The YWCA NWT has decided to postpone its annual general meeting for a second time in order to conduct an independent review of the organization. This move follows the recent termination of former executive director Hawa Dumbuya-Sesay, who expressed being dismissed without a clear explanation. Dumbuya-Sesay had been in the executive director role since 2020 and had a 17-year history with the YWCA in various capacities.
Originally scheduled for September and rescheduled for October 24, the annual general meeting was postponed again without a new date provided in a news release from board president Rami Kaur. The YWCA NWT, which serves women, families, and youth in the North through programs such as housing assistance, youth leadership, and childcare, is affiliated with YWCA Canada.
The decision to delay the meeting was made to facilitate a thorough independent third-party audit and review focusing on governance, leadership, workplace environment, and accountability. The board emphasized the importance of establishing robust structures and processes to support staff, protect members’ rights, and maintain public trust. Additionally, the review aims to enhance relationships and program offerings for Indigenous communities.
Details regarding the timeline and conduct of the review were not disclosed in the statement, with the promise of updates for members in the future. Requests for comments from YWCA NWT by CBC News are pending as the organization navigates this transitional period.