The Gen Z Movement – Why Young People Are Risking Their Lives to Protest

Posted by Nabirong

Across the globe, Generation Z is proving that age does not define courage. From Madagascar and Peru to Indonesia, young people are stepping forward to protest against injustice, corruption, and government repression. They are not only demanding change but also defending their right to be heard.

For many Gen Z activists, protest has become a moral duty rather than a choice. In Madagascar, 20-year-old Robert says that speaking out is the only way to push for a fairer future. In Peru, Paola, aged 26, raises her voice for women’s rights and access to safe abortion, while confronting a system that continues to ignore public demands. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, Derry, 25, faces police intimidation for joining student demonstrations calling for democracy and transparency.

Their stories show that peaceful protest is often met with harsh punishment. Authorities in several countries have responded with unlawful force, arbitrary arrests, and surveillance. Despite these dangers, young people continue to march — united by the belief that silence allows injustice to grow.

Amnesty International highlights that governments must respect the right to protest and regulate the trade of policing equipment to prevent abuse. The Gen Z movement is more than a wave of anger; it is a global awakening. It reminds us that the desire for justice, equality, and freedom crosses borders and generations.

Gen Z is not waiting for change — they are creating it, even when it costs them their safety.

Gen Z Movement — Quiz (CSS spacing)

Gen Z Movement — English Quiz

Questions separated from answers. Options use CSS spacing (no ).

Questions

No.	Question
1	What motivates Gen Z activists to protest? a) To gain fame b) To fight injustice and be heard c) To travel d) To oppose schooling
2	What does “moral duty” mean in the article? a) A legal obligation only b) A sense of responsibility to do what is right c) A physical job d) A financial task
3	Identify the tense: “They are creating it, even when it costs them their safety.” a) Simple present b) Present continuous c) Past simple d) Future simple
4	How have authorities responded to the protests? a) By supporting the protests b) With unlawful force, arrests, and surveillance c) By offering scholarships d) By providing resources
5	What does “arbitrary arrests” mean? a) Arrests with clear legal reason b) Arrests made without fair reason or due process c) Planned demonstrations d) Legal counsel provided
6	Bonus (writing): Write one sentence about why young people choose to protest despite risks.

Answers & Explanations

No.	Answer & Explanation
1	b) To fight injustice and be heard Explanation: The article emphasises that Gen Z protests to demand change and be listened to.
2	b) A sense of responsibility to do what is right Explanation: “Moral duty” refers to an ethical responsibility motivating action.
3	b) Present continuous Explanation: The structure “are creating” is present continuous (progressive) tense.
4	b) With unlawful force, arrests, and surveillance Explanation: The article reports authorities responded harshly in many cases.
5	b) Arrests made without fair reason or due process Explanation: “Arbitrary” implies lack of legal justification or fairness.
6	Example answer: “They protest because remaining silent would allow injustice to continue.”