Sworn Virgins | National Geographic

Summary

In rural Albania, the tradition of 'sworn virgins' involves women who take an oath to live as men in order to gain rights and privileges typically reserved for men. This practice is rooted in a society where gender roles are strict, and women often have limited opportunities. Pashka, a woman who became a sworn virgin after enduring hardship and losing family support, shares her personal story of choosing this path. While she has no regrets, Pashka advises younger generations not to follow her steps, as societal changes offer women more freedom and choices. The practice is fading as Albania becomes more modernized.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of 'sworn virgins' in Albania refers to women who live as men due to social and familial pressures.
• 😀 Sworn virgins are mainly found in Northern Albania, but also in Bosnia and Southern Serbia.
• 😀 The practice of becoming a sworn virgin is often a response to a lack of men in a family or society.
• 😀 The tradition allows women to take on male roles and rights, which would otherwise be denied to them due to gender-based restrictions.
• 😀 Pashka, a sworn virgin, chose this life at the age of 35 after facing a difficult and isolated existence as a woman.
• 😀 For Pashka, the decision was about gender identity, not sexual preference, as lesbianism is not recognized in rural Albanian culture.
• 😀 Pashka has no regrets about her decision, stating that sex is a minor aspect of life in rural Albania, which prioritizes family and survival.
• 😀 Pashka advises young girls to consider the decision carefully before choosing the path of a sworn virgin, as it is a lifelong commitment.
• 😀 There are believed to be only about 100 sworn virgins left in Northern Albania, and this practice may eventually disappear due to modernization.
• 😀 Antonia, the British writer, believes that while the tradition might fade, it will take some time for it to vanish completely.

Q & A

What is a 'sworn virgin' in Albania?

A 'sworn virgin' is a woman who has taken an oath of celibacy and chosen to live as a man in order to gain the social and political rights traditionally reserved for men in Albanian society, particularly in rural areas.

Why do some women in Albania choose to become sworn virgins?

Women become sworn virgins due to a social situation where there are not enough men in the family. The oath is taken to gain male privileges in a society where women's rights were historically limited, especially in rural areas.

What is the significance of sworn virgins in rural Albania?

In rural Albania, sworn virgins are significant because they allow women to assume the rights and roles typically reserved for men, such as owning property, making decisions, and participating in family matters that are otherwise male-dominated.

How does Pashka's experience with becoming a sworn virgin differ from others?

Pashka's decision to become a sworn virgin was motivated by personal hardships and the absence of male relatives to provide for her family. She chose this path not out of a desire for gender change but as a necessity to secure a better life, which contrasts with others who may be driven by cultural or societal expectations.

What was Pashka's childhood like before she became a sworn virgin?

Pashka faced a difficult childhood, with her father dying when she was an infant and her mother abandoning her. She was raised by her uncle and grandmother, but after her uncle fell ill and had to be hospitalized, Pashka was left to care for her family, which led her to take the oath.

How does Pashka view the role of women in rural Albanian society today?

Pashka believes that today’s younger generation has more opportunities and choices, with improved education and a more open society. However, she still recommends careful consideration before choosing to become a sworn virgin, as it is a lifelong commitment.

How does Pashka feel about her decision to live as a sworn virgin?

Pashka has no regrets about her choice to become a sworn virgin. She does not feel she missed out on having children or intimacy with a man, as sex was not a central part of life in her society.

What advice does Pashka give to young girls today regarding the choice to become sworn virgins?

Pashka advises young girls to carefully think through the decision to become a sworn virgin, especially as society has become more civilized and women now have more choices. She emphasizes that once the decision is made, it is irreversible.

What is Antonia's perspective on the future of the sworn virgin practice?

Antonia believes that the tradition of sworn virgins will eventually die out as society continues to evolve and women gain more rights. However, she thinks the practice will persist for a while in Northern Albania, especially in more remote areas.

How many sworn virgins are estimated to still live in Northern Albania today?

Antonia estimates that there are only about 100 sworn virgins remaining in Northern Albania, with the practice slowly fading as societal changes take place.