In an era where societies worldwide are recognising the importance of gender equality and inclusive governance, Kazakhstan is striving to promote these values. Our efforts to advance women’s rights and leadership opportunities reflect both our commitment to human rights and our aspirations for sustainable development.
This journey, however, has been neither straightforward nor without challenges. Yet, with a series of forward-looking policies, legislative reforms, and public-private collaborations, Kazakhstan is determined to establish a blueprint for gender equality in Eurasia.
Kazakhstan’s approach to gender equality is inseparable from our broader adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. Globally, the need to address social issues is gaining traction as a core part of ESG criteria, and gender equality stands prominently within this context. We have embraced these standards to align with the global movement and use them as an engine for social progress at home.
A key milestone in our progress is the target of 30% female representation across various sectors by 2030. This applies to executive, representative, and judicial bodies alike, encompassing the state, quasi-state, and corporate sectors. It is an ambitious goal, but one that we believe is achievable, especially given that some sectors have already surpassed it. In the corporate sector, women currently hold 43.4% of managerial roles.
Additionally, the government has introduced a 30% parliamentary quota for women, youth, and people with disabilities, a move aimed at fostering a more inclusive legislative body. These measures aim to ensure diverse contributions to governance. However, as in many countries, sustaining and expanding these gains requires ongoing attention and commitment.
Legislative Reforms
Beyond quotas, Kazakhstan has undertaken transformative legal reforms to support women’s rights and protect vulnerable populations. Among these is the new law, which addresses domestic violence. This law marks a fundamental shift in how Kazakhstan approaches domestic violence, moving from a reactive stance to a proactive one. By focusing on early intervention and stricter penalties for offenders, we aim to curb violence before it escalates, creating a safer environment for all citizens.
The legislation introduces several notable provisions: offenders are now required to undergo psychological counselling, community members such as teachers and doctors have a duty to report suspected abuse, and there are restrictions on offenders’ contact with victims. Notably, it protects all victims, including men, ensuring that our commitment to human rights is truly inclusive.
In alignment with these efforts, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population is developing amendments to introduce liability for harassment. New legislation will also establish criminal penalties for stalking, which is planned to encompass actions such as surveillance using technical means, intimidation, invasion of privacy, repeated imposition of contact (including through social networks and communication tools), and dissemination of information about the victim without consent.
While these efforts are significant, the journey is far from complete. Kazakhstan still faces cultural and logistical challenges in fully implementing and normalising these changes. There is work to be done in raising public awareness, encouraging community participation, and ensuring that these laws translate effectively into practice.
Partnerships for Empowerment and Leadership
Kazakhstan’s pursuit of gender equality is also strengthened through partnerships with international organisations and private sector leaders. As the first Eurasian country to join the World Economic Forum’s Gender Parity Accelerator, Kazakhstan is fostering gender equity across political, economic, and social domains. This collaborative model unites public bodies, including the National Commission for Women, Family and Demographic Policy, with private champions like Coca-Cola Kazakhstan and Kazyna Capital Management. By combining efforts across sectors, we have already made strides in increasing the visibility and reach of women’s leadership.
Further supporting women’s empowerment, initiatives such as the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs provide valuable training, with over 130 graduates and another 100 women currently enrolled. These programmes are instrumental in equipping women with the skills to lead in business and entrepreneurship, building a robust foundation for the next generation of female leaders who will shape Kazakhstan’s future.
Beyond Kazakhstan’s borders, female ambassadors representing Kazakhstan and other nations on our soil are emblematic of the power of inclusive diplomacy. Currently, 11 of the ambassadors in Kazakhstan are women, and three Kazakh women serve as ambassadors abroad.
Yet, diplomacy remains an area where gender disparities persist globally. By elevating women in diplomatic roles, Kazakhstan aims to contribute to a more balanced global conversation. We recognise that achieving true gender parity requires not just numbers but also empowering these leaders to shape international relations and drive meaningful change.
Addressing Challenges Ahead
While our achievements are significant, they are tempered by the reality that meaningful social change is a continuous process. Barriers to gender equality still exist, ranging from societal attitudes to structural inequalities that take time to dismantle. For instance, ensuring equal access to industrial professions for women, now possible after we removed the previous restrictions on women’s roles, requires targeted support and training programmes to enable women to succeed in these traditionally male-dominated fields.
Moreover, balancing the need for policy-driven change with cultural shifts is challenging. Sustainable progress in gender equality requires a transformation in societal norms—a long-term commitment to redefining perceptions and expectations.
Kazakhstan’s journey towards gender equality is a pragmatic yet ambitious vision of an inclusive society, one where women have the same opportunities to lead, shape policy, and drive change as men.
We are proud of what has been accomplished, but equally aware of the road ahead. Kazakhstan’s experience offers insights not just for our region but for any country seeking to advance gender equality and human rights. By committing to legislative reform, building robust partnerships, and promoting women’s leadership, we are setting a course for sustainable progress. And while we recognise that challenges remain, we are committed to addressing them with the same dedication that has driven our journey thus far.
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