Podcast Summary: Hoy por Hoy — Miss Experiencia | Ofelia Vila Hernández, feminista en primera línea
Date: December 2, 2025
Host: Àngels Barceló (Ángel), with Chema Rodríguez
Guest: Ofelia Vila Hernández

Episode Overview

This episode of Hoy por Hoy spotlights the lived experience and activism of Ofelia Vila Hernández, a 77-year-old feminist, historian, and unionist who has been at the forefront of social and political struggles, particularly for women's rights in Spain. Through an engaging interview, Ofelia recounts her personal journey from a conservative family background to becoming a committed feminist and member of the Communist Party during Franco’s dictatorship. The discussion delves into intergenerational influence, the challenges for women in activism and education, and reflections on current sociopolitical issues.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Importance of Intergenerational Role Models

• Ofelia’s feminist awakening and persistence are profoundly shaped by her aunt, also named Ofelia, who championed her education against patriarchal family expectations.
  • “Mi tía, que además era mi madrina, dijo que no, que de ninguna de las maneras, que Ofelia tenía que estudiar.” (02:20)

From a Conservative Family to Political Militancy

• Faced with a deeply conservative family, Ofelia’s decision to affiliate with the Communist Party was a radical break, inspired by the struggle for liberty in Francoist Spain.
  • “Era la fuerza que reivindicaba la libertad frente a la masacre que en aquel momento todavía viviendo Franco se llevaba adelante.” (03:24)
• Her activist engagement included distributing pamphlets for freedom of expression and the rights of political prisoners.

Family Reactions to Her Activism

• Ofelia’s family only learned of her political involvement when her then-boyfriend (later husband) was imprisoned for anti-Franco student protests.
  • “Fue en aquel momento cuando ellos se enteraron que militaba en el Partido Comunista.” (04:10)
• Her family’s reaction mixed shock, concern, and admonition, but also a resigned acceptance:
  • “Asombro, riñas, decir, pues eso, tú estás loca. Hay que tener muchísimo cuidado. Eso sí, preocupación, mucha preocupación. Pero bueno, cosas de Ofelia.” (04:50)

The Struggles of Women within Political and Union Contexts

• Ofelia reflects candidly on persistent machismo within leftist spaces:
  • “No, no, en parte no, eran totalmente machista.” (06:00)
  • Women were underrepresented and sidelined in leadership roles, requiring assertiveness and struggle for recognition.
  • “Siempre nos daban a las mujeres cargos menos importantes. Hasta que te imponías y decías no, esto no puede ser.” (06:00)
• Highlights the symbolic and practical importance of using maternal surnames:
  • “Somos el único país de Europa que llevamos dos apellidos y normalmente el apellido de nuestra madre lo obviamos.” (07:09)

Leadership and Ongoing Union Involvement

• Supported by progressive union leaders, Ofelia became secretary for women at CCOO del País Valencià, a rare opportunity which she embraced.
  • “Eso era algo que te ponen delante en la vida solo una vez, ser la secretaria de la mujer…” (07:51)

Classroom Feminism and the "Adoctrinamiento" Debate

• Ofelia describes infusing her feminist principles into education, intentionally greeting classes inclusively:
  • “Decía buenos días a todas. Y entonces al principio les expliqué que decía todas porque consideraba que tanto ellas como ellos son personas.” (08:55)
• A memorable moment:
  • “Recuerdo un día que dije buenos días a todos y un alumno me ofelia, ‘¿Ya no nos consideras personas?’ Fue muy bonito.” (08:55)
• She defends the necessity of value-driven education, particularly for equality:
  • “La cuestión de la igualdad entre hombres y mujeres lo tenía clarísimo... era extraordinariamente importante reivindicar el derecho y la situación de las mujeres que estábamos allí presentes.” (09:40)

Teaching History Honestly

• Ofelia insisted on highlighting historical periods, like the Second Republic and Francoism, often glossed over in schools. She foregrounded issues like torture and repression, which she believed were essential learning for new generations.
  • “Epocas históricas, al llegar a la Segunda República se pasaba de puntillas. Yo no.” (10:45)

