The Mixed Observers Team (MOT) is a community-based platform that helps communities and public institutions work together to improve safety, strengthen social cohesion, and prevent gender-based violence. Developed by the Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), the MOT brings together security agencies, the judiciary, government institutions, civil society organisations, women and youth groups, persons with disabilities, emergency responders, traditional and religious leaders, and community-based organisations to identify, prevent, and respond to security and protection challenges.
Built on collaboration, inclusion, and shared accountability, the MOT connects communities with public institutions before problems escalate. Through regular meetings, community engagement, case referrals, evidence-based advocacy, and coordinated action, it supports early warning, improves referrals, strengthens problem-solving, builds trust, expands access to services, and reinforces local ownership of peace and security initiatives.
Originally established to improve the prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence, the MOT has evolved into a broader community resilience model addressing conflict prevention, women’s leadership, community safety, and citizen participation in governance. By ensuring that women, young people, and other traditionally excluded groups have a voice in local decision-making, the platform challenges harmful social norms while strengthening inclusive governance and sustainable peace.
Today, the Mixed Observers Team stands as one of PWAN’s flagship innovations in community-led security governance. Its value is evident in the way it brings diverse local actors into a single coordination platform, helping communities and institutions respond more quickly, share responsibility, and pursue lasting solutions to insecurity as equal partners.
Ms. Kemi Okenyodo
Executive Director PWAN
