A recent wave of youth-led protests in Nepal has inspired one of the biggest political shifts across the country’s history.
Sparked by a controversial social media ban by the government, the youth of the nation organized and took to the streets in protest. On the night of Sept. 9, it all came to a head when the parliament building in the capital of Kathmandu was set aflame. Soon, Nepal’s Gen Z had elected a new Prime Minister, former justice Sushila Karki.
The outcry for change was first sparked over a blanket social media ban, in which the Nepalese government restricted 26 social media platforms. Many of the youth in Nepal viewed this as a direct attack on their freedoms.
“I think it’s kind of ridiculous how it was social media that really drove the final nail in the coffin,” TuHS sophomore Karma Yhongpel said. Yhongpel is Nepalese. “To ban social media to save your own reputation and skin is a loser move, and selfish people should not be making
decisions for other people, let alone a whole country.”
It was through those very platforms that the discontented youth organized online, mobilized protests and effectively toppled the current government. As the protests turned violent, many citizens in Nepal were left safe but rattled.
Yhongpel’s family has been worried about relatives in Nepal.“Everybody is worried for my aunt and other family I have there,” Yhongpel said. “But so far, they don’t seem too bothered. They are good people and well liked in their space. They’re not government officials, so there’s little to no chance of danger.”
Tualatin High School history teacher Michael Crotty looks to the future with his viewpoint.
“Any time you see violence – well, I don’t condone it, especially government violence against people who are pushing back against corruption. That being said, I think it’s a fascinating example of how young people can change the system, which is encouraging when in the US there has been a long sense of dissolution among the generations. I think Nepal is an example of how young people can change. I think there’s a lot of power in that. The best way to do that is through non-violent protests, of course, but young people can make a difference in the system.”
The uprising in Nepal is an example of the power our generation holds, and the power our voices have when joined together.
The chain of protests and consequent political violence was inspiring for some and dangerous to others. The Nepalese Gen Z managed to burn down their parliament and elect a new Prime Minister in days. The Nepal uprising was a clear reminder to the older generation that Gen Z voices matter and are being taken seriously in the modern political landscape.