An Aerial View travel guide
How safe is Africa for women?
The safest African countries for women right now are Seychelles, Cabo Verde, Mauritius, Tunisia and Morocco. Here is how all 54 compare, in plain words.
- 7
- Safer choices
- 36
- Go with care
- 11
- Avoid for now
Last checked 24 September 2026
How it works
Three questions for every country
Do women there feel safe?
Out of every 100 women who live there, how many feel safe walking alone at night. From Gallup's world survey.
How good is life for women?
Where the country ranks out of 181 for women's rights, health, safety and work. From Georgetown University.
What do governments tell travellers?
The US and UK travel warnings as they stand today, from 'take normal care' up to 'do not go'.
Good to know
- No official list ranks African countries for women. The groups below are our reading of the data.
- One number for a whole country hides a lot. A capital, a beach resort and a border area can be very different.
- Travel warnings change. Check the live US or UK page before you book.
The short answer
Which countries are safer?
Every country sits in one of three groups. Tap any name to see its details.
Safer choices
7 countriesWomen's lives score well here, and the US only asks visitors to take normal or extra care.
- Seychelles59 in 100 women feel safe at nightUS: Take normal care
- Cabo Verde58 in 100 women feel safe at nightUS: Take normal care
- Gabon34 in 100 women feel safe at nightUS: Take extra care
- Mauritius53 in 100 women feel safe at nightUS: Take extra care
- Tunisia55 in 100 women feel safe at nightUS: Take extra care
- Morocco57 in 100 women feel safe at nightUS: Take extra care
- Botswana27 in 100 women feel safe at nightUS: Take extra care
Go with care
36 countriesSome good signs, some bad. Open the country below to see which.
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Ghana
- Rwanda
- Tanzania
- Algeria
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Egypt
- Lesotho
- Namibia
- Sierra Leone
- Angola
- Comoros
- Zimbabwe
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Benin
- Republic of the Congo
- Zambia
- Togo
- Djibouti
- Eswatini
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Kenya
- Gambia
- Guinea
- Ethiopia
- Liberia
- Guinea-Bissau
- Nigeria
- Mauritania
- Madagascar
- Cameroon
- Burundi
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
Avoid for now
11 countriesThe US or UK government tells people not to travel there at all.
Fewer than 4 in 10 women feel safe walking alone at night
Is it the same for men?
Street crime is shared. Other risks are not.
Muggings, car theft and travel warnings apply to everyone. Harassment, sexual violence, violence at home and unfair laws fall much more on women.
67 vs 78
Out of every 100 women worldwide, 67 feel safe walking alone at night. For men it is 78.
Gallup, 2025
25 vs 43
In South Africa, only 25 in 100 women feel safe at night, compared with 43 in 100 men. The lowest of 144 countries.
Gallup, 2025
22,600
Women and girls in Africa killed by a partner or relative in 2024. More than any other part of the world.
UN, 2025
2 of 48
Countries south of the Sahara with a law against killing women because they are women: Mali and Gabon.
World Bank, 2026
All 54 countries
Look up a country
Tap a country to see what the numbers mean for women there.
Showing 54 of 54 countries
Seychelles
Safer choices59 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take normal careDo women there feel safe?
59 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaNo survey here, so this is an estimate.How good is life for women there overall?
40th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Better than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- The best country in Africa for women overall.
- The US calls it "generally a safe destination".
More figures
- 10 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)Better than most of Africa
- 42 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
- Its laws score 76 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Cabo Verde
Safer choices58 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take normal careDo women there feel safe?
58 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaNo survey here, so this is an estimate.How good is life for women there overall?
62nd of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Better than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- Second best in Africa for women overall.
More figures
- 11 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
- 40 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
- Its laws score 86 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Gabon
Safer choices34 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
34 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Worse than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
94th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Better than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- One of only two countries south of the Sahara with a law against the killing of women because they are women (World Bank, 2026).
- But only about 1 in 3 women feel safe walking at night.
