When you imagine a professional painter, do you picture a man or a woman? In a world still shaped by gender stereotypes, the painting industry has long remained a male-dominated space. But this International Women’s Day, AkzoNobel India is rewriting the narrative by celebrating its ‘Indradhanush’ women—trailblazers who are defying the status quo and making their mark in the decorative painting industry.
Through its social initiative, Project Indradhanush, AkzoNobel India has created a sustainable livelihood ecosystem, equipping rural women with the skills, resources, and confidence to build financial independence.
Transforming Lives: The Impact of Project Indradhanush
In less than four years, Project Indradhanush has reached more than 3,100 rural women across 940+ villages in seven states of India. The initiative has successfully trained:
2,100+ women as vocationally skilled, professional painters
1,000+ women as paint entrepreneurs (‘paint-preneurs’)
This program is more than just a skill development initiative—it’s a movement empowering women to challenge social norms, build careers, and create a brighter, more colorful future for themselves and their families.
AkzoNobel’s Vision: Empowering Women for a Thriving Future
Rohit Totla, Executive Director of AkzoNobel India, highlights the transformative impact of the initiative:
“At AkzoNobel, we believe that communities flourish when women thrive. The true magic of Project Indradhanush lies in harnessing the untapped potential of rural women — from introducing opportunities in the paint industry and helping them develop livelihood-linked vocational skills to providing necessary resources for their success. What we’re most proud of is seeing our Indradhanush women carve out new careers and paint the future, both for themselves and their families. A future that’s more equitable, empowered, and colorful for all.”
Real Stories of Change: Painting a Brighter Future
Avanti Bai Dhakad (Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh)
A 40-year-old seasonal agricultural laborer, Avanti struggled with irregular income. Thanks to Project Indradhanush, she has now found a stable livelihood as a professional decorative painter, giving her financial security and a newfound sense of confidence.
Anil & Antim Bala (Paint Entrepreneurs, India)
This couple, who once struggled to sustain their small general store, saw a 70% increase in their monthly income after becoming paint entrepreneurs. Today, they are building a secure future for their children, proving that the power of financial empowerment can change lives.
Expanding Impact: Reaching More Women Across India
Launched in 2021 in Darrang, Assam, Project Indradhanush has rapidly expanded to uplift women in multiple states across India:
Tamil Nadu: 270+ villages (Villupuram, Thiruvallur & Kanchipuram)
West Bengal: 480+ villages (Howrah, Bankura, West Bardhaman, Purulia, East Midnapore)
Madhya Pradesh: 120+ villages (Ujjain, Ratlam & Mandsaur)
Jharkhand: 30+ villages (East Singhbhum)
Haryana: Nuh district
Conclusion: A Future Where Women Thrive
On International Women’s Day, AkzoNobel India’s Project Indradhanush serves as a powerful example of how gender-inclusive initiatives can challenge stereotypes, create sustainable livelihoods, and drive meaningful social change.
As more women step into roles traditionally dominated by men, they are not just earning livelihoods—they are inspiring future generations to believe that gender should never be a barrier to success.
This Women’s Day, let’s celebrate every woman who dares to dream, break barriers, and paint a brighter future
