Today the problem of domestic violence is widely discussed in the public space. This indicates a positive transformation of the value system of our society, which is becoming more and more intransigent to any forms of aggression and cruelty. Kazakhstan pays great attention to the protection of the rights of women and children.
In April, the President of Kazakhstan signed a law on ensuring the rights of women and the safety of children, which strengthens criminal liability for domestic violence.
This measure was implemented within the framework of the Presidential Decree (No. 409 of 8.12.2023) on the next Action Plan on Human Rights and the Rule of Law, which provides for measures to promote gender equality and eliminate discrimination against women.
A number of legislative and practical measures have also been taken for implementation. Thus, according to the results of this work, progress in counteracting violence has been observed. Namely:
- punishment for domestic violence has been toughened;
- compulsory psychological assistance aimed at changing the aggressive behavior of the offender has been introduced;
- special role in the police system for the protection of women's rights has been assigned to special inspectors for the protection of women against violence.
For reference: The number of inspectors has been doubled, using internal reserves, and has been brought up to the established standards. Today, there are 255 inspectors working to protect women from violence.
In order to provide comprehensive assistance to families, 68 Family Support Centers operate in the regions.
The centers provide citizens in need of assistance with psychological, social and legal assistance on a “one-stop shop” basis. The centers provide more than 100,000 consultations annually.
A complete transformation of the activities of the Family Support Centers is currently under way.
An important aspect of this work is the establishment of interdepartmental cooperation in the work to remove the family from a dysfunctional social environment.
Functions on preventive measures related to the prevention of violence against women, girls and other vulnerable groups are also envisaged (point 8 of the Action Plan in the field of human rights and the rule of law, approved by Presidential Decree No. 409 of 08.12.2023).
On the instructions of the Head of State, positions of freelance advisor to the akim on gender equality are established. The “Action Plan for the implementation of resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council ”Peace. Women. Security”. At present, to implement the Decree, the Government of Kazakhstan has developed an Action Plan to ensure the promotion of equal rights and opportunities for men and women.
Kazakhstan, being a party to the fundamental human rights international documents in the sphere of ensuring women's rights and empowerment, strives to achieve gender equality in accordance with international indicators and SDG-5. Kazakhstan has made significant progress in this area.
1. Kazakhstan is included in the 1st group of countries with a very high level of equality of achievement on the Human Development Index between men and women.
2. In the international ranking on the Gender Gap Index, Kazakhstan ranked 62nd in 2023 (out of 146 countries).
3. In terms of education, Kazakhstan has virtually eliminated the gender gap, with full parity in the coverage of primary, secondary and higher education.
4. According to the study of the OECD Center's Social Institutions and Gender Index in 2023, Kazakhstan is assessed as a country with a low level of discrimination against women (SIGI Index=22%).
In some positions our indicators are higher than the average level of Central Asian countries. These are “Level of discrimination in the family”, “Restriction of access to production and financial resources”, “Restriction of civil liberties in Kazakhstan”.
By the indicator “Restriction of civil liberties in Kazakhstan” Kazakhstan's position is higher than OECD countries.
In general, it is worth noting that a legislative framework has been established for the realization of equal rights and empowerment of women.
The Constitution guarantees equal rights and obligations for men and women.
Since 1998, we have acceded to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Kazakhstan submitted its next periodic report on its implementation in 2023.
The Law on State Guarantees of Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities for Men and Women is being implemented, and in 2022 the Concept on Family and Gender Policy until 2030 was updated.
At present, the main emphasis is on maximizing support for women's economic and political positions in society, increasing the number of women in the leadership of State bodies and the quasi-public sector to 30 per cent, preventing violence against women and children, promoting gender education and supporting motherhood and childhood.
Quotas have been introduced at the legislative level with a mandatory quota of 30% for women, youth and persons with disabilities on electoral party lists and in the allocation of parliamentary mandates.
A phased increase in the proportion of women to 30 per cent in the governing bodies of companies with State participation is being carried out.
The list of professions prohibited for women has been abolished, which has increased opportunities for women's self-actualization.
An action plan to expand economic opportunities for women and to attract them into employment is being implemented.
