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Male chauvinism in the nation is so pervasive that not even the head of state is protected,” stated a professor and feminist, voicing a feeling echoed by many women across the country. This follows after a viral video showed a drunk man groping the country’s first female president as she walked from the presidential residence to the education ministry. The president, who has pressed charges against the assailant, commented at a media conference: “If they do this to the president, what happens to all the other women in the nation?”

Unprecedented Situation Highlights on Pervasive Sexual Harassment

The president’s historic role has turned this into a learning opportunity in a culture where unwanted advances and physical violation on public spaces and public transport are frequently normalized and dismissed. Meanwhile, political opponents have claimed the assault was staged to divert attention from the recent murder of a city leader, Carlos Manzo. Yet, the majority of women know that sexual violence need not be manufactured—studies indicate that half of women in Mexico have faced it at one time or another in their lives.

Navigating Public Engagement and Security

Sheinbaum, like her preceding leader, is known for wading into crowds, greeting people, and taking photos. It was during such an interaction that she was groped. “This is a fragile balance between ensuring security and being close to the public,” explained Ishtar Cardona. As a woman leader, it’s a stark reminder that you often face no-win situations.

Those raised in a very traditional way where patriarchal structure are normalized, a female leader such as the president, who is a scientist and a progressive, represents everything macho men in Mexico despise,” the sociologist explained.

Common Experiences of Assault and Resistance

Sexual assault is not limited to this nation, naturally. Discussing the leader’s experience unleashed a wave of memories and shared accounts among women. As Cardona mentioned urging her pupils to react when assaulted, she learned about firsthand experiences, such as a case where a woman was violated on two occasions during a religious pilgrimage. Similarly, accounts of fighting back—like beating up a groper in a club—highlight a growing global movement of women refusing to remain passive.

Breaking Silence and Channeling Anger

Perhaps this incident will mark a critical moment for Mexican women. “We have been breaking the silence, but it’s incredibly difficult,” Cardona remarked. “Many women are ashamed, but now we can discuss it with greater openness.” The expert often discusses with her students the measures she takes when going out, such as considering attire to avoid harassment. She poses a question to her male pupils: “Did you ever considered about that?” The answer is invariably no.

Today, with the leader’s assault captured on film and viewed worldwide, can Mexican men begin to think differently? The sociologist urges everyone: “You have to harness the anger!”

One thing is clear: Those who resist make their assailants remember.