More figures
- 22 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
- 233 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
- Its laws score 95 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Mauritius
Safer choices53 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
53 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
About average for AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
94th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Better than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- The most peaceful country in Africa (Global Peace Index, 2026).
- But the US warns of "verbal harassment and other crimes towards women traveling alone", and the UK mentions sexual assaults on tourists.
More figures
- 11 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)Better than most of Africa
- 66 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
- Its laws score 89 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Tunisia
Safer choices55 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
55 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
About average for AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
100th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Better than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- The UK says reports of sexual harassment and assault go up in the summer.
More figures
- 10 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
- 36 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
- Its laws score 64 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
- 7 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Morocco
Safer choices57 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
57 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
About average for AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
102nd of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Better than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- The UK says women may get unwanted attention, especially when travelling alone.
More figures
- 11 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
- 70 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
- Its laws score 76 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Botswana
Safer choices27 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
27 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Worse than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
108th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Better than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- One of the most peaceful countries in Africa, but only about 1 in 4 women feel safe walking at night.
- The US warns of break-ins, muggings and thefts from cars.
More figures
- 17 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
- 155 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
- Its laws score 64 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Senegal
Go with care48 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take normal careDo women there feel safe?
48 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
About average for AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
110th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Better than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 12 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
- 237 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
- Its laws score 73 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
South Africa
Go with care25 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
25 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Worse than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
113th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Better than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- Fewer people feel safe at night here than in any other country Gallup asked: 1 in 4 women, compared with 4 in 10 men.
- The UK says women and solo travellers have received unwanted attention and have been assaulted.
More figures
- 13 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
- 118 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
- Its laws score 88 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
- 48 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Ghana
Go with care62 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
62 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
117th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Better than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- Moved up 32 places in the world ranking for equality between women and men (World Economic Forum, 2026).
- The UK warns of sexual assault in places popular with tourists.
More figures
- 10 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
- 234 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
- Its laws score 75 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
- 6 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Rwanda
Go with care76 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: think twice about goingDo women there feel safe?
76 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
121st of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Better than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- One of the highest shares of women in Africa who feel safe walking at night.
- The US says think twice mainly because of fighting near the DR Congo border. It says not to go within 10 km of that border.
More figures
- 24 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
- 229 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
- Its laws score 92 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
- 18 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Tanzania
Go with care60 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: think twice about goingDo women there feel safe?
60 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
121st of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Better than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- The US warns of unrest, violent crime including sexual assault, and the targeting of gay and lesbian people.
- The UK warns that foreigners have been raped or sexually attacked, including at beach resorts.
More figures
- 24 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
- 276 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
- Its laws score 81 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
- 16 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Algeria
Go with care71 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
71 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
123rd of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Better than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 11 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)Better than most of Africa
- 62 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
- Its laws score 58 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
- 3 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
São Tomé and Príncipe
Go with care56 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
56 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
About average for AfricaNo survey here, so this is an estimate.How good is life for women there overall?
124th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Better than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 18 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
- 75 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
- Its laws score 83 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Egypt
Go with care76 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
76 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
125th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Better than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- Most women say they feel safe at night, but its laws give women fewer equal rights than almost anywhere else in Africa.
- Made the biggest improvements to women's rights at work of any country in the world, including longer parental leave and equal pay (World Bank, 2026).
- The UK says sexual assaults have been reported to its embassy.
More figures
- 15 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
- 17 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
- Its laws score 51 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
- 52 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Lesotho
Go with care29 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
29 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Worse than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
126th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Better than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 17 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
- 478 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
- Its laws score 81 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Libya
Avoid for now77 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not goDo women there feel safe?
77 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
128th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
About average for AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 13 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)Better than most of Africa
- 59 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
- Its laws score 50 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
- 34 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Namibia
Go with care44 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
44 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Worse than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
128th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
About average for AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- 4th in the world for equality between women and men, the best south of the Sahara (World Economic Forum, 2026).
- But fewer than half of women feel safe walking at night.
