A rare and unique tradition in the Balkans, that of burrnesha – also known as “sworn virgins” – is not just a thing of the past. Even today, some women in Albania and Kosovo continue to live according to this custom, taking on the role of men in society.
Burrneshat are women who, under the pressure of patriarchal norms, have sworn eternal celibacy and lived as men. They have dressed and behaved like men, performed heavy physical labor, and in return have gained rights and freedoms that they did not have as women.
In many cases, they have not been marginalized – on the contrary, they have enjoyed great respect in the community and have been able to become heads of households or take on roles that traditionally belonged only to men.
The reasons for this choice were mainly social: the lack of a male heir, avoiding forced marriages, or replacing a male family member.
Today, the number of burrnesh is very small, but their stories, documented years ago, shed light on this unique phenomenon.
Diana Rakipi (Lali), 64 years old, Durrës
At the age of 17, she took a vow of celibacy and became a burr. She did not change her name and says she has never regretted her decision. She is proud of the tradition and maintains contact with other burr women.
Hajdar Bardhi, 80 years old, Tropoja
She became a man at the age of 6 and changed her name from Fatime to Hajdar. She lives as a man and says she enjoys this lifestyle, citing the freedom she has had to live in the mountains and ride horses.
Danjola Ded Ndrepepaj, 43 years old, Tropoja
She decided to become a bachelor at the age of 20 due to family problems. Even though she had brothers, she found this choice necessary and today considers it part of her life.
Lul Bibe Luka, 79 years old, Fushë-Arrëz
She became a womanizer at the age of 24. She has carried a gun for self-defense and has held leadership positions that she would not have had as a woman. However, she says she would not recommend this path to girls today.
Fatbardha Sadrija, 40 years old, Fushë-Krujë
She became a maid at the age of 14 to help support her family. She emphasizes that today the differences between men and women have diminished and she no longer sees this choice as necessary for younger generations.
Mira Lasgji, 75 years old, Rugova, Kosovo
She has been living as a man since childhood. She made the decision herself and has not regretted it. She says that men and women are highly respected and hopes that young people will take care of each other and their country.
Ilmie Lika, 39 years old, Burrel
At the age of 10, she decided to become a nun. She considers this a personal choice and says she is satisfied with the life she has led.
This phenomenon, although disappearing, remains an important part of Albanian cultural heritage and evidence of a period when gender roles were strictly defined by tradition.
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