In an era marked by political polarization, declining voter turnout, and waning trust in institutions, volunteering emerges as a vital form of democratic participation. Far from being a mere act of charity, volunteering is a tangible expression of civic responsibility, an avenue through which individuals contribute to the public good, strengthen social cohesion, and reinforce democratic values.
Democracy thrives not only in polling stations but also in community centers, food banks, and environmental cleanups. Volunteering allows citizens to engage with societal issues directly, often bypassing bureaucratic hurdles and partisan gridlock. In Italy, according to ISTAT’s 2023 Time Use Survey, approximately 4.7 million people aged 15 and over, about 9.1% of the population, engaged in voluntary activities, either through organizations or by providing direct help.
These volunteers contribute across sectors such as education, health, culture, and civil protection, often stepping in where public services fall short. Their efforts exemplify democratic resilience, as they “take responsibility and work on behalf of causes they believe in.” This form of engagement is especially vital in times of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, Italian volunteers mobilized to deliver food, support isolated elderly citizens, and assist overwhelmed healthcare systems. In doing so, they embodied the democratic principle of solidarity, acting not out of obligation, but from a shared sense of purpose and community.
Youth engagement is a cornerstone of sustainable democracy. The OECD highlights that youth volunteering and civic service programs “foster young people’s confidence for further civic engagement, skills development, and association with democratic institutions”.
These programs not only build individual capacity but also promote social inclusion and resilience, especially among marginalized communities.
By involving young people in structured civic service, societies can counteract political apathy and cultivate a generation of informed, active citizens. Initiatives like VERA 2025 (Volunteering Equality Rights Action) aim to make volunteering more inclusive and representative, aligning with the European Democracy Action Plan to protect civic space and empower citizens.
While volunteering can substitute for formal political engagement, it is not without its limitations. Research from the University of Birmingham warns that civic engagement through volunteering may be “a privileged one,” often dominated by well-educated and economically secure individuals. This raises concerns about equity and access, especially for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, initiatives like the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) offer a promising counterexample. The ESC enables young Europeans aged 18 to 30 to participate in volunteer projects across Europe while receiving free accommodation, meals, insurance, and a modest pocket allowance. By removing financial barriers, the program ensures that civic service is accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status, and promotes inclusive democratic participation. It exemplifies how well-designed public policy can democratize volunteering and empower a broader spectrum of citizens to engage in meaningful civic action. Volunteer-driven initiatives often inform public policy and advocate for community needs, bridging the gap between citizens and institutions.
Volunteering isn’t just about helping others; it’s about shaping the kind of society we want to live in. It is more than a feel-good activity; it is a democratic imperative. It empowers individuals to act on their values, strengthens community bonds, and fosters civic skills that are essential for participatory governance. As societies grapple with complex challenges, from climate change to social inequality, the role of volunteers as agents of democracy becomes increasingly vital.
By recognizing and investing in volunteering as a form of civic engagement, we not only enrich our communities but also fortify the democratic ideals that underpin them.
Being a citizen today is much more than simply holding a passport or showing up to vote. Citizenship is a living, evolving concept, one that asks individuals to engage, contribute, and take responsibility for the world around them. Voting remains a fundamental part of democratic life, but active citizenship goes beyond the ballot box. It includes volunteering in local projects, participating in community discussions, engaging in digital campaigns, or joining initiatives that promote social change. Understanding these diverse paths can help individuals, especially young people, recognize that they have the power to shape the communities they live in.
What Active Citizenship Really Means Active citizenship is about being present and involved not just in formal politics but in the everyday life of a community. It is about taking responsibility for shared spaces, collaborating with others, and contributing to societal improvement. It involves both understanding social and political systems and finding ways to act within them. Today, citizenship is no longer a passive status; it is a set of behaviors, decisions, and actions that affect real lives. In Europe, for instance, youth policies have begun emphasizing the value of engagement beyond voting. Programs encourage young people to explore a variety of ways to participate, from volunteering to advocacy campaigns, showing that citizenship can be a creative and empowering experience. The core idea is that participation is not just a duty, but a meaningful choice that connects individuals to the wider society.
Voting: A Necessary First Step Although active citizenship includes many forms of engagement, voting remains one of the most visible expressions of democratic responsibility. Voting is a mechanism through which individuals can express their opinions, influence policies, and hold leaders accountable. Yet, statistics show that many young people feel disconnected from politics. For example, recent Eurobarometer surveys indicate that while a majority of young Europeans believe their voice matters, fewer actually participate in elections.
This gap illustrates a common challenge: engagement cannot rely solely on formal political acts. Voting is important, but it is just one piece of the puzzle. Encouraging young citizens to explore other avenues for involvement volunteering, advocacy, and community projects can transform a sense of civic responsibility into tangible change.
Volunteering: Taking Action on What You Care About Volunteering is one of the most practical ways to engage as an active citizen. It provides a direct opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others while developing skills such as teamwork, leadership, and empathy. Contributing to a local cause whether it is helping in schools, supporting environmental projects, or assisting vulnerable populations creates a real impact.
The benefits of volunteering go beyond the immediate community. Engaging with others in meaningful ways strengthens social bonds, fosters empathy, and builds confidence. By helping to address social challenges, volunteers gain a firsthand understanding of the issues that affect their communities. Volunteering also provides an important bridge between awareness and action. Individuals can see the direct results of their efforts, which can inspire further participation in both local and larger societal initiatives.
Local Participation: Influencing Your Immediate Environment Active citizenship is often most tangible at the local level. Participating in neighborhood councils, attending community meetings, or collaborating with local organizations allows citizens to address issues that matter directly to them. This kind of engagement is not just about solving problems it also builds trust, social cohesion, and a sense of ownership over the community.
