The power and inspiration of youth activists

Youth activists are leading the way for change. They campaign for climate, equality, and education. Across the world, young people — especially girls — are using their voices. They encourage communities to challenge injustice. And they help to shape a fairer future.

What is a youth activist? 

A youth activist is a young person who uses their voice and takes action. They promote social, political, or environmental change. Youth activists are often teens or young adults. Some of their actions include: 

• raising awareness 
• advocating for rights 
• challenging injustice 
• participating in campaigns or movements. They aim to shape policies, communities, or public views.
   

Why young people play a crucial role in creating change

Young people play a huge role in creating change. They bring fresh perspectives, energy, and urgency to a range of issues. Young people are also usually more willing to challenge norms and try new ideas. They engage others through movements, social media, and activism. 

This generation will inherit the future. Their interest in long-term outcomes gives them a powerful incentive to drive change.
 

What motivates young activists to take action 

Young people are motivated to take action because of their values, experiences, and concern for the future. 

Key motivators include: 

Justice and fairness. They have a desire to tackle inequality, discrimination, or human rights abuses.  

Urgency for the future. They’re worried about climate change, education, jobs, and society's future.  

Community and solidarity. They feel connected to peers and movements that share their goals and that are ‘bigger than them’.  

Empowerment. They believe that their voices and actions can make a real difference.  

Personal experiences. They've experienced social issues. This includes poverty, discrimination, or environmental damage. These experiences can inspire activism.

The issues youth activists are fighting for today 

Youth activists fight for a wide range of issues. These include social, political, and environmental issues. They reflect both local and global concerns. And they often intersect multiple issues. Such as climate action and social justice, or mental health with education. This reflects a holistic approach to creating systemic change.
 

Girls’ rights and gender equality 

Girls and women still face a number of issues, including: 

• systemic discrimination 
• limited opportunities 
• unequal treatment in many areas of life 

Youth activists believe that everyone should have equal access to education, healthcare, safety, and economic opportunities. Regardless of their gender. 

Youth activists aim to challenge stereotypes and harmful norms. Their goal is to build a fairer society. This will enable girls to reach their full potential. They will also contribute equally to their communities and the world.
 

Education, safety and access to opportunities 

Youth activists fight for education, safety, and opportunities. These are fundamental rights. They empower individuals and transform communities. Without a good education, young people face limited job prospects and fewer life choices. 

Unsafe environments stop them from learning and working. They may not be able to take part fully in society. It's vital to advocate for equal access to education, safe spaces and opportunities. Youth activists aim to break cycles of poverty and inequality. This gives everyone the chance to reach their full potential.
 

Climate justice and the environment 

Climate change mainly impacts young people and those in vulnerable communities. It threatens their futures, health, and jobs. This is why they advocate for sustainable policies, reduced emissions and protection of the environment. This helps to: 

• prevent damage to the environment 
• hold governments and corporations accountable 
• ensure a fair transition to a cleaner, safer world

How teenage activists are leading the climate movement 

Around the world, teen activists have become leaders in the climate movement. They change how we organise, communicate, and demand climate action. Many young people first gained attention by organising large protests, such as school strikes. Greta Thunberg is a key example of this. These protests turned into global movements.  

Fridays for Future, for example, had millions of participants. Teenage activists go beyond protests. They also interact with political systems. They speak at international forums, meet lawmakers, and demand better policies. Some have even pursued legal action. They argue that governments have a duty to protect younger generations from the impacts of climate change.

How youth activist groups organise and take action 

Youth activist groups organise and take action through: 

• grassroots coordination 
• digital communication 
• collective decision-making 

Many groups start locally. They're often formed by students or community members who share a concern. They establish clear goals or demands. Then responsibilities are divided among members. This could include outreach, media, research or event planning. Regular meetings help to plan strategies, coordinate actions, and ensure everyone has a voice in decisions.
 

