# India stunted without women’s freedom to speak: Rahul Gandhi

2026-08-07T22:58:41+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Rahul Gandhi said on Friday that India will remain 'stunted' if women are not free to express themselves. In an Instagram video extending his response from an 'Ask Me Anything' session, the Leader of Opposition argued that women's empowerment must go beyond politics and business to include freedom at home and in public without fear of patriarchy. Gandhi described women's energy as 'trapped' and called for greater efforts to ensure women can question, participate, and imagine equally. His remarks follow a question about young women fighting for education rights, where he said India's women are the country's 'biggest asset' and deserve more than equal space in every sphere.

## Coverage

- newindianexpress.com <https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/Aug/07/india-will-remain-stunted-unless-women-are-free-to-speak-rahul-gandhi>
- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/india/india-is-stunted-without-womens-voices-says-rahul-gandhi-in-ask-me-anything-follow-up-article-155383825>

Tags: Congress, gender equality, India, Rahul Gandhi, women empowerment
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