On Saturday, September 5, the meeting of the members of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) was held at Hotel Sirius in Prishtina where among other matters, Igballe Rogova, Igo, officially announced the finalization of her mandate as Executive Director, while the new Executive Director of KWN, Nicole Farnsworth, was also introduced.  

Rogova, a renowned women’s rights activist and one of the founding figures of KWN, handed over the leadership of the organization to a new generation of leaders, but not what she called the “torch” of activism.  

In her address to the members, she opened her speech by looking back at the beginnings of her activism and at the woman who, as she said, first lit the torch for her.  

“Firstly, this torch was lit for me by my sister, Safete Rogova. We were living under occupation, and she told me: ‘Come, let’s teach you the sharing of the torch of light with all these women.’”  

For Igo, three pillars have kept this journey alive over the years: solidarity, respect, and love.  

“These gave us the strength to keep pushing forward,” she said.  

In her remarks, she also recalled the members and staff who, over the years, have built and kept the organization going onward.  

“With the greatest pride, I say today: I am very happy to be stepping off the Network while it’s even stronger, thanks to the work and dedication of the management and staff.”  

She said she feels proud to be handing over the leadership in this order.  

“I am handing over the position, but not the torch.”  

In her speech, Rogova also referred to the recent passing of Gloria Steinem, the American feminist icon, linking the message to the metaphor that had accompanied her throughout her remarks.  

She recalled Steinem’s words about the torch and the need for every woman to carry it and light the others on the way.  

“Dear sisters, today I am handing over the position, but not the torch. Just as my sister carries it today, together we will carry it and illuminate all of Kosovo, because it needs it.”  

In this particular moment, symbolism became even stronger: a position can be handed over, but a cause cannot be relinquished.  

In the same spirit, Steinem once said:  

“Someone asks me now if I am passing the torch to someone else. I always explain that no, I am keeping my torch, thank you very much. And I am using it to light the torches of others.”  

Farnsworth said, “Together we are stronger.”  

Addressing the KWN members, Farnsworth said she felt honored by the trust yielded to her.  

“For me, it is a great honor that you have chosen me to serve you,” she said.  

She emphasized the importance of solidarity and working together to overcome the challenges that may arise ahead.  

“We may encounter obstacles along the way, but I truly believe that together and in solidarity, we will continue pushing forward,” she said.  

Farnsworth emphasized the importance of continuing the shared work with the members.  

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with you to promote and protect the rights of women and girls. As you know, together we are stronger!”  

Nermin Mahmuti, Chair of the KWN Board, said that this moment marks an important change, but also proves the continuity of the organization’s work.  

“Today the focus will be on Igo. The good thing is that, in this challenging situation, the Network is continuing, and it is doing it strongly. You are powerful; activists and more,” she said.  

Mahmuti also recalled an important moment for Rogova: in March 2026, she was honored with the Presidential Medal.  

“Our dear Igo has been honored with the Presidential Medal. It is the greatest honor that someone can receive during their lifetime for the contribution they have made. Igo has earned it through her work to empower women. She is a voice that has changed policies and pushed processes forward. Thank you, Igo.”  

As an acknowledgement and expression of gratitude for her contribution over the years, the members of KWN presented Rogova with a painting by Iliriana Loxha Basha, featuring a portrait of her.  

Belgjyzare Muharremi, an honorary member of KWN, said the gift was much more than a work of art.  

“We are giving you a symbol of your journey, your dedication, and the indelible mark you have left on the lives of thousands of women,” she said.  

Throughout the meeting, members shared memories and expressed their gratitude to Rogova, speaking on her impact on women’s movement and on the organizations that have been part of the Network over the years. They also unanimously confirmed their support for the election of the new Executive Director.