Sanaa , Yemen ( CNN ) -- 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 . '' The government said protesters `` misused '' Saleh 's comments , prompted by a belief that the opposition was using women and youth to promote their own agenda , and not the greater good of Yemen . `` Saleh is the first to support women 's rights and has always shown interest in involving women in Yemeni politics , '' said Zaid Thari , a senior member of the ruling General People 's Congress party . `` Saleh was advising protesters and not acting against women in specific . '' Anti-government demonstrators in Yemen have been calling for reforms and the ouster of Saleh for many weeks . Recently , women have shown their faces in greater numbers . They took to the streets in 10 provinces Saturday , holding firm on their demands that Saleh step down . Karman said Saleh is scared he will be known as the leader overthrown by women . Another prominent activist , Amal Basha , said it was Saleh who was using religion to prevent women 's participation . `` I consider women protesters here as if they are doing holy work , a holy job , '' Basha said . `` Why is he ( Saleh ) trying to demonize and undermine what they are doing ? Saleh uses religion to give himself legitimacy and support his policies . '' Yemen 's largest opposition bloc rejected Saleh 's stance against women . The Joint Meeting Parties said Islam grants women more rights . `` Saleh 's comments against the purity of women protesters are a clear indication that his oppressive regime does not respect any rights of expression and wants women to be led by men at all times , '' said Mohammed Sabri , a senior bloc official . Even the conservative tribal coalition of Mareb and Jawf warned Saleh against attacking women 's rights , saying that tribal culture has always given women the right to lead if they so desire . `` Women ruled Yemen numerous times in the past with success , '' said Ali Obaid , a senior member of the coalition . `` Yemeni women lead the Yemeni revolution and men follow . ''
Women have been protesting in greater numbers in recent weeks . They lashed out at President Saleh for advising them to stay home . They said Saleh called them un-Islamic and attacked their morality . The government says protesters are `` misusing '' Saleh 's comments .