April 1, 2025 • 35 mins
In this powerful episode, we explore the discrimination faced by persons with albinism across Africa through conversations with two remarkable advocates from the Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism (SLAPWA).
Join us as we welcome back Jay Kamara, a familiar voice to our listeners, alongside Daniella Garrick, a model, youth leader, and advocate who is representing Sierra Leone in the upcoming Miss Albinism Africa pageant in June 2025.
Our guests share how marginalized communities can transform visibility from a source of vulnerability into a platform for challenging misconceptions. Through initiatives like the Miss Albinism Africa pageant, they demonstrate how advocacy can operate effectively for communities that have faced persistent discrimination.
This episode offers valuable insights into:
The specific support needed by persons with albinism in Sierra Leone
How pageantry becomes an unexpected vehicle for profound human rights advocacy
Ways you can participate in these important advocacy efforts
How to support: The Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism is seeking support for Daniella's travel, accommodation, and competition expenses for the Miss Albinism Africa pageant. Learn more at albinismsierraleone.org or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/slapwa17.
Witch Hunt is dedicated to helping you learn about others' experiences and providing meaningful opportunities to take action. Join us for this transformative conversation.
email: slapwa.sl@gmail.com
Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism
Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism Facebook Page
End Witch Hunts U. S. Nonprofit Organization
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to Witch Hunt. I'm Josh Hutchinson.
And I'm Sarah Jack. Today's conversation examines
the complex discrimination experienced by persons with
albinism across West Africa. Today we're joined by two
remarkable advocates from SierraLeone Association of Persons
with Albinism. Listeners may remember Jay
(00:20):
Camera from our previous conversations.
If you didn't catch Jay's first episode, please listen today And
Daniella Garrick, who brings herexperience as a model, youth
leader and advocate to our discussion.
Today you're going to hear what specific supports are needed and
how you can participate. We invite you to join the
(00:42):
advocacy efforts with whatever support you are able to offer.
When you hear the needs, if one strikes a chord, reach out to us
or our guests to tell us you're ready to help.
Historically, visibility has often been a source of
vulnerability for marginalized communities.
Yet through initiatives like theupcoming Misalbinism Africa
(01:04):
pageant, these advocates are transforming visibility into a
platform for challenging misconceptions.
Daniella and Jay will tell us how advocacy needs to operate
for communities that have faced persistent discrimination.
As we listen to their experience, I encourage our
audience to consider how similarapproaches might translate to
(01:25):
other. Contexts We can reflect on how
representation and visibility serve as essential components in
dismantling historical patterns of marginalization.
Witch Hunt Podcast is here for you to learn about experiences
of others and give you valuable opportunities to act.
Let's welcome our guest from Sierra Leone and explore how
(01:47):
pageantry becomes an unexpected vehicle for profound human
rights advocacy. Witch Hunt podcast is so happy
to have our friends back from Sierra Leone Association of
persons with albinism. Welcome back Jay.
Hello Daniela. Hello.
Sarah. Yeah, tell us about.
Yourself. Hello everyone, I am Daniela
(02:10):
Boimagaric. I am a Mordo.
I'm also advocates for people with albinism.
I'm also the National Youth leader.
For. Sierra Leone Union on disability
issues in Sierra Leone and I've been working with Sierra Leone
Association of Persons with Albinism from 2019 till date.
(02:34):
I am the safeguarding and welfare officer and I'm also the
ambassador for Sierra Leone Association of Persons with
Albinism. I am also a student.
I studied air travel management at the College of Travel and
Tourism Studies, and I'm currently studying public health
(02:55):
in the Milton Magai Technical University in Sierra Leone.
What would you like us to know about your work with Slapwa?
I've been working with Slapwa from 2019, I knew about the
organization from 2019. I registered with Jay and I've
been receiving sunscreens, protective guests from the
(03:18):
organization. I started volunteering for
meetings, organising functions, try to reach out to communities.
We have people with Organism leave, try to bring them on
board for them to also join the organization, for them to
benefit greatly for their skin and eyes.
(03:40):
And in 2023, I became the communications person, gender
communication officer. Now I'm the welfare safeguarding
officer for the organization. We'll be doing very well.
We've also been giving out sunscreen to members, conduct
session for gender support school meetings, wherein we
(04:04):
educate women and girls with albinism on how to take care of
themselves as people with albinism, how to combat
discrimination, how to break barriers, because we try to see
the potential in every person with albinism.
And also we've been doing community outreach, going to
schools, going to hospitals, andthere will be sensitizing
(04:29):
stakeholders about albinism, howthey should be very inclusive,
that they should not leave people with albinism behind in
every developmental program. That's a lot of really critical
work. It's really amazing to hear that
you are able to do so many things in your advocacy.
(04:52):
It sounds like there is a reallygreat opportunity coming up
where you can advocate but also have an opportunity to enjoy
talking about your work and youraccomplishments, and that is Mr.
and Miss Albinism Africa. Are you excited about that?
(05:14):
I'm very, very excited because it's a way for me to express
myself. We are in as a woman with
albinism in Africa, West Africa,civilians in particular, there's
lots of discrimination, lots of barrier hindering the brightness
or the spotlight of your potential.
(05:34):
And me taking up this journey ofcontesting and representing
civilian for the nice albinism Africa.
It's a big stepping stone. And I think women with albinism
should definitely see or tries to connect with the faith and
the strength that I am trying toportray here so that they can
(06:00):
see as an example, a very good example for them to never look
down upon themselves and they can do whatever good thing they
want to do in life. Yeah, it's this opportunity has
so many powerful impacts. It'll impact you personally, but
also you could bring awareness to your country specifically.
(06:22):
And Slapwa, how did you become involved with Mr. and Miss
Albinism? Thank you Josh and CFO having
this interview with us again. It's been a while, but we are we
are becoming great screens and partners and something good is
cooking. So people should be looking at
(06:45):
how we can build a partnership very strong and I'm happy.
And so how we get collected withthe organizers of the Mr. and
Mr. Albinism in Africa is I was part of an African all Albinism
African. I think the leaders within the
different organization within Africa, there was a suggestion
within that it's not this year. In fact, it's about two years
(07:07):
ago. They've planned to do the Mr.
Miss Albinism Africa, but they've guide a lot of time.
But due to lack of funding, it has been like on hold.
