Ukraine, like a number of other countries, traditionally celebrates International Women’s Day on 8 March. However, in recent years, there have been discussions about the possibility of ending the official celebration of this day, as Ukrainians associate this holiday with Russian influence and the Soviet Union. Some MPs have suggested cancelling the 8 March holiday and other holidays that were established during the Soviet period. “Kommersant Ukrainsky 
has gathered facts about 8 March and found out whether the bill to cancel the celebration of International Women’s Day will be passed.
History of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is not an invention of the Soviet era, as is often misconceived. It has its roots in the labour movement and the struggle for women’s rights. The first indications of such a day appeared in the late 19th century and early 20th century, when women protested against exploitation and demanded equal rights.
International Women’s Day was officially established at the International Conference of Socialist Women in 1910. It began its history as a day of struggle for equality and women’s rights, not as part of Soviet ideology.
In the early 1920s, the holiday was approved in the USSR. And in 1977, the United Nations granted 8 March the status of an international day, and it was named the International Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.
Will 8 March be cancelled and what can be replaced?
Ukraine, including the times of the Soviet Union, celebrated International Women’s Day. However, over the years, not only the political environment, but also the perception of this holiday has changed. The perception of this date is especially changing during the full-scale war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
On 13 February 2023, a number of MPs registered draft law No. 9009 in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, which proposes to cancel the celebration of International Women’s Day and instead establish the Day of Ukrainian Women on 25 February (on Lesya Ukrainka’s birthday). And to make the next day, 9 March, Shevchenko’s Day, a public holiday.
Not all MPs agreed, however, and several more bills were soon submitted. One of them proposes to simply cancel 8 March. And the Ukrainian Women’s Day should not be introduced, as 25 February is too closely associated with the armed attack by Russia on 24 February.
The Verkhovna Rada is also considering a draft law that proposes to rename the holiday as International Women’s Day. And to celebrate it in a European way.
One of the initiators of the draft law on the cancellation of 8 March, MP Oksana Savchuk , told Kommersant Ukrainsky said that the draft law No. 9009, which proposes to cancel the celebration of International Women’s Day and instead establish the Day of Ukrainian Women on 25 February, and alternative draft laws were not supported at the Rada committee meeting.
“Indeed, there was a draft law, and alternative ones were registered to it – to amend the dates. A committee meeting was held to consider it – I was also invited as the author of the draft law. The committee members decided not to support any of the draft laws – neither mine nor the alternative one. We created a working group to work out a calendar of what we should actually celebrate, that is, what dates Ukrainians are ready to switch to the new calendars,”
– Savchuk said.
She noted that she had recently asked for information about the work of this working group.
“I recently asked for information about the work of this working group, as I have not been informed about the conclusions of this working group for a year. It is a pity,”
– she said.
Savchuk emphasised that every year the number of women who celebrate Mother’s Day is increasing.
“Well, in general, every year the number of women who celebrate Mother’s Day is increasing… You have noticed that many people sent greetings this year, for example, on the Day of Ukrainian Women… And this is already emerging within society, and I hope that some lawmakers will come to this conclusion on their own faster than other people will point it out to them,”
– added the MP.
Oksana Savchuk noted that she had not celebrated 8 March for many years before the draft law was submitted, and she does not celebrate it now.
Will 8 March 2024 be a day off?
Currently, martial law in Ukraine has been extended until 13 May 2024, which means that there will be no additional day off on 8 March .
In peacetime, International Women’s Day has always been a day off, although in most other countries it is a working day.
It remains a day off in most countries of the former USSR, except for Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. In China, it is a working day, but shortened for women. It is also a public holiday or a shortened day in Berlin, the birthplace of the holiday.
How 8 March is celebrated around the world
Although International Women’s Day was established to empower women, it is celebrated in different ways around the world. Despite the difference in traditions, the common thread is the desire to recognise the contribution and achievements of women in various spheres of life.
Argentina
In Argentina, Women’s Day is often marked by rallies and marches where women advocate for their rights and equality.
France
In France, Women’s Day is often accompanied by the presentation of flowers and gifts, as well as special events and activities that celebrate women’s achievements in society and entertainment.
Israel
International Women’s Day is not celebrated at the state level in this country, so it is not a day off.
India
In India, where women have a deep tradition and an important role in society, Women’s Day is celebrated with parades, religious ceremonies and various events that highlight the importance of women’s contributions.
Italy
In Italy, International Women’s Day is called La Festa della Donna. On this day, women are greeted with bright mimosa flowers. Sweets or sweet cakes are also included in the gift.
China
In this country, the holiday became a national holiday in 1949. Many companies have a shortened working day on 8 March. In China, it is customary to give flowers and various gifts to women who are close to them.
Germany
on 24 January 2019, the country voted to make March 8, also known as Frauentag, a public holiday. However, it is only a public holiday for the capital Berlin.
Great Britain
In this country, March 8 is used as an opportunity to raise awareness of political and social issues related to women. Various lectures, speeches and concerts are held on this day.
Spain
In Spain, feminists celebrate the Women’s Protest Day. Demonstrations and rallies are held to publicly express their dissatisfaction.
Author – Iryna Shevchenko