Safest countries for women around the world

Safety has always been a concern for students who want to seek education abroad. To study thousands of miles away from family in a totally foreign land is a bold step for women in a country like India. I am sure when you think of studying abroad, you and your parents have the same concern that if something happens how will help reach you out at the earliest? To the women out there, we at IDP understand your concern and bring to you the list of the safest nations in the world and the safety measure they have taken to ensure that you study, live, and work in their country peacefully!

The Global Peace Index has ranked some of the most peaceful nations in the world on the basis of Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict domain, Societal Safety and Security domain, Militarisation domain, etc.

Check out the list of some peaceful nations for women around the world :

New Zealand has been ranked as the safest country for women in the world also ranks 2nd on the Global Peace Index 2023*, according to various studies and reports. The country has made significant progress in ensuring women's safety and reducing gender-based violence. The New Zealand government has implemented policies and programs to promote gender equality and protect women's rights. For instance, the country has laws that criminalise domestic violence and sexual assault, and the government provides support services for victims. Additionally, New Zealand has a strong focus on education and awareness-raising about gender-based violence, including campaigns to encourage bystander intervention and challenge harmful attitudes towards women.

New Zealand's safety for women is also reflected in its society and culture. Women have equal opportunities in education, employment, and political representation, and gender-based discrimination is not tolerated. Furthermore, New Zealand has a strong sense of community and social support networks, which can provide a safety net for women in times of need. New Zealand's commitment to gender equality and safety for women has made it a leader in this field. While there is always room for improvement, New Zealand's progress in this area is commendable and serves as a model for other countries to follow.

*Source: https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/most-peaceful-countries

Ireland has also been recognised as one of the safest countries for women in the world, with a strong commitment to gender equality and women's rights. In addition, ranked 3rd on the Global Peace Index 2023, the country has made significant progress in recent years, particularly in addressing gender-based violence and discrimination.

The Irish government has implemented policies and initiatives to promote women's safety and well-being, including the establishment of specialised police units to deal with domestic and sexual violence. The country also has robust legislation in place to protect women's rights, including the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017*, which criminalises various forms of sexual violence and harassment.

In addition, Ireland has made significant strides in advancing gender equality in the workplace and political representation. Women hold key leadership positions in various sectors, including business, law, and politics, and the country has implemented policies to support women's participation in these areas.

Sources: https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2017/act/2/enacted/en/html
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/most-peaceful-countries

Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest countries for women, with a strong legal framework and policies in place to promote gender equality and prevent violence against women.

The Australian government has implemented various initiatives to promote women's safety, including the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children, which aims to address domestic and family violence, sexual assault, and harassment. The country also has specialised police units and courts to deal with these issues.

In addition, Australia has strong laws and policies to protect women's rights, including the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, The SDA of 1984 prohibits any form of discrimination against an individual on the basis of their sex, gender identity, intersex status, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, marital or relationship status, pregnancy, potential for pregnancy, or breastfeeding. And the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012*, aims to encourage businesses to implement measures that improve gender equality outcomes while minimising regulatory burdens. The organisation is committed to promoting and contributing to the understanding, acceptance, and public debate surrounding gender equality issues in the workplace.

Australian society is known for its diversity and inclusivity, with a strong sense of community and social support networks that can provide a safety net for women who may be vulnerable or at risk.

Sources: https://www.wgea.gov.au/what-we-do
https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/employers/sex-discrimination

Canada is often cited as one of the safest countries for women, with strong policies and initiatives in place to promote gender equality and prevent violence against women.

The Canadian government has implemented various measures to protect women's rights and ensure their safety, including the Gender-Based Violence Strategy, which aims to prevent and address gender-based violence, and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which seeks to address the disproportionate levels of violence experienced by Indigenous women and girls in Canada.*

The country has also implemented strong legal protections for women's rights, including the Canadian Human Rights Act* and the Criminal Code of Canada*, which criminalises various forms of sexual violence and harassment.

In addition, it has made significant progress in advancing women's representation and leadership in various sectors, including business, law, and politics. The country has also implemented policies to support women's participation in these areas, such as quotas for women on corporate boards.

Sources: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1448633299414/1534526479029
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/h-6/ | https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/

The UK has a strong legal framework and policies in place to promote gender equality and protect women's rights, making it one of the safest countries for women in the world.

The UK government has implemented various measures to promote women's safety, including the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, which aims to address domestic and sexual violence, and the Domestic Abuse Bill, which seeks to strengthen legal protections for survivors of domestic abuse.

In addition, the UK has implemented strong legal protections for women's rights, including the Equality Act 2010,* which protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society, and the Criminal Justice Act 2015,* which criminalises various forms of coercive and controlling behaviour.

The UK is also known for its strong education and awareness-raising initiatives on gender-based violence and discrimination, including campaigns to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours towards women. The UK's commitment to gender equality and women's safety has made it a safe and welcoming country for women.

Sources: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/2/contents/enacted

While the United States is a relatively safe country for women, it does not hold the title of being the safest country for women in the world.

The US has implemented various measures to protect women's rights and ensure their safety, including the Violence Against Women Act, which provides legal protections and resources for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

The country also has laws in place to protect women from discrimination, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, or national origin. The Act includes provisions that prohibit sex and race discrimination in the hiring, promotion, and firing of employees.*

Source: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/oasam/civil-rights-center/statutes/civil-rights-act-of-1964#

Some of the favourite student cities in the world

• Dublin

• Melbourne

• Auckland

• London

• Boston

• Toronto

These cities are known for their world-class universities and colleges, diverse student populations, vibrant cultures and communities, and numerous opportunities for personal and academic growth. They offer a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities, as well as access to career and networking opportunities, making them attractive destinations for students from around the world.

The safety of women is a fundamental human right and should be a top priority for governments and societies around the world. While progress has been made in promoting gender equality and protecting women's rights, there is still much work to be done to eliminate gender-based violence and discrimination. The countries discussed in this article, New Zealand, Ireland, Australia, the UK, Canada, and the US have made significant strides in promoting women's safety and equality.

If you want to know more about studying abroad in the safest nations, you can get in touch with our international education experts at IDP. They will guide you with the course, place, university selection and admission process.