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“Machismo in Mexico is so pervasive that not even the president is protected,” stated Caterina Camastra, voicing a feeling shared by numerous women throughout the nation. This follows after a viral video showed a drunk man molesting Claudia Sheinbaum as she walked from the presidential residence to the education ministry. The president, who has pressed charges against the perpetrator, remarked at a press briefing: “When this happens to the president, what occurs to every other women in the country?”

Historic Position Sheds Light on Pervasive Sexual Harassment

The president’s historic role has made this a teaching moment in a society where sexual harassment and physical violation on public spaces and public transport are often normalized and dismissed. Meanwhile, political opponents have claimed the incident was staged to shift focus from the recently assassination of a city leader, Carlos Manzo. Yet, most women know that sexual violence doesn’t need staged—research indicate that 50% of Mexican women have experienced it at some point in their lifetimes.

Balancing Public Engagement and Safety

Sheinbaum, like her preceding leader, is known for wading into crowds, greeting people, and posing for selfies. She was such an encounter that she was assaulted. “This is a fragile equilibrium between being safe and being close to the public,” explained a sociologist specializing in cultural studies. For a woman leader, it’s a stark realization that frequently face no-win situations.

“For people raised in a very traditional way where patriarchal structure are normalized, a female leader like Sheinbaum, who is a scientist and a leftist, represents everything macho men in Mexico hate,” the sociologist explained.

Shared Experiences of Assault and Fighting Back

Sexual assault is not limited to this nation, naturally. Talking about the president’s ordeal opened a wave of memories and exchanged stories among female individuals. As the expert mentioned advising her students to react when assaulted, she learned about firsthand 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 physically confronting a assailant in a club—underscore a increasing global movement of women rejecting to remain passive.

Breaking Taboos and Channeling Anger

Perhaps this event will represent a critical moment for Mexican women. “For about a decade, we’ve been breaking the taboo, but it’s incredibly difficult,” the sociologist stated. “Many women are embarrassed, but today we can discuss it with more freedom.” The expert routinely shares with her class the measures she takes when leaving home, such as thinking about clothing to avoid harassment. And she asks a query to her male students: “Have you ever considered about that?” The answer is always no.

Today, after the president’s assault recorded on video and viewed globally, will Mexican men begin to reconsider? Cardona encourages everyone: “You have to harness the anger!”

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