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Male chauvinism in Mexico is so deeply rooted that not one the head of state is protected,” stated a professor and feminist, voicing a sentiment shared by many women across the nation. This comes after a viral video showed a drunk man molesting the country’s first female president as she walked from the presidential residence 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 happens to all the other women in the country?”

Unprecedented Situation Highlights on Pervasive Gender-Based Violence

Sheinbaum’s unprecedented position has turned this into a learning opportunity in a society where sexual harassment and physical violation on streets and buses and trains are frequently accepted and dismissed. At the same time, rival factions have alleged the incident was staged to shift focus from the recently murder of a local mayor, a critic of organized crime. Yet, most women know that sexual violence need not be staged—studies indicate that half of women in Mexico have faced it at some point in their lifetimes.

Balancing Public Engagement and Safety

Sheinbaum, similar to her predecessor, is known for wading into crowds, shaking hands, and posing for selfies. She was such an encounter that she was assaulted. “It’s a fragile equilibrium between ensuring security and being close to the people,” noted a sociologist specializing in cultural studies. For a female president, it’s a stark reminder that frequently can’t win.

“For people brought up in a deeply conservative way where patriarchal structure are normalized, a woman such as the president, who is a academic and a progressive, embodies all that traditional males in the country despise,” Cardona elaborated.

Shared Experiences of Assault and Fighting Back

Sexual assault is not limited to Mexico, of course. Discussing the leader’s ordeal unleashed a wave of memories and exchanged stories among women. As Cardona mentioned advising her students to react when assaulted, she heard about firsthand experiences, such as a case where a woman was violated on two occasions during a holy journey. Similarly, stories of fighting back—like beating up a groper in a club—underscore a growing global movement of females rejecting to stay silent.

Shattering Taboos and Embracing Anger

Maybe this event will represent a turning point for Mexican women. “For about a decade, we’ve been breaking the silence, but it’s very tough,” Cardona remarked. “Many women feel embarrassed, but today we are able to talk about it with greater openness.” The expert often discusses with her students the precautions she takes when going out, such as considering attire to prevent harassment. She asks a query to her male students: “Did you ever considered about that?” The answer is invariably no.

Now, after the president’s assault recorded on video and viewed globally, will Mexican men begin to think differently? Cardona urges all: “It’s essential to embrace the anger!”

A key point is clear: The individuals who resist leave a lasting impression.