SOUTH Western Railway (SWR) has continued its support for White Ribbon UK by taking part in a ‘Race the Dark’ event for White Ribbon Day on 25 November.
White Ribbon UK is the leading charity in England and Wales engaging men and boys to prevent violence against women and girls. SWR has supported White Ribbon UK since 2022, with many of its Class 450 trains carrying the White Ribbon logo.
Inspired by White Ribbon, the Race the Dark event was developed by fellow train operator Southeastern, with the aim of sparking meaningful conversations with customers and colleagues. Those conversations are designed to shed light on the fear many women and girls experience daily, and the precautions they routinely take to feel safe.
Joining other publicly owned train operators, SWR began its race in Weymouth just after sunrise, at around 8:30 am, when a group of four colleagues boarded an SWR service bound for London Waterloo. A White Ribbon baton was then passed along in a relay through stops at Winchester, Woking and Wimbledon stations.
Further colleagues and volunteers joined the relay at stations along the way, encouraging colleagues and customers alike to sign the White Ribbon Promise to support the cause, creating and promoting a culture of respect and safety on our trains and at our stations.
A team of 20 arrived with the White Ribbon baton at London Waterloo just after 3pm, ahead of the sunset at 3:59pm. As a finale, a human chain was formed to symbolise the stand being taken against violence aimed at women and girls, serving as a poignant way to end the crucially important 'Race the Dark' event.
Speaking on behalf of SWR and Network Rail, Grant Robey the Head of Security and Safeguarding for SWR said:
“We have supported White Ribbon UK for the last three years and are committed to play our part in helping to end violence against women and girls. We are especially proud to stand alongside our colleagues from train operators across the country, underlining the railway industry’s commitment to the White Ribbon promise.
“The Race the Dark event reflects both SWR and Network Rail’s commitment to safeguarding on the railway, and we are very pleased that so many customers and colleagues took part today.”
Lilian Greenwood, Minister for Local Transport said:
“South Western Railway’s support for the White Ribbon campaign shows real leadership in helping to make our transport network a safer place for women and girls.
"Everyone should feel confident when they travel, and it’s inspiring to see staff taking practical steps to promote safety and equality, bringing communities together to make our railway a place where all passengers feel safe."