When individuals take part in local decision-making processes, they see how collective action leads to meaningful results. This understanding is crucial, because it shows that even small contributions attending a meeting, organizing an event, or helping a local initiative can accumulate into significant societal change. It also strengthens connections between residents, creating a more engaged and resilient community.
Besides, engaging in decision-making processes through NGOs offers a unique way for individuals to make their voices heard beyond traditional political channels. By joining an NGO, volunteering in projects, or participating in campaigns and consultations, people can contribute ideas, influence policies, and support community initiatives. NGOs often run campaigns that generate public pressure to influence decision-makers, thus indirectly serving as a bridge to participation in the political and democratic process, gathering collective input and advocating for change in areas like youth participation, environmental sustainability, or human rights. Even without formal authority, individuals can shape decisions indirectly, build networks, and be part of meaningful social impact. In this sense, NGOs provide both a platform and a community for active civic engagement.
Digital Activism: Engaging in the 21st Century The digital world has opened new possibilities for active citizenship. Social media, online petitions, and digital campaigns allow people to express their views, raise awareness, and mobilize support in unprecedented ways. Movements such as Fridays for Future demonstrate how online engagement can quickly translate into real-world action.
However, digital activism comes with its own challenges. Information spreads quickly, but not always accurately, and superficial engagement sometimes called “slacktivism” can give the illusion of participation without real impact. Digital literacy is therefore critical. Understanding how to navigate online platforms responsibly, critically evaluate information, and engage respectfully ensures that online activism becomes a meaningful extension of real-life civic participation.
Education as a Foundation for Participation Education plays a crucial role in shaping active citizens. Civic education equips individuals with knowledge about political systems, social structures, and democratic values. More importantly, it encourages critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and awareness of social responsibilities. Experiential learning opportunities, such as student councils, debate clubs, youth exchanges, or community projects, allow young people to practice participation in tangible ways. These experiences help develop confidence and a sense of efficacy, showing that individual actions can contribute to broader societal change. A well-educated citizen is more likely to take part in decision-making, volunteer in community projects, and advocate for positive change.
Youth Engagement: Opportunities and Challenges Young people bring energy, creativity, and innovation to civic life, yet their engagement is often limited by structural barriers or a lack of representation. Surveys, including Eurobarometer studies, show that while youth believe their voice matters, many feel disillusioned with formal politics. Providing accessible platforms for young people to engage, recognizing their contributions, and including them in policy development are essential steps for building a culture of participation.
When young citizens are given meaningful opportunities to act, they are more likely to develop lifelong habits of civic involvement. Participation is not a one-time act but a continuous process that grows with experience and responsibility.
Global Citizenship: Thinking Beyond Borders Active citizenship is not confined to local or national contexts. Global challenges such as climate change, migration, and inequality require individuals to act with awareness of the larger world. International volunteering, cross-cultural collaboration, and global advocacy are all expressions of a citizen’s responsibility toward the broader human community.
By engaging in international initiatives, individuals learn to balance local action with global awareness. This perspective cultivates empathy, tolerance, and problem-solving skills, while also fostering a sense of solidarity that transcends borders. Global citizenship emphasizes that actions in one community can ripple outward, affecting change on a much larger scale.
Bringing It All Together Active citizenship is multifaceted. Voting, volunteering, local engagement, digital activism, and civic education are interconnected pathways that reinforce one another. Participation in one area often leads to involvement in others. Volunteering can inspire political interest, digital campaigns can mobilize community action, and education provides the tools to navigate both effectively.
By embracing multiple avenues of engagement, citizens move from being observers to active contributors. Participation becomes a habit rather than an exception, strengthening democracy and society as a whole. Understanding that every action no matter how small matters can empower individuals to take responsibility and make a tangible difference.
In conclusion, being an active citizen is a continuous journey. It involves exercising your right to vote, volunteering in meaningful ways, engaging with your community, and participating responsibly in digital and public spaces. Active citizens recognize both their rights and their responsibilities, contributing to the collective well-being of society.
The transition from “voting to volunteering” symbolizes a deeper evolution: from passive membership in a political system to active stewardship of the communities and societies we live in. Each step, each initiative, each act of engagement strengthens the democratic fabric. By understanding and embracing the many ways to participate, individuals not only make an impact in their immediate environment but also help create a more inclusive, responsible, and connected society.
Berke Deniz Duman
References
Eurobarometer. (2022). Youth and Democracy in the European Union. European Commission.
Council of Europe. (2003). Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life.
Council of Europe. (2010). Charter on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education.
European Youth Forum. (2021). Youth Volunteering in Europe.
ACE Project. (2020). The Importance of Youth Participation in Formal Political Processes.
IFES. (2024). Understanding Young People’s Political and Civic Engagement.
Lynggaard, J. B. (2025). Civic Engagement Reimagined: The Roles of Citizenship, Civicness and Civility.
United Nations Volunteers. (2022). State of the World’s Volunteerism Report.
UNESCO. (2021). Media and Information Literacy Framework.
United Nations. (2015). Sustainable Development Goals.
Today, active citizenship is no longer limited to just voting; the ways individuals can contribute to society have diversified. Young people can engage in social change in many areas, from local decision-making processes and volunteering to critically engaging with digital content and participating in global campaigns. In this article, we explore the different ways one can be an active citizen and how young people can experience democracy in their everyday lives.
