By Ibrahim S. Bangura
FREETOWN — In a groundbreaking celebration of diversity, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs hosted a historic fashion show on Friday evening, spotlighting models with albinism and challenging long-standing societal stigmas. Held under the theme “Celebrating Inclusion Through Fashion,” the event drew a vibrant and diverse audience from across Sierra Leone.
The show marked the first time government ministers took to the runway as models, including Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie (Minister of Technical and Higher Education), Dr. Isata Mahoi (Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs), Nabeela Farida Tunis (Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs), and Yvonne Denise Aki-Sawyerr (Mayor of Freetown), making it a milestone in the country’s fashion and advocacy history.
In her remarks, Minister Tunis highlighted the deep-rooted discrimination faced by persons with albinism. “For too long, they have been stigmatized and sidelined due to outdated superstitions,” she said. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to inclusion and to promoting visibility for both women and persons with albinism within the tourism sector.
“This isn’t just a night for speeches. It’s a night for fun, interaction, and breaking barriers,” the Minister added. “Everyone has a place in Sierra Leone’s tourism industry.”
Models with albinism commanded the runway with elegance and confidence, wearing vibrant designs that celebrated their individuality. Their presence served as a powerful visual rejection of prejudice and sent a clear message that Sierra Leone’s cultural identity is enriched by all its people.
Proceeds from the event will support programs focused on healthcare, education, and welfare for persons with albinism—who often face limited access to essential services due to discrimination.
The event also provided a platform for networking among advocates, creatives, and policymakers. Attendees praised the initiative as a step forward in social inclusion and a reminder of the vital role culture plays in driving change.
As the evening concluded, Minister Tunis called on attendees to carry the spirit of unity beyond the event. “Let us leave here determined to support inclusion, challenge stigma, and ensure that everyone is given space to thrive.”
The fashion show stands as a bold and inspiring move toward dismantling stigma, fostering equality, and harnessing the power of culture and tourism as instruments of positive change.