top of page
Asian Institute of Research, Journal Publication, Journal Academics, Education Journal, Asian Institute
Asian Institute of Research, Journal Publication, Journal Academics, Education Journal, Asian Institute

Journal of Social and Political

Sciences

ISSN 2615-3718 (Online)

ISSN 2621-5675 (Print)

asia insitute of research, journal of social and political sciences, jsp, aior, journal publication, humanities journal, social journa
asia insitute of research, journal of social and political sciences, jsp, aior, journal publication, humanities journal, social journa
asia insitute of research, journal of social and political sciences, jsp, aior, journal publication, humanities journal, social journa
asia insitute of research, journal of social and political sciences, jsp, aior, journal publication, humanities journal, social journa
crossref
doi
open access

Published: 16 April 2020

Lifelong Agony Among People with Albinism (PWA): Tales From Lake Zone in Tanzania

Methusela Mishael Masanja, Marko Mwita Imori, Ismail Juma Kaudunde

PO-Regional Administration and Local Government, Local Government Accounting and Finance Department

journal of social and political sciences
pdf download

Download Full-Text Pdf

doi

10.31014/aior.1991.03.02.172

Pages: 329-337

Keywords: Lifelong Agony, Alinism, PWA, Tanzania

Abstract

A qualitative study conducted in the northern regions surrounding Lake Victoria in Tanzania, reveals that, People with Albinism (PWA) have been harshly treated for long. Mothers were required to terminate lives of their abnormally born infants (like albino infants). Besides lifelong challenges due to albinism condition, people searched for their body parts even after “being hidden” in unmarked graves after their deaths. Beliefs fuelling such ill-treatment on PWA are deep rooted and intertwined among peoples’ mind under influence of cultural beliefs existing for several decades. Proper approach should be designed for permanent solution of the long existed inhumane practices against People with Albinism.

References

  1. Ackley, C. (2010). The fetishization of albinos in Tanzania [http://www.underthesames un.com/sites/default /files/The%20Fetishization%20of%20Albinos%20in%20Tanzania.pdf]

  2. Alghazo, E. M. (2002). Educators’ attitudes towards persons with disabilities: Factors affecting inclusion. Journal of Faculty of Education 17(19): 1 – 44.

  3. Baker, C., Lund, P., Nyathic, R., andTaylor, J. (2010). The myths surrounding people with albinism in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Journal of African Cultural Studies 22(2):169-181

  4. Baloyi, M.E., (2014), ‘Distance no impediment for funerals: Death as a uniting ritual for African people – A pastoral study’,Verbum et Ecclesia 35(1), Art. #1248, 7 pages.

  5. Barnes, C. (1985). Discrimination against disabled people (causes, meaning and consequences) or the sociology of disability. [http://www.leeds.ac.uk/disability-studies/ archiveuk /Barnes /Barnes%20dissertation.pdf]

  6. Bello, A. (2017). Investigation: Culture of death: Twins murder and infanticide in the FCT [https://www. naija.ng/931999-investigation-2.html#931999]

  7. Benyah, F. (2017). Equally Able, Differently Looking: Discrimination and Physical Violence against Persons with Albinism in Ghana.  Journal for the Study of Religion 30 (1): 161 – 188.

  8. Bucaro, S. (2010). A Black Market for Magical Bones: The Current Plight of East African Albinos, Public Interest Law Reporter. 15 (2): 131-140.

  9. Burke, J., Theresa J. Kaijage, T. J., and John-Langba, J. (2014). Media Analysis of Albino Killings in Tanzania: A Social Work and Human Rights Perspective. Ethics and Social Welfare. 8(2), 117–134

  10. Chege, M. M., (2012). Albinism is neither a deformity nor should it be a sacrificial tact Different cultures around the world have developed many beliefs regarding people with albinism. [http://in2eastafrica.net/albinism-is-neither-a-deformity-nor-should –it-be-a-sacrificial-tact/]

  11. Deal, M., (2007), ‘Aversive disablism: Subtle prejudice toward disabled people’, Disability & Society 22(1), 93–107.

  12. Debrah, A.(2017). The shocking truth about infanticide in Nigeria.[ https://yen.com.gh/77280-culture-death-shocking-truth-twins-murder-infanticide-parts-nigeria.html#77280]

  13. Estrada-Herna´Ndez, N. And Harper, D. C. (2007). Research On Psychological And Personal Aspects Of Albinism: A Critical Review. Rehabilitation Psychology. 52(3):263–271

  14. Fortin, J. (2013). Deadly Superstition: Albino Children Face Discrimination, Amputations and Murder in East Africa. [http://www.ibtimes.com/deadly-superstition-albino-children-face-discrimination-amputations-murder-east-africa-1115474]

  15. Franklin, A., Lund, P., Bradbury-Jones, C and Taylor, J. (2018). Children with albinism in African regions: their rights to ‘being’ and ‘doing’. BMC International Health and Human Rights. 18(2)

  16. Gaigher, R. J., Lund, P. M. and Makuya, E. (2000). A sociological study of children with albinism at a special school in the Limpopo province. Curationis 25(4): 793 – 795.