The role of digital activism in amplifying young voices 

Digital platforms play a major role in how youth groups operate. Social media and messaging apps help activists to mobilise quickly. They can share information and organise events. These tools help connect local groups with bigger networks. This increases their reach and impact. When taking action, youth activists often use: 

• peaceful demonstrations 
• school strikes 
• community projects 
• lobbying 
• public education 

These actions highlight their cause and pressure decision-makers. Combining local action with online tools helps youth activists to act quickly. They can also adapt to challenges and amplify their voices.
 

The impact youth activists are having around the world 

Youth activists have a significant impact around the world. They influence public awareness, shape political agendas, and drive social change. Their actions have helped highlight urgent issues. They can urge governments, corporations, and institutions to respond. Protests, strikes, and online campaigns led by young people have captured global attention. They've increased pressure on leaders to create stronger policies and commitments. 

Beyond raising awareness, youth activists are adding to real change. This is at local, national, and international levels. In some countries, they’ve changed laws, set climate targets, and reformed education. In others, it has led to court cases challenging governments. One example took place in 2019 at the University of the South Pacific. 27 law students started an effort to bring the issue of climate change to the International Court of Justice. They wanted the court to give advice on how climate change should be handled under international law. This idea grew into a global, youth-led movement called World’s Youth for Climate Justice. The group works to make sure countries are held responsible for protecting the rights of people today and in the future from the harmful impacts of climate change.  

Youth movements have also: 

• empowered communities 
• inspired citizens to get involved 
• reshaped ideas about leadership. This is by showing that age is not a barrier to influence. 

Youth activists are helping to speed up social progress. They ensure that the voices of younger generations are heard in decisions that affect their futures.

Inspiring girl activists driving change 

There are so many girls around the world who are standing up for change and rights, and inspiring others to join them. Here are five inspiring girl activists who are driving change locally and globally.  

Greta Thunberg (Sweden) 

Greta became a global figure for climate activism in 2018. She began skipping school to protest outside the Swedish parliament. Her “Fridays for Future” movement has inspired millions of young people worldwide. The movement aims to demand action on climate change and hold leaders accountable.  

Vanessa Nakate (Uganda) 

Vanessa fights for climate justice in Africa and beyond. She started protesting in Kampala to raise awareness about how climate change affects African communities, especially farmers. She has spoken at the UN and led campaigns highlighting that the climate crisis hits the Global South hardest.  

Leah Namugerwa (Uganda) 

Leah began leading climate strikes as a teenager to push for environmental laws in Uganda. She focuses on: 

• reforestation 
• reducing plastic usage 
• educating young people about climate action 
• showing how local efforts can inspire national change 

Amika George (UK) 

Amika has driven global awareness about period poverty since she was 17. She is the founder of FreePeriods, a global campaign to end period poverty. The campaign succeeded in getting the UK government to pledge funds. This would provide free period products in all schools and colleges in England.   

Licypriya Kangujam (India) 

Licypriya became a climate activist at just six years old. She campaigns for climate education and stronger environmental laws in India. Licypriya also peaks at international forums to push for change.

How youth-led campaigns are influencing governments and policy 

Youth‑led campaigns are influencing governments and policy. They do this by: 

• raising public awareness 
• mobilising mass participation 
• pressuring decision-makers to take action on issues like climate change, education, and justice 

These campaigns often combine different strategies. They use street protests, social media campaigns and legal action. They may also speak directly to policymakers. This can change political priorities. It can also contribute to real legislative results.
 

How youth campaigns influence policy: 

Agenda setting 

Large youth movements have pushed climate change to the top of political agendas worldwide. They force governments to acknowledge the urgency of the crisis and include stronger climate commitments in discussions. Millions of young people striking and protesting have made it harder for leaders to ignore the demands for action.  

Public pressure 

Youth campaigns shape public opinion in many ways. This includes mobilising large groups and gaining media attention. Big groups of citizens join together to share concerns about an issue. This means politicians are more likely to respond with policies that address those priorities. 

