Water: From basic need to commodity: A discussion on gender and water rights in the context of irrigation

This paper reflects on gender implications of water policies' rights, access, control, and allocation for women. In most developing countries, women's access, control and water rights are a problem. Women and men have different water use practices, a stronger security of water tenure could mean greater negotiating power for women. With the increasing concerns over water scarcity, women's access and control over water will decrease. Women's water needs for both household consumption and production are often unrecognized. In the privatization of water management and irrigation, women's needs must be addressed.