UK rail companies sing together to get the White Ribbon message heard

White Ribbon Day takes place on 25 November every year to offer an opportunity to educate people on positive actions they can take to end men’s violence against women and girls. It also marks the first day of the UN's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (VAWG).  

Southeastern recently became a White Ribbon Accredited organisation, which demonstrates our commitment to end VAWG through working with our colleagues, communities and stakeholders.

This year, the theme is #ChangeTheStory, which focuses on asking people to challenge seemingly harmless attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate violence for women and girls, making a White Ribbon Promise and signposting people to support.  

In the year ending March 2022, 1.7 million women in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse and 81% of women surveyed experienced workplace harassment by a man or men.

Ahead of White Ribbon Day, Southeastern arranged for members of its own Trax choir to be joined by Network Rail, South Western Railway, Avanti West Coast, GTR, Greater Anglia, The Rail Delivery Group, British Transport Police and Transport for London for two special performances of Rise, by Callum Scott.  View here: https://youtu.be/ScqlzvMKZYc

Southeastern's Choir leader, Elliot Waters, who helped choose the song, said: “It's a song that is around reflection, the rich tapestry of life, and the unique journeys we have all come on to get to where we are. Regardless of the adversity we may face along the way, the thoughts that we have and the questions we answer which then throw another hurdle our way - we will always rise above it and be the best version of ourselves."

The choirs performed at London Bridge Station dressed in black and white to match the White ribbon colours.  

Darren O'Brien, Deputy Head of Retail, who was instrumental in establishing the Rail to Refuge during the pandemic, said:  "We care passionately about our people and passengers, and protecting women and girls from violence is a key feature of our Safe Guarding Strategy.

"A White Ribbon Steering Group has been set up to help ensure deliver positive changes to keep women and girls safe. Southeastern are a White Ribbon Accredited organisation, which demonstrates our commitment to end VAWG through working with our colleagues, communities and stakeholders."

The White Ribbon Steering group brings together colleagues from Safeguarding, Health and Wellbeing, the Women's Colleague network group - Domestic Taboo subgroup and is chaired by Darren O’Brien.