Albania's dying tradition: burrnesha

From a young age, Gjystina Grishaj has lived like a man. It was her own choice. After her father died, she decided to take care of her family.

Gjystina is a 'burrnesha', an old custom in Albania.

Gjystina Grishaj: "I was only 23 when my father died. There were six children in our family, a very poor family. My sister was already married. To help my mother and my family, I decided to become a sworn virgin.

Albania is a country where women generally have a lower position in society. But the 'burrnesha' custom means that women can act like men. They can do hard, physical work, like cutting wood or working with farm animals. They can also make important decisions.

And for Gjystina, she's never enjoyed cooking!

Gjystina Grishaj: "I hate cooking. I'd rather carry stones on my back all day, work the land, split logs. That's my job. I don't know anything about cooking."

As a 'burrnesha', Gjystina avoided an early marriage. She wore trousers and drank with men in the local cafe. But she wasn't allowed to have a partner or have children. That's why burrnesha women are known as 'virgins'.

But as one expert says, this isn't about sexuality.

Afërdita Onuzi: "The decision to be a "burrnesha" (sworn virgin) has nothing to do with sexuality. It's simply a question of a different status in society, in a certain historical and cultural period."

Albanian society has changed since the end of communism. The burrnesha custom's now dying out.

Gjystina used to have an important position in the local area. These days, her brothers and sisters have moved abroad with their families. She remains alone, in a big, empty house.

Gjystina Grishaj: "After all the sacrifices, it's my solitude that really weighs on me. They've all gone. There were a lot of us living in this big house, which has now been plunged into silence. I'm overwhelmed with grief, alone in this empty house." View Less