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“Machismo in Mexico is so pervasive that not even the head of state is safe,” declared Caterina Camastra, voicing a sentiment shared by many women throughout the country. This comes after a viral video showed a drunk man groping the country’s first female president as she walked from the National Palace to the department of education. Sheinbaum, who has filed a complaint against the assailant, remarked at a press briefing: “If they do this to the leader, what happens to all the other women in the country?”

Unprecedented Situation Highlights on Pervasive Sexual Harassment

Sheinbaum’s historic position has made this a learning opportunity in a culture where sexual harassment and assault on public spaces and public transport are often normalized and not taken seriously. At the same time, rival factions have claimed the assault was staged to divert attention from the recently murder of a local mayor, a critic of organized crime. Yet, most women understand that gender-based aggression need not be manufactured—studies indicate that half of women in Mexico have experienced it at one time or another in their lives.

Balancing Accessibility and Security

Sheinbaum, similar to her predecessor, is known for mixing with the public, greeting people, and posing for selfies. It was during one such encounter that she was groped. “This is a fragile balance between ensuring security and maintaining proximity to the people,” noted a sociologist specializing in cultural studies. As a female president, it’s a stark realization that you often face no-win situations.

Those brought up in a very traditional manner where patriarchal structure are normalized, a woman such as the president, who is a scientist and a leftist, represents everything traditional males in the country despise,” the sociologist elaborated.

Common Stories of Violation and Fighting Back

Sexual assault is not limited to this nation, of course. Talking about the leader’s experience opened a wave of recollections and exchanged accounts among women. As the expert mentioned urging her pupils not to freeze when groped, she learned about personal experiences, such as a case where a individual was violated on two occasions during a religious pilgrimage. In a similar vein, stories of fighting back—like beating up a assailant in a nightspot—highlight a growing worldwide trend of women refusing to remain passive.

Breaking Silence and Embracing Anger

Maybe this incident will mark a critical moment for Mexican women. “We have been challenging the silence, but it’s incredibly difficult,” Cardona remarked. “A lot of women feel ashamed, but now we are able to talk about it with more freedom.” She often discusses with her students the measures she takes when going out, such as considering clothing to prevent unwanted advances. And she poses a question to her male pupils: “Have you ever considered about that?” The answer is invariably no.

Now, with the leader’s violation recorded on video and viewed worldwide, will men in Mexico begin to reconsider? The sociologist urges all: “You have to embrace the outrage!”

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