15 Daily Situations Women Face Unsafe Conditions and How to Make Them Safer

Every day, women encounter uncomfortable situations that can make them feel unsafe. Whether it’s walking alone at night, being alone in a room with someone they don’t know, or riding public transit, even simple tasks can feel threatening. Women are often more vulnerable than men, and their concerns are real, not exaggerated. These feelings of unease are completely valid, and it’s crucial that we work toward creating safer spaces. We wanted to address these situations where women commonly feel unsafe, along with a few ideas on how we can try to improve things.
Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Walking Alone At Night

Walking alone at night is one of the most common situations where women feel unsafe. Streets are quieter and darker, and there’s less chance of someone being nearby if help is needed. Many women look over their shoulders or hold their keys between their fingers just in case. To make this situation safer, consider walking with a friend or letting someone know your route. Some people also use apps that share their location with someone they trust.
Using Public Transportation

Public transportation is another area where women can feel uneasy, especially when traveling late at night. Empty buses or subway cars can feel isolating, and the presence of strangers can be intimidating. To help change this, it’s good to sit near the driver or in well-lit areas of the train. Having access to emergency buttons and cameras can provide some comfort. Public transit companies should make sure stations and stops are well-lit and have security visible, especially during later hours.
Being In A Parking Garage

Parking garages, especially when they’re empty or dimly lit, can be scary for women. The echoing footsteps and lack of visibility make it feel like a place where something could go wrong. A simple way to make this situation safer is to park as close to exits or elevators as possible. Women often walk with their keys ready or check under their cars before getting in. Try to find a parking garage, if you can that has good lighting, security, cameras, and other additional safety methods in place.
Using A Rideshare Alone

Rideshare services have made getting around more convenient, but for women, getting into a car with a stranger can still feel unsafe. Even with apps tracking your trip, feeling nervous is not uncommon. Sharing the details of this ride with someone you can trust is one way to feel safer. Checking the driver’s information before getting in and making sure the license plate matches can help avoid any confusion.
Walking Through An Empty Park

Parks are great during the day, but when it’s getting dark or the park is empty, women can feel vulnerable. The open space and limited visibility make it feel like something could happen without anyone noticing. Sticking to well-lit paths or going with a friend can help reduce this feeling. Some women carry personal safety alarms or pepper spray as an extra precaution. Keep in mind that a well-maintained, active park is safer than a dark, desolate one.
Using An ATM At Night

Using an ATM can feel unsafe, especially if you’re alone and it’s late. The fact that you’re handling cash in a public space makes it a target for potential crimes. To make this safer, try to use ATMs inside well-lit, busy locations like grocery stores or banks. If you have to use one outside, look for one in a busy area where people are nearby with lights and security features like cameras. Keeping your phone handy can help if something doesn’t feel right, or avoid stopping at the ATM altogether.
Going On A First Date With Someone New

First dates can be really scary, but for women, there’s the added worry of safety, especially if the date is with someone they don’t know well. Meeting in a public place like a café or restaurant is one way to stay safe. Letting a friend know where you’re going or even sharing your location can help, too. Women often make sure they have a backup plan or a way to leave if they feel uncomfortable. Apps could implement check-in features or emergency contact buttons for situations where things don’t feel right.
Walking Through A Crowded Event Or Festival

Big crowds can be fun, but they can also be overwhelming and make women feel vulnerable to unwanted attention or getting separated from friends. It’s easy to feel unsafe when so many people are around, especially in unfamiliar environments. Sticking close to friends and having a meeting point in case you get separated can help this uneasy feeling. Keeping personal items secure and within easy reach is also key to helping you feel and stay safe.
Using The Restroom In A Public Place

Public restrooms can be another place where women feel unsafe, especially if they’re in isolated areas like parks, highways, or big buildings because they can be secluded and easy places to target helpless women. Walking into a restroom with no one else around can create anxiety about who might be inside. Women often wait for a friend to go with them or avoid restrooms that seem too empty or out of the way.
Living In An Apartment With Poor Security

Living in an apartment that doesn’t have good security measures can leave women feeling on edge, especially if they live alone. Unsecured entrances, broken locks, or a lack of cameras can make women feel vulnerable in their own homes. Women often take steps like installing extra locks and security cameras or doorbell cameras to feel safer. For women, feeling safe at home should be a standard, not a luxury.
Walking By Construction Site’s

Passing by construction sites can be uncomfortable for many women due to catcalling or unwanted attention. The environment can feel intimidating, especially if there are large groups of workers. To feel safer, some women cross the street or walk faster to avoid lingering near the site. Do your best to keep your head down and avoid the area if you can if it makes you uncomfortable. Try to use barriers between you, like construction signs.
Shopping Alone In A Quiet Store

Shopping alone can feel peaceful, but when the store is quiet, or you’re the only customer, it can quickly turn into a situation where women feel unsafe. This feeling is even stronger in stores with hidden corners or few employees around. Women can reduce this feeling by shopping during busier times, sticking to stores they know well, or taking a group of friends. Simple changes like this can make shopping a more comfortable experience for everyone.
While on a Run

It may seem like a fantastic idea to go outside and go for a nice, long run, but some women feel unsafe running alone. There are too many horror stories about women being attacked during a run, which makes women worry about exercising alone. Running in a popular area with people around or running during the day can help ease this feeling. Running with a partner is also a fantastic idea that makes the activity more fun and a little bit safer.
During Home Repairs

If something in your home breaks, you likely need to call someone to get it fixed. But having a plumber, electrician, or construction worker in your home can sometimes make you feel anxious. Many women get an uneasy feeling when alone in their home with a stranger. The best plan is to invite a friend or family member over to be home with you while the repairs are being done. You can also stay on the phone with a friend while the maintenance person does their job. See if it is possible to request a female worker rather than a male, which may also make you feel a little bit more safe.
In a Gym Locker Room

Many women love going to the gym, and it is a fantastic way to get some much-needed exercise and time to focus on self-care. However, gym locker rooms can feel unsafe. Many gyms do not have much security at all, giving anyone access to a locker room whether they are male or female. This lack of security, along with the large, open space inside a locker room, can make many women feel uneasy. Use the locker room with a friend, or try to visit the gym during popular times when there are a good amount of people using the locker room and facility in general. Being around more people may make you feel safer than visiting the locker room alone.