Why Women Don't Feel Safe at Work and in Public Spaces—Even in Developed Countries

Despite advancements in gender equality, many women in developed countries continue to face environments where they feel unsafe, both in the workplace and in public spaces. This pervasive issue stems from various forms of harassment and violence that undermine women's sense of security and well-being. Women don't feel safe and that is a reality.

Workplace Harassment: Why women don't feel safe at work

A significant number of women experience harassment in their professional environments:​Wikipedia

• European Union:

  A comprehensive survey revealed that one-third of women have experienced physical or sexual violence, with younger women reporting higher levels of sexual harassment at work compared to older women. ​fra.europa.eu+1theguardian.com+1

  
  

• United States:

  A 2024 study found that 42% of transgender employees reported having been sexually harassed at work. ​Wikipedia

  
  

• Global Perspective:

  Approximately 23% of workers worldwide have faced violence and harassment at work, encompassing physical, psychological, and sexual forms. ​International Labour Organization

Street Harassment

Public spaces are often sites of harassment, leading many women to feel unsafe:​

• Global Statistics:

  Studies indicate that 80% of women endure at least occasional street harassment, with 45% avoiding going alone to public spaces after dark. ​Wikipedia

  
  

• Europe:

  In Germany, 44% of women reported being victims of at least one type of sexual attack or aggression in public spaces within a 12-month period. ​Statista

Underlying Factors

Several factors contribute to the persistent feelings of insecurity among women:

• Cultural Norms:

  Deep-seated patriarchal attitudes can perpetuate behaviors that trivialize or normalize harassment.​

  
  

• Underreporting:

  Fear of retaliation, shame, or distrust in authorities leads many women to refrain from reporting incidents. For instance, in the EU, only 14% of victims contacted the police. ​theguardian.com

  
  

• Inadequate Policies:

  Some workplaces and public institutions lack robust mechanisms to prevent and address harassment effectively.​

The Path Forward

Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach:

• Policy Implementation:

  Enforcing comprehensive anti-harassment policies in workplaces and public institutions is crucial. For example, the UK's recent mandate requires employers to take proactive measures against potential sexual harassment incidents. ​Financial Times

  
  

• Awareness and Education:

  Promoting awareness campaigns and educational programs can challenge harmful cultural norms and encourage bystander intervention

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• Support Systems:

  Establishing accessible support systems for victims, including counseling and legal assistance, can empower more women to come forward.​

While developed countries have made strides in gender equality, the prevalence of harassment and violence against women underscores the need for continued efforts to create safe environments for all.