On 25 November, colleagues across our network stood together at stations to recognise White Ribbon Day.
They hosted pledge stands, where they welcomed conversations that were sometimes gentle, sometimes challenging. They handed out white ribbons to passers-by who were compelled to make the promise to never use, excuse or stay silent about violence against women and girls.
As a White Ribbon accredited organisation, we inherently believe that our role extends beyond running a safe and reliable railway. This year, that commitment became even more visible.
Our support helped bring to life an exhibition of sixteen men
who have pledged to become White Ribbon Ambassadors, which stands at Milton Keynes at Centre:MK
.
Each portrait capturing a different face, a different story, a different kind of responsibility. Together, they reflected a shared truth. Change begins when men choose to be part of it.
"As a leader and as a colleague I am determined that we will create workplaces where female colleagues feel safe, respected and included at all times. And as a father to two young daughters, I am passionate about creating a world where my children do not need to feel afraid of facing harmful behaviours, sexual abuse and violence.
It is vital to use our voices to speak up against harmful attitudes and behaviours and quash them before they become something even more
sinister."- Jonny Wiseman, Customer Experience Director
Nationally, the picture surrounding violence against women and girls remains stark.
It is estimated that 2.2 million women in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2025.
One in four women will face some form of gender-based violence in their lifetime.
Three in five women say they have experienced harassment or verbal abuse at work.
These numbers are not distant statistics. They represent people we know and people who travel with us every day.
White Ribbon Day reminds us that silence has never been neutral. It is a gap where harm grows, and speaking up is one of the simplest and most powerful interventions we have.
To honour the sixteen portraits in this year’s exhibition, and the 16 Days of Action that follow White Ribbon Day, here are sixteen ways each of us can continue to speak up.
Sixteen Ways to Speak Up and Support Change
- Make the White Ribbon Promise and take personal responsibility for challenging violence against women and girls.
- Wear a white ribbon to open conversations with the people around you.
- Speak up when you overhear sexist or belittling comments, even if it feels awkward.
- Check in privately with someone who seems uncomfortable and let them know you are there.
- Interrupt harmful humour that dismisses or minimises the experiences of women.
- Believe people who disclose harm and offer support without judgement.
- Share White Ribbon messages with friends, family and colleagues to widen awareness.
- Model respectful behaviour in every environment you move through, including online spaces.
- Step in safely if you witness harassment in public by distracting, checking in, or seeking help.
- Encourage men and boys around you to see allyship as strength, not embarrassment.
- Learn about the signs of abuse so you can recognise when someone may need support.
- Support specialist charities through donations, volunteering or advocacy.
- Challenge harmful myths about gender-based violence when you hear them repeated.
- Create safe spaces at work by calling out inappropriate behaviour and reinforcing expected standards.
- Normalise conversations about respect, consent and boundaries in everyday settings.
- Reflect on your own behaviour and biases, because real change begins with honest self-awareness.
Our network is a place of thousands of daily journeys. Behind every journey is a person who deserves to feel safe. On White Ribbon Day, our colleagues stood with the public to show that safety is both a responsibility and a shared value.
Change does not happen in a single day. It grows from curiosity, care and the willingness to keep learning. If reading this has made you pause, or if you want to do more than stand beside this issue, the organisations below are trusted places to turn.
Whether you need support, want to support someone else or hope to understand the challenges more deeply, these resources exist for you.
Quick Links to Support and Information
White Ribbon UK
Make the White Ribbon Promise and learn how to speak up.
whiteribbon.org.uk
White Ribbon: Find Help
Specialist support for anyone affected by abuse.
whiteribbon.org.uk/find-help
Refuge
Support for women and children experiencing domestic abuse.
refuge.org.uk
Victim Support
Confidential help after domestic or sexual violence, stalking or harassment.
victimsupport.org.uk
Domestic Abuse: How to Get Help
Government guidance on recognising abuse and finding immediate support.
gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help
Thank you to everyone who supported, pledged, paused for a conversation or wore a ribbon home.
Speaking up on one day matters.
Carrying that choice into the days that follow matters even more.