🔗 Share this article

Male chauvinism in Mexico is so pervasive that not one the head of state is protected,” stated a professor and feminist, voicing a sentiment shared by many women throughout the nation. This follows after a viral video showed a intoxicated 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 assailant, remarked at a media conference: “If they do this to the leader, what happens to all the other women in the nation?”

Unprecedented Situation Highlights on Pervasive Sexual Harassment

The president’s unprecedented role has made this a learning opportunity in a society where unwanted advances and physical violation on streets and public transport are often normalized and dismissed. At the same time, political opponents have claimed the assault was orchestrated to shift focus from the recently murder of a local mayor, a critic of organized crime. Yet, most women understand that gender-based aggression need not be staged—research indicate that 50% of women in Mexico have experienced it at some point in their lives.

Navigating Public Engagement and Security

Sheinbaum, similar to her preceding leader, is recognized for mixing with the public, shaking hands, and taking photos. It was during such an encounter that she was groped. “This is a delicate equilibrium between being safe and maintaining proximity to the people,” explained a sociologist specializing in cultural studies. As a woman leader, it’s a sobering reminder that you often can’t win.

Those brought up in a very traditional manner where male-dominated systems are accepted, a woman such as the president, who is a scientist and a leftist, represents everything traditional males in the country hate,” Cardona explained.

Common Stories of Violation and Resistance

Sexual assault is not limited to Mexico, naturally. Talking about the president’s ordeal unleashed a wave of recollections and exchanged stories among female individuals. When Cardona spoke about urging her pupils not to freeze when groped, she learned about personal experiences, such as one where a woman was violated on two occasions during a holy journey. Similarly, accounts of resisting—like physically confronting a groper in a club—underscore a growing worldwide trend of females refusing to stay silent.

Shattering Silence and Embracing Anger

Perhaps this event will represent a critical moment for women across Mexico. “We have been breaking the silence, but it’s very tough,” the sociologist remarked. “A lot of women are ashamed, but today we are able to talk about it with greater openness.” The expert routinely shares with her students the measures she employs when leaving home, such as considering attire to prevent harassment. And she poses a query to her male pupils: “Did you ever considered about that?” The answer is always no.

Now, after the president’s violation recorded on video and seen globally, will Mexican men begin to think differently? The sociologist encourages everyone: “You have to embrace the anger!”

One thing is evident: Those who resist leave a lasting impression.