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“Machismo in Mexico is so pervasive that not one the head of state is safe,” stated Caterina Camastra, voicing a feeling echoed by numerous women throughout the nation. This comes after a viral video showed a drunk man molesting Claudia Sheinbaum as she strolled from the National Palace to the education ministry. Sheinbaum, who has filed a complaint against the assailant, remarked at a media conference: “When this happens to the president, what occurs to every other women in the nation?”

Historic Situation Highlights on Pervasive Sexual Harassment

Sheinbaum’s historic role has made this a learning opportunity in a culture where sexual harassment and physical violation on public spaces and buses and trains are often normalized and dismissed. At the same time, rival factions have claimed the assault was staged to divert attention from the recently murder of a local mayor, a critic of organized crime. Yet, the majority of women understand that sexual violence need not be staged—research indicate that half of Mexican women have experienced it at some point in their lifetimes.

Balancing Public Engagement and Safety

Sheinbaum, similar to her preceding leader, is known for wading into crowds, shaking hands, and taking photos. It was during one such encounter that she was groped. “It’s a delicate equilibrium between being safe and being close to the people,” explained Ishtar Cardona. As a female president, it’s a sobering realization that you often face no-win situations.

“For people brought up in a very traditional manner where patriarchal structure are accepted, a woman like Sheinbaum, who is a scientist and a leftist, embodies everything macho men in Mexico despise,” Cardona explained.

Common Experiences of Assault and Resistance

Gender-based violence is not limited to this nation, of course. Talking about the leader’s ordeal unleashed a flood of memories and shared stories among female individuals. When Cardona mentioned urging her pupils not to freeze when groped, she learned about personal experiences, such as a case where a woman was assaulted on two occasions during a religious pilgrimage. In a similar vein, accounts of resisting—like physically confronting a assailant in a nightspot—highlight a growing global movement of women rejecting to stay silent.

Breaking Silence and Channeling Anger

Maybe this incident will mark a critical moment for Mexican women. “We have been breaking the taboo, but it’s incredibly difficult,” Cardona stated. “Many women feel embarrassed, but now we can discuss it with greater openness.” She often shares with her students the precautions she employs when going out, such as considering clothing to prevent unwanted advances. 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 globally, will Mexican men begin to reconsider? Cardona encourages everyone: “It’s essential to embrace the anger!”

A key point is evident: The individuals who fight back leave a lasting impression.