Albinism as a Challenge for Tanzanian Society and Culture

The article explores the lives of individuals with albinism within the highly specific social and cultural context of 21st-century Tanzania. It identifies a number of unprecedented chal-lenges currently faced by the albino community, including health-related issues (particular-ly skin cancer), limited access to education, economic hardship, stigmatization, and social exclusion. Furthermore, it examines certain traditional beliefs attributing magical powers to people with albinism, which lead to the exploitation of their body parts in shamanistic ritu-als, as well as for the production of elixirs and talismans – practices that have fueled a wave of attacks, mutilations, and even murders. The article analyzes the actions taken by state authorities and the Catholic Church in the areas of protection, assistance, and the prevention of these dangerous practices. The author presents a concrete response to the situation in the form of the “House of Tanga” project, of which he is the founder. The aim of this study is to present the socio-cultural conditions affecting individuals with albinism in Tanzania and to provide an analytical perspective on the strategies aimed at combating stigmatization, ex-clusion, and violence against the albino community. The research employs the following methods: participant observation – to gather empirical data; thematic analysis – to structure the discussion and present the core issues; discourse analysis – to examine the language and beliefs that shape societal perceptions of people with albinism; and synthesis – to compare and integrate various countermeasures against the marginalization of this community.