In 2024, Iceland was named the safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index (GPI). The country’s crime rate, compared to all other countries, is exceptionally low and police officers don’t even carry firearms when on duty, Tempo reported on July 10, 2024. However, this is not the case in certain countries. Some places in the world require you to be constantly vigilant, especially for women.
In this article, we will delve into some of the most dangerous countries for women. What factors are most likely to be the primary drivers of the unsafe environments in these countries?
List of the Most Dangerous Countries for Females in the World
This article highlights several most dangerous countries for women in the world according to Forbes and Reuters. Scroll down to read more:
South Africa
South Africa, by far, is one the most unsafe countries for women. Female travelers shouldn’t engage in solo hiking, driving, or walking due to the poor street safety.
Additionally, World Population Review mentioned that South Africa is the most dangerous country for females in the world, since as little as 25 percent of women in the country felt safe when walking alone.
India
India often tops the list as Asia’s most dangerous country for females. The case of a Spanish couple who claimed to have experienced violence in India was even viral.
Reuters explained that women are on a higher risk of sexual violence and harassment. Not to mention that human trafficking, including forced labor or sex slavery, is still impairing the safety of the country.
Afghanistan
Reuters reported that women in Afghanistan have been facing problems for nearly 17 years after the overthrow of the Taliban. The problems mainly revolve around non-sexual violence, access to healthcare, and access to economic resources.
Syria
Syria is another country wherein women, too, are at risk of sexual and domestic abuse. The lack of access to healthcare also contributes to this Middle-East country being one of the most dangerous for women.
Somalia
Somalia is another country where women’s rights and safety are severely compromised. As reported by Reuters, Somalia is among the most challenging countries for women in terms of access to healthcare and economic resources. They are also at significant risk of being engaged in harmful cultural and traditional practices.
Saudi Arabia
While Saudi Arabia has made some progress in women’s rights, it remains an unsafe country for women due to gender discrimination, particularly in the workplace and regarding property rights.
Pakistan
Pakistan ranks high on the list of unsafe countries for women due to lack of access to economic resources and discrimination. Pakistani women also face harmful religious and traditional practices, one of the most notorious is “honor killings”.
Democratic Republic of Congo
The United Nations says millions of people face “hellish living conditions” in this country due to its lawlessness and factional bloodshed. The Democratic Republic of Congo is also considered an unsafe place for females in terms of sexual violence.
Yemen
Undergoing humanitarian crises, Yemen may not be an ideal place for women as it ranks poorly on access to healthcare, economic resources, risk from cultural and traditional practices, as well as non-sexual violence.
Nigeria
The presence of Boko Haram is believed to be a contributing factor to the unsafe environment in Nigeria. The militants have been accused of committing acts of torture, rape, and killing civilians.
Moreover, Nigerian women are vulnerable to harmful traditional practices and human trafficking, making Nigeria one of the most dangerous countries for females.
Brazil
In terms of street safety, Brazil is among the countries with the poorest records. As Forbes has noted, it is not recommended for tourists to walk alone at night. Furthermore, the South American country has a history of intentional homicide against women.
Mexico
Mexico is gradually becoming an unsafe country, especially for females to travel. Besides its poor street safety, women are vulnerable of being victims of intentional homicide and non-partner sexual violence.
Russia
When it comes to discrimination against women, Russia performs poorly, according to Forbes. Women also face non-partner sexual violence and intentional homicide. However, things are slowly improving in Russia.
Iran
Forbes showed that Iran has very low rates of intentional homicide against women. Nevertheless, its profound inequality and pervasive discrimination demand immediate resolution.
Malaysia
Malaysia is surprisingly one of Asia’s most dangerous countries for female travelers according to Forbes. Intimate partner violence and gender inequality have resulted in the Southeast Asia country being included on this list.