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“Machismo in the nation is so deeply rooted that not one the head of state is protected,” stated a professor and feminist, expressing a feeling echoed by many women across the country. This comes after a widely circulated footage showed a drunk man molesting the country’s first female president as she walked from the National Palace to the department of education. Sheinbaum, who has pressed charges against the assailant, commented at a media conference: “When this happens to the leader, what occurs to every other women in the country?”

Historic Situation Sheds Light on Pervasive Gender-Based Violence

Sheinbaum’s unprecedented position has made this a learning opportunity in a culture where unwanted advances and assault on public spaces and public transport are frequently accepted and dismissed. At the same time, rival factions have alleged the incident was staged to shift focus from the recent assassination of a local mayor, Carlos Manzo. However, the majority of women know that sexual violence need not be staged—studies indicate that half of women in Mexico have experienced it at one time or another in their lives.

Balancing Accessibility and Security

The president, like her predecessor, is known for wading into crowds, greeting people, and taking photos. It was during one such interaction that she was assaulted. “It’s a delicate balance between ensuring security and being close to the public,” noted Ishtar Cardona. As a female president, it’s a stark reminder that you often can’t win.

“For people brought up in a deeply conservative manner where male-dominated systems are accepted, a woman such as the president, who is a academic and a leftist, represents everything traditional males in the country despise,” Cardona elaborated.

Shared Stories of Assault and Fighting Back

Sexual assault is not unique to this nation, naturally. Discussing the president’s experience opened a flood of memories and shared accounts among women. As the expert mentioned advising her students to react when groped, she learned about personal experiences, such as one where a individual was assaulted on two occasions during a holy journey. Similarly, stories of resisting—like physically confronting a groper in a nightspot—highlight a increasing global trend of women rejecting to stay silent.

Breaking Taboos and Channeling Anger

Perhaps this event will represent a turning point for Mexican women. “We have been breaking the silence, but it’s incredibly difficult,” the sociologist remarked. “Many women feel ashamed, but now we can discuss it with more freedom.” The expert routinely shares with her class the precautions she takes when leaving home, such as considering clothing to avoid harassment. She poses a question to her male pupils: “Have you ever thought about that?” The answer is invariably no.

Now, after the leader’s assault recorded on film and viewed worldwide, will men in Mexico begin to think differently? The sociologist encourages everyone: “It’s essential to embrace the outrage!”

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