Travelling solo as a woman is an empowering experience. More and more women are embracing freedom and adventure through solo travel experiences. However, with all the excitement, safety remains a significant concern. Whether you want to explore new places abroad or heading off on a local trip, prioritising your safety is essential. Let’s dive into some practical and effective safety tips that can help you enjoy solo adventures with confidence and peace of mind. Tips to Stay Safe As a Solo Female Traveller . Research Your Destination Thoroughly Before your trip, thoroughly research your destination’s culture, customs, and laws. Understanding dress codes and behavioural norms is essential, especially in more conservative regions. Identify safe areas for solo female travellers and note places to avoid.  Additionally, you should save local emergency contacts, hospitals, and your country’s embassy information to ensure you are well-prepared for any situation.  Plan Your Accommodation Carefully When booking accommodation, prioritise safety and comfort. It is recommended to pick places that are centrally located, well-reviewed, and cater to female travellers.  Read more: Essential Snake Safety Tips for Hiking, Trekking, Camping, and Traveling Staying in female-only dorms or hotels with secure entry systems can provide peace of mind. Also, avoid accommodations in isolated or poorly lit areas which ensures you can walk to your destination or access transport safely. Travel Insurance It would be wise to have comprehensive travel insurance, especially when travelling solo. Make sure your insurance covers medical expenses, lost belongings, and trip cancellations. In case of an accident or unexpected event, this will give you peace of mind, knowing that you are covered. Research policies and opt for one that suits your travel style and needs. Get a Local SIM Having a local SIM card makes it easier to stay connected with family and friends, as well as navigate unfamiliar areas. A local SIM allows you to access data, make emergency calls, and use local apps without relying on potentially expensive roaming charges. It is also useful for communicating with locals or booking services such as taxis or tours. Stay Connected Keeping in touch with family and friends is crucial for your safety. Share your itinerary with them and keep them updated on any changes. Using tracking apps like Google Maps or other location-sharing apps will allow someone to monitor your whereabouts.  Read more: How to Travel Safely During Heat Waves Regular communication through messaging apps ensures that someone knows where you are, even if you are exploring more remote areas. VPNs are useful for securing your internet access, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi. Pack Smart and Light Packing light makes travel more convenient and also safer. Avoid carrying expensive or flashy items that might attract attention. Travellers should invest in anti-theft backpacks or money belts to secure their valuables. This will help you stay mobile, making it easier to move swiftly if needed and reduce the risk of being targeted by thieves. First Aid Kit Carrying a compact first aid kit ensures you are prepared for minor health issues on the go. Include essentials like band-aids, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications. Being able to treat minor injuries or discomforts without delay is an important part of solo travel journeys, as you might not always have immediate access to medical care. Trust Your Instincts One of the most important safety tips for solo female travellers is to trust your instincts. If a situation or person makes you feel uncomfortable, trust that feeling. Do not hesitate to remove yourself from potentially unsafe environments. Developing assertive behaviour and projecting confidence through body language can also deter unwanted attention or interactions. Read more: How to Avoid Scams During Travel Bookings Blend In With the Locals Adapting to the local culture by blending in is a smart way to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Dress in a way that reflects local customs, especially in more conservative countries. Learning basic local phrases can help you navigate better and show respect for the local culture. Additionally, it signals that you are not an easy target.  Use Reliable Transportation When travelling alone, it is important to use trusted transportation services like Uber. These apps allow you to track your route and share your location. Public transportation can be safe, but it is best to avoid late-night travel when possible. Plan your routes ahead of time to avoid appearing lost, and try to sit in safer areas, such as near the driver. Inform Friends and Family Letting loved ones know your travel plans is crucial for peace of mind. Share your accommodation details, daily itinerary, and contact information. Regularly update them on your location and any changes in your plans. This communication ensures that someone knows your whereabouts and can respond if something goes wrong, especially in emergency situations. Keep Your Documents and Money Safe Keeping your passport, visa, and other essential documents safe is crucial to avoid being stranded in a foreign country. It would be wise to have digital copies and paper photocopies of your documents.  