Rahul Gandhi: If you empower women, they can do anything

Rahul Gandhi: Every woman is an asset for India, we need to create opportunities for them
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi interacted with representatives of women from various sections organised by All-India Mahila Congress in Bhopal on Monday as a part of preparation of party's manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections. A number of prominent women and representatives of self-help groups have also been invited to attend the meeting.
In his opening remarks, Rahul Gandhi said “There is a lot of talent here. I have come here to listen to you speak.. When I was young, the boss of our household was my grandmother. So I firmly believe women and men are equal and there should be equality”.
Striking a chord with the audience, the Congress leader said, “Women don't need anyone's protection; they need to be given their right and a place”. He then narrated a personal experience; “Once, I saw someone in Amethi beating up a woman... I stopped him asked him why? He said she hadn't cooked for him. That man had no concept of equality”
“All you must have felt that you're being pulled back at some point of time. We must remove that feeling in India” added Rahul Gandhi and added, “Violence can be physical and mental. Violence comes from an attitude that women are inferior. Yes, we have to fight violence but we must also change attitudes”
“I have learnt a lot from my grandmother and mother, but I have also learnt a lot from women in my constituency Amethi. One thing I have learnt is if you empower women, they can do anything” further said the Congress leader. “Every woman is an asset for India. We need to create opportunities for them” and informed “We will put reasonable suggestions, policy suggestions in the manifesto. And the next government will work towards implementing the manifesto”.
"We talk a lot about becoming a superpower in the world but till the women of our country do not feel comfortable and secured, our country cannot become a superpower. And to tell you the truth, we don't want such a superpower status, where women are not empowered," said the young Congress leader and said further, “"I know one thing, that if you have empowered the women, then you won't be able to stop them. Women can do anything they want. And every single woman is an asset of the country."
“There is a big battle ahead; we must for women empowerment; one important battle we have to win is the women reservation bill in Parliament.. We're not going to let go of it” said Rahul Gandhi.
“We will try to include all the important suggestions made by you. We need to empower the women, in her house and in the country. Every single Indian woman must feel that the road ahead her is open and she can go forward”, said Rahul Gandhi while concluding the interaction.
Around 250 women from various sections of the society across the country attended the meeting to interact with Rahul Gandhi.