The lived experiences of Persons with Albinism in the Northern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

Research has shown that persons with albinism have been victims of extreme forms of discrimination and social injustice on multiple and intersecting grounds, notably ethnicity, colour, disability, and gender. To better understand the ‘lived’ experiences of persons with albinism, the authors conducted interviews with participants spread across three districts in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa employing a qualitative, interpretative phenomenological approach. As this research was undertaken amid the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, telephonic interviews were conducted with 22 individuals with albinism or impacted by albinism. Thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data. The study found that PWA experienced societal, cultural, and institutional barriers including stigma, discrimination, and victimisation, challenges relating to access to information, education, employment, healthcare, and psycho-social support. The authors recommended the urgent need for policy and legislative reform, proper implementation of The National Action Plan to Combat Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance, and further extensive research on key issues that affect PWA in South Africa

How to reference using ASWNet style:

Hargovan, H. & Chetty, R. (2023). The lived experiences of Persons with Albinism in the Northern Cape, South Africa

African Journal of Social Work, 13(3), 155-166. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i3.4

Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net