Read more: Solo Trip: Tips for Travelling Alone for the First Time Use multiple forms of payment, such as cash, credit cards, and travel cards, and keep them in different locations to minimise the impact if something is lost or stolen. Be Cautious With Strangers  Interacting with locals can enrich your travel experience, but it is essential to maintain boundaries. Avoid sharing too much personal information or your travel plans with strangers. While friendliness is important, prioritise your safety by politely disengaging from conversations that make you uncomfortable. Always trust your instincts when assessing people’s intentions. Stay Alert in Social Situations While socialising can be fun, extra caution is necessary when you are alone. If you feel uneasy, have an exit strategy in place. Stick to well-lit, populated venues and avoid heading off with someone you have just met, especially in unfamiliar locations. Know Self-Defense Basics Taking a basic self-defence class before your trip can provide extra confidence. Learn simple techniques that are easy to remember and practical. Additionally, carrying small safety items like a personal alarm, whistle, or pepper spray can help in emergencies. These tools act as a deterrent and provide extra security during unsettling encounters. Read more: Tips to Prevent Food Poisoning while Travelling Closing Lines Travelling solo can be a rewarding and life-changing experience for any female outdoor enthusiast. While safety is a legitimate concern, with the right preparation and cautiousness, women tourists can explore the world confidently.  If you are a solo female traveller, trust your instincts, stay informed, and use technology to your advantage. Remember, the goal is to enjoy your travels while staying safe—and with these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for any adventure that comes your way. Read more: Shopping in Dubai: What to Buy, Where to Buy from

Creating a safe environment for women in educational settings is essential for fostering their growth and learning. Whether in schools, colleges, or university campuses, ensuring the safety of female students and teachers is crucial for their well-being and success, particularly in Bangladesh, where cultural and social challenges persist. This requires comprehensive measures to protect girls and women from harassment, violence, and discrimination.    Ways to Ensure Female Students’ and Teachers’ Safety in the Educational Setting . Gender Sensitization Programs Promoting awareness and education on gender equality is crucial for ensuring women's safety in educational settings. This can be achieved by integrating gender studies into the curriculum and conducting comprehensive gender sensitisation programs for all students, teachers, and staff.  These programs should challenge traditional gender stereotypes, promote respect, and foster a culture of equality. Additionally, they should address important issues such as consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention. In Bangladesh, where deeply rooted gender roles often persist, such initiatives can play a key role in creating a safer and more inclusive environment. Read more: Workplace stress affecting women in Bangladesh needs attention Implementing Strict Anti-Harassment Policies Implementing and enforcing strict anti-harassment policies are essential for ensuring safety. These policies should clearly define all forms of harassment, including sexual harassment and bullying, and outline the consequences.  All students and staff must be aware of these rules and the procedures for reporting incidents. Regular workshops and training sessions should be conducted to raise awareness and ensure that everyone understands the policy. A zero-tolerance approach is vital to protect women and deter potential offenders. Safe Physical Environment Prioritising physical safety in schools and universities is crucial for protecting female students and teachers. Educational institutions should ensure that all areas, such as pathways, car parks, and secluded spots, are well-lit and equipped with CCTV surveillance.  Read more: Is Gym Good for Women? Installing emergency alarms and conducting regular security audits can help identify and address potential vulnerabilities. Additionally, providing separate restrooms and common areas for women is essential. These measures deter criminal activity and contribute to a safer and more secure campus environment. Establishing Safe Reporting Mechanisms Establishing safe and confidential reporting mechanisms is essential for addressing harassment and violence against women in educational settings. Institutions should create clear, accessible channels that allow female students and teachers to report incidents without fear of retaliation.  This could include anonymous reporting systems and dedicated hotlines that offer immediate assistance and support. By ensuring that these mechanisms are well-publicised and trusted, institutions can encourage more women to come forward, leading to quicker resolutions and a safer environment for all. Read more: Martial Arts Belts: Everything You Need to Know About Their Color and Significance Providing Self-Defence Training for Female Students and Teachers Self-defense training effectively empowers women, equipping them with the skills and confidence to protect themselves in dangerous situations. Educational institutions should offer regular self-defense classes focusing on practical, easy-to-learn techniques.  In Bangladesh, where women may encounter various threats, such training can be a crucial tool for ensuring personal safety. By providing these classes, institutions enhance the physical safety of female students and teachers and also contribute to their sense of security and empowerment.  Counselling and Support Services Providing gender-sensitive counselling services is vital for supporting female students and teachers who face harassment, abuse, or mental health challenges. These services should be staffed by trained professionals who understand the unique needs of women and can offer tailored support and guidance.  Read more: 8 Safe Motorcycle Riding Tips for Women Access to such counselling is crucial, as it provides emotional support and can connect victims to legal and medical assistance. By offering these resources, educational institutions help ensure that women receive the comprehensive care they need to navigate difficult situations safely.  