By Peter N. Maina

Are We Protecting Women or Just Limiting Them?

‘’Be careful, you might get assaulted” is the first thing we tell a woman who wants to travel alone, though it often comes from a point of love and concern; this message emphasizes fear rather than freedom. We should empower women with facts, tools, and confidence, not warnings.

1.0 Solo Female Safety Myths

Society often treats solo female travel as inherently dangerous. The image painted is one of a woman being at risk, especially of sexual assault. This fear is so ingrained that many women abandon the dream of travel altogether. But here’s the truth: while safety is essential, solo travel fears are often exaggerated and misplaced.

      

2.0 Time to Face the Real Stats

Statistically, women are more likely to experience assault or violence from someone they know than from a stranger in a foreign country.  The latest data has shown that in 2022 in Queensland:  86% of victims of sexual assault were female, 56% of victims were under the age of 18 at the date of the incident, 65% of victims knew the offender, and more than one-third of sexual assaults occurred in the context of domestic and family violence.  

The media tends to sensationalize rare events involving women abroad while ignoring the much more common domestic threat. Media reporting of the most salacious aspects of violence against women provides the public with a perspective that grabs attention but doesn’t show the whole truth.  The understanding of risks is distorted, making it seem that travel is inherently wrong.

3.0  Worry isn’t Reality.

Yes, bad things can happen just like in your hometown, but telling women they will get assaulted if they travel solo is not only untrue but harmful too. It frames women as helpless and travel as unsafe. Millions of women travel solo yearly and have enriching and entirely safe experiences.

4.0 The Hidden Costs of Fear

These warnings don’t just stop women from travelling, but they reinforce limiting beliefs that:

•  Women aren’t capable of managing risks
•  Their place is near home, not exploring the world
•  Safety means restriction rather than education

These fear-based messages rob us of opportunities for growth, self-reliance, confidence, and global connection.

5.0 Smarter Travel Safety for Women

5.1 Being informed is your first layer of protection. Before you go, know the basics about your destination:

• Local laws, customs, dress codes
• Safe vs. unsafe neighborhoods
• Local scams or common tourist traps
• emergency contacts and embassy locations

5.2 Use modern Travel Apps to help you stay aware and connected:

• Maps.me or Google Maps (offline maps)
• Savvy Traveler (U.S. State Department alerts)
• WhatsApp Live Location to share your location with trusted friends
• Translation apps for clear communication in emergencies

 5.3 Blend In, don’t stand out:

• Dress modestly or according to local norms to avoid drawing unnecessary attention 
• Respectful dressing also helps you avoid cultural misunderstandings

Walk with Confidence, even if you’re unsure of where you are, walk like you do. Looking lost or distracted makes you more vulnerable to exploitation. Pause somewhere safe to check directions.

6.0 Trust your  intuition

 If something feels off, leave, whether it’s a sketchy street, an aggressive vendor, or a ride that doesn’t feel right; it’s okay to prioritise your comfort over politeness.

6.1.Use reputable transport like:

• Registered taxis with visible credentials
• Hotel or airport transfers
• Always check the license plate and driver’s name before getting in.

6.2 Don’t overshare your itinerary

• Avoid broadcasting your location or travel plans to strangers or public social media.
•  Keep personal details private unless you’re with trusted people.

6.3 Store safely original copies, photocopies or digital scans of:

• Passport
• Travel insurance
• Visas
• ID

6.4 Choose accommodation with good reviews and security features like:

• 24/7 front desk
• Room locks
• Safe surroundings
• Well-lit areas and access to transport.

6.5 Learn basic self-defense or safety phrases

• A few key phrases in the local language, like “Help!”, “Police!”, or “I don’t understand”, can be powerful
•  Basic self-defense knowledge adds another layer of assurance

7.0 Flipping the script from fear to freedom

We must stop framing solo female travel as reckless and start recognizing it as powerful. Every time a woman steps onto a plane alone, she proves herself to be independent, curious, and courageous. These are traits to celebrate.

 

Let Women Roam. Telling women they will get assaulted if they travel alone is outdated and unsupported by data. They need not be discouraged, but sharing solo travel facts and encouragement.

 

 

Planning your next solo adventure?  Let Travel Moran be your travel bestie. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, discovering hidden gems, or simply craving some ‘you-time,’ we have tips, guides, and safety hacks designed with you in mind.