Outcome KAZ_O_5

Effective normative, programmatic and coordination products, services and processes

The gender -specific evidence and awareness of national partners have been strengthened through a flagship analytical Knowledge Product on the participation of girls and women in STEM in Kazakhstan, serving as an effective product to inform counterparts about normative and industry specific challenges women and girls face in realizing their potential in these spheres. The study generated robust evidence demonstratingthat, despite women’s high levels of educational attainment, their participation in the innovation economy and technology entrepreneurship remained disproportionately low. The analysis informed concrete recommendations to integrate gender analysis into national strategies, strengthen institutional support for women in STEM, and foster an inclusive innovation ecosystem. These findings were shared and discussed with the National Women ’ Commission and rel evant Ministries, civil society partners, supporting evidence-based policy dialogue on women’s participation in emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence. In parallel, the availability of policy-relevant evidence and understanding of specific issues have been deepe ned through a comprehensive analytical study on women’s participation in decision-making across political, public administration, corporate, academic, and media sectors. National partners, such as the National Women’s Machinery now have better understanding about the current institutional framework s , international gender indices, as well as structural and institutional barriers limiting women’s leadership. The findings were shared and served as a foundation for policy dialogue on advancing women’s political participation, including discussions on revising existing gender quota mechanisms and considering the introduction of a dedicated quota for women in Parliament. In the field of UN coordination , UNCT ’s cohesion and gender-mainstreaming of joint initiatives have been ensured through UN Women ’s chairpersonship of the GTG and Extended GTG , as well as in the process of Horiz on Scanning Exercise ensuring relevance and gender sensitivity of approaches reflected in the Common Country Analysis. In addition, UN Women’s results visibility have been amplified in the UNCT Annual Reporting , UNSDCF Joint workplans , and gender-sensitive monitoring and reporting. At the programmatic level, CO developed and institutionalized a Guideline Manual for Psychologists of Family Support Centers on providing psychological assistance for survivors of violence. The manual consolidates international and national standards and introduces practical tools and gender-sensitive approaches, a safety planning model, and a risk assessment checklist to prevent secondary victimization. It also includes detailed protocols for cooperation within multisectoral response. As a result, the quality, consistency, and accountability of psychosocial services across Kazakhstan have been improved , supporting the institutionalization of survivor-centered assistance .

Effective normative, programmatic and coordination products, services and processes

During the reporting period, UN Women invested time and efforts in standardised knowledge products (for example, the Prevalence Study on Violence Against Women and Girls). Representatives of the National Bureau of Statistics and CSO enhanced their capacity in improving the analysis and interpretation, dissemination of data on violence against women through the participation in the workshop convened by UN Women in November 2023. In the field of coordination and collaboration with the UN Country Team for strengthening gender mainstreaming of UNCT programming (contributed to CCA, UNCT AR, UNSDCF Joint workplans, and gender-sensitive monitoring and reporting. UN Women focused on joint programmes aimed at achieving systemic and transformative change, moving away from small standalone projects. UN Women also strengthened its grant-making and partner-selection modalities to support collaboration and transformative change. The office works constantly on internal business processes' improvement to use scarce resources efficiently.

Effective normative, programmatic and coordination products, services and processes

During the reporting period, UN Women invested time and efforts in standardised knowledge products (for example, the Gender analysis of Gender Responsive Budgeting integration in the national planning and budgeting system). In the field of coordination and collaboration with the UN Country Team for strengthening gender mainstreaming of UNCT programming and gender-sensitive monitoring and reporting. UN Women was focused on joint programmes aimed at achieving systemic and transformative change and moving away from small standalone projects. UN Women also strengthened its grant-making and partner-selection modalities to support collaboration and transformative change. The office works constantly on internal business processes' improvement to use scarce resources efficiently.

Effective normative, programmatic and coordination products, services and processes

During the reporting period, UN Women invested time and efforts in standardised knowledge products. On March 5 2024, UN Women CO and UNDP, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, presented an analytical report “Public perception of gender equality and women’s empowerment in Kazakhstan”. The report is based on data from a survey of 3,800 respondents from 17 regions of Kazakhstan and three cities of republican significance. Link: https://astanatimes.com/2024/03/undp-un-women-research-public-perception-of-gender-equality-in-kazakhstan/ In 2024 UN Women conducted a study on OECD standards “Towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in Kazakhstan” to activate and create conditions for Kazakhstan’s accession to the OECD in 2025. The main goal of this step is to improve the standard of living and well-being of the citizens of Kazakhstan, development of the country, applying OECD standards. This research serves as a crucial step to take stock on the current situation, establish strategic directions for improvement, and pave the way for the future accession process to the OECD. The study is structured to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of gender equality and women’s empowerment in Kazakhstan, in line with the key OECD standards. It explores in detail the OECD's role as a global standard-setter and discusses core gender instruments. It specifically addresses and offers assessment against: • 2013 OECD Recommendation on Gender Equality in Education, Employment and Entrepreneurship; • 2015 OECD Recommendation on Gender Equality in Public Life; • Social Institutions and Gender Index. Candidate countries undergo thorough technical assessments against these standards. The study findings and a draft Action Plan to enhance gender equality and women’s empowerment in Kazakhstan in line with OECD standards for the period of 2024-2030 were shared with national partners for decision making processes and strengthening national policies and programmes in GEWE area. In the field of coordination and collaboration with the UN Country Team for strengthening gender mainstreaming of UNCT programming, UN Women CO led the work of GTG, contributed to CCA, UNCT AR, UNSDCF Joint workplans, and gender-sensitive monitoring and reporting. On 29-30 July 2024, the UN Women Country Office (CO) in Kazakhstan conducted a targeted training session on Gender-Sensitive Project and Programme Management and Gender Equality Markers for the UNCT. The session brought together 33 participants, including 20 attending in person and 13 online, from agencies such as the UNRCO, UNDP, UNFPA, UNHCR, IMO, UNICEF, UN Women, UNV, UNODC, and UNESCO. The training consisted of two parts: the first focused on gender-sensitive approaches to Project and Programme Management, while the second covered the application of GEM codes. This aligns with UN Women’s mandate to lead, coordinate, and promote accountability within the UN system for gender equality and women’s empowerment. The session served to enhance the UN Country Team’s understanding of international project management standards and strengthened their capacities in applying GEM codes. The office works constantly on internal business processes' improvement to use scarce resources efficiently.