Background on Claudia Sheinbaum
Claudia Sheinbaum is the current President of Mexico City, serving as both the head of government and mayor. A prominent figure in Mexican politics, she has been a member of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) party since its inception and played a crucial role in the campaign leading to Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s presidency in 2018. Following his election, she was appointed as the Head of the Mexico City Government.
The Incident
During her morning press conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum disclosed that she experienced sexual harassment while walking from Palacio Nacional to the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP) offices in the Historic Center. A “completely intoxicated” man approached her, hugged her from behind without consent, and the incident was captured on video and shared widely on social media.
Sheinbaum’s Response
The President decided to file a formal complaint, stating that such behavior “cannot be dismissed as insignificant” and represents an aggression faced by countless women daily. She emphasized that “no one has the right to violate our personal space,” speaking from Palacio Nacional.
Push for Legal Recognition
Sheinbaum highlighted that sexual harassment is already a crime in Mexico City and called for reviewing its classification across all states. She announced that the Secretary of Women will launch a national campaign for respect towards women and pledged to examine legislation regarding the matter.
“El acoso sexual es un delito en la Ciudad de México y debe serlo en todo el país. Vamos a revisar la legislación y lanzar una campaña nacional por el respeto a las mujeres.” – Claudia Sheinbaum https://t.co/X5l1y2Z0j6
— Claudia Sheinbaum (@ClaudiaSheinbaum) March 18, 2020
Sheinbaum’s Commitment to Public Engagement
Despite the incident, Sheinbaum assured that her personal security measures would not change. She emphasized the importance of staying connected with the people and maintaining her usual routine, stating, “We will not alter our way of being. We cannot isolate ourselves.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the incident that Claudia Sheinbaum reported? Sheinbaum experienced sexual harassment when a heavily intoxicated man hugged her from behind without consent while walking to work.
- Why did Sheinbaum decide to file a formal complaint? The President decided to report the incident because she believes it cannot be dismissed as insignificant and represents a daily aggression faced by many women.
- What actions is Sheinbaum taking to address sexual harassment? Sheinbaum aims to make sexual harassment a crime nationwide in Mexico, review its classification across states, and launch a national campaign for respect towards women.
- Will Sheinbaum change her personal security measures following the incident? No, Sheinbaum stated that she will not alter her usual routine or security measures.
