Protesters gather for a second women's march in nation's capital

The Washington event is one of many such protests taking place in hundreds of cities across the nation.

The rally, going forward despite the government shutdown that began at midnight, is intended to rekindle the activism and civic participation ignited by the massive Women's March on Washington held on the day after President Donald Trump's inauguration. Organizers hope to build on efforts that have pushed women's issues to the forefront during the politically chaotic year since Trump took office.

"Last year was a rallying cry for a lot of women who wanted their voices to be heard," said Emily Patton, a spokesperson for the Women's March. "This year, we really want to show support for women who are running for office and to encourage more women, women of color and those in the LGBT community, to run for office, to register to vote, to be more civically engaged."

Patton said the event would show support for those who are providing voter information and challenging voter suppression in Washington area communities.

"Every politician and legislator needs to be put on notice," she said. "We are not going away. We are demanding women's equality, women's rights, immigration rights, and we are going to continue to uphold the values that we hold dearly."

Washington was the focus of last year's event, with hundreds of thousands of protesters filling the streets of the capital. This year, however, the largest marches are taking place elsewhere, including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Charlotte and New York.

One of the biggest events will take place Sunday in Las Vegas, where a concerted effort is being made to push for voter registration. Democrats are eyeing the U.S. Senate race in swing state Nevada, where Republican incumbent Dean Heller is considered vulnerable and first-term Rep. Jacky Rosen, a Democrat, is a leading challenger. The Las Vegas rally will also focus on gun violence and sexual assault and is expected to include speeches by Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards, actress Marissa Tomei and Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga.

Author information: Joe Heim joined The Post in 1999. He is currently a staff writer for the Metro section. He also writes Just Asking, a weekly Q&A column in the Sunday magazine. Michael Alison Chandler writes about families and gender issues.