Safe Travel and Accommodation: Addressing Unique Safety Concerns for Women in International Competitions

For many athletes, international competitions are exciting — but for women, they can also bring unique safety challenges that others might not think about.

👉 Whether you’re traveling with a team or alone, as a woman, you face risks that include harassment, unsafe accommodations, or lack of privacy — especially in places where women’s rights are limited.

💥 You deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported — no matter where you compete.

1. Why Safety for Women Athletes Traveling Is Different

👉 Traveling as a female athlete means facing extra layers of risk, like:

• Street harassment, catcalling, or following.

• Cultural norms that restrict women’s behavior or dress.

• Lack of privacy in hotels or accommodations.

• Sexual harassment from strangers — and sometimes even staff, other teams, or officials.

• Medical emergencies with no women-specific care.

  
  

💥 Being strong, famous, or part of a team doesn’t make you immune.

2. What Are Some Real Safety Risks Female Athletes Face When Traveling?

🚨 In Public Spaces:

• Catcalling, staring, unwanted photos.

• Physical harassment or following — especially when traveling alone or in small groups.

• Cultural expectations (e.g., covering hair, wearing loose clothing).

  
  

🚨 In Accommodations:

• Hotels with no women-only floors or poor security.

• Rooms with no functioning locks or windows that don’t close properly.

• Staff entering rooms without warning (e.g., housekeeping).

  
  

🚨 With Medical or Support Staff:

• Lack of female medical professionals.

• Being examined or treated without proper consent or explanation.

3. Before You Travel: How to Prepare and Stay Safe

✅ A. Research the Country and Culture

• Know local laws and customs about women (e.g., dress codes, behavior rules).

• Check if there are any travel warnings for women.

  
  

💡 Tip: Look up forums or athlete groups who’ve been there — real insights!

✅ B. Plan Safe Accommodations

• Request women-only floors or grouped rooms with trusted teammates.

• Make sure hotel rooms have working locks, safes, and good lighting.

• Avoid isolated hotels or low-security options — even if they’re cheaper.

  
  

💥 You deserve safety — not just convenience.

✅ C. Medical and Support Teams

• Ask in advance if there are female physiotherapists, doctors, or staff if that makes you more comfortable.

• Know your rights to refuse certain treatments if something feels off.

4. While You’re Traveling: Staying Safe Day by Day

✅ A. Moving Around Safely

• Stay in groups whenever possible.

• If you go out, let someone know where you are and when you’ll be back.

• Use reliable transport (team buses, official taxis) — avoid public transport alone at night.

  
  

💡 Share locations via apps like WhatsApp or Life360 with teammates or staff you trust.

✅ B. In Your Room

• Always lock doors and windows.

• Use a door wedge when sleeping.

• Put "Do Not Disturb" signs to prevent unwanted entry.

  
  

💥 If someone enters without warning — report immediately.

✅ C. Handling Harassment

• Stay calm, leave the situation if possible.

• Don’t engage — prioritize your safety.

• Report incidents to team leaders or security.

  
  

💡 You have the right to speak up — it’s never "part of the experience."

5. What Teams and Federations Should Provide to Protect Women Athletes

✅ Pre-travel briefings on women-specific safety risks. 

✅ Safe accommodations — always. 

✅ Access to female staff (coaches, physios, doctors) when needed. 

✅ Emergency plans if something happens. 

✅ Confidential reporting systems for harassment or incidents.

💥 If they’re not providing this, athletes have the right to ask for it.

6. What to Say or Do If You Feel Unsafe (Scripts You Can Use)

✅ If someone enters your room without consent:

• “You need to leave now. This is my private space.”

  
  

✅ If someone makes you uncomfortable in public:

• “Please don’t speak to me like that.”

• “Stop. I don’t want this conversation.”

• “I’m calling security.”

  
  

✅ To staff or leaders if you feel unsafe:

• “I don’t feel safe in this hotel — we need to address this.”

• “I’m uncomfortable with [person/situation] — can we make a change?”

  
  

💡 Your safety is more important than being polite.

7. Final Words — You Deserve Safety and Respect, Everywhere

💥 You are not “difficult” or “overreacting” for wanting to feel safe. 

💥 You deserve privacy, respect, and protection wherever you go. 

💥 Your sport should empower you — not put you at risk. 

💥 It’s okay to ask for what you need and demand safety — always.

8. Take These Reminders With You

🟢 “My safety comes first — always.” 

🟢 “I don’t owe anyone access to my space, body, or time.” 

🟢 “I deserve to feel safe and respected when I travel for my sport.” 

🟢 “Speaking up for myself is strength — not weakness.”