The auto game started leading initiative, but it was from most
of the leaders within that particular group that they
formed. Miss Brenda, who is staying in
(07:30):
Zimbabwe, is leading the theaterdream and they've organized Miss
Albinism, Miss Albinism Zimbabwe, I think twice.
And she was also a contestant back then.
So she understood the area of how beauty pageant or pageantry
will give like a beautiful painting to express the feeling
(07:54):
or perhaps the interest of people with albinism or perhaps
shining the light on people withalbinism, extra skills or extra
beauty, not just what people aresaying like the meat and the
discrimination in neglect. And they're also the ill
treatment that people are see they're making people with
(08:15):
albinism on that would like whenyou talk about sacrificing,
using the body parts of people with albinism, talk about us
being devil, being witches. We just deserve.
Yeah. So beauty budget is another way
for us to see how we can raise the bar in advocacy.
When you use entertainment and people go well paid to go and
(08:35):
look at people with algasm, that's like increase the love,
the self love, the importance ofpeople with algorithm taking
part in those contests. That's why we thought it's fit
that we should disorganize this particular thing.
But somebody was as experienced like the country that I've
experienced is Brenda and greater was the one pushing that
(08:56):
in force and now it has come to position and then this one will
happen this year no matter what's the funding needs and
all. So they've asked all leaders
within that particular group to see how we can respond for our
contestants to be part of the contest.
So like they're organizing it tofind the police finding
everything, but also we as leaders, we think different
(09:18):
organizations in different partsof Africa should find
contestants to weep out of it and then finding funds to be
there. So it's not just for the
contest. Also the other thing that we'll
do, we showcase people, Sally, like different businesses, like
scheme for business that are people without being them are
doing around the globe will comethere or within the country that
(09:40):
you get presented will come there and showcase what they're
doing. So that's another aspect of this
particular contest. So it's not just about the
conscious, it's not just about people going out to the stage
showing, showcasing the what they are wearing.
It's about showing that people without being in mouths capable
of being beauty pageant of involving in motley of having
(10:02):
big contracts with big brands around the globe.
So we want to like show people that we are not just like
devils, we are just people that we will just use our body pads.
So that's the piece of it. And then they reach out to all
of us and then they said we should do this and then find
contestants to come and represent your country.
So that is what we have been doing and that's how the
(10:23):
connection come about. And I reach out to Daniela to
see how she can be part of it is, oh, I'm a model, but not a
contestant. So how will I like be part?
I said no, it's not just about you being a model of being you
being going there to to take part in the contest.
But yeah, you have been an advocate.
You've been working with us. You'll be the best person to
(10:46):
advocate, talk about the issues that people without facing
because anybody that wins that contest would be an advocate or
ambassador for all people without around Africa, not just
for sailor you. Now you're going global, you're
going regional, you understand? So we're going to use your
talents to reach out to more people around the globe to
understand about the issues people with albanism are facing
(11:10):
and how we should combat some discrimination and neglect the
prejudice to meet around albinism.
So we want to really break by ASand make this and never to be
forgotten in vain. I just want to clarify a few
important details about the pageant itself.
(11:31):
OK. When is it and where is it being
held? Oh OK, so the pageant will be
on. The actual events will be on
June 28th, 2025 and it will takeplace in Harare, Zimbabwe.
With your fundraising, what's your deadline to be able to
(11:54):
arrange travel to get there? OK.
I think for the fundraising definitely we should be able to
have all that we want by April, ending of April.
So within the country force it needs to popularize it for
people to aware that you're going to get present to your
county, not just an organizationlike slap, but we are
(12:16):
representing the country out there.
So people need to come on board.But the fun is that we've trying
to see how we can develop some go close that some concept notes
and budget to see that's what just cover for now just to get
the everything to it's not just about Danila or Lee.
It's about it should be a male and a female.
And then we have directorial presents in the organization,
(12:39):
another person that the coach for Daniela.
So it's about four people who are to attend the particular
contest. We want to see how Daniela will
go there and win the contest andthen show the rest of the world
that people within the country that people with albinism are
also important and they can do great things and they will
represent the country well because the discrimination and
(13:00):
neglect about people with stakeholders within the
societies enormous in Sierra Leone.
So we want to see how this particular contest will just
tell them or inform them that people with albinism are here
and they should make good use ofwe as citizens of this country
and like we have all the rights to represent Sierra Leone in any
(13:21):
sector of life we can. We want to see how people all
over the globe would like the contestants from Sierra Leone to
be part of the Evista Amish Albinism Africa.
This is the first ever. So the first one it should be.
There we see the green, whites and blue and gives the flag of
the globally. Yes.
(13:41):
And it's such a big opportunity for Sierra Leone and for the
organization and for you as an individual and you're a Co
contestant. This is a really big deal.
So when people support you, they're supporting this powerful
(14:04):
opportunity there. It's going to have a big
positive impact on all the layers of the work and advocacy
that are happening. And you don't have opportunities
like this every day. Yeah.
So it's a good opportunity because it's a way of the
(14:25):
albinism community in Africa to showcase their talent and tell
the world that we are here and if you don't forget about us and
if you've forgotten about us in other aspects, we're using the
pageantry to see how we can say that we are here.
So we're using it as a tool to advocate for people without
(14:46):
being all over the world, not just in Africa that we're doing
right now, but also all over theworld because people without
being that they want people to hire them and give them job that
will give them sort of income. But because of the
discrimination, the neglect and also the meat that surround
people with albinism, even for OCR that are facing like the
meat, the mockery, the provocation, the mutilations and
(15:09):
all that. Those things that are happening
to us here are also like something that are it's
affecting other people with albinism all over the world.
Because if they're seeing like people with albinism that have
been killed. So it's affecting people all
over the world that are living with albinism.
Because if you really love perhaps the community of people
(15:31):
with albinism, you don't want tohear that they are doing them
evil anywhere in the world. Because the discrimination we
are facing here. And it will not be intense like
the ones people in the US or anyother part that is an advanced
country face. But also if they are
discriminating people with albinism.
Because if you see me now and you see somebody in the US who
(15:53):
is also a person with albinism, you will not know the
difference. Honestly, it's just because of
perhaps the song is and then thedark spots and all.
