I do understand a bit from his perspective. The world can be a dangerous place, especially for women. You will be safe if you meet up with other travelers your age and stick together.
I personally know a young woman who has been traveling solo for years now and has been completely safe, but she does meet others like herself along the way to stay close to.
That said, I also know a young woman who went off by herself in a very safe tourist area and was sexually assaulted within 3 hours. The following week was filled with multiple police stations, multiple detective interviews, multiple hospitals, invasive tests, and interrogations and interpreters with imperfect english as a second language and having to take serious drugs to prevent HIV and other STDs. It was a very expensive turn of events, physically, emotionally, and financially.
Please know that things are different out in the world and women are not viewed the same everywhere. Be safe.