Of my many enlightening experiences at the Africa Albinism Network (AAN), one moment in particular sticks out. I was compiling data on albinism-related issues when I encountered a country’s report, announcing that its “approach to disability has moved from a ‘charity’ or welfare approach to a human rights-based approach.” Immediately, this statement challenged my outlook on advocacy. While I understood albinism issues as human rights issues, it was difficult to research violence, discrimination, and stigma against a people without charity being my central response. Now I see that persons with albinism need more than civic charity; They deserve the reordering of their social status through the promotion of their inherent rights. Such work goes beyond the state and becomes the obligation of international bodies and the global community. AAN represents this very intention through its approach to human rights advocacy. Throughout my internship, I worked alongside AAN’s skilled human rights defenders and saw the depth of their work as well as their attention to disability issues. While researching articles, reports, and documents, I frequently encountered names that I came to recognize—members of the AAN team, who have transformed their work into a personal passion. I was, and am, inspired by this work culture, which has allowed me to herald my individual development while working towards team goals.
Through attentive support from AAN staff, my work experience evolved. I navigated elusive human rights terminology, strengthened my research on treaty bodies, and developed my analytical skills. Most impactful to me, I acquired an intimate knowledge of the intersecting issues that persons with albinism face.
My internship transformed my awareness of persons with albinism from subjects of violence and stigma to trailblazers in human initiatives. I still remember articles about various accomplished Africans with albinism: A Paralympic athlete, a renowned musician, a pageant contestant, and a child author. These individuals, as well as the many unmentioned, have made massive contributions to Africa’s dynamic image. AAN, by fighting for their human rights, only strengthens their public presence and brings them on the world stage. By promoting this mission through AAN, I have solidified my own commitment to a future in human rights advocacy.
