Fatmah Younis: 22, university student "I would like to be an interpreter" Jacqueline: 22, unemployed "I dropped out of school and regret it" Nesma: 15, factory worker "My parents want me to work in a factory" Rana: 16, student "I wish they'd change the education system"

Rawiya: 20, unemployed "I wished I completed my education" Reda: 16, factory worker "I once considered running away" Sarah: 18, university student "I wish I lived in a less crowded place" Walaa: 17, worker "I never had friends of my age before"

They took part in a workshop entitled "My Life", run jointly by BBC World Service Trust, BBC Arabic Service and Egyptian non-government organisation The Association for the Development and Enhancement of Women (ADEW).

The programme, which focuses on young underprivileged women in several Arab countries, asked them where they would like to be by 2015.

Their answers showed that, while a generation of women keen to gain independence and an education, many still feel stifled by the pressures of family life and custom.

We would like to hear what you think about the participants' experiences, so please send us your comments using the form after each person's views.

The panel has been selected from as wide a cross-section of people as possible and may not be representative of wider public opinion.