Birmingham’s rail industry, its city partners, and passengers have called for an end to male violence against women and girls as part of this year’s White Ribbon Day.
Throughout this week, passengers and staff signed their names on a unique pledge wall at Birmingham New Street to show their backing to take a stand against violence towards women. At a special event at the station on Thursday 27 November, Laurence Turner MP (Birmingham Northfield) endorsed and signed the pledge wall, which will be displayed in the station to inspire others to show their support for the global movement.
Councillor Nicky Brennan (Sparkhill) and cabinet member for Birmingham City Council’s housing and homelessness, also spoke and shared her own poem, ‘What Can Men Do’, to inspire and encourage support for the campaign. Other organisations involved included West Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, Chiltern Railways, Avanti West Coast, British Transport Police, Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Rail Executive, Transport for West Midlands and the Samaritans.
It was the third day of events at Birmingham New Street with volunteers from all organisations involved signing the pledge wall and speaking to passengers and passersby to raise awareness. Signing the pledge wall at the station allowed everyone to help promote a culture of safety, respect, and equality.
Denise Wetton, director for Network Rail Central route, said: "Supporting the White Ribbon campaign is really important for us and we can provide a platform for our community to come together and make a difference.
"It’s not just about one day though, this is something we will be taking action against all year round. It’s been great to see so many people passing through Birmingham New Street visiting the stalls, learning more about the campaign, and signing the pledge wall."
Laurence Turner MP said: “No-one should be made to feel unsafe when they travel, and the White Ribbon Pledge is an important reminder that men must never stand by.
“Reports of sexual assaults and harassment on the rail network have gone up by a third over the last decade. We cannot look away.
“We all have our part to play in preventing violence against women and girls and holding perpetrators to account. I commend the Network Rail and the British Transport Police's efforts to educate and protect.”
Mal Drury-Rose, director of rail for Transport for West Midlands, said: "Supporting White Ribbon, not just today but every day, is so important.
"This event sent a strong and powerful message of the widespread commitment to work together, across the West Midlands, to end violence against women and girls to help make all forms of public transport safe and accessible for everyone." Andy Mellors, managing director at Avanti West Coast, said: “We are committed to making the railway a safer place for all.
“As an industry, we have an important part to play in working with White Ribbon to prevent male violence against women and girls.” Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at WMR, said: “As a White Ribbon accredited organisation, we are passionate about advocating for an end to violence against women and ensuring our female passengers feel safe travelling by train. By encouraging our customers to take the pledge, we hope to help create a safer railway for everyone.”
Councillor Nicky Brennan said: “White Ribbon Day is about standing with survivors and recognising the strength it takes to speak out or even just to carry on.
“Today at New Street Station was not just about pledges. It was about listening to women, believing their experiences and understanding the pain that often stays hidden.
"When men choose to challenge harmful behaviour and create safer spaces, they help lift the weight survivors have carried for far too long. Real change begins when we honour their voices and commit to a world where every woman and girl can live free from fear.”
The specially written poem by Councillor Nicky Brennan:
What Can Men do?
On White Ribbon Day, men ask, “What can I do?”
The truth is simple. The change starts with you.
In everyday moments, in choices you make,
In the words that you speak, in the stand that you take.
Listen to women, not to judge or defend,
But to truly hear stories they struggle to mend.
Believe them the first time. Do not question their pain.
Your trust is a shelter they should not have to explain.
Call out the comments that wound or degrade.
Do not laugh along with the jokes that are made.
Your silence is power. It signals what is right.
Use it with courage. Step into the light.
Show younger boys that respect is strength,
That kindness and courage go the same length.
Teach them that care is a brave place to start,
That real men hold safety in mind and in heart.
Hold your friends accountable, steady and true.
Real friendship means facing the hard things we do.
Unlearn the old lessons that harm and divide.
Grow into the man your best self cannot hide.
For ending the violence needs more than a day.
It lives in the things that men choose every day.
A ribbon is only a symbol we wear.
But change is a promise to act and to care.
For more information about the White Ribbon campaign visit www.whiteribbon.org.uk. Passengers can plan their journeys and check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk.