But you normally you think that they are siblings, you
understand. So what affects the possibility
of being down in Africa is also affecting this one indirectly in
those other parts of the world. So we want to see how we can
(16:13):
break those barriers and give a motivation to other people
elsewhere to take part in those particular countries that they
have in there. So somebody in the university
will want to be part of a pageantry, but he or she is
scared to be battles it because she's not worthy to be there and
people are mocking up, you know.So with that person seeing what
(16:36):
other people without doing in the poor country, the poor
continents like continent that is they're taking like we're
nobody, then we're making difference in the lives of
people without busy. Then they'll definitely come on
board and see now they can like have a global network and see
how we can end discrimination. But we're looking for Mr. Miss
Albinism Global. We are just looking of Africa,
(17:00):
Africa. We're looking of how we can get
it to a global level, just like Miss World, yeah.
That's remarkable. It's such an opportunity to
inspire and give people the hopethat you've talked about.
What do you hope to get from it personally?
(17:21):
What I hope to gain personally is growth because as individuals
we are not too high to grow. We go every day and we learn
every day and it's a very new thing for me.
Pageant is very new to me because I'm more of a runaway
model than a pageant model. And I've taken this opportunity
(17:44):
going to represent Sierra Neon and the community of people with
harbanism in Sierra Neon to Zimbabwe, to the world.
Let me say to the to showcase people with albinism in Sierra
Leone in Zimbabwe representing being the queen for Miss
Albinism Africa. I think it's a personal growth
(18:06):
for me. It's a learning experience and
networking as well. So further push the case of
people with albinism in Sierra Leone because however
similarities of challenges and achievements that is ongoing
between countries, they're a little bit different.
(18:27):
It's part of me showcasing and representing especially women
with women and girls with albinism more especially because
we are more vulnerable to a lot of challenges.
It's part of me showcasing theirchallenges, how they have grown
to come out of those challenges,overcome those challenges and
also represents the culture because definitely there are
(18:50):
going to be a lot of competitionand watch and about cultures,
who has the best culture and Cialion, our culture and history
is very rich. And it's it's a wonderful
experience that I'm going to give to them.
Definitely. And that's a personal good with
for me because I am representingmy country, not just people with
(19:13):
albinism. Yeah.
And. You mentioned networking, so you
know you'll be other contestantshave stories too, so you'll hear
their stories and they'll hear your story and the powerful work
that you're doing. Do you think that having that
experience with other women is going to enrich your work going
(19:37):
forward? Definitely.
Because sharing stories, people sharing their stories with you,
you definitely learn from those stories.
And you will take a good exampleof those stories, some stories,
and you will definitely try to envision yourself, if I was in
that particular situation, what would I have done?
(19:59):
And how can I improve the situation to be better or to use
that, imitate the actions of that person and bring it back to
my own community and try to present them that, oh, we have
other people like you. Not just in Syria and youth, but
in other parts of Africa, but the same, similar stories or
(20:20):
different stories. But they did very well for
themselves. They tried to go out of the out
of the challenges and barriers society has created and to see
reason for them to also not justgive up in life or being feel
neglected. Just because society have
neglected you, you have a lot ofstereotype and misconception
surrounding you, meaning that you should just enclose
(20:43):
yourself. So the barrier we just keep
rising, but also for them to take positive action, for them
to be positive change agents forthemselves in their lives and
family. Yeah, and in your community as
well. Thank you for being such a role
model and such a you are a beautiful woman and you have so
(21:04):
much intelligence and experience.
And I'm really looking forward to learning more about you and
seeing the work you're going to do.
And I'm so looking forward to this opportunity you're going to
have to tell the world about yourself and your country and
your colleagues and what you're doing with your.
(21:26):
Community, thank you very much. Thank you very much, Sarah.
Thank. You Have you ever travelled to
Zimbabwe before? No, I've not.
I've not travelled to Zimbabwe. This will be my first
experience, yeah. Yeah, fantastic.
Yeah. For the organization, I think
(21:49):
it's a great network of different organisations because
I also will be there. So we got to see how we've
connected via social media, but also we want to see how we can
connect physically. Sharing experience.
People will tell you about the organisations they have, meet
people they have meet to give supports to their work, the work
(22:10):
they're doing. So it's it's a blend of
different ideas, different work that people are doing.
So because we are all in the advocacy world and we are all
getting different organizations.So those leaders will be there
and shiny experiences and the challenges that you're facing,
you learn from there. So what's are my challenges here
(22:32):
might be like that was a challenge, but they find the way
around it so that we share this experience with us and then
we'll find the way. But also this will motivate
because we've been trying to do the Mr. and this have been in
Sierra Leone for a while, but this will serve as a motivating
factor force and also for the all of Sierra Leone to know that
(22:55):
oh, this is happening, this is real.
And we need to like put funding behind this for each to happen
nationally. So because people are not like
saying how useful or how important you guys are except
the House of International connection or representation.
So when Donnella and the other guy are going to represent, but
(23:17):
that's what really, really givesthe bar to sail.
Unions within the tourism and within the pageant work of life
will definitely see us differently.
Now. We'll definitely think that.
Oh, so there is a pageantry for people with albinism that is
regional, that is within Africa.Oh, we've been left here and
(23:39):
we've seen them approach all sellers about they want to do
the Mr. Miss Albinism saga doinghere, but we have been
neglecting them and all. So this will whet their appetite
or get them interested in seeinghow they can form the national
one here. Yeah, actually that this
particular contest or this pageantry, this competition will
(24:01):
definitely see a slap while we also grow immensely in terms of
us finally representation to represent salary and globally
it's not just about slappers sending Daniela and Ryan to that
particular contest. It's about us get presenting
Sierra Leone out there. So this is a national code.
(24:23):
So everybody within the country that is of doing a private
business, the government's angels that are founded,
vulnerable groups, the inclusionof people with Albania or the
inclusion of people with disability and all walks of life
should see this as an opportunity to come on board to
see how they can help us grow. That's what I'm saying will come
(24:43):
out for the organization, yeah. I'm so glad you came on the
podcast, listeners. It's really important to be a
part of these efforts. When we say community advocacy,
as you can hear Jay and Danielletalking, it's a global
community, it's a national community, it's a local
(25:06):
community. But we all have a part to play.
And I am so appreciative that you came on here to tell our
listeners about what advocacy is.
It's the people across associations, across countries
collaborating together to increase the visibility of the
(25:30):
barriers that persons with albinism are facing, but also
the potential that's there for individuals and for the
community of albinism. If they want to support this
specific thing, they can today. They can send a donation to you.
