The NARI 2025 (National Annual Report & Index on Women’s Safety) has placed four northeastern cities: Kohima, Aizawl, Gangtok, and Itanagar among the safest in India for women. The survey, which covered over 12,000 women across 31 cities, found that while 60% of women feel generally safe, 40% continue to report insecurity in public spaces.
Northeast Cities Leading in Women’s Safety:
Kohima, Nagaland: Tops the index thanks to gender-balanced social practices, active neighborhood watch programs, and community policing that enhance women’s sense of security.
Aizawl, Mizoram: Strong community networks and visible police presence contribute to safer public spaces, even at night.
Gangtok, Sikkim: Gender-sensitive governance and responsive civic institutions boost women’s confidence in city spaces.
Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh: Inclusive governance, awareness campaigns, and active women’s collectives help create safe and trustworthy neighborhoods.
The report also highlights Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar as top performers nationally. Delhi and Kolkata remain among the lowest-ranked cities, citing issues like inadequate infrastructure and limited gender-sensitive policies.
NARI 2025 stresses that lasting women’s safety requires people-centric urban planning, strong community engagement, and gender-sensitive governance, enabling women to live, work, and move freely without fear.
