As millennials grew up in a world where radios played the latest hits and CDs were prized possessions, the new generation, Generation Z or Gen Z, dances to a different beat, streaming music digitally and holding the power of ‘access’ in their hands. 

This ‘access,’ whether in entertainment, information, communication, shopping, transportation, or more, has made Gen Z the most knowledgeable, confident, and self-aware generation yet.

From a young age, Gen Zers were immersed in a world where global news and information were just a click away. They saw beauty and terror unfold before their eyes and grew accustomed to navigating a world filled with both. 

Unlike their predecessors, who leaned on elders for guidance, this young generation sought answers for themselves, questioning everything and challenging the status quo without fear.

Earlier this year, I visited different parts of Kigoma, conducting baseline research on civic participation and agency with Twaweza. The contrast was clear as I spoke with groups of men and women of varying ages. 

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Those under 30, particularly the young men, were the most confident and opinionated, unafraid to voice their thoughts even in the presence of adults and local leaders. Their courage and outspokenness were striking, as they openly criticised their leaders and demanded change.

Across the globe, young people are facing a multitude of crises. The rising cost of living, climate change, wars and violence have shaped their worldview, teaching them that a crisis abroad could just as quickly strike at home. 

For them, the world is unsafe, leading many to live in a perpetual state of defence. They are determined to fight for a world where they can thrive in the future.

This determination was vividly displayed during a recent protest in Kenya. Frustrated by new tax policies, Gen Z took to the streets, demanding President William Ruto withdraw what they termed a detrimental finance bill and resign from his role as president. These movements were neither partisan nor tribal but driven purely by aggravated youth yearning for a better government and future.

Mobilising such movements was once challenging, but social media has changed the game for Gen Z. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X, formerly Twitter, have given young adults powerful tools to speak out and mobilise. 

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Activism has become a hallmark of this generation, with figures like 21-year-old Greta Thunberg challenging world leaders to address climate change effects, 23-year-old Kahlil Greene advocating against racial injustices on TikTok, and 21-year-old Zulaikha Patel, an anti-racism activist famously known for her fight against school policies regarding black girls’ hair since the age of 13.

Their strong sense of self-determination and agency sets them apart from older generations, who struggled with limited information and strict adherence to authority. This young generation has less fear of hierarchy and refuses to endure injustices. 

While these traits have limitations, they also propel Gen Zers to aim high and go for what they want. They are not content with just “business as usual.” They embrace new ideologies and courageously push for change because, well, why not?

Miriam Mwaibula is a Learning and Strategy Programme Officer at Twaweza East Africa. She can be reached at mmwaibula@twaweza.org or on X as @MMwaibula. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Chanzo. If you are interested in publishing in this space, please contact our editors at editor@thechanzo.com.