Active Citizenship Starts in Our Communities
Being an active citizen is not limited to voting or participating in elections. It also means expressing your opinions, raising social awareness, and taking part in the decision-making processes that shape the community you live in. At this point, local engagement becomes particularly important. For example, citizens who notice a lack of transparency in a municipality, especially regarding financial management or public spending, have the right to voice their concerns. Many municipalities provide suggestion boxes or online feedback forms to allow citizens to communicate their views directly. However, true democracy is achieved not just by giving people the opportunity to speak, but also by ensuring that authorities listen to their citizens. Local governments should provide spaces where citizens can question, hold officials accountable, and support this engagement. Active citizenship is built on dialogue, transparency, and shared responsibility. When citizens and authorities act together, democracy moves beyond a simple voting system and becomes a living culture of participation based on trust.
Finding Truth in the Digital World: The Path for Young Citizens
Today, young citizens are exposed to countless digital content every day, especially on social media. However, not all of this content is reliable. Misinformation, manipulation, and disinformation have become inevitable parts of the digital world. With the rapid spread of artificial intelligence technologies, the line between real and fake is becoming increasingly blurred.
Therefore, young citizens need to approach every piece of information they encounter with a critical eye. Instead of believing content at first sight, they should ask questions such as: Who shared this information? What is the source? Is the information supported by reliable data or evidence? Such inquiries are the first step toward conscious and responsible behavior in the digital environment.
Political parties’ social media campaigns, biased content, and manipulative messages can particularly hinder critical thinking. Often, the goal of these messages is not to inform the public but to persuade them. For example, if a government wants to conceal economic problems, it may avoid addressing them on social media and divert attention to other issues. In such cases, young citizens should be able to see not only what is presented to them but also what is hidden. If young people understand how algorithms and sponsored content work, they realize that not everything they see online is accurate, impartial, or random. This awareness forms the foundation of critical thinking in the digital age. Moreover, it is crucial for every young citizen to benefit from digital literacy education. These programs teach not only how to use technology but also how it works. As a result, young people can more easily identify deepfake videos, disinformation campaigns, and echo chambers. Today, such training is widely accessible through schools, youth centers, and civil society organizations. In addition, developing critical thinking also requires young people to read extensively and participate in discussion clubs or debate groups. Listening to diverse perspectives helps individuals question and reshape their own thoughts. In these environments, young people are encouraged to research, question, and think independently.
In conclusion, young citizens who develop a habit of critical thinking learn to ask “why?” and “how?” instead of blindly believing information. This enables them to become both conscious individuals and strong defenders of democracy amid the complex flow of information in the digital age.
Local Democracy: Beginning of Global Change
The first point of contact for individuals with governance is local government. The decisions they make, the practices they implement, and the policies they set directly affect our daily lives. Therefore, every step taken by local authorities is extremely important, as actions at the local level can lead to global change.Being engaged with the municipalities in our cities is critical both for the citizen’s voice and the healthy functioning of democracy.
Local governments touch every aspect of life, including public transportation, waste management, environmental planning, education, and cultural projects.Active participation in these areas allows citizens to see the results of change more quickly and to make their voices heard more effectively.
At the same time, citizens should be involved in the decision-making process of local government, and local authorities should provide opportunities to encourage this participation. For example, making city council meetings open to the public or broadcasting them online is highly valuable for transparency. When citizens participate directly in these processes, trust in local government increases, and the sense of belonging is strengthened.
Local democracy is built on cooperation, dialogue, and mutual understanding. These elements form the foundation of a healthy democracy. It is also important for local governments to collaborate with civil society organizations and local initiatives.For instance, establishing a Youth Council allows young citizens to experience democracy not just in theory but in practice. This enables them to develop a sense of active citizenship, contribute directly to decision-making processes, and become part of participatory democracy. In conclusion, the impact of actions taken at the local level extends beyond city borders. A well-implemented policy by one municipality can serve as an example for other cities and even countries. Therefore, a strong local democracy shapes not only the local community but also the global future.
Democracy for Everyone: Age Is Just a Number
When we think of democratic participation, voting often comes to mind first. However, voting is not the only way to be involved in democracy. Age does not determine one’s ability to contribute to society and be an active citizen. Individuals under 18 can also play a significant role, as democracy is more about participation, responsibility, and awareness than age.
For example, schools can establish student councils or democracy clubs to develop young people’s skills in discussion, idea generation, and taking responsibility. These initiatives allow under-18 individuals to exercise freedom of expression, build social awareness, and develop a sense of responsibility.
Young people can also play an active role in society by volunteering with civil society organizations. Activities such as environmental clean-ups, assisting the elderly, or engaging in social responsibility projects strengthen solidarity and foster conscious social responsibility. Participation is possible not only in physical spaces but also in the digital world. Young people can join awareness campaigns on social media, create informative content, or share accurate information to counter misinformation, thus demonstrating active citizenship in the digital sphere. In conclusion, regardless of age, when young people express their ideas, show solidarity, participate in local projects, and act responsibly online, democracy is alive. Remember, active citizenship begins not with age but with the desire to make a difference.
Volunteering: A Way to Put Democracy into Practice
Volunteering is one of the most meaningful ways for young people to practice democracy in real life. Beyond voting or expressing opinions, volunteering allows individuals to take concrete steps for the benefit of society.When young people volunteer for important social issues, they raise awareness and inspire others to take action for the common good. Through volunteering, young people learn values such as responsibility, cooperation, and the power of collective effort. Participation in volunteer projects also helps them discover how they can make a difference in society and develop essential skills for active citizenship, including leadership, teamwork, empathy, and solidarity.
Volunteering is also a way to experience democracy in practice. Young people take initiative, make collective decisions, and observe how their joint efforts can improve society.Programs like Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), as well as local social responsibility projects that support the elderly, refugees, or disadvantaged children, are real-life examples of democracy in action. They offer practical experiences where citizens actively contribute to building a fair and inclusive society.
