A pair of local events hope to help bring an end to violence against women and girls. Second Story Women's Centre, Harbour House and Be the Peace are promoting 'One Billion Rising'. The initiative acts as a global day of awareness for people to demand change, dance and rise to help end violence. Coordinator Helen Lanthier says the issue hits close to home.Lunenburg will host the first event Thursday at 10am at the Farmers' Market. Another event is in Bridgewater Friday at 12:30pm at centre court of the mall. The events are a lead up to International Women's Day on Saturday.