The International Women's Organisation for Charity (IWOC) has officially launched a significant new publication that captures its three-decade journey of impactful philanthropy across Nigeria. The coffee table book, titled 'Threads of Heritage,' was unveiled at a special event in Lagos on Thursday, December 20, 2025.
A Visual Chronicle of Three Decades of Impact
The launch brought together a distinguished gathering of diplomats, corporate leaders, development partners, and members of IWOC's international community. The book serves as a visually rich compendium detailing the organisation's evolution from its founding to its current status as a leading multicultural fundraising platform in Nigeria.
IWOC's Chairlady, Titiloye Ashamu, emphasised that the publication is far more than a simple commemorative item. She described it as a tribute to the collective efforts of the women, partners, and sponsors who have sustained the organisation's mission since its inception thirty years ago.
"This book captures our heritage, our purpose, and our unwavering commitment to giving back," Ashamu stated. She expressed hope that the documented journey would inspire greater collaboration and generosity towards charitable causes in Nigeria.
Documenting Tangible Change Across Sectors
Threads of Heritage spans personal narratives, cultural reflections, and detailed accounts of charitable interventions. It prominently features IWOC's flagship Small World fundraising initiative, alongside a wide array of projects implemented in critical sectors.
The book's pages highlight tangible impacts in education, healthcare, and community development. Charity team members Laila Peysson and Paula Campbell shared specific examples at the launch event. They revealed how funds raised have directly supported institutions like the Great Achievers School in Bariga, Lagos, helping provide education for children in underserved communities.
In the health sector, IWOC's contributions have equipped hospitals and clinics with essential medical tools. The organisation has also strengthened social support systems by aiding groups such as the Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria and the Cerebral Palsy Centre.
Their outreach extends to vulnerable children through partnerships with charities like Child Lifeline and the Street Child Care and Welfare Initiative. Furthermore, IWOC supports youth through skill acquisition centres designed to enhance employability and foster community engagement.
Peysson recounted a poignant visit to the Ajofa School for the Deaf, where volunteers connected with students using gestures and written notes. "By the end of the visit, we were all laughing and understood each other," she said, highlighting the profound human connections that form the foundation of IWOC's work.
A Bridge of Compassion and a Blueprint for the Future
In her address, Chairlady Ashamu framed IWOC as a vital bridge linking diverse countries, cultures, and communities through shared compassion. "Our members represent many nations, but our purpose is one: to give hope, dignity, and opportunity to the lives we touch," she affirmed.
Significantly, Ashamu also presented the book as an 'accountability document.' It meticulously details IWOC's operational model, the beneficiaries it supports, and the strict criteria guiding its allocation of funds. The organisation adheres to guidelines that prohibit spending on salaries or scholarships, ensuring all resources are channelled into direct-impact projects and equipment that deliver long-term value.
While celebrating this 30-year milestone, IWOC is already looking forward. Ashamu announced plans to expand the reach of the Small World platform, aiming to establish it as a globally recognised model for multicultural philanthropy. "The need around us is real. Families, children, and communities continue to depend on what we do," she noted, issuing a call for new sponsors and partners to join the effort.
She encouraged attendees to purchase copies of Threads of Heritage, with all proceeds directly funding IWOC's charitable programmes. Ashamu also extended a public invitation to the February 2026 edition of the annual Small World event, describing it as a prime opportunity to witness the scale of IWOC-supported charities and the transformative power of community contribution.
Founded thirty years ago, IWOC is a multicultural non-profit that unites women from various national and international backgrounds to support charitable causes throughout Nigeria. Its key initiatives include the Small World event, one of Nigeria's largest multicultural fundraisers, and the Smaller World programme, a children-led fundraising effort that supports charities focused on child welfare.
