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“Machismo in the nation is so deeply rooted that not even the head of state is protected,” declared a professor and feminist, voicing a feeling shared by numerous women throughout the country. This comes after a viral video showed a intoxicated man groping the country’s first female president as she strolled from the presidential residence to the education ministry. The president, who has pressed charges against the perpetrator, remarked at a press briefing: “If they do this to the president, what occurs to all the other women in the country?”

Unprecedented Position Sheds Light on Widespread Gender-Based Violence

Sheinbaum’s historic role has turned this into a teaching moment in a culture where sexual harassment and assault on public spaces and public transport are frequently normalized and not taken seriously. At the same time, rival factions have alleged the assault was orchestrated to shift focus from the recently assassination of a city leader, Carlos Manzo. Yet, the majority of women know that gender-based aggression doesn’t need manufactured—studies indicate that 50% of women in Mexico have faced it at one time or another in their lives.

Balancing Public Engagement and Security

Sheinbaum, like her preceding leader, is recognized for mixing with the public, greeting people, and taking photos. She was such an encounter that she was assaulted. “This is a delicate balance between ensuring security and maintaining proximity to the people,” noted Ishtar Cardona. As a woman leader, it’s a stark reminder that you often can’t win.

“For people brought up in a very traditional manner where male-dominated systems are accepted, a female leader such as the president, who is a academic and a leftist, embodies all that traditional males in the country hate,” the sociologist explained.

Shared Experiences of Assault and Resistance

Sexual assault is not limited to Mexico, naturally. Discussing the president’s ordeal unleashed a flood of memories and shared accounts among female individuals. As Cardona spoke about advising her students not to freeze when groped, she heard about firsthand incidents, such as a case where a individual was assaulted on two occasions during a holy journey. In a similar vein, stories of resisting—like physically confronting a assailant in a nightspot—underscore a growing global trend of females refusing to remain passive.

Shattering Silence and Embracing Outrage

Perhaps this event will represent a turning point for Mexican women. “We have been breaking the silence, but it’s incredibly difficult,” the sociologist stated. “A lot of women feel ashamed, but now we can discuss it with greater openness.” The expert routinely shares with her class the measures she takes when leaving home, such as considering attire to prevent unwanted advances. And she asks a question to her male students: “Did you ever considered about that?” Their response is always no.

Today, with the leader’s assault captured on film and seen globally, will men in Mexico begin to reconsider? Cardona urges everyone: “You have to embrace the outrage!”

A key point is clear: The individuals who resist leave a lasting impression.