Direct engagement 

Youth activists often: 

• take part in policy forums 
• submit petitions 
• meet lawmakers 
• join official advisory spaces 

These things give young people a seat at the table when making decisions.

Resources and support for young campaigners 

There are many useful resources and types of support available for young campaigners. From toolkits and training to funding, networks, and organisational support. These resources help young people to: 

• learn skills 
• launch campaigns 
• connect with others 
• and influence real‑world change 

At Plan International, we’ve created a Campaign Toolkit. This has everything you need to become a youth activist. From campaign planning, contacting decision makers, tips on how to get creative with messaging, and how to raise the profile of your campaign.

The challenges youth activists still face 

Youth activists face a range of challenges that can make their advocacy work difficult. Even as they drive important social and environmental change. Some of the main challenges include: 

1. Limited political power 

Young people often lack voting rights or influence in decision-making. This can make it hard for them to push governments or institutions to adopt their demands. Their voices are sometimes seen as “inexperienced” or “idealistic.”  

2. Access to resources 

Many campaigns struggle due to a lack of resources. This includes limited funding, mentorship, and infrastructure. Without financial support, it can be difficult to carry out projects.  

3. Legal and bureaucratic barriers 

In some countries, youth activists face barriers. Laws restrict protests, participation in politics, or access to platforms. Legal hurdles can stop activists from lobbying or filing petitions. They may be unable to take part in advocacy safely.  

4. Online harassment and threats 

Youth activists often face harassment and threats. This can include cyberbullying and doxxing. It can be especially worse for girls and marginalised groups. This causes stress and makes people less likely to join in. 

5. Lack of education or support 

Some young activists may not have education or support. This includes training in organising and communication. It can be hard to find guidance. Activists are often left to learn through trial and error. 

6. Burnout and mental health challenges 

Youth activism can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and burnout. Balancing campaigning with daily life is hard. Without support, activists may struggle to keep their campaign going.  

7. Inequality and exclusion 

Not all youth have equal opportunities to take part. Gender, socioeconomic status, disability, or location can limit who can engage in activism. It can also affect whose voices are heard globally.  

Even so, many youth activists continue to create change. They build networks, access digital platforms, and seek mentorship and funding. They show that even in the face of obstacles, young people can have a meaningful impact on the world.
 

Stigma, discrimination, and barriers to participation 

Young people often face a range of barriers that make it harder for them to take part in youth activism. These barriers can be personal, social, economic, and structural. They often reinforce one another.  

Stigma and discrimination are major obstacles. Young activists may be dismissed as being “too young,” “naive,” or "troublemakers." Adults, institutions, and the media may not take them seriously. Young people from marginalised backgrounds can face discrimination too. This can depend on race, gender, disability, sexuality, religion, or immigration status. It can make it even harder for them to feel safe or welcome in activist spaces. Fear of judgement, stereotyping, or harassment can stop people from joining in.  

Other key barriers include: 

• Lack of power and voice. Decision-making spaces are often dominated by adults. They leave young people with limited influence even when they do take part.  
• Limited access to resources. Young people may lack money, transportation, internet access, or meeting spaces. These things are vital for engaging in activism.  
• Time constraints. School, work, and family responsibilities can leave little time or energy for activism.  
• Safety concerns. Activism can put young people at risk of online harassment, surveillance, or even physical threats. This may be especially intimidating for minors.  
• Legal and institutional barriers. Age restrictions, school policies, or laws can limit young people’s ability to protest, organise, or vote.  
• Lack of information or mentorship. Some young people are not aware of opportunities to get involved. They may also lack guidance on how to take part effectively.  
• Internal barriers. Some activists may have low confidence or fear failure. They may feel their actions will not make a difference. This can reduce motivation.  

These barriers can make youth activism feel inaccessible or unsafe. Even though young people have strong ideas and a desire to create change.
 

