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“Machismo in the nation is so pervasive that not one the president is safe,” declared Caterina Camastra, voicing a feeling echoed by many women across the nation. This follows after a viral video showed a intoxicated man groping Claudia Sheinbaum as she walked from the National Palace to the department of education. The president, who has filed a complaint against the perpetrator, commented at a press briefing: “If they do this to the president, what occurs to all the other women in the country?”

Unprecedented Position Sheds Light on Pervasive Gender-Based Violence

Sheinbaum’s historic position has turned this into a learning opportunity in a society where unwanted advances and assault on streets and buses and trains are frequently normalized and dismissed. Meanwhile, rival factions have alleged the incident was staged to divert attention from the recent assassination of a city leader, Carlos Manzo. However, most women understand that gender-based aggression doesn’t need manufactured—research indicate that half of Mexican women have faced it at one time or another in their lives.

Navigating Accessibility and Security

Sheinbaum, like her predecessor, is known for wading into crowds, shaking hands, and taking photos. She was one such encounter that she was groped. “This is a fragile balance between ensuring security and maintaining proximity to the public,” explained Ishtar Cardona. As a woman leader, it’s a stark realization that frequently face no-win situations.

Those brought up in a deeply conservative manner where patriarchal structure are accepted, a woman such as the president, who is a academic and a progressive, represents all that macho men in Mexico despise,” the sociologist explained.

Shared Experiences of Assault and Resistance

Sexual assault is not unique to Mexico, naturally. Talking about the leader’s experience opened a wave of recollections and shared stories among female individuals. As Cardona spoke about urging her pupils not to freeze when groped, she heard about firsthand incidents, such as one where a individual was violated twice during a holy journey. Similarly, stories of fighting back—like beating up a assailant in a club—highlight a growing worldwide movement of females refusing to stay silent.

Shattering Taboos and Embracing Anger

Perhaps this incident will represent a turning point for Mexican women. “We have been challenging the taboo, but it’s incredibly difficult,” the sociologist remarked. “Many women are embarrassed, but now we can discuss it with greater openness.” She routinely discusses with her students the precautions she employs when going out, such as thinking about attire to prevent unwanted advances. And she poses a query to her male students: “Have you ever thought about that?” Their response is always no.

Today, after the leader’s assault recorded on video and seen globally, can men in Mexico begin to think differently? Cardona urges all: “It’s essential to harness the outrage!”

One thing is clear: The individuals who resist make their assailants remember.