This article explores changes wrought by the decade-long armed political
conflict, led by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), in the status
of women and men of different castes in a hilly region of Nepal
dependent on irrigated farming system. The study uses qualitative data
collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions
(FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs) to analyze the processes
and outcomes of the institutional dynamics of Ghyang Khola farmermanaged
irrigation system (GFMIS) of Dolakha district, one of the
conflict-affected districts of the country. The findings suggest that irrigation
institutions have become more inclusive in terms of caste in the
post-conflict period due to changes in wider social power relations.
This has led to more secure access to irrigation water for women and
men of all castes. Changes in the processes of making rules, members,
and committees, in particular, have increased the participation in the
decision-making forums of men from the formerly excluded middle and
lower-caste groups. In contrast, inclusion of women in such forums
remains guided by the provisions mandating their participation in the
irrigation policy. However, women from middle and lower castes are
still not considered for positions in the executive committee. The study
concludes that gender hierarchies remain unaddressed both during the
conflict and after it, leading to a limited inclusion of women in decision
making at community level in the irrigation system.