Youth Activism: Architects of Change Today In recent years, youth activism has become an increasingly powerful movement worldwide. Young people are now seen not only as the citizens of the future but also as the pioneers of change today. Inspired by climate marches initiated by Greta Thunberg, young people are taking to the streets to raise environmental awareness and call governments to accountability.In addition, young people are running active campaigns on gender equality, human rights, refugee rights, and social justice.
These movements demonstrate that young people not only have a voice but also possess the power to create real change in society.Through social media, global networks, and volunteer activities, young people form solidarity networks that cross borders. Democracy thus becomes more than just voting in elections; with active youth participation, it turns into a dynamic, living, and evolving process.These youth movements, which highlight important social issues and run various campaigns, have transformed youth activism into a strong global phenomenon, proving that young voices truly matter.
As we have seen in this article, contributing to democracy goes beyond voting; through critical thinking, volunteering, and activism, young people create tangible social change and support the vibrant and effective functioning of democracy.
In the contemporary, increasingly digital-intertwined environment, being well-informed in society is more than just reacting or clicking a post, it’s a fundamental matter in safeguarding democracy itself.
Algorithms, artificial intelligence, and social media systems systematically curate the information that we media users encounter daily, which influences our public perception based on what we see, believe, and how we act, that become one of the significant challenges over the years up until the present. What’s particularly concerning is that the most affected are not only the present, but the future generations who will experience the era of navigating a complex landscape characterized by information and disinformation.While navigating the realm, we need to be aware that social media algorithms are very prone to bias, which can bring both positive and negative impacts.
Impacts that can either be beneficial or detrimental, particularly those that aim to take advantage of and exploit social media barriers that are supposed to prevent them. This simply means that every tap that is seemingly convenient is a consequence that develops into a more serious problem, called “manipulation”. Manipulation of reality, which timely reveals that the power of our consciousness and the power of algorithms are presently engaged in a silent conflict that affects not only our virtual identities but also our perceptions of the outside world. While digital literacy and our personal awareness are necessary to allow us to evaluate content critically, spot deceptive practices, and avoid mindlessly spreading false information.
The fact that algorithms are made to maximize interaction rather than truth is at the core of this problem. Being informed that everything we see online is sensational, emotional, and provocative receives the greatest interaction. The more we get into it, the more we become entangled, and from time to time, it unconsciously feeds our brain with a steady diet of information that aligns with our beliefs, creating what we know echo chamber that filters out our preexisting opinions, reinforces biases, and negatively exacerbates our social division. And through every clicking and swiping, subtle modifications of our perspective occur slowly, without even knowing, and over time, we get more certain of our beliefs, less accepting of different viewpoints, and more susceptible to false information.
But despite the power algorithms have over what we see and experience online, we still have something just as powerful on our side, which is “awareness”. Awareness, guided by our understanding of how social media works and how it influences our daily lives that can be a step in resisting social media manipulation, and awareness where we can apply our knowledge and our means of being conscious, informed, and responsible in using it. Instead of relying more on social media, thinking about other alternatives that will broaden our perspective from across the spectrum could bring a big impact in navigating the realms of manipulation.
Pause and reflect before engaging, practice fact-checking. It’s about understanding not only what we see on the internet, but also the question of why we see it, how it impacts us, and why we think we are being manipulated. One thing that will help is our willingness to engage real- based experience and practices that will not only help broaden our understanding, but also our personal capacity to recognize bias in our own thinking.
Although the clash between algorithm and awareness is one of our generations biggest challenges, the truth is that algorithms alone are tools and aren’t inherently flawed. Rather, the issue lies in how we apply them and how much power we grant to our choice decisions and thoughts that carry a big impact on our day-to-day basis. It is not only prudent but also essential to be knowledgeable, skeptical, and intentional in a world where digital systems know us better than we do.
In our world where technology is mediated more and more, our awareness provides a way to regain the world and keeps the human aspect at the center of our interactions with the digital realm. A means that helps us to take back control, to think critically, and to prevent unseen forces from distorting the reality of being twisted. But the question is, will we continue to be passive users of whatever the digital world pushes, or will we step up and take full responsibility for our digital lives? Because by the end of the day, the choice is ours, and the time to act is now. Although awareness lacks the scope of an algorithm, it originates with its own power, “choice”. And that choice is within ourselves, that lies a big strength to bring significant change.
HighRiskhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004727272500043X AI Systems-Lie Detection Application. https://www.mdpi.com/1999-5903/17/1/26
Tufekci, Z. (2015). Algorithmic harms beyond Facebook and Google: Emergent challenges of computational agency. Colorado Technology Law Journal, 13(203), 203–218.
Since its launch in 2016 Tiktok has grown into a global platform with over 1 billion users worldwide. More than half its users are young people aged 15-24, making it a powerful way to connect with the youth of today. While many turn to social media platforms to stay in touch with friends and family, an increasing number also use it to follow the news, explore trending topics, and access educational content. This positions platforms like Tiktok as more than entertainment hubs — they can play a role in shaping future citizens.
Social media creates a sense of community quickly, connecting people across distances who share similar identities or experiences. A great example is the queer community which uses social media platforms to share personal stories, offer support and information around gender and sexuality. It can provide knowledge and raise awareness on the current situation and rights of LGBTQ+ people. Furthermore, social media platforms allow individuals affected by injustice or violence to directly share their stories and raise funds for their causes by linking to charity or crowdfunding sites. This creates opportunities for direct public engagement and offers perspectives that go beyond traditional news coverage, fostering greater awareness and empathy, important qualities to have. Social media can reinforce or expand on learning that begins in traditional settings like school, home, or the workplace, especially when those settings offer only brief or limited instruction. Information must be shared quickly since algorithms usually prefer short content – Tiktok is the best example of this – so content creators are efficient when presenting their ideas.
