Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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Malawi Pageant Shines Light on Albino Beauty

Lameck Masina

   LILONGWE, MALAWI - Malawians have crowned a Mr. and Ms. Albinism during
   the country's first ever beauty pageant for albinos, held in the
   capital Lilongwe. The Association of People with Albinism organized the
   event as part of efforts to destroy myths which have led to attacks on
   albinos in Malawi and other African countries.

   There were cheers and ululations when beauty contestants with albinism
   strutted their stuff at a first-ever competition in Malawi.

   In a country where they face stigma and the threat of attack because of
   how they look, some 20 contestants demonstrated that albinism can be
   beautiful.

   Patience Phiri was among them.

   "I am here because I have ever experienced the threat. Even my real
   friends I chat with, they have even said I am money. This has really
   affected my family because they are there, just to protect me," Phiri
   said.

   People with albinism in Malawi have been attacked because of false
   beliefs that their body parts, if used in magical potions, can bring
   good luck and wealth.

   More than two dozen have been killed since 2014 and more than 100 are
   missing.

   Twenty-three-year-old Chikondi Kadzanja won the Ms. Albinism Malawi
   title.

   She told VOA that she will use her position to help end the attacks.

   "What I am going to do now is firstly to bring awareness to
   communities, especially the rural communities that hold negative
   attitudes, myths and misconceptions about persons with albinism,"
   Kanjadza said.

   Twenty-four-year-old Burnet Phunyanya won the Mr. Albinism Malawi
   title.

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