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“Machismo in Mexico is so deeply rooted that not even the head of state is protected,” stated a professor and feminist, voicing a sentiment shared by many women throughout the country. This comes after a viral video showed a drunk man groping Claudia Sheinbaum as she walked from the presidential residence to the department of education. Sheinbaum, who has pressed charges against the perpetrator, remarked at a press briefing: “When this happens to the leader, what happens to all the other women in the nation?”

Unprecedented Position Sheds Light on Pervasive Sexual Harassment

Sheinbaum’s unprecedented role has turned this into a learning opportunity in a culture where sexual harassment and assault on streets and public transport are frequently normalized and not taken seriously. Meanwhile, rival factions have claimed the assault was orchestrated to shift focus from the recent assassination of a local mayor, Carlos Manzo. However, the majority of women understand that sexual violence need not be manufactured—research indicate that half of Mexican women have experienced it at some point in their lifetimes.

Balancing Accessibility and Safety

Sheinbaum, like her predecessor, is recognized for wading into crowds, shaking hands, and taking photos. She was one such encounter that she was groped. “It’s a delicate balance between being safe and maintaining proximity to the people,” noted a sociologist specializing in cultural studies. For a female president, it’s a sobering reminder that you often can’t win.

“For people raised in a deeply conservative way where patriarchal structure are normalized, a female leader such as the president, who is a scientist and a progressive, embodies everything traditional males in Mexico hate,” the sociologist elaborated.

Shared Stories of Assault and Fighting Back

Sexual assault is not limited to Mexico, of course. Talking about the leader’s ordeal opened a flood of recollections and shared accounts among women. As Cardona mentioned advising her pupils to react when groped, she learned about firsthand incidents, such as one where a woman was violated twice during a religious pilgrimage. Similarly, stories of resisting—like physically confronting a assailant in a club—underscore a increasing global trend of females refusing to stay silent.

Shattering Taboos and Embracing Anger

Maybe this event will represent a critical moment for women across Mexico. “For about a decade, we’ve been challenging the taboo, but it’s incredibly difficult,” Cardona stated. “A lot of women feel ashamed, but now we are able to talk about it with more freedom.” The expert routinely discusses with her class the precautions she employs when going out, such as thinking about clothing to prevent harassment. And 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 viewed worldwide, can Mexican men begin to reconsider? The sociologist encourages everyone: “You have to harness the anger!”

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