Discover the Safest Cities for Women in India: Insights from the NARI 2025 Index on Women’s Security

There’s a surprising twist when it comes to women’s safety in India. Delhi, the capital with its many police officers and extensive CCTV, often appears at the bottom of safety rankings. Conversely, smaller cities like Kohima in Nagaland and Aizawl in Mizoram rank among the safest. Why is this?

According to the recently released National Annual Report & Index on Women’s Safety (NARI) 2025, which surveyed 12,770 women across 31 cities, safety perceptions differ significantly. The overall safety score for the nation was 65%. Cities like Kohima, Visakhapatnam, and Mumbai scored higher, while Delhi, Patna, and Jaipur scored lower.

The report indicates that the safest cities share some common traits. They tend to have better gender equity, strong community involvement, and infrastructure designed to support women. In Kohima, for example, women are active in local markets and community groups, fostering a culture of accountability. In bustling Mumbai, high foot traffic at all hours helps women feel less isolated.

On the flip side, cities like Patna and Delhi struggle with deep-rooted patriarchal norms, which affect how women feel about reporting harassment. Alarmingly, only 25% of women polled trust authorities to handle safety issues effectively. This gap indicates why official crime statistics often look better than reality.

A striking finding from the survey was that 86% of women felt safe in educational institutions during the day. However, that number drops sharply at night, especially on public transport, revealing that safety is influenced by time, location, and infrastructure. For instance, well-lit bus stops can make a big difference in how women feel in public spaces.

Interestingly, 7% of women reported harassment in public spaces last year, a figure that rose to 14% among those under 24. However, two out of three incidents go unreported, which means that many experiences remain hidden from the authorities.

Workplaces seem to be more secure, with 91% of women feeling safe there. Yet, many are unclear about whether their offices have measures in place to prevent harassment. The chairperson of the National Commission for Women, Vijaya Rahatkar, emphasized that safety involves multiple layers—physical, psychological, financial, and digital. When women feel unsafe, they might skip job opportunities or courses, ultimately impacting the economy.

There are signs of improvement, too. The increasing number of women in police forces and as drivers for public transport may help enhance safety perceptions. In some areas, women now represent 33% of the police, contributing to a greater sense of trust.

While rankings might seem trivial, the NARI Index highlights important lessons from smaller cities. Their success shows that safety isn’t just about technology or law enforcement—it’s about community trust and gender equality.

Here’s the breakdown of safer and less safe cities for women:

Safest Cities:

• Kohima
• Visakhapatnam
• Bhubaneswar
• Aizawl
• Gangtok
• Itanagar
• Mumbai

Least Safe Cities:

• Patna
• Jaipur
• Faridabad
• Delhi
• Kolkata
• Srinagar
• Ranchi

As we reflect on these findings, it’s clear that change requires not only awareness but also action. Building safer communities is a collective effort, and understanding the challenges can guide us to meaningful solutions.

Source link

SAFEST CITIES IN INDIA, WOMENS SAFETY, INDIAN CITIES, NARI INDEX, SAFEST CITIES FOR WOMEN, EXPLAINER ON NARI 2025 INDEX SAFEST CITIES FOR WOMEN IN INDIA