Mexican President Sheinbaum on the 5th called for sexual harassment to be explicitly classified as a criminal offense nationwide after she was harassed by a man on the street, in an incident underscoring the security threats faced by women in the Latin American country.
The 63-year-old Sheinbaum was interacting with supporters near the presidential palace on the 4th when an intoxicated man approached her, put his arm around her shoulder, and used his other hand to touch her buttocks and chest while also attempting to kiss her neck. Authorities later confirmed that the man had been arrested.
Mexico's Minister for Women, Hernández, condemned the act: “We strongly condemn what the President experienced today.”
This incident has once again drawn public attention to women's safety issues. Sexual harassment is quite common locally, and human rights groups have long warned that Mexico is facing a “femicide crisis.”
According to UN Women, about 70% of Mexican women aged 15 and above have experienced sexual harassment at least once in their lives.
●“How are women in our country supposed to protect themselves?”
Sheinbaum stated that she has filed a criminal complaint against the man and will review national legislation regarding sexual harassment.
In her routine morning press briefing, she said: “I was thinking, if even I don’t report it, then what should other Mexican women do? If something like this can happen to the president, how are the women of our country supposed to protect themselves?”
She said that she “only fully realized the gravity of the situation after watching the footage.”
After the incident, Sheinbaum remained calm, took a photo with the man, and even lightly patted his back.
● Not all states classify sexual harassment as a crime
Mexico has 32 states and one federal entity, Mexico City, each with its own independent criminal code. For example, in Mexico City, sexual harassment is defined as “sexual acts which make the recipient feel uncomfortable,” and can be punished with one to three years in prison. However, not all states regard sexual harassment as a criminal offense.
Sheinbaum emphasized: “Sexual harassment should be a criminal offense, and we will launch a nationwide campaign.” She also revealed that she had experienced similar assaults when she was young.
Feminist groups point out that such incidents are the daily reality for many Mexican women. Cruz, from the women's rights organization ‘Alliance of Free Women,’ said: “Every day, women suffer from harassment and intimidation. Now even the president has become a victim, which is a strong symbol of the seriousness of the problem.”