Gender equality

16 Days of Activism: Art as a Medium to Combat Gender-Based Violence

On November 27, 2024, a significant event as part of the global ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign was held at Maqsut Narikbayev University. Key events included showcases of 3 short films and a panel discussion that brought together filmmakers, activists, and students to discuss gender-based violence, which has become one of the most urgent and painful topics of the world today.

The opening of the event was carried out by the Ambassadors of France and Belgium to Kazakhstan and their welcoming speech. H.E. Ambassador Guioguet and H.E. Ambassador Vantigem stressed the importance of international cooperation in combating gender-based violence. They emphasised the need for joint efforts in order to create a safe environment where the rights of women and girls are protected and incidents of violence are addressed properly and systematically.

Dina Amrisheva, Head of Office a.i., UN Women Kazakhstan, Aynamkoz Eszhanova, director of the short film ‘Gulmira’, Asel Erzhanova, producer of the social project ‘Pay the Bill’, and Anna Ryl, Head of the ‘Korgau Astana’ crisis centre featured as speakers. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of art as a medium that can raise awareness of social problems, deconstruct stereotypes and inspire change.

Aynamkoz Eszhanova spoke about her personal experience of filmmaking on difficult and sensitive topics:
‘Through cinema we can portray the inner world of the victims of violence, their experiences, and struggles. It is a mirror, a reflection of the society that can help to recognise the problem and start taking measures.’

In her film, she presents the topic of psychological abuse, highlighting the difficulty of recognising it and its effects on victims.

Anna Ryl shared her practical experience of working with victims of violence:
‘Ending the cycle of violence demands comprehensive support—psychological, social, and economic. Without this, women remain at risk, and society is responsible for offering them meaningful assistance.’

The participants also discussed the necessity of changing legislation and strengthening preventative measures. It was noted that the fight against gender-based violence is not only a state task, but also the task of every member of society. Involvement of all segments of the population and development of crisis centres are essential for the creation of a safe environment.

The event was concluded by a lively Q&A session in which participants discussed the role of art in changing the perception of violence and victim support. The organisers and participants hope that this event will become another contribution to the national campaign aimed at combating gender-based violence and protecting women’s rights.

On November 25, 2024, Maqsut Narikbayev University hosted the City Case Championship among the universities of Astana, organised within the framework of the global ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign. The championship was dedicated to the discussion of pressing gender equality issues and the development of innovative solutions to combat violence against women and girls.

The work of the championship’s participants was evaluated by a highly professional jury comprising representatives of the National Commission on Women’s Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of Kazakhstan, the Police Department of Astana city, the United Nations Development Programme in Kazakhstan, and the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Kazakhstan.

Student teams from five leading universities in Astana participated in the championship:

• Astana IT University;

• Astana International University;

• Astana Medical University;

• L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University;

• Maqsut Narikbayev University.

The MNU team ranked in second place in the championship, demonstrating a high level of professionalism and offering creative and technology-driven solutions to raise awareness on gender-based violence among younger generation.

The signing of a memorandum of mutual cooperation between Maqsut Narikbayev University and Stephen O’Malley, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, became the highlight of the event. The document formalised the parties’ intention to work together on educational and research projects aimed at promoting gender equality and countering gender-based violence.

Our university expresses gratitude to all students and universities participating in the championship for their active engagement, high level of preparation, and valuable contribution to the discussion of pressing social issues.

Together, we can build a safe society stemming from equality!

Guest lecture of Pinar Ölcer, professor of Leiden University

On December 7, 2023, Maqsut Narikbayev University was pleased to welcome Pinar Ölcer as a guest lecturer on “Domestic Violence and Human Rights.”

Prof. Ölcer provided a presentation highlighting the key role of the courts in the criminal justice context, with a focus on recognizing the seriousness of domestic violence.

The lecture was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, professors and students, the Diplomatic School, the Ombudsman Club, as well as representatives of governmental bodies such as the Constitutional Court.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for its invaluable support in organizing this event.

