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The Last of Albania's Sworn Virgins

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?

22 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Sat 18 Feb 202302:30
  • Sat 18 Feb 202313:30
  • Sat 18 Feb 202317:30
  • Sun 19 Feb 202305:30
  • Sun 19 Feb 202311:30
  • Mon 20 Feb 202302:30
  • Mon 20 Feb 202320:30
  • Fri 24 Feb 202302:30
  • Sat 2 Sep 202315:30
  • Sat 2 Sep 202321:30
  • Thu 7 Sep 202303:30