Nepali youth are digitally savvy but face unemployment and a lack of opportunities. They are fed up with older leaders who are no longer connected to their needs. Anger has flared after a social media ban, followed by violent protests in which 19 people have died.
The economy is in serious trouble. According to data, nearly 82% of workers are in informal employment. The country earns nearly ₱1.2 trillion from remittances every year, but this does not translate into proper employment within Nepal. Every year, about 500,000 youth enter the workforce, but opportunities are few.
Corruption is also rampant. Youth see on social media the luxurious lives of politicians' children while the majority of the people suffer. Many believe that the same old leaders have been in power repeatedly since the country became a republic in 2008.
The fear of losing rights is also a reason. For the youth, banning social media is not just a simple ban but a violation of freedom. On social media, they vent their grievances, connect with family abroad, and see the true state of the country.
