Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria Rank as World's Most Dangerous Countries for Women: Global Index

Afghanistan, Yemen, and Syria are the most dangerous countries for women, according to the World Population Review's 2024 Women Peace and Security Index, which measures safety, access to healthcare, education, and protection from violence. Afghanistan ranks lowest with a score of 0.279, followed by Yemen at 0.323 and Syria at 0.364, reflecting extreme risks linked to prolonged conflict, weak governance, and systemic gender-based restrictions.

The index includes Central African Republic, Sudan, Haiti, DR Congo, Burundi, South Sudan, and Myanmar in the top 10 most dangerous countries, all scoring below 0.450. These nations share patterns of political instability, armed conflict, economic collapse, and limited access to essential services, particularly for women and girls. Humanitarian agencies report restricted mobility, high rates of gender-based violence, and erosion of educational and employment opportunities in these regions.

The data underscores ongoing international concerns about the protection of women's rights in conflict and post-conflict zones. The United Nations and human rights organizations have repeatedly called for targeted interventions, including increased funding for women-led aid groups and stronger accountability for gender-based violence in war zones.

The World Population Review updates the index annually, drawing on data from the UN, World Bank, and global health agencies. The full report is scheduled for release next week, with experts expected to brief the UN Security Council on gender security trends in fragile states.