Two People and One Albino! Accounts of Discrimination, Stigmatization, and Violence Against People Living with Albinism in Nigeria

Discrimination against people living with albinism (PWA) has been reported to manifest in the areas of healthcare, education, and employment, while they are vulnerable to brutal attacks and murder in the name of witchcraft, superstition, and wealth. However, in the African literature on albinism, empirical studies that deployed victim-centered approach are scanty. Therefore, drawing from the theory of "othering," the study used the narratives of 62 PWA in a qualitative technique, to explore the various forms of discrimination, stigmatization, and violence that PWA are exposed to in the Nigerian society. As against findings of earlier studies, this current study found family to be actively involved in exerting various forms of micro/macro-aggressive behaviors towards members with albinism. Incidences of institutional discrimination and denial of human rights were found to be particularly high against the PWA in the areas of education and employment. The need for Nigeria to evolve social reform policies that will bring about social justice was established.