Nevenka Fernández appeared in Ponferrada for the first time in 25 years. Her return follows a landmark harassment case against the city’s former mayor. The event drew strong public and political support.
Nevenka Fernández made a highly anticipated return to Ponferrada this weekend, marking her first public appearance in the city since her departure 25 years ago. The event, held at the Fundación Ciudad de la Energía and organized by the Ministry of Equality, drew a full auditorium of 300 attendees, including both long-time supporters and a new generation aware of her story.
Fernández became a national figure in 2001 when she publicly accused Ponferrada’s then-mayor, Ismael Sánchez of the Partido Popular, of sexual harassment. The case led to Sánchez’s conviction but also triggered a wave of public scrutiny and personal attacks against Fernández, ultimately forcing her to leave the city. Her return was met with visible emotion and a standing ovation, reflecting a shift in public attitudes since the original case.
During the event, Fernández shared the stage with Charo Velasco, the former socialist councilor who supported her during the original proceedings. Both women highlighted the importance of political courage and solidarity in confronting harassment. Fernández acknowledged the personal cost of her decision to speak out but emphasized that she has found peace and fulfillment in her life since then.
The gathering included feminists who had supported Fernández in 2001, as well as younger attendees who were children at the time of the original case. The atmosphere was marked by repeated ovations and a sense of collective recognition. When asked about how Ponferrada could further repair her public image, Fernández pointed to the event itself as a form of restitution, prompting another round of applause from the audience.
As part of the commemoration, a mural featuring Fernández’s likeness was unveiled on the building’s facade. According to Sara Aagensen, the government’s third vice president, the mural is intended as a message to women facing harassment that they are not alone. The event underscored the ongoing relevance of Fernández’s case in Spain’s broader conversation about gender equality and public accountability.
Spain has seen significant legal and social changes regarding sexual harassment and gender-based violence since the early 2000s. The Nevenka Fernández case is often cited as a turning point in public awareness and legal precedent. Today, support networks and institutional responses are more robust, but the challenges faced by victims remain a subject of national debate. The return of Fernández to Ponferrada serves as a reminder of both the progress made and the work still ahead in ensuring justice and support for survivors.
