Youth-led demonstrations are bringing social transformation

In recent years we are witnessing many youth-led social actions advocating and campaigning for the right to safe and secure future as well as protesting against the decisions of powerful and self-declared patrons or watchdogs of society. These youth-led social actions are not limited to any particular region or nation but we can observe the global wave of youth protests demanding action on the critical issues which can adversely affect our society. Striving to reduce the growing challenges to the environment which is keeping the future generation’s existence at stake, the youth are coming together to let their voice be heard and change the prevalent mindset. They are not afraid of questioning the inability or short-sightedness of policymakers to take meaningful action for the social cause.

Having a broader world view

Confronting and igniting the ignorant politicians, adding the layer of urgency to the polluted world of greed and irrational hasty decisions, the youth-led demonstrations are indicative of their broader world view about global affairs. In an effort to seek people’s attention, they are actively organising demonstrations demanding change and creating awareness about issues affecting the global community. Greta Thurnberg’s activism sparked a worldwide movement forcing the government and companies to adopt environment-friendly policies. Autumn Peltier, Leah Namugerwa, Riddhima Pandey, Xiye Bastida, Isra Hirsi are all actively involved in raising their voice to protect the environment. After framing and implementing the policies, the policymakers never thought that the reverse sweeps from youngsters can come in, and their never asking attitude can be challenged and smashed over.

Challenges aplenty

The challenges faced by youth demonstrators are compounded by difficulties as their act of raising voice is not always appreciated. However, they are not afraid of voicing their opinions for creating changes in the social environment. Be it Malala Yousafzai, an activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate or Liza Yaroshenko addressing the Parliament and asking to veto the reduced budget for fighting AIDS as presented by the President of Ukraine or Mari Copeny writing to the President of United States of America to bring his attention towards the public health crisis of Flint residents, for them age no longer matters and they are taking risks that would scare off most adults.

Millie Bobby Brown was named by UNICEF as its youngest ever Goodwill ambassador. Bearing the personal loss of her brother due to shooting, Edna Chavez mustered the courage to raise her voice against gun violence. Marley Dias launched the campaign to promote diversity and inclusion in society. Jamie Margolin, founder of Zero Hour youth-led movement is working to combat climate change. Desmond Napoles is breaking stereotypes as an LGBTQ activist. Storm Reid is working for the cause like girls’ education and bullying prevention. They all are well informed and seek empowerment as their future belongs to them. They demand to be considered when the decisions regarding their future are made. Their demand for being the active contributor rather than just being the representative face is justifiable as they will be the ones alive to face the consequences of the decisions made today.

The many roles

Their self-defined roles, engaging in actions towards the betterment of tomorrow amid existing confusion and adamant attitudes of adults indicate that there is a rise in confidence and belief in the potential of what one can achieve. With the help of social media, youth activists are empowered and instrumental in driving social change for social development. Their inquisitive minds working and showcasing innovative ideas added with their serious attempts are showing the world the power of each of these ideas. The strategic use of social media platforms and creative hashtags like #NeverAgain, #GoBluepetition, #zerohour, #1000BlackGirlBooks, #FridaysForFuture and many more are breaking the spiral of silence. Embarking on an ambitious mission, breaking the stereotypes and dealing with outdated issues indicates that they have the will power and determination to work passionately for the cause they firmly believe in.

Another tool which they are using is to support one another in initiating the change. All likeminded youths round the world are coming together and supporting each other to deal with global challenges. They are aware that if they build momentum for their cause then decision-makers have to bow to their demands at the same time they need to be careful not to become puppets in the hands of certain people, so-called adult activists who might use them to fulfil their set agendas. Their integrated way of approaching the issue and one voice is compelling the leaders in power to acknowledge, actively listen as well as act upon altering the decisions and making people-centred policies for a sustainable future.

Youth-led demonstrations

Youth-led demonstrations imply a total change which can be referred to the notion of transformation having an impact on the nature of dominance, power as well as social relations. Let us not undervalue their efforts and each one of us should locate the root cause of the crisis highlighted by them. The people those who criticise them should overcome their shallow thinking and should be ready to value the importance of youth opinion rather than labelling them as rebels or irrational. No doubt their acceptability is difficult nevertheless their efforts clearly show that they will not remain silent and are determined to be actively involved in social transformation making their way to the history books. It is true that if youth lacks in raising their voice then they have to suffer the deadly effects as policymakers will not be able to realise the blunders committed by them today is paving the path for the destruction of society and adversely affecting our future generation. Youth perspective is critical in shaping the future of society as quoted by Nelson Mandela, “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow”.

As individuals and societies dealing the social or environmental issues we all can play our responsible part. Any social progress is gradual and ambitions should remain in line with sustainability goals. It is the high time for the choices to be made about the way we live and govern ourselves. Rather than silencing the voices the need of the hour is the transition in our material realities and deeply embedded individual behaviours. Breaking the conspicuous silence and working towards resolving the problem there is the need for calibrated restoration of mutual understanding and communication to make this planet better for the future global citizens.

About the Author

Dr Ruchi Sharma is the Director of School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Jagran Lakecity University - JLU. She is a PhD holder in Sociology.