Outcome KAZ_D_1.2

By 2025, all people in Kazakhstan are protected and enjoy full realization of human rights and gender equality and a life free from discrimination, violence and threats, and equally participate in decision-making (UNSDCF Outcome 2.1.)

In 2025, the outcome was not fully achieved; however, UN Women contributed to progress toward ensuring that people in Kazakhstan and Central Asia enjoy a life free from discrimination and violence through strengthened capacities, advocacy, and sustained regional and global engagement to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV). Progress has been achieved through policy-oriented engagement under the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Development of the first Central Asia WPS Regional Action Plan (WPS-RAP) was strengthened through a regional consultation convening 28 civil society organizations, ensuring that grassroots perspectives informed priorities on women’s participation, prevention of violence, protection, and relief and recovery. These inputs will directly inform the drafting of the WPS-RAP, contributing to more context-responsive regional policies that advance women’s rights, safety, and leadership. Kazakhstan strengthened alignment between national commitments and global human rights agendas t hrough facilitated participation in the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing and the 80 th session of the UN General Assembly Third Committee . Kazakhstan’s engagement with UN Women’s expert and technical support in global intergovernmental spaces further contributed to this outcome . Engagement focused on advancing institutional reforms, strengthening domestic violence prevention frameworks, and reinforcing regional commitments to eliminate GBV. Public audience increased its awareness about social norm change through large-scale advocacy initiatives to prevent and address GBV. The advocacy activities engaged hundreds of participants and strengthened partnerships with government institutions, media, academia, youth, and the private sector. During the 16 days campaign, 569 people participated in in-person Film Festival screenings and facilitated discussions, while over 123,600 people were reached through online platforms and media outreach during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, reinforcing zero-tolerance attitudes toward violence against women and girls. Complementary initiatives, including the Cyber Safe for Women online conference which convened over 200 participants across the region and the Data Art Exhibition “TIREK – The Thread of Her Life,” further enhanced awareness of over 500 attendees of digital violence, women’s safety, and evidence-based advocacy. UN Women’s analytical and evidence-based work also strengthened national efforts to advance women’s leadership and political participation. The study Participation of Women in Decision-Making Process identified institutional and cultural barriers limiting women’s access to senior leadership roles by combining legal analysis, disaggregated data, and qualitative perspectives from key stakeholders. Its practical recommendations, focused on gender-responsive human resource policies, transparent promotion and talent management systems, and structured leadership pathways, are being used to guide implementation of the Family and Gender Policy Concept, strengthening policy coherence, national ownership, and inclusive decision-making. Girls’ voices were recognized and amplified by government counterparts, the United Nations system, diplomatic missions, and international financial institutions, reinforcing intergenerational approaches to decision-making and contributing to shifts in perceptions and institutional practices regarding girls’ leadership and agency. Recognizing girls as key actors in inclusive and sustainable development, UN Women supported their empowerment and meaningful participation in policy dialogue through targeted initiatives. The Girls Takeover initiative enabled adolescent girls to engage directly with senior policymakers, development partners, and international institutions, positioning them as leaders and rights holders and advancing priorities related to education, safety, digital inclusion, and freedom from violence, in line with the principle of leaving no one behind. Collectively, the results contributed to strengthened protection from discrimination and violence through enhanced capacities, inclusive advocacy, regional and global engagement, and shifts in public awareness. In 2025, UN Women Country Office's Theory of Change remained highly relevant, confirming the need for integrated, multi-level action to address persistent GBV, emerging digital risks, and uneven adherence to non-discrimination standards. https://www.instagram.com/p/DPwQnJvkkNC/?img_index=1 https://www.instagram.com/p/DRuX3JCiObu/

By 2025, all people in Kazakhstan are protected and enjoy full realization of human rights and gender equality and a life free from discrimination, violence and threats, and equally participate in decision-making (UNSDCF Outcome 2.1.)

The outcome has not been achieved, however, UN Women Kazakhstan made substantial progress on the outcome in 2024. UN Women, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and with support from the National Commission, enhanced the political engagement and leadership capacity of women in five regions of Kazakhstan (Akmola, West Kazakhstan, East Kazakhstan, North Kazakhstan, and Shymkent). More than 100 active women deepened their knowledge and developed essential skills in political leadership and election campaign management through dedicated sessions. These efforts were facilitated by women leaders who had previously completed UN Women's 2022 "Political Leadership" program, ensuring the dissemination of expertise and fostering peer support. This initiative significantly contributed to equipping women with the tools and confidence to increase their participation in political processes, advancing gender equality in Kazakhstan’s political sphere. Furthermore, during the 16 Days of Activism against GBV, The Central Asian Alliance To End Gender-Based Violence which is the UN Women – the MFA Kazakhstan Central Asian Initiative achieved a significant milestone by bringing together 50 activists representing organizations of people with disabilities across Central Asia. This collaborative effort resulted in the development of the Roadmap 2025 for the Network of Organizations of Women with Disabilities of Central Asia. The regional meeting served as a crucial platform to raise awareness about the persistent challenges faced by women with disabilities, particularly in the context of gender-based violence. By highlighting these issues and outlining actionable steps, Roadmap 2025 provides a strategic foundation for advancing the rights and safety of women with disabilities across the region, fostering greater inclusivity and empowerment. Also, in December 2024, the Country Office successfully increased awareness among 354 representatives of law enforcement agencies, the prosecutor's office, defence, and emergency agencies from the Atyrau, Zhambyl, and North Kazakhstan regions, in line with the Action Plan for the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820, 1888, 1889, 1960, 2106, 2122, 2242, and 2467. These sessions strengthened participants' understanding of conflict resolution, stability, security, and the protection of human and civil rights, contributing to more informed and effective responses in promoting peace and security within the region. In 2024, UN Women’s CO’s Theory of Change remains highly relevant, guiding initiatives focused on women’s political participation and leadership, the implementation of UNSCR 1325, and the empowerment of women with disabilities to combat intersectional discrimination. These efforts continue to advance gender equality, promote inclusive decision-making, and address the multifaceted challenges faced by women across diverse contexts.

