As the world keeps evolving, new challenges arise for everyone, but women often bear a greater burden when it comes to adapting. Despite these struggles, women across generations have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability.

The latest generation to reach adulthood, known as Generation Z, faces heightened challenges. However, this generation is also considered the most empowered ever, as they have unprecedented access to information and resources made possible by internet and social media these days. Gen Z women are more vocal about their rights, more aware of societal issues, and more determined to challenge traditional gender norms and stereotypes.

Yes, we are discussing Gen Z women who are breaking barriers and challenging outdated ideas about women’s societal roles. Born into a world where the internet and technology are everywhere, these women have more access to education, activism platforms, and global discourse about equality than past generations. They work hard for what they want in their lives and fight for things that matter to them in society the most. Although they stand on the footprints of the brave women before them, they do not blindly follow old traditions and expectations placed on women, like the previous generations did. Instead, Gen Z women create new paths and challenge conventional gender roles.

International Women’s Day is celebrated globally on March 8th to recognise the remarkable achievements and ongoing struggles of women around the globe. While much progress has been made, there is still a long way to go. Luckily, women from Generation Z (1995-2009 or 2010) and young Alpha (2011-2024) are growing up during a time when there are lots of opportunities and good things happening for women like never before.

Taking advantage of this remarkable day, let us honour the potential, strength and abilities of today’s young women and explore how they can make important changes.

Girl power in the age of the internet

In the past, women fighting for basic rights and equality faced big obstacles in getting their voices heard. But now the world is completely different for Gen Z women, especially when it comes to communication. Gen Z is considered more daring than previous generations primarily because with information and technology at their fingertips, their most powerful weapon, they know how to utilise this weapon in ways that are heard and seen by the world around them. Examples of this include speaking out through activism, tackling tough social issues, calling out injustice, demanding accountability from leaders and speaking out fearlessly for various causes like environment, democracy, right to education, freedom of expression, etc.

This generation knows how to utilise their voice to bring change. Thanks to social media and internet, there are now various platforms to make their voice heard around the globe. Apps like Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, etc., allow one to build massive audiences.

According to experts, what we are witnessing now is just the beginning. As Gen Z women become leaders in various fields like corporate firms, schools and politics, they are perfectly suited to continue driving innovation and progress.

Millennials empowering the Gen Z and Gen Alpha women

Millennial women stand at a unique point between yesterday’s female pioneers and the barrier-breaking Gen Z and Alphas of tomorrow. As mothers, big sisters, aunts, teachers and mentors, millennials have a duty and chance to show the right path to the women of today. For instance, exposure to women heroes who reflect their identities, interests and talents at every turn can cultivate a firm belief in Gen Z that they can achieve what they want in life.

Been there, done that!

However, Gen Z is loaded with social pressure, economic and environmental anxieties, and personal battles. They are constantly juggling to maintain the balance between their online and offline life. Due to their constant presence in digital spaces, a Gen Z girl is likely to experience high levels of stress, anxiety and depression, too. The unintentional, yet constant, comparison with idealised images and lifestyles showcased online can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and, thus, low self-esteem.

This is where Gen Z and Gen Alpha women should step forward and not hesitate to seek help from the millennial members of the family and learn from their experiences, insights and life lessons. Whether it’s about everyday school challenges, exploring career options or coping with personal struggles, millennials can provide valuable advice and support based on their own journeys.

Online harassment and cyberbullying

As said earlier, Gen Z is daring and quite practical, so there are more chances that they are exposed to cyberbullying, body shaming, a battle between real and unrealistic beauty standards, harassment and online toxicity on social media platforms.

Consequently, as several researches suggest, this can lead to mental and emotional turmoil, affecting their overall well-being and potentially causing feelings of isolation and insecurity. So, if you are going through this rough patch, try to focus more on yourself and spend less time on sites that make you feel bad. Instead, find places online where you feel good and supported.

However, millennials as digital natives, possess valuable skills and knowledge in technology and online platforms. They can help you better navigate the digital landscape responsibly and can teach you about online safety, privacy settings, critical thinking and digital citizenship.

Impulsiveness and impatience

While there are tonnes of strengths that women of today possess, there are also some weaknesses that this generation of women struggles with, such as impulsiveness and impatience. Most often, they want everything to happen the way they want and that, too, in no time — whether it’s making society fairer, bringing healthy change in the environment, or advancing their career. Their lack of patience can lead to disappointment. This is where you need to seek control of your emotions and be practical about the situation.

The fight for women’s rights is no longer a whisper. The resilience of past generations has helped open minds to a more progressive way of thinking about gender equality.

This new generation of empowered women isn’t taking hollow steps — they are stepping into the real world and making lasting change. Armed with courage and passion, they are actively reshaping our world into a more just and balanced place for all people, regardless of gender.

Remember girls, your voice carries weight to spark meaningful change. Your actions can inspire and uplift those coming after you. So, lead with courage and compassion. Channel your fierce ambition into being trailblazers and role models for the young Gen Alpha women. Guide them, nurture them and show them that no dream is too big for a woman to achieve.

By owning your strength while lifting others, you can create a legacy that empowers generations of women to come.

Published in Dawn, Young World, March 9th, 2024