From Small World to Global Impact: IWOC’s new book archives 30 years of life-changing work

The International Women’s Organisation for Charity (IWOC), organisers and producers of the renowned Small World event, has launched its landmark Coffee Table Book titled ‘Threads of Heritage’.

The launch event which took place on Thursday, 11th December 2025, at Black Diamond Hotel, Lagos, was attended by diplomats, CEOs, development partners, and friends of IWOC.

The publication commemorates three decades of IWOC’s charitable impact across Nigeria. It also highlights the rich cultural diversity of its international membership, the global partnerships that fuel its mission, and the transformative work done through the Small World initiative and other IWOC-supported projects.

The book, ‘Threads of Heritage,’ documents IWOC’s journey, weaving together stories of cultural identity, charitable collaboration, and the women who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to uplift communities across Nigeria. It showcases partner charities, key beneficiaries, and the global volunteers who continue to support IWOC’s work.

Speaking during the launch, Titiloye Ashamu, Chairlady of IWOC, said the IWOC Coffee Table Book is a project that beautifully captures IWOC’s journey of partnership, culture, generosity, and service.

“For three decades, IWOC has stood as a bridge: connecting countries, cultures, and hearts. Our members represent many nations, but our purpose is one: to give hope, dignity, and opportunity to the lives we touch,” Ashamu said.

According to her, the coffee table book is more than pages and photographs, it is a celebration of the countless women who serve quietly.

“It is a tribute to those who give selflessly. And it is a reminder that when women work together, communities rise,” the IWOC Chairlady added.

She said this year, the theme ‘Threads of Heritage’ “reflects exactly who we are: A tapestry of global sisterhood, woven together by compassion and driven by impact. In these pages, you will find stories that inspire, culture that unites, and testimonies of how your support is changing lives across Nigeria. As we celebrate IWOC at 30, we also look forward.”

According to Ashamu, the need around them is real as families, children, and communities continue to depend on what IWOC does.

She invited sponsors, partners, and ambassadors to join in actualising the vision of IWOC so the organisation can give more, reach further, and transform even more lives.

Adeoye Ojuroye, ED and CEO of Providus Bank, who spoke during the launch commended the work IWOC does over the years, including how the organisation dedicates resources to empowering women and supporting over 300 charities.

“What is good about the charities you support is that it covers all aspects of human lives, and we are proud to be associated with you. In the private sector, we are aware that it is important for us to support the communities that we work with. We look for credible organisations like IWOC to work with in a bid to support communities,” Ojuroye said.

He said the book, ‘Threads of The Journey, is an inspiration and a call to duty.

“As you go through this book, see it as an inspiration and call to duty,” the CEO of Providus Bank said.

“Your philosophy aligns with us and we assure you that in Providus we will continue to be a permanent sponsor of the organisation,” he added.

Laila Peysson and Paula Campbell, Charity Coordinators, said their job is very humbling and sometimes heartbreaking but very rewarding.

According to them, they have seen the many ways Small World funds have improved lives in Nigeria by enabling hospitals to purchase life-changing equipment, supporting Down syndrome, improving the lives of street children through charity, building skills, and empowering people and communities.

“It is a honor to be part of this charity team. We unite with the common goal of giving to Nigeria and empowering lives. Together we are changing lives,” they said.

As IWOC continues to expand its reach, the Coffee Table Book stands as both a historical archive and a call to action, inviting new sponsors, institutions, and individuals to join in sustaining the organisation’s community impact.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers.

She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay.

She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos.

As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender.

She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies.

Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category.

She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category.

She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations.

Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.

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