Yes, we come in different sizes, shapes, and skin colours, but we are all human and we deserve fair and equal treatment.
Albinism is a genetic condition and that does not make people living with albinism less human. They may look different, but that does not give anyone the right to make their lives difficult based on their looks! Over the weekend Mascom collaborated with Ponong Optometrists, Phuthego ya ga Jehova Church, and Ditsele Albinism Trust to donate spectacles and skin care to people living with albinism.
During the handover event that was held at the Ramotswa Kgotla, a woman living with albinism, Beauty Ramogapi, told those who attended that they and their children continue to suffer abuse. She said: “I want to encourage you as parents to always go to schools to teach those who do not understand albinism. Schoolgoing children say some bad words to us not knowing it is wrong.
They need to be taught that we are all human but just different. The same applies to us women when in relationships. Boyfriends and husbands can love us, but their relatives reject us and abuse us.
Please know that we are equally human and do everything that a woman would do for their man.” She further said it is sad that they cannot even help at community gatherings as some people would reject the food and rather let it go to waste. “There is something about growing up being abused, it made us bitter people and we try to fight back with people, which is not okay.
We need to do our best to teach our children from an early age to stop this thing. Our children are abused because their parents are living with albinism. We are tired of fighting with people.
We were all made by God, the abuse must stop.” If there are still some people within our communities who still behave like this, then we have a long way to go! It's not only painful but also shocking as well that a human being can choose to mistreat another just because they look different and why on earth would those people think they are better? A long time ago, there wasn’t enough information on certain conditions, but in today’s world, information is everywhere and easily accessible to learn about certain conditions. Barbaric human beings who continue to mistreat others just because they look different are sadly naïve and ignorant! To people living with albinism, you are all beautiful people. Please continue to educate others and remain strong! You are loved!
