“My clitoris is staying where it is!” sing young women fighting to end FGM

The young people of Integrate UK continue their fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with their music video, #MyClitoris. Launched at the charity’s event on 10 December, marking the organisation going national following the success of Integrate Bristol, the song has already attracted the attention of popular feminist figures Caitlin Moran, Cathy Newman and Lily Allen.

The youth-led charity, founded in 2009, supports its members in their devised projects including film development, theatrical performances, conferences and song writing. They are given the opportunity to expand their learning, ambitions and aspirations as they achieve social change within their own communities and beyond.

The charity have already played a pivotal role in championing women’s rights against FGM – the ritual removal of some or all of the external female genitalia, which has no medical benefit and is purely an outdated cultural ideology. Integrate UK’s work has attracted the attention of the government and leading global human rights campaigners such as Malala Yousafzai. Recently, events and development coordinator, Sami Ullah (20), was invited to speak at the UN in Washington DC.

The #MyClitoris music video was created in response to an outrageous article in the Economist suggesting the legislation of a milder form of FGM as a suitable compromise. Working with local musicians, the young people at Integrate UK wanted to send a clear message. The result is a humorous, powerful and extremely catchy song, using lyrics such as “Why do you think my vagina’s made for you?” and “You think you control my spirit, listen mister, you can stick it!”.

Harpal Kaur, 22, says “This music video is an extension of our fight against FGM and all forms of gender-based violence against young women and girls. This was an opportunity to showcase our support for those who are oppressed from others within their communities”.

Having already played a part in other powerful campaigns include the tackling of grooming for radicalisation, right wing extremism, gang and drug culture and child sexual exploitation (CSE), the young people at Integrate UK end this year with a powerful and positive display of defiance proving that, despite the doom and gloom of this year, some truly great things have come out of 2016.

Watch the #MyClitoris music video via Integrate UK TV – the charity’s YouTube channel - or follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq6v-kIcG_Y