Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Monday interacted with Mahila Congress delegates from across the country in Bhopal and discussed ways to ensure greater empowerment of women.
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.
Mahila Samvad is being organised by All-India Mahila Congress president Shobha Ojha.
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Over 250 women delegates from around the country were invited to present their views on women empowerment before Rahul Gandhi.
The Mahila Congress is also expected to push for the early passage of the Women's Reservation Bill that provides for 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament and state assemblies.