Zimbabwe has crowned its first ‘Miss Albino’ in a pageant that was aimed at entertaining patrons and fighting prejudice, stigma and violence against people living with albinism.

At the end of the event held in the country’s capital, Harare on Sunday, 21-year-old Sithembiso Mutukura emerged victorious, beating 12 other contestants to claim the crown and walk home with $85 in prize money.

During the event, the contestants had to respond to tricky and current affairs questions on stage and model a wide range of gowns and traditional African attires.

Mutukura says winning the pageant was an achievement she hopes will inspire others living with the rare disorder and who routinely face discrimination and persecution because of their physical appearances.

Monalisa Manyati who finished as first runner-up in the pageant also shared experiences of some of the problems she faced while growing up. She said people ridiculously thought they could change overnight if they associated with albinos.

“And then you have children mocking you in the streets and men jeering at you as you walk, but then I believe now that’s about to change,” Manyati added.

Albinism is a genetic disorder which prevents skin cells from producing melanin, resulting in an abnormal pigmentation of the skin, hair and eyes.

Apart from these discolorations, people who suffer from the condition are also liable to encounter vision problems and are also very susceptible to skin cancer.

The rate of albinism is much higher in Africa than in other parts of the world. Some communities in some parts of the continent believe albinism brings magical powers, wealth and good fortune-a superstition that has led to the kidnapping and killing of albinos by people who sell their decimated body parts to witch doctors in the black market.