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“Machismo in the nation is so deeply rooted that not one the president is protected,” declared a professor and feminist, voicing a sentiment echoed by many women throughout the nation. This comes after a widely circulated footage showed a intoxicated man molesting Claudia Sheinbaum as she walked from the presidential residence to the education ministry. Sheinbaum, who has filed a complaint against the assailant, commented at a press briefing: “If they do this to the leader, what happens to all the other women in the country?”

Historic Situation Highlights on Widespread Sexual Harassment

The president’s unprecedented role has turned this into a learning opportunity in a society where sexual harassment and assault on streets and public transport are frequently normalized and dismissed. Meanwhile, rival factions have claimed the assault was orchestrated to shift focus from the recently murder of a city leader, Carlos Manzo. However, most women know that gender-based aggression doesn’t need staged—research indicate that 50% of women in Mexico have experienced it at one time or another in their lives.

Balancing Accessibility and Security

The president, like her predecessor, is recognized for wading into crowds, greeting people, and posing for selfies. She was such an interaction that she was assaulted. “It’s a delicate equilibrium between ensuring security and being close to the public,” noted Ishtar Cardona. As a woman leader, it’s a stark reminder that you often can’t win.

Those raised in a deeply conservative manner where patriarchal structure are normalized, a female leader such as the president, who is a scientist and a progressive, embodies all that macho men in the country hate,” Cardona explained.

Shared Experiences of Assault and Resistance

Gender-based violence is not limited to Mexico, of course. Talking about the president’s experience opened a flood of memories and exchanged stories among women. As the expert spoke about advising her pupils not to freeze when groped, she learned about firsthand incidents, such as one where a woman was assaulted twice during a religious pilgrimage. Similarly, stories of resisting—like beating up a assailant in a club—underscore a growing worldwide trend of women refusing to stay silent.

Breaking Taboos and Channeling Outrage

Perhaps this event will mark a turning point for women across Mexico. “We have been breaking the taboo, but it’s incredibly difficult,” the sociologist remarked. “A lot of women are embarrassed, but today we can discuss it with more freedom.” The expert routinely shares with her class the precautions she employs when going out, such as considering clothing to avoid unwanted advances. She asks a query to her male students: “Have you ever considered about that?” The answer is always no.

Today, after the president’s violation captured on video and seen globally, can Mexican men start to reconsider? The sociologist encourages everyone: “You have to embrace the outrage!”

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