A famous singer, Grigory Leps, spoke candidly in an interview with Fifth Channel about how he views the history of women’s rights and the prominent figures who helped shape it. He drew a parallel between his own views and the perspectives of early activists like Clara Zetkin and Rosa Luxemburg, noting that these two names have long been central to discussions about gender equality, emancipation, and the social movements that pushed for change across Europe and beyond.
Leps explained that Zetkin and Luxemburg did not hold personal authority over him in the sense of demanding allegiance or shaping his daily choices. Because of this, he does not treat March 8 as a personal holiday or a festival of celebration. Instead, his family observes a different traditional day, Peter and Fevronia Day, which they honor together as a family with its own meaningful customs and significance.
Beyond the historical context, Leps acknowledged the important contributions Zetkin and Luxemburg made to the broader struggle for equal rights. Zetkin is frequently credited with suggesting the idea of recognizing March 8 as a day dedicated to women’s self-defense and public advocacy, a milestone that helped galvanize movements for women’s suffrage, labor rights, and social participation around the world.
In recounting his personal rituals, Leps shared that he does not purchase gifts for his female relatives on March 8. He recounted a humorous exchange with his daughter, who asked what he should give her mother for the occasion. His witty reply, crafted to playfully tease the moment, reflected his stance that celebration does not hinge on material gifts but on appreciation and meaningful connections within the family.
Earlier remarks from Leps revealed a reluctance to separate from his wife, a sentiment he framed as a private, intimate reflection rather than a public declaration. The overall message he conveyed centers on individual values and the way personal relationships intersect with how public milestones and historical anniversaries are perceived in daily life.