This study investigates the role of social capital and women's participation in integrated watershed management within Aq Qala County. Employing social network analysis, the research focuses on two critical dimensions: trust and participation among local stakeholders. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 40 members of rural development councils across three target villages. Findings reveal that the structure of social networks significantly influences social cohesion and the effective management of natural resources. Villages exhibiting strong, reciprocal social ties demonstrated higher social solidarity, enhanced local collaboration, and more efficient transmission of indigenous knowledge. Conversely, communities with fragmented networks, heavily reliant on intermediaries, faced diminished cohesion and participation, complicating resource management efforts. Additionally, despite cultural constraints, women occupy central positions within trust networks and play a vital role in strengthening social cohesion and facilitating cooperation, whereas men predominantly act as intermediaries connecting wider networks. This gendered differentiation underscores the importance of leveraging the complementary capacities of both women and men in natural resource governance. The study highlights the critical need to incorporate gender dimensions into the social network structure to enhance participatory watershed management.