In recent months, a wave of unprecedented protests led by Generation Z has swept across various nations, marking a significant shift in the landscape of political dissent. From Nepal to Madagascar, these young activists are holding them accountable, calling for reform and, in some cases, the resignation of long-standing leaders. This year’s increases have triggered incendiary protests in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Kenya. Together, these victories signal the strength of a border-hopping grassroots movement.
As seen in September when Gen Z protests in Nepal forced the government’s resignation, the results of youth mobilization can be powerful. As these movements continue to build steam, youth activists are looking for inspiration from their peers across the globe. They’re ready to explore new approaches to make transformative change. Right now, in Morocco, the secretive Discord server “GenZ 212” is booming. It surged from 3,000 to more than 130,000 members within a matter of days. This platform has since turned into a digital hub for planning protests and promoting distribution of information among young Moroccans.
Yet the central government’s response to these protests has been severe and draconian. So far, reports count at least three deaths and hundreds of injuries as the government continues to use force against those who dare to protest. Over and over again, we hear young activists say that they feel short-changed by a system that has failed to take into account their needs and hopes.
The Call for Accountability and Change
These Gen Z protesters in nations from Indonesia to Colombia to the UK have rightfully come together under the main idea of accountability and reform. In Morocco, for example, protesters are demanding renewed focus on better healthcare, education and social justice. They list chronic underfunding and disproportionately high youth unemployment as the motivating factors pushing their protests to call for change.
In Madagascar, protests have recently broken out due to water shortages and three-month-long, daily rolling blackouts. Young Malagasi activists there are using the hashtag #TombolaResignation to more specifically call for the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. In response, the government cracked down by dissolving parliament. His incoming president, Andry Rajoelina, shared his own sentiments, stating, “I listened to the cry, I felt the pain.” His efforts to silence dissent have not stopped young people from taking to the streets and beating back the old guard.
As Bart Cammaerts, a scholar on youth movements, observes, “There is a kind of a catastrophic feeling around, with a kind of end days of liberal democracy felt in country after country.” This sentiment rings true across all youth, who feel that their needs are not being prioritized by today’s decision makers.
In countries such as Peru, same feelings have led to widespread protests after plans for pension reform. Demonstrations in Bangkok started on September 20 when thousands of young protesters took to the streets to oppose alleged government misconduct and civil oppression. This kind of widespread discontent is an indication of a promising new trend. Gen Z is not going to just put up with things as they are.
Cross-Border Solidarity Among Young Activists
Another notable feature of Gen Z-led protests has been the swift emergence of cross-border solidarity. Activists are increasingly sharing tactics and strategies through social media platforms and online forums. Subir Sinha notes that this interconnectedness allows young people to feel empowered by successes in other regions: “When they see that somewhere else has had a similar kind of situation, and people have had some degree of success … they might feel, let’s try this out over here.”
This exchange of experiences fosters a strong connection between these activists that crosses borders. As Sinha puts it, “It’s as if they’re holding each other’s hands across national borders.” Such solidarity is key to building support and maintaining momentum in their movements.
Bart Cammaerts sheds light on a fundamental concern. Second, he observes how these ruling elites’ priorities are often out of touch with the everyday realities that young people face. He states, “The priorities of ruling elites seem very far away from the everyday lives and fears and anxieties that Gen Z is facing.” This disconnect breeds deep resentment and pushes youth to radicalize in opposing ways to fight against injustices they see.
The Future of Protests Led by Gen Z
The current wave of protests suggests a transformative moment for political engagement among younger generations. From wave elections in civil society countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka that have seen dramatic political change recently thanks to Gen Z activism. Despite climate change worsening their conditions, in 2024, successful movements in Bangladesh forced Sheikh Hasina from power after over 15 years of her holding office. In much the same way, youth in Sri Lanka brought an end to the Rajapaksa family dynasty that had ruled the country for 20 years.
These results are evidence that activism by Gen Z can turn paint into real change in American politics. From the climate strike to Hong Kong, around the world young people are rewriting the rulebook on political engagement. They’re not just counting on traditional institutions, but are using social media and peer-to-peer networks to organize. Cammaerts explains that “You don’t need necessarily a big organization or mobilizing force.”
As these movements continue to develop, they can and should extend their impact outside of Gen Z. Sinha adds that when young activists broaden their message and garner wider support, “it becomes not just a Gen Z thing … it goes beyond that.” This is necessary if we are to build the deep, broad, large-scale movements that can take on even gravely entrenched power structures.
