This study is an assessment of the participation by female farmers in minor irrigation systems. The study hopes to identify the factors that restrict women from being active participants in the decision-making processes with regard to land, cultivation and irrigation. This paper highlights the pressing problem of gender inequity in farmer organisations. It provides background information on the geographical areas, on rainfall and responses to water scarcity, and on farmer organisations. It presents data regarding the areas in which women are most involved and compares the participation and contribution made by women to that by men. The study looks at this problem from a household level as it argues that the improvement of women’s positions in female-headed houses requires special attention. It looks at other issues such as the laws and issues surrounding ownership and entitlement to land, and tank rehabilitation projects. The study also analyses the existing inequities in famer organisations, from membership to leadership and participation. Based on the issues discussed and their subsequent conclusions, the study provides an overview of what factors hamper the participation by women in farmer organisations.