Be loud, be proud, fight for your space, Rahul Gandhi tells Gen Z girls
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed Gen Z women in Pune, encouraging them to challenge patriarchal norms and fight for their societal space. He criticized the BJP leadership's stance on women's rights and safety, citing statistics on violence and discrimination.
Why it matters
The speech highlights the political mobilization of young women as a key demographic and the ongoing debate over gender equality and safety in India.
In his fourth ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ address, held in Pune on Saturday (August 22, 2026) and his first in Maharashtra, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged the Gen Z women to “smash” the patriarchy.
“Be loud, be proud and fight for your space in society,” he told the girl students at the AISSMS ground on Saturday (August 22, 2026) evening amid a rousing welcome. Speaking in Marathi, he said, “Pune mhanje prem [Pune means love],” drawing cheers from the youngsters.
His address, which lasted well over an hour, was interspersed with interactions with young women from different backgrounds who spoke of their concerns. He said the 70 crore women of India are more important than the 70 crore men of the country.
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