Barrie's first march for International Women's Day is being held this afternoon at city hall.
The event, which is being hosted by The Women and Children's Shelter of Barrie in partnership with Barrie Police and the City of Barrie, kicks off at 4 p.m.
Shelter Executive Director Teresa MacLennan will be joined by Mayor Jeff Lehman, Barrie Chief of Police Kimberley Greenwood and fellow community members and partners to celebrate the achievements of women.
"It's a family-friendly event. Everyone is welcome. It's a celebration of women," said the shelter's Lisa Spinx-Smith.
"We're doing a flag raising. The Mayor will read the proclamation and then we're going to walk down Mulcaster, across Dunlop, up Owen back to city hall for light refreshments in the rotunda."
The march begins at 4:30 p.m. and refreshments will be served at 5 p.m.
In recognition of International Women's Day, the Shelter is holding an online silent auction.
To bid on items visit Women and Children's Shelter of Barrie - Online Silent Auction.
#Beboldforchange is the theme for this International Women's Day, celebrating the achievements of women and calling for greater equality.
Each year International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8.
The first International Women's Day was held in 1909.
Thousands of events occur to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of women securing the right to vote in Canada and the milestone will be celebrated in Ottawa with a unique event.
Daughters of the Vote will see women take a seat in the House of Commons and a Barrie woman will be representing the Barrie-Innisfil riding.
Leah Fearman is among 338 delegates recruited from across the country representing each of Canada's federal ridings.
The organization Equal Voice selected the delegates out of 1,500 candidates to form a final group of young women aged 18-23.
Today, they’ll be on Parliament Hill and take the seat of their member of parliament in the House of Commons.
