A questioner wondered what changing the laws a very slow process will accomplish, citing the example of Nepal, where formal changes to increase women's roles have resulted in no actual change. Meinzen-Dick agreed that laws in themselves do not change rights. Having a law, however, gives women something to appeal to. Meinzen-Dick asserted that the interests of the individual focus less on protecting personal rights than on the community's rights. Dividing up rights at a higher level means that groups must negotiate.
Theoretical rights are less important than meeting critical needs at critical times.
The rationale for including women in water users' associations was questioned. Meinzen-Dick replied that exclusion of women from these associations can be interpreted to mean that women are not required to adhere to laws and rules regarding use. Moreover, greater participation of women in water associations allows their greater participation in other fora. Based on Ruth Meinzen-Dick and Margreet Zwarteveen. Paper prepared for Women and Water Workshop, International Irrigation Management Institute, 15-19 September 1997, Sri Lanka.