Kazakhstan is carrying out significant work in this area and is always ready to cooperate and share experience.
In April, the President of Kazakhstan signed a law on ensuring the rights of women and the safety of children, which strengthens criminal liability for domestic violence.
This measure was implemented within the framework of the Presidential Decree (No. 409 of 8.12.2023) on the next Action Plan on Human Rights and the Rule of Law, which provides for measures to promote gender equality and eliminate discrimination against women.
A number of legislative and practical measures have also been taken for implementation. Thus, according to the results of this work, progress in counteracting violence has been observed. Namely:
- punishment for domestic violence has been toughened;
- compulsory psychological assistance aimed at changing the aggressive behavior of the offender has been introduced;
- special role in the police system for the protection of women's rights has been assigned to special inspectors for the protection of women against violence.
For reference: The number of inspectors has been doubled, using internal reserves, and has been brought up to the established standards. Today, there are 255 inspectors working to protect women from violence.
In order to provide comprehensive assistance to families, 68 Family Support Centers operate in the regions.
The centers provide citizens in need of assistance with psychological, social and legal assistance on a “one-stop shop” basis. The centers provide more than 100,000 consultations annually.
A complete transformation of the activities of the Family Support Centers is currently under way.
An important aspect of this work is the establishment of interdepartmental cooperation in the work to remove the family from a dysfunctional social environment.
Functions on preventive measures related to the prevention of violence against women, girls and other vulnerable groups are also envisaged (point 8 of the Action Plan in the field of human rights and the rule of law, approved by Presidential Decree No. 409 of 08.12.2023).
On the instructions of the Head of State, positions of freelance advisor to the akim on gender equality are established. The “Action Plan for the implementation of resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council ”Peace. Women. Security”. At present, to implement the Decree, the Government of Kazakhstan has developed an Action Plan to ensure the promotion of equal rights and opportunities for men and women.
Kazakhstan, being a party to the fundamental human rights international documents in the sphere of ensuring women's rights and empowerment, strives to achieve gender equality in accordance with international indicators and SDG-5. Kazakhstan has made significant progress in this area.
1. Kazakhstan is included in the 1st group of countries with a very high level of equality of achievement on the Human Development Index between men and women.
2. In the international ranking on the Gender Gap Index, Kazakhstan ranked 62nd in 2023 (out of 146 countries).
3. In terms of education, Kazakhstan has virtually eliminated the gender gap, with full parity in the coverage of primary, secondary and higher education.
4. According to the study of the OECD Center's Social Institutions and Gender Index in 2023, Kazakhstan is assessed as a country with a low level of discrimination against women (SIGI Index=22%).
In some positions our indicators are higher than the average level of Central Asian countries. These are “Level of discrimination in the family”, “Restriction of access to production and financial resources”, “Restriction of civil liberties in Kazakhstan”.
By the indicator “Restriction of civil liberties in Kazakhstan” Kazakhstan's position is higher than OECD countries.
In general, it is worth noting that a legislative framework has been established for the realization of equal rights and empowerment of women.
The Constitution guarantees equal rights and obligations for men and women.
Since 1998, we have acceded to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Kazakhstan submitted its next periodic report on its implementation in 2023.
The Law on State Guarantees of Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities for Men and Women is being implemented, and in 2022 the Concept on Family and Gender Policy until 2030 was updated.
At present, the main emphasis is on maximizing support for women's economic and political positions in society, increasing the number of women in the leadership of State bodies and the quasi-public sector to 30 per cent, preventing violence against women and children, promoting gender education and supporting motherhood and childhood.
Quotas have been introduced at the legislative level with a mandatory quota of 30% for women, youth and persons with disabilities on electoral party lists and in the allocation of parliamentary mandates.
A phased increase in the proportion of women to 30 per cent in the governing bodies of companies with State participation is being carried out.
The list of professions prohibited for women has been abolished, which has increased opportunities for women's self-actualization.
An action plan to expand economic opportunities for women and to attract them into employment is being implemented.
Kazakhstan is carrying out significant work in this area and is always ready to cooperate and share experience.
Anel Tileukesh – expert of PF “National Endowment for Prosperity”