Promoting a Culture of Respect and Inclusivity Fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity is essential for ensuring women's safety in educational settings. This requires promoting values of mutual respect among students and staff, celebrating diversity, and encouraging open dialogue about gender issues. When these principles are deeply embedded in the institution's culture, the likelihood of harassment decreases significantly.  By creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard, educational institutions can significantly enhance the safety and well-being of female students and teachers which contributes to a more positive and supportive atmosphere.  Read more: Homemade Pepper Spray for Self-Defense: Ingredients, process, efficiency, precautions Engaging Parents and Guardians in Safety Efforts Involving parents and guardians is crucial for ensuring the safety of female students. Educational institutions should engage with parents through regular meetings, workshops, and open communication channels to inform them about safety measures and encourage their active involvement.  Schools and universities can organise parent-teacher meetings to discuss safety concerns, share information, and collaborate on initiatives. Parental awareness and support are vital for reinforcing safety practices both inside and outside of the educational environment. Regular Safety Audits and Inspections Regular safety audits and inspections are vital for maintaining a secure campus environment. These assessments should evaluate factors such as lighting, the presence of security personnel, and potential hazards. By collecting data on incidents of harassment and violence, institutions can identify areas needing improvement and develop effective prevention strategies.  Read more: Cyberbullying: What to Do If Someone is Harassing You Online Prompt corrective action based on audit findings is crucial to address any safety concerns. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of safety measures ensure that the campus remains a safe space for female students and teachers. Encouraging Peer Support Networks Peer support networks are a powerful tool for ensuring women's safety on campus, offering emotional support, safety tips, and assistance during critical times. Establishing student safety committees that include both male and female students can further promote a culture of safety and accountability.  These committees can identify safety concerns, implement preventive measures, and provide support to victims. Encouraging the formation of such groups within educational institutions fosters a sense of community and solidarity, enhancing the overall safety and well-being of female students and teachers.  Read more: Best Free Personal Safety Android, iOS Apps for Women in 2024 Collaboration with Law Enforcement Collaborating with local law enforcement is vital for improving safety in educational settings. Establishing robust relationships with police ensures a swift response during emergencies and acts as a deterrent to potential offenders. Regular visits from law enforcement officers can reassure both students and staff, creating a safer environment.  Additionally, strengthening legal frameworks to combat harassment, violence, and discrimination is essential. Effective enforcement of these laws, in partnership with local law enforcement, further enhances campus security and safeguards female students and teachers. Monitoring Online Harassment and Cyber Safety With the surge in digital communication, online harassment has become a pressing issue for women in educational settings. Institutions must tackle this by enforcing strict policies on digital conduct and monitoring online interactions.  Read more: Top 10 International Scholarships for Women to Study Abroad Providing comprehensive training on cyber safety can equip both students and staff to handle online threats effectively. Additionally, offering dedicated resources and support for those targeted by cyberbullying ensures that victims receive the help they need. By addressing online harassment proactively, educational institutions can foster a safer and more inclusive environment for all.  Closing Lines Ensuring women's safety in educational settings is a multifaceted challenge that requires a collective effort. By implementing the strategies outlined above, academic institutions in Bangladesh can create a safer and more supportive environment for female students and teachers. Continuous improvement in safety measures, driven by awareness, collaboration, and respect, is essential to fostering a learning environment where women can thrive. Read more: How to Ensure Safe Work Environment for Women in Bangladesh

Some 180 members of Female Formed Police Unit (FPU) of Bangladesh Police have left for Congo to join the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). The unit left for Kinshasa, the capital of Congo, on a chartered flight of Ethiopian Airlines from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday night, said a press release of the police headquarters on Sunday evening. Members of BANFPU-1 (Rotation-16), MONUSCO, DRC headed by Superintendent of Police (SP) Marufa Yasmin will replace BANFPU-1 (Rotation-15), MONUSCO, DRC. The formed police unit has 14 commanding staff including Deputy Commander Mohammad Shafiul Islam. Police Headquarters DIG (Operations) Md Hyder Ali Khan and members of the Police Headquarters Overseas and UN Operations Section saw off the peacekeepers bound for DR Congo at the airport.Note that Bangladesh Police FPU unit was sent to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo for the first time in 2005. Bangladesh Police has been sending Female FPU to Democratic Republic of Congo since 2011. Since 2019, the Bangladesh Police's officers have been serving the mission as Individual Police Officer (IPO) with reputation.

