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“Machismo in the nation is so pervasive that not even the president is safe,” declared a professor and feminist, expressing a sentiment echoed by many women across the country. This comes after a viral video showed a intoxicated man groping Claudia Sheinbaum as she walked from the presidential residence to the department of education. The president, who has filed a complaint against the assailant, commented at a media conference: “When this happens to the president, what happens to every other women in the nation?”

Historic Position Sheds Light on Pervasive Sexual Harassment

The president’s historic position has made this a teaching moment in a society where sexual harassment and physical violation on streets and public transport are frequently normalized and not taken seriously. At the same time, political opponents have claimed the assault was staged to shift focus from the recently assassination of a local mayor, Carlos Manzo. Yet, most women understand that gender-based aggression need not be manufactured—studies indicate that half of women in Mexico have experienced it at one time or another in their lifetimes.

Balancing Public Engagement and Safety

Sheinbaum, similar to her preceding leader, is recognized for mixing with the public, greeting people, and posing for selfies. It was during such an interaction that she was assaulted. “It’s a fragile balance between being safe and maintaining proximity to the public,” noted Ishtar Cardona. For a woman leader, it’s a sobering realization that frequently can’t win.

Those raised in a very traditional way where male-dominated systems are normalized, a woman like Sheinbaum, who is a scientist and a leftist, embodies all that traditional males in Mexico despise,” the sociologist explained.

Common Experiences of Violation and Fighting Back

Sexual assault is not unique to Mexico, naturally. Discussing the president’s ordeal unleashed a wave of memories and shared accounts among female individuals. When the expert spoke about urging her students to react when assaulted, she heard about personal experiences, such as one where a woman was assaulted twice during a holy journey. In a similar vein, stories of fighting back—like beating up a groper in a nightspot—underscore a growing worldwide trend of women refusing to stay silent.

Shattering Silence and Channeling Anger

Maybe this event will represent a turning point for Mexican women. “For about a decade, we’ve been challenging the silence, but it’s incredibly difficult,” Cardona remarked. “Many women are ashamed, but now we can discuss it with greater openness.” The expert routinely discusses with her students the precautions she employs when leaving home, such as thinking about attire to prevent harassment. She poses a question to her male pupils: “Have you ever considered about that?” The answer is always no.

Now, with the leader’s assault recorded on video and seen worldwide, can Mexican men begin to think differently? Cardona urges everyone: “It’s essential to embrace the anger!”

One thing is clear: The individuals who resist make their assailants remember.