Imagine you are a young creator hustling to make a living on social media and are uploading content on platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to make an income. Then one morning, you wake up to see your government has banned 26 social media platforms with no real warning, just “new rules” from the Minister of Communication and Information Technology as an attempt to silence voices that question authority and power. Unfortunately, this is not a hypothetical scenario, but a real-life situation for Nepalese citizens.
Nepal has been facing economic and political instability that results in high youth unemployment, widespread poverty, and citizens relying on funds supplied by other countries. As for their government, many officials have resigned and failed to hold a full 5-year term. As a result, the citizens’ deep anger and resentment towards their government not only comes from the government’s corruption, but from the display of wealth shown while ordinary lives continue to suffer.
Peaceful protests began on September 8 in Nepal’s major cities, including Kathmandu and the parliament districts. What began as a chanting and marching protest quickly became violent when officers used tear gas and water cannons, leaving 19 protesters dead on the first day of the protests. Despite this, the protests have not lessened and have instead increased.
Generation Z has been labeled as the rebellious generation for years now, but watching Nepali youth activists protest, one has to think, are they really rebels? Or fighting for political change that official leaders refuse to carry through.
The young adults are advocating for change by proposing the resignation of the government, restoration of social media platforms, and new economic opportunities in employment.
It is not an easy fight for them to receive their government’s attention. Organizing on platforms like Discord, coordinating groups to target and criticize politician families and tagging them on social media under #NepoKids are all efforts of calling them out for their inherited privilege. This bold move drew global attention to what was happening.
This movement not only shows the extensive work the citizens put into making a point, but the desperation the youth have in Nepal. Setting buildings on fire and writing hateful posts towards government officials can ruin these kids’ futures, yet they chose their freedom of speech and personal testimonies, all to show the world how their so-called federal democratic republic government is treating them.
The courage and fierce protest made it clear that this generation in Nepal is sick and tired, and the fight is not over. The resignation of Prime Minister Sharma Oli quickly occurred after the uprising. Dramatic changes may not occur overnight, but the people are determined and taking steps towards a brighter future.
Seeing such civic engagement and youth empowerment is incredible and inspirational for our generation. It’s a reminder that our perseverance can be seen and make real change in outdated systems. We often face political, social, and economic problems that are seen as “adult problems” and that we are too “young” to make a difference, but that is simply not accurate. Our voices have the ability to reform, bring equality, and justice.
