The Rowan House Society and the Okotoks United Church have partnered to create a full evening of events celebrating International Women's Day.

This year, the organizations have amalgamated the annual 1 Billion Rising March and International Women's Day Potluck Celebration into one evening.

Brittany Smith, Shelter Team Lead for Rowan House, says the events will take place on March. 8, starting with the 1 Billion Rising March raising awareness for gender-based violence.

"We're just raising awareness to put out there a staggering fact that one in three women have been physically, or sexually abused in their lifetime, which equals one billion women around the world."

The march will begin at the Okotoks United Church and weave its way around the downtown area before finishing back at the church.

"We will be going into Okotoks United Church for our potluck. This year we are celebrating progress for women who have come to Canada, celebrating art, outfits, and just joining as a community and talking about what that means for women in this community."

Individuals interested in joining the march are asked to meet in the Okotoks United Church parking lot by 4:30 p.m. on March 8.

The International Women's Day Potluck Celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Residents are free to attend either one, or both of the events.

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