The West Midlands Combined Authority has been formally recognised for its commitment to preventing harassment, abuse and violence against women and girls, Mayor Richard Parker has announced.
The organisation has achieved White Ribbon accreditation, a prestigious recognition awarded to organisations that make a strategic commitment to ending violence against women and girls. To gain accreditation, organisations must:
- Appoint a senior leader as a White Ribbon Ambassador or Champion
- Designate a lead contact to coordinate a three-year action plan
- Demonstrate active measures to prevent harassment and abuse
The announcement coincides with White Ribbon Day, an annual event raising awareness of the need to prevent violence and harassment.
Transport for West Midlands, part of WMCA, has played a key role in creating a safe and supportive environment for public transport passengers, particularly women and girls. Initiatives include:
- Training 13 Transport Safety Officers to White Ribbon accreditation level
- All TSOs now serving as White Ribbon Ambassadors and Champions
- Empathy virtual reality training to help male officers understand women’s experiences
- Stalking and harassment awareness training delivered by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said:
“Everyone has the right to feel safe, always. Violence against women and girls is utterly unacceptable, and we all have a duty to call it out and put an end to it.
“I’m committed to ensuring the West Midlands’ public transport is safe for all passengers, so I’m delighted that we’ve achieved White Ribbon UK accreditation. This will help to provide reassurance for women and girls who are travelling on our network that their safety will always be our number one priority.”
WMCA has also launched an awareness video titled ‘What Could I Do?,’ based on real-life incidents reported to the Safer Travel Partnership. The video provides guidance on reporting issues and encourages safe passenger intervention.
A dedicated Safer Travel Education Officer delivers workshops in schools, faith groups, and community settings, promoting reporting of unwanted behaviour and empowering individuals to travel safely.
Since 2014, the Safer Travel Partnership (TfWM, West Midlands Police and British Transport Police) has run the Empower campaign, engaging nearly 150,000 individuals across the region. The campaign promotes reporting of inappropriate behaviour and provides practical safety advice.
Additionally, the Project Empower initiative, similar to Ask for Angela, offers passengers a discreet way to seek help on buses if they feel unsafe.
The TSO approach has led to a reduction in anti-social behaviour and received national recognition, with the Department for Transport requesting support to roll out the model in other regions.
Image credit: iStock
