10 most dangerous countries for solo female travellers

Solo female travel is a growing trend, with more and more joining the bandwagon and traveling alone each year, according to the Travel Industry Association. However, while traveling solo offers freedom and adventure, it also poses significant safety concerns, particularly for women. Various incidents, like the tragic cases of female travelers in Thailand and Morocco, have highlighted time and again the risks that women face in certain countries. In light of these concerns, the Women’s Danger Index, developed by journalists Asher and Lyric Fergusson, ranks countries based on factors like street safety, homicide rates, sexual violence, and legal discrimination. Below are the top 10 most dangerous countries for solo female travellers.

South Africa tops the list as the most dangerous country for women traveling alone. Only 25% of South African women report feeling safe walking alone at night. The country has a staggering rate of sexual violence, with over 40% of women likely to be raped in their lifetime. South Africa also received the lowest rating for the intentional homicide of women, earning an "F" on the index.

Brazil ranks second on the list, with just 28% of women feeling safe walking alone at night. The country has the third-highest rate of intentional homicide against women and ranks sixth for physical or sexual violence from intimate partners. With a large population of female victims, Brazil’s safety for women is a growing concern.

Russia claims the third spot due to its high rate of intentional homicides against women, second only to South Africa. The country also has laws that restrict women’s participation in society, further compounding the difficulties faced by female travelers and residents alike.

With 33% of women reporting feeling safe walking alone at night, Mexico ranks fourth. The country has a significant rate of non-partner sexual violence, with around 16% of women affected. Mexico also ranks high for the intentional homicide of women and physical violence from intimate partners.

Iran's high gender gap, which gauges differences in health, education, and economic participation, is the reason for its position. The nation is a difficult place for women to travel because it ranks third in terms of legal discrimination against women.

In the Dominican Republic, only 33% of women feel safe walking at night. The country has a high rate of homicide against women and gender inequality, which places it as the sixth most dangerous country for women travelers.

With the fourth-highest global gender gap, Egypt poses significant risks for women. Less than half of women in Egypt feel safe walking alone at night. The country also ranks high for laws that restrict women’s ability to participate fully in society and the economy.

Morocco has the highest rate of intimate relationship violence, with 45% of women experiencing physical or sexual abuse. The risks for female travellers are further increased by the nation's legal discrimination against women.

Intimate partner abuse affects 37.2% of women in India, which ranks tenth in terms of safety for women travelling alone. Additionally, the nation has the highest rate of gender disparity, which makes it difficult for female tourists to get around.

Intimate partner violence affects 44% of women in Thailand, which completes the top 10. Additionally, it has the highest number of women who believe that there are situations in which violence against women is acceptable, which increases the risks that female travellers confront.