Study on Public Perception of Gender Equality in Kazakhstan by UNDP and UN Women
UNDP and UN Women Present Results of Sociological Research on Gender Equality in Kazakhstan
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan and the UN Women Kazakhstan recently unveiled the outcomes of their sociological study on public perception of gender equality and female empowerment in the country. Conducted on March 5, the report delves into examining gender stereotypes, sex-based discrimination in various spheres such as education, employment, and family relationships.
The study, which surveyed 3,800 individuals from all 17 regions of Kazakhstan and three cities of national significance – Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent – aimed to capture a diverse range of opinions from people of different ages, social backgrounds, nationalities, and professions. It was noted that 76.5% of respondents – both men and women – perceive the gender situation in the country as satisfactory.
Interestingly, the research revealed that Kazakh women feel they possess the most rights and opportunities within the family, followed by the workplace, then in public life, and lastly in politics. However, approximately 26.6% of women interviewed expressed feelings of having insufficient or inadequate rights and opportunities.
One concerning finding was the prevalence of entrenched gender stereotypes suggesting that a woman’s primary role is in childbirth and child-rearing. The study showed that a significant percentage of men and women believe a woman’s main duty is to create a comfortable family environment, while the majority perceive the head of the family should be a man.
To address such issues, Vice Minister of Information and Social Development Yevgeniy Kochetov highlighted upcoming initiatives such as premarital counseling practices and the establishment of a specialized master’s program focused on gender studies in 2024-2025. These efforts aim to tackle gender imbalance and promote greater awareness and understanding of gender equality.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Kazakhstan Sukhrob Khojimatov emphasized the urgent need to combat gender-based violence, which poses a serious threat to human rights protection globally. The research also highlighted positive developments regarding women’s participation in the labor market, with a majority of men supporting women’s right to work and earn their income.
In conclusion, the study’s recommendations are intended to stimulate dialogue and policy-making to overcome existing barriers to gender equality in Kazakhstan. Organizations like UN Women continue to advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of addressing gender stereotypes and promoting equal opportunities for all individuals.
