In conjunction with International Women’s Day observed globally on March 8 each year, Dulux, a quality brand by AkzoNobel in partnership with Women’s Aid Organization (WAO) held an intimate session followed by survivor testimonial stories to create awareness and to educate public on domestic abuse issues bringing everyone together for the interest of women and women’s rights as well as demonstrating that change is needed.
The partnership with WAO is part of AkzoNobel’s continuous efforts for Dulux’s proactive involvement in community development activities, building upon previous efforts under the Human Cities Initiatives, supporting various urban development efforts across the world by adding colour to exterior and interior spaces; by helping to preserve heritage, nurturing collective identity.
Attended by media members, staff of WAO, two previous residents of WAO Shelter Home who are now living independently and WAO Social Worker, the intimate session aimed not only at providing a platform for these women to speak up and inspire others, it is also a time to uphold women’s achievements, focus greater attention on women’s rights and gender equality to mobilize the public to do their part in spreading the message of Hope.
The event also honours the women serving WAO for their remarkable contributions in civic causes and playing a vital role in breaking the cycle that surrounds interpersonal violence, necessary to change our society’s tolerance for abuse.
Sumitra Visvanathan, Executive Director of Women’s Aid Organisation in her introduction said, “Women’s Aid Organization has been monitoring the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act since 1996, sessions like this will provide further understanding and creating much needed education to making a difference. Acting locally to educate members of public to making the future of girls bright, safe and rewarding is off utmost importance. Domestic violence has been an undercurrent in the Malaysian society and considered as a taboo subject, we are grateful for this partnership with Dulux, as they have provided us a platform to work towards educating on discrimination against women, and to bring about equality between women and men.”
Speaking of the partnership between Dulux and WAO, Dulux previewed images of the interior of the WAO Shelter Home recently repainted by the leading paint and coatings company. Channelling the transformational power of colour using paint as a medium to brighten community spaces, the exterior and interior of the home were given a brand new coat of paint to further enhance the living spaces for the women.
Different rooms within the home are painted in different colours to create different moods such as the children’s play room painted in soft pastel colours to create a soothing and relaxed environment while the counselling room is painted purple representing creativity and peace embodying variety of effects on the mind and body, uplifting spirits, calming the mind and nerves, enhancing the sacred, creating feelings of spirituality, increasing nurturing tendencies and sensitivity, and encouraging imagination and creativity. The colour selection were also chosen with the hopes of treating certain conditions.
Recent studies from the Domestic Violence Act states 39% of Malaysian women estimated to have been abused by their partners, domestic violence is a significant, but often a hidden social problem. The ‘invisibility’ of the problem is largely attributed to the sensitivity of the issues surrounding the problem, especially the traditional belief in the sanctity and privacy of the family and the intimacy of marital relationships.
“We are grateful to partner with WAO to help raise public awareness across the nation, we believe that colour is a powerful medium that can channel messages, empower people and inspire change. Inspired by our Human Cities Initiatives, highlighting and identifying important global issue, AkzoNobel, being the leading company in the paint and coatings industry recognise the empowerment of women and girls which are essential to our sustainable future. It is in this spirt that we celebrate the many contributions that women make to our workplaces, families and communities. I encourage everyone to “Make a difference and act locally”, said Jeremy Rowe, Managing Director of AkzoNobel Decorative Paints, South East & South Asia, Middle East.
During the intimate session, two residents from WAO Shelter Home who have achieved independence were given the opportunity to speak out about their past experience on how they escaped abuse and have been given a second chance at starting fresh. WAO like most domestic violence programs offer extensive training to volunteers on how to provide help to people in complex physical and emotional situations, these women from three different backgrounds and culture shared their story on how they stood up to violence, their personal healing process which is a powerful way to help dissolve the myths and stigma around domestic violence in hope to inspire other women.
To promote and create respect, protection and fulfilment of equal rights for women and to work towards the elimination of discrimination against women, and to bring about equality between women and men find out more about Women’s Aid Organization at http://www.wao.org.my/. For more information on Dulux, visit http://www.dulux.com.my or http://www.facebook.com/DuluxMalaysia
