In Sanaa, tens of thousands gathered to demand President Ali Abdullah Saleh step down. They also used the occasion to honor the role female martyrs have played in Yemen's opposition.
Some in the crowd suggested women have fared worse under Saleh then in pre-Islamic times.
They also demanded the president be tried for alleged use of violence against demonstrators.
SOUNDBITE: Yemeni protester Maria Khaled Abdulla saying (Arabic):
"Ali Saleh kills women in Yemen. This did not happen in the age of ignorance, women were honored, they respected them all. You have made us feel offended and humiliated."
Others vowed that the death of female martyrs would not be in vain.
These soldiers are among a growing number who have joined the opposition.
Both sides are reportedly at an impasse over the terms under which Saleh would transfer power. His supporters held their own rally in the city's Al Sabeen Square and said they were confident about a possible agreement.
Deborah Gembara, Reuters.
