Voices of Change – Gen Z protests from the YDC lens
Across the world, the new generation is taking a stand. From Burkina Faso to Bangladesh, Peru to Morocco, young people are taking to the streets, campuses and online spaces to demand justice, accountability and a say in their future.
While these movements have captured headlines, the voices of the young activists driving them are often left unheard. Through this campaign, the Youth Democracy Cohort amplifies those voices by gathering first-hand testimonies from members engaged in protest movements across selected countries.
Each story sheds light on what compels young people to mobilise, make their voices heard, and the barriers they face in turning demands into democratic change.
Complemented by insights from the Global Youth Participation Index (GYPI), this campaign connects lived experiences to broader democratic trends. Contributors were invited to reflect on three guiding questions:
- What issues or concerns are driving young people to mobilise or protest in your country?
- How are young people organising and making their voices heard?
- What challenges or opportunities do you see for young people’s engagement shaping democracy in your context?
This campaign is a collective call to listen and to recognise the power of Gen Z in reshaping local democracy from the ground up.
