Footage of the Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum shows a man approaching her from behind and attempting to kiss her on the neck and place his hands on her body while she was speaking to a group of supporters near the National Palace in Mexico City. This incident occurred on Tuesday November 4th, only a few weeks ago.

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           According to the BBC, Sheinbaum said at a news conference the next day, "I decided to press charges because this is something that I experienced as a woman, but that we as women experience in our country." The sexual harassment the President faced is just a sad reminder that Mexico, and even the entire world, has a lot more progress to do. "A line must be drawn," she added.

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           INEGI estimated that more than 70% of 50.5 million women and girls aged over 15 have experienced some kind of violence and NSVRC found that one in five women in the United States has experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetime. This is the reality both young girls and adult women must navigate everyday.

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           In my case, I worry about walking alone in Los Angeles or even taking an Uber, things guys my age never think twice about. While men absolutely experience contact sexual violence, the prevalence differs by gender. Nearly a quarter (24.8%) of men in the United States report such experiences (NSVRC). 

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           Nonetheless, these numbers aren’t abstract to me. They shape the way I move through the world. The precautions I take, the routes I choose, and the mental calculations I make before even stepping outside are rooted in a constant awareness of risk. This isn’t paranoia; it’s adaptation. And what troubles me most is how normalized this vigilance has become for so many women. We learn to adjust, to shrink our freedom down to what feels “safe enough.” It shouldn’t have to be this way.

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          What happened to President Sheinbaum is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern in which women’s bodies are treated as objects. Across countries and cultures, harassment is often minimized or brushed aside, which only perpetuates the cycle. When even a head of state becomes a target, it underscores how deeply rooted these attitudes are and how urgently society needs to address them.

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           Women shouldn’t have to build their lives around avoiding danger, yet many of us do. Still, there are steps that can help us feel more secure while change is underway. Simple habits, like sharing your location with friends and family, using safety apps, and staying aware of your surroundings, can offer a sense of control. Some women feel more confident learning basic  self-defense or carrying personal safety tools. Others rely on community strategies, like walking with friends or using well-lit, high-traffic routes. These aren’t permanent, sustainable solutions, but they help make daily life feel more manageable as we continue to push for lasting progress.

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          As stated by the New York Times, Mexican President Sheinbaum said she will be pressing charges against her aggressor. She also emphasized her engagement towards making the country safer and more equal for women. By pressing charges, she is not only defending herself but standing up for millions of women who have been dismissed or unheard. Her response reflects the kind of leadership the world needs, leadership that acknowledges the reality women face and works to transform it. 

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          We can take steps to protect ourselves, but real change depends on collective support, education, and real accountability. The world will become safer for women not when we learn to fear less, but when society finally chooses to care more.