AN ‘IMPORTANT’ new mural promoting a charity’s campaign to prevent men’s violence against women and girls has been unveiled at Rugby train station.
Avanti West Coast teamed up with local artist Emily Marlowe, Heart of England Community Rail Partnership (CRP), and White Ribbon UK – a UK charity engaging men and boys to prevent violence against females – to create a large scale art piece on Platform 2 as part of its ongoing work to support the charity’s mission.
Emily designed the mural – which 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” – to highlight how everyone has a role to play in supporting the cause.
Parts of the artwork use 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”.
Avanti West Coast, which manages Rugby station, supported the mural through its Community Rail Project Fund – a scheme that helps CRPs deliver initiatives that engage communities with their railway.
The installation builds on the train operator’s work with Emily, Heart of England CRP, and White Ribbon UK, who created a similar mural at Birmingham International station last year.
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 and inspiring and that it encourages people to find out more about the work of White Ribbon.”
Rugby MP John Slinger, who attended the unveiling, said: “The mural highlights the need for men and boys to 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 the installation was a great example of how partnerships can bring important conversations into everyday spaces.
She added: “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 CRP, 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 and be able to share the campaign through Emily’s beautiful artwork at Rugby Station.
“Our hope is that the message is seen as a positive call on our communities to show that violence will not be tolerated.”
