MARÍA TERESA FERNÁNDEZ DE LA VEGA

She is currently permanent advisor of the Council of State of Spain. She is also President of the Women for Africa foundation. As the first female Deputy Prime Minister in Spanish history, Ms. Fernández de la Vega has inspired many women to pursue politics and defend the rights of women.

Shortly after obtaining her law degree and becoming a judge, she entered politics where she took on various roles as Secretary of State of Justice, parliamentarian and general secretary of the Socialist Parliamentary Group. Maria Teresa has also been a member of the Civil Society Advisory to UN Women.

In 2012, she founded the Mujeres por África Foundation, for the purpose of contributing to the development of Africa through the drive of its women.