Abstract:
This qualitative study focused on employment barriers and opportunities
faced by youths with albinism. Despite extensive legislation outlawing discrimination
of persons with disabilities, persons with albinism continue to face employment
challenges. The concept of othering informed the study. Forty-five participants were
purposively sampled and interviewed using semi-structured interview guides. Data
were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings have revealed that biological constraints
that characterise persons with albinism negatively impacts on their prospects
of getting employed and staying in employment. Furthermore, discrimination
against persons with albinism has led to their challenges in penetrating workplace
social networks. To overcome employment challenges for persons with albinism,
there is a need to capacitate them with adequate gadgets such as spectacles at
a tender age. Other stakeholders such as the schools, the corporate world, parents
and organisations representing persons with albinism have different roles to play in
enhancing employment opportunities for persons with albinism.
