25-Year Journey: National Commission’s Fight for Women and Children’s Rights
The National Commission for Women’s Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy in Kazakhstan has made significant progress in the past 25 years, exceeding its role as an advisory body to become a vital platform for dialogue among government authorities, civil society, and international organizations.
One of the key achievements of the commission is its legislative activities, which have helped Kazakhstan tackle gender-motivated discrimination and adhere to international standards on gender equality. The country has ratified important conventions, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and several International Labour Organization conventions.
In 2021, Kazakhstan joined the Generation of Equality Forum Coalitions, committing to combat gender-based violence and ensure economic justice and rights. The country has also made strides in reducing gender disparities in education and economic opportunities, ranking 62nd in the Global Gender Gap.
The commission has implemented various projects to empower women and protect children, such as the IT-Aiel program that provided digital skills training to unemployed women. Another notable initiative is the Tomiris project on political leadership for women, aimed at enhancing women’s participation in politics.
Looking ahead to 2024, the commission plans to focus on preserving the family institution, ensuring psychological safety in society, and protecting the rights of women and children. Efforts will also be made to address issues related to children with disabilities and promote inclusivity in society.
Despite progress, there are still challenges in achieving gender equality in Kazakhstan, with entrenched stereotypes about gender roles hindering progress. The commission continues to work towards empowering women and advancing gender equality in the country.
The 25th-anniversary forum celebrating the commission’s achievements underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and protect the rights of women and children in Kazakhstan.
