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.