Gender Perspective in Water Management: The Involvement of Women in Participatory Water Institutions of Eastern India

Abstract

The paper examines the extent, nature, and factors affecting women’s involvement in participatory irrigation institutions of eastern India. Effective participatory water institutions are urgently needed to improve water management in eastern India, and a significant aspect of this is the involvement of women. There is inadequate representation, participation, and involvement of women in most water institutions. From the participatory and social point of view, this is a significant concern. The relevant data are obtained from the states of Assam and Bihar through a focused survey administered to 109 women in 30 water institutions, and a larger farmer-institutional survey covering 510 households and 51 water institutions. The research examines the extent and nature of the involvement of women in these institutions, as well as in farm decision-making, and the factors that prevent or foster their participation. Additionally, it examines the gender congruence in views regarding water institution activities and their performance, and the perceived benefits of formal involvement of women. The results show that their inclusion is very low (except required inclusion in Bihar), and the concerns of women are usually not being taken into account. Women are involved in farming and water management decisions jointly with men but not independently. Findings indicate that the views of women and men differ on many aspects, and so their inclusion is important. Responses indicate that if women participate formally in water user associations, it would enhance their social and economic standing, achieve greater gender balance, expand their awareness of water management, and contribute to better decision-making in the water institutions.

Editorial—Using Applied Economics to Study Participatory Irrigation Institutions and their Impact in South Asia

“…Similar discord between the views of men and women about PIM and water use is identified by Khandker, Gandhi, and Johnson [16]. Using the backdrop of north-east India, they analyse how farm decisions relating to water are made and the extent to which women are active participants in water user groups.…”

“…Given the divergent views of men and women, there is thus a risk that PIM is overlooking important aspects of water use. There is also clear evidence from Khandker, Gandhi, and Johnson [16] that women would welcome more active involvement in PIM, especially as this represents an opportunity for enhanced status.…”

Impact of Institutional Features on the Overall Performance Assessment of Participatory Irrigation Management: Farmers’ Response from Pakistan

“…These corroborate with findings of theoretical studies such as Crase et al [44], which suggests that uniform application of any reform may yield different outcomes depending on the context. Even within similar contexts, different segments of society, e.g., male and female, may have a different perception of institutional performances [45][46][47]. The social structure and cohesion have also a significant impact in farmers' participation in the process of reforms.…”

Diverse Role of Women for Natural Resource Management in India

“…Women were taking decisions related to agriculture and water jointly with men. Research was further indicating the fact that if women participate formally in water user associations, it would expand their awareness and contribution for water management [9].…”