Matilde Fernández

Matilde Fernández (born 24 January 1950) is a Spanish social feminist and politician who served as minister of social affairs of Spain from 1988 to 1993.

Early life and education Fernández was born on 24 January 1950 in Madrid. She graduated from the Complutense University of Madrid, receiving a degree in psychology.

Career Following her graduation Fernández worked as an industrial psychologist in different companies. She began to serve as the general secretary of the Federation of Chemical Industries of the Unión General de Trabajadores in 1977. In 1984, she became a member of the PSOE's federal executive committee and was appointed head of the secretariat for women’s participation. Fernández became the first minister of social affairs since the ministry was established by her appointment. She was backed by the PSOE group led by Alfonso Guerra. She was replaced by Cristina Alberdi in the post in 1993. Her candidacy was backed by the faction called guerristas. She was a regional deputy at the Assembly of Madrid from 2003 to May 2015. As of 2018 Fernández was serving as the president of the UNHCR in Spain. Then she was made one of its honorary members.