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“Machismo in Mexico is so pervasive that not even the head of state is safe,” stated Caterina Camastra, voicing a feeling shared by numerous women across the country. This comes after a viral video showed a drunk man groping Claudia Sheinbaum as she walked from the National Palace to the education ministry. Sheinbaum, who has filed a complaint against the perpetrator, commented at a media conference: “When this happens to the leader, what happens to every other women in the country?”

Unprecedented Situation Sheds Light on Pervasive Sexual Harassment

The president’s unprecedented role has made this a learning opportunity in a society where sexual harassment and physical violation on streets and buses and trains are frequently accepted and dismissed. At the same time, rival factions have claimed the incident was orchestrated to shift focus from the recent murder of a local mayor, a critic of organized crime. Yet, most women know that gender-based aggression need not be manufactured—studies indicate that half of women in Mexico have faced it at some point in their lifetimes.

Balancing Accessibility and Security

Sheinbaum, similar to her preceding leader, is known for mixing with the public, shaking hands, and posing for selfies. It was during one such encounter that she was assaulted. “It’s a delicate equilibrium between being safe and being close to the public,” explained a sociologist specializing in cultural studies. As a female president, it’s a stark reminder that you often can’t win.

“For people brought up in a very traditional way where patriarchal structure are normalized, a female leader like Sheinbaum, who is a scientist and a leftist, embodies everything traditional males in Mexico hate,” Cardona explained.

Common Stories of Violation and Fighting Back

Sexual assault is not limited to Mexico, of course. Talking about the leader’s experience opened a flood of memories and exchanged stories among women. When Cardona mentioned urging her pupils not to freeze when assaulted, she heard about personal incidents, such as a case where a individual was assaulted on two occasions during a holy journey. Similarly, stories of resisting—like beating up a groper in a nightspot—highlight a growing worldwide movement of women refusing to stay silent.

Shattering Taboos and Embracing Anger

Perhaps this event will mark a turning point for Mexican women. “We have been breaking the silence, but it’s very tough,” the sociologist stated. “Many women feel embarrassed, but today we are able to talk about it with more freedom.” She routinely shares with her students the measures she employs when leaving home, such as thinking about attire to avoid harassment. She asks a query to her male students: “Have you ever thought about that?” Their response is always no.

Now, after the leader’s violation captured on video and viewed globally, will men in Mexico begin to reconsider? The sociologist urges everyone: “You have to embrace the anger!”

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