White Ribbon Day leading on to UN’s 16 days of activism against gender-based violence
Hundreds of West Midlands Railway (WMR) passengers are set to join a national pledge to end violence against women and girls.
The operator is inviting its customers to join a fortnight of action urging people to speak up about gender inequality as part of White Ribbon Day today (Nov 25) and the United Nations’ “16 days of activism against gender-based violence” (Nov 25 to Dec 10).
WMR reps will be at stations across the rail network alongside local volunteers and Community Rail Partnerships to raise awareness of White Ribbon, the UK’s leading charity lobbying for an end to violence against women and girls.
Passengers using Wylde Green, Hereford, Wolverhampton and Worcester Shrub Hill stations will be encouraged to make the White Ribbon promise – a personal commitment to never participate in, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women and girls.
Stations across the West Midlands region getting involved
In Wolverhampton, passengers will be invited to spin a wheel featuring conversation-starters designed to get people talking about allyship and their role in preventing gender-based violence.
The activity will run in partnership with Rethink Mental Illness, the charity behind the station’s safeguarding hub which offers support to people in crisis.
WMR’s sister brand, London Northwestern Railway, will also be hosting events at Stone, Tamworth, Marston Green and Canley.
Matthew Bradley, head of stations at WMR, said: “As the company’s White Ribbon lead, I am passionate about advocating for an end to violence against women and ensuring our female passengers feel safe travelling by train.”
Lynne Elliot, chief executive at White Ribbon UK, said: “WMR’s support for White Ribbon UK demonstrates a willingness to take action to ensure everyone feels safe when travelling.”
White Ribbon UK is WMR’s charity partner of the year, with over £12,000 raised for the charity since March.
The train operator, which has been accredited by White Ribbon since 2024, will also be fundraising internally across its head office and depots.
To raise awareness throughout the year, murals with White Ribbon messaging are on display at Tile Hill, Adderley Park, Hampton-in-Arden, Marston Green and Stechford.