A BNP activist who was injured in a road accident in front of the party's central office in Naya Paltan of the capital died while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) on Friday. The deceased was identified as Anita Biswas,55, wife of Amullya Biswas, a resident of the Golapbagh area of Dhaka. Victim's son Tapos Biswas said his mother went in front of the party office to participate in the BNP programme around 2:30pm on February 18. At that time, she was seriously injured after being hit by a CNG. Later she was first treated at a private hospital in the capital. When her physical condition deteriorated, she was admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Thursday morning where she succumbed to her injuries at 10:10 am on Friday. The body has been kept in the hospital morgue for post-mortem, said Inspector Bachchu Mia, in-charge of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) police outpost. A case was filed at Paltan police station in this regard, Bachchu Mia added.

Dhaka University authorities have suspended a student, also an activist of Bangladesh Chhatra League, allegedly for harassing a female student on Tuesday in front of Raju sculptor memorial on the university campus. The suspended student is Najmul Alam, a residential student of Masterda Surja Sen Hall and postgraduate student of Institute of Social Welfare and Research of Dhaka University. He is also an activist of Master Da Surja Sen hall Chhatra League.  "Najmul has been suspended for his misbehaviour with a student of a private university on the night of November 1," said a DU press release. He has been asked to respond within next seven days explaining why he should not be expelled from university. Read more: DU student allegedly harasses Brac University student on campus The student allegedly slapped and harassed a girl, who is a law student of Brac University, on the campus during the early hours on Tuesday. But the DU student contradicted and accused the girl of assaulting him. Najmul said the girl was filming floating people who were asleep on footpath. He said that he stopped along with a friend as he was returning on a bike to the university dormitory when he saw the girl and her friends. He said he asked why the girl and her friends were filming the floating people without their permission. An altercation broke out, prompting the girl to slap Najmul, he said. Najmul also retaliated and slapped the girl back. In a video posted online it was seen that the girl using abusive words and slapping the boy. According to an audio recorded by a witness some details have come out. "After my birthday celebration, I was standing in front of the sculpture with my friends and taking pictures. At that time two boys stopped their bike and started questioning us using bad words against me.  They teased me and slapped me when I protested," the girl was heard in the audio. Najmul told UNB that the girl also used abusive words when he questioned their presence on the campus during early hours on Tuesday. Read more: Female student complains of harassment at DU dorm He said they were filming the people who were asleep on the footpaths and attires of the floating people were not in order.  "When I asked why the girl was taking pictures of the people without their consent, she said her father has the ability to buy the entire DU campus multiple times," he added. "When I took my mobile phone to record her abusive words, she again insulted me,” he said. "At one point she slapped me, and I slapped her in return,” he said. The girl filed a complaint with the Proctor’s office on Tuesday.    

Four female tea garden workers were killed in a landslip at a tea garden in Sreemangal upazila of Moulvibazar district on Friday morning amid their ongoing strike demanding an increase in their daily wages. The deceased were identified as Hira Rani Bhoumik, Bina Bhoumik, Purnima Bhoumik and Radhamoni Bhoumik. All were workers of Lakhaichhara Tea Garden of the upazila, fire service said. A chunk of mud from a hill fell on the workers in Lakkhichara tea garden of Kalighat union around 1pm while they were digging soil from the hill for repairing their home, leaving the four dead on spot, said Abdul Kadir, team leader of Sreemangal Fire Service and Civil Defense. Read: India landslide death toll reaches 47 Mamun Rashid Talukder, officer-in-charge (oc) of Sreemangal police station, said police were deployed at the spot.   The country's tea garden workers have been on a strike for over a week to demand that their daily wages are raised from current Tk120 to Tk300.

The residential students of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall of Islamic University demonstrated on the campus in Kushtia on Sunday night demanding resignation of the hall provost Professor Nilufa Akter Banu. They demanded the resignation of the provost alleging that she misbehaved with the students who gave her several phone calls to get ambulance service. Around 200 residential  students of the hall staged a sit-in programme on the hall gate. Campus sources said, Razia Sultana Hridi, a second year student of Folklore Studies department, also the residential student of hall, became sick at night and lost sense. READ: IU officials continue work abstention Other residential students gave several phone calls to the  provost but she did not provide any facilities to them, the agitating students claimed. One hour after the incident, the house tutor Shimul Roy went to the hall and sent the sick student to IU Central Hospital around 10:00pm. The provost did not give them proper time in the hall and behaved ‘badly’ with the students when they gave her call about something, the agitating students alleged. On information, a team of IU proctorial body went to the spot and tried to keep the situation under control but failed. Later, IU pro-vice-chancellor Professor M Mahbubur Rahman, treasurer Professor M Alamgir Hossain Bhuiya and proctor Professor M Jahangir Hossain went to the hall and talked to the agitating students.  The students withdrew their demonstration at around 12:00am as the university authorities assured them of looking into the matter. Provost Nilufa  said, ‘A student gave me a phone call about a student getting sick.  I asked them to inform the house tutor of the hall.   Then another student called me and told me about the ambulance.  I said, how many times do you call on the same issue? READ: In-person classes to resume at IU Tuesday IU treasurer Professor M Alamgir Hossain Bhuiya said, they are trying to solve the issue by talking to the students.

