‘Private sector can help fight against albinism’

THE private sector has been urged to play its part in fighting discrimination against people with albinism through giving them equal employment opportunities.

If adopted by all employers, the move is expected to help in integrating such people into society.

Speaking at the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists Mashonaland West Journalism Awards ceremony in Chinhoyi recently, Zimplats head of corporate affairs Mrs Busi Chindove said the private sector could play a leading role in raising awareness on albinism.

“The Zimbabwean community should work together with the rest of the world in raising awareness on discrimination against people living with albinism,” she said.

“The private sector should take on board people living with albinism for they can also assist in the economic development of our country.

“At Zimplats, we have also employed an accountant with albinism and she is doing a great job in contributing to the business progress, they can work just like anyone of us can.”

Mrs Chindove said the general attitude of society should change, so that people with albinism were taken as people with special needs just like any other human being.

Ms Chindove said Zimplats was working with Government to demystify albinism.

“We are working together with Government to demystify albinism in our society,” she said.

“Government cannot do it alone so we have been working with them to raise awareness on albinism.”

People with albinism have been discriminated against over the misplaced belief that they were bad omens from the ancestors.

Government, working with Zimplats, recently launched an awareness programme dubbed “Friends with Albinism Campaign” aimed at raising awareness and protecting people living with albinism against abuse and discrimination in the society.

Zimplats donated sun protection creams, hats and sunglasses for distribution to people living with albinism.