportunities because of wrong assumptions,” she said.

Ishaka also described instances where people with albinism are not treated fairly in hospitals, even though health facilities are supposed to serve all patients equally.

She noted that some are ignored or dismissed when they seek medical attention.

After highlighting the social discrimination, she turned to the health-related challenges that persons with albinism face.

She explained that they struggle not only with severe sun sensitivity but also with significant visual impairment.

According to her, the hot season is particularly dangerous, as prolonged sun exposure can lead to skin cancer and other complications.

“We face serious difficulties when exposed to the sun, especially during periods of intense heat.

“It becomes very hard for us and can lead to skin cancer. We also suffer from poor eyesight.

“We cannot see the classroom board clearly, and even when we walk, we rely on glasses.

“The glasses help, but we still do not see like other people because of the low melanin in our bodies,” she said.

She added that while the rainy season brings some relief, the cold season causes their skin to become extremely dry, sometimes cracking painfully.

Despite these challenges, Ishaka insisted that people with albinism can excel in school, work, and society if given fair treatment.

“If people would give us the chance, they would see what we are capable of achieving,” she concluded.