Albania's dying tradition: burrnesha

For decades, Gjystina Grishaj has lived as a 'burrnesha' or 'sworn virgin'. In Albania this ancient tradition saw women choosing to live as men in order to look after and support their families.

Grishaj decided to become a 'burrnesha' on the death of her father.

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.

In a male-dominated society, taking on the role of 'burrnesha' has enabled women to undertake the physical work of a man in their family – cutting wood, driving tractors and dealing with farm animals. They could also take important family decisions, something generally forbidden for women.

Grishaj, who's known affectionately as 'Duni' by local people, also felt there were benefits to becoming a sworn virgin.

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."

Although 'burrnesha' are required to renounce marriage and the chance of having children, at least Duni managed to avoid an arranged marriage. With short hair and men's clothes, she would join the men drinking brandy in the local café.

As expert Afërdita Onuzi explains, this historic custom has nothing to do with sexuality or gender identity.

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."

Albania has opened to the world following the end of communist rule but as society changes, the burrnesha tradition is weakening.

Whilst her position in the local community was once highly respected, nowadays Duni finds herself alone. Her brothers and sisters have their own families and have all settled abroad, seeking better lives and fresh opportunities.

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