Rahul Gandhi Advocates for Women's Safety and Rights

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for a significant change in the societal approach towards women's safety, urging the youth to protest against harassment and violence. He criticized the government's tendency to blame victims and suggested that the focus should be on ensuring safe public spaces for women. Gandhi emphasized the need for swift punishment for offenders and encouraged young women, particularly from Gen Z, to join the movement for change. His remarks come in light of recent incidents of violence against women, highlighting the urgent need for a shift in societal attitudes and government response.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 29, 2026, 13:06 IST

Call for Change in Attitude Towards Women's Safety

File image of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. (Photo:X)

New Delhi, Sep 29: On Tuesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi emphasized the need for a significant change in the societal framework that "blames victims while protecting offenders." He encouraged the youth to rise against the issues of women's harassment and sexual violence, asserting that the government only reacts when compelled by public pressure.

"We must stop penalizing women for the crimes inflicted upon them. Women across India live in fear of harassment and assault. The government's response is to advise them to stay indoors. This reflects a patriarchal mindset that needs to be dismantled," he stated in a social media update.

He highlighted that the answer lies not in confining women but in ensuring their safety in public spaces, addressing the attitudes of men who perpetrate violence, and ensuring swift punishment for offenders.

"Numerous students and young individuals are already protesting for women's safety. I urge more young women, particularly from Gen Z, to join these efforts. This government is unresponsive to your struggles and will only take notice when faced with pressure," the opposition leader in the Lok Sabha remarked.

"Your right to peaceful protest is fundamental, and I fully support you," he added.

In a video accompanying his post, he reiterated the message, "Stop harassing women!"

Referencing a recent incident involving the assault of a 16-year-old girl in a South Delhi park, he questioned the logic behind restricting women's access to public spaces at night as a solution.

"This is utterly irrational. We must reject the notion that women should be punished for the actions of criminals," he asserted.

He pointed out the alarming frequency of such incidents, noting that reports of assaults on women are prevalent in various states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab.

"The response to these crimes should not be to restrict women's freedoms but to hold the perpetrators accountable. We need to shift the mindset of those who commit these acts. I stand in solidarity with anyone protesting against these injustices; this behavior is intolerable," concluded the Congress leader.