Employment barriers faced by persons with albinism in Zambia’s public sector: invisible in the system

Persons with albinism in Zambia continue to face systemic exclusion from formal employment, particularly within the public sector. This study investigates the barriers that limit their participation, drawing on qualitative data collected in Kitwe District through interviews and focus group discussions with persons with albinism, public officials, and community stakeholders. The analysis integrates four theoretical lenses, the Human Rights-Based Approach, the Social Model of Disability, the Capability Approach, and Critical Theory, to capture structural, cultural, and psycho-emotional dimensions of exclusion. Findings reveal persistent stigma, inaccessible recruitment processes, inadequate workplace accommodations, and limited access to essential resources such as sunscreen and vision aids. These barriers undermine confidence, restrict capabilities, and perpetuate inequality. The study argues for inclusive policy reforms, resource provision, and awareness campaigns to dismantle discriminatory practices. By foregrounding lived experiences, the paper contributes to disability scholarship and offers pathways for building a more equitable public sector in Zambia.