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Gen Z Protest in Nepal

Posted 04 Oct 2025

Updated 08 Oct 2025

4 min read

Article Summary

Article Summary

Nepal's Gen Z youth protest against social media bans, corruption, and extreme responses, showcase decentralized, tech-driven activism inspired by global movements, demanding meaningful youth participation and reform.

Why in the News?

Sushila Karki was appointed as interim Prime Minister of Nepal until 2026 elections after the fall of the government due to "Gen Z protest" in Nepal.

Reasons for Gen Z protests in Nepal

  • Nationwide Ban on Social Media Platforms: Government suspension of 26 major social media platforms (WhatsApp, Instagram etc.) was widely seen as an attempt to curb freedom of expression and violate citizens' fundamental rights.
  • Corruption and Lack of Accountability: Entrenched corruption, high-profile scams, and lack of progress on legal reforms led to public mistrust.
    • Viral social media posts highlighted gap between struggling ordinary youth and luxurious lifestyles of children of political leaders.
  • Other reasons: Extreme State Response; Youth Bulge as Nepal's 21% population is between (15–24 years), Inspirations from Global Youth Movements such as Bangladesh, history of Political protests such as Jana Andolan in 1990 and 2006 etc. 

The Gen Z protests highlighted the changing nature of protests and role played by young population.

Unique Characteristics of Youth protests 

  • Decentralized & Leaderless: "Be Water" strategy flexibility and adaptability without fixed leaders.
    • E.g., Hong Kong protests (2019) where absence of central leadership made it hard for authorities to dismantle the movement.
  • Technology & Digital means: Use of encrypted apps (Telegram, Signal), VPNs, and online anonymity tools to bypass surveillance.
    • E.g., Myanmar youth activists using VPNs after military banned social media during 2021 coup.
  • Social Media Mobilization: Creating cross-national solidarity through viral hashtags, memes, and influencers to amplify causes.
    • E.g., MilkTeaAlliance (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and Myanmar.) ArabSpring (Tunisia, Egypt, 2011). 
  • Hybrid Tactics: E.g., in Hong Kong protesters used online forums for planning and offline "Lennon Walls" for physical expression.
  • Youth-Centric & Student Driven: Gen Z sees themselves as change agents, more willing to confront authority compared to older generations. 
    • E.g., Thai student-led protests for monarchy reform (2020).
  • Intersectional Issues: E.g., FridaysForFuture for climate change, Iranian Gen Z women leading "Women, Life, and Freedom" protests (2022) etc.
  • Unconventional & Symbolic Protest Styles: Cultural Hybridization (use of international songs, art), Silent protests, blank placards, flash mobs, viral dance challenges etc. 
    • E.g., Blank paper protests in China for freedom of speech (2022). 
  • Short-Lived but High-Impact Waves: E.g., sudden flare-ups in Sri Lanka's "Aragalaya" movement (2022) for short duration.

Role of youth in civilian protests

  • Decolonization Movements: E.g., Youth wings of Congress with led peaceful movement and revolutionary groups (Anushilan Samiti, Yugantar) conducted armed resistance in India.
  • Civil rights activism: E.g., US Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War protests led by students where they highlighted youth opposition to authoritarianism, war, and social inequality.
  • Democratic Rights: E.g., Student protests in Belarus (2020) against electoral fraud and authoritarian crackdown.
  • Good governance and transparency: E.g., India against Corruption movement (2011) against systemic corruption led to formation of Lokpal in India.

Way forward

  • Youth-Centred Economic Policy:  E.g. support entrepreneurship, vocational training, and skill development.
    • E.g. in, Medellín (Colombia) library parks, Ruta N (innovation hub) turned youth away from crime to catalyst of growth. 
  • Actively engage youth in policy making: Meaningful participation can channel young aspirations constructively, preventing alienation and ensuring social cohesion and stability.
  • Broadening Urban Resilience: E.g., Cape Town's Resilience Strategy, by integrating youth unemployment and social vulnerability into its resilience agenda, through community safety programmes, and civic participation platforms in poorer neighborhoods.
  • Responsive Governance: Leveraging Digital Platforms effectively by using social media for dialogue, grievance redressal and policy outreach while countering misinformation and enabling civic engagement.
  • Soft Power & Community Engagement: Promote civic education, volunteerism, cultural programmes to foster belonging by engaging youth in climate action, SDGs, local problem-solving.

Conclusion

"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest"- (Elie Wiesel). Gen Z protests symbolize similar civic activism challenging authority, amplifying marginalized voices, and reshaping democratic participation.

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