Iryna Farion's Call to Abandon Soviet-Era Holidays, Including International Women's Day

Debating the Observance of March 8th

According to Главком: In a discussion about celebrating International Women's Day on March 8th, former Ukrainian MP and linguist Iryna Farion argued for replacing this holiday. She stated that all holidays observed during the Soviet era should be abolished, as they bear no relation to Ukrainian culture and history. Farion further emphasized that love is a daily competition to please one another and does not require a designated calendar date.

This should be a model of behavior every day. And that is called happiness. Iryna Farion

This debate occurs within a broader national effort to shed Soviet-era symbols and affirm a distinct Ukrainian identity. Recently, lawmakers published a draft resolution, No. 15052, proposing to replace March 8th with a 'Day of the Ukrainian Woman.' This initiative reflects attempts to reshape commemorations by grounding them in Ukrainian heritage and traditions.

Address by Ukraine's President

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Ukrainian women on the occasion of International Women's Rights Day. His message underscored the importance of women's rights in Ukraine and the ongoing need for their support.

Consequently, the debate surrounding March 8th and other calendar holidays continues. The stance of Iryna Farion, alongside parliamentary initiatives and the President's address, points to active efforts to adapt cultural traditions to contemporary realities. Replacing March 8th with a Day of the Ukrainian Woman could be a significant step in recognizing women's contributions to Ukrainian society and their role in the nation's history. Simultaneously, focusing on women's rights highlights the ongoing relevance of gender equality and the necessity of further support for women in all spheres of life.