And how do they do that? We have a website
(25:52):
whichisww.albinismsierra-leone.organd then we have a Facebook page
that is very active, which is the name Syrian Association of
basically the albinism. The Facebook is very, very
active, so people can reach out there.
Another one is that if you wanted to at least call on
WhatsApp or you can reach out toalso our hotline, which is
(26:16):
+2327, say 429890. We wanted to see how we can we
represent our country and also we represent a vulnerable group
that has been neglected by society for so long.
Just as they are talking about women's right, women's have been
left behind for so long. People without being encompasses
(26:37):
women, children, adults, aged. So you realize this is a whole
community. So we have women there who have
been neglected. So if women without any form of
disability are facing difficulties or challenges,
women without being that 1510 * 10.
So if children are facing any challenges children may have
been facing because we have we lack melanin which will give us
(27:00):
skin cancer. Talking about this climate
change, all of those things we need to see people need to know
the challenges that we are facing.
Then they would see the wheezingto give assistance of supports
to organisations that are working on the rights of people
with albinism. We're just talking about the
human right. We're talking about ill the
rights to life. Because if climate change is a
man made disaster that is affecting all of us.
(27:23):
Those people causing this disaster would definitely should
definitely look at the human beings that climate change is
affecting more to see how they can come on body and see how
they can help them survive. Because without the support of
the world to see how they can help people without being not to
have skin cancer, which will lead to the early death, they
(27:45):
should come on board to see how they can mitigate that.
Not just talking about how to mitigate the planet, how to, but
what about the human being that are affected, which yeah, life
is at stake. That's a right violation.
So we want to see how we can leave all those points on a
global platform like the missilemissile beings in Africa for
people to understand the challenges that people without
(28:06):
beings about facing. When you talk about short
sightedness, going to school is a difficult thing.
So you have to we have loads of dropouts.
What are we doing for those people that are dropout now to
be useful to the society, not just to themselves.
So it's a very broad issue that we're talking about what people
don't understand and that's why we're here in the podcast.
(28:26):
I know we definitely reach out to more people for them to
understand the substation of people with have been around the
globe. You mentioned your Facebook
page. Yes.
Your association has such informative, engaging Facebook
page. There's a lot of organizations
out there. We have a Facebook page, but
what I see you guys do with yoursocial media is so impressive.
(28:50):
And I really encourage our listeners to go to the Sierra
Leone Association of Person withAlbinism Facebook page and see
the community and see what they're talking about and see
what they're doing. I've learned so much about you
and your community through your Facebook page, one of the things
that is so powerful about your advocacy, looking in for my
(29:15):
position. You're always educating and
you're always being an example. You are such role models as
human beings and what you're doing for the specific critical
cause to save lives as you are saying that there's all these
reasons that life has to be fought for.
(29:38):
Thank you for what you're doing,but I know you have to do what
you're doing. If you have to do it, the way
you're doing it is impressive. And you guys, you deserve to go
have this experience and this platform for drawing people
together and talking about what's happening and talking
about what you're doing. You don't just talk about what
(29:59):
needs to be done. You are actively looking for
resources and ways to lift up your community and to give them
what they need. And that's important.
And listeners, you can be a partof this.
And Witch Hunts is a nonprofit. That association is a charity.
(30:20):
So when you give to us, you are supporting organizations that
are going to keep working and developing new strategies and
lifting people up, like Daniella.
You have heard all of the amazing work that she has been
able to do so far. We want her to have a bright
future ahead. And you're working so hard, both
(30:42):
of you. Thank you for your example.
You are gone and it's a pleasuredoing it because when you're a
part of a community, you want tosee change happens and when you
finally and the other the other life the year after you
definitely watch down and said. What I've done is still
(31:03):
continuing because that what we want to see wants to see change
that's happened now and growth should be better.
So troubles and challenges that we're facing right now will not
like be immense when we've gone.So the younger generation, we at
least meet a platform or laws orpolicies made that would protect
(31:25):
their right that what we're looking for honestly.
So people should know. The other thing that people
should know is that it's just, it shouldn't be like physical
cash. If you wanted to buy the tickets
for us to go there, you can do it.
So if you wanted to buy the tickets, you can just ask for
the names of the passports to gosee us and all the people that
(31:48):
you can do that. If you wanted to book the hotel
for us, you can go up out and dothat.
Now. The world is a very small world.
You use your phone and do everything you wanted to buy
some clothes or other things fordialogue to get presents and the
other guy. That's fine.
Even if you buy clothes or makeup or skin care boxes or
shoes or bags, whatever you buy,definitely it's still your
(32:10):
money. And you're saying if a person or
a company would like to provide your tickets or your the hotel
stay or and it sounds are you looking for wardrobe and
accessories to slice. So if they would like to provide
you with that and then. Yeah, yeah.
(32:30):
They can use Shin too to send itthere.
We have a lot of global market now.
You can even just buy everythingand then just send it in the
person's name and say I didn't ask for the address, it will
come and but it's easier now. Some people don't want to give
you cash, but they can purchase things on Shin, ask for the
address here to send it to. So yeah, you and then to come
(32:52):
here. I did about two weeks or so it
will be here and then, you know,so it's working.
Yeah. So we're just giving people
option for them to know that this is authentic.
So it's about four people that need to represent from Sierra
Leone that needs to go on the. So let people know the number of
people. Thank you, Sia and Josh.
(33:14):
So you have your contestants andthen the organization who's
that's going with them. Yeah.
Yeah. Cool.
Thank you so much for joining ustoday.
It was very nice to meet you, Daniella, and great to catch up
with you again, Jay. So thank you again.
Yeah. Thank you so much, Josh.
(33:36):
Welcome. Thank.
You. Thank you, Daniella and Jay for
sharing your remarkable work with us today.
Their approach to advocacy through representation
illustrates how communities can work toward inclusion of all
people. Daniella's journey to miss
Albinism Africa connects individual narrative to
collective experience. Patterns of discrimination
(33:59):
aren't abstract concepts, but lived realities that demand
innovative responses. The pageant's reimagining of
visibility transforms what historically has been a site of
vulnerability into a platform for agency.
This inversion offers important lessons for how we understand
advocacy. For listeners moved by today's
(34:22):
conversation, we encourage you to learn more about the Sierra
Leone Association of Persons with Albinism.
