Rahul Gandhi Calls on Youth to Protest Over Women’s Safety, Says Government Must Act Under Pressure

New Delhi-  Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has urged young people, particularly women, to participate in peaceful protests demanding stronger action against crimes targeting women.

In a video message shared on X, Gandhi criticised what he described as a tendency to place restrictions on women instead of holding perpetrators accountable. He argued that ensuring women’s safety requires safer public spaces, changes in attitudes towards women and swift action against those accused of crimes.

Gandhi said thousands of students and young people are already taking part in demonstrations over women’s safety and appealed to more young women, including members of Gen Z, to join the protests.

He said peaceful demonstrations are a democratic right and expressed his support for those participating in them.

According to Gandhi, governments respond more effectively when public pressure builds around an issue. He called on young people to continue raising their concerns through peaceful democratic action.

In his video message, Gandhi argued that women should not face restrictions because of crimes committed against them.

He said the focus should instead be on identifying and punishing perpetrators and addressing attitudes among people who harass or assault women.

Gandhi criticised suggestions that women should avoid parks or restrict their movements at night as a response to incidents of sexual violence. Referring to the reported rape of a minor near Aastha Kunj Park in South Delhi, he questioned why restrictions on women should be considered a solution to such crimes.

He said women should be able to move freely in public spaces without having to alter their lives because of the threat posed by offenders.

The Congress leader said the response to crimes against women should focus on accountability, prevention and changing social attitudes that enable harassment and violence.

He also referred to reports of sexual violence from different parts of the country, arguing that restricting women’s mobility or lifestyle does not address the underlying problem.

Gandhi called for stronger action against offenders and urged society to challenge attitudes that normalise harassment or place responsibility on victims.

He concluded his message by reiterating his support for people protesting against crimes against women and called such violence unacceptable.