Can't Break Me

When you're faced with unrealistic images of 'the ideal beauty’ every day, feeling good about yourself can become a tricky thing to master. But not for these three strong women who are paving the way to a more diverse beauty standard in Malaysia; they prove that being open, genuine and happy goes a long way in feeling confident about yourself.

- Sarah Hani Jamil

THE ARTIST

“At the end of the day, I feel like many people who have vitiligo feel bad about themselves because society doesn’t understand their condition.”

– NADIRAH ZAKARIYA

Thirty-five-year-old Nadirah Zakariya is sure of herself. I could instantly tell from the way she walked into the studio and brightly greeted everyone on set as if we’re all long-time friends. You won’t be able to see it at first glance as her bubbly personality overshadows everything else, but Nadirah has vitiligo, a condition where parts of the skin lose pigment and melanin doesn’t form. “I was 17 when I saw my first spot. I went on a trip to Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu, and when I came back, I saw a round, colourless spot on my ear and thought it had something to do with sun exposure. It didn’t hurt or anything, so I didn’t think much of it. Over time, it didn’t go away, but it wasn’t spreading either. However, more spots started popping up here and there a few years later. It’s sporadic and kind of has a life of its own, yet it’s harmless. In fact, a cold and cough are more dangerous than vitiligo,” she explains.