A new mural urging men to help prevent violence against women and girls has been unveiled at Birmingham International station to mark White Ribbon Day. The artwork, installed on Platform 1, has been created through a partnership between Avanti West Coast, the Heart of England Community Rail Partnership (CRP) and the White Ribbon charity.

The piece, designed by West Midlands artist Emily Marlowe, shows men from a range of backgrounds alongside subtle but challenging questions intended to prompt reflection and encourage them to speak up for women and girls. It forms part of ongoing collaborative work between Emily, the CRP and White Ribbon to bring similar awareness-raising installations to stations across the region.

Avanti West Coast, which became an accredited White Ribbon organisation last year, says the mural supports its pledge to uphold a safe and inclusive environment for women, while engaging more men in championing equality across its network. White Ribbon, which leads national efforts to involve men and boys in confronting gendered violence, aims to address the behaviours and attitudes that underpin abuse.

To further highlight White Ribbon Day, colleagues from across the Avanti West Coast network will perform Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’ at Birmingham International and Crewe. Afterwards, they will join representatives from Crewe Town Council and Her-Place Charitable Trust for the SafeHER Crewe walking route, which links the railway station with safe community spaces for women and girls. A second mural designed by Emily is also planned for Rugby station in early 2026.

Lynne Elliot, CEO of White Ribbon UK said:

“We are really pleased to have worked with the Heart of England CRP, Avanti West Coast and Emily on this project, and it is brilliant to see the mural on display Birmingham International station. It looks amazing! The mural really sparks reflection amongst commuters by showing every day actions men can do to make everyone feel safe, equal and respected.”

Julia Singleton-Tasker, Lead Officer at Heart of England Community Rail Partnership said:

“The Heart of England CRP feels privileged to have worked with Emily Kaye Illustrations again this year to create a mural that promotes the White Ribbon UK campaign. With thanks to the funding and collaboration of Avanti West Coast, the mural at Birmingham International provides is a great way to highlight how we can all work together to prevent violence towards women.”

Emily Marlowe, the artist who designed the mural, said:

“I'm really happy to see the artwork in place at Birmingham International – it's something that can be taken in from multiple different perspectives. I tried to portray something that is both informative and optimistic, and I hope people will be intrigued and curious to learn more about the great work being done by White Ribbon. It'll definitely catch your eye if you're passing on a train or waiting on the platform.”

Dave Whitehouse, Safety Director at Avanti West Coast said:

“We are dedicated to making the railway a safer place for all, and this mural plays an important role in highlighting White Ribbon’s work to prevent male violence against women and girls. By working with our community partners, White Ribbon themselves and a local passionate artist, we wanted to create something at Birmingham International that starts a conversation as well as making people stop and reflect on this important topic in society.”

Image: Avanti West Coast