Voices from Iraq: Women speak out

Iraqi women face tough choices in their country following the US-led invasion and occupation.

While many remain determined to build new lives for themselves in the country, others fear continuing instability and its effects on their families.

Noura: Civil servant "We are not free to come and go" Samira: Computer engineer "A fall of a regime is not a small matter" Um Samir: Housewife "Our material situation has improved a lot"

Essraa: Student "I can afford to buy what I want" Fawzia: Teacher "We can criticise without fear" Zeinab: Student "I am unable to go anywhere I want"

BBCArabic.com spoke to six Iraqi women living in Baghdad.

They talked about how their lives had changed under occupation, their fears over security and their hopes for the future in a new Iraq.

We would also like hear what you think of the women's stories, so send us your comments using the form after each person's views.