Their website at albinismsierra-leone.org, that's
Albinism sierra-leone.org, provides information about their
ongoing initiatives and ways to support their work, and the
Slapwa Facebook page is another excellent resource with frequent
(34:45):
posts about the organization's activities.
Visit thepage@facebook.com/slapwa 17
that's facebook.com/S LAP WA17. As Daniela prepares to represent
Sierra Leone in June 2025, the association is seeking your
support for travel, accommodations and competition
(35:09):
expenses. Your generosity and giving can
help ensure that Sierra Leone's Daniela Garrick reaches the
continental stage. Thank you for spending time
today with Jay, Daniela, Josh and me.
Have a great today and a beautiful tomorrow.
Welcome to Witch Hunt. I'm Josh Hutchinson.
And I'm Sarah Jack. Today's conversation examines
the complex discrimination experienced by persons with
albinism across West Africa. Today we're joined by two
remarkable advocates from SierraLeone Association of Persons
with Albinism. Listeners may remember Jay
(00:20):
Camera from our previous conversations.
If you didn't catch Jay's first episode, please listen today And
Daniella Garrick, who brings herexperience as a model, youth
leader and advocate to our discussion.
Today you're going to hear what specific supports are needed and
how you can participate. We invite you to join the
(00:42):
advocacy efforts with whatever support you are able to offer.
When you hear the needs, if one strikes a chord, reach out to us
or our guests to tell us you're ready to help.
Historically, visibility has often been a source of
vulnerability for marginalized communities.
Yet through initiatives like theupcoming Misalbinism Africa
(01:04):
pageant, these advocates are transforming visibility into a
platform for challenging misconceptions.
Daniella and Jay will tell us how advocacy needs to operate
for communities that have faced persistent discrimination.
As we listen to their experience, I encourage our
audience to consider how similarapproaches might translate to
(01:25):
other. Contexts We can reflect on how
representation and visibility serve as essential components in
dismantling historical patterns of marginalization.
Witch Hunt Podcast is here for you to learn about experiences
of others and give you valuable opportunities to act.
Let's welcome our guest from Sierra Leone and explore how
(01:47):
pageantry becomes an unexpected vehicle for profound human
rights advocacy. Witch Hunt podcast is so happy
to have our friends back from Sierra Leone Association of
persons with albinism. Welcome back Jay.
Hello Daniela. Hello.
Sarah. Yeah, tell us about.
Yourself. Hello everyone, I am Daniela
(02:10):
Boimagaric. I am a Mordo.
I'm also advocates for people with albinism.
I'm also the National Youth leader.
For. Sierra Leone Union on disability
issues in Sierra Leone and I've been working with Sierra Leone
Association of Persons with Albinism from 2019 till date.
(02:34):
I am the safeguarding and welfare officer and I'm also the
ambassador for Sierra Leone Association of Persons with
Albinism. I am also a student.
I studied air travel management at the College of Travel and
Tourism Studies, and I'm currently studying public health
(02:55):
in the Milton Magai Technical University in Sierra Leone.
What would you like us to know about your work with Slapwa?
I've been working with Slapwa from 2019, I knew about the
organization from 2019. I registered with Jay and I've
been receiving sunscreens, protective guests from the
(03:18):
organization. I started volunteering for
meetings, organising functions, try to reach out to communities.
We have people with Organism leave, try to bring them on
board for them to also join the organization, for them to
benefit greatly for their skin and eyes.
(03:40):
And in 2023, I became the communications person, gender
communication officer. Now I'm the welfare safeguarding
officer for the organization. We'll be doing very well.
We've also been giving out sunscreen to members, conduct
session for gender support school meetings, wherein we
(04:04):
educate women and girls with albinism on how to take care of
themselves as people with albinism, how to combat
discrimination, how to break barriers, because we try to see
the potential in every person with albinism.
And also we've been doing community outreach, going to
schools, going to hospitals, andthere will be sensitizing
(04:29):
stakeholders about albinism, howthey should be very inclusive,
that they should not leave people with albinism behind in
every developmental program. That's a lot of really critical
work. It's really amazing to hear that
you are able to do so many things in your advocacy.
(04:52):
It sounds like there is a reallygreat opportunity coming up
where you can advocate but also have an opportunity to enjoy
talking about your work and youraccomplishments, and that is Mr.
and Miss Albinism Africa. Are you excited about that?
(05:14):
I'm very, very excited because it's a way for me to express
myself. We are in as a woman with
albinism in Africa, West Africa,civilians in particular, there's
lots of discrimination, lots of barrier hindering the brightness
or the spotlight of your potential.
(05:34):
And me taking up this journey ofcontesting and representing
civilian for the nice albinism Africa.
It's a big stepping stone. And I think women with albinism
should definitely see or tries to connect with the faith and
the strength that I am trying toportray here so that they can
(06:00):
see as an example, a very good example for them to never look
down upon themselves and they can do whatever good thing they
want to do in life. Yeah, it's this opportunity has
so many powerful impacts. It'll impact you personally, but
also you could bring awareness to your country specifically.
(06:22):
And Slapwa, how did you become involved with Mr. and Miss
Albinism? Thank you Josh and CFO having
this interview with us again. It's been a while, but we are we
are becoming great screens and partners and something good is
cooking. So people should be looking at
(06:45):
how we can build a partnership very strong and I'm happy.
And so how we get collected withthe organizers of the Mr. and
Mr. Albinism in Africa is I was part of an African all Albinism
African. I think the leaders within the
different organization within Africa, there was a suggestion
within that it's not this year. In fact, it's about two years
(07:07):
ago. They've planned to do the Mr.
Miss Albinism Africa, but they've guide a lot of time.
But due to lack of funding, it has been like on hold.
The auto game started leading initiative, but it was from most
of the leaders within that particular group that they
formed. Miss Brenda, who is staying in
(07:30):
Zimbabwe, is leading the theaterdream and they've organized Miss
Albinism, Miss Albinism Zimbabwe, I think twice.
And she was also a contestant back then.
So she understood the area of how beauty pageant or pageantry
will give like a beautiful painting to express the feeling
(07:54):
or perhaps the interest of people with albinism or perhaps
shining the light on people withalbinism, extra skills or extra
beauty, not just what people aresaying like the meat and the
discrimination in neglect. And they're also the ill
treatment that people are see they're making people with
(08:15):
albinism on that would like whenyou talk about sacrificing,
using the body parts of people with albinism, talk about us
being devil, being witches. We just deserve.
