The Gen Z rebellion across the globe

Their protests have rattled governments, but aftermath mixed for young people

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A protester in Madagascar wearing a banner featuring the pirate-like emblem taken from the wildly popular Japanese manga series One Piece. The term Gen Z in 2025 became associated with rebellions led by youth frustrated with issues like unemployment, poverty and inequality.

(PHOTO: REUTERS)

brandishing the symbol of a skull and crossbones in a straw hat, Gen Z protests across the world stood up to authorities in 2025, even toppling two governments.

More typically used to refer to a generation born between the late 1990s and late 2000s, the term Gen Z in 2025 became associated with rebellions led by youth frustrated with issues like unemployment, poverty and inequality.

Young people took to the streets and rattled governments across three continents: Latin America, Asia and Africa, where 60 per cent of the population is aged under 25, according to UN figures.

AFP journalists spotted the pirate-like emblem, taken from the wildly popular Japanese manga series One Piece, at protests in more than a dozen countries.

In two of them - Madagascar and Nepal - the governments fell.

“I grew up with One Piece, like the vast majority of Gen Z, so it became a symbol for us,” said a 26-year-old protester in Madagascar who wanted to be known only as Kai.