A mural in support of a national campaign to prevent men’s violence against women and girls has been unveiled at Rugby station.
Avanti West Coast partnered with Heart of England Community Rail Partnership (CRP), a local artist, and White Ribbon UK – the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to prevent violence against females – to create a largescale art piece on Platform 2 as part of its ongoing work to support the charity’s mission.
West Midlands based artist, Emily Marlowe, designed the mural which shows people of different genders, ages and ethnicities alongside the message “it takes all of us, let’s work together to end violence against women and girls.” It aims to highlight how everyone has a role to play in supporting the cause.
Parts of the artwork uses Rugby’s three colour palettes which each reflect a different theme of the town’s character – History and Heritage, Creativity and Culture, and Industry and Innovation. It also features a QR code, encouraging people to make the White Ribbon promise to: “never use, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women and girls”.
Avanti West Coast, who manage Rugby station, supported this latest mural through its Community Rail Project Fund – a scheme that helps CRPs deliver initiatives that engage communities with their railway.
The installation builds on the train operator’s work with Emily, Heart of England CRP, and White Ribbon UK, who created a similar mural at Birmingham International station, which was unveiled on White Ribbon Day last year.
Avanti West Coast is a White Ribbon UK accredited organisation – committing to embed the charity’s values in the business. The intercity operator ensures it has a safe and positive working environment for women, encourages male leaders across its workforce to promote equality, and support local communities.
Over the last 18 months, it has rolled out mandatory sexual harassment training to all members of staff, which is bespoke to their roles, as well as incorporating it into inductions for new employees.
Dave Whitehouse, safety, security and environment director at Avanti West Coast said: “We’re committed to providing a safe and secure railway for everyone, and this mural is part of our work with White Ribbon UK to raise awareness of preventing men’s violence against women and girls.
“Working again with community partners and a talented artist, this project aims to engage the people of Rugby on this important topic in society and highlight the importance of White Ribbon’s campaign.”
Artist Emily Marlowe commented: “It’s so rewarding to see how art and illustration can be used to spread important messages like the White Ribbon campaign. I’m happy to be able to play a small part in helping to end violence towards women and girls and I hope that people find the artwork bright & inspiring and that it encourages people to find out more about the work of White Ribbon. Thanks to the Heart of England Community Rail Partnership, Avanti and White Ribbon UK for bringing me on board.”
Image credit: Avanti West Coast
