Gender and the Commons

Abstract

Studies on common pool resource governance have largely focused on men, who tend to have disproportionate rights and ownership with regards property and resources. This has resulted in the access and control rights of women being generally overlooked. Gender disaggregated analyses have revealed the important role of women in the governance of the commons. While certain commons may be relatively more important for women, there are variations in their level of resource access and management role, influenced by social structures and divisions. We examined the role of gender and how such intersectionality could shape the governance of the commons in the Spiti Valley in the Indian Trans-Himalaya. We found that gender, class, and caste intersected in the governance of irrigation water. Our study highlights the role of women in the governance of the commons and points to the nuanced and variable roles found within this gender group.

Applying a gender lens to biodiversity conservation in High Asia

“…We also accessed meta-data from the Gurvantes government records and the Women's Association, including campsite registrations and the number of women residents registered in the district. In Kibber, India, relevant information and insights on the roles and rights of women were available from two recent studies of gendered governance systems (Tsering, 2014;Murali et al, 2021). Additional data sources for Kibber comprised program records and a recent evaluation (Alexander et al, 2022).…”

“…In Kibber, social hierarchies remain strong determinants of property rights and access and shape the distribution of agricultural tasks (Murali et al, 2021). A minority of households are recognized as Khangchen households, which means that they are considered to be the descendants of the original inhabitants of the valley (Tsering, 2014;Murali et al, 2021). They own most of the arable land and largely control the water resources.…”

“…They own most of the arable land and largely control the water resources. Other households, including the historically landless and other socially marginalized households, have less control over these resources (Murali et al, 2021).…”

“…Many rural populations across Asia's mountains are involved in crop production or pastoralism, in which women hold specialized functions (Anand and Josse, 2002;Verma and Khadka, 2016). Women also have a stake in the management of natural assets, such as water resources (Murali et al, 2021). Their access to and control of land and other natural resources, however, are uneven, compared with men, and are often constrained by legal, social, and cultural barriers (Murali et al, 2021).…”

“…Women also have a stake in the management of natural assets, such as water resources (Murali et al, 2021). Their access to and control of land and other natural resources, however, are uneven, compared with men, and are often constrained by legal, social, and cultural barriers (Murali et al, 2021).…”