Thousands of people are gathering for women's marches and rallies across Illinois as part of a national effort to mobilize women ahead of this year's elections.

The biggest turnout Saturday is expected downtown Chicago, where politicians, activists and entertainers are taking the stage before the crowd marches from Grant Park to Federal Plaza.

Host Fawzia Mirza says the event is about channeling women's energy and "putting that power in the polls."

Events also are being held in Illinois communities including Rockford, Bloomington, East Peoria and the Quad Cities and in cities across the U.S

More than 1 million people attended similar gatherings nationwide last year in a show of protest against newly inaugurated President Donald Trump and his policies.