Members of the Expert Club at the Senate of the Republic of Kazakhstan discussed issues related to gender development.

Welcoming the members of the Club, the Chairman of the Senate emphasized that the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, pays significant attention to gender development and the creation of conditions for women to realize their potential. He also highlighted the relevance of the agenda, which logically follows the meeting of the parliamentary commission monitoring the implementation of national goals and objectives in the field of sustainable development, held in October this year and dedicated to ensuring the rights and opportunities of women in Kazakhstan.

At the same time, Maulen Ashimbayev drew attention to statistics showing that women currently make up a substantial part of the population in the country — over 10 million people or more than 51%. Therefore, ensuring their safety, protecting their rights, and creating conditions for the full realization of their potential is a crucial contribution to the country's development.

"Today, the potential of women in the economic sector remains underutilized. Women's economic activity in rural areas is low. Violence against women continues to be a serious issue. Therefore, the adoption of a law on the protection of women's rights and the safety of children, initiated by the Head of State, has become an important step towards changing the situation in this area. There are also significant issues regarding alimony payments. This means that hundreds of thousands of children are left without the necessary financial support. Hence, we are currently working on the relevant legislative proposal," — emphasized Maulen Ashimbayev, informing the meeting participants about the Chamber's legislative activities in this direction.

Furthermore, as noted by the Chairman of the Senate, coordinated efforts among deputies, government bodies, and civil society are required to overcome barriers to women's potential, such as domestic violence against women, discrimination, and the entrenchment of stereotypes in society.

"One of the key obstacles to greater participation of women in economic and political life remains established traditional views and stereotypes about their roles in society. It is essential to seriously consider this issue and actively work on changing such attitudes at all levels. Continuing to live within the framework of stereotypes, especially regarding women, not only puts us behind global trends but also creates barriers to our own development," — emphasized the Speaker of the Senate.

Alongside the members of the Expert Club, invited speakers also shared their proposals and recommendations on gender development, overcoming barriers, and effectively realizing women's potential: Zamira Kanapyanova, General Director of Chevron for the Eurasian and Pacific regions; Lyazzat Ibragimova, Chairwoman of the Board of JSC "Otbasy Bank"; Asel Mashanova, founder of the LULU Group project; lawyer Zhanna Urazbakova; and Dinara Shukizhanova, President of JSC "AgromashHolding KZ."