The Cox's Bazar CSO NGO Forum (CCNF), a network of 60 local and national NGOs operating in Cox's Bazar, on Saturday strongly condemned and protested the recent assault on six workers, including two women  of an NGO in Teknaf.   The organization also demanded exemplary punishment for those involved in the incident and said that if proper action is not taken within the next seven days, no CCNF member in Teknaf's Hnila Union will implement any activities.  The demand came  from a virtual press conference organized by the CCNF. It was moderated by Abu Murshed Chowdhury, Co-Chair of the CCNF and Executive Director of PHALS.  The CCNF also urged all other local, national, and international non-governmental organizations to support the demand. YPSA Executive Director Md. Arifur Rahman, two female victims, Joint Director of COAST Ferdous Ara Rumee and Tahrima Afroz Tumpa, Project Manager of the same organization also spoke at the occasion.   The COAST Foundation's Executive Director, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, gave the closing remarks.  Explaining the incident,  CCNF Member Secretary Jahangir Alam said that miscreants allegedly led by a union council member in Hnila Jele para of Teknaf conducted the attacks on On February 2. COAST has been implementing various programs for the disadvantaged people of this area for a long time.   The terrorists, led by Rezaul Karim, a member of Ward 5 of Hnila Union, attacked the NGO workers while they were holding a courtyard meeting with the beneficiaries of a project to gather their views, he said.   During the meeting, the NGO workers were verbally abused and asked to leave the area. NGO workers tried to persuade their work, but the Union Councill member ignored the requests and attacked the NGO workers.   At one point, the attackers randomly punched and kicked everyone. At their screams, the people around them came and rescued them and took them to a house and sheltered them. The injured NGO workers filed a case at Teknaf police station.  Ferdous Ara Rumee said the incident poses a serious threat to hundreds of women workers in Cox's Bazar. READ: Institutions, students hit by Rohingya influx need rehabilitation: CCNF Tahrima Afroz Tumpa said, this kind of attack on women is unimaginably disgusting. “I want justice for it,”: she added.  Arifur Rahman said, "We want a speedy legal remedy for this incident. I think it is a planned attack to disrupt the government's development activities for the common people of Teknaf-Ukhia as part of the Rohingya program. Because NGOs are working for the poor as allies of the government, he said.  Abu Murshed Chowdhury said hundreds of NGO workers in Cox's Bazar are working day and night to provide various services to the people. Such nasty attacks on them are unwelcome. This is not an attack on the staff of a single NGO, it is an attack on the entire NGO sector. “We demand justice from the administration. If no action is taken within the next seven days, all CCNF member organizations will withdraw their activities from Hnila Union.”  Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said NGO and civil society workers work for poverty alleviation, an increase of income, expansion of education in backward areas, development of women. The NGO workers are attacked by those who do not want the development of the people, those who do not want the development of women, those who do not want the spread of education, he said. READ: CCNF demands dignified repatriation of Rohingyas He said they don't want people to be aware. Because, when people are educated and aware, it becomes a threat to the illegal activities of that vested group.Failure to ensure exemplary justice for the attacks on COAST workers would leave hundreds of women workers vulnerable to work on the ground and could jeopardize all development programs, including the Rohingya program, Rezaul adedd. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday greeted the Bangladesh Under-19 Women Football team for becoming the SAF U-19 Football champion. The Prime Minister, now in the Maldives on an official tour, congratulated the team as they beat the Indian Under -9 Women Football team. READ: Bangladesh-New Zealand T20 series: PM greets Tigers for going 2-0 up Bangladesh outplayed India by 1-0 in the final held at Bir Shrestha Sipahi Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalpur of the city. READ: PM greets Tigers for ODI series win against Zimbabwe