More figures
- 16 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
- 139 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
- Its laws score 80 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Sierra Leone
Go with care50 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
50 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
About average for AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
133rd of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
About average for AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 20 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
- 354 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
- Its laws score 93 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Angola
Go with care58 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
58 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaNo survey here, so this is an estimate.How good is life for women there overall?
133rd of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
About average for AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- Moved up 30 places in the world ranking for equality between women and men (World Economic Forum, 2026).
More figures
- 25 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
- 183 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
- Its laws score 79 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
- 2 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Comoros
Go with care60 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
60 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
135th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
About average for AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 8 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
- 179 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
- Its laws score 65 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Zimbabwe
Go with care33 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
33 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Worse than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
135th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
About average for AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 18 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
- 358 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
- Its laws score 87 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Côte d'Ivoire
Go with care60 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
60 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
137th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
About average for AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 16 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
- 359 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
- Its laws score 95 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Benin
Go with care58 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
58 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
138th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
About average for AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 15 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
- 518 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
- Its laws score 84 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Uganda
Avoid for now44 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not goDo women there feel safe?
44 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Worse than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
138th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
About average for AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- The US says do not go, and names violent crime including sexual assault.
More figures
- 26 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
- 170 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
- Its laws score 84 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
- 16 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Republic of the Congo
Go with care45 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
45 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
About average for AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
140th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
About average for AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- One of only three countries south of the Sahara whose laws fully protect women from sexual harassment (World Bank, 2026).
More figures
- 19 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)About average for Africa
- 241 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
- Its laws score 58 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Zambia
Go with care35 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take normal careDo women there feel safe?
35 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Worse than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
142nd of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
About average for AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- One of only three countries south of the Sahara whose laws fully protect women from sexual harassment (World Bank, 2026).
More figures
- 28 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
- 85 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
- Its laws score 81 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Togo
Go with care43 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
43 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Worse than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
143rd of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
About average for AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- Its laws give women the most equal rights at work and with money of any country in Africa.
More figures
- 13 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
- 349 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
- Its laws score 98 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
- 16 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Djibouti
Go with care58 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
58 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaNo survey here, so this is an estimate.How good is life for women there overall?
146th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
About average for AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 18 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)About average for Africa
- 162 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
- Its laws score 71 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Eswatini
Go with care32 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
32 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Worse than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
148th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
About average for AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 18 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
- 118 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
- Its laws score 46 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
- 100 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Malawi
Go with care46 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
46 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
About average for AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
150th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
About average for AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 17 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
- 225 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
- Its laws score 80 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Mozambique
Go with care45 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
45 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
About average for AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
151st of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
About average for AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 16 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
- 82 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
- Its laws score 83 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
- 47 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Kenya
Go with care40 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
40 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Worse than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
152nd of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
About average for AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- Moved up 33 places in the world ranking for equality between women and men, the biggest jump of any country (World Economic Forum, 2026).
- The UK says sexual assaults are rare but do happen, to men and women.
More figures
- 23 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
- 379 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
- Its laws score 84 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
- 21 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Gambia
Go with care39 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
39 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Worse than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
153rd of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
About average for AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 10 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
- 354 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
- Its laws score 69 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
- 9 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Guinea
Go with care56 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
56 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
About average for AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
154th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Worse than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 21 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
- 494 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
- Its laws score 74 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Ethiopia
Go with care52 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: think twice about goingDo women there feel safe?
52 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
About average for AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
156th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Worse than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- One of only three countries south of the Sahara whose laws fully protect women from sexual harassment (World Bank, 2026).
More figures
- 27 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
- 195 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
- Its laws score 80 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
- 68 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Liberia
Go with care29 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
29 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Worse than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
157th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Worse than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 27 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
- 628 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
- Its laws score 81 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
- 42 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Guinea-Bissau
Go with care48 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: think twice about goingDo women there feel safe?
48 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
About average for AfricaNo survey here, so this is an estimate.How good is life for women there overall?
159th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Worse than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 21 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)Worse than most of Africa
- 505 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
- Its laws score 52 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Burkina Faso
Avoid for now63 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not goDo women there feel safe?
