The Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP) has drawn the curtain on 2025 with a blend of reflection, strategic planning and staff bonding, as the organisation hosted a five-day end-of-year retreat that culminated in a relaxing beachfront outing at Paradise Beach, Lagos.
Speaking with First Daily at the retreat, WRAHP’s Executive Director, Mrs Bose Ironsi, described the gathering as both a strategic and therapeutic exercise, aimed at preparing the organisation for the future while allowing staff to unwind after a demanding year of service.
According to her, the retreat—supported by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF)—was designed to lay the foundation for WRAHP’s next five-year strategic plan, while also strengthening internal cohesion among staff drawn from different states.
“For the past four days, we have been digging deep into our future—where we are coming from and what we need to do as an organisation,” Ironsi said. “Today, we decided to come to Paradise Beach to bond, relax, dance and play. The year has been very tense, and this is important for our wellbeing.”
A Year of Impact and Recognition
Reflecting on WRAHP’s performance from January to December 2025, Ironsi described the year as “very amazing,” citing tangible impact and growing public trust in the organisation’s work, particularly in responding to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
She revealed that WRAHP received official commendation from Lagos State authorities as one of the most holistic and efficient organisations in SGBV response—an endorsement she described as “huge.”
“People are reaching out to us, volunteering freely and seeking to work with WRAHP because we are community-oriented and community-based,” she said. “We believe in giving communities ownership of the development process, and that strategy will not change.”
Ironsi also praised the organisation’s staff for their dedication and resilience, noting that their passion and commitment often involved late nights and emotionally demanding work.
However, she acknowledged persistent challenges, particularly limited funding and the emotional toll of high-volume response work.
“Sometimes the work is overwhelming, but from what we are seeing and what lies ahead, 2026 is going to be enjoyable,” she said.
Expansion, Safeguarding and Bigger Ambitions
Looking ahead, Ironsi disclosed that WRAHP is set to expand into more states in 2026, while placing increased emphasis on staff welfare and safeguarding.
She highlighted WRAHP’s role as a local affiliate partner of Safeguarding Nigeria, describing it as a major responsibility that will shape the organisation’s operations over the next five years.
“2026 will be a very busy year for us,” she said. “We are trusting God for strength and more support because the needs are plenty.”
Strengthening Ties with Lagos State
Ironsi commended the Lagos State Government for its support over the years, particularly in terms of visibility and policy alignment, while also calling for deeper partnerships with key agencies such as the Ministry of Women Affairs, DDSVA, MISD, and LASODA.
She also appealed for more structural support, including a permanent office space, noting that rising rent costs pose a major challenge for donor-funded NGOs.
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“Lagos has been good to us, but we still need more partnership,” she said. “We are building a movement across Nigeria, and Lagos remains central to that vision.”
Staff Voices: Recharging for the Future
Staff members at the retreat echoed similar sentiments about the importance of rest, bonding and reflection.
Mr Chris Nosa, a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer from WRAHP’s Edo State branch, described the beach outing as refreshing and unifying.
“It gave us the opportunity to know ourselves beyond work,” he said, adding that the organisation’s work in Edo State—including UNICEF-supported projects against female genital mutilation—had been fulfilling.
Similarly, Mr Segun Babalola, WRAHP’s Senior Programme Officer, said the retreat had significantly boosted staff morale.
“After sleepless nights, running after cases, writing proposals and reports, this is a time to unwind and recharge,” he said. “It’s helping us bond better across states and strengthen our working relationships.”
As laughter, music and shared moments filled Paradise Beach, the mood was unmistakably optimistic. For WRAHP, the close of 2025 marked not just the end of a demanding year, but the beginning of renewed energy, expanded vision and bold hopes for 2026.
