International Albinism Awareness Day: Persons With Albinism call for equal rights, inclusion too
By Chidimma Ajemba/Ngozika Omenankiti/ Stella Anekwe
Awka, June 11, 2022 (MOI) The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo has encouraged Persons With Albinism (PWA) to always work on their self-esteem and disregard the negative perception the society has toward them.
The commissioner gave these words of encouragement to the community as Anambra joins the World in commemorating this year’s International Albinism Awareness Day at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, on June 10.
The event was organized by the Anambra State Association of Persons with Albinism (ASAA).
Speaking further the commissioner represented by the Director of Women Affairs, Mrs Hope Ekesiobi said, “No human on Earth is ever complete, therefore, refuse to be intimidated by what the public make of you.
``In you lies great potentials waiting to be explored; if you see something, say something, if you are intimidated or molested in any form, speak out don't die in silence."
She advised parents who have children with albinism to endeavour to train their children in school for they can excel in any profession if given the opportunity.
The Chairperson, ASAA, Mrs. Chika Ezeonwumelu in her welcome address expressed sadness over the discrimination, stigmatization and inhuman practices meted on them because of the coloration of their skins.
She called for total attitudinal change while enumerating the ill treatments experienced by her group.
``Persons with Albinism are denied employment opportunities because the employers think PWAs are not competent.
``Children with Albinism are not given educational rights like others while getting married to an albino is perceived as taboo.’’
She noted that persons with albinism are human beings and ought to be treated like other human beings and should be included in the societal development plans.
Ezeonwumelu pleaded with the State Government to assist the group in the provision of free or subsidized medical care so as to reduce the high rate of skin cancer in the Albinism Community.
In her goodwill message the Woman Leader, Association of Anambra State Women with Disabilities (AASWOWD), Mrs Ncheta Nwanokwara charged persons with albinism especially the women to always seek alternative ways to end domestic violence.
She decried the high increase of domestic violence experienced daily in the world and called for patience and tolerance on the side of couples.
``Persons with albinism especially women must always be ambassadors of peace and stand out wherever they find themselves.’’
The Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter, Mr Ugochukwu Okeke said that it was not business as usual as matters of persons with disabilities are now treated as subject of right and no longer object of charity.
He explained that the passing of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law (ASDRL), since 2018 has continued to propel the state as the light of the nation because the state remains the only state in the South-East that has a law that protects the rights of persons with disabilities.
``The coming on board of Prof. Soludo's government, most especially our new Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Madam Ify Obinabo is a prayer answered for the Disability Community as we had earlier prayed that God will bless us with a person that will understand our plights and consolidate on the existed achievements so far.
``The synergy between the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare and the Disability Community especially JONAPWD cannot be over emphasized.
``I join voices with Persons with Albinism in the state to say no to discrimination and marginalization meted on PWAs.
``Children with albinism should be allowed to wear long sleeves to school to help protect their skins and also allowed to sit in front rows in the class for easy sighting.
Mrs Bennis Uchendu, representing the Director of Rehab Department of the ministry, noted that persons with albinism are fully unique and endowed with different capabilities and natural intelligence.
She advised the Group never to feel dejected in the face of rejection by the public and that they should strive to be the best in all human endeavours.
Miss Osaro Philips and Miss Calista John, persons living with albinism shared their experiences respectively, calling for more awareness programmes to educate persons with albinism on healthy living as well as sensitize the public on how best to relate with PWAs.
Also present at the event were, the Head of Admin Department, Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, Mr Samuel Okoro; Chairmen, National Association of the Blind and Anambra State Association of the Deaf, Mr Okamelu Ernest and Mr Amobi respectively as well as the Public Relation Officer of JONAPWD, Mr Ifeanyi Igwegbe. (MOI)
3C/RNI.
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