The chairwoman of Sentebale, a charity co-founded by Prince Harry, has attributed the recent resignation of the Duke of Sussex and other board members to “misogynoir.” Dr. Sophie Chandauka made these remarks in an interview with the London Times, suggesting that her whistleblowing on issues within the organization has been met with backlash.
Allegations of Misogynoir and Governance Issues
Dr. Chandauka claimed that beneath the narratives circulating in the press lies a deeper story involving “poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir, and the cover-up that ensued.” She emphasized that her actions were motivated by a commitment to the integrity of the charity and the young people it serves.
Harry co-founded the charity alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho (right) in 2006.Getty Images for Sentebale
Definition of Misogynoir
Misogynoir, a term coined by activist Moya Bailey in 2008, refers to the specific hatred or prejudice against Black women. Dr. Chandauka’s use of this term highlights the intersection of race and gender in the challenges she faced within the organization.
Tensions Within the Charity
The issues reportedly began after Dr. Chandauka was appointed chairwoman in July 2023. Tensions escalated when the charity’s trustees expressed dissatisfaction with her leadership and sought her resignation. In response, she filed a lawsuit against the organization, further complicating the situation.
Resignation of Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso
In a joint statement, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso expressed their heartbreak over resigning from their roles as patrons of Sentebale. They cited a breakdown in the relationship between the charity’s trustees and Dr. Chandauka, which created an “untenable situation.” They emphasized their commitment to the charity’s beneficiaries and their intention to report their concerns to the Charity Commission.
Conclusion
The resignation of Prince Harry and the turmoil within Sentebale underscore the complexities of leadership and governance in charitable organizations. Dr. Chandauka’s claims of misogyny and the challenges she faced as a whistleblower highlight the need for accountability and transparency in such institutions. As the situation develops, the future of Sentebale and its mission remains uncertain, with both the founders and the chairwoman expressing deep concern for the charity’s integrity.