Guest lecture of Ms. Elnara Bainazarova, Development Coordination Officer specializing in communications and advocacy in the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (RCO) in Kazakhstan

On November 22, 2023, Maqsut Narikbayev University hosted a guest lecture by Ms. Elnara Bainazarova as part of the “Applied Diplomacy” course. Ms. Bainazarova is an experienced Development Coordination Officer specializing in communications and advocacy in the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (RCO) in Kazakhstan.

During the lecture, Ms. Bainazarova spoke about her professional path and shed light on the intricacies of the United Nations (UN) system. She touched upon the topics of sustainable development and the primary role of multilateral diplomacy. In addition, lecturer noted such important issues of our time as domestic violence and gender inequality, emphasizing their significance for the modern world community.

One of the main conclusions made by our estemeed guest was the understanding of the importance of supporting the principles of the organization in which you work, such compliance allows a person not to lose himself/herself.

Empowering Women Through MNU Alumni Women Club 

The MNU Alumni Women Club actively promotes women’s leadership and entrepreneurship among alumni. In 2023, three workshops were held on topics including “Starting Your Own Business Legally,” “Women’s Rights,” and “Tax Calculation for Entrepreneurs.” Led by certified international networker and businesswoman Markhifat Gabit, the club provides mentorship, networking, and comprehensive support for female graduates.

M. Narikbayev KAZGUU University is committed to promoting gender equality in alignment with SDG 5

M. Narikbayev KAZGUU University actively supports the achievement of SDG 5, which aims to ensure gender equality and empower all women. An analysis of the gender ratio of the university’s staff shows significant progress toward gender equality.
According to 2023 data the proportion of women among employees is 59.8%, while the percentage of women among the academic staff is 61.1%. Significant achievements have been made in the leadership of the university.
Women represent 56.4% of the heads of departments and 80% of the heads of higher schools.
All four higher schools of the university have been led by women, and out of the 11 vice deans, 9 are women.
6 of the 10 members of the University’s Executive Board are women, showcasing the highest decision making level is sufficiently represented by women.
The university continues its efforts to create equal opportunities for all staff by implementing mentorship programs, flexible work schedules, and supporting women’s participation in scientific research.

16 Days of activism against gender-based violence at M. Narikbayev KAZGUU University

From November 25 to December 10, 2023, M. Narikbayev KAZGUU University hosted a series of impactful events dedicated to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” included lectures and discussions featuring numerous speakers—activists advocating for women’s rights, psychologists, and lawyers. The sessions focused on various aspects of gender-based violence, offering insights into legal protections, psychological support, and strategies to combat violence. These events sparked important conversations on empowering women, raising awareness, and advancing the fight for gender equality and the elimination of violence against women.

Supporting Equal Rights and Work-Life Balance at M. Narikbayev KAZGUU University

At M. Narikbayev KAZGUU University we are committed to ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all, recognizing that many of our employees share responsibilities in caring for and supporting their families. Over half of the university’s employees are women, and we strive to support work-life balance for everyone. In alignment with Kazakhstan’s Labor Code, we protect pregnant employees, young parents, and single parents from dismissal, while providing rights to maternity leave, job security, and child care breaks. Young parents among our students are granted academic leave under the Law on Education. M. Narikbayev KAZGUU University also offers child-friendly spaces for our staff and students, creating a supportive environment that enables our employees and students to balance career and family responsibilities successfully. We care deeply about every member of our university and are proud of their dedication. Their achievements inspire us all and contribute to the success and well-being of our entire university community.

Student mentorship program

Mentoring is a unique university project that helps students reach a new level in their career and learn from professionals in the field.

Mentoring of university students is a process of interaction between students and mentors, the purpose of which is to transfer the experience and knowledge of the mentor and provide support to students in educational, research, and social activities.

Mentorship of students is implemented through the following tasks:

1. Transferring practical work experience to the students;
2. Solving practical tasks and cases together with the students;
3. Conducting research together with the students, preparing and publishing joint articles, theses, and scientific works;
4. Organizing internships for students within the mentor’s organization;
5. Providing career planning consultations to students.

As part of the international campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Law at Maqsut Narikbayev University, Muslim Khasenov, Ph.D., will conduct a workshop on the topic “Countering Domestic Violence: Issues and Solutions.”