[3] She joined the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) being part of the reformist group within it.

[6] In 1984, she became a member of the PSOE's federal executive committee and was appointed head of the secretariat for women’s participation.

[7][8] Fernández became the first minister of social affairs since the ministry was established by her appointment.

[3] In 2000, Fernández ran for the PSOE presidency, but lost election to José Luis Zapatero.

[3] Fernández became a board member of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Spain in 2007.