30 Nov 2025
By ~ Ruby Tay


Malaysians Unite in An Orange Wave of Hope


On 30th November 2025, Kuala Lumpur City Hall Square (Dataran DBKL) was transformed into a sea of bright orange as about 1,400 Malaysians came together to take a stand against violence toward women and girls. Spearheaded by the Inner Wheel Club of Kuala Lumpur (IWCKL), the walkathon brought powerful visibility to a cause that affects the whole nation. The walkathon was an awareness campaign in tandem with the annual UN Women’s initiative “Orange the World” and globally coordinated for Inner Wheel by the Inner Wheel UNiTE team.

The event was officiated by The Honourable Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development. In her message, she emphasised that lasting change requires not only strong legislation but strong, compassionate communities. Her presence set a meaningful tone for the three km walk.

The venue was a Car-Free Morning route in the heart of Kuala Lumpur managed by Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur City Hall). Participants enjoyed a leisure 3KM walk along Jalan Raja Laut and returning via Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman back to the starting point. Up to five lanes wide, the roads were completely closed with no traffic to worry about, ensuring a walk that was surreal, and an encouraging time to share thoughts on the campaign.

In organising the event, an online registration form open to the public was published through IWCKL Facebook. A dedicated website was created for the event. National Representative Datin Gillian Lee, 330 District Chairman Jillian Estrop and 331 District Chairman Jane Lian Labang gave their support. A token sum of only RM30 was collected for each registration which provided the participants with a printed T-shirt and tote bag filled with lots of gifts. Many well-wishers supported the participation of youths and children, an opportunity for experiential learning and early understanding. Corporate and private sponsors gave vouchers, lucky draw prizes and mementos.

Members from Inner Wheel District 330 and District 331 lent their full support, showcasing unity and shared purpose among clubs across Malaysia. Their involvement reinforced Inner Wheel’s long-standing commitment to advocacy, service, and the empowerment of women and girls. Each Inner Wheel Club was offered to play a part by gathering their groups of supporters for the cause. Besides the members from the Inner Wheel Club of Kuala Lumpur, the Clubs who participated from District 330 were the Inner Wheel Clubs of Alor Setar, Aspsaras, Bangsar, Ipoh East, Johor Bahru, Klang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur North, Kuantan/Indera Mahkota, Parklands, Pearl of the Orient, Penang, Selangor, and Subang Selangor. Kudos to IWC Penang, DC Jillian’s home club and Club President Sally Koh, for the highest number of participation among the Inner Wheel Clubs. A special thank-you to DC Jane for the support of participation from District 331, even though far across the South China Sea.

A proud highlight of the morning was the presentation of the Malaysia Book of Records certificate for organising the “Largest Walkathon Against Violence Towards Women”. This national achievement is a strong testament of collaboration between Inner Wheel and the ministry, government agencies, institutions, the corporate sector, other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the general public.

The walkathon’s atmosphere was uplifting and inclusive. Participants were of all age groups from children and youth groups to senior citizens. NGOs, company representatives, and government officials carried placards displaying their organizational names and logos to signal their advocacy. Large placards and banners had messages of hope, courage, and action. Together, they sent a unified message: every woman and girl deserves safety, dignity, and respect.

The programme concluded with performances, community interactions, and a shared sense of purpose, reminding all that awareness grows strongest when people stand together.

On this remarkable day, Malaysians walked for every woman and girl who deserves a life free from fear. Together, we have made history.

Within hours of the event, the national news agency BERNAMA broadcast the news nationwide.


A note of gratitute from the Organising Committee:

Our mission to forge a future free from violence would not have been possible without the visionary support of our major supporters and sponsors. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Honourable Dato' Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), Datin Regina Tan, Puan Sri Ivy Tan, Mr Ronnie Tan, Texas Chicken Malaysia, TSH Resources Berhad, Gardenia Bakeries (KL) Sdn Bhd, Thong Thye Siang Sdn Bhd, Mars Wrigley, Orkla Asia Pacific (M) Sdn Bhd, Coca-cola Refreshments (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, BACFREE (M) Sdn Bhd, Dr Ko Skin Specialist, Mak'Cik Group (Malaysia), KDK Fans (M) Sdn Bhd, GoodMorning Global Group Holdings Berhad, and F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd for their unwavering commitment to this cause.

We also wish to acknowledge the vital contributions of our numerous supporting sponsors and partners whose generosity provided the momentum we needed. To our participants—whose energy filled the streets of Kuala Lumpur—and every volunteer who assisted behind the scenes: THANK YOU.