Women deserve to feel safe wherever they live, work and travel
03 August 2026 – As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, Fidelity Services Group is encouraging women to make personal safety a daily priority. While communities, businesses and law enforcement all have an important role to play in creating safer environments, awareness, preparation and confidence remain some of the most effective ways to reduce personal risk.
According to Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services Group, personal safety is not about living in fear, but about developing practical habits that help women stay one step ahead of criminals.
“Women’s Month is a celebration of the strength, resilience and achievements of women across South Africa. It is also an opportunity to remind women that they deserve to feel safe every day of the year. Simple, proactive habits can make a significant difference in reducing vulnerability and helping women respond confidently should they find themselves in an unsafe situation.”
Criminals often target people who appear distracted or unaware of their surroundings. Staying alert, trusting your instincts and planning ahead can help reduce opportunities for crime and improve your personal safety.
Practical personal safety tips
- Stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions such as looking at your phone while walking. Pay attention to the people and vehicles around you
- Share your plans. Let a trusted friend or family member know where you are going and when you expect to arrive, particularly if travelling alone
- Park smart. Choose well-lit parking areas close to entrances where possible. Before getting into your vehicle, check your surroundings and lock your doors immediately after entering
- Trust your instincts. If a person or situation makes you feel uncomfortable, leave the area as quickly as possible. It is always better to act on your instincts
- Keep emergency contacts close at hand. Save important emergency numbers on your phone and familiarise yourself with how to activate your panic button or emergency response app
- Use ATMs safely. Choose busy, well-lit ATMs, remain aware of your surroundings and never allow strangers to assist with your transaction
- Exercise safely. Walk or run with a partner where possible, vary your routes and avoid wearing headphones that reduce your awareness of your surroundings
- Secure your home. Ensure gates, doors and windows are locked, particularly at night. Test your alarm system regularly and keep exterior lighting in good working order
- Consider a mobile panic solution. A mobile panic button provides fast, discreet access to emergency assistance wherever you are, whether you’re walking to your car, exercising outdoors, travelling alone or facing a medical emergency. Fidelity SecureMe Plus has been designed to provide personal protection beyond the home, giving users immediate access to assistance when it matters most.
Hattingh says personal safety is most effective when it combines awareness, preparation and community support.
“Personal safety isn’t about changing the way you live your life—it’s about making informed decisions that reduce unnecessary risk. By remaining vigilant, trusting your instincts and looking out for one another, we can all play a role in building safer communities.”
Fidelity Services Group also encourages communities to report suspicious activity as soon as possible. Early reporting, combined with a rapid response, remains one of the most effective ways to help prevent crime and protect lives.
This Women’s Month, Fidelity Services Group encourages every woman to prioritise her safety, trust her instincts and remember that awareness, preparation and confidence are among the strongest forms of personal protection.
About Fidelity Services Group
Fidelity Services Group is Southern Africa’s largest integrated security solutions provider and the industry leader in protection innovation. By keeping abreast of the latest trends and technological developments globally, and continuously evolving and innovating, the Group remains a front-runner in the security solutions market.
For more information, visit https://fidelity-services.com/
