How to Travel Safely as a Solo Female Traveler in Bamenda, North-West, Cameroon

1. Bamenda Women's Centre

A safe space offering counseling, workshops and self-defense classes for women travellers.

Empowerment: Equips women with knowledge and skills to handle potential dangers
Community: Provides a supportive network for solo female travelers in Bamenda
Self-Defense: Offers practical training to enhance personal safety and confidence

Knowledgeable guide who can help navigate unfamiliar areas and cultural norms.

Cultural Understanding: Enhances awareness of local customs and safety protocols
Navigational Assistance: Aids in finding safe accommodations, restaurants, and attractions
Safety in Numbers: Travels with you, reducing the risk of being alone in unfamiliar areas

Transport services designed for the safety and comfort of female passengers.

Hotels or hostels that cater to female travellers for added security.

Security: Provides a safe and secure environment for female travelers
Privacy: Offers private rooms or dorms for women only
Supportive Staff: Staff trained to handle emergencies and provide assistance

Insurance coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations and theft.

Medical Coverage: Covers costs of medical treatment in case of an emergency
Trip Cancellation: Reimburses for non-refundable trip expenses if you have to cancel
Theft Coverage: Reimburses for stolen items during your travels

Workshops teaching practical self-defense techniques.

Physical Defense: Equips you with the skills to defend yourself in dangerous situations
Mental Preparedness: Raises awareness and confidence in potentially dangerous scenarios
Community: Connects you with other female travelers seeking similar skills

App that shares your location and emergency contacts in case of an incident.

Location Sharing: Enables others to quickly locate you during an emergency
Emergency Contacts: Allows easy access to trusted contacts in case of an emergency
SOS Alert System: Activates an SOS alert and shares your location with your contacts

Taxis operated by female drivers for the safety of women passengers.

Reduced Harassment: Minimizes potential harassment and unwanted attention
Safe Driver: Ensures the driver is a reputable, trustworthy female
Comfortable Environment: Provides a comfortable and secure travel experience

App that helps you find other female travelers to join forces with.

Safety in Numbers: Travels with other women, reducing feelings of isolation
Shared Experiences: Shares travel experiences and advice with like-minded female travelers
Trustworthy Connections: Ensures connections are verified and trustworthy

Workshops educating about local customs to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.

Cultural Understanding: Enhances awareness of local customs and safety protocols
Conflict Resolution: Teach conflict resolution strategies in case of misunderstandings
Building Trust: Fosters trust and understanding with locals, enhancing safety

Motorbike taxis operated by female drivers for the safety of women passengers.

Reduced Harassment: Minimizes potential harassment and unwanted attention
Safe Driver: Ensures the driver is a reputable, trustworthy female
Comfortable Environment: Provides a comfortable and secure travel experience

Portable safety device that can be used to attract attention during an emergency.

Hidden emergency cash stash for unexpected expenses or emergencies.

Unexpected Expenses: Covers costs of unexpected expenses during travel
Emergency Scenarios: Helps in case of emergencies, such as medical treatment or transportation
peace of mind: Provides a sense of security and peace of mind during travels

Markets designed for the safety and convenience of female shoppers.

Reduced Harassment: Minimizes potential harassment and unwanted attention
Women-only Stalls: Ensures stall owners are female, creating a safe and comfortable environment
Convenience: Offers a one-stop shopping experience for women's needs

Bands with emergency numbers programmed, allowing quick access during emergencies.