63 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
160th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Worse than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 11 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
- 242 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
- Its laws score 83 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
- 85 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Nigeria
Go with care51 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: think twice about goingDo women there feel safe?
51 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
About average for AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
162nd of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Worse than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- More mothers die in childbirth here than in any other country in the world.
More figures
- 13 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
- 993 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
- Its laws score 66 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
- 60 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Niger
Avoid for now63 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not goDo women there feel safe?
63 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
163rd of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Worse than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 13 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
- 350 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
- Its laws score 54 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
- 30 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Mali
Avoid for now67 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not goDo women there feel safe?
67 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
164th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Worse than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- One of only two countries south of the Sahara with a law against the killing of women because they are women (World Bank, 2026).
More figures
- 18 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
- 367 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
- Its laws score 64 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
- 66 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Chad
Avoid for now43 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not goDo women there feel safe?
43 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Worse than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
165th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Worse than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- One of the lowest scores in the world for equality between women and men (World Economic Forum, 2026).
More figures
- 16 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
- 748 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
- Its laws score 66 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
- 19 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Mauritania
Go with care60 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: think twice about goingDo women there feel safe?
60 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
166th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Worse than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 18 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)About average for Africa
- 381 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
- Its laws score 48 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
- 57 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Madagascar
Go with care38 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
38 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Worse than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
168th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Worse than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- Recently allowed women to work in jobs that used to be closed to them (World Bank, 2026).
More figures
- 22 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)Worse than most of Africa
- 445 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
- Its laws score 69 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Somalia
Avoid for now82 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not goDo women there feel safe?
82 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
170th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Worse than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- More women here say they feel safe at night than anywhere else in Africa, yet the US and UK both say do not go. Feeling safe where you live is not the same as being safe as a visitor.
More figures
- 20 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)About average for Africa
- 563 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
- Its laws score 47 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
- 45 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Cameroon
Go with care41 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
41 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Worse than most of AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
171st of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Worse than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 22 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
- 258 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
- Its laws score 60 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
- 89 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
South Sudan
Avoid for now43 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not goDo women there feel safe?
43 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Worse than most of AfricaFrom a 2017 survey.How good is life for women there overall?
173rd of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Worse than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 27 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
- 692 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
- Its laws score 68 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
- 42 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Burundi
Go with care62 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: think twice about goingDo women there feel safe?
62 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaFrom a 2018 survey.How good is life for women there overall?
174th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Worse than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 22 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
- 392 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
- Its laws score 76 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
- 100 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
DR Congo
Avoid for now45 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not goDo women there feel safe?
45 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
About average for AfricaHow good is life for women there overall?
175th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Worse than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- More women are hurt by a partner here than anywhere else in Africa: about 1 in 3 in the past year.
More figures
- 36 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
- 427 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
- Its laws score 79 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
- 31 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Sudan
Avoid for now52 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not goDo women there feel safe?
52 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
About average for AfricaNo survey here, so this is an estimate.How good is life for women there overall?
177th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Worse than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 17 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
- 256 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
- Its laws score 33 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
- 63 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Central African Republic
Avoid for now50 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not goDo women there feel safe?
50 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
About average for AfricaFrom a 2017 survey.How good is life for women there overall?
179th of 181 countries in the world.
Georgetown University's ranking of women's rights, health, safety and chances at work.
Worse than most of AfricaWhat do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 21 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
- 692 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
- Its laws score 78 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
- 86 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
Equatorial Guinea
Go with care62 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
62 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Better than most of AfricaNo survey here, so this is an estimate.How good is life for women there overall?
Not ranked. Georgetown had too little data.
What do governments tell travellers?
Good to know
- Second most peaceful country in Africa (Global Peace Index, 2026).
More figures
- 29 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
- 174 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
- Its laws score 58 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Eritrea
Go with care48 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra careDo women there feel safe?
48 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
About average for AfricaNo survey here, so this is an estimate.How good is life for women there overall?
Not ranked. Georgetown had too little data.
What do governments tell travellers?
More figures
- 21 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)Worse than most of Africa
- 291 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
- Its laws score 69 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
- No women live close to armed conflict.