Although it’s important to note that those courses are not replaceable since the use of social media, without knowing how it works, can be more harmful than useful. Social media can also connect people in a way that traps people together in a gated community without any exterior point of view challenging the thoughts and ideas of the viewer. A part of civic education is learning to discuss and debate in a democratic context and environment.
A great number of fake news also circulate on all the social media platforms. A heavily distorted truth can be shared too quickly to be controlled by the moderators. Fake news can be seen by an extraordinary number of people in record time as information has never circulated so fast as today. Public political figures can themselves be sources of disinformation, further complicating the problem.
Only using social media as a way to educate oneself is therefore inadvisable. Like specified before, social media is primarily used for entertainment and algorithms are built to offer only the content a user would consume. Since most platforms are primarily designed for entertainment, their algorithms prioritize content that aligns with a user’s preferences—not necessarily what is accurate or educational. Without complementary instructions young people may never see content that challenges their views or promotes informed citizenship. Social media platforms can be used as an educational tool as long as younger audiences are made aware of how to use it for this purpose, much like learning how to use a dictionary. These platforms can support traditional foundations and contribute to the development of future citizens.
In the majority of societies across the world and history, women have not played an important role in democracy. Throughout history, women have not been recognized as important figures due to the patriarchal structures that dominated many societies, which relegated them to domestic roles and limited their participation in public life.
This, combined with restricted access to education, gender stereotypes that viewed them as “less capable”, exclusion from positions of power and a lack of historical documentation, contributed to their achievements being minimized or ignored.
Nevertheless, the change started in 1791 with the French Revolution when women not only made a great impact but also they demanded a legal reform. Women played a fundamental role in the French Revolution, promoting legal and social reforms, fighting for equal rights and actively participating in political and social transformation, although they did not achieve all their objectives at that time.
This mobilization helped lay the groundwork for future movements that would seek women’s rights. That’s because the real difference would not come until the XIX century when suffrage was a real thing and later when they have gone from being individuals devoted to family life and procreation to actively joining and becoming involved in the political life of the country. Therefore, women’s participation is key to democracies, as they need women to preserve their authenticity, and women need democracy to change the systems and laws that prevent them and society as a whole from achieving equality.
Feminist leadership has not been easy, it has come a long way to achieve it and there are still obstacles that limit its progress towards true and complete gender equality in positions of power. However, the statistics are growing on their way to development. Since 2014 to 2024, the percentage of women holding seats in national parliaments has increased 5,6%. And regarding national governments they have experienced an increase of 7,4%.
Despite that progress there are some countries that have not grown that much so it’s a long journey to equity yet. As we move forward in 2025, the data obtained reflect both progress and barriers that persist and face women in today’s world.
Right now, women have managed to break barriers and occupy leadership positions that had historically been denied to them, but the situation of female leaders in Europe remains a minority on the continent. Of 50 countries, only 15 have a female prime minister or head of state, excluding monarchs.
There are numerous examples of women who have broken stereotypes and built outstanding political careers, dedicating their work to the fight for women’s rights and gender equality:
Bibiana Aido, Spanish PSOE politician:
Aído is a Spanish politician from the PSOE. Since January 2017, she has been the representative of UN Women in Ecuador. She was Minister of Equality of the Government of Spain from April 2008 to October 2010. In the following legislature, this ministry was integrated into the Ministry of Health, Social Policy and Equality, so Aído was Secretary of State for Equality until July 22, 2011, when she left her post to join UN Women as a special advisor in September of that year. She thus became the youngest minister up to that time: she was 31 years old when she took office.
Roberta Metsola, Maltese lawyer and politician:
She is a Maltese lawyer and politician specialising in European politics. She has been the President of the European Parliament since 18 January 2022. Since 11 January 2022, she assumed the interim presidency following the unexpected death of David Sassoli and is the third woman to hold the presidency of this institution after Simone Veil and Nicole Fontaine. She is also the youngest person to hold the presidency of the European Parliament and has been a Member of the European Parliament since 2013, re-elected in 2019. Also, in October 2020, Metsola assumed the first vice-presidency of the European Parliament.
Emma Bonino, Italian politician:
She is an Italian politician and member of the Italian Parliament. She is known for her Europeanism and her defence of women’s rights. Between 1995 and 1999 she was European Commissioner for Fisheries and Humanitarian Aid in the Santer Commission. She also worked especially on campaigns against female genital mutilation, the rights of Afghan women and the fight against child prostitution and in 1998 she received the “Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation”. In 2013-2014 she was Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy.
Élisabeth Borne, a French civil engineer and politician:
She is a French civil engineer and politician who served as Prime Minister of France from 2022 to 2024 and is a member of the La République en Marche (LREM) party. She was Minister of Labour, Employment and Integration from 2020 to 2022; Minister of Ecological and Inclusive Transition from 2019 to 2020; and Minister of Transport from 2017 to 2019. In addition, she was Prime Minister of France from 16 May 2022 to 8 January 2024, becoming the second woman to hold the office after Édith Cresson. She declared herself a feminist and promoted measures for equal pay and the fight against gender violence.
She is a Spanish labor lawyer, magistrate, judge emeritus and politician who was mayor of Madrid from June 2015 to June 2019. Prior to entering municipal politics, she also served as a member of the General Council of the Judiciary between 1996 and 2001. She fought for women’s rights and promoted gender equality in local politics.
Sanna Mirella Marin, finnish politics:
She is a Finnish politician who was Prime Minister of Finland from December 2019, and Chairwoman of the Social Democratic Party of Finland from August 2020 to 6 April 2023. Following the 2023 Finnish parliamentary election, in which the SDP came third, the Marin government formally resigned. She had previously served as Minister of Transport and Communications, from June to December 2019. She was the youngest head of government in the country’s history. Since retiring from politics in 2023, she has worked as a consultant for former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s Institute for Global Change.
