Women’s charity Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) has partnered with Southeastern Railway to establish a community-led forum, launching this summer. It will be focused on improving safety and confidence for women and girls using rail services.
Southeastern Railway is working in collaboration with SIGBI and other representative groups, to ensure the forum is inclusive and reflects a wide range of lived experiences. This partnership approach will help shape services that continue to meet the needs of passengers, with the forum launching in early summer.
The partnership stemmed from SIGBI’s relaunched ‘The Future of the Railways’ survey last year, when members from the charity’s Medway and Maidstone clubs connected with the Safeguarding Liaison Manager (Adults) at Southeastern Railway.
Adam Downing, safeguarding liaison manager (adults) at Southeastern Railway, said: “At Southeastern, we recognise that safety is not measured solely by reported incidents, but by how safe people feel when travelling on our network.
“That is why we are proud to be working alongside SIGBI and wider community partners to establish a community-led forum that will help shape meaningful action to improve safety, trust and confidence for women and girls.
“This is about listening, learning and working together to create a railway where everyone feels safe, supported and able to travel with confidence.”
The organisation has made a clear commitment to the safety of women and girls across its network and is an active supporter of White Ribbon UK, a charity which engages men and boys to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG).
Dr Roxanne St. Clair, president of Soroptimist International South East England and chair of the Commonwealth Girls Education Fund, said: “We welcome the news that Southeastern Railway is establishing a community-led forum focused on improving safety and confidence for women and girls using rail services.
“This collaborative approach is a true indication of the network’s commitment to passenger safety and well-being – an approach that our members in the South East England region are ready to support.”
Image credit: Soroptimist International
