Rahul Gandhi calls for women’s freedom, equality and empowerment at ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ program in Pune
Image Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS
Dated 22nd August 2026
News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid
Chief Political Editor
PUNE | Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi interacted with young women at the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ Women Special Maha Rally in Pune, Maharashtra, and spoke about women’s dreams, education, freedom, safety, equality and empowerment.
Speaking during the programme, Rahul Gandhi said the main idea of the evening was “Break the Cage”, and urged young women to believe in their individuality and pursue their own dreams.
“Every single one of you is unique in this universe. You are unique, you are special, you are an individual. And you have your own dream, your own vision for your life,” Rahul Gandhi said.
VIDEO | Highlights | Chhatron ki Goonj program in Pune | LoP Rahul Gandhi addressing the gathering | Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS.
He said women should be able to make their own choices and live their lives independently. Referring to the Manusmriti, he said it states that a woman must never be independent, but he believes women should be independent.
“You may have a relationship with your father, brother, husband or son, but you do not belong to them. You belong to yourself,” he said.
Rahul Gandhi also spoke about what he described as different forms of violence and restrictions faced by women. He said violence against women is not limited to physical violence but also includes restrictions on education, employment, mobility and financial independence.
Images Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS
According to the figures presented during the programme, around 4.5 lakh female foetuses are killed annually, 80 per cent of women face harassment, 29 per cent face physical violence and six per cent face rape.
He also referred to what he called “opportunity violence”, saying that 50 per cent of women face rejection from education or employment in the name of security. He said women also face “financial violence”, including an additional annual expense of around Rs.17,500 in the name of safe travel.
VIDEO | Highlights | Chhatron ki Goonj program in Pune | LoP Rahul Gandhi addressing the gathering | Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS.
Rahul Gandhi said society uses different methods to control women, including violence, disrespect, restrictions on time and direct control.
“Oppression is disguised as concern. We are very concerned about you. That is why we need to control you,” he said.
He highlighted restrictions on women’s mobility, choice and finances. According to the figures presented by him, 60 per cent of women cannot go out alone from home, 45 per cent drop out because of marriage or family responsibilities, and only eight per cent of women have land ownership rights.
He further said disrespect towards women takes many forms. He claimed that 99 per cent of sexual violence cases are not reported because of social shame, while 84 per cent of women have to take permission from their families to go to work.
Image Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS
Rahul Gandhi said women are one of the biggest strengths of India and highlighted the contribution and potential of around 70 crore women in the country.
He said women are, by nature, more sensitive, gentle, compassionate and forward-looking than men.
He called upon young women to be confident and fight for their space, saying, “Smash the patriarchy. Be loud, be proud, fight for your space.”
He said the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme would help bring change and enable girls to fulfil their dreams without restrictions.
VIDEO | Highlights | Neha Singh Rathore interacting with Rahul Gandhi during the ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ program | Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS.
During the programme, singer and social commentator Neha Singh Rathore also spoke about the difficulties faced by women in creating their own identity and raising their voice on social issues.
She told Rahul Gandhi that she questions the government on issues that it does not like and, in return, faces abuses and FIRs.
“In a democracy, if we cannot question our Prime Minister, then what kind of freedom is this and what kind of democracy is it?” she asked.
She also said that it is extremely difficult for women to create their own identity in society and speak openly on social issues. According to her, when a woman raises her voice, instead of answering her questions, she is often given a “character certificate”.
Image Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS
“The programme ended with a strong message of freedom, equality and self-confidence for young women. Rahul Gandhi urged women to break social barriers, make their own choices and pursue their dreams without fear or restrictions. The interaction also highlighted the need for greater safety, equal opportunities, financial independence and the freedom for women to speak openly and participate equally in society.”
~ News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid.
