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Male chauvinism in the nation is so deeply rooted that not even the president is safe,” declared a professor and feminist, expressing a sentiment shared by many women throughout the country. This comes after a viral video showed a intoxicated 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: “If they do this to the leader, what occurs to all the other women in the nation?”

Unprecedented Position Sheds Light on Widespread Sexual Harassment

Sheinbaum’s historic position has made this a learning opportunity in a culture where unwanted advances and physical violation on streets and public transport are frequently accepted and not taken seriously. Meanwhile, rival factions have alleged the assault was staged to divert attention from the recently murder of a city leader, Carlos Manzo. However, most women understand that sexual violence need not be staged—research indicate that 50% of Mexican women have experienced it at one time or another in their lives.

Navigating Accessibility and Security

The president, like her predecessor, is known for wading into crowds, shaking hands, and posing for selfies. It was during one such interaction that she was groped. “This is a fragile equilibrium between ensuring security and maintaining proximity to the public,” noted a sociologist specializing in cultural studies. As a woman leader, it’s a sobering realization that you often face no-win situations.

Those raised in a deeply conservative way where patriarchal structure are normalized, a woman like Sheinbaum, who is a scientist and a leftist, represents everything macho men in the country despise,” the sociologist elaborated.

Shared Experiences of Violation and Resistance

Sexual assault is not limited to Mexico, naturally. Discussing the president’s experience unleashed a flood of memories and shared accounts among women. When Cardona mentioned advising her students not to freeze when assaulted, she learned about personal experiences, such as a case where a woman was assaulted twice during a religious pilgrimage. In a similar vein, accounts of resisting—like physically confronting a groper in a club—underscore a growing global trend of women refusing to stay silent.

Breaking Silence and Channeling Anger

Perhaps this incident will mark a turning point for women across Mexico. “We have been breaking the taboo, but it’s very tough,” the sociologist stated. “Many women feel embarrassed, but today we are able to talk about it with greater openness.” The expert often shares with her students the precautions she takes when going out, such as considering clothing to prevent harassment. She poses a question to her male pupils: “Did you ever thought about that?” The answer is invariably no.

Now, with the leader’s violation recorded on film and viewed globally, can men in Mexico begin to think differently? Cardona encourages all: “It’s essential to harness the outrage!”

One thing is clear: The individuals who resist leave a lasting impression.