Albania's dying tradition: burrnesha

Gjystina Grishaj is a woman. But she lives in Albania as a man – a 'burrnesha'. It's an old custom there.

Her father died. As a 'burrnesha', she was able to help her family.

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 Albanian society, men and women aren't usually equal. Women can't do lots of things. But as a 'burrnesha', Gjystina can do men's jobs. A burrnesha can cut wood, and look after farm animals.

And for Gjystina, she prefers doing 'men's' jobs. She doesn't like 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."

Women usually get married young in Albania. Gjystina didn't have to get married. She could wear trousers. She could drink with men.

A 'burrnesha' cannot have a partner. But burrnesha women have a special place in society.

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."

In the past, the burrnesha tradition was important. But now it's different. Albania's a different country. Daily life is changing. Gjystina's brothers and sisters live far away. They have their own families. Now, Gjystina's alone. It makes her unhappy.

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