Kenyan leaders vow to end female genital mutilation by 2022

NAIROBI, Kenya - Kenyan community elders and religious leaders resolved on Friday to end female genital mutilation, or FGM, in the country by 2022.

The leaders, who made the commitment during a meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta and first lady Margaret Kenyatta in Nairobi, committed to collaborate with national and county governments and other stakeholders to promote public education about girls' health and well-being.

"We appreciate the efforts of the government of Kenya to end Female Genital Mutilation through creating and implementing progressive policies and legislative frameworks and programs toward its eradication," they said in a joint declaration. FGM refers to the ritual cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia with the aim of inhibiting a woman's sexual feelings.

The declaration by the opinion leaders drawn from 22 counties, most affected by FGM supports Kenyatta's declaration by Kenyatta to end the illegal practice by 2022.

He tasked government officials in the line ministries of gender, education, health and public administration to take the lead in championing government efforts aimed to end FGM in all parts of the country.

Kenyatta said: "FGM is a retrogressive practice whose continued existence in our country in actual fact assaults our individual and our national consciousness. The practice is inimical to our shared fundamental values as enshrined in our very own constitution that we as Kenyans passed."

He called on Kenyans to embrace progressive cultural activities that promote the honor and dignity of women and girls.

"It is time therefore for all of us to discard retrogressive cultures for the benefit of the nation," Kenyatta said.

"If you get any government official either the chief or assistant chief who supports this retrogressive culture, inform relevant offices and they will be dealt with firmly," warned Kenyatta.

He cautioned members of cross-border communities not escape to neighboring countries to have FGM performed on young girls, adding that he has talked with neighboring heads of state to ensure that offenders are dealt with even in those jurisdictions.

Xinhua