PUNE, August 22, 2026 : Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday asserted that women belong to themselves and not to their fathers, husbands or sons, while strongly criticizing the Manusmriti’s prescription regarding women’s dependence on male relatives.
Addressing the Congress youth outreach programme ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ in Pune, Gandhi said India’s greatest strength lies in the “70 crore unique journeys, unique imagination, unique dreams” of its women.
Referring to a traditional prescription attributed to the Manusmriti, Gandhi said it described women as being under the authority of their fathers during childhood, husbands during youth and sons after the death of their husbands.
“These words are a shame. These words should not have been spoken,” Gandhi said, arguing that women should have the freedom to define their own lives and identities.
‘You Belong to Yourself’
Emphasising women’s individual identity, Gandhi told the gathering that women may have relationships with their fathers, brothers, husbands and sons, but those relationships should not determine their fundamental identity.
“You belong to nobody, except yourself,” he said, stressing that women should believe in themselves and stand up for themselves.
Gandhi said he had come to Pune not to lecture young people or discuss politics, but to provide them with an opportunity to express their views, share their ideas and discuss their aspirations.
Call to ‘Break the Cage’
Urging the youth to challenge social limitations, Gandhi called on them to “break the cage” and recognise their individuality.
“You are unique, you are special, you are individual, and you have your own dream and vision,” he told the gathering.
He also described women as one of India’s greatest assets, saying they are often more sensitive, compassionate and forward-looking.
Gandhi argued that women are frequently confined to identities such as daughter, wife or mother. While acknowledging the importance of these relationships, he said they should not become the only means through which a woman’s identity is defined.
Women today are professionals, sportspersons and leaders across different fields, he said, but their identities are still often viewed through their relationships with men.
His remarks placed women’s independence, individuality and freedom to shape their own futures at the centre of his address to young people in Pune.
