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“Machismo in Mexico is so deeply rooted that not even the head of state is safe,” declared a professor and feminist, expressing a sentiment echoed by many women throughout the country. This comes after a widely circulated footage showed a intoxicated man molesting the country’s first female president as she strolled from the presidential residence to the education ministry. Sheinbaum, who has pressed charges against the perpetrator, commented at a media conference: “If they do this to the leader, what happens to every other women in the country?”

Unprecedented Position Sheds Light on Pervasive Sexual Harassment

The president’s historic position has made this a teaching moment in a culture where unwanted advances and physical violation on streets and public transport are frequently accepted and not taken seriously. Meanwhile, rival factions have claimed the assault was orchestrated to shift focus from the recent assassination of a local mayor, a critic of organized crime. However, the majority of women understand that sexual violence doesn’t need manufactured—research indicate that half of women in Mexico have experienced it at one time or another in their lives.

Navigating Public Engagement and Safety

Sheinbaum, similar to her predecessor, is recognized for mixing with the public, shaking hands, and posing for selfies. It was during such an interaction that she was groped. “It’s a delicate equilibrium between ensuring security and being close to the public,” noted a sociologist specializing in cultural studies. As a female president, it’s a stark realization that frequently face no-win situations.

Those brought up in a deeply conservative manner where patriarchal structure are accepted, a woman such as the president, who is a scientist and a leftist, embodies everything traditional males in Mexico despise,” Cardona explained.

Shared Experiences of Violation and Resistance

Gender-based violence is not unique to Mexico, of course. Talking about the president’s ordeal opened a wave of recollections and shared stories among women. As the expert mentioned urging her students to react when assaulted, she learned about firsthand incidents, such as a case where a individual was assaulted on two occasions during a religious pilgrimage. Similarly, stories of resisting—like beating up a groper in a nightspot—underscore a increasing worldwide trend of women rejecting to remain passive.

Breaking Taboos and Channeling Outrage

Perhaps this incident will mark a critical moment for Mexican women. “For about a decade, we’ve been breaking the taboo, but it’s very tough,” the sociologist stated. “Many women feel embarrassed, but today we are able to talk about it with more freedom.” The expert often shares with her class the precautions she takes when going out, such as thinking about clothing to prevent harassment. And she asks a question to her male students: “Did you ever thought about that?” The answer is invariably no.

Today, after the president’s assault captured on film and seen worldwide, will men in Mexico start to think differently? Cardona urges all: “You have to embrace the outrage!”

One thing is clear: Those who fight back make their assailants remember.