Why girl activists face more risks 

Girl activists often face more risks. This is because gender inequality shapes how their voices, bodies, and actions are treated in society. These risks can be social, physical, psychological, and institutional. Discrimination can be more intense when gender combines with other issues.  

Key reasons include: 

Gender-based stigma and stereotypes. Girl activists are often labelled as “aggressive,” or “unfeminine” for speaking out. Meanwhile, boys are more likely to be seen as confident leaders. This stigma can lead to social isolation and backlash.  

Sexual harassment and violence. Girl activists face higher risks of sexual harassment, online abuse, threats, and physical violence. Their activism may be used as an excuse to target them, silence them, or shame them.  

Discrimination and exclusion. Leadership roles in activism are often male-dominated. This can lessen girls’ contributions and limit their influence.  

Control over mobility and expression. Some girls face stricter rules about travel, public speaking, or social media use. It can make participation riskier or more restricted.  

Attacks on reputation. Girls are more likely to be targeted with rumours, character attacks, or moral judgement. This is an attempt to damage their credibility and future opportunities.  

Intersectional discrimination. Girls from marginalised communities face many risks and are more vulnerable.  

Lack of protection and accountability. Authorities and institutions may fail to take threats against girl activists seriously. They may even blame them for the abuse they experience.  

Girl activists often must weigh up their safety, reputation, and well-being more than others. Even though they play a crucial role in driving social change.

How Plan UK supports youth activists 

Plan International UK supports girls in the UK and worldwide who are fighting for equality. Our programmes help empower them to lead. And our campaign toolkit gives them everything they need to campaign on the issues that matter to them.
 

Stories of young changemakers we work with 

At Plan International UK, we’ve seen how young people are using their voices to influence and inspire others to get involved. We've observed this through our youth activism projects around the world. 

In Colombia, Yasmira is fighting gender inequality by changing the outdated ideas that exist in her country. She does this through our Champions of Change programme. Her goal is to become a lawyer and to defend women who have survived sexual abuse.   

In the UK, Jess worked hard to advocate for our #ISayItsNotOk campaign. She participated in our Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) and lobbied the government. As a result, the UK government recognised street harassment as a form of gender-based violence.   

Elodie, a previous member of YAP, also worked hard to campaign to change the law on sexual harassment. The #CrimeNotCompliment campaign amassed thousands of supporters. The three-year campaign led to the introduction of the Protection from Sex-Based Harassment in Public Bill to parliament. 

Read more about the incredible youth activists making change happen.

How you can support youth activism 

You can play a powerful role in supporting youth activism. Together, we'll create safe, respectful, and welcoming environments where young people can lead and be heard. Support does not mean taking over. It means standing alongside young activists and amplifying their efforts.  

Key ways people can support youth activism include: 

• Listen and take young people seriously. Respect their ideas, experiences, and solutions. And avoid dismissing them because of their age.  
• Challenge stigma and discrimination. Speak out against stereotypes, sexism, racism, and discrimination that undermine young activists. Especially girls and marginalised youth.  
• Provide mentorship and guidance. Share skills, knowledge, and experience when asked. Ensure young people can make decisions and lead initiatives.  
• Create safe spaces. Help ensure physical and online spaces are free from harassment, abuse, and intimidation.  
• Amplify youth voices. Use your platform or networks. Share youth-led messages, campaigns, and successes.  
• Support access to resources. Contribute time, funding, materials, transportation, or digital access. These things make it easier for young people to take part. 
• Advocate for youth inclusion. Encourage schools, organisations, and governments to include young people in decision-making processes.  
• Protect and defend young activists. Stand up for them when they face backlash, harassment, or threats. Support accountability when harm occurs.  
• Encourage well-being and balance. Promote rest, mental health support, and sustainable activism. This will prevent burnout.  

It's vital to respect youth leadership and actively reduce barriers. This can help ensure young people have the support they need to create meaningful and lasting change.