New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has backed ongoing protests demanding greater safety for women and urged young women, particularly those from Gen
Z, to participate in larger numbers. His remarks came amid demonstrations by students and young people over women’s safety in different parts of the country.
In a post on X on Tuesday, Gandhi criticised what he described as a system that restricts women instead of addressing crimes committed against them. He said women should not be expected to stay indoors because of fears of harassment, sexual violence or other crimes.
“Stop punishing women for the crimes committed against them,” Gandhi said. He argued that the responsibility for ensuring women’s safety should lie with authorities and society rather than with women facing restrictions on their movement.
Rahul Gandhi targets ‘patriarchy’ over women’s safety
Gandhi described restrictions on women’s movement as patriarchy, alleging that such an approach shifts the burden onto victims instead of confronting those accused of committing crimes.
“The solution is not to lock women inside. It is to make our streets safe, to confront the mindset of men who mistreat women, and to punish those who attack them, swiftly and without exception,” he said.
He also called for a change in attitudes towards crimes against women and said the mindset that enables harassment and violence needs to be challenged. His remarks came as student protests have focused on issues such as safer public spaces, better lighting and security measures.
‘Government will only listen under pressure’, says Gandhi
Gandhi said thousands of students and young people had taken to the streets and urged more young women to join the demonstrations.
“I urge even more young women, especially Gen Z across India, to come out in stronger numbers,” he said.
He also alleged that the government would respond only when faced with sustained public pressure. Gandhi described peaceful demonstrations as a democratic right and said he supported those participating in the protests.
The latest protests have been linked to concerns over women’s safety following incidents including the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park in south Delhi. Delhi University students have held demonstrations demanding better safety measures around campuses and nearby areas.
