What do GenZ protests across the globe have in common? | DW News

Key Concepts

• Youth dissatisfaction
• Job scarcity
• Government corruption
• Protests and political change
• Economic inequality
• Brain drain
• Remittances
• Bureaucratic red tape

Youth Unrest in Kenya, Bangladesh, and Nepal

Young people in Kenya, Bangladesh, and Nepal are experiencing widespread unhappiness stemming from a lack of job opportunities and pervasive government corruption. This shared frustration has led to widespread protests, with young generations feeling that their governments are either failing to act or actively working against their interests.

Bangladesh: Protests and Systemic Unfairness

In 2024, youth-led protests were instrumental in the toppling of the government in Bangladesh. The underlying cause of the anger among young students, as articulated by individuals like Ashraful Alam Khan, was a perceived systemic unfairness. The transcript highlights that qualified individuals were not securing government jobs, which offer significant safety and lucrative benefits. This disparity was the primary trigger for the protests. The situation escalated into violent confrontations when government or political forces retaliated against the demonstrators.

Ashraful Alam Khan, a student in Bangladesh, describes facing "structural barriers" and difficulties in innovating or starting new ventures due to "bureaucratic red tape and all the corruption." He believes that the economy could recover quickly if corruption were addressed, as it "ends everything." Khan is actively seeking employment even before graduating, acknowledging the challenges of finding a job in Bangladesh. He, like many others, is contemplating emigration, contributing to the growing problem of brain drain. He expresses uncertainty about the future of his nation, stating, "I am very unsure about the fundamental reforms and what are we expecting because the things are very unclear and I see that like millions other we are very confused and we are not clearly seeing what's going to happen to our nation."

Kenya: Outrage Over Budget Proposals

In Kenya, protests erupted last year in response to a new budget proposal. While high prices were a contributing factor, the core issue was the proposed increase in taxes on essential goods, including food and sanitary products. This disproportionately affects a large population of women and girls who already struggle to afford these necessities. The transcript notes that tensions in Kenya escalated dramatically, leading to bloodshed during the protests.

Nepal: Social Media Ban and Government Resignation

Nepal experienced significant unrest in early September, with protests triggered by a government ban on social media platforms. The crackdown by security forces resulted in numerous fatalities and ultimately led to the prime minister's resignation.

Common Threads: Underemployment and Economic Disparity

Across these nations, young people are often educated but underemployed. They feel they are bearing the brunt of "systematic failures" while a select elite or political class benefits from economic growth. The common problems cited include stagnant wages, insufficient job creation, high inflation, and housing shortages. Corruption is a significant impediment, hindering progress and opportunity.

Brain Drain and Remittances

The issue of brain drain is a growing concern in Kenya and Nepal, as it is in Bangladesh. This phenomenon increases the domestic economy's reliance on remittances—money sent back home by citizens working abroad. Political instability, however, poses a threat to these remittance channels. In extreme scenarios, fluctuations in exchange rates could disrupt the transfer of resources, exacerbating dissatisfaction.

Conclusion: The Impact of Protests and Future Uncertainty

The transcript raises the question of whether taking to the streets has been effective and what hope exists for the future. While everyday life in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, has largely returned to normal, the legacy of the protests remains visible. The young people in these countries are grappling with uncertainty about fundamental reforms and the future direction of their nations, highlighting a shared sense of confusion and a lack of clear pathways forward.