Gurugram, March 7, 2025: When you picture a professional painter, do you see a man or a woman? Now imagine a world where such stereotypes no longer exist. This International Women’s Day, AkzoNobel India celebrates the remarkable women of Project Indradhanush—a pioneering initiative that is breaking gender barriers in the decorative painting industry and transforming lives across rural India.
In less than four years, Project Indradhanush has created a sustainable livelihood ecosystem for over 3,100 women in more than 940 villages across seven states. Among them, 2,100 women have become skilled, financially independent professional painters, while another 1,000 have established themselves as successful paint entrepreneurs.
Building Livelihoods, Shaping Futures
Rohit Totla, Executive Director of AkzoNobel India, highlights the impact of the initiative:
“At AkzoNobel, we believe that when women thrive, communities flourish. The essence of Project Indradhanush lies in unlocking the immense potential of rural women—offering them opportunities in the paint industry, equipping them with vocational skills, and providing the resources to build sustainable careers. The most rewarding part is witnessing these women redefine their futures, securing financial independence for themselves and their families, and shaping a more equitable and empowered world.”
Stories of Transformation
For many women, Project Indradhanush has been life-changing. Avanti Bai Dhakad, a 40-year-old seasonal agricultural laborer from Nagari village, Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh), found more than just financial stability—she discovered newfound confidence and independence through decorative painting.
Similarly, Anil and Antim Bala, who once relied solely on a small general store, saw their monthly income increase by 70% after becoming paint entrepreneurs. Today, they are building a brighter future for their children, empowered by financial security.
From a Single District to a Nationwide Movement
What began in Darrang, Assam, in 2021 has expanded across India, reaching thousands of women each year. Today, Project Indradhanush is transforming lives in:
✅ 270 villages across Villupuram, Thiruvallur, and Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu)
✅ 480 villages in Howrah, Bankura, West Bardhaman, Purulia, and East Midnapore (West Bengal)
✅ 120 villages in Ujjain, Ratlam, and Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh)
✅ 30 villages in East Singhbhum (Jharkhand)
✅ Nuh district (Haryana)
Through Project Indradhanush, AkzoNobel India is not just painting walls—it is painting a future of empowerment, equality, and opportunity for thousands of women across rural India.
