Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Rahul Gandhi Says Women Belong Only to Themselves
Rahul Gandhi spoke to young people in Pune about women’s independence.
He said a woman belongs to herself, not to a male family member.
He criticized a passage he attributed to Manusmriti for saying women should be controlled by fathers, husbands or sons.
Gandhi called those words shameful.
He said women are one of India’s biggest strengths.
He encouraged women to believe in themselves and follow their own dreams.
He also said women can be professionals, athletes and active in many fields.
He told the audience that relationships such as daughter, wife or mother should not be a woman’s only identity.
Rahul Gandhi said women belong to themselves, not to fathers, husbands or sons.
He called Manusmriti’s prescription of male authority over women at every life stage shameful.
Gandhi described women as India’s biggest asset and cited 70 crore unique journeys and dreams.
He urged women to stand for themselves, believe in themselves and “break the cage.”
He said women’s identities should extend beyond being daughters, wives or mothers.
- Who
- Congress leader and Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi addressed young people and women.
- What
- He said women belong to themselves and criticized Manusmriti’s prescription of male authority over women.
- When
- Saturday, August 22.
- Where
- At a youth outreach programme called “Chhatron Ki Goonj” in Pune, held on a local college ground.
- Why
- He said women should stand for themselves, believe in themselves and be recognized beyond family relationships.
- Speaker
- Rahul Gandhi
- Event
- Congress youth outreach programme “Chhatron Ki Goonj”
- Location
- Pune, India
- Central message
- Women belong to themselves rather than to fathers, husbands or sons.
- Text criticized
- A Manusmriti prescription describing women as subject to male relatives throughout life.
- Women highlighted
- Gandhi cited 70 crore unique journeys, imaginations and dreams among India’s women.
- Call to action
- He urged women and young people to believe in themselves and “break the cage”.
