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“Machismo in Mexico is so deeply rooted that not even the president is safe,” declared Caterina Camastra, expressing a feeling shared by numerous women across the country. This follows after a viral video showed a intoxicated man groping the country’s first female president as she walked from the presidential residence to the education ministry. Sheinbaum, who has pressed charges against the perpetrator, remarked at a press briefing: “If they do this to the leader, what happens to all the other women in the country?”

Historic Situation Sheds Light on Widespread Gender-Based Violence

The president’s historic role has turned this into a learning opportunity in a culture where unwanted advances and physical violation on streets and public transport are frequently normalized and dismissed. Meanwhile, rival factions have claimed the incident was orchestrated to shift focus from the recently assassination of a city leader, a critic of organized crime. However, the majority of women understand that sexual violence need not be manufactured—studies indicate that 50% of women in Mexico have faced it at some point in their lives.

Balancing Public Engagement and Security

Sheinbaum, similar to her predecessor, is recognized for wading into crowds, greeting people, and taking photos. She was one such interaction that she was assaulted. “This is a delicate balance between ensuring security and being close to the public,” explained Ishtar Cardona. As a female president, it’s a sobering realization that frequently can’t win.

Those raised in a very traditional manner where male-dominated systems are accepted, a female leader like Sheinbaum, who is a academic and a progressive, embodies all that macho men in Mexico hate,” the sociologist elaborated.

Shared Stories of Violation and Resistance

Sexual assault is not unique to Mexico, naturally. Discussing the leader’s ordeal unleashed a flood of recollections and shared accounts among women. When the expert mentioned urging her pupils to react when assaulted, she heard about personal experiences, such as one where a individual was violated on two occasions during a religious pilgrimage. Similarly, accounts of resisting—like beating up a assailant in a club—underscore a growing worldwide trend of women refusing to remain passive.

Shattering Taboos and Channeling Outrage

Perhaps this incident will represent a critical moment for women across Mexico. “We have been challenging the taboo, but it’s very tough,” the sociologist stated. “A lot of women feel ashamed, but today we can discuss it with more freedom.” The expert often discusses with her students the measures she employs when going out, such as considering clothing to avoid unwanted advances. She poses a query to her male pupils: “Did you ever considered about that?” The answer is always no.

Now, after the president’s assault captured on video and viewed worldwide, can men in Mexico start to reconsider? The sociologist urges everyone: “You have to embrace the outrage!”

A key point is evident: Those who resist make their assailants remember.