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Male chauvinism in the nation is so pervasive that not even the head of state is protected,” declared a professor and feminist, voicing a sentiment echoed by numerous women throughout the country. This follows after a viral video showed a drunk man molesting the country’s first female president as she strolled from the National Palace to the education ministry. Sheinbaum, who has filed a complaint against the perpetrator, remarked at a media conference: “When this happens to the leader, what happens to every other women in the nation?”

Unprecedented Situation Sheds Light on Pervasive Gender-Based Violence

Sheinbaum’s unprecedented role has turned this into a learning opportunity in a society where sexual harassment and assault on public spaces and public transport are often accepted and not taken seriously. At the same time, political opponents have claimed the incident was orchestrated to shift focus from the recently assassination of a local mayor, Carlos Manzo. However, the majority of women understand that sexual violence doesn’t need manufactured—studies indicate that 50% of Mexican women have experienced it at one time or another in their lifetimes.

Balancing Public Engagement and Safety

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 being safe and maintaining proximity to the people,” explained a sociologist specializing in cultural studies. As a female president, it’s a sobering reminder that you often can’t win.

Those brought up in a deeply conservative manner where patriarchal structure are accepted, a female leader like Sheinbaum, who is a academic and a leftist, represents all that traditional males in the country despise,” the sociologist explained.

Common Experiences of Violation and Resistance

Gender-based violence is not unique to Mexico, naturally. Discussing the president’s ordeal unleashed a wave of memories and shared accounts among female individuals. When Cardona mentioned urging her students not to freeze when groped, she heard about personal experiences, such as one where a individual was assaulted on two occasions during a holy journey. In a similar vein, stories of fighting back—like physically confronting a groper in a club—underscore a increasing global trend of females rejecting to remain passive.

Shattering Silence and Embracing Anger

Maybe this event will represent a turning point for women across Mexico. “For about a decade, we’ve been challenging the taboo, but it’s very tough,” the sociologist remarked. “A lot of women are ashamed, but now we can discuss it with greater openness.” She often discusses with her class the measures she employs when leaving home, such as thinking about clothing to avoid harassment. And she asks a question to her male students: “Did you ever considered about that?” The answer is invariably no.

Now, after the leader’s violation recorded on video and viewed globally, will Mexican men start to think differently? The sociologist encourages everyone: “It’s essential to harness the anger!”

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