The recently released National Annual Report and Index on Women’s Safety (NARI 2025) has highlighted a stark contrast in women’s safety across India, while bringing a note of optimism for the Northeast. According to the report, four out of every ten women in Indian cities feel “not so safe” or “unsafe” in their surroundings, with safety concerns peaking during night hours due to poor street lighting and lack of visible security.
Surveying 12,770 women across 31 cities, the report revealed that harassment—ranging from catcalling, lewd remarks, and staring to physical touching—is a daily challenge for many women. Some young girls reported dropping out of school, while several working women admitted quitting jobs due to unsafe environments. Cities like Ranchi, Srinagar, Kolkata, Delhi, Faridabad, Patna, and Jaipur were identified among the least safe for women.
In contrast, North Eastern cities, including Kohima, Aizawl, Gangtok, and Itanagar, were recognised as relatively safer. Gangtok’s inclusion is particularly significant for Sikkim, demonstrating that small hill states with limited infrastructure can still provide women a secure environment. Locals attribute this safety to strong community bonding, smaller population size, and active police presence. Women in Gangtok often move freely in marketplaces and neighbourhoods even after dusk, a freedom that remains challenging in larger metros.
However, social activists caution against complacency. “We may be safer than other cities, but harassment still occurs and often goes unreported. Safety also includes dignity, respect, and equal treatment, not just low crime numbers,” said a women’s rights advocate in Gangtok.
The report also revealed that 7 per cent of women experienced harassment in 2024, predominantly among the 18–24 age group, highlighting a significant gap with official National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, which recorded only 0.07 per cent of crimes against women in 2022. Experts said this discrepancy underscores the “dark figure” of unreported harassment, often driven by stigma, fear of blame, or lack of trust in legal systems.
NARI 2025 emphasised that improving infrastructure, building gender-sensitive public transport, and changing societal attitudes are as crucial as policing. While Gangtok sets an encouraging example, the report reminds India that ensuring safety and security for women remains a long-term national challenge.