March 8 is International Day of Women Rights and Peace

The movement began with the activism of the suffragists — a name derived from the Latin suffragium, meaning “the right to vote.” Women in Britain and the United States demanded economic independence, access to education, and political representation.

An important milestone was the “March of the Empty Pots” in New York in 1857, followed by later protests in 1908, when thousands of women demanded shorter working hours and equal pay. The ideas of women’s equality were actively embraced by representatives of the socialist movement in Europe. It was precisely at the initiative of these activists, during international conferences in Copenhagen, that the proposal was made to hold an annual women’s day.

The date of March 8 became firmly established only in the third year of large-scale demonstrations organized by the socialist movement, after women took to the streets in 1917 with the demand for “bread and peace,” an action that led to significant political changes. Since then, the tradition of rallies and demonstrations has become an integral part of public life in many countries.

Ukrainian feminist thought developed in parallel with the European movement, supported by its own intellectual elite. Historians consider December 8, 1884, a symbolic date marking the birth of Ukrainian feminism. Prominent figures such as Olena Pchilka, Lesya Ukrainka (Larysa Kosach), and Milena Rudnytska combined the struggle for women’s rights with the idea of national revival. Olena Dobrohraieva and other intellectuals of that era laid the foundation for understanding women as full and equal participants in the process of state-building.

During the Soviet period, the meaning of the holiday underwent a transformation: ideology used the date as a tool for political mobilization, emphasizing the role of the “working woman.” Over time, a stable social tradition emerged of giving flowers and gifts, which remains today as a way of expressing attention and respect toward women. In Ukraine, this day officially continues to be observed as a public holiday — International Women’s Day.

Interestingly, similar processes took place in Japan, where at the beginning of the twentieth century the movement of the “New Women” (Shin-fujin kyōkai) emerged. Japanese activists such as Raichō Hiratsuka fought for the right to participate in political assemblies and for legal protection of motherhood. Although March 8 never became a national holiday in Japan, the Japanese women’s movement has traveled a long and significant path.

Today, women around the world increasingly occupy the highest positions of state leadership, including the office of prime minister, reflecting global changes in governance and public life.

In Ukraine, since the beginning of the war in 2014 and the full-scale invasion by russia in 2022, the role of women has become decisive for the survival of the nation. Today the Ukrainian woman is a professional soldier on the front line, a volunteer meeting the immense needs of the army, a doctor working in frontline hospitals, and a leader representing the country before the international community. Contemporary feminist organizations are largely focused on humanitarian missions and on ensuring that women serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine receive the support they need. In times of severe trials, women’s resilience and courage have become the foundation of the nation’s unbreakable spirit.

In Ukrainian tradition, women have long been honored as the Berehynia — the guardian of the family and lineage, whose wisdom and love sustain both home and country even in the most difficult times. Deep gratitude, flowers, and gifts are sincere expressions of recognition for this strength. It is important always to remember the value of women’s contributions, surrounding every woman with warmth and care, and acknowledging her exceptional role in preserving life and restoring harmony to our land.