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- With crime stats steadily on the rise, women have reported feeling unsafe in certain parts of South Africa.
- This is according to a survey by 1st For Women involving more than 6 000 women.
- The findings revealed that the Western Cape was considered the least-safe province, followed by Gauteng. Limpopo was considered the safest.
- For more lifestyle news, go to the News24 Life front page.
For South African women, it is nearly impossible to navigate through life without the constant fear of becoming victims of crime.
Whether on the road, at home, at work, or even at the mall, the endless threat of becoming victims casts a dark shadow over their daily routines, with certain places more challenging than others.
This reality is supported by the results of a recent survey conducted by 1st For Women, in which 6 596 women were asked about their perceptions about the safety of the provinces they live in. The report included data from 2023's South Africa police report crime stats for January to September.
Each of the nine provinces were ranked across 20 factors, and they were given a score out of 100 for each. Some of the factors included the number of respondents who considered walking alone during the day and night "completely unsafe" or "unsafe", among others.
Women do not feel safe in parts of South Africa
According to the report, 98% of the participants feel unsafe walking alone at night, 77% feel unsafe when driving alone, 63% feel anxious going out with friends, and 54% feel unsafe being home alone.
With 76% of the women considering their provinces unsafe, 44% have been victims of crime in their provinces, and 30% will consider leaving the country due to safety issues.
The report stated:
The statistics are supported by the findings contained in a recent report conducted by cosmetics company Avon as part of the brand's reflective journey on women's progress ahead of International Women's Day.
"The report, a culmination of extensive research across diverse countries, including the dynamic terrain of South Africa, reveals a disquieting reality: despite concerted efforts, the journey towards equitable opportunities and pay parity for women remains an uphill battle. In certain instances, there is evidence of regression, painting a stark picture of the enduring challenges faced by women in our contemporary society," Avon said in a statement.
east-safe provinces for women
To provide an overall safety score for each province, 20 data points were used in the Safest Provinces Index highlighting perceptions of safety when performing everyday tasks, including walking alone at night, driving alone, being home alone and experiences of being a victim of crime.
In addition to this, reported crime statistics per 100 000 capita were considered within the Safest Provinces Index rating, including crimes such as assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, carjackings, robberies at residential premises, burglaries, and theft of motor vehicles.
The index revealed that the Western Cape was considered the least-safe province to be in, with a 37.47 rating, followed by Gauteng at 37.65, and the Eastern Cape at 37.81. KwaZulu-Natal completed the list of the four least-safe provinces for women at 42.38.
READ | More than 70% of women in South Africa don’t feel safe walking alone at night, global survey reveals
According to the survey, Limpopo (92.11), Mpumalanga (68.58), the North West (67.45), the Northern Cape (65.14), and the Free State (50.76) were considered to be the safest.
Women shared ideas on what can be done to foster safety in the different provinces, including 24/7 police patrols to deter potential offenders.
"Free self-defence classes, improved streetlights, and surveillance cameras are all suggestions that empower women to navigate their surroundings confidently.
"Many respondents' suggested safety strategies, include travelling with a partner, avoiding 'dangerous places', refraining from driving at night, and carrying self-defence tools like pepper spray, highlighting how women are adapting to a challenging environment," the survey stated.
