Thousands of Yemeni women marched toward the attorney general's office in the capital Saturday demanding legal action for what they called the president's attacks on their morality.
Similar demonstrations took place in other cities as well fueled by President Ali Abdullah Saleh's comments the day before.
In a short speech Friday, Saleh said women who were protesting against his regime were violating Yemeni cultural norms that prohibit mixing with men who are not direct relatives. He called it forbidden behavior in Islam and advised women to stay home.
Angry female activists said Saleh was trying to degrade them in public.
Prominent activist Tawakkol Karman said Saleh was shocked to see women leading Yemen's revolt.
"Saleh has finally shown the world his real face and his hatred against women," said Karman, a leading member of Islah, the largest opposition party in Yemen.
"Women have ruled Yemen on numerous occasions throughout Yemen's history," she said. "That is why he has tried to oppress women for the 33 years he has been in power."
Dedicated to the women who have graced the pages of history, from ancient to modern times.
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