By 2025, all people in Kazakhstan are protected and enjoy full realization of human rights and gender equality and a life free from discrimination, violence and threats, and equally participate in decision-making (UNSDCF Outcome 2.1.)

The outcome has not been achieved, however, UN Women Kazakhstan made substantial progress on the outcome in 2022. The country office actively promoted the equal participation of women in all spheres of life, with particular attention to strengthening women's leadership and participation in society; involving women in solving a whole range of issues to ensure stability in communities; and empowering women in politics. Twenty-five (25) women leaders across the country increased their capacity through a training of trainers organized by UN Women Kazakhstan utilizing the UN Women Leadership and Campaign Curriculum. This is planned to be followed by “cascade” training across the country that will provide an opportunity for a wide-range of professional development programmes to all women interested in running for public office in the next elections in Kazakhstan in 2023. In addition, UN Women and national partners expanded a network of qualified and certified trainers in women's political participation. The Ministry of Information and Social Development, (the Donor for this programme), recognised the role of UN Women in organising capacity-building initiative and supported the wide media coverage of the training. An added value of this training is a long-term investment in building political knowledge and skills capitalising on efforts made by UN Women and the Ministry of Information and Social Development in supporting women and youth interested in politics. In 2023, Kazakhstan will hold elections for Members of the Parliament and rural districts mayors in all regions of Kazakhstan. Women increasing their leadership skills as well as being actively involved in political reform, including in elections, is an integral part of national tasks and UN Women’s strategic vision. Therefore, the original strategy and ToC for this outcome are still applicable. Country Office will continue Women’s leadership and Political Participation interventions during the implementation of the Strategic Note for 2022-2025.

By 2025, all people in Kazakhstan are protected and enjoy full realization of human rights and gender equality and a life free from discrimination, violence and threats, and equally participate in decision-making (UNSDCF Outcome 2.1.)

The outcome has not been achieved, however, UN Women Kazakhstan made substantial progress on the outcome in 2023. The country office actively promoted the equal participation of women in all spheres of life, with particular attention to strengthening women's leadership and participation in society; involving women in solving a whole range of issues to ensure stability in communities; and empowering women in politics. UN Women’s interventions included development of a joint vision as aftermath of parliamentarian elections together with women who participated in elections, UN, diplomatic corps, and human rights mechanisms. Moreover, peaceful and constructive dialogue of women in Central Asia allowed to build the basis for regional initiatives. Early parliamentary elections in March 2023 resulted in a 9% decline in women’s representation in the lower chamber of the Parliament. Out of 98 deputies, there were only 18 women (slightly more than 18%). In the upper house of the Parliament, the situation is slightly better: out of 50 seats, women occupy 11 (22%). Public awareness of key actors, including the Government, human rights mechanism, women activists and member of the Parliament has been raised and barriers for women and lessons learned have been identified through the dialogue organised by UN Women in cooperation with OSCE, the Commissioner for Human Rights, Dutch, and British Embassies, and the EU delegation for Kazakhstan. Moreover, 20 women leaders from 17 regions of Kazakhstan built their capacity and more actively participated in political life, as a result of the UN Women and Government’s initiative on advancing women’s leadership and political participation. https://www.instagram.com/p/CwXX8m7sJ7p/?img_index=1 https://data.ipu.org/women-ranking?month=6&year=2023 Women activists working in the GEWE are able to bring transformative changes at the decision-making level through the Dialogue of Women of Central Asia. Although the Dialogue was initiated in 2020, in 2023 Kazakhstan expanded its participation for women activists. UN Women succeeded in bridging the vision and plans of Civil Society representatives and women-national leaders of all five Central Asian countries. As a result, a regional initiative in technology and innovation “Technowomen Central Asia” will build the capacity of women and girls in Central Asia in 2024. In addition, partners will continue deliberations on the development of the Regional action plan for implementation of UNSCR1325 “Women, Peace and Security”. Also, using the exchange of experience in the GBV area, in January 2024 Kazakhstan submitted the new draft law on combatting Gender-Based Violence to the Parliament to strengthen national legislation and provide quality support to survivors of violence. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Ministry of Culture and Information, the National Women’s Machinery and representatives of Civil Society Organisations highly recognised the role of UN Women in organising the Dialogue of Women of Central Asia. An added value of this initiative was strong support for the strategic vision of the Heads of State of Central Asia in their concept of “One Central Asia”. In 2023, UN Women's startegic vision was focused on women's role in national and regional political processes, their leadership skills for active engagement in political reform, including in elections. Therefore, the original strategy and ToC for this outcome are still applicable. The Country Office will continue Women’s leadership and Political Participation interventions during the implementation of the Strategic Note for 2022-2025.