Ukrainian Women's Day is celebrated on February 25 — what does the famous writer have to do with it

On February 25, Ukraine celebrates Ukrainian Women's Day. The chosen date has historical background and symbolic significance for national culture. About this writes ‘Rivne Online’.

The holiday is associated with the figure of Lesya Ukrainka - one of the most famous Ukrainian writers and public figures.

Ukrainian Women's Day on February 25: historical significance of the date

It was on February 25, 1871, that Lesya Ukrainka was born. Her creativity and civic stance became a symbol of the spirit, resilience, and intellectual power of Ukrainian womanhood. Therefore, her birthday was chosen to honor the role of women in the history and present of Ukraine.

For many generations, Lesya Ukrainka embodies:

• resilience in the face of life's challenges

• cultural and national self-awareness

• active civic position

Celebrating Ukrainian Women as an Alternative to March 8

The idea of establishing a separate holiday was proposed in 2023. It envisaged the creation of a Ukrainian alternative to International Women's Day on March 8.

The initiative to the draft law No. 9009 noted that during Soviet times, March 8 lost its human rights meaning and transformed into a formal holiday of ‘spring and tenderness’. In contrast, the new date aims to highlight the contribution of Ukrainian women to the development of the state, culture, and society.

Thus, Ukrainian Women's Day aims to depart from the Soviet tradition and emphasize the historical and contemporary achievements of Ukrainian women.

Let us remind you, February 25 is also celebrated in Ukraine as Engineer Aviation Service Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.