The subdued and politically divided response within Mexico following the reported sexual assault on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday highlights the normalized prevalence of gender violence in the country, as per experts. Sheinbaum disclosed on Thursday that she had lodged a criminal complaint against Uriel Rivera Martinez, 33, with Mexico City’s attorney general on Wednesday. A widely shared cell phone video captured the man groping and attempting to kiss Sheinbaum as she moved from the National Palace to the Ministry of Education.
In Canada, an incident of this nature would likely be treated as a sexual assault due to the unwanted sexual touching and fondling involved. While the occurrence gained global attention, it was not the primary focus domestically. Instead, it was predominantly portrayed as a security lapse on Sheinbaum’s part, allowing a man to physically engage with the president shortly after the high-profile assassination of Carlos Manzo, a respected mayor in Michoacán.
Amneris Chaparro Martínez, a director and researcher at the Centre for Research and Gender Studies at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, emphasized the normalized acceptance of gender violence in the country. During Sheinbaum’s press conference on Thursday morning, Minerva Citlalli Hernández Mora, the Secretary for Women, announced over 25,000 ongoing investigations concerning sexual violence against women.
Sheinbaum and Hernández Mora disclosed plans to launch an initiative on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to enhance the institutional response to such violence nationwide. Chaparro Martínez expressed concerns over the safety of women in public spaces, highlighting the need to address the underlying issues leading to such harassment.
Estefania Vela Barba, the executive director of Intersecta, a feminist human rights organization in Mexico City, noted the gender violence aspect of the incident against Sheinbaum being influenced by political polarization. She highlighted the significance of Sheinbaum openly addressing the incident and seeking accountability through the justice system during her press conference. Vela Barba commended Sheinbaum for shedding light on the issue and condemning the act, emphasizing the importance of such actions in combating gender violence.