  17. Human Rights Watch, (2019). Mozambique: Education Barriers for Children With Albinism. Improve Security. [Https://Www.Hrw.Org/News/2019/06/13/ Mozambique-Education-Barriers-Children-Albinism]

  18. Kiprono, S. K., Joseph, L. N., Naafs, B. and Chaula, B. M. (2012). Quality of life and people with Albinism in Tanzania: More than only a loss of pigment. Scientific Reports 1: 2 – 83.

  19. Kromberg, J., Zwane, E. and Jenkins, T. (1987) The response of black mothers to the birth of an albino infant. American Journal of Diseases of Children 141:911 – 915.

  20. Magobe, T. R. (2008). Superstitious albino killings in Tanzania must stop. [http://www. groundreport.com/Opinion/Superstitious-Albino-Killings-in-Tanzania-MustSto/28 60945]

  21. Makulilo, E. B. (2010). Albino killings in Tanzania: Witchcraft and Racism? [http://www.academia.edu/Documents/in/Albino_killings_and_media_coverage]

  22. Mesaki, S. (2008). Albinism: Rejection, stigmatization and poverty. [http://216.69.164.44 /ipp/observer/2008/04/20/112771.html]

  23. Mswela, M. M. (2016). A Selection of Legal Issues Relating to Persons Living With Albinism. Thesis submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Laws at the University of South Africa, 28th February, 2016. 372 pp.

  24. Nyasa Times (2017). Malawi Court Convicts 3 Men For Exhuming Albino Corpse For Witchcraft Rituals. [https://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi-court-convicts-3-men-exhuming-albino-corpse-witchcraft-rituals/]

  25. Nzagi, I. (2009). Securing the Rights of People with Albinism in Tanzania Mainland: The Fight against Social Exclusion: Dissertation for Award of Degree of Masters of Arts in Development Studies Specialization in Human Rights, Development and Social Justice. The Hague, The Netherlands. 59pp.

  26. Observers (2009). The hunt for Albinos is still on. [http://observers.france24.com/ content /20090 413-plight-africa-albinos-cameroon-tanzania].

  27. Phatoli, R., Bila, N. and Ross, E. (2015). Being black in a white skin: Beliefs and stereotypes around albinism at a South African university. African Journal of Disability.22;4(1):106.

  28. Rokach, A., Lechcier-Kimel, R., & Safarov, A. (2006). Loneliness of people with physical disabilities. Social Behavior and Personality: An international journal, 34(6): 681-700.

  29. Small, V. (1998). Sociological studies of people of colour with albinism. [http://www .albinism.org /publications/African.pdf] site visited on 20/10/2012.

  30. Taylor, J., Jones, C. B., Lund, P. (2019). Witchcraft-related Abuse and Murder of Children with Albinism in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Conceptual Review. Child Abuse Review. 28: 13–26

  31. Taylor, J.,Bradbury-Jones, C., Lund, P. (2019). Witchcraft-Related Abuse And Murder Of Children With Albinism In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Conceptual Review: Witchcraft -Related Abuse Of Children With Albinism. Child Abuse Review 28(1): 13-26.

  32. The Guardian (2019). Albinism In Tanzania: Slow Progress In Combating Violence And Discrimination.[Https://Www.Theguardian.Com/Global-Development-Professionals-Network/2015/May/13/ Albinism-In-Tanzania-Slow-Progress-In-Combatting-Violence-And-Discrimination].

  33. Thuku (2011). Myths, discrimination, and the call for special rights for persons with albinism in Sub-saharanAfrica. [http://www.underthesamesun.com/sites/default/ files/MYTHS.Final _. pdf]

  34. Van Beek Walter E.A. (2002). Why a twin is not a child: Symbols in Kapsiki birth rituals. Journal des africanistes. 72(1):119-147

  35. Vornholt, K.,Uitdewilligen, S. & Nijhuis, F.J.N. (2013). Journal Of Occupational Rehabilitation. 23(4): 463- 475

  36. Witchcraft and Human Rights Information Network (2016). Public Health and Beliefs in Witchcraft: Preventing Human Rights Violations of Persons with Albinism. Paper Presented at United Nations International Crime and Research Institute (UNICRI) Side Event. UN Human Rights Council, Geneva. 7th March 20

bottom of page