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Male chauvinism in Mexico is so deeply rooted that not one the president is safe,” declared Caterina Camastra, voicing a sentiment shared by many women across the nation. This comes after a widely circulated footage showed a intoxicated man molesting the country’s first female president as she strolled from the presidential residence to the department of education. The president, who has pressed charges against the perpetrator, commented at a press briefing: “When this happens to the leader, what happens to all the other women in the nation?”

Unprecedented Situation Highlights on Widespread Gender-Based Violence

The president’s historic role has turned this into a learning opportunity in a society where unwanted advances and physical violation on streets and buses and trains are frequently accepted and not taken seriously. At the same time, political opponents have alleged the assault was orchestrated to shift focus from the recent murder of a city leader, Carlos Manzo. Yet, the majority of women understand that gender-based aggression need not be manufactured—studies indicate that 50% of women in Mexico have experienced it at some point in their lives.

Navigating Accessibility and Safety

Sheinbaum, like her preceding leader, is known for wading into crowds, greeting people, and taking photos. It was during one such encounter that she was groped. “This is a delicate balance between being safe and being close to the public,” noted Ishtar Cardona. As a female president, it’s a stark realization that frequently face no-win situations.

Those raised in a very traditional manner where patriarchal structure are accepted, a female leader like Sheinbaum, who is a scientist and a progressive, embodies all that traditional males in the country hate,” Cardona elaborated.

Shared Stories of Violation and Resistance

Gender-based violence is not limited to Mexico, naturally. Discussing the leader’s ordeal opened a flood of memories and shared accounts among women. When Cardona spoke about urging her pupils not to freeze when assaulted, she heard about personal 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—underscore a growing global movement of women refusing to remain passive.

Shattering Silence and Embracing Anger

Maybe this incident will mark a turning point for women across Mexico. “For about a decade, we’ve been challenging the silence, but it’s very tough,” the sociologist stated. “Many women are ashamed, but now we can discuss it with more freedom.” The expert often discusses with her students the measures she takes when going out, such as considering clothing to prevent harassment. She asks a question to her male pupils: “Did you ever considered about that?” The answer is invariably no.

Now, with the president’s assault captured on video and viewed globally, will men in Mexico start to reconsider? The sociologist urges all: “It’s essential to embrace the anger!”

A key point is evident: The individuals who fight back make their assailants remember.