Music has always been a powerful tool for raising awareness about critical social issues, and the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation on February 6th calls for voices that can inspire change. The following collection of songs represents artists who have used their platforms to advocate for women’s rights, bodily autonomy, and the protection of young girls worldwide. These tracks span various genres and eras, each contributing to the global conversation about ending harmful traditional practices and empowering women to reclaim their narratives.
Rise Up by Andra Day
Andra Day’s “Rise Up” has become an anthem for survivors and activists fighting against gender-based violence and harmful practices affecting women globally. The song’s powerful message of resilience and determination resonates deeply with organizations working to end female genital mutilation and support affected communities. Day’s soaring vocals and the track’s uplifting instrumentation create a sense of hope that empowers listeners to stand against injustice and advocate for the rights of girls and women everywhere.
I Am Here by Pink
Pink’s “I Am Here” serves as a declaration of self-worth and presence that speaks to the importance of recognizing every girl’s right to bodily integrity. The song’s emotional depth and Pink’s raw vocal delivery emphasize the message that every individual deserves to be seen, heard, and protected from harm. This track has been embraced by human rights advocates as a reminder that survivors of FGM are not defined by their trauma but by their strength and resilience.
Fight Song by Rachel Platten
Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song” became a global phenomenon as an empowerment anthem that resonates with anyone fighting for their rights and dignity. The song’s message about taking back power and refusing to be silenced aligns perfectly with the mission of International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. Platten’s passionate delivery and the song’s driving rhythm inspire listeners to continue advocating for change, making it a staple at awareness campaigns and women’s rights events worldwide.
Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire” celebrates the unstoppable spirit of girls and women who refuse to let harmful traditions define their futures. The song’s empowering lyrics and Keys’ soulful performance highlight the potential that exists when girls are protected, educated, and allowed to thrive without the threat of FGM. This track has been featured in numerous campaigns promoting girls’ rights and has become synonymous with the movement to end gender-based violence.
Survivor by Destiny’s Child
Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor” remains one of the most iconic empowerment anthems in music history, with its message of resilience particularly relevant to FGM survivors and advocates. The song’s defiant lyrics and powerful harmonies celebrate the strength it takes to overcome trauma and continue fighting for a better future. This track’s enduring popularity at women’s rights events demonstrates its continued relevance in conversations about protecting girls from harmful practices.
Roar by Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s “Roar” encourages individuals to find their voice and speak out against injustice, making it an ideal anthem for the fight against female genital mutilation. The song’s transformation narrative from silence to empowerment mirrors the journey many survivors and activists undertake when breaking cultural taboos to advocate for change. Perry’s energetic performance and the track’s memorable chorus have made it a favorite at rallies and awareness events focused on women’s bodily autonomy.
Brave by Sara Bareilles
Sara Bareilles crafted “Brave” as an encouragement for people to speak their truth, which is essential for addressing the often-silenced issue of female genital mutilation. The song’s upbeat melody contrasts with its serious message about the courage required to challenge harmful traditions and advocate for vulnerable girls. Bareilles’ authentic vocal delivery and the track’s inspiring message have made it a powerful tool for organizations working to create safe spaces for discussing FGM and its consequences.
Run the World (Girls) by Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s “Run the World (Girls)” celebrates female power and autonomy, themes central to the movement against female genital mutilation. The song’s aggressive beat and confident lyrics assert that girls and women deserve control over their own bodies and futures. This track has become an anthem at women’s rights demonstrations globally, with its message resonating particularly strongly with young girls who represent the future generation free from FGM.
Unstoppable by Sia
Sia’s “Unstoppable” delivers a message of invincibility that empowers survivors of FGM and those working to protect future generations from this harmful practice. The song’s driving rhythm and Sia’s powerful vocals create an atmosphere of determination that inspires listeners to continue fighting despite obstacles. This track has been adopted by numerous advocacy campaigns as a reminder that the movement to end FGM cannot be halted when communities unite for change.
Scars to Your Beautiful by Alessia Cara
Alessia Cara’s “Scars to Your Beautiful” addresses the damaging effects of harmful beauty standards and body modification practices on young girls’ self-perception. The song’s compassionate message about accepting and loving one’s natural body directly counters the cultural pressures that perpetuate practices like FGM. Cara’s gentle yet firm delivery helps create conversations about bodily autonomy and the right of every girl to grow up without being subjected to unnecessary and harmful procedures.
This Is Me by Keala Settle
From “The Greatest Showman,” Keala Settle’s “This Is Me” has become an anthem of self-acceptance and defiance against those who would shame or harm others. The song’s theatrical power and emotional resonance make it particularly effective for FGM awareness campaigns that focus on celebrating survivors’ strength. Settle’s commanding vocal performance and the track’s building intensity mirror the growing global movement to end this practice once and for all.
Respect by Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin’s timeless classic “Respect” remains as relevant today as when it was first released, with its demand for dignity and autonomy speaking directly to the core issues surrounding FGM. The song’s emphatic message and Franklin’s legendary vocal performance have made it a staple at human rights events for decades. This track’s cultural significance and its clear message about demanding basic human rights make it essential listening on International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.
The Climb by Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” speaks to the long, difficult journey required to create lasting social change and protect girls from harmful traditional practices. The song’s message about perseverance and focusing on the journey rather than just the destination resonates with activists who understand that ending FGM requires sustained effort across generations. Cyrus’ heartfelt delivery and the track’s inspiring melody provide encouragement to those working in communities where change is gradual but essential.
