Survey of 12,770 women reveals safety gaps in public spaces but highlights workplaces as relatively secure
The NARI Report 2025, released by the National Commission for Women chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar in Delhi, provides an extensive analysis of women’s safety across 31 Indian cities. Based on responses from 12,770 women, the report highlights cities with the highest and lowest safety rankings and explores perceptions of security in public spaces and workplaces.
Safest Cities for Women in India
- Mumbai
- Kohima
- Visakhapatnam
- Bhubaneswar
- Aizawl
- Gangtok
- Itanagar
These cities topped the list, with women reporting higher levels of safety and security in their daily lives.
Cities with Lowest Safety Rankings
- Delhi
- Kolkata
- Patna
- Jaipur
- Faridabad
- Srinagar
- Ranchi
Women in these cities expressed greater concerns about safety, particularly in public spaces and at night.
Women’s Safety Perceptions: Key Insights
- Feeling Safe vs Unsafe:
- 60% of women reported feeling safe in their cities
- 40% admitted to feeling unsafe in their neighborhoods
- Safety During Day and Night:
- 86% felt safer during daylight hours and within educational institutions like schools and colleges
- Public spaces such as parks, public transport, and streets were identified as unsafe, especially after dark
Workplaces Emerging as Safe Spaces
- 91% of women feel secure at work
- Almost 50% are unaware if their workplace has a Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) policy
- 69% consider current workplace safety measures “somewhat adequate”
- Over 30% believe existing safety protocols need improvement
Harassment Statistics and Reporting Gaps
- 7% of women experienced harassment in public spaces in 2024
- The rate doubled (14%) among women under 24 years of age
- The report stresses underreporting, noting that two-thirds of harassment cases go unreported, masking the full extent of the problem
Progress and Challenges in Women’s Safety
While cities like Mumbai and Kohima offer safer environments for women, metropolitan hubs like Delhi and Kolkata still face significant safety challenges. The report calls for enhanced public safety measures, greater awareness of POSH policies, and stronger efforts to encourage reporting of harassment.
