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“Machismo in the nation is so pervasive that not one the president is protected,” declared a professor and feminist, voicing a feeling echoed by numerous women throughout the country. This comes after a viral video showed a intoxicated man molesting the country’s first female president as she strolled from the National Palace to the education ministry. The president, who has pressed charges against the assailant, remarked at a media conference: “When this happens to the leader, what happens to all the other women in the nation?”

Unprecedented Position Sheds Light on Pervasive Gender-Based Violence

Sheinbaum’s unprecedented role has turned this into a teaching moment in a culture where sexual harassment and physical violation on public spaces and public transport are often normalized and dismissed. Meanwhile, rival factions have alleged the assault was staged to divert attention from the recently murder of a city leader, a critic of organized crime. However, most women know that sexual violence need not be staged—studies indicate that half of women in Mexico have faced it at some point in their lives.

Balancing Public Engagement and Safety

Sheinbaum, similar to her predecessor, is known for wading into crowds, shaking hands, and taking photos. It was during such an interaction that she was groped. “This is a delicate balance between being safe and being close to the people,” noted Ishtar Cardona. For a woman leader, it’s a stark realization that frequently face no-win situations.

Those raised in a very traditional manner where male-dominated systems are normalized, a female leader such as the president, who is a academic and a leftist, embodies everything macho men in the country despise,” Cardona elaborated.

Shared Stories of Violation and Resistance

Gender-based violence is not unique to this nation, naturally. Talking about the president’s ordeal unleashed a wave of memories and shared stories among women. When the expert mentioned advising her pupils not to freeze when assaulted, she heard about personal incidents, such as a case where a woman was violated on two occasions during a holy journey. In a similar vein, stories of resisting—like beating up a groper in a club—underscore a growing worldwide movement of females rejecting to remain passive.

Shattering Silence and Embracing Anger

Maybe this event will mark a turning point for Mexican women. “For about a decade, we’ve been breaking the taboo, but it’s very tough,” the sociologist remarked. “Many women feel ashamed, but today we can discuss it with more freedom.” The expert often discusses with her class the precautions she employs when going out, such as considering attire to avoid harassment. And she poses a query to her male students: “Did you ever thought about that?” The answer is always no.

Today, with the president’s assault recorded on film and viewed globally, will Mexican men begin to think differently? The sociologist encourages everyone: “You have to harness the outrage!”

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