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Equality

Cholitas - Five Bolivian Women Reach for the Top

May 27, 2021

Five Bolivian women aim to conquer South America’s highest mountain Aconcagua. But before they begin climbing the peak also known as the "Colossus of America," they must combat some old stereotypes.

https://p.dw.com/p/3u2wj
DW Dokumentationen | Bolivien - Fünf Gipfelstürmerinnen
Image: feel sales
DW Dokumentationen | Bolivien - Fünf Gipfelstürmerinnen
Image: feel sales

Cecilia, Elena, Dora, Lidia and Liita are Aymaras - an indigenous people who traditionally didn’t view mountain climbing as a suitable activity for women. The women work as cooks, primary school teachers, cleaning ladies and homemakers. In Bolivia they’re called "Cholitas." Traditionally they wear bowler hats set at a slight angle and colorful, multi-layer skirts with white petticoats; their long, dark hair is usually braided into thick plaits.

DW Dokumentationen | Bolivien - Fünf Gipfelstürmerinnen
Image: feel sales

As women and indigenous people, they were long discriminated against, so many considered mountain climbing to be completely out of their reach. But then a group of five Cholitas joined forces to make their dreams of freedom and independence come true. They organized an expedition to Mount Aconcagua in Argentina. At over 6900 meters tall, it lives up to its name: the Colossus of America. 

DW Dokumentationen | Bolivien - Fünf Gipfelstürmerinnen
Image: feel sales


In this documentary, we accompany the Bolivian women on their adventure, and share in their dreams and fears. Revealing their trials and their tenacity, the Cholitas show how scaling the summit fills them with a sense of freedom, happiness and pride.


Broadcasting Hours: 

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TUE 15.06.2021 – 01:15 UTC
TUE 15.06.2021 – 04:15 UTC
WED 16.06.2021 – 09:15 UTC
SAT 19.06.2021 – 08:15 UTC
SUN 20.06.2021 – 12:15 UTC

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WED 16.06.2021 – 09:15 UTC
SAT 19.06.2021 – 08:15 UTC

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