To sum up, the rise of women in politics is the result of progress in education, policy reforms, and activism. Education empowers women with the skills and confidence to lead, breaking stereotypes and fostering future female leaders. Policy changes, such as gender quotas and equal pay laws, have created opportunities for women to access leadership roles. Meanwhile, activism has driven these changes, challenging biases and advocating for greater representation.
While progress has been made, challenges remain. Continued efforts in education, legal reforms, and activism are essential to achieving true gender equality in politics.
There is a common belief that young people are disengaged from politics—that they don’t vote, follow the news, or care about local political issues. But is this really the case?
Recent youth-led mass mobilizations have challenged this assumption. In fact, it is impossible to fully measure young people’s engagement in civil society based solely on voter turnout. Their contribution to democracy is far more complex and often manifests in ways that defy traditional methods of participation. Since 2019, when young people began protesting political inaction on climate change and founded the Fridays for Future (FFF) movement, it has become clear that their preferred methods of engagement often fall outside established institutions. They are taking to the streets and leveraging social media as a powerful platform for activism to express their dissatisfaction with the state of the world.
In this article, we will explore examples of successful youth-led movements that highlight the profound impact young generations can have on shaping government policies and driving societal change. Examining these youth-driven movements is crucial because many of them reveal how deeply young people are committed to addressing societal inequalities. These movements are built on principles of inclusion and participatory democracy, organizing protests, events, and debates to bring about meaningful change. Their efforts have the potential to spark democratic renewal and lead to long-term transformation, especially in areas where traditional approaches have fallen short.
Young people today are not simply participating in one-off protests; they are altering their everyday lives to reflect their values. Many adopt vegan or vegetarian diets, choose organic, fair-trade, and locally sourced products, and avoid fast fashion in favour of second-hand clothing—all ways of aligning their actions with their beliefs. This wave of activism is primarily led by Generation Z. To understand their sense of urgency, it’s important to consider the historical context in which they were raised. Gen Z grew up during the Great Recession of 2008, witnessing first-hand the struggles their families faced in securing necessities and much of their adolescence was spent in isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only for them to emerge into a world where climate change poses an existential threat to their future. Despite these challenges, most members of Gen Z are actively engaged in social or political causes. One remarkable feature of this generation is their refusal to respond to adversity with apathy. Instead, they channel their frustrations into advocacy and activism. Research shows that 70% of Gen Zers are involved in a social or political cause, even if they don’t identify as full-fledged activists.
One of the most notable examples is the Fridays for Future movement, which was spearheaded by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.It all began in August 2018 when, at just 15 years old, Thunberg decided to sit outside the Swedish Parliament every school day, demanding urgent action on the climate crisis. Thunberg’s lone protest quickly gained momentum, inspiring young people around the world to join the cause. By September 8, 2018, Swedish lawmakers committed to a climate-safe pathway aligned with the Paris Agreement. The creation of the hashtag #FridaysforFuture catalysed a global movement, with school strikes taking place across Europe and eventually around the globe. Over the course of seven years, the FFF movement’s demands have been acknowledged by parliaments worldwide, underscoring how one individual’s determination can ignite an extraordinary collective response. Thunberg’s story proves that persistence in advocating for one’s ideals can lead to real change. No matter how dire the state of the world may seem, there is always room for improvement.
Another powerful example of youth-led activism is the March for Our Lives movement in the United States. After the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, students across the country rallied to demand an end to gun violence. Their vision was to create a society where gun violence becomes a thing of the past, and the use and abuse of firearms are eliminated. In 2018, the students took their message to the streets, organizing the largest single-day protest against gun violence in U.S. history. Millions of people joined the students from Florida, fed up with the constant threat of gun violence that accompanied even the most mundane activities—like going to school. Since then, the movement has been instrumental in passing over 300-gun violence prevention laws across the United States. Through their Road to Change initiative, the movement has organized rallies nationwide and conducted research to understand why gun violence is so pervasive in America with their Five Forces document. The March for Our Lives movement is a prime example of how tragedy can be transformed into a catalyst for change. It demonstrates that injustice should never be met with silence, and that no matter how deeply entrenched an issue may seem, it is always possible to challenge and change it.
As young people continue to raise their voices, initiatives like Youth DemocrAID further emphasize the importance of civic engagement. This project is dedicated to encouraging young people to take an active role in politics—from voting to participating in local community initiatives. It aims to foster dialogue and debate at the European level, focusing on the harmful effects of disengagement from democratic processes. By promoting participatory and non-formal educational methods, Youth DemocrAID is equipping the next generation with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions and influence change. The initiative utilizes podcasts and digital tools to connect young people with democratic education. As part of the project, five distinct podcasts will feature interviews with national political representatives, activists, NGOs, and community members who share their stories, creating a shared and publicly accessible library. Over the coming years, the project will expand through a network of partners from the five participating countries: Italy, Poland, Greece, Portugal, and Slovakia.
If you feel disillusioned with the state of the world, don’t stay silent. Join initiatives like Youth DemocrAID to make your voice heard and connect with like-minded individuals who are equally committed to addressing global challenges. This is the only way to create lasting, meaningful change in our society.
Who can claim not to have any social media presence nowadays? If you’re reading this article, chances are you have accounts on at least three different platforms. Social media has become inseparable from our daily lives—we reconnect with old friends on Instagram, stay updated on the latest news via X, and laugh at memes on TikTok.
