WAO and the Body Shop Supports One Billion Rising

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Body Shop supports One Billion Rising

FLASH MOB: Global dance movement aims to end violence against women and girls everywhere

KUALA LUMPUR: WHEN a 23-year-old student in India died after being beaten and gang-raped on a bus, it shocked the world and sparked mass protests against violent attitudes towards women.

Sadly, this was not an isolated case as violence is a fact of life for many women and girls across the world.

A United Nations report found that up to 70 per cent of women experience physical, verbal or sexual violence from men in their lifetime. That equates to one billion women and girls who will be abused in their lifetime.

It was with this in mind that The Body Shop participated in the One Billion Rising movement on Valentine’s Day recently.

This global dance movement aims to end violence against women and girls worldwide.

That day, every single The Body Shop store throughout West Malaysia played host to flash mobs held outside their premises, with NGOs, activists and members of the public participating as well.

At Fahrenheit 88 Mall, more than 50 NGO members, activists and members of the media gathered with The Body Shop managing director Datin Mina Cheah-Foong and employees to participate in the One Billion Rising flash mob held outside The Body Shop.

The Women’s Aid Organisation, together with its executive director Ivy Josiah, was in the forefront with their trademark indefatigable vigour and enthusiasm.

At Bangsar Shopping Complex, the Sisters In Islam NGO with its acting executive director, Ratna Osman, participated in the flash mob held outside The Body Shop store, attracting many shoppers and curious passers-by to ask about the movement.

Also present were Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir and Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasen, who demonstrated their commitment and support to end gender violence by participating alongside SIS and The Body Shop employees there.

The flash mobs took place at 1.30pm and 6.30pm at all The Body Shop Stores throughout West Malaysia.

The Body Shop is a veteran of many campaigns and awareness programs that support women’s rights and is a strong advocate of empowering women.

Since The Body Shop started in West Malaysia 29 years ago, the company has worked hand in hand with its many NGO partners, campaigning passionately alongside them for causes that The Body Shop believes in, all without fear or favour.