c2c Railway is proud to announce that it has officially marked its White Ribbon Accreditation with a special train decal, underscoring its commitment to ending male violence against women and girls. The prestigious accreditation is granted to organisations that have implemented robust strategies to support the cause and promote gender equality. 

To mark this milestone and in celebration of White Ribbon Day, c2c unveiled a special train decal on Tuesday 25 November at Southend Central station where the design could be seen on unit 720609. This symbolic gesture highlights c2c's ongoing efforts to raise awareness and foster positive change within the railway industry and the wider community. 

Lilian Greenwood, Minister for Local Transport, said: “c2c’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." 

The White Ribbon charity works to prevent violence against women and girls by encouraging "active allyship" from men and boys. As part of its commitment, c2c encourages its employees to become White Ribbon Ambassadors and Champions, helping to spread the charity’s message about the importance of men’s allyship in ending violence and creating a more equal society. 

c2c’s accreditation journey included the formation of a White Ribbon steering group, recruitment of ambassadors, and the development of an action plan to address gender inequality across the business. These efforts aim to challenge negative attitudes and behaviors towards women and girls and promote a safer, more inclusive environment for all. 

The train decal was unveiled by Mayor of Southend Nigel Folkard, who said: “This is a fantastic initiative, and I’m thrilled to have been invited to this special event.  

“It’s inspiring to see c2c’s commitment to ending violence against women and girls, and these public gestures go a long way in encouraging community awareness and involvement. The train decal serves as a powerful symbol of solidarity and hope, and it’s wonderful to see both c2c working to promote positive change.” 

c2c is running a White Ribbon 16-Days of Action initiative led by Safeguarding and Security Manager Kamaldeep Wallis. The campaign features colleague engagement activities and a 'conversation corner' at Barking station, where staff and customers can discuss the campaign and ways to make a positive impact. 

c2c is also in the process of establishing a Women’s Forum, which will initially comprise internal team members and later expand to include women residing along or associated with the c2c route. This forum aims to share experiences, set strategic goals, and create an inclusive, respectful environment. It will also track targeted actions to reduce Violence and Intimidation Against Women and Girls (VIAWG). 

Head of Revenue Protection and Security, Iain Palmer, said: “This forum's creation marks a significant step toward amplifying the voices of women across the c2c route. By bringing together different perspectives and experiences, we are committed to fostering an environment where women feel safe, supported, and empowered. The forum will not only help us identify the specific challenges faced by women and girls but also enable us to take meaningful action to address concerns and improve safety for everyone traveling on our network.” 

In addition to the train decal unveiling, c2c will host a football match with its security provider Amulet on Thursday 27 November at Southend’s Garon Park to further engage staff and the community in support of the White Ribbon campaign. The event is designed to raise money for White Ribbon, bring people together, demonstrate solidarity, and promote the message of speaking up against gender-based violence. 

This year’s White Ribbon Day theme is "Speak Up Now!" Everyone is encouraged to participate by sharing a photo or video on social media, at work, or with friends and family, explaining why they speak up for women and girls. Use #WeSpeakUp on social media to help spread the word. 

Rob Mullen, c2c Managing Director, commented, “I am proud that c2c has achieved White Ribbon Accreditation. As an organisation, we believe it is essential to demonstrate that we care about standing up for women who are facing gender-based inequality. Through this accreditation, we have made a commitment to challenge attitudes, educate, and provide support to our colleagues and customers.” 

For those interested in getting involved, c2c invites staff and community members to sign up as White Ribbon champions or ambassadors. For more information about White Ribbon and how to participate, visit www.whiteribbon.org.uk.