• President Claudia Sheinbaum groped by a man during a public event in Mexico City.
• She has pressed charges and called for a review of sexual harassment laws nationwide.
• The incident highlights the widespread issue of gender-based violence in Mexico.
• Approximately 70% of Mexican women experience harassment, according to UN data.
• Sheinbaum vows to fight for women's safety and rights amid a femicide crisis.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum experienced an alarming incident on Tuesday when a man groped her while she was greeting supporters near the presidential palace in Mexico City. The assault, captured on video, shows the man attempting to kiss the president's neck and inappropriately touch her body before a member of her security detail intervened, according to SCMP. Following the incident, Sheinbaum emphasized her decision to file charges as a statement against the harassment faced by women throughout the country.

Sheinbaum described the assault as not just a personal violation but a reflection of a systemic problem in Mexico, asserting, "If this happens to the president, what will happen to all women in our country?" This sentiment was shared during her press conference on Wednesday, where she called for nationwide legislation to classify sexual harassment as a criminal offense, a crucial step as laws vary significantly across Mexico, as highlighted by BBC and India Times.

In her remarks, Sheinbaum condemned the act and shared her past experiences with harassment, reinforcing the ongoing plight of women in Mexico, where over 70% of women have reported experiencing some form of harassment, as documented by Al Jazeera. She asserted the necessity of denouncing such acts to educate the public and ensure women's voices are taken seriously. The troubling scenario raises questions about safety, particularly in a nation characterized by a high femicide rate.

The quick response from authorities led to the arrest of the assailant, identified as Uriel Rivera Martínez, who faced charges of harassment specific to the capital, according to India Times. Although sexual harassment is penalized in some states, many lack comprehensive laws addressing the issue, emphasizing the Need for a unified national policy Le Monde.

The incident has ignited discussions regarding Sheinbaum's security strategy, as she has chosen to maintain connections with the public even in light of threats to her safety, a stance that has drawn scrutiny given the high levels of gender-based violence in Mexico Channel News Asia. Critics argue this openness compromises her safety, particularly against the backdrop of rising violence against politicians. Nonetheless, Sheinbaum affirmed her intent to continue engaging with citizens directly.