Finding strength as a Colombian cowgirl

Key Concepts

• Cowgirl/Cowboy (Cowg): A person, traditionally male, who works with cattle on a ranch. The video highlights a female perspective on this role.
• Berraquera: A Spanish term signifying resilience, toughness, and grit – a quality developed through challenging circumstances.
• Hostile/Recio Environment: The demanding and physically challenging nature of ranch work.
• Perceived Strength Disparity: The common self-doubt women experience regarding their physical strength in traditionally male-dominated roles.

The Experience of a Female “Cowg” & Developing Resilience

María Gracia García discusses her positive experience working as a “cowg” (cowgirl/cowboy) at the Claro Reseres farm, emphasizing her connection to the culture. A central theme is overcoming internalised doubts about her capabilities as a woman in a traditionally masculine profession. She acknowledges a common initial thought process among women: “Madre, no va a ser capaz, me falta fuerza” – translating to “Oh mother, I won’t be able to do it, I lack strength.” This highlights the societal expectation and self-perception of physical limitations.

However, García asserts she has developed “la berraquera,” a crucial quality for success in this environment. She defines this as resilience and toughness, born from navigating a “ambiente hostil” – a hostile or challenging environment. Importantly, she clarifies that the work itself doesn’t demand excessive physical strength, but rather the environment is inherently “recio” – harsh or rigorous.

García specifically states that while she may lack raw physical strength (“me falta fuerza”), she compensates with “destreza, el ojo” – skill and a keen eye. This suggests that precision, observation, and technique are more vital than brute force in many aspects of ranch work. The implication is that a woman can excel in this role by leveraging different strengths and developing the necessary resilience to cope with the demanding conditions.

The Nature of the Ranch Environment

The video emphasizes the challenging nature of the ranch environment. The terms “hostil” and “recio” are used to describe it, indicating a physically and mentally demanding workspace. This isn’t presented as a deliberate expectation imposed by others, but rather an inherent characteristic of the work itself. The environment fosters the development of “berraquera” as a necessary coping mechanism.

Internal vs. External Demands

A key distinction is made between perceived internal limitations and external demands. García points out that the initial hesitation stems from a woman’s self-doubt regarding her strength. However, she clarifies that the job doesn’t necessarily require exceptional strength, but rather a different skillset – skill, observation, and resilience. This challenges the assumption that physical strength is the primary barrier to entry for women in this profession.

Conclusion

María Gracia García’s experience demonstrates that women can successfully work as “cowgs” by developing resilience (“berraquera”) and leveraging skills like precision and observation. The video challenges preconceived notions about the physical requirements of ranch work and highlights the importance of overcoming internalised self-doubt. The core takeaway is that success in this field isn’t solely dependent on physical strength, but also on adaptability, skill, and a tenacious spirit.