Sworn Virgins of Albania

A sworn virgin is a person who, either publicly or privately, takes an oath to abstain from having sexual relations and lives as a member of the opposite sex. Sworn virgins are usually women who vow celibacy for their entire lives because they want to avoid an arranged marriage or are chosen to take the vow by an older patriarch, particularly a father with no sons, to leave their womanly duties and live, dress, work, and take the social status of a male.

The traditions of Kanun, an ancient and sacred code of ethics set the patriarchal foundations of many societies throughout the world. The Kanun is not a religious document but is revered in the same high degree and it ethically permits a woman to "become" a man in certain conditions. Mostly practiced in the Baltic region, especially the area formerly known as Yugoslavia and northern Albania, origins of this seemingly odd tradition began with violent circumstances. Communities plagued by clan violence and foreign invasions found themselves suffering from a shortage of men, so subsequently the clans were forced to find a female replacement that would take on this role.

Sworn virgins were held in the same respect as men, but also had somewhat more importance because they kept immunities that kept them from having to fight in interclan battles and bloodfueds, so that if every man in a household dies the sworn virgin will take charge. Taking the male role meant, instead of traditionally womanly household duties, sworn virgins take care of producing wealth. They also have the rights of men, able to speak freely, attend male only meetings, and hold political positions in a time when women had little to no rights, something that Lule Ivanaj explained in the Swiss documentary "Sworn Virgins" she that made her want to live like a man. Ivanaj said she valued her freedom and supposed she was "ahead" of her female peers.

Since Communism entered the borders of Albania this tradition dating as far back as the 15^th century has heavily declined. Pashe Keqi told the Sydney Daily Herald, that she wouldn't make the same choice today with the prevalence of "sexual equality and modernity". Keqi said "girls here do not want to be boys anymore." There are less than 50 sworn virgins living in the northern regions of Albania all appearing like older men with their gray hair cut short, baggy trousers, suspenders, and wristwatches.

Times interviewed a 53-year old sworn virgin named Diana Rakipi, who with tough and cocky male mannerisms spoke of the social importance those like her had in times past. "Nowadays women are in such a strong position, its better not to be man", she said, but she understands the power that she has had since she made her vow at eight years old. Sworn virgins were vital to keep the closed off societies of rural northern Albania in patriarchal balance for centuries. Though the practice is almost nonexistent with no more young girls swearing off sex and marriage the respect for those who took the oath in the name of their families and their homeland is still very much alive.

Crossing Boundaries: Albanian Sworn Virgins. http://www.jolique.com/gender/crossing_boundaries.htm>.

Smith, Nicole. "'Sworn virgins' dying out as Albanian girls reject manly role." 2008. Times Online. .

Sydney Morning Herald. "At home with Albania's last sworn virgins." 2008. .

Zumbrum, Joshua. "The Sacrifices of Albania's 'Sworn Virgins'." 2007. Washington Post. .