Claudia Sheinbaum, the first female president of Mexico, recently became the target of an assault that has ignited widespread outrage and discussion about gender violence in the country. A viral video captured a drunk man groping Sheinbaum as she walked from the National Palace to the education ministry. The gruesome episode has brought renewed outcry over violence against women in Mexico. Alarmingly, recent studies found that 1 in 2 women have experienced sexual violence.
After the attack, Sheinbaum filed criminal charges against her attacker. At a press briefing, she articulated her dismay, stating, “If they do this to the president, what happens to all the other women in the country?” Her words are heavy with truth in a nation still coming to terms with the deeply entrenched problem of machismo and the normalization of sexual harassment.
Sheinbaum is well known for her down-to-earth political style. She is always willing to mix it up with the public by walking into audiences, shaking hands, talking to citizens, and taking selfies. This approach, so close to the people, is a characteristic of her political party—one that touts itself with being able to keep a tight and close-knit connection to their constituents. It is precisely this openness that increased her susceptibility to such attacks.
The incident has not only drawn attention to Sheinbaum’s personal experience but has sparked a broader conversation about women’s safety in public spaces. Many activists and commentators have highlighted that such an attack on a high-profile figure underscores the severity of machismo culture in Mexico.
“Machismo in Mexico is so fucked up not even the president is safe.” – Caterina Camastra
The immediate outcry in the wake of the incident has been decidedly mixed. Some political opponents have claimed that the assault was staged to distract from other pressing issues, including the assassination of a local mayor. Sheinbaum’s backers and thousands of ordinary Mexicans view the incident as evidence of a deeper social rot. They are of the opinion that it needs our immediate and serious attention.
Sheinbaum’s own history with unwanted advances—having been groped by a student three years ago—adds a personal dimension to her advocacy for women’s rights. She has previously authored works addressing women’s issues, including “The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls” and “Headscarves and Hymens: Why the Middle East Needs a Sexual Revolution.”
At her daily press briefing, Sheinbaum cautioned that more must be done and that everyone – the government and society – must act to combat gender-based violence. This bizarre incident underscores the dangerous reality women face in Mexico. Women’s street harassment and assaults occur every day, and far too often for that matter.
Cardona, another prominent figure in the fight against gender violence, remarked, “We have been breaking the taboo for about 10 years now but it’s very tough.” This expression of support points to the bitter truth that women’s fight continues. They are focused on winning their fight for dignity and security in a world full of barriers.
“I tell my students you have to embrace the anger!” – Cardona