MEXICO CITY, Mexico—In a bold move to address gender-based violence, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for the nationwide criminalization of sexual harassment. This comes after she was subjected to an unsettling incident on Tuesday, where a man groped and attempted to kiss her while she was walking to an event near the presidential palace. Videos circulating on social media captured the moment when the man, appearing intoxicated, approached Sheinbaum from behind, placing his arm around her shoulder and inappropriately touching her hip and chest while trying to kiss her neck. A member of the presidential security team intervened and removed the man from the scene. Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, later filed a formal complaint with the police after learning that the individual continued to harass other women. Authorities confirmed the man’s arrest. At a press conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum emphasized the need for systemic change, stating, ‘If they do this to the president, what will happen to all women in our country?’ She announced that her administration would review whether sexual harassment is classified as a criminal offense across all 32 federal districts, as current laws vary. Additionally, a nationwide campaign will be launched to combat such behavior. Sheinbaum also reflected on her own experiences of harassment in her youth, highlighting the pervasive nature of the issue. Despite the incident, she maintained composure, even agreeing to take a photo with the man before realizing the full extent of his actions upon reviewing the footage. The event has sparked widespread criticism of the president’s security protocols and broader societal attitudes that normalize violations of women’s personal space. According to UN Women, approximately 70% of Mexican women aged 15 and over have experienced at least one incident of sexual harassment in their lifetime.