Yeah. So beauty budget is another way
for us to see how we can raise the bar in advocacy.
When you use entertainment and people go well paid to go and
(08:35):
look at people with algasm, that's like increase the love,
the self love, the importance ofpeople with algorithm taking
part in those contests. That's why we thought it's fit
that we should disorganize this particular thing.
But somebody was as experienced like the country that I've
experienced is Brenda and greater was the one pushing that
(08:56):
in force and now it has come to position and then this one will
happen this year no matter what's the funding needs and
all. So they've asked all leaders
within that particular group to see how we can respond for our
contestants to be part of the contest.
So like they're organizing it tofind the police finding
everything, but also we as leaders, we think different
(09:18):
organizations in different partsof Africa should find
contestants to weep out of it and then finding funds to be
there. So it's not just for the
contest. Also the other thing that we'll
do, we showcase people, Sally, like different businesses, like
scheme for business that are people without being them are
doing around the globe will comethere or within the country that
(09:40):
you get presented will come there and showcase what they're
doing. So that's another aspect of this
particular contest. So it's not just about the
conscious, it's not just about people going out to the stage
showing, showcasing the what they are wearing.
It's about showing that people without being in mouths capable
of being beauty pageant of involving in motley of having
(10:02):
big contracts with big brands around the globe.
So we want to like show people that we are not just like
devils, we are just people that we will just use our body pads.
So that's the piece of it. And then they reach out to all
of us and then they said we should do this and then find
contestants to come and represent your country.
So that is what we have been doing and that's how the
(10:23):
connection come about. And I reach out to Daniela to
see how she can be part of it is, oh, I'm a model, but not a
contestant. So how will I like be part?
I said no, it's not just about you being a model of being you
being going there to to take part in the contest.
But yeah, you have been an advocate.
You've been working with us. You'll be the best person to
(10:46):
advocate, talk about the issues that people without facing
because anybody that wins that contest would be an advocate or
ambassador for all people without around Africa, not just
for sailor you. Now you're going global, you're
going regional, you understand? So we're going to use your
talents to reach out to more people around the globe to
understand about the issues people with albanism are facing
(11:10):
and how we should combat some discrimination and neglect the
prejudice to meet around albinism.
So we want to really break by ASand make this and never to be
forgotten in vain. I just want to clarify a few
important details about the pageant itself.
(11:31):
OK. When is it and where is it being
held? Oh OK, so the pageant will be
on. The actual events will be on
June 28th, 2025 and it will takeplace in Harare, Zimbabwe.
With your fundraising, what's your deadline to be able to
(11:54):
arrange travel to get there? OK.
I think for the fundraising definitely we should be able to
have all that we want by April, ending of April.
So within the country force it needs to popularize it for
people to aware that you're going to get present to your
county, not just an organizationlike slap, but we are
(12:16):
representing the country out there.
So people need to come on board.But the fun is that we've trying
to see how we can develop some go close that some concept notes
and budget to see that's what just cover for now just to get
the everything to it's not just about Danila or Lee.
It's about it should be a male and a female.
And then we have directorial presents in the organization,
(12:39):
another person that the coach for Daniela.
So it's about four people who are to attend the particular
contest. We want to see how Daniela will
go there and win the contest andthen show the rest of the world
that people within the country that people with albinism are
also important and they can do great things and they will
represent the country well because the discrimination and
(13:00):
neglect about people with stakeholders within the
societies enormous in Sierra Leone.
So we want to see how this particular contest will just
tell them or inform them that people with albinism are here
and they should make good use ofwe as citizens of this country
and like we have all the rights to represent Sierra Leone in any
(13:21):
sector of life we can. We want to see how people all
over the globe would like the contestants from Sierra Leone to
be part of the Evista Amish Albinism Africa.
This is the first ever. So the first one it should be.
There we see the green, whites and blue and gives the flag of
the globally. Yes.
(13:41):
And it's such a big opportunity for Sierra Leone and for the
organization and for you as an individual and you're a Co
contestant. This is a really big deal.
So when people support you, they're supporting this powerful
(14:04):
opportunity there. It's going to have a big
positive impact on all the layers of the work and advocacy
that are happening. And you don't have opportunities
like this every day. Yeah.
So it's a good opportunity because it's a way of the
(14:25):
albinism community in Africa to showcase their talent and tell
the world that we are here and if you don't forget about us and
if you've forgotten about us in other aspects, we're using the
pageantry to see how we can say that we are here.
So we're using it as a tool to advocate for people without
(14:46):
being all over the world, not just in Africa that we're doing
right now, but also all over theworld because people without
being that they want people to hire them and give them job that
will give them sort of income. But because of the
discrimination, the neglect and also the meat that surround
people with albinism, even for OCR that are facing like the
meat, the mockery, the provocation, the mutilations and
(15:09):
all that. Those things that are happening
to us here are also like something that are it's
affecting other people with albinism all over the world.
Because if they're seeing like people with albinism that have
been killed. So it's affecting people all
over the world that are living with albinism.
Because if you really love perhaps the community of people
(15:31):
with albinism, you don't want tohear that they are doing them
evil anywhere in the world. Because the discrimination we
are facing here. And it will not be intense like
the ones people in the US or anyother part that is an advanced
country face. But also if they are
discriminating people with albinism.
Because if you see me now and you see somebody in the US who
(15:53):
is also a person with albinism, you will not know the
difference. Honestly, it's just because of
perhaps the song is and then thedark spots and all.
But you normally you think that they are siblings, you
understand. So what affects the possibility
of being down in Africa is also affecting this one indirectly in
those other parts of the world. So we want to see how we can
(16:13):
break those barriers and give a motivation to other people
elsewhere to take part in those particular countries that they
have in there. So somebody in the university
will want to be part of a pageantry, but he or she is
scared to be battles it because she's not worthy to be there and
people are mocking up, you know.So with that person seeing what
(16:36):
other people without doing in the poor country, the poor
continents like continent that is they're taking like we're
nobody, then we're making difference in the lives of
people without busy. Then they'll definitely come on
board and see now they can like have a global network and see
how we can end discrimination. But we're looking for Mr. Miss
Albinism Global. We are just looking of Africa,
(17:00):
Africa. We're looking of how we can get
it to a global level, just like Miss World, yeah.
