What Are the 3 Types of Violence Against Women Rahul Gandhi Spoke About in Pune?

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi spoke about women's safety and equality during the women-only edition of his student outreach programme in Pune on Saturday. Addressing young women, Gandhi described what he called three forms of violence against women and urged them to 'break the cage'.

Gandhi said violence against women extends beyond physical attacks and includes financial burdens and opportunities lost because of safety concerns.

What Are The Three Types Of Violence Against Women?

According to Rahul Gandhi, the three forms of violence are direct violence, financial violence and violence caused by lost opportunities. ‘Women Must Not Be Confined to Identities of Daughter, Wife or Mother’: Rahul Gandhi Cites Manusmriti, Urges Youth To ‘Break the Cage’ (Video).

1. Direct Violence

The first form identified by Gandhi was direct violence against women. He referred to issues including female foeticide, harassment, physical violence and s*xual violence.

Gandhi claimed that around 4.5 lakh girls are killed every year even before birth and cited figures suggesting that a significant number of women face harassment in public spaces, educational institutions and other settings.

He also said around 29-30 per cent of women face physical violence while six in every 100 women face s*xual violence. Rahul Gandhi Highlights Women’s Empowerment at 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' Event in Pune, Says ‘You Don’t Belong to Anyone Else, but Yourself’ (Videos).

2. Financial Violence

Gandhi described the financial burden created by women's concerns over their safety as the second form of violence.

According to him, women spend additional money on safety because of the risks they face while travelling or moving around in public spaces.

Gandhi claimed that an average Indian woman spends an additional INR 17,500 every year on safety measures.

The point, he argued, is that safety concerns can have a direct financial impact on women and their families.

3. Violence Through Lost Opportunities

The third form of violence highlighted by Gandhi was the loss of opportunities.

Gandhi argued that fear of harassment and violence can force women to give up education, employment and other opportunities. He claimed that around 50 per cent of women give up education or employment because of safety concerns and the threat of violence.

According to his argument, this represents another form of violence because women are prevented from pursuing their ambitions and achieving their full potential.

Rahul Gandhi On 3 Types Of Violence Against Women

Rahul Gandhi Urges Women To 'Break The Cage'

During his interaction with the audience, Gandhi also said women should not be confined to identities defined by their relationships with men.

'Women must not be confined to identities of daughter, wife, or mother,' he said.

Gandhi also cited a passage from the Manusmriti that describes women as being under the authority of their fathers, husbands and sons. He called the passage 'shameful' and argued that women should have the freedom to define their own identities.

'You are unique, you are special, you are an individual, and you have your own dream and vision,' Gandhi told the young women.

He urged them to 'break the cage' and pursue their individual aspirations.

What Did Rahul Gandhi Say About Women And Manusmriti?

Gandhi cited a passage from the Manusmriti while discussing restrictions historically placed on women. He said the text's prescription that women should remain under the authority of their fathers, husbands and sons reflected a mindset that should not continue.

The Congress leader said his purpose at the event was not to lecture the youth or discuss politics but to listen to them.

His remarks in Pune focused on women's safety, independence and the social and economic barriers that can affect their ability to pursue education, employment and personal ambitions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 22, 2026 11:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).