Sonia Gandhi at AICC session: Safety is a fundamental right of every woman

While speaking on the last day of the three-day AICC session named chintan shivir, on Sunday, Congress President Sonia Gandhi addressed the issue of women safety in India and said that Delhi gang-rape victim symbol of women who suffer from similar fates. “Her death will not go in vein” she assured.

Speaking about the Delhi gang-rape case, Sonia Gandhi said that it had shocked the nation and that safety is a fundamental right of every woman. Criticizing certain remarks made after the Delhi gang-rape, she said "we cannot tolerate the shameful social mindsets that lead to unspeakable atrocities on women and children. In the last few weeks, some public figures have come out with truly shocking statements reflective of these completely unacceptable attitudes."

Sonia Gandhi said the UPA government has drafted laws for women empowerment like providing them protection against sexual harassment at workplace and providing them better representation in panchayats. To ensure further development for women, she vouched for one third reservation for the fairer sex in the legislative bodies.

The Congress President also clearly told partymen that they should not indulge in nepotism and should show unity to face the challenge of elections which are 15 months away. "I am sure if we make the right efforts with unity, there is no doubt in my mind why we will not get the mandate again," she said.

Sonia Gandhi made a strong pitch for electoral reforms and political funding saying people are getting disillusioned with the political process and there is a need to address the issue with sensitivity. "We have to admit that people are getting disillusioned with the political process. We have to understand what the causes of this disillusionment are and we have to do away with this with sensitivity," Sonia Gandhi said striking an introspective note.