Rugby station mural sends stark message in fight against violence towards women and girls

A new public artwork carrying a powerful message about tackling violence against women and girls has been unveiled at Rugby railway station, marking a collaborative effort between rail partners, community organisations and a local artist.

The large-scale mural, positioned on Platform 2, forms part of a national awareness campaign led by White Ribbon UK. It was delivered through a partnership involving Avanti West Coast, the Heart of England Community Rail Partnership, and West Midlands-based artist Emily Marlowe.

Designed to reflect inclusivity, the mural features figures representing a range of genders, ages and ethnicities, accompanied by the message: “it takes all of us, let’s work together to end violence against women and girls.” The intention is to underline the shared responsibility in addressing the issue and encouraging collective action.

Elements of the design incorporate Rugby’s distinctive colour palettes, each symbolising different aspects of the town’s identity – History and Heritage, Creativity and Culture, and Industry and Innovation. A QR code is also embedded within the artwork, allowing members of the public to make the White Ribbon pledge to “never use, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women and girls”.

The project was supported through Avanti West Coast’s Community Rail Project Fund, which provides financial backing for initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between railways and the communities they serve. It follows a similar installation previously completed at Birmingham International station, unveiled during White Ribbon Day last year.

As an accredited organisation with White Ribbon UK, Avanti West Coast has committed to embedding the charity’s principles within its operations. This includes fostering a safe working environment, promoting gender equality among its workforce, and supporting wider community engagement. Over the past 18 months, the operator has also introduced mandatory sexual harassment training for all staff, tailored to specific roles and included in new employee inductions.

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.”

John Slinger, who attended the unveiling, said:

“Thank you very much to Avanti, Heart of England CRP for giving space for this important mural themed on the White Ribbon charity campaign #ItTakesAllOfUs, in the prominent location of Rugby train station. The mural highlights the need for men and boys challenge misogynistic and aggressive behaviour towards women and girls wherever it happens and now visitors or people transiting our station can see the artwork and hopefully be inspired by its vital message. It was great to meet the artist, Emily Marlowe, whose creative talent has created a positive image encouraging everyone to take action on this important issue. She's even used the Rugby palette colours!"

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. We’re grateful to Avanti and artist Emily Marlowe for helping bring this important message to life.”

Julia Singleton-Tasker, Lead Officer at Heart of England Community Rail Partnership 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.”

Emily Marlowe said:

“It’s so rewarding to see how art and illustration can be used to spread important messages like the White Ribbon campaign. I’m happy to be able to play a small part in helping to end violence towards women and girls and I hope that people find the artwork bright & inspiring and that it encourages people to find out more about the work of White Ribbon. Thanks to the Heart of England Community Rail Partnership, Avanti and White Ribbon UK for bringing me on board."

Image: Avanti West Coast