New Delhi, August 30, 2025:
In a groundbreaking report, NARI 2025 (National Annual Report & Index on Women’s Safety) has ranked Kohima, Aizawl, Gangtok, and Itanagar as the safest cities for women in India. This recognition highlights the northeastern region’s robust, community-driven approach to ensuring the safety and security of women. The survey, which covered 31 cities and more than 12,000 women respondents, sheds light on the cities that have set new benchmarks in creating safe public spaces for women.
The NARI 2025 Index not only evaluates cities based on safety but also offers a comprehensive view of the policies and practices that have shaped these rankings. It shows a strong emphasis on gender-balanced social norms, community policing, and inclusive governance, which are evident in the top-ranking cities.
Key Highlights of NARI 2025 Index:
Kohima:
Kohima topped the list, emerging as a standout due to its gender-balanced social norms and proactive community policing. The city’s neighborhood watch programs, coupled with active involvement from local citizens, have made a significant difference in enhancing women’s safety. The presence of strong community-based policing has ensured a secure environment where women feel protected in public spaces.
Aizawl:
Aizawl has earned praise for its tight-knit social networks and the visibility of police forces at night. In a city where social cohesion is strong, women feel empowered by the visible presence of law enforcement officers, especially after dark. This visibility provides a sense of security, contributing to Aizawl’s high ranking.
Gangtok:
Gangtok has made waves with its gender-sensitive governance and several policy initiatives, including the mandatory shutdown of bars by 11 pm. This regulation helps reduce the risks women face after dark. Gangtok’s governance model ensures that safety policies are not only about enforcement but also about creating an environment where women can live freely and without fear.
Itanagar:
Itanagar has been lauded for its women’s collectives and inclusive governance. The city has witnessed significant efforts to incorporate women into decision-making processes, and the local administration works closely with women’s groups to design safety measures that align with their needs. This inclusive approach has contributed to a high sense of safety and empowerment among women in the city.
Other Key Findings:
Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar also scored high, indicating their progressive safety frameworks for women. These cities have strong institutional mechanisms, including effective law enforcement and public awareness campaigns, which make them safer for women.
In stark contrast, cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Patna, Jaipur, and others were flagged for weak institutional backing and patriarchal barriers that hinder women’s safety. The report noted that these cities continue to struggle with social norms and gender biases, affecting the overall safety of women.
Workplace Safety and Awareness:
While 91% of women surveyed reported feeling safe at their workplaces, the survey also uncovered that awareness of workplace harassment policies (POSH) remains alarmingly low. Nearly 50% of women in the survey were unaware of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) framework, which protects women against sexual harassment at the workplace. This gap in awareness needs to be addressed to ensure that women are fully aware of their rights and the support systems available to them.
Challenges in Public Transport and After-Dark Safety:
Despite high levels of safety in many areas, public transport and after-dark spaces remain areas of concern. Safety in public transport continues to be a major issue, with women expressing concern about harassment, inadequate lighting, and a lack of security measures during late-night travel. The NARI 2025 Index revealed that women’s confidence sharply declines when navigating public spaces, especially after dark.
A Roadmap for Gender-Sensitive Urban Planning
Experts and urban planners are urging the government to use the NARI 2025 Index as a roadmap for creating people-centric, gender-sensitive cities. The report calls for the implementation of policies that are not only focused on law enforcement but also take into account community engagement, gender-sensitive urban design, and public awareness.
As cities grow and urbanize, it is essential to ensure that women can move freely without fear of violence or harassment. The NARI 2025 Index serves as an important tool for policymakers, urging them to adopt strategies that foster inclusive urban governance and create safe public spaces for women.
Conclusion:
The NARI 2025 Index is more than just a ranking; it is a call to action for cities across India to prioritize women’s safety in a systematic and sustainable way. As cities like Kohima, Aizawl, Gangtok, and Itanagar continue to lead by example, other cities can look to these northeastern capitals for inspiration on how to create safer, more inclusive environments for women. The index stresses that a gender-sensitive approach to urban planning is not just desirable but essential for the future of India’s cities.
