Employment barriers and opportunities faced by people with albinism : a case of youths with albinism in Harare, Zimbabwe

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.