Facing Parental Pushback

• Reports that parental complaint was rare, with only occasional observations that she was “un poco roja” [a bit of a leftist]. (11:40)

Continual Activism in Retirement

• Even after retirement, Ofelia remains a proactive union member and maintains her feminist advocacy.
  • “Ahora mismo nos definimos como un sindicato feminista, no solamente hay que ponerlo en el nombre, sino que hay que poner en valor lo que eso significa.” (12:17)

Passing the Torch and Identity through Names

• Ofelia is proud to have passed her feminist legacy to her daughter and granddaughter, both named after her, and stresses the personal significance of maternal surnames.
  • “Mi hija siempre se llama Ofelia de Felipe Vila. Y cuando le preguntas mamá, es que quiero que me identifiquen contigo.” (13:33)

Reflections and Concerns about Present-Day Politics

• Expresses deep concern about current political circumstances in the País Valencià, referencing recent events and leadership with dismay.
  • “Me preocupa el momento que vivimos ahora mismo, sobre todo aquí dentro del País Valencià.” (13:59)
• Candid criticism of political leaders and their accountability for tragic events, hinting at unresolved injustices:
  • “Todavía te hundes más en la miseria de ver cómo hay una persona al frente de este país tan alegre, tan luminoso, que provocó... algo tan terrible como fueron esas 297.” (14:18)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The Power of Feminist Mentorship:
  "Mi tía, que además era mi madrina, dijo que no, que de ninguna de las maneras, que Ofelia tenía que estudiar." (02:20)
• On Internalized Machismo in Leftist Spaces:
  “No, no, en parte no, eran totalmente machista... Siempre nos daban a las mujeres cargos menos importantes. Hasta que te imponías y decías no, esto no puede ser.” (06:00)
• Classroom Inclusion:
  "Decía buenos días a todas... consideraba que tanto ellas como ellos son personas... Recuerdo un día que dije buenos días a todos y un alumno me ofelia, ¿Ya no nos consideras personas? Fue muy bonito." (08:55)
• Perspective on Feminist Progress:
  “Ahora mismo ya la palabra feminista no tiene ese sentido peyorativo que tenía cuando yo llego al principio al sindicato, pero hay que luchar...” (12:17)
• Worries for the Present:
  “Me preocupa el momento que vivimos ahora mismo, sobre todo aquí dentro del País Valencià.” (13:59)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:09] — Introduction to the segment and context of the series "Miss Experiencia"
• [01:07] — Chema introduces Ofelia Vila Hernández and outlines her background
• [02:20] — Ofelia discusses the critical role of her aunt in her education and life choices
• [03:24] — Ofelia explains her militancy and political awakening
• [04:50] — Family reaction to her activism
• [06:00] — Discussing machismo in political and union spaces
• [07:51] — Recounting her appointment as union secretary for women
• [08:55] — Reflections on inclusivity and feminism in the classroom
• [10:45] — The importance of teaching uncomfortable or overlooked history
• [11:40] — Addressing perceptions of indoctrination; anecdote about parent reactions
• [12:17] — Current activism in retirement and maintaining a feminist legacy
• [13:33] — Legacy, daughter and granddaughter’s names, and maternal surnames
• [13:59] — Concerns about the political present and the weight of past tragedies

Tone & Closing

The conversation is candid, inspirational, and tinged with both the wisdom and the frustration of a lifelong fighter for equality. Ofelia expresses her views directly, always foregrounding the ongoing need for activism, historical memory, and solidarity among women across generations. The hosts engage supportively, providing context and drawing out Ofelia’s insights for listeners.

For listeners:
This episode offers a rich portrait of a woman who embodies Spain’s transition from dictatorship to democracy and the unending struggle for women’s rights. Ofelia’s combination of anecdote, analysis, and humor ensures her message resonates powerfully — making the episode essential listening for anyone interested in feminism, history, and intergenerational activism in Spain.