The Role of Women in the Sustainable Development of Science: An Online Seminar Held at KazNU within the Framework of SDG 5

An online seminar titled “The Role of Women in the Sustainable Development of Science: SDG 5 – Gender Equality” was held at the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences of Al-FarabiKazakh National University (kaznu.kz) as part of the pedagogical practice of first-year PhD students majoring in Ecology (kaznu.kz). The event was conducted in a hybrid format (offline/online) and brought together faculty members, researchers, PhD students, Master’s students, and undergraduates of the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Development.

The plenary session became an important academic platform for discussing the role of women in scientific research, the digital transformation of science, and the formation of a sustainable future. The seminar was organized by PhD students under the supervision of the Head of Pedagogical Practice, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor of the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Development, Kutzhan Askan Nurtaykyzy.  

Opening the event, the organizers