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“Machismo in the nation is so deeply rooted that not one the president is protected,” declared a professor and feminist, voicing a sentiment shared by numerous women throughout the nation. This follows after a viral video showed a drunk man groping Claudia Sheinbaum as she strolled from the National Palace to the education ministry. The president, who has filed a complaint against the assailant, commented at a press briefing: “If they do this to the president, what happens to all the other women in the country?”

Unprecedented Position Highlights on Pervasive Gender-Based Violence

Sheinbaum’s historic role has turned this into a teaching moment in a society where unwanted advances and assault on streets and buses and trains are frequently accepted and not taken seriously. Meanwhile, political opponents have alleged the incident was staged to shift focus from the recently murder of a local mayor, a critic of organized crime. Yet, the majority of women know that sexual violence doesn’t need staged—research indicate that 50% of women in Mexico have faced it at one time or another in their lifetimes.

Balancing Accessibility and Safety

Sheinbaum, like her preceding leader, is recognized for mixing with the public, greeting people, and taking photos. It was during one such encounter that she was assaulted. “It’s a fragile balance between being safe and maintaining proximity to the public,” noted Ishtar Cardona. As a female president, it’s a sobering realization that frequently can’t win.

Those raised in a very traditional way where male-dominated systems are normalized, a female leader such as the president, who is a scientist and a leftist, embodies all that traditional males in the country despise,” Cardona elaborated.

Common Experiences of Violation and Fighting Back

Sexual assault is not limited to Mexico, naturally. Talking about the leader’s experience unleashed a flood of recollections and exchanged stories among female individuals. When Cardona spoke about advising her pupils to react when assaulted, she learned about firsthand incidents, such as a case where a individual was violated on two occasions during a holy journey. In a similar vein, stories of fighting back—like physically confronting a assailant in a nightspot—highlight a increasing worldwide trend of women rejecting to remain passive.

Breaking Taboos and Channeling Outrage

Perhaps this incident will represent a critical moment for women across Mexico. “We have been challenging the silence, but it’s very tough,” Cardona remarked. “Many women feel embarrassed, but today we can discuss it with more freedom.” The expert often discusses with her class the measures she takes when leaving home, such as considering attire to prevent unwanted advances. And she asks a query to her male students: “Have you ever thought about that?” The answer is invariably no.

Now, after the leader’s violation recorded on film and seen globally, will Mexican men start to reconsider? The sociologist urges all: “It’s essential to embrace the anger!”

A key point is evident: Those who fight back leave a lasting impression.