Bakirova Kyzdarkan is one of 124 women who have been elected to local water user councils across Kyrgystan, where water scarcity is threatening the livelihoods of many. She is mobilizing women in her community to advocate for equal access to water, and because of her work, several women now serve on local water management councils.QuoteEven though Kyrgyzstan is well known for its natural resources, including water resources, most conflicts are happening because of unequal access to water. Most of the disputes between water users relate to the distribution of irrigation water, to which men and women do not have equal access.In comparison to men, women wait longer hours for water. In my case, I experienced a double burden as I had children to care for as well. I once left my grandsons at home while I stood in line all day for my turn at the Isfairam river. When I finally reached the front of the line, a conflict with a man broke out, and I left without water.But things have changed for the better since I learned how to get involved in water management issues. I began mobilizing other women in my community, training them on how to deliver messages about equal water access for women and men across the Uchkorgon community. I also helped women assess their eligibility for government water benefits.Through the group, women in my village have been empowered to raise their voices and resolve water disputes. Women have become more involved in local water management and their harvests have improved because of improved irrigation.We learned how to deal with conflicts in a constructive manner, transforming them into positive solutions.”