Questions
What people ask about women's safety in Africa
What is the safest country in Africa for women?
Seychelles. It has the best rank in Africa on the Women, Peace and Security Index (40th of 181 countries) and the lowest US travel warning (Level 1). Cabo Verde and Mauritius come next. No African country is in the index's top fifth worldwide.
Which African countries should women avoid?
The US or UK government currently tells people not to travel to Libya, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Chad, Somalia, South Sudan, DR Congo, Sudan and Central African Republic. These warnings apply to everyone, not only women, and they change often, so check the live advice before you book.
Is South Africa safe for women travellers?
25 in 100 women in South Africa feel safe walking alone at night. It ranks 113th of 181 countries for women's wellbeing. The US says to take extra care (Level 2 of 4), and the UK says: no areas to avoid. Fewer people feel safe at night here than in any other country Gallup asked: 1 in 4 women, compared with 4 in 10 men. The UK says women and solo travellers have received unwanted attention and have been assaulted.
Is Morocco safe for solo female travellers?
57 in 100 women in Morocco feel safe walking alone at night. It ranks 102nd of 181 countries for women's wellbeing. The US says to take extra care (Level 2 of 4), and the UK says: no areas to avoid. The UK says women may get unwanted attention, especially when travelling alone.
Is Rwanda safe for women?
76 in 100 women in Rwanda feel safe walking alone at night. It ranks 121st of 181 countries for women's wellbeing. The US says to think twice about going (Level 3 of 4), and the UK says: avoid some areas. One of the highest shares of women in Africa who feel safe walking at night. The US says think twice mainly because of fighting near the DR Congo border. It says not to go within 10 km of that border.
Is Kenya safe for women?
40 in 100 women in Kenya feel safe walking alone at night. It ranks 152nd of 181 countries for women's wellbeing. The US says to take extra care (Level 2 of 4), and the UK says: avoid some areas. Moved up 33 places in the world ranking for equality between women and men, the biggest jump of any country (World Economic Forum, 2026). The UK says sexual assaults are rare but do happen, to men and women.
Are the risks the same for men and women?
Street crime and travel warnings apply to everyone. Other risks fall much more on women. Worldwide, 67 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night, compared with 78 in 100 men (Gallup, 2025). Africa has the highest rate of women killed by a partner or relative of any region (UN, 2025).
Where does this data come from?
Country figures come from Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index 2025/26, which uses Gallup, World Bank, WHO and UN data. Travel warnings come from the US State Department and the UK Foreign Office. The full table can be downloaded as a CSV or JSON file from this page.
8 sources
Where this comes from
Country figures come straight from Georgetown's Women, Peace and Security Index 2025/26 data file. Where there was no survey, the figure is marked as an estimate. US levels are read from the State Department's live feed and UK advice from GOV.UK, both on 24 September 2026.
Free to reuse under CC BY 4.0. Credit Ria's Colony and link back to this page.
- Women, Peace and Security Index 2025/26
Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security and PRIO
WPS rank and score, share of women who feel safe at night, partner violence, maternal deaths, legal score, share of women near conflict Download the data
- US travel advisories
US Department of State
Advisory level and date for each country, read from the live feed
- UK foreign travel advice
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Areas the UK advises against, and warnings for women travellers
Women and men who feel safe at night, worldwide and in South Africa
- Women, Business and the Law 2026
World Bank
Femicide and sexual harassment laws, regional legal and enforcement scores
- Femicides in 2024
UNODC and UN Women
Women killed by partners or family members, by region
- Global Gender Gap Report 2026
World Economic Forum
Gender gap ranks for Namibia, Kenya, Ghana, Angola and Chad
- Global Peace Index 2026
Institute for Economics and Peace
Peace ranks for Mauritius and Equatorial Guinea
Planning the trip?
Our ETA and visa tracker covers what each African country asks for before you travel.
Open the ETA trackerThis page is a starting point, not safety advice. Last checked 24 September 2026. Before any trip, read the live advice from the US State Department, UK FCDO or your own government.
More free tools
