Oxfam has announced that Dr. Halima Begum has stepped down from her position as chief executive following an independent review that raised “serious issues” regarding her conduct. The charity’s board of trustees stated that her position had become “untenable” as a result of the findings from the review, which was conducted to assess her leadership and management practices.
Dr. Begum, who took on the role in 2021, was the first woman to lead Oxfam in its 80-year history. The charity has faced scrutiny in recent years over its handling of misconduct allegations and has been working to rebuild its reputation. The trustees emphasized their commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all staff and stakeholders.
In a statement, Oxfam expressed gratitude for Dr. Begum’s contributions during her tenure and acknowledged the challenges the organization has faced. The charity is now in the process of appointing an interim leader while it searches for a permanent replacement. Oxfam continues to focus on its mission to alleviate poverty and promote social justice globally.
