Kazakhstan's Bold New Program Trains Women for Political Leadership
A new leadership training program for women has launched in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The initiative aims to boost female political participation and develop leadership skills among attendees. Organised jointly by UN Women, the Ministry of Culture and Information, and the National Commission for Women’s Affairs, the event marks a key step in promoting gender equality in the country. The three-day program forms part of a broader project titled Promoting Legal Protection for Women, Strengthening Gender Equality, and Ensuring Their Full Participation in Public and Political Life. Participants will take part in workshops, interactive sessions, and simulations of political processes to sharpen their communication and decision-making abilities.
Aida Balayeva, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information, opened the event with a welcoming speech. Her address highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting women in leadership roles. Meanwhile, Jeren Güven Güreş, Head of UN Women’s Central Asia Regional Office, stressed the need for greater female representation in politics to achieve inclusive governance. Current figures show that women occupy around 18% of parliamentary seats in Kazakhstan and hold 16% of Cabinet positions. Globally, the situation remains uneven, with women making up just 27.5% of parliamentarians and leading governments in only 28 countries.
The training program provides practical tools for women aiming to enter or advance in politics. By improving skills in negotiation, public speaking, and policy-making, organisers hope to see more female leaders in Kazakhstan’s government. The outcomes could influence future policies on gender equality and political representation in the region.
