Gendered Exclusion in Water Governance in Afghanistan: Insights from Herat Province

This paper examines the barriers to women’s participation in water governance by focusing on Water User Associations (WUAs) in Herat, Afghanistan, through the lens of feminist political ecology (FPE). Employing a mixed-method approach that includes household surveys, interviews, and focus groups, the research highlights how gendered power dynamics, cultural norms, and institutional frameworks rooted in concepts of honor and shame restrict women's involvement in water governance. The findings suggest that structural exclusion and patriarchal values limit women’s engagement and representation, with significant consequences for the economy, society, and politics. The study highlights the need for gender-sensitive reforms to foster inclusive governance and dismantle cultural and systemic barriers.