Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Rahul Gandhi Says Violence Hinders Women’s Progress, Cites Harassment
Rahul Gandhi spoke about problems that make it harder for women to study, work and live freely.
He said violence against women can be physical, economic or connected to lost opportunities.
He claimed that many women face harassment and that most sexual violence is not reported because people fear social stigma.
He also said some women are stopped from studying or working because of concerns about safety.
According to Gandhi, women often need family permission to work or leave home.
He said women do much more housework than boys in the same families.
He also claimed that women earn less and own less property than men.
Gandhi encouraged women to believe in themselves and speak up for their rights.
Rahul Gandhi said violence is used to prevent women from progressing in society.
He identified physical violence, denial of opportunities and economic violence as three forms of harm.
Gandhi claimed 80 per cent of women face harassment, while 29 per cent endure physical violence.
He said safety concerns and family restrictions limit women’s education, employment, travel and independence.
Gandhi urged women to stand up for themselves and described them as the country’s biggest asset.
- Who
- Rahul Gandhi, senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
- What
- He discussed violence, harassment, discrimination and restrictions affecting women’s progress.
- When
- Saturday, August 22.
- Where
- Pune, at the youth outreach programme ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’.
- Why
- Gandhi said violence and social restrictions are used to prevent women from progressing.
- Speaker
- Rahul Gandhi
- Programme
- ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ youth outreach programme
- Reported harassment claim
- Gandhi said 80 per cent of women encounter harassment.
- Physical violence claim
- Gandhi said 29 per cent of women endure physical violence.
- Education and employment
- Gandhi claimed 50 per cent of women are denied opportunities for education or employment in the name of safety.
- Household work
- He said women aged 15 to 29 work 5.5 hours at home, compared with 30 minutes for boys in the same household.
- Pay gap claim
- Gandhi said women earn 25 per cent less than men.