…Supports over 300 Nigerian charities in three decades

The prestigious Federal Palace Hotel will play host to the gathering of women passionate about fundraising for charities on Saturday, February 8, 2026. An initiative of the International Women’s Organisation for Charity (IWOC), Small World Event is an annual fundraising focused on collective impact with the theme, “Pearls of Time: Celebrating 30 Years of Giving.”

Speaking to Guardian Angels, Chairperson Small World 2026, Titi Ashamu said the event brings people together, individuals, families, businesses, and institutions, to raise funds for causes that directly improve lives of several communities across Nigeria. While the event is celebratory in nature, its true purpose is to raise funds in a transparent, structured, and sustainable way that delivers measurable outcomes for communities in need.

“Over the past three decades, IWOC has supported 303 Nigerian charities, many of them repeatedly, across healthcare, education, shelter, vocational training, and community development. Beyond the numbers, our impact lies in consistency and continuity, walking alongside organisations, participating countries within the local and international communities over time, strengthening their capacity, and helping them deliver lasting change. Even during periods of disruption, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, IWOC remained committed to supporting charities annually, reinforcing our long-term and sustainable approach to giving.”

On the theme of the event, Ashamu said Pearls of Time: Celebrating 30 Years of Giving, represents far more than a celebration for IWOC; it is a moment of reflection, responsibility, and renewal. Like pearls formed over time through patience, care, and resilience, IWOC’s impact has evolved steadily over three decades, shaped by shared values, cultural exchange, and a deep commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities.

“This milestone invites us to honour the memories, relationships, and heritage that bind us together, while also challenging us to intentionally shape the next chapter of our work with relevance, innovation, and integrity. It is about recognising the collective effort of the IWOC ladies, our participating countries, sponsors, and the local communities we serve, and reaffirming our responsibility to continue creating meaningful impact.

“That journey is beautifully captured in our recently launched coffee table book, “Threads of the Journey,” which documents IWOC’s story in detail over the past 30 years. The book serves as both a legacy piece and a living testament to how a single act of kindness can grow into sustained, transformative change. Beyond celebration, Pearls of Time is our recommitment to purpose, building on our heritage while looking confidently toward the future.”

She stressed that Small World serves as a powerful platform for convening influence. It fosters partnerships between the local and international communities, organisations and philanthropists. The visibility generated helps amplify the voices of grassroots charities, attract new sponsors, and encourage collaborative solutions to social challenges. In this way, the event extends its impact far beyond a single evening.

On her role as chairperson, and the impact over the years, she said, “When I first joined IWOC, it was simply to volunteer. But there is something about the work that gently pulls you to do more. It opens your eyes to the depth of need around you and makes it clear that no one can do this work alone. True impact only happens when people come together with shared purpose.

“This journey has taught me that leadership is not about position or title, but about service. Becoming a servant leader allows you to build a coordinated, committed team that can achieve far more collectively than any individual ever could. As Chairperson, I have learned that leadership is also a continuous process of self-improvement, improving yourself so you can better serve others.

“The past couple of years have reinforced that true leadership is stewardship: protecting the organisation’s values, building trust, and ensuring continuity beyond any one person. Institutional impact is built patiently, through listening, collaboration, disciplined governance, and shared ownership. A leader does not know it all; a leader remains teachable, learning from team members, partners, and the communities we serve. That humility is what sustains impact and keeps an institution relevant and effective over time.”

Charity Coordinator, Small World, Laila Peysson noted that the Charity Team is an integral part of the success of the two annual IWOC events – Small World and Smaller World. “We are responsible for vetting potential charities to ensure they follow the strict IWOC charity guidelines. For example, we don’t allocate funds for salaries, scholarships nor rent. As part of the charity team, we have had the opportunity to visit many of the 300 charities that Small World has supported.

“Our job is very humbling, in fact, sometimes it’s heartbreaking, but it is also incredibly rewarding. We have the privilege of seeing, first-hand, the many ways that Small World funds have improved Nigerian lives throughout the country over the past 30 years.”

Noting that she is proud of the inroads the charity drive has made, she said that Small and Smaller World have helped launch schools in very poor areas, including ‘Bright Achievers’ School, in Bariga, where children would otherwise not receive basic education. Funded hospitals and clinics, such as St. Kizito, to purchase lifesaving and life-changing medical equipment that service people in need in local communities.

“Small and Smaller World have supported organisations like the Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria and the Cerebral Palsy Centre that give care, love and dignity to those unaccepted or forgotten by society. Improved the lives of street children, through charities – Child Life Line, Street Child Care and Welfare Initiative.

“Including skills acquisition centers to help young, often vulnerable people learn the skills they need to become responsible, talented and successful adults who will contribute to a brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities.”

Speaking on the impact of the event beyond fundraising, Peysson said, Small and Smaller World are fundraising events and the entire Small World family, and great Small World community work tirelessly together to ensure as much money as possible is raised for our deserving charity partners.

“But Small and Smaller World deliver so much more – we learn mutual respect, tolerance, patience, humour, integrity and that there are often many ways to accomplish the same goal. We are a group of people from many countries, cultures, races and religions, but we come together with the common goal of giving back to Nigeria, a place we call ‘home’, either temporarily, or long-term.
“We set aside our differences and work together, allover Nigeria children are going to school, mothers are feeding their families, and communities are thriving. Together, we are changing lives.”