ADDI Executive Director, Mrs Brenda Mudzimu (centre) flanked by ADDI management during a press briefing in Harare
By Lisca Philo
The Dare to Dream Initiative (ADDI) on Monday launched the Mr and Miss Albinism Africa pageant, as well as the Africa Diversity Festival, set to take place on June 28th, 2025.
The festival is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering, supporting, and installing confidence in people with albinism.
At a press briefing in Harare, Executive Director of ADDI, Brenda Mudzimu, expressed her excitement about the launch of the first-ever Mr and Miss Albinism Africa pageant and the African Diversity Festival.
She stated that the event “was birthed from a vision to build the confidence and self-esteem of persons with albinism in Africa”.
Mrs. Mudzimu also emphasized that “Albinism in Africa is the most urgent challenge of our time as many people with albinism are losing their lives due to myths and misconceptions in society, their body parts are being sought for, with Tanzania being the leading country in Africa, where they still practice such.”
The Mr and Miss Albinism Africa pageant and the African Diversity Festival will be held on June 28th, 2025, with a boot camp for finalists commencing on June 23rd, 2025, under the theme “Shining in the Rainbow Africa”.
ADDI is working in partnership with several organizations, including the Sierra Leone Association For Persons with Albinism, Association For the Welfare of Albinos in Cameroon, and Bien Etre Des and Albinism organizations, to host this event.
The competition has attracted 31 candidates aged 18-35 from 18 nations and aims to enhance participants’ personal recognition, confidence, communication, stress management, grooming, and advocacy abilities.
In many African countries, people with albinism still face discrimination and persecution due to their appearance. However, efforts are being made to eradicate this discrimination.
Albinism is a genetic disorder that prevents skin cells from producing melanin, resulting in abnormal pigmentation of the skin, hair, and eyes. People with the condition also suffer from vision problems and are susceptible to skin cancer.
The launch of the Mr and Miss Albinism Africa pageant and the Africa Diversity Festival is a significant step towards promoting diversity, inclusion, and acceptance of people with albinism in Africa.
