The Last of Albania's Sworn Virgins

BBC 100 Women: The Last of Albania's Sworn Virgins

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100 Women: 2022: The Last of Albania's Sworn Virgins

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2022

BBC News - 100 Women, 2022, The Last of Albania's Sworn Virgins

BBC 100 Women is invited into the private world of sworn virgins in Albania.

Centuries ago, in the Albanian Alps, some women began to take the burrnesha oath, pledging to lead a life of celibacy and adopting the appearance and behaviours of men.

Centuries ago, in the Albanian Alps, an unusual tradition began. Some women chose to take the burrnesha oath, pledging to lead a life of celibacy and adopting the appearance and behaviours of men. Often their reasons were ones of female empowerment – to avoid unwanted marriages, inherit family money, or experience societal freedom. But now, the numbers of these sworn virgins are dwindling. 

BBC 100 Women has been invited into the private world of the remaining burrneshat. Will the loss of this community mean progress for Albania's younger generations of women?

100 Women: 2022

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The Last of Albania's Sworn Virgins

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