Visually-impaired version 
On the eve of International Women’s Day, the analytical study Gender Economics: What Do We Know About the World and Kazakhstan? was presented at MIND Talks. The study was conducted by Saule Kemelbayeva, Dean of the International School of Economics at Maqsut Narikbayev University and PhD in Economics, along with Adilkhan Ospanov, an intern in the social research programme at the MIND Analytics and Research Center (Maqsut Narikbayev Institute for Network and Development). Their research provides an in-depth examination of gender inequality in the labour market, identifying its causes and proposing solutions to narrow the income gap, improve economic conditions for women, and enhance overall economic efficiency.
According to the study, women in Kazakhstan earn 30% less than men despite possessing higher levels of education and skills. While the number of individuals with higher education is nearly equal between genders, women surpass men among the employed population with university degrees. Since 2000, an average of 57% of university graduates have been women. The OECD Survey of Adult Skills highlights Kazakhstan as one of the few countries where women exhibit, on average, higher functional literacy levels than men. However, this advantage does not translate into equal opportunities in the labour market. Women remain underrepresented in senior positions, are disproportionately employed in lower-paying fields such as education, social services, and the public sector, and face barriers to career advancement due to the so-called “glass ceiling”. Additionally, cultural stereotypes play a significant role in maintaining these disparities. According to the World Values Survey, over 50% of men and 40% of women in Kazakhstan believe that when jobs are scarce, men should be given employment priority.
Saule Kemelbayeva, Dean of the MNU International School of Economics, asserts that the gender gap is not merely a social justice issue but a critical factor influencing the country’s economic development.
“Despite the high educational attainment of women, their participation in the economy remains constrained. Without targeted reforms and support programmes, Kazakhstan forfeits a significant portion of its economic potential and fails to utilise resources efficiently,” emphasises Saule Kemelbayeva.
One of the primary contributors to gender inequality is industrial and occupational segregation. Women are more likely to pursue or be steered into lower-paying professions, while high-income sectors such as mining, construction, manufacturing, and logistics remain predominantly male-dominated. The study’s authors propose several measures to address these disparities.
First, women should be actively encouraged to enter high-paying professions through government grants, educational programs, and targeted internships in fields such as IT, engineering, finance, and science.
Second, wage transparency must be introduced. International evidence demonstrates that mandatory disclosure of salary data by gender—practiced in the UK and EU—helps reduce income disparities. Conducting gender audits of companies and implementing certification processes to ensure compliance with equal pay principles could also be effective.
The study also highlights the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. Several countries, including Norway, have implemented quotas requiring at least 40% female representation on the boards of large corporations. Although such mechanisms have yet to be adopted in Kazakhstan, experts believe they could accelerate progress in achieving gender equality in executive positions.
The authors stress that determining the most effective policies and mechanisms requires discussion not only within the academic community, but also at the societal level. A key report by McKinsey estimates that closing the gender gap could increase global GDP by 26%. Conversely, failing to act could mean that economic gender equality will not be realised for another 260 years. Therefore, policy discussions and implementation must be ongoing rather than confined to annual observances. In Kazakhstan, ensuring equal opportunities for women could lead to more efficient human capital utilisation, job creation, increased tax revenues, and a stronger economic position on the global stage.
“Gender equality is not just about women’s rights; it is also about economic competitiveness. When women earn more, they can invest in education, healthcare, and business, ultimately benefiting society as a whole,” says Saule Kemelbayeva, Dean of the MNU International School of Economics.
The study concludes that gender inequality in Kazakhstan is not only a cultural issue but also a structural one. Without reforms in education, business, and social policy, the gap will persist. The presentation at MIND Talks sparked significant interest among economists and attendees, raising the possibility that the study’s findings could serve as a foundation for future reforms.
MIND Talks is a project where scholars and professors from Maqsut Narikbayev University share their expertise in Astana’s cultural hub, ORTA. According to the MIND Analytics and Research Center, the initiative is more than just a lecture series—it is a crucial step toward integrating science into the capital’s urban culture. To learn more about the project and participate in upcoming lectures, follow the link.
