Odi Community, 14 September 2026 — Traditional community leaders and residents of Odi Community gathered at the Odi Community Town Hall for a community meeting focused on addressing harmful traditional practices affecting women and girls.
The meeting, which was led by traditional community heads, provided an important platform for community stakeholders to discuss the social and cultural practices that continue to negatively affect the rights, dignity, safety and wellbeing of women and girls.
The engagement was facilitated by the Gender Advocacy & Women Resource Centre (GAWRC) as part of its ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, protect the rights of women and girls, and strengthen community action against harmful practices.
During the meeting, participants were encouraged to openly examine traditional practices that may expose women and girls to violence, discrimination, abuse or other forms of harm. Discussions also emphasized the important role of traditional institutions, families and community members in creating safer and more supportive environments for women and girls.
The participation and leadership of the traditional community heads underscored the importance of community ownership in addressing harmful practices. By engaging traditional leaders and community members directly, GAWRC continues to support locally driven conversations and solutions that can contribute to positive social and cultural change.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for participants to share concerns, experiences and perspectives, while encouraging collective responsibility in challenging practices that undermine the rights and wellbeing of women and girls.
GAWRC reaffirmed its commitment to working with traditional institutions, community leaders, women, young people and other stakeholders to promote communities where women and girls can live with dignity, safety and equal rights.
The Odi engagement forms part of broader community-level efforts to raise awareness, strengthen dialogue and encourage action towards ending harmful traditional practices affecting women and girls.
