Persons with albinism in Rwanda have come from a place of constant despair and challenges to celebrations, according to Dr Nicodem Hakizimana, the founder and executive director of Organization for the Integration and Promotion of People with Albinism (OIPPA).

He made the statement during the International Albinism Awareness Day event at Hilltop Hotel, on June 13, emphasising that the sense of celebration is not despite their ongoing challenges that still need attention, but rather because they have achieved significant milestones as a community that needs recognition.

ALSO READ: Climbing the education ladder: How one man pushed past albinism stigma and public unkindness

"We shall not be portrayed as sad people forever. There are things to be happy about in our lives, and now is the time to acknowledge. We celebrate our country for empowering us, our communities for learning to accept and not stigmatise us, to those among ourselves who set a good example, by seeking education, financial independence, and advocating for us all,” added Hakizimana.

Hakizimana has a doctorate in Theology from the Minnesota Graduate School of Theology in the US and is the first Rwandan with albinism to do so.

ALSO READ: People living with Albinism grapple with stigma, access to health care

Marie Jeanne Mushimiyimana, a mother of three with albinism, agreed with Hakizimana, saying that having more role models within the community is crucial in showing that there is hope for the future.

"I’m sure it’s much easier to have children with albinism now than it was in the past. We now have instances of people who have educated themselves, developed their skills, gotten job opportunities, and raised healthy families, and that gives me a lot of hope for my kids,” she said.

International Albinism Awareness Day this year was marked under the theme, ‘Inclusion is Strength’. In Rwanda, it was marked by an advocacy walk by members of OIPPA and the National Union of Disabilities organisations of Rwanda.

ALSO READ: Persons with albinism decry limited access to sun protective gear

Reflecting on the theme, the Chairperson of NUDOR, Dr Beth Nasiforo Mukarwego emphasised that the fight for inclusivity and equality for all persons with disabilities should go on.

She continued, "Events like these give us an opportunity to showcase the positive contributions persons with albinism can make to our society, and to work towards erasing harmful stereotypes and stigma.”

The remainder of the event was filled with joyous celebrations, including moving performances by children with albinism who used poetry, songs, dances, and other creative expressions to showcase their talents and spread awareness for the community.