Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for sexual harassment to be classified as a crime across all 32 states following an incident in which she was groped by a man while greeting supporters near the presidential palace in Mexico City.
The 63-year-old president stated that she has filed a formal complaint against the assailant, emphasizing that the experience is not unique to her, but rather reflects a broader issue that many women face both in Mexico and worldwide. “If I don’t file a complaint, what becomes of other Mexican women? If this happens to the president, what will happen to all the women in our country?” Sheinbaum remarked during her morning news conference.
The assault, captured on camera, involved a drunken man who placed his arm around her shoulder, touched her hip and chest, and attempted to kiss her neck. Sheinbaum successfully pushed him away, prompting intervention from her staff. The perpetrator was later apprehended.
In a subsequent social media post, Sheinbaum stated, “No one can violate our body and personal space. We will review the legislation so that this crime is punishable in all 32 states,” urging state governments to amend their laws to facilitate the reporting of assaults and to send a clear message regarding the inviolability of women’s personal space. Currently, not all Mexican states recognize sexual harassment as a criminal offense.
Sheinbaum announced plans for a nationwide campaign aimed at ensuring consistent legal protections for women.
This incident has reignited discussions surrounding women’s safety in Mexico, where, according to the United Nations, an average of ten women are murdered daily and approximately 70 percent of women aged 15 and older experience at least one incident of sexual harassment during their lives.
Despite receiving criticism about her security measures, Sheinbaum indicated that she would not enhance her personal protection or alter how she engages with the public.
Senator Leila do Vôlei from Brazil has strongly condemned the assault, labeling it “an absurdity” and noting that such incidents occur to thousands of women every day. She stated, “It is unacceptable, we cannot allow it, and the aggressors must be punished.”
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