The 22 Most Dangerous Countries for Women, Ranked
Women in many countries face daunting challenges such as lack of economic opportunity, gender-based violence, and limited access to resources.
The Women’s Peace and Security Index assessed the safety of women in various countries by analyzing eleven indicators, including economic and political inclusion, formal laws, and security at individual, community, and societal levels.
The results illustrate that in many places, it’s still dangerous to be female.
Global Averages
For reference when reading through the following statistics, the Women’s Peace and Security Index global average is 0.7 based on a scale of 1.0. The lower the number, the more dangerous a country is for women.
1: Afghanistan
Women face exceptional challenges in Afghanistan, which scores a paltry 0.28 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index. Alongside high rates of violence towards women, females lack access to education and healthcare. They’re also compelled to stay home due to stringent laws that bar women from traveling more than 75 km without a male family member.
2: Syria
Ongoing conflict and political instability make Syria a dangerous place for women. With a Women’s Peace and Security Index score of only 0.38, Syria offers few resources for females despite a growing number of women head-of-households. Of the 6 million people in need of nutritional assistance in Syria, 74% of them are female.
3: Yemen
Yemen scores 0.39 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index due to its ongoing humanitarian crisis. Regardless of gender, Yemen citizens face challenges from damaged infrastructure and collapsed services. But the problems are compounded for women, who also deal with a discriminatory legal system and patriarchal cultural norms.
4: Pakistan
Women face restricted freedoms and high rates of violence in Pakistan, leading to a score of 0.48 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index. A survey of 1,000 women from Punjab, Pakistan, showed between 70% and 90% of women have experienced abuse at the hands of their spouse.
5: Iraq
Iraq scores 0.516 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index. High levels of violence and general instability make it challenging for women who may have trouble accessing healthcare and education. Women in Iraq also have limited access to economic opportunities.
6: South Sudan
South Sudanese women face significant difficulties. Violence towards females is high, and perpetrators often go unpunished. South Sudan scores 0.54 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index.
7: Chad
Gender-based violence is a relatively common occurrence in Chad, which scores 0.547 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index. Cultural norms restrict women’s rights in the country, and females have a difficult time accessing healthcare and education.
8: Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo scores 0.547 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index. Sexual violence, limited access to healthcare, and political instability make it difficult for women to succeed in the DRC.
9: Sudan
Gender-based violence is increasing in Sudan, according to UN reports, which note sexual violence is being used as a war tactic. Even before fighting broke out in April of 2023, Sudanese women struggled with access to resources, as indicated by Sudan’s score of 0.56 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index.
10: Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone scores 0.56 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index due to high rates of violence towards females. Women in Sierra Leone also have limited access to education and healthcare.
11: Palestine
Women in Palestine face denial of resources, gender-based violence, and limited mobility. The Israel-Palestine conflict heightens many of these challenges, as do cultural norms, which explains Palestine’s score of 0.57.
12: Somalia
Somalia scores .0572 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index. Gender-based violence, denial of basic resources, and ongoing conflict often leave Somali women in dire straits.
13: Central African Republic
Though the Central African Republic is making attempts to discourage gender-based violence and traditional cultural practices that harm females, women still face significant risks in the CAR, which scores a 0.577. Limited access to resources and political instability make it difficult for women to receive healthcare or attend school.
14: Mauritania
Mauritania scores a 0.58 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index. Mauritanian women face significant inequalities and socio-economic constraints. High rates of gender-based violence add to the problems.
15: Madagascar
One in three women in Madagascar report experiencing physical or sexual violence at some point in their lifetime, explaining the country’s score of 0.58 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index. Years of drought and instability create further risks for Madagascar women.
16: Republic of Congo
Congo scores 0.58 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index. Continued conflict and surging gender-based violence create unsafe conditions in the region. Women of Congo also face hurdles in accessing healthcare, food, and other basic needs.
17: Bangladesh
While things like literacy rates, employment opportunities, and education levels have improved over the last two decades, Bangladesh still struggles to provide a safe environment for women. With a score of 0.59 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index, women in Bangladesh face a substantial risk of gender-based violence.
18: Liberia
In Liberia, rates of gender-based violence, child marriages, and teenage pregnancy are high, yet women’s access to healthcare is low. Women also have difficulty accessing education, explaining Liberia’s 0.59 score on the Women’s Peace and Security Index.
19: Niger
Gender-based violence and limited economic opportunities are among some of the most prevalent challenges Nigerian women face. Niger scores 0.59 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index.
20: Djibouti
Djibouti scores 0.6 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index due in large part to the prevalence of gender-based violence. Deep-rooted social and cultural norms also make it difficult for women to access resources.
21: Libya
In Libya, women face significant inequalities, as indicated by its score of 0.6 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index. Recently, the Libyan Government of National Unity issued a policy that restricts the movement of women and girls abroad without a male family member or mahram.
22: India
Despite numerous government-sponsored initiatives, women in India continue to face discrimination, lack of education, and patriarchal cultural norms. India scores 0.6 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index.
The Safest Country for Women
Norway ranks as the safest country for women, with a Women’s Peace and Security Index score of 0.922. Finland (0.909), Iceland (0.907), and Denmark (0.903) follow closely behind.
Europe for the Win
All of the top ten safest countries for women are in Europe. Canada is the first non-European country safest for women, ranking as the 12th safest country with an index score of 0.88.
How the US Compares
The US is far from the most dangerous country for women, but it’s also not as safe as you might think. It scores 0.86 on the Women’s Peace and Security Index, ranking it as the 21st safest country for women. New Zealand, Slovenia, and Estonia are some of the countries that rank above it.
Traveling Without ATM Fees
How does never paying an ATM fee when you travel sound? Discover the trick to doing just that from a traveler who’s saved hundreds of dollars in ATM fees.
How To Never Pay an ATM Fee Abroad
10 Overweight Countries That Make Americans Look Thin
The United States technically isn’t home to the highest percentage of overweight citizens. Can you name the countries that have the most overweight residents in the world?