What’s even more intriguing is that social media today is not just a hub for light-hearted entertainment; it has evolved into a vital tool for political engagement. Politicians now recognize the necessity of mastering these platforms to connect with younger voters. Data from 2020 reveals that 97% of youth aged 12-17 engaged with at least one social media site, and 70% received information about the 2020 election through these channels. [1]It’s only natural, then, for politicians to expand their social media presence to communicate their messages effectively.
However, young people don’t solely consume political content from official accounts. They also engage with posts shared by peers, influencers who specialize in breaking down current events and encouraging civic action and famous people who decide to take the stand for what they believe in. For instance, during the 2024 U.S. elections, the role of celebrities was particularly impactful. When Taylor Swift announced her support for the Democratic Party on Instagram and X, her message prompted thousands of fans to register to vote almost immediately. Influencers often serve as trusted sources for political news because they communicate in ways that resonate with younger audiences.
Traditional media, such as television and newspapers, often struggle to engage young people. Their messaging can come across as out of touch, sometimes even criticizing youth as easily influenced or apathetic. In contrast, influencers know how to simplify complex issues and present them in relatable, digestible formats, which explains their significant influence on youth engagement.
When young people are addressed in ways they find relatable, their contributions to democracy can be transformative. The Fridays for Future movement is a prime example. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, then a teenager, tapped into the fears and frustrations of her generation about the climate crisis. By leveraging social media, she amplified her message and mobilized a global movement, which not only brought millions to the streets but also influenced elections by empowering environmentalist parties across Europe.
The platforms most used for spreading messages are Instagram, TikTok, and X. Instagram excels at sharing infographics that spark discussions on specific topics. TikTok, especially popular since the pandemic, allows creators to post longer videos, enabling deeper dives into complex issues. X, meanwhile, remains a useful tool for directly interacting with politicians, critiquing them, or holding them accountable through public posts. Beyond social media, other digital tools like podcasts and virtual forums are also crucial for fostering democratic engagement among youth. Podcasts, for example, can host in-depth discussions on topics relevant to young people, often featuring expert interviews. Many podcasts focus on dissecting current events in accessible language, making it easier for listeners to understand political matters compared to traditional news outlets.
Virtual forums provide another avenue for meaningful debate. These spaces allow young people to discuss pressing issues with like-minded peers, which can be difficult to do in person due to a lack of accessible venues or interested participants. Online debates also give policymakers insights into the priorities of younger voters, helping shape policies that reflect their views.
In conclusion, technology has fundamentally transformed how young people interact with political issues. Youth now learn about current events through social media, then translate that knowledge into action by voting or advocating for change. This demonstrates that the digital world can be a powerful tool for increasing youth participation in democracy. To maximize its potential, those who seek to involve young people in civic life must harness platforms like social media, podcasts, and virtual forums in ways that captivate and inspire.
This is precisely why the Youth DemocrAid project was created. The initiative utilizes podcasts and digital tools to connect young people with democratic education. As part of the project, five distinct podcasts will feature interviews with national political representatives, activists, NGOs, and community members who share their stories, creating a shared and publicly accessible library. Over the coming years, the project will expand through a network of partners from the five participating countries: Italy, Poland, Greece, Portugal, and Slovakia. Through this project, young people will have the opportunity to engage with politics by fostering the exchange of ideas and facilitating debate at a European level about the negative impacts of youth disengagement in democratic processes. The primary goal of the project is to raise awareness about this issue by promoting participation and employing methods of informal education.
While the digital realm offers immense potential, it’s essential to use it responsibly to prevent issues like misinformation. With projects like DemocrAid, we can ensure that digital engagement becomes a force for good. Embracing these tools is the way forward—we just need to learn how to use them effectively!
Bianca Finessi, student of the University of Bologna.
Reference
1) Fletcher I (2023, October 3). “Increase in social media use spurring youth political engagement”, Diplomatic Courier.
In recent years, the European Union (EU) has placed significant emphasis on promoting gender equality within its institutions and across its member states. This effort to foster a more inclusive and equitable society is grounded in the belief that everyone—regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or other aspects of diversity—deserves the opportunity to lead the life they envision, succeed both socially and economically, and actively participate in shaping the society in which they live.
Historically, women have faced greater obstacles in securing leadership positions and becoming key agents of development and change. Despite these challenges, many have broken barriers and achieved remarkable success. Today, thanks to more inclusive legislation and shifting societal attitudes, we see an increasing number of women in leadership roles, making significant contributions to their communities and across Europe.
In this article, we highlight the inspiring journeys of three extraordinary women who have made a meaningful impact through their work and dedication.
Danila De Stefano
Danila De Stefano exemplifies how personal experience can inspire impactful change within a community. Leveraging her expertise in psychology, De Stefano has dedicated herself to dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health. After earning a degree in Clinical Psychology from Sapienza University in Rome, she worked as a research assistant at Goldsmiths, University of London, and gained hands-on experience in various psychiatric clinics and charities. When she encountered significant difficulty in finding a therapist who spoke her native language, she conceived the idea of Unobravo—an online therapeutic service.
In just three years, Unobravo expanded rapidly, employing over 2,500 psychologists and psychotherapists, and supporting more than 80,000 patients. In 2021, Unobravo was recognized in Forbes Italia’s “Under 30” list in the Healthcare category, and in 2022, it received the prestigious “Entrepreneur of the Year” award in the start-up category from EY.
Today, Danila De Stefano serves as an inspiring figure for women seeking to revolutionize their fields through innovation and vision.
Cristina Bentué
Cristina Bentué offers a visionary perspective on the future of technology, emphasizing collaboration, inclusion, and narrowing the gender gap in STEM fields.
Currently a leader in the cybersecurity sector, Bentué is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of IriusRisk, a start-up that employs 150 people across three continents and counts major clients like IBM Security and Red Hat. Born and raised in Spain, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature from the National Distance Education University in Madrid.
