'Brave Voices' campaign to prevent sexual harassment on buses launched by Herts student

A recent graduate from the University of Hertfordshire has launched an initiative called 'Brave Voices' in partnership with the local council, police and Uno buses, to help tackle sexual harassment on public transport.

The idea was to create posters and banners placed on buses to encourage not only victims but also bystanders to speak up, as well as to inform the population.

With the help of a QR code on every poster, anyone travelling on Uno buses will be able to find resources and information on sexual harassment.

Anne-Marie Leadbetter is the brains behind the initiative.

"I've always had a passion for spreading awareness of the topic of sexual harassment..."

After creating a similar project for her university course, she decided to pitch her project locally, following a case of sexual harassment on a bus in Hertfordshire.

She said: "I've always had a passion for spreading awareness of the topic of sexual harassment, especially when travelling because it is such an issue, and particularly with my friends and myself as we are unfortunately at risk."

"The more I learned about it the more I wanted to do on it, and then I found out there had been a case of sexual harassment on a Uno bus, so I reached out to them to show them a project I had done on the underground."

With a background in graphic design, Anne-Marie was given free reigns on the creative side of the campaign.

With bold and colourful messages, 'Brave Voices' was made accessible and fun, which is exactly what Anne-Marie had in mind.

She said: "It just shows little actions, like swapping seats with someone, can actually mean so much to that person and give them a little glimmer of hope that there are good people out there, and there are people who are looking out for you."

More information can be found on the Uno Buses website here.