Despite the caveats, the
importance of formal institutions cannot be discounted in
facilitating women’s substantive participation laying the foundation
for linkages with higher decision-making structures and
offering the potential to catalyze change in the broader context.
In the remaining sections, I present a theoretical framework
for the study that draws on debates surrounding (i)
women’s participation in water projects and (ii) gender and
collective action. This is followed by background for the study
and the research methodology. I then present a cross-case
analysis that sheds light on factors that influence women’s
motivation and ability to participate based on which I propose
a conceptual framework that provides better analytical
purchase on their role in water governance. I conclude with
a discussion about how substantive participation can initiate
gender progressive change by reaching out beyond project prescription.