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Sunday, November 21, 2010

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?

14 comments:

  1. Well said dear contiue to write and most importantly take you message to ares were few receive the internet.

    well done this is impressive dear and the diction and style of writing is also great

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  2. thanks a bunch David,and I have taken notes of the same.Hope the article helps others understand that albinos are as much human as you and I and they deserve a chance too in all spheres.....equal play I should add.

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  3. A powerful piece, about a powerful African, by an equally powerful African. I can't agree with you more, when you say "Jane Waithera is no ordinary 24 year old." An extra-ordinary woman who does not only fight for herself, but all those who share her plight. Jane is a true inspiration.

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  4. i can't agree with you more...she is one extraordinary woman...

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  5. Fantastic,well articulated &powerful inspiration...congrats to Jane,awesome living so far!Jane's inspiring life n 'never-say-die' attitude need to be emulated as we all aim to live to our best potentials..and she said it rite-our lives r too precious to allow mundane things to distract us..i can compare it to a swan..dont u just love it when it shakes the water off,thats the beauty we can embrace to shake off any negative energies n be the masterpiece that God intended,like what our sister is doing -thats a take-home message 4me!

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  6. Love Jane to bits. she is a fantastic, phenomenal woman. she is an inspiration to me and i am sure to many more and a great leader. i love her zeal and attitude towards everything and especially life. most of all i love her spirit and her warm and kind heart. everything said in this article is true but doesnt say it all about this diva. the bit about matching colours is well said but you did not add that she matches her handbag to her shoes and blouse as well. Jane we love you. continue with you good work and God bless

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  7. Well said, Waithera keep up the positive spirit, am behind you. to me you are more than a Diva, i shall find a word to describe you. I love your spirit and using photos to express yourself and highlight albinos issues, perfect. Kate thanks for sharing the story. i shall share link onto our google group. Kindly invite Waithera to join our network, her inputs will be of added value. myra

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  8. I love the way you told the story Kate!

    This is awesome.

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  9. Thanks you all for the wonderful feedback.I am humbled to write about Jane as my very first article.Indeed she is a diva and has a great impact on many people,both young and old.

    Stephanie,I did notice the handbags too-she better tell us where she shops!!!!

    Mary and Amina,I don't know if you got the opportunity to watch her on KBC-she was wonderful and almost brought the rather composed host to tears.

    Mawuli-asante sana!Especially for realizing Jane's capability and potential:I can correctly state that she's doing fab!! Even Myra and the Young Women Leadership Institute want a piece of her.

    Joliea-love the name,thanks a bunch!

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  10. hey gal this is wonderful!!!!!!!!keep it up

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  11. This article is very touching. Cate keep writing.

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  12. Lilian,am so greatful for all the support and encouragement.

    Kantai,you make this possible,so thank you!!!

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  13. Kate What else can i say im really blessed to have people like you who help me do the impossibles i love ....

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  14. Glad to be of little inspiration to the awesome work your doing

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