Greater Anglia colleagues from across the network took part in a day of action to raise awareness of violence against women and girls as part of White Ribbon Day on November 25.

Teams visited stations and trains across the region to encourage staff and customers to sign the White Ribbon Promise - a declaration never to excuse or remain silent about violence against women and girls.

Colleagues travelled across the network, visiting London Liverpool Street, Shenfield, Chelmsford, Beaulieu Park, Witham, Colchester, Ipswich, Norwich, Thetford, Ely, Bury St Edmunds, Stowmarket and Diss stations. Across the day, teams spoke to 95 Greater Anglia colleagues and 36 customers about the importance of challenging sexism and abuse in all forms.

Georgia Payne, Greater Anglia’s Safeguarding & Community Safety Manager, who took part in the event, said: 

“Everyone we spoke to was incredibly supportive and willing to sign the White Ribbon Promise, which shows just how strongly people across our network feel about standing up against violence towards women and girls.

“All passengers deserve to feel safe and confident when travelling on the railway, and preventing abuse is everyone’s responsibility - not just a woman’s issue. By speaking up and challenging unacceptable behaviour, we can help create a safer, more respectful environment for all.”

Greater Anglia joined more than 70 colleagues from across the rail industry in supporting White Ribbon Day, alongside teams from c2c, Southeastern, South Western Railway, TransPennine Express, Northern, and LNER.

This year’s White Ribbon Day theme was ‘We Speak Up’. Events across the railway network reinforced this message by encouraging people to challenge harmful behaviours such as sexist language, inappropriate comments, catcalling, and unwanted attention.

Greater Anglia also highlighted its ongoing commitment to supporting those affected by domestic abuse. In 2022, the company made its website a ‘Safe Space’ by adding a dedicated widget that allows people experiencing domestic abuse to discreetly access help and advice.

The ‘Safe Space’ provides untraceable access to specialist support services, national helplines and other resources, developed by the charity UK SAYS NO MORE. The page does not appear in browsing history and includes a quick-exit function to ensure users can leave the page safely if needed.