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Gen Z Activism: Meet 9 Inspiring Young Women
We might not predict the future, but we can certainly learn from these inspiring young women activists. They show us how to make a real difference.
We’ve teamed up with Refinery29 to celebrate nine young activists and the incredible steps they’re taking to improve the future for all. From sustainability and period poverty to body positivity, discover how these young women empower individuals in their communities.
Say Hello
Discover why these inspiring young women activists are taking a stand on issues that matter to our community.
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"I wanted to be the person I needed when I was ill." Sophia, an award-winning mental health advocate, developed an eating disorder from pressure to maintain a 'perfect child' image. After treatment, she realized her story could help others. Now, she raises awareness, campaigns on social media, and runs school workshops to promote self-care.
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"We just thought, if we don’t do something about it, who’s to say someone else will? So we did something." Sisters Amy and Ella started learning about sustainability at ages 10 and 12. They founded ‘Kids Against Plastic’ to pick up 100,000 pieces of plastic. Now, they speak out about plastic's impact and educate others.
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"It’s easy to convince yourself your little contribution doesn’t count, but it’s not true. We all count." Ella founded ‘Kids Against Plastic’ with her sister Amy after hearing the UN’s Global Goals for sustainable development. For the girls, empowerment comes from addressing plastic pollution at its source, raising awareness, and encouraging #PlasticClever schools and businesses.
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"By listening to the deaf community and helping them get heard, I found my voice, too." Sophie, a Welsh Youth Parliament member, advocates for the deaf community. Bullied throughout school, she uses her position to make a difference. By listening to others isolated by disability, she amplifies their voices and improves access to mental health support.
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"We’re not taught to be leaders. I wanted to change that." Kim, an advocate for Swansea Youth Entrepreneurs’ network and part of the Centre for African Entrepreneurship, is passionate about debunking harmful stereotypes placed on women and girls. She now works to educate and empower women and girls of color to believe in themselves and achieve their dreams.
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"Every single one of us has personal power." Dominique, a passionate climate change activist, was inspired to join the movement after her first climate strike. As a member of Extinction Rebellion Youth, the UK Student Climate Network, and Fridays for Futures, she influences leaders and builds confidence in young people to inspire action.
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"It’s okay to not feel 100% confident about your body all the time." Victoria, a junior doctor and Girl Guiding Associate, founded The Real People Project. Tired of 'body transformations' online, she created an Instagram initiative empowering women, girls, and female-identifying individuals. By encouraging shared insecurities, she builds a body-positive community and empowers others.
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"I’m no longer afraid of saying what’s in my heart." At 14, Sandy moved from Cyprus to the UK for a new life, but faced discrimination and airport detention. She decided to speak out about the lack of support for asylum seekers and refugees. As a Welsh Youth Parliament member, she uses her multiple languages to help others and advocate for better mental health support.
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"People appreciate you when you speak up. Which helps you appreciate yourself." Molly founded Love Your Period, an Instagram page encouraging teens to fight period poverty, stigma, and plastic-use. She started the account after her debate topic was deemed 'inappropriate'. Now, she inspires young women, campaigning for better access, understanding, and less stigma around periods.
Key Takeaways
- Empowering Voices: Young activists use their platforms to advocate for crucial social and environmental issues.
- Mental Health & Self-Care: Advocates like Sophia highlight the importance of self-care and support for mental well-being.
- Environmental Action: Youth-led initiatives, such as Kids Against Plastic, demonstrate the impact of early environmental awareness.
- Body Confidence & Self-Esteem: Activists like Victoria challenge unrealistic beauty standards and promote body positivity.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Advocates work to amplify marginalized voices, from the deaf community to women of color and asylum seekers.
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These activists are changing the worldSee how these inspiring young women are breaking boundaries to drive change – one powerful step at a time.
These young activists are forging connections, shattering limiting stereotypes, and refusing to give up.
Refinery29
What’s your activist topic?
Thank You for Your Vote!
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We want to do our best to produce less waste – especially when it comes to plastic. That’s why we’re working towards solutions that reduce packaging waste.
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Start here, use our parent’s resource Confidence Kit to boost your child's self-esteem.
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Learn about ‘Hair Power: Me and My Afro’, Dove's Black History Month documentary.
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The Dove Self-Esteem ProjectFind out how we’re helping young people around the world build positive body confidence and self-esteem through the Dove Self-Esteem Project.
Continue the Movement for Change
The stories of these nine young activists remind us of the incredible power of youth voices to drive social change. Their dedication to issues like mental health, environmental protection, and body positivity aligns with Dove's mission to empower young people and foster self-esteem. By supporting and amplifying these inspiring young women, we can all contribute to a more confident and inclusive future.
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