Across Zambia, the call for dignity, inclusion, and equality rang loud and clear this July as communities in Muchinga and Luapula Provinces commemorated International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) 2025, themed “Demanding our rights: Protect our skin, Preserve our lives”. The events were organized with support from Cheshire Homes Society of Zambia for the Out of the Shadows for Good Project.
Though the day is observed globally on June 13th, Zambia rescheduled its events following a national mourning period. The change of date did nothing to dampen the spirit—the celebrations became powerful statements of visibility, unity, and advocacy for the rights of persons with albinism.
Muchinga Province: Marching for Inclusion
On July 9th, 2025, the streets of Chinsali filled with music, chants, and determination as Caritas Mpika, in collaboration with the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) and Sightsavers, led the IAAD commemoration at Mwaba Ground.
The day began with a march past from Presidential Park, flagged off by the District Commissioner (DC), who also officiated the event as the guest of honour.
“The march was more than ceremonial—it was a declaration that persons with albinism are visible and valued members of the community.”
At Mwaba Ground, the Chinsali Drama Group performed a sketch debunking myths about albinism while celebrating the talents and abilities of persons with albinism. Speeches followed from Mr. Sydney Mwamulima, Chairperson of IAAD, and Fr. Kingsley Ndawa, Director of Caritas Mpika, both of whom emphasized the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of persons with albinism and fostering inclusive communities.
The DC’s keynote address stressed that support for persons with albinism must extend beyond words into action. The event drew a wide range of participants: persons with albinism, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), church leaders, the police, media representatives, and community members.
Recommendations from the event in Muchinga province focused on raising awareness and promoting understanding of albinism across communities, strengthening partnerships with OPDs and other stakeholders to support the empowerment of persons with albinism, and advocating for stronger policies and programs that promote inclusion and equal opportunities.
Luapula Province: “Don’t Fear Us, It’s Just the Skin Color”
Nine days later, on July 18th, 2025, the bustling UB Market Bus Station in Mansa, Luapula Province, transformed into a stage for solidarity and learning, with over 500 people in attendance. The event was organized by Groups Focused Consultations (GFC) in partnership with ZAPD and the Cheshire Homes Society of Zambia.
The commemoration was officiated by District Commissioner Mrs. Ireen Chivweta, alongside leaders such as Mr. Mwiya Sibinda, Luapula’s Special Education Standards Officer, and Mr. Mwewa Kennedy, ZAPD Provincial Coordinator.
Calls for change were at the heart of the speeches. The ZAPD Provincial Coordinator urged the implementation of stronger sunscreen distribution systems, increased awareness of their use, and local production to reduce costs. Mr. Sibinda called on parents to send children with albinism to school instead of hiding them and pressed the government to prioritize employing qualified persons with albinism. Representing GFC, Mpundu Charles emphasized the urgent need for government support in developing and implementing a National Action Plan on Albinism.
Cultural performances deepened the message. A drama group portrayed the social challenges faced by persons with albinism, while poetry and music celebrated resilience. In her closing remarks, Christine Chisunka made a passionate appeal for ZAPD to be elevated into a Ministry of Disability and Social Inclusion, adding:
“Don’t fear us, it’s just the skin color—we are all equal.”
The Luapula event was hailed as a success, though organizers noted limited resources prevented wider participation from other districts. They recommended increased resources in the future to expand reach and attract senior government leaders, such as the Provincial Minister.
A Shared Commitment
Together, the commemorations in Muchinga and Luapula Provinces painted a vivid picture of Zambia’s commitment to persons with albinism: dismantling harmful myths, promoting inclusion, and demanding systemic change.
From Chinsali’s march for visibility to Mansa’s market-stage of advocacy, the message was clear—persons with albinism are equal members of society, deserving of dignity, opportunity, and protection.
International Albinism Awareness Day 2025 was more than a celebration; it was a collective step forward. Zambia showed that when communities unite—through drama, poetry, song, speeches, and action—the barriers of stigma and discrimination begin to fall.
IAAD 2025 activities took place as part of the implementation of the program “Out of the Shadows for Good: Ending the Murder, Mutilation, and Exclusion of Children and Adults with Albinism in Zambia”.
