West Midlands Trains (WMT) have received the White Ribbon UK accreditation after the TOCs’ dedication to eradicating violence against women.

The accreditation lasts three-years which will allow West Midlands Trains to produce a plan of action, which will see fundraising and highlighting the work that is carried out by the White Ribbon Organisation.

Detailed plans regarding raising awareness and fundraising by WMT will be announced in due course.

“We are delighted to achieve White Ribbon accreditation and to continue highlighting the importance of challenging damaging behaviours in our society.

“We have publicly supported White Ribbon for several years and we look forward to continue helping their work in creating positive role models for men and boys. We are fully committed to working proactively to create a safer environment for the women and girls who work with and travel with us.”

Charlotte Ritchie, WMT head of external communications and engagement,

So far, the company that owns and operates both West Midlands Railway and the London NorthWestern Railway brands has held a public awareness event at Birmingham Snow Hill, while the White Ribbon Logo has been applied to a West Midlands and London NorthWestern Railway train.

These trains will promote the White Ribbon organisation as they travel across their respective networks as they take passengers on their journeys and pass through stations.

Violence against women has been on the rise across the UK for the last few years, with many organisations calling for a change, to bring a stop to violence towards women and girls.

“Ensuring safe and inclusive travel is promoted on our transport systems is vital in working towards preventing harassment, abuse and violence against women and girls, both for commuters and staff.

“We are delighted that West Midlands Trains has joined White Ribbon UK’s network of organisations working towards sustaining positive culture change in their workplace and communities following their awareness raising efforts over the last few years.”

Anthea Sully, chief executive of White Ribbon UK

Additional information about White Ribbon UK can be found at www.whiteribbon.org.uk