Violation of Dignity and Life: The Fate of Women with Albinism in African Mythology

Abstract

The mythology of most African societies include the belief in patriarchy and primogeniture, holding the view that succession and the continuity of family lineage is only possible through the males. As such, women are generally considered inferior to men and often treated with prejudice. Albinism is also treated with prejudice in African mythology, including the belief that sexual intercourse with an albino woman or girl can cure serious infections like HIV/AIDS. Women with albinism are hence vulnerable to rape and sexual violations, in addition to common forms of discrimination and abuse suffered by women in Sub-Sharan African societies. In extreme cases, especially in East and Central Africa, albino women are kidnapped for general ritual purposes. Their vital organs are also harvested for preparing ?charms? for magic and spiritual powers. In other cases, they are simply murdered to ensure that they do not procreate. This paper explores common myth-based violations against women with albinism in Africa. It argues that women living with albinism in Africa suffer double tragedy and special violations to dignity and life, contrary to standard templates of human rights prescriptions. It concludes that albino women suffer special and particular prejudice in African mythology. It then suggests specific measure for dealing with these