Assuming Agency: Women of nobility as forced migrants

<ns3:p>This article examines the experiences of noblewomen who became forced migrants due to politically arranged marriages or other political circumstances. By employing an intersectional lens, the case studies explore how the complex interplay of gender, class and nationality shaped their lives. Focusing on three case studies of prominent noblewomen, from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and 20th century, such as Barbara of Cili, Catherine de' Medici, and Ksenija Petrović-Njegoš, the research reveals how these women navigated the intersections of power, privilege, and oppression. By examining the ways in which these women's identities were shaped by both their social status and their experiences of forced migration, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities of identity formation and social inequality. By centering the experiences of these women, this article challenges traditional narratives of migration that often prioritize male experiences and overlook the agency and resilience of women. Furthermore, it highlights the need for more nuanced analyses of forced migration that account for the intersectionality of social identities.</ns3:p>