In a night that will be etched in Sierra Leone’s cultural history, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs lit up the Lagoonda Complex in Freetown with an unforgettable celebration of fashion, inclusion and courage. The groundbreaking event, dubbed “Celebrating Inclusion Through Fashion,” brought together government officials, fashion industry leaders, and members of the Sierra Leone Association of Persons With Albinism (SLAPWA), shining a bright light on the country’s commitment to diversity and unity.
For the first time in the nation’s history, a government-led fashion event placed persons with albinism at the very heart of the runway, not just as guests—but as models. From the youngest child to seasoned advocates, SLAPWA members strutted confidently in vibrant, contemporary creations by Sierra Leone’s top designers, igniting applause and admiration with every step.
The night reached even more dazzling heights when Ministers—including Nabeela Tunis (Tourism and Cultural Affairs), Haja Ramatulai Wurie (Technical and Higher Education), and Isata Mahoi (Gender and Children’s Affairs)—as well as the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, took to the runway themselves. Their participation was more than symbolic—it was a strong statement of solidarity with people living with albinism, a group that has long endured marginalisation and superstition.
In her keynote address, Nabeela Tunis underscored the evening’s deeper mission beyond glamour and entertainment. “Tonight is a celebration of fashion and the sheer ingenuity and diversity of our fashion industry. But it is also a celebration of inclusion and identity,” she declared.
The Minister drew attention to the historical injustices faced by people with albinism. “Persons with Albinism have for long been denied access to crucial spaces, stigmatized and made to endure all manner of superstition for their skin tone, a reality over which they had no say. Yet… Albinos have never, ever wavered in courage,” she stated.
Minister Tunis stressed that the event was not just about spectacle, but about shifting mindsets and dismantling harmful stereotypes. “We must never, ever resign to [biases],” she said firmly. “Rather, we must see it as our constant duty to emphatically reject them in whatever way they may manifest.”
In a lively and humour-laced moment, the Minister joked that this time the women were taking the lead on the runway—but assured the men their moment in the spotlight was coming soon.
Organised in collaboration with the Fashion Design and Textile Association and SLAPWA, the show was not only a celebration of human dignity but also a platform to promote the immense potential of Sierra Leone’s fashion and creative industries as vital pillars of tourism and economic growth.
The designers showcased everything from traditional prints reimagined for modern tastes to bold, avant-garde pieces—demonstrating that Sierra Leone’s fashion scene is vibrant, relevant, and ready for the global stage.
“This event should not be a one-shot event, held to tick the boxes,” Minister Tunis reminded the audience. “It should form part of a continuous effort to restore true equality for everyone.”
The night ended not with speeches, but with cheers, music and dancing with the Groovy Colours band in company—fitting for an event that wasn’t about talking change, but living it. As the models took their final walks down the runway, many with hands held high in triumph, it was clear: this was more than a fashion show. It was a bold redefinition of beauty, identity, and inclusion in Sierra Leone.
And in the words of the Minister, “Every person has a productive space in Sierra Leone’s tourism industry. Together, we can make it happen.”