That's remarkable. It's such an opportunity to
inspire and give people the hopethat you've talked about.
What do you hope to get from it personally?
(17:21):
What I hope to gain personally is growth because as individuals
we are not too high to grow. We go every day and we learn
every day and it's a very new thing for me.
Pageant is very new to me because I'm more of a runaway
model than a pageant model. And I've taken this opportunity
(17:44):
going to represent Sierra Neon and the community of people with
harbanism in Sierra Neon to Zimbabwe, to the world.
Let me say to the to showcase people with albinism in Sierra
Leone in Zimbabwe representing being the queen for Miss
Albinism Africa. I think it's a personal growth
(18:06):
for me. It's a learning experience and
networking as well. So further push the case of
people with albinism in Sierra Leone because however
similarities of challenges and achievements that is ongoing
between countries, they're a little bit different.
(18:27):
It's part of me showcasing and representing especially women
with women and girls with albinism more especially because
we are more vulnerable to a lot of challenges.
It's part of me showcasing theirchallenges, how they have grown
to come out of those challenges,overcome those challenges and
also represents the culture because definitely there are
(18:50):
going to be a lot of competitionand watch and about cultures,
who has the best culture and Cialion, our culture and history
is very rich. And it's it's a wonderful
experience that I'm going to give to them.
Definitely. And that's a personal good with
for me because I am representingmy country, not just people with
(19:13):
albinism. Yeah.
And. You mentioned networking, so you
know you'll be other contestantshave stories too, so you'll hear
their stories and they'll hear your story and the powerful work
that you're doing. Do you think that having that
experience with other women is going to enrich your work going
(19:37):
forward? Definitely.
Because sharing stories, people sharing their stories with you,
you definitely learn from those stories.
And you will take a good exampleof those stories, some stories,
and you will definitely try to envision yourself, if I was in
that particular situation, what would I have done?
(19:59):
And how can I improve the situation to be better or to use
that, imitate the actions of that person and bring it back to
my own community and try to present them that, oh, we have
other people like you. Not just in Syria and youth, but
in other parts of Africa, but the same, similar stories or
(20:20):
different stories. But they did very well for
themselves. They tried to go out of the out
of the challenges and barriers society has created and to see
reason for them to also not justgive up in life or being feel
neglected. Just because society have
neglected you, you have a lot ofstereotype and misconception
surrounding you, meaning that you should just enclose
(20:43):
yourself. So the barrier we just keep
rising, but also for them to take positive action, for them
to be positive change agents forthemselves in their lives and
family. Yeah, and in your community as
well. Thank you for being such a role
model and such a you are a beautiful woman and you have so
(21:04):
much intelligence and experience.
And I'm really looking forward to learning more about you and
seeing the work you're going to do.
And I'm so looking forward to this opportunity you're going to
have to tell the world about yourself and your country and
your colleagues and what you're doing with your.
(21:26):
Community, thank you very much. Thank you very much, Sarah.
Thank. You Have you ever travelled to
Zimbabwe before? No, I've not.
I've not travelled to Zimbabwe. This will be my first
experience, yeah. Yeah, fantastic.
Yeah. For the organization, I think
(21:49):
it's a great network of different organisations because
I also will be there. So we got to see how we've
connected via social media, but also we want to see how we can
connect physically. Sharing experience.
People will tell you about the organisations they have, meet
people they have meet to give supports to their work, the work
(22:10):
they're doing. So it's it's a blend of
different ideas, different work that people are doing.
So because we are all in the advocacy world and we are all
getting different organizations.So those leaders will be there
and shiny experiences and the challenges that you're facing,
you learn from there. So what's are my challenges here
(22:32):
might be like that was a challenge, but they find the way
around it so that we share this experience with us and then
we'll find the way. But also this will motivate
because we've been trying to do the Mr. and this have been in
Sierra Leone for a while, but this will serve as a motivating
factor force and also for the all of Sierra Leone to know that
(22:55):
oh, this is happening, this is real.
And we need to like put funding behind this for each to happen
nationally. So because people are not like
saying how useful or how important you guys are except
the House of International connection or representation.
So when Donnella and the other guy are going to represent, but
(23:17):
that's what really, really givesthe bar to sail.
Unions within the tourism and within the pageant work of life
will definitely see us differently.
Now. We'll definitely think that.
Oh, so there is a pageantry for people with albinism that is
regional, that is within Africa.Oh, we've been left here and
(23:39):
we've seen them approach all sellers about they want to do
the Mr. Miss Albinism saga doinghere, but we have been
neglecting them and all. So this will whet their appetite
or get them interested in seeinghow they can form the national
one here. Yeah, actually that this
particular contest or this pageantry, this competition will
(24:01):
definitely see a slap while we also grow immensely in terms of
us finally representation to represent salary and globally
it's not just about slappers sending Daniela and Ryan to that
particular contest. It's about us get presenting
Sierra Leone out there. So this is a national code.
(24:23):
So everybody within the country that is of doing a private
business, the government's angels that are founded,
vulnerable groups, the inclusionof people with Albania or the
inclusion of people with disability and all walks of life
should see this as an opportunity to come on board to
see how they can help us grow. That's what I'm saying will come
(24:43):
out for the organization, yeah. I'm so glad you came on the
podcast, listeners. It's really important to be a
part of these efforts. When we say community advocacy,
as you can hear Jay and Danielletalking, it's a global
community, it's a national community, it's a local
(25:06):
community. But we all have a part to play.
And I am so appreciative that you came on here to tell our
listeners about what advocacy is.
It's the people across associations, across countries
collaborating together to increase the visibility of the
(25:30):
barriers that persons with albinism are facing, but also
the potential that's there for individuals and for the
community of albinism. If they want to support this
specific thing, they can today. They can send a donation to you.
And how do they do that? We have a website
(25:52):
whichisww.albinismsierra-leone.organd then we have a Facebook page
that is very active, which is the name Syrian Association of
basically the albinism. The Facebook is very, very
active, so people can reach out there.
Another one is that if you wanted to at least call on
WhatsApp or you can reach out toalso our hotline, which is
(26:16):
+2327, say 429890. We wanted to see how we can we
represent our country and also we represent a vulnerable group
that has been neglected by society for so long.
Just as they are talking about women's right, women's have been
left behind for so long. People without being encompasses
(26:37):
women, children, adults, aged. So you realize this is a whole
community. So we have women there who have
been neglected. So if women without any form of
disability are facing difficulties or challenges,
women without being that 1510 * 10.
