Mixed Observer Team empowering women and preventing gender-based violence (GBV)

In Niger State, women have historically been excluded from decision-making on peace and security, despite being among the most affected by conflict and insecurity. Patriarchal norms, weak coordination among institutions, and limited support systems for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) have created significant barriers to effective prevention and response.

With support from the SPRiNG Programme, Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN) is strengthening women’s leadership in peacebuilding through the Mixed Observers Team (MOT)—a multi-sector platform that brings together women from security agencies, the judiciary, civil society, government institutions, disability groups, emergency services, vigilante groups, and traditional and religious councils.

Intervention Highlights

Originally focused on improving gender-based violence prevention and case management, the Mixed Observers Team has expanded its scope with SPRiNG’s support to address broader peace and security challenges.

Through capacity building, advocacy, and policy engagement, the initiative now supports Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) systems, strengthens Women, Peace and Security (WPS) programming, and improves coordination among key stakeholders involved in community safety and justice.

Advocacy efforts with traditional and religious leaders helped secure local ownership of the initiative, while community engagement activities strengthened awareness of GBV prevention and peaceful conflict resolution.

The programme also supported the development of Niger State’s first-ever Action Plan under United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda at the state level.

Key Achievements

• Niger State’s first Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (UNSCR 1325) developed

• 80 community actors trained on gender-based violence response, early warning systems, and conflict mediation

• 70 vulnerable women supported through skills acquisition and economic empowerment initiatives

• Improved coordination among security agencies, civil society, and community leaders in GBV prevention and response

• 15 sensitive GBV-related cases referred by traditional rulers and community leaders for resolution

• Mixed Observers Team successfully registered as an independent community-based organisation, strengthening sustainability

Impact

The initiative has strengthened women’s leadership in peacebuilding and improved community responses to gender-based violence in Niger State. Increased collaboration between security agencies, community leaders, and civil society has enhanced trust and improved the referral of GBV cases.

Communities are also witnessing a shift in traditional power dynamics, with women gaining greater recognition as leaders in conflict prevention and peacebuilding processes. The inclusion of persons with disabilities within the MOT platform further demonstrates the programme’s commitment to inclusive participation.

By linking women’s economic empowerment with peace and security initiatives, the project also addresses one of the underlying drivers of vulnerability to gender-based violence.

Read the full case study to learn how SPRiNG and Partners West Africa Nigeria are advancing women’s leadership and strengthening conflict prevention in Niger State.