The word "shepherdesses" is quite unique and may not have many exact synonyms. However, one could use the term "female shepherds" or "women in charge of sheep flocks." Another option could be "herdesses," which refers to women who work with animals such as cattle, sheep, or goats. Additionally, "pastoral women" could be used to describe women who work in rural settings with livestock. It's important to keep in mind the context and tone of the writing when choosing alternative words to describe shepherdesses, and to ensure that the meaning remains clear and accurate.