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A powerful new mural is inspiring girls in Australia to use their voice.
Located beside Melbourne Central Station (along La Trobe Street), the artwork conveys the strength enabled by education, equality and a safe environment, and also celebrates the 25-year partnership between AkzoNobel and Plan International that helps provide that support in Australia and around the world.
The colourful design by young artist Daiana Ingleton features a girl speaking into a microphone against the backdrop of the Australian skyline – many iconic landmarks that are protected by AkzoNobel coatings and symbolise the company’s commitment to building safe cities in a variety of ways.
Ingleton painted her first mural one year ago after winning a Neighbourhood Watch competition, and has now been commissioned to paint six murals in private and public spaces.
"I’m so excited to have this opportunity to paint something so meaningful,” said Ingleton.
"Internal strength and girls’ right to independence are really important to me. The mural is a real achievement.”
"We are committed to building safer cities for young people through AkzoNobel Cares with education, training and skills development, which help improve their job prospects,” said Ruud Joosten, Chief Operating Officer at AkzoNobel.
"We hope the Melbourne mural and stories from our 25-year strong partnership with Plan International will inspire girls all around the world to pursue their dreams.”
Plan International Australia CEO Susanne Legena said: "We’re thrilled to support another young woman make her mark on the world through this mural.
"It’s a fantastic way to celebrate – not only our partnership with AkzoNobel but also this unprecedented moment in girl-led activism.
"By standing with girls and empowering them to speak up, know their rights and lead, we’re working towards a better, more equal world for all.”
AkzoNobel’s Education Fund has been a partner of the Dutch chapter of the Plan International network for 25 years and counting.
To date, more than 50 projects have made a positive impact around the world – for example, the life-changing stories of three young adults in China, Brazil and India featured in this video.
