Female protesters of The Arab Spring (52 images)

Large numbers of people have taken to the streets in protest against corrupt and authoritarian governments. Photographs of male protesters have dominated the headlines, but women have also played an important and undeniable role in the protests. To some, the involvement of women may be a surprise, but it is clear they are active and playing a pivotal role in their country's history.

Palestinian women attend a Hamas rally that called for the lifting of the siege on Gaza, and support for the revolution of the Libyan people,in Gaza City on March 4, 2011. UPI/Ismael Mohamad

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Iranians participate in an Anti-Mubarak demonstration, in Tehran, Iran, February 4, 2011. Hundreds of Iranians attended an Anti-Mubarak demonstration to show their solidarity with Egyptian the people. UPI/Maryam Rahmanian

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Iranians participate in an Anti-Mubarak demonstration, in Tehran, Iran, February 4, 2011. Hundreds of Iranians attended an Anti-Mubarak demonstration to show their solidarity with Egyptian the people. UPI/Maryam Rahmanian

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Iranian demonstrators hold a pictures of Iran's Leader Ayatollah Khamenei during pro-government demonstration after Friday prayers in Tehran, Iran on February 18,2011. The demonstrators ask to execute the two opposition leaders, Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mahdi Karroubi. UPI.

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