Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Monday interacted with Mahila Congress delegates from across the country here on Monday and discussed ways to ensure greater empowerment of women.
Batting for early passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, Rahul Gandhi vowed to work for larger representation to them in Parliament, Government and Congress and noted that the party and the country cannot ignore the views of half of the population.
Interacting with women from across the country as part of the Congress’ exercise of seeking direct inputs from stakeholders for its 2014 lok Sabha election manifesto, Gandhi said he wanted maximum women in leadership positions.
“Women Reservation Bill is in Parliament. I assure that we will not let it go. We have to do this 33 percent reservation women in Parliament and Assemblies. Political parties also have a responsibility.
He said that there is a need to be aggressive and get going to ensure that women are empowered. Quoting example of former Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi, Rahul said, “When I was a child, the boss in my house was my Dadi (Indira Gandhi), despite the presence of my father and my uncle.”
“I had a clear thought that there is equality in the status of men and women. A woman does not require protection from anybody. Women only require their rights and stature which they deserve. If they are given these things, then they can protect themselves,” said Rahul.
“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,” he added.
“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,” he said.
“We want to take your views in manifesto. The idea behind the process is to include your voice in the manifesto of Congress party. Earlier five people used to make manifesto. In other parties also five-seven people used to finalize what will be in the manifesto. We want to put your views in that.
“Not only women, we also met youths, members from SC/ST, minority. We will also ask about it from farmers. We will seek the views of every section about what they want in the manifesto and all reasonable suggestions related to policy will be incorporated,” Gandhi said.