She dares to be different.

I first met her on a sunny afternoon in Nairobi. I stood in awe soaking up her long blonde hair, beautiful hazel eyes and soft skin. At first glance, you could tell she was a fashion diva, dotting in a hot pink top and matching shoes, I walked up to shake her hand and usher her into a local hotel we had agreed to meet in.

Jane Waithera is no ordinary 24 year old. Born an albino, she is obviously different from my dark African skin, but she is none the same African. And she is a damn strong African Woman at that. Faced with several obstacles at a tender age, this young lady had to grow up and mature faster than most of us had the luxury of. Her tale is something you imagine reading in a fictitious book but it has been her reality.

You may have seen her in several TV shows already, or in a magazine or two. Miss Waithera has dared to be different. She is not one to burry her head in the sand when work needs to get done. Her trademark line is that “I am not any less human than you, the only difference between you and I is that I lack skin pigmentation-period!” She affirms that albinos can do anything and everything other people can possibly do, and therefore society should stop alienating them and discriminating against them.

Waithera has been an advocate of other albinos and has recently started her own organization dubbed “Positive Exposure” that aims to use photography as a medium to enlighten society, and advocating for their fundamental Human Rights. The organization also aims to offer solidarity to other members.

Asked whether she notices the annoying stares: she gingerly states that her life is too precious to keep records of such mundane things. Wouldn’t we all be much happier if we didn’t care what other people think of us-I wonder!

Jane believes that her albinism is not a disability. She is definitely a force you cannot afford to ignore. She knows only too well that when you reach your goal, you should not turn back. Success is a journey,never a destination she adds. Now one of my great friends, Jane’s humor can make any dull day seem bright. She is beautiful inside and out and is a truly inspirational person. Now that’s what I call an empowered diva! Wouldn’t you agree?