“Smash The Patriarchy”: Here’s Everything Rahul Gandhi Said At Chhatron Ki Goonj Event In Pune
“Smash the patriarchy. Be loud, be proud, fight for your space. Break the cage.”
Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi delivered a strong message on women’s rights and gender equality while addressing the women-centric edition of the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ campaign in Pune.
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Speaking to around 15,000 young women, Rahul Gandhi urged them to challenge the social structures that seek to control their choices, identities and freedom. He stressed that women do not belong to their fathers, brothers, husbands or sons, but belong to themselves.
“You belong to nobody except yourself,” Gandhi said, arguing that women can have relationships with men in their families without allowing those relationships to define their identity.
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A major focus of his speech was patriarchy and the idea of control. Rahul Gandhi said oppression is presented as concern, with restrictions being justified in the name of women’s safety and well-being.
He identified physical violence, disrespect, control over women’s time and psychological pressure as key ways through which women are kept within limits.
Rahul Gandhi also criticised what he described as the “Manusmriti mindset”, referring to traditional ideas that place women under male authority at different stages of their lives. He argued that women have an identity and agency of their own and should not be reduced to their relationship with men.
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Addressing the double standards faced by women, Gandhi questioned why behaviour considered acceptable when displayed by men can be treated as a “cultural shock” when women do the same.
He also highlighted economic inequality, pointing out how women’s claims to family wealth and property are often treated differently from those of men.
Rahul Gandhi argued that India cannot achieve its full potential while a large section of its women remains restricted by social and economic barriers. He described the ideas, dreams and voices of India’s women as one of the country’s greatest strengths.
The Pune speech stood out for placing patriarchy, women’s autonomy and social control at the centre of a political address, rather than limiting the conversation to conventional discussions around women’s welfare.
He also heard several concerns raised by young women on issues ranging from education and safety to social inequalities, and he engaged directly with participants.
Among those who took the stage was Nisha Sable, a B.Ed student from Junnar in Maharashtra, who used the opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by Adivasi students (Tribal) across the state.
Despite reportedly battling a high fever, Nisha spoke about the ongoing protest by tribal students in Manjari, Pune, and raised concerns over hostel conditions, safety issues, and the difficulties faced by tribal students in accessing education with dignity.
Rahul Gandhi also backed the students’ demands and assured them that their concerns would not be ignored. His response came after Nisha highlighted issues including the condition of tribal hostels, lack of basic facilities in Ashram schools and the difficulties faced by Adivasi students across Maharashtra.
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Responding to Nisha’s appeal about the ongoing hunger strike by tribal students in Manjari, Rahul Gandhi said,
“Call me there, I will come and sit with you.” He assured the students that he would stand with them and put pressure on the authorities to address their concerns.
