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“Machismo in Mexico is so deeply rooted that not even the president is safe,” declared a professor and feminist, voicing a feeling shared by many women throughout the country. This comes after a viral video showed a intoxicated man groping the country’s first female president as she walked from the presidential residence to the education ministry. The president, who has pressed charges against the assailant, remarked at a press briefing: “When this happens to the president, what happens to all the other women in the nation?”

Unprecedented Position Sheds Light on Pervasive Sexual Harassment

The president’s unprecedented role has made this a learning opportunity in a society where unwanted advances and assault on streets and public transport are often accepted and dismissed. Meanwhile, rival factions have alleged the assault was staged to divert attention from the recently murder of a local mayor, a critic of organized crime. Yet, most women know that sexual violence doesn’t need staged—studies indicate that half of women in Mexico have experienced it at some point in their lives.

Balancing Public Engagement and Security

Sheinbaum, like her predecessor, is recognized for mixing with the public, greeting people, and posing for selfies. It was during such an encounter that she was assaulted. “It’s a delicate balance between being safe and maintaining proximity to the public,” noted Ishtar Cardona. For a female president, it’s a sobering reminder that frequently face no-win situations.

“For people brought up in a very traditional manner where patriarchal structure are accepted, a woman like Sheinbaum, who is a scientist and a progressive, embodies all that traditional males in Mexico hate,” the sociologist elaborated.

Shared Experiences of Violation and Fighting Back

Gender-based violence is not unique to this nation, of course. Discussing the leader’s experience unleashed a flood of recollections and exchanged accounts among women. As the expert mentioned advising her pupils not to freeze when assaulted, she learned about personal experiences, such as one where a woman was violated on two occasions during a holy journey. Similarly, stories of fighting back—like beating up a groper in a club—highlight a increasing worldwide movement of women refusing to stay silent.

Shattering Taboos and Channeling Outrage

Perhaps this incident will mark a critical moment for women across Mexico. “We have been challenging the silence, but it’s incredibly difficult,” the sociologist stated. “Many women feel embarrassed, but now we can discuss it with greater openness.” The expert routinely shares with her class the measures she employs when leaving home, such as thinking about clothing to avoid harassment. She poses a question to her male pupils: “Have you ever thought about that?” The answer is invariably no.

Today, with the president’s assault recorded on film and seen worldwide, can Mexican men begin to reconsider? Cardona encourages everyone: “It’s essential to harness the anger!”

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