Cultural and Museum Centre of Karonga has launched a month-long exhibition which seeks to raise awareness on albinism.
The exhibition, which was officially opened on August 13, is about a book written by Professor Gudrun Rappold of Institute of Human Genetics from the University of Heidelberg in Germany.
Currently being celebrated under the theme ‘Albinism: Just a gene’, the exhibition delves into how human beings view each other based on the colour of their skin.
“The exhibition and the book aim to challenge misconceptions, promote inclusion and celebrate the beauty of diversity. It highlights genetic principles of pigmentation in people and raises awareness about albinism.
“This comes in the awake of challenges that people with albinism face including attacks and killings due to false beliefs and superstitions,” said Rappold.
Malawi remains one of the places that experience violence against people with albinism due to growing myths and misconceptions.
Ian Simbota, one of the advocates for the rights of people with albinism, hailed the exhibition.
“For a long time, people with albinism have been vulnerable to killings and abductions due to growing myths and superstitions surrounding their skin condition. We hope this exhibition will help build momentum around awareness on the rights of persons with albinism as well as mobilise action from relevant authorities to ensure that people with albinism no longer live in fear,” he said.
Simbota added that people with albinism deserve protection just like any citizen.
The exhibition is using the power of painting to highlight some of the challenges facing people with albinism in the country.
Karonga-based visual artist Osman Arts was commissioned to paint two artworks that carry awareness messages surrounding albinism.
He said he was pleased with his participation in the exhibition, saying it was an important cause aimed at contributing to the wellbeing of people with albinism in the country.
Said Osman: “As an artist, participating in this project is an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause and raise awareness about albinism. People with albinism matter in Malawi because they deserve the same rights, protection and opportunities just like everyone else.
“By promoting inclusion and challenging misconceptions, we can work towards creating a more supportive and accepting society.”
He said the exhibition was necessary to promote understanding and acceptance of people with albinism, addressing common myths and superstitions surrounding the condition.
