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.

Egyptians rally in Cairo's main square during a large anti-government protest in a bid to topple the government President Hosni Mubarak in Cairo, Egypt on January 30, 2011. UPI

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Egyptian anti-government demonstrators gather at Cairo's Tahrir square on February 6, 2011 on the 13th day of protests calling for the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak. UPI

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Egyptian anti-government protesters gather in Cairo's Tahrir square in Egypt on February 8, 2011 on the 15th day of protests against the regime of President Hosni Mubarak. UPI

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A woman weeps as Egyptian anti-government protesters gather in Cairo's Tahrir square in Egypt on February 8, 2011 on the 15th day of protests against the regime of President Hosni Mubarak. UPI

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