Working with UK leading charity White Ribbon, West Midlands Railway and Network Rail aim to support its work in engaging both men and boys in order to end violence against women and girls.

The charity is attempting to encourage everyone to take on the White Ribbon Promise – to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women.

Events supporting White Ribbon Day 2022 will be happening right across the rail network on the 25th of November.

West Midlands Railway and the Heart of England Community Rail Partnership have pulled out all the stops to get the White Ribbon message across and have commissioned well-known local artist Emily Pettitt to carry out a live drawing in order to create an eye-catching window display which depicts the White Ribbon campaign. The live drawing will take place on a service between Leamington Spa and Nuneaton and passengers on board will be invited to join in by adding their own white ribbons to the special artwork.

Whilst Emily is hard at work creating the unique display, West Midlands Railway will be providing information about White Ribbon Day and how to get involved or where to find help or support.

White Ribbon Day 2022 coincides with the FIFA men’s world cup and for this reason, the charity has created #TheGoal in order to raise awareness about both the challenges and dangers women and girls face in traditionally male-dominated environments such as the football pitch and onboard public transportation.

WMR customer experience director Jonny Wiseman said: “I’m proud that West Midlands Railway is leading the way among the rail industry, alongside Network Rail to help change harmful attitudes and create safe cultures and environments for women and girls to live free from fear of violence. This year on White Ribbon Day the rail industry and our community partners will come together and start playing as a team to end violence against women and girls. I hope our customers will join us in making the White Ribbon promise.”

Malcolm Holmes, executive director, West Midlands Rail Executive and chair of the Heart of England CRP said: “We want to encourage men to speak out against violence towards women and girls to promote gender equality in all aspects of society, including the railway.

“It’s through awareness-raising campaigns like White Ribbon Day that we can make a real difference in our local community by calling out and changing damaging behaviours. I’m pleased that the Heart of England CRP has been able to help make this important event happen.”