Rahul Gandhi slams Modi over 'cultural shock' remark on girls
What's the story
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his recent comments on girls using abusive language during a protest. The incident occurred at Jantar Mantar, where both boys and girls were involved in an agitation over paper leaks. PM Modi had expressed "cultural shock" at the use of abusive language by girls, saying his mother and he were targeted with "disgusting expletives."
Gender bias
'If boys abuse...it's allowed; cultural shock if girl abuses'
During his "Chhatron Ki Goonj" outreach program, Gandhi questioned the mindset where boys are given more freedom than girls.
He said, "If boys abuse, there is no problem, and it is allowed, but if a girl abuses, it is a cultural shock."
Gandhi also criticized the "Manusmriti mindset," quoting a verse from the ancient text that says a woman must obey her father during childhood, belongs to her husband in youth and, after his death, belongs to her sons.
Women's rights
Women belong to themselves, not men: Gandhi
Gandhi said women belong to themselves and not their fathers, husbands, or sons. He urged women to stand up for themselves, calling them India's biggest strength.
"India's biggest strength is the 70 crore unique journeys, unique imagination, unique dreams" of its women, he said.
He asked girl students to "smash the patriarchy," adding that violence is used in society to prevent women's progress.
Violence statistics
Violence against women
Gandhi highlighted three forms of violence against women: "Physical violence, denial of opportunities, and economic violence."
He cited alarming statistics such as 4.5 lakh female foeticides annually, 80% of women face harassment, 29% endure physical violence, and 6% face rape.
He also mentioned that 99% of sexual violence incidents go unreported due to social stigma.
Further, he claimed 84% of women require family permission for employment opportunities.