Was 2024 a year of rising political activism worldwide? In many ways, it has felt like a turning point. Perhaps that’s because my time as Editor has involved reading an abundance of thought-provoking articles and pitching ideas from passionate individuals eager to share their opinions. 

Additionally, more than four billion people worldwide were eligible to vote in national elections this year – not including the younger generation, many of whom exercised their right to protest. The demand for action has been undeniable. 

From economic grievances to environmental crises and, in some cases, rampant misinformation (yes, UK, we see you), there’s been no shortage of issues igniting outrage and fuelling movements worldwide. 

So, on that note, I thought it would be fun to reflect on this politically turbulent year by looking back at some significant moments of political activism, big and small. 

2024 has been a year where countless moments have pushed people to stand up for their beliefs, proving that when the stakes are high, the power of action is unstoppable!

1) “Gen Z” Protests in Bangladesh

Students in Bangladesh took to the streets over the country’s “unfair and outdated” job quota system that “disproportionately benefits the descendants of Bangladesh’s 1971 liberation war fighters”. The government ordered a complete internet shutdown, considering the huge negative public sentiment. 

Yet, student protestors still managed to campaign and organise effectively, managing to oust and overthrow the autocratic prime minister Sheikh Hasina. This is a testament to the resilience of young voices and collective action against overwhelming odds and entrenched power structures.

2) Celebrity Activism – Driving Positive Change or Empty Gestures?

Many would argue that if someone has a significant platform, they undoubtedly have a responsibility to advocate for important issues. Refreshingly, Chappell Roan stated that she wasn’t going to give into pressure from fans by publicly endorsing Kamala Harris, given Roan’s disdain for left-wing policies on trans rights in the US. 

Cate Blanchett wore an illusory dress on the red carpet that bore an abstract resemblance to the Palestinian flag but was left open to interpretation. I feel that both examples are subtle gestures of political activism – scrutiny is inevitable, and some may argue that celebrities ought to do more than convey symbolic gestures through fashion. 

But, how much should we really expect from public figures in terms of advocacy, and are these gestures uniquely valuable in that they spark conversations and encourage engagement with current issues?

3) Gisele Pelicot

The suffering endured by Gisele Pelicot is almost unimaginable, but her unwavering bravery and selflessness in seeking justice are deeply admirable. Even whilst being at the centre of a mass rape trial, she waived her right to anonymity. She allowed the details of her case to become publicised to deter others from committing similar crimes and to help prevent other women from experiencing such ordeals. The way she has stood up publicly to male violence in the face of her own tragic experiences makes her nothing short of heroic, and she will forever be a symbol of “not of victimhood but resistance”.

Image Credit: WikimediaCommons