LocationsKazakhstan
Gender equality
Making gender equality a reality in Kazakhstan
Gender equality is a core commitment of UNDP and an essential condition for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP recognizes that sustainable development cannot be achieved without addressing the structural barriers that limit opportunities, participation, and leadership of women and girls.
UNDP’s Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2029 guides the organization’s efforts to advance gender equality across all areas of its work. The Strategy emphasizes not only access to opportunities and services, but also agency — ensuring that women and marginalized groups can meaningfully participate in decision-making and shape the policies and systems that affect their lives. Through its work on governance, inclusive growth, climate action, resilience and crisis response, UNDP supports countries in advancing gender-responsive policies and institutions that promote equality and inclusion.
Gender equality is integrated across all areas of UNDP Kazakhstan’s portfolio. In 2020, UNDP Kazakhstan obtained Silver certification under the Gender Equality Seal, recognizing the organization’s efforts to mainstream gender considerations in programmes, partnerships, communications, management systems and workplace culture.
Today, UNDP continues to support Kazakhstan in advancing its national commitments on gender equality through policy advice, institutional strengthening, advocacy and partnerships. Particular attention is given to expanding women’s participation in decision-making, supporting economic empowerment, preventing gender-based violence, and ensuring that gender perspectives are incorporated into public administration, sustainable development and climate policies.
Gender equality agenda in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has made important progress in advancing gender equality and strengthening institutional frameworks that support women’s rights and participation. The country remains committed to international frameworks, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These commitments are reflected in national policies, including the Concept on Family and Gender Policy until 2030.
Recent years have seen important legislative and policy developments aimed at strengthening gender equality and addressing gender-based violence. Kazakhstan has also continued efforts to improve women’s representation and participation in public life, while integrating gender considerations into broader development and governance agendas.
Despite progress, challenges remain. Women continue to be underrepresented in senior leadership and decision-making positions, gender gaps persist in the labour market, and gender-based violence remains a serious concern. Addressing these challenges requires sustained efforts from government institutions, civil society, the private sector and development partners.
UNDP’s work on gender equality in Kazakhstan
UNDP supports national and local partners in advancing gender equality through institutional reforms, capacity development and innovative programmes.
Recent initiatives include the implementation of the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions, which supports public institutions in strengthening gender-responsive governance and decision-making processes. The initiative has been introduced in partnership with national stakeholders and has become part of broader efforts to advance gender-responsive public administration in Kazakhstan.
UNDP also promotes women’s economic empowerment and leadership through skills development, entrepreneurship support and initiatives that expand opportunities for women and girls, including in STEM-related fields. Efforts are further directed toward preventing and responding to gender-based violence, strengthening partnerships across the UN system and supporting gender-responsive approaches in climate action and sustainable development planning.
Through these efforts, UNDP works with partners to help build a more inclusive, resilient and equitable Kazakhstan where women and men can participate equally in shaping the country’s future.
Reference links
UNDP Kazakhstan Gender Equality Page
