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Male chauvinism in Mexico is so pervasive that not even the head of state is protected,” declared a professor and feminist, voicing a feeling echoed by numerous women across the country. This comes after a viral video showed a intoxicated man molesting Claudia Sheinbaum as she strolled from the presidential residence to the department of education. The president, who has filed a complaint against the assailant, commented at a press briefing: “When this happens to the president, what happens to every other women in the country?”

Unprecedented Situation Sheds Light on Pervasive Gender-Based Violence

Sheinbaum’s unprecedented position has made this a learning opportunity in a culture where sexual harassment and physical violation on public spaces and public transport are frequently accepted and dismissed. Meanwhile, rival factions have alleged the assault was orchestrated to shift focus from the recent murder of a city leader, Carlos Manzo. Yet, most women know that gender-based aggression need not be staged—studies indicate that 50% of women in Mexico have faced it at one time or another in their lifetimes.

Balancing Accessibility and Security

The president, similar to her preceding leader, is known for wading into crowds, greeting people, and taking photos. She was one such encounter that she was groped. “This is a fragile balance between being safe and maintaining proximity to the people,” noted Ishtar Cardona. As a woman leader, it’s a sobering realization that frequently face no-win situations.

Those raised in a deeply conservative way where male-dominated systems are normalized, a woman like Sheinbaum, who is a academic and a progressive, embodies everything macho men in the country hate,” Cardona elaborated.

Common Stories of Violation and Fighting Back

Gender-based violence is not limited to Mexico, of course. Discussing the president’s ordeal opened a flood of memories and shared stories among female individuals. As Cardona mentioned urging her pupils not to freeze when groped, she learned about firsthand incidents, such as one where a individual was assaulted on two occasions during a holy journey. Similarly, accounts of resisting—like physically confronting a groper in a nightspot—highlight a increasing global trend of females rejecting to remain passive.

Shattering Taboos and Embracing Outrage

Perhaps this incident will mark a turning point for Mexican women. “We have been breaking the taboo, but it’s very tough,” the sociologist remarked. “A lot of women are ashamed, but today we are able to talk about it with more freedom.” She often shares with her class the measures she takes when leaving home, such as thinking about clothing to avoid harassment. She asks a query to her male pupils: “Have you ever thought about that?” Their response is always no.

Now, with the leader’s violation captured on video and seen worldwide, will Mexican men start to reconsider? Cardona encourages all: “It’s essential to harness the anger!”

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