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Globalization and Human DevelopmentThere is also the problem of culturalglobalization through the media. Theabsence of Arab countries from this globalarena and from the dialogue amongcivilizations may impose certain moralvalues conflicting with our own values. Thatis why participation in the dialogue ofcivilizations has become a necessity.In Egypt, women have been grantedimportant rights. Previously, these issueswere discussed through feministmovements, but actually they have becomenational issues. Despite this progress, a gapstill exists between what we seek and whathas been accomplished. Some customs,traditions, and cultural heritage areresponsible for this gap and need to bereconsidered.This could be achieved through reshapingthe Egyptian personality and encouragingchildren and adolescents to be acquaintedwith different cultures through reading andparticipating in discussions based on theirreadings; which is a main objective of the“Reading for All” project sponsored by herexcellency Suzan Mubarak, the First Ladyof Egypt.Modern Technology and CommunicationMediaModern technology is widely accessible andrapid communications in this age representan important dimension of globalization.With increasing deregulation, moderninformation and communicationstechnology, especially the Internet, canremold the modus operendi of markets,which would benefit those who areprivileged with the possession of knowledgeand skills. Increasing trans-continental workopportunities have opened a number ofopportunities to women in the south interms of access to data collection,reproduction, etc. However, most womenwho can benefit from these privileges arewell educated and belong to the highincome groups, while women with little orno education usually the elderly, aremarinated.Consequently, women must have a powerfulvoice in dialogues concerning the policies tobe drawn for improving trainingopportunities for women and providingsocial protection for those who areadversely affected.The InternetThere is inequality and discrepancy betweenmen and women in countries using theInternet, as men have higher opportunity touse technological equipment. Internet hashelped women gain knowledge andinformation; especially in countries in whichcustoms and traditions impose on them acertain form of isolation. It has also increasedwomen’s ability to gain information.Increasing the ability to use the Internet is buta part of a more general discussion, whichfocuses on the obstacles impeding the humandevelopment of women as compared to men.The Internet can be transformed from atechnical to a political tool to gain support andbacking in various regions according to thecultural perspective of various women’sgroups throughout the world.One of the advantages of informationtechnology for women is the formation of awomen’s rights network, which is a nongovernmental network linking organizationsconcerned with gender issues and defenders ofwomen’s rights throughout the world.E-CommerceE-commerce is the purchase of, and paymentfor, goods and services throughout theInternet. This helps open the field for womento enter wider and faster markets whilereducing the costs of transactions. Therefore,training on the use of e.commerce helpswomen develop and widen their relations withothers who share the same intereststhroughout the world.Courses like these help women recognizemarketing opportunities and discover methodsto combine local resources with manufacturedproducts and thus market their productsdirectly without intermediaries.Moreover, since the mobility of womenamong different market places is usuallyconstrained by their multiple roles in indoorand outdoor activities, e.commerce seems tobe of particular importance to marketing theirproducts. This has been evidenced by the factthat women’s participation in e.commerce hasreached 78 - 80% of this trade.E.Conferences and ConsultanciesE.conferences and consultancies figure amongthe most important outcomes of the revolutionEgypt Human Development Report 2000/2001 - 23