It is not easy to talk about the safety of women in Indian cities, but it is very important. Woman 2025 Women Safety Index, which is based on a survey of 12,770 women from 31 cities, gives us a clear picture of how safe or insecure women feel at different places.

The positive aspect is that Mumbai is among the top seven safest cities for women, which is a commendable step. At the top of the security list, Kohima, Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar are often appreciated for their supportive environment and effective security measures.

But not all cities reflect the spirit of that security. The survey has shown that despite the national security score 65%, 40% of women still feel insecure. There is a clear difference between recorded data and ground reality. Many incidents, especially molestation, are not reported, causing deep mistrust on the system. Cities like Delhi, Patna, Ranchi and Srinagar unfortunately remained below the survey, which reflects constant weaknesses and insufficient security measures.

This is not only the problem of administration, but a shared challenge. Several steps are required to increase the safety of women: wisely urban planning, accessible public transport, community participation, sensitive policing and social awareness.

In addition, Mumbai’s commendable ranking sparks hope but the broader picture reminds us that safety is more than numbers. Every city has work to do to ensure that women feel safe enough to step out, move freely, and live fully without fear.