London Northwestern Railway Hosts Powerful White Ribbon Day Events to Raise Awareness and Fight Violence Against Women

Published on November 24, 2025

Hundreds of passengers traveling with London Northwestern Railway (LNR) are expected to participate in a national pledge aimed at ending violence against women and girls. This initiative is part of the broader effort surrounding White Ribbon Day on 25th November and the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (25th November to 10th December). The partnership between LNR and White Ribbon UK encourages passengers to engage in conversations about gender inequality and take a stand against violence.

LNR’s involvement in these key events underscores its commitment to raising awareness on such an important issue. The train operator will be offering passengers the opportunity to actively participate in this cause by encouraging them to make a personal pledge during the 16 Days of Activism. This initiative is not only about creating awareness but also fostering a deeper connection with the community.

White Ribbon Day: A Personal Commitment to Change

Throughout this period of activism, LNR will be hosting various awareness-raising events, especially in stations like Milton Keynes Central, Bletchley, Bedford, Watford Junction, and St Albans. These stations will become hubs for spreading the message of White Ribbon, the leading UK charity dedicated to ending violence against women and girls.

At each station, passengers will be invited to make the White Ribbon promise. This pledge involves a personal commitment to never use, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women and girls. The promise is a powerful reminder that everyone has a role to play in creating a safer environment for all, both in society at large and on the train network itself.

In Milton Keynes, LNR is also sponsoring a White Ribbon exhibition to spotlight the annual theme of “We Speak Up”. This exhibition will run from 25th November at Centre:MK, and it will feature portraits of 16 men from across the UK who are using their voices to combat men’s violence against women and girls. The exhibition aims to inspire and showcase male allies who are making a tangible difference in the fight against gender-based violence.

LNR’s Commitment to Ensuring Passenger Safety

The initiative is being spearheaded by Matthew Bradley, the head of stations at LNR, who emphasizes the importance of advocating for the safety of women passengers. Bradley’s leadership in this area stems from a strong personal passion to ensure that every female passenger feels safe while traveling. This year, LNR has taken a further step by expanding its participation in the White Ribbon campaign, making it a part of the broader 16 Days of Activism.

Bradley highlights that by encouraging customers to engage and open up about their role as allies, the company hopes to foster an environment where discussions about gender inequality are not only welcome but essential. The ultimate aim is to create a safer railway for everyone, regardless of gender. The partnership with White Ribbon UK is seen as a proactive step in contributing to the national conversation about ending violence against women.

Collaborating for Greater Impact: LNR’s Expanded Role

LNR’s involvement in White Ribbon Day isn’t new, as the company has supported the cause for several years. However, this year’s expanded effort shows a deeper commitment. Lynne Elliot, the chief executive of White Ribbon UK, praised the work of LNR and expressed gratitude for their sponsorship of the White Ribbon Day Portraits Project. Elliot stressed the significance of the collaboration, emphasizing that LNR’s actions reflect a tangible commitment to creating a safer environment for women, particularly in public transport spaces.

Elliot also noted the importance of these events in not only raising awareness but also encouraging practical action. The White Ribbon Accreditation that LNR received in 2024 further strengthens its credibility as an organization dedicated to the cause. In addition, the fundraising efforts across LNR’s head office and depots, which have raised over £12,000 for the charity since March, are a testament to the company’s ongoing support for White Ribbon UK and the broader mission of ending gender-based violence.

Engagement Across LNR Stations: Bringing Awareness to Passengers

LNR will host a series of White Ribbon engagement events at various stations throughout the 16 Days of Activism. These events will provide passengers with opportunities to learn more about the cause, sign the White Ribbon pledge, and engage in meaningful conversations about how gender-based violence affects everyone.

Here is the full schedule of engagement events taking place at LNR stations:

• 25th November: Milton Keynes Central, Watford Junction, and St Albans stations, in partnership with local volunteers and Abbey Line volunteers.
• 28th November: Bletchley station, in partnership with Friends of Bletchley Station and Marston Vale CRP.
• 4th December: Bedford station, in partnership with Marston Vale CRP.

These events are designed to bring passengers together and promote a unified stance against violence, providing a platform for people to take a meaningful action.

LNR’s Continued Partnership with White Ribbon UK

In addition to the visible events taking place at stations, LNR continues to collaborate closely with White Ribbon UK as part of their ongoing partnership. This year’s campaign will help reinforce LNR’s White Ribbon Accreditation, ensuring that the company remains a leader in supporting gender equality within the railway industry. The actions taken by LNR go beyond mere compliance; they demonstrate a company-wide commitment to addressing a critical issue that impacts people on a global scale.

By continuing to work with White Ribbon UK, LNR seeks to deepen its involvement and encourage other companies in the transport industry to take similar steps. The partnership also includes internal fundraising initiatives, which contribute to the continued work of White Ribbon UK in their fight against violence.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Everyone

The involvement of London Northwestern Railway in the 16 Days of Activism and White Ribbon Day is an essential part of the broader effort to end violence against women and girls. Through public engagement events, sponsorship of exhibitions, and ongoing partnerships with White Ribbon UK, LNR is making a significant impact. This effort highlights how organizations, particularly those in public spaces, can play a key role in fostering safety and equality.

As the company continues to push for a safer railway and promote dialogue on gender inequality, it encourages both its passengers and employees to take a stand. White Ribbon Day is not just a day of awareness; it is a day of action. By joining this pledge, travelers and staff alike can contribute to creating an environment where gender-based violence is no longer tolerated.

[Image Credit: London Northwestern & West Midlands Railways]