Beautiful by Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful” confronts the damaging effects of societal pressures to conform to harmful standards and practices affecting girls and women. The song’s vulnerable lyrics and Aguilera’s emotional vocal performance create a powerful statement about the inherent worth of every individual regardless of cultural expectations. This track has been used extensively in campaigns promoting girls’ rights to bodily integrity and freedom from practices like FGM that are often justified through cultural or aesthetic reasoning.
Born This Way by Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” celebrates natural diversity and the right of individuals to exist without being subjected to modification or harm. The song’s inclusive message and dance-pop energy create an empowering atmosphere that challenges practices rooted in controlling or altering girls’ bodies. Gaga’s passionate advocacy for marginalized communities and this track’s global success have made it a powerful tool for raising awareness about protecting children from FGM.
Phenomenal Woman by India.Arie
India.Arie’s spoken-word piece “Phenomenal Woman,” based on Maya Angelou’s poem, celebrates the inherent strength and beauty of women exactly as they are. The song’s affirmation of natural womanhood stands in direct opposition to practices like FGM that attempt to control or define women’s bodies according to cultural standards. Arie’s soulful delivery and the track’s literary foundation make it a sophisticated addition to awareness campaigns focusing on women’s dignity and autonomy.
Try by Colbie Caillat
Colbie Caillat’s “Try” questions why girls and women should have to alter themselves to meet others’ expectations, a message that directly applies to the fight against FGM. The song’s stripped-down production and honest lyrics create an intimate conversation about rejecting harmful practices imposed upon women. Caillat’s accompanying music video, which features women removing makeup and embracing their natural appearance, reinforces the message that nobody should be forced to change their body to satisfy cultural demands.
Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” has become an anthem for survivors of all types of trauma, including those affected by female genital mutilation. The song’s defiant message and upbeat tempo transform pain into power, encouraging listeners to use their experiences to fuel positive change. Clarkson’s powerful vocals and the track’s infectious energy make it a popular choice for awareness events that celebrate survivors’ resilience while advocating for future prevention, and you can explore more empowering tracks in our songs collection.
Stand Up by Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo’s “Stand Up,” from the film “Harriet,” carries forward the legacy of fighting for freedom and bodily autonomy into contemporary conversations about FGM. The song’s historical context and Erivo’s stirring vocal performance connect past struggles for liberation with current efforts to protect girls from harmful practices. This track’s message about standing up against oppression and fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves makes it particularly relevant for International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.
Freedom by Beyoncé featuring Kendrick Lamar
Beyoncé’s “Freedom” featuring Kendrick Lamar is a powerful declaration of the right to self-determination and liberation from oppressive practices and systems. The song’s gospel influences and intense vocal performances create a spiritual and political statement about the fundamental human right to freedom from harm. This track’s urgent energy and its explicit demands for liberation align perfectly with the goals of ending FGM and ensuring that future generations of girls grow up free from this practice, and for the best listening experience, check out our headphones comparison guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation?
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, observed annually on February 6th, is a United Nations-sponsored awareness day dedicated to eradicating the practice of FGM worldwide. The day focuses on amplifying the voices of survivors, educating communities about the harmful effects of the practice, and mobilizing resources to protect girls at risk. Organizations around the world use this day to launch campaigns, host educational events, and advocate for stronger legal protections and support services for affected communities.
How can music help raise awareness about FGM?
Music serves as a universal language that can transcend cultural barriers and emotional defenses to communicate important messages about human rights issues like FGM. Songs with empowering messages help survivors feel validated and supported while also educating listeners who may be unaware of the practice and its consequences. Artists who use their platforms to address social justice issues can reach millions of people, creating conversations and inspiring action in ways that traditional advocacy methods might not achieve, especially when paired with quality audio equipment from our earbuds comparison section.
Why is it important to end female genital mutilation?
Female genital mutilation has no health benefits and causes severe physical, psychological, and emotional harm to girls and women throughout their lives. The practice violates fundamental human rights including the rights to health, security, physical integrity, freedom from torture and cruel treatment, and life when the procedure results in death. Ending FGM is essential for achieving gender equality, protecting children’s rights, and ensuring that girls can grow up healthy, educated, and able to make their own choices about their bodies and futures.
What can individuals do to support efforts to end FGM?
Individuals can support efforts to end FGM by educating themselves and others about the practice and its harmful effects, supporting organizations that work directly with affected communities, and advocating for strong legal protections and enforcement. Raising awareness through social media, attending or organizing events on International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, and amplifying the voices of survivors and activists are all valuable contributions. Additionally, individuals can support culturally sensitive educational programs that work within communities to change attitudes and provide alternative rites of passage that celebrate girls without harming them.
Are there organizations working to end FGM that need support?
Numerous international and grassroots organizations are working to end FGM through community education, survivor support services, legal advocacy, and alternative rites of passage programs. Organizations like UNICEF, the World Health Organization, Equality Now, and many local community-based organizations operate programs in affected regions that need financial support, volunteers, and advocacy. These organizations work with community leaders, religious figures, healthcare providers, and families to shift attitudes and provide the resources necessary to protect girls from FGM while respecting cultural identities and traditions that don’t involve harmful practices.