A mural in support of a national campaign to prevent men’s violence against women and girls has been unveiled at Rugby Station.
Avanti West Coast partnered with Heart of England Community Rail Partnership (CRP), artist Emily Marlowe, and White Ribbon UK – the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to prevent violence against females – to create a largescale art piece on Platform 2 as part of its ongoing work to support the charity’s mission.
The mural design shows people of different genders, ages and ethnicities alongside the message “it takes all of us: let’s work together to end violence against women and girls.”
Parts of the artwork uses Rugby’s three colour palettes which each reflect a different theme of the town’s character – History and Heritage, Creativity and Culture, and Industry and Innovation. It also features a QR code, encouraging people to make the White Ribbon promise to: “never use, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women and girls”.
The installation builds on the train operator’s previous work with Emily, Heart of England CRP, and White Ribbon UK, who created a similar mural at Birmingham International station, which was unveiled on White Ribbon Day last year.
Julia Singleton-Tasker, Heart of England CRP officer, said: “Since 2022 we have been working with Emily and White Ribbon UK to highlight the importance of working together to end violence towards women and girls.
“It is a privilege to partner once again with Avanti West Coast be able to share the campaign through Emily’s beautiful artwork at Rugby Station and our hope is that the ‘It Takes All of Us’ message is seen as a positive call on our communities to show that violence will not be tolerated.”
Dave Whitehouse, safety, security and environment director at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’re committed to providing a safe and secure railway for everyone, and this mural is part of our work with White Ribbon UK to raise awareness of preventing men’s violence against women and girls.
“Working again with community partners and a talented artist, this project aims to engage the people of Rugby on this important topic in society and highlight the importance of White Ribbon’s campaign.”
Artist Emily Marlowe said: “It’s so rewarding to see how art and illustration can be used to spread important messages like this. I hope that people find the artwork bright & inspiring and that it encourages people to find out more about the work of White Ribbon.”
Megan Lock, communications officer at White Ribbon UK, said: “It’s amazing to see what can happen when communities and partners come together to raise awareness and this installation is a great example of how partnerships can bring important conversations into everyday spaces. By working together, we can challenge harmful attitudes, engage more people, and help build a culture where everyone feels safe, respected, and free from violence.”
Learn more about Avanti West Coast’s work in the community here.
Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Heart of England CRP via their website.
