Gendered waters: the effect of marginalizing women in the Taliban-Iran Water Dispute
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The water dispute between the Taliban and Iran over the Helmand River has recently escalated into a display of machismo and military posturing. While both sides flex their strength, the real victims of this dispute are the women who bear the brunt of water scarcity and its consequences. This article examines the gender dynamics involved in the conflict and highlights the marginalization of women in decision-making processes related to transboundary water governance.
There is no universal formula for solving water disputes between upstream countries and downstream countries. Often, nations share precious water resources through bilateral or multilateral treaties. Although those agreements can often prevent many disagreements, the precious nature of water means that there is always the threat of conflict, especially as rainfall and water levels rise and fall. The Indus River Water Treaty signed in September 1960 between India and Pakistan is an example of how such an agreement can survive, even through two wars between the neighboring countries.