Her interest in technology was sparked after moving to Barcelona, where she immersed herself in the city’s vibrant start-up ecosystem. Motivated to empower young women in STEM, Bentué has spearheaded numerous initiatives designed to inspire girls to pursue careers in technology, equipping them with both the skills and confidence to succeed.
Cristina Bentué stands as a role model for women navigating male-dominated industries, demonstrating that perseverance and dedication can lead to success in even the most challenging fields.
Sofija Todorović
Sofija Todorović, a feminist and human rights advocate from Serbia, is another powerful example of a woman working to improve European society.
A law graduate from the University of Belgrade, Todorović currently serves as the Program Director of the Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR) in Serbia. She is deeply involved in educating the public about transitional justice, human rights, and conflict resolution.
Despite facing personal risks, including physical injury, Todorović remains undeterred in her fight against authoritarianism and nationalism in the Balkans. She organizes pride marches and advocates for greater equality for people of all genders and sexual orientations in Serbian society. Over the past decade, her articles and workshops have reached more than 10,000 people, spreading her message of inclusivity and justice.
In recognition of her tireless commitment to human rights, Todorović has received numerous accolades, including the Ledolomac Human Rights Prize from Serbia’s Liberal Democratic Party in 2018, the Feminist Achievement Award from BeFem in 2019, the Ordinary Heroes Recognition from the Post-Conflict Research Centre in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2020, and the Human Rights Defender Award from Civic Initiatives in Belgrade in 2021.
These three exceptional women have turned their personal challenges into opportunities for growth and societal change, whether by building successful enterprises or by shaping their communities for the better. What sets them apart, however, is their commitment to sharing their success with others—particularly women who may lack the resources or confidence to pursue their goals.
True empowerment is achieved not through individual success alone, but through collective action and support. By fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, we can ensure that no one is left behind. Real societal progress will come when every person has access to the tools and opportunities they need to pursue their dreams.
Bianca Finessi, student of the University of Bologna.
Over the past year, citizens across various nations have participated in critical elections. In June, Europeans cast their votes for a new Parliament, while more recently, the United States chose its next President. Despite the distance between these elections, a shared theme emerged across debates: the vital role of women’s voices in today’s political landscape. Candidates increasingly recognize that, in tightly contested races, a commitment to gender equality can be a deciding factor.
The European Union has made notable strides toward gender equality, including the ratification of the Istanbul Convention in 2023, a significant step in the fight against gender-based violence. Despite this progress, many societal and structural barriers continue to hinder women’s full participation in politics and impede career advancement. Women often face unique challenges that limit their access to leadership roles. From a young age, many women are raised in environments that undervalue their potential, leading to self-doubt and deterring them from pursuing positions of authority. Additionally, women frequently have limited access to critical resources like time, financial support, and political networks. Domestic and caregiving responsibilities also tend to fall more heavily on women, restricting the time they can dedicate to their careers.
The scarcity of female role models in mainstream media further compounds this issue, making it difficult for aspiring female leaders to envision a path in politics. Patriarchal structures within political parties often make it challenging for women to achieve leadership roles in male-dominated fields.
On a positive note, these challenges mean that when women do pursue political office, they often do so with significant resolve and careful consideration. Female candidates who succeed tend to be exceptionally qualified and often excel in their roles, achieving notable progress and innovation. This is, in part, because the obstacles they face drive them to be exceptionally well-prepared and focused.
Gender equality is critical for a robust democracy. When more women assume influential roles, legislation better reflects the needs of the entire population. For instance, female leaders are more likely to champion issues often overlooked, such as healthcare inequalities, where conditions affecting women frequently lack adequate research. Additionally, increased representation helps combat patriarchal norms, leading to enhanced protections for women against domestic, sexual, and economic violence.
A society with laws that support gender equality is more likely to invest in equal educational opportunities for young girls, which can contribute to a reduction in poverty levels. Access to education and opportunities has a profound effect on women’s socio-economic stability, especially for single mothers, who often face financial hardship.
Currently, despite the European Union’s commitment to gender equality, women remain underrepresented in government and parliaments across the EU. Yet, the EU has achieved more substantial progress than many other governing bodies. As of February 2024, women accounted for 39.9% of the European Parliament, surpassing the EU national parliaments’ average of 31.6%. [1] However, disparities in female representation persist among Member States, both at the European and national levels.
One effective way to tackle women’s underrepresentation in politics is through changes to electoral systems. Today, eleven Member States enforce binding gender quotas for European elections—Belgium, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Romania, and Slovenia. While these quotas have helped increase female representation, biases still linger, with voters often underestimating women’s leadership potential. Educating voters could help counter these biases. Encouraging citizens to become informed about candidates and discussing influential female political figures can foster positive role models for future generations.
One initiative making an impact in this area is DemocrAid, a project that empowers young women in politics through civic education, mentorship, and exposure to female role models. By addressing topics such as equality and women’s rights, DemocrAid provides young women with a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape and how they can make a difference. Through events, participants interact with accomplished female leaders, offering both inspiration and practical examples of leadership. DemocrAid’s mentorship program further supports young women, helping them build confidence and navigate political spaces. The project’s mission is to inspire a new generation of informed, empowered female leaders ready to make a difference in their communities. In conclusion, while it can be discouraging to observe the current rates of female representation in political leadership, individuals and initiatives like DemocrAid are working to change this reality. As citizens, we have the power to shape our communities, making it worthwhile to support and engage with projects that advance gender equality and women’s leadership in politics.
Bianca Finessi, student of the University of Bologna.
Reference
1) I. Zamfir, Women in politics in the 2024 election year, “Epthinkthank”, 2024.
