Almost 100 GWR staff become White Ribbon ambassadors, as the company marks the anniversary of train naming to end violence against women

White Ribbon Day on Saturday 25 November marks the first anniversary since GWR unveiled Intercity Express Train 800016 as their White Ribbon train, launching a three-year partnership with White Ribbon UK.

In the first 12 months of the partnership, almost 100 colleagues from GWR have signed up to become White Ribbon Ambassadors or Champions, dedicating their time to share the message of White Ribbon both at work and socially, and encourage everyone to make a promise to never excuse or remain silent about violence against women.

The unit number of the White Ribbon train - 800016 – was chosen to reflect the start of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, which coincides with White Ribbon Day.

GWR’s Head of Organisational Development and Culture, Ashley Bray said:

“GWR’s commitment to supporting women and families escaping violence has been long-established. The launch with Women’s Aid of the ‘Rail to Refuge’ scheme, which provides rail tickets for people travelling to refuges, was launched on their network in March 2020, leading it to go nation-wide later that year.

“We have support systems in place to help colleagues who have experienced domestic abuse, providing an open environment to be able to help get them the support they need. Nearly 100 colleagues who are dedicated to ending violence against women have signed up as White Ribbon Ambassadors and Champions, which we are incredibly proud of just one year in to our partnership.”

The train operating company also works closely with British Transport Police in promoting the Railway Guardian App, which enables rail users to report crimes or concerns on the rail network and share journey details with trusted contacts. The app also provides useful travel advice and support.

GWR will join Women’s Aid Swindon and Zurich Insurance for a coffee morning at Zurich’s Swindon HQ on Monday 27 November, from 10.00-12.00, to mark White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The event will be an opportunity for those in the Swindon area to share methods of support, and experiences in their work to end violence against women.

White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity committed to ending male violence against women and girls through engagement with men and boys. Its mission is to change long-established and harmful attitudes, systems and behaviours around masculinity that perpetuate gender inequality and violence against women.