In the backdrop of Mexico’s vibrant landscapes and daunting roads, women truckers, like Clara Fragoso, navigate a profession dominated by men, braving not just the challenges of the road but also societal prejudices and security threats. With women making up less than 3% of lorry drivers worldwide, Mexico’s female traileras carve a path in a field where gender-based violence and highway robberies are rampant. The BBC 100 Women team joined these courageous women, exploring their journeys along some of Mexico’s most perilous routes.
Clara Fragoso, a trailera for 18 years, recounts a harrowing experience that epitomizes the dangers they face. While en route to Tuxpan, Veracruz, she was intercepted by gunmen masquerading as police. This encounter, however, took an unexpected turn when the young gunman, the same age as her son, engaged in a heartfelt conversation with her, eventually releasing her unharmed. Fragoso’s story illustrates the complex and perilous realities of their profession.
The sector is significantly male-dominated, with women representing a mere 2% of Mexico’s 500,000 lorry drivers. Despite this imbalance and the inherent dangers, women like Liszt Hyde González are advocating for more female presence in the industry. González, another trailera, had to traverse over 1,000km, including the notorious “highway of death” controlled by drug cartels, to reach her destination. These women are not just fighting against the odds on the road but also battling gender stereotypes and societal norms.
The challenges are manifold, from lack of safe facilities for women to the constant threat of harassment and violence. Yet, traileras like González and Fragoso continue to persevere, using social media to raise awareness and mentor newcomers like Martha Patricia Trejo González, a recent addition to their ranks. They believe that increasing female participation could not only address the labor shortage but also bring a positive change to the industry’s culture.
Clara Fragoso and Liszt Hyde González, with their unwavering spirit and determination, embody the resilience and courage of women traileras in Mexico. Their stories are more than just tales of navigating dangerous roads; they are narratives of empowerment, breaking barriers, and inspiring a new generation of women to take the wheel in a traditionally male-dominated field.