Fear is part of it, but there's other issues, as well.
For the average woman, the "courting" process has, for the most part of several millennia, been a passive act. All a woman has to be is presentable (if that, considering some of the no-standard, thirsty ass nikkas out here), and chances are a guy will take a chance and strike up a convo.
So why would the average woman, who gets hit on maybe once or twice a day, even try to make the first move when she doesn't have to?
Also, women can't take rejection well. There's the guy who will lose his shyt if he gets shot down, but the everyday guy will be like "no problem, have a nice day.

" and move on; with various degrees of feeling

on the inside.
Reject a woman that put herself out there, even politely, and more often than not, they hurl all kinds of insults and "faq this" "fukk you that."
And the last two points that can kinda tie in with the last one is that:
1) Making the first move puts the onus onto yourself, and
2) Women have absolutely no game.
Making the first move means if things don't go the way you want, it means that you weren't able to pique the dude's interest (if he is in a relationship, has no time to date, etc.; it doesn't apply here... Which can imply that you weren't good enough... Which means you have to change to become better.
And also, have you
heard some of the lines women use to start a conversation?
Only one I've ever heard is "I know you from somewhere..."
And them same girls on dating apps with the "And DON'T message me with just 'Hi.' be more creative!

" line...
What the first thing they say if they decide to leakage first?