Cop fights myths about albinism
Although albinism is classified as a disability, Warrant Officer Franciska Sisanda, the first woman with albinism to be employed by the Namibian Police has never held that view, and that fuels her quest for success.
Albinism or oculocutaneous is a group of inherited disorders where there is little or no production of the pigment melanin. The type and amount of melanin your body produces determine the colour of your skin, hair and eyes. Melanin also plays a role in the development of optic nerves, so people with albinism have vision problems and are sensitive to the effects of the sun, amongst other issues.
As Namibia observed National Disability Day on 10 June and the world observed the International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) on 13 June 2021, Sisanda reminisced how the classification of her ailment not only made her childhood a difficult one, but almost derailed her dreams of becoming a law enforcement officer.
Sisanda, who was born and raised in Otjiwarongo, recounted how difficult it was for her because she was discriminated against over something she had no control of, however, instead of letting it break her, she used it as a character strengthening tool.
“I grew up at the receiving end of stigma and the spirit of rejection from my community because of my albinism as there are many myths surrounding albinism. People thought that people with albinism were cannibals or disappeared into thin air when they died or that they could transmit it. We were not considered human beings,” she explained.
While one would expect these negative stereotypes to be held by adults, she pointed out that it trickled down to the children of her age as well because they never wanted to play with her due to their misguided fears.
“There was even a teacher who rejected and discriminated me, which had a negative impact on my mental health,” she lamented, pointing out that she attempted to take her life.
Unfortunately, she was also the victim of physical assault as a child but didn’t have the education as to who she could disclose it to.
As a result, her schoolwork suffered and she received low points, she, however, did not let this discourage her because she became a reservist for the police in 1999. At the same time, she studied for a certificate and eventually a diploma in Community Education for Development (CED) at Namcol. She also holds an honours degree in CED, which is now referred to as Lifelong Learning.
Additionally, she is one of the founding members of the Community Against Crime in Otjiwarongo and the Otjiwarongo Youth Forum. She is a qualified peer educator on HIV/AIDS and is a training instructor for the police.
Unfortunately, due to her albinism, she was almost overlooked and had to fight tooth and nail to become a police officer. “I initially applied to join the police force in 2000 and I failed but I did not let that stop me. I re-applied in 2001 and passed the test, at the time, I was told that I was the second best applicant among the women, but there were concerns due to my skin condition which needed to be discussed and evaluated before I was officially employed in 2002 as a constable,” she recounted.
No special treatment
Once she was recruited, she said she did not receive any special treatment, even when she went for training, with the only exception being that when she was punished, it was not done in the sun.
“My work as a reservist really inspired me to want to become a police officer. I enjoy listening to people’s concerns and helping them find a solution. I empathise with them and in my own personal capacity, I give them spiritual guidance. I never want a client to leave my office without being satisfied. I committed to protecting and serving our communities and ensuring everything runs well,” she said of her dedication to work.
Admittedly, while she has attained a measure of success and has become an inspiration among her community, she said there is still stigma with regard to her albinism.
“There is still stigma, some people show it and others don’t, however, I am immune to it. I am a born-again Christian, and my faith has become a pillar of strength for me,” Sisanda said.
In 2008, she became instrumental in advocating for the police to employ more people with albinism.
Sisanda explained that although she appreciates the sentiment behind the National Disability Day and International Albinism Awareness Day, she felt it presented a term she coined “positive discrimination” because observing the day reminds her and other people suffering from albinism that they have a disability. She stressed that it was important to focus on the future as opposed to focusing on the past.
“What is deemed a disability is not an inability to do something because disabilities come in different forms. As such, it should not stop you from pursuing your dreams…You need to be bold and strong, stand up for yourself and your rights. You need to depend on your individual capacity to build yourself because if you don’t do it, no one else will,” she emphasised.