The month of June is dedicated to the youth of 1976, who stood up against the apartheid government. 45 years later, we celebrate youth who are still contributing to achieving a better society. Here are 5 young ladies who are making a difference and stepping into their power.

Zulaikha Patel

Image via Instagram

At the young age of 13, Zulaikha took up the fight against Pretoria Girls High School’s policy regarding black girls’ hair. She led a demonstration that eventually changed school policy, and led to an inquiry into allegations of racism at the school. Her story spread across social media and the world and she became the face of the #StopRacismAtPretoriaGirlsHigh movement.

Farai Mubaiwa

Image via Instagram

Farai is the co-founder of the Africa Matters Initiative. This youth-led organisation is committed to educating and motivating African youth, especially women and girls to change their communities and the African narrative through leadership, social entrepreneurship, and advocacy.

The initiative was formed as a response to negative narratives around Africa and the lack of media coverage of African lives in comparison to their Western counterparts.

Mmatshepo Seoka

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Mmatshepo is the founder of the non-profit organisation, Treasure In A Ruin (TIR). This organisation aims to tackle issues faced by young men and women. Having had first-hand experience in some of these issues, she uses her experience and stories to inspire, help and motivate those in need.

Shaeera Kalla

Image via Google Images

Kalla is the former SRC leader at the University of Witwatersrand, and one of the students who led the #FeesMustFall movement. This movement was one of the biggest youth movements post-democracy and it united students from all parts of South Africa to fight for free and equal education.

Let’s continue celebrating the youth who are consistently fighting for a better world. There are many issues we still face today as young people and we should choose to stand firm, even when we’re scared. You have the power to make a change and that’s why June is such an important month for Youth. What does Youth Day mean to you?

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