So if children are facing any challenges children may have
been facing because we have we lack melanin which will give us
(27:00):
skin cancer. Talking about this climate
change, all of those things we need to see people need to know
the challenges that we are facing.
Then they would see the wheezingto give assistance of supports
to organisations that are working on the rights of people
with albinism. We're just talking about the
human right. We're talking about ill the
rights to life. Because if climate change is a
man made disaster that is affecting all of us.
(27:23):
Those people causing this disaster would definitely should
definitely look at the human beings that climate change is
affecting more to see how they can come on body and see how
they can help them survive. Because without the support of
the world to see how they can help people without being not to
have skin cancer, which will lead to the early death, they
(27:45):
should come on board to see how they can mitigate that.
Not just talking about how to mitigate the planet, how to, but
what about the human being that are affected, which yeah, life
is at stake. That's a right violation.
So we want to see how we can leave all those points on a
global platform like the missilemissile beings in Africa for
people to understand the challenges that people without
(28:06):
beings about facing. When you talk about short
sightedness, going to school is a difficult thing.
So you have to we have loads of dropouts.
What are we doing for those people that are dropout now to
be useful to the society, not just to themselves.
So it's a very broad issue that we're talking about what people
don't understand and that's why we're here in the podcast.
(28:26):
I know we definitely reach out to more people for them to
understand the substation of people with have been around the
globe. You mentioned your Facebook
page. Yes.
Your association has such informative, engaging Facebook
page. There's a lot of organizations
out there. We have a Facebook page, but
what I see you guys do with yoursocial media is so impressive.
(28:50):
And I really encourage our listeners to go to the Sierra
Leone Association of Person withAlbinism Facebook page and see
the community and see what they're talking about and see
what they're doing. I've learned so much about you
and your community through your Facebook page, one of the things
that is so powerful about your advocacy, looking in for my
(29:15):
position. You're always educating and
you're always being an example. You are such role models as
human beings and what you're doing for the specific critical
cause to save lives as you are saying that there's all these
reasons that life has to be fought for.
(29:38):
Thank you for what you're doing,but I know you have to do what
you're doing. If you have to do it, the way
you're doing it is impressive. And you guys, you deserve to go
have this experience and this platform for drawing people
together and talking about what's happening and talking
about what you're doing. You don't just talk about what
(29:59):
needs to be done. You are actively looking for
resources and ways to lift up your community and to give them
what they need. And that's important.
And listeners, you can be a partof this.
And Witch Hunts is a nonprofit. That association is a charity.
(30:20):
So when you give to us, you are supporting organizations that
are going to keep working and developing new strategies and
lifting people up, like Daniella.
You have heard all of the amazing work that she has been
able to do so far. We want her to have a bright
future ahead. And you're working so hard, both
(30:42):
of you. Thank you for your example.
You are gone and it's a pleasuredoing it because when you're a
part of a community, you want tosee change happens and when you
finally and the other the other life the year after you
definitely watch down and said. What I've done is still
(31:03):
continuing because that what we want to see wants to see change
that's happened now and growth should be better.
So troubles and challenges that we're facing right now will not
like be immense when we've gone.So the younger generation, we at
least meet a platform or laws orpolicies made that would protect
(31:25):
their right that what we're looking for honestly.
So people should know. The other thing that people
should know is that it's just, it shouldn't be like physical
cash. If you wanted to buy the tickets
for us to go there, you can do it.
So if you wanted to buy the tickets, you can just ask for
the names of the passports to gosee us and all the people that
(31:48):
you can do that. If you wanted to book the hotel
for us, you can go up out and dothat.
Now. The world is a very small world.
You use your phone and do everything you wanted to buy
some clothes or other things fordialogue to get presents and the
other guy. That's fine.
Even if you buy clothes or makeup or skin care boxes or
shoes or bags, whatever you buy,definitely it's still your
(32:10):
money. And you're saying if a person or
a company would like to provide your tickets or your the hotel
stay or and it sounds are you looking for wardrobe and
accessories to slice. So if they would like to provide
you with that and then. Yeah, yeah.
(32:30):
They can use Shin too to send itthere.
We have a lot of global market now.
You can even just buy everythingand then just send it in the
person's name and say I didn't ask for the address, it will
come and but it's easier now. Some people don't want to give
you cash, but they can purchase things on Shin, ask for the
address here to send it to. So yeah, you and then to come
(32:52):
here. I did about two weeks or so it
will be here and then, you know,so it's working.
Yeah. So we're just giving people
option for them to know that this is authentic.
So it's about four people that need to represent from Sierra
Leone that needs to go on the. So let people know the number of
people. Thank you, Sia and Josh.
(33:14):
So you have your contestants andthen the organization who's
that's going with them. Yeah.
Yeah. Cool.
Thank you so much for joining ustoday.
It was very nice to meet you, Daniella, and great to catch up
with you again, Jay. So thank you again.
Yeah. Thank you so much, Josh.
(33:36):
Welcome. Thank.
You. Thank you, Daniella and Jay for
sharing your remarkable work with us today.
Their approach to advocacy through representation
illustrates how communities can work toward inclusion of all
people. Daniella's journey to miss
Albinism Africa connects individual narrative to
collective experience. Patterns of discrimination
(33:59):
aren't abstract concepts, but lived realities that demand
innovative responses. The pageant's reimagining of
visibility transforms what historically has been a site of
vulnerability into a platform for agency.
This inversion offers important lessons for how we understand
advocacy. For listeners moved by today's
(34:22):
conversation, we encourage you to learn more about the Sierra
Leone Association of Persons with Albinism.
Their website at albinismsierra-leone.org, that's
Albinism sierra-leone.org, provides information about their
ongoing initiatives and ways to support their work, and the
Slapwa Facebook page is another excellent resource with frequent
(34:45):
posts about the organization's activities.
Visit thepage@facebook.com/slapwa 17
that's facebook.com/S LAP WA17. As Daniela prepares to represent
Sierra Leone in June 2025, the association is seeking your
support for travel, accommodations and competition
(35:09):
expenses. Your generosity and giving can
help ensure that Sierra Leone's Daniela Garrick reaches the
continental stage. Thank you for spending time
today with Jay, Daniela, Josh and me.
Have a great today and a beautiful tomorrow.
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