This is advice to anyone hiking alone, not just women. You should have someone that you check in with before you go and give them an expected return time – and a call when you do return – so that they know when you’re overdue, and where you went, the route you expected to take, what you were wearing, etc. This is so that searchers – if necessary – can have an idea of where to look and what to look for. In addition to that, how well do you know your hiking area? If you know it intimately, including alternate routes in case one is blocked or dangerous for some reason, then you can probably do without a map or chart, but otherwise a printed map or chart (on a weatherproof material or sealed inside a weatherproof bag) may be advisable. Finally, it helps to have something to use as a lever (or weapon), if that should be necessary: a strong walking stick, for example. That could be used to fend off or disable predators of all kinds, or at least even your odds a bit. A pistol wouldn’t be a bad idea, either, if you are skilled at managing it and can hit what you aim at – and if you’ll handle it safely while carrying and at all times.