Women in Yemen

Activist Ashwaq Al Rabbeai is among the many young Yemeni women who defied conventions to take part in the uprising. February 18, 2012. (VOA-E. Arrott)

Yemen has some of the most restrictive social traditions for women among the Arab Spring countries. This woman was photographed in Sana'a, February 19, 2012. (VOA-E. Arrott)

While a few women show their face, veiling is the norm in Yemen. February 19, 2012. (VOA- E. Arrott)

Birth rates in Yemen are high - an average of of 6.5 children per woman - while female literacy is less than 50 percent. This photograph was taken in Sana'a. February 20, 2012. (VOA- E. Arrott)

Young girls are among the protesters who remain camped out in central Sana'a demanding lasting change. February 20, 2012. (VOA- E. Arrott)

Women turned out in force for the election that ended President Ali Abdullah Saleh's rule. February 21, 2012. (VOA- E. Arrott)

Women crowd a polling station for the election, the first step in what promises to be a long transition in Sana'a, February 21, 2012. (VOA- E. Arrott)

Even for women's clothing, men tend to run the stores in Sana'a, February 29, 2012. (VOA- E. Arrott)