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“Machismo in the nation is so pervasive that not one the president is protected,” declared Caterina Camastra, voicing a sentiment echoed by many women across the nation. This follows after a viral video showed a drunk 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 perpetrator, remarked at a media conference: “When this happens to the president, what occurs to every other women in the nation?”

Historic Position Sheds Light on Pervasive Gender-Based Violence

Sheinbaum’s historic position has turned this into a teaching moment in a culture where sexual harassment and physical violation on public spaces and buses and trains are frequently accepted and dismissed. At the same time, political opponents have alleged the assault was orchestrated to divert attention from the recent assassination of a local mayor, a critic of organized crime. Yet, most women understand that sexual violence doesn’t need manufactured—studies indicate that 50% of Mexican women have experienced it at some point in their lives.

Balancing Public Engagement and Security

Sheinbaum, similar to her predecessor, is recognized for wading into crowds, greeting people, and posing for selfies. She was such an encounter that she was groped. “It’s a fragile equilibrium between being safe and being close to the people,” explained a sociologist specializing in cultural studies. As a woman leader, it’s a stark reminder that you often face no-win situations.

“For people brought up in a very traditional way where male-dominated systems are normalized, a female leader such as the president, who is a academic and a leftist, represents all that traditional males in the country hate,” Cardona explained.

Common Stories of Violation and Resistance

Sexual assault is not unique to Mexico, of course. Talking about the leader’s experience unleashed a flood of memories and shared stories among female individuals. As the expert spoke about urging her students not to freeze when groped, she learned about firsthand incidents, such as a case where a individual was violated twice during a holy journey. Similarly, accounts of resisting—like beating up a groper in a club—highlight a growing worldwide trend of women rejecting to stay silent.

Shattering Taboos and Embracing Anger

Maybe this event will represent a turning point for Mexican women. “We have been breaking the taboo, but it’s very tough,” Cardona remarked. “Many women are ashamed, but now we are able to talk about it with more freedom.” She often discusses with her students the measures she takes when going out, such as considering clothing to prevent harassment. She poses a question to her male students: “Did you ever thought about that?” Their response is always no.

Now, after the president’s assault captured on video and seen globally, will Mexican men begin to think differently? The sociologist encourages all: “You have to embrace the anger!”

One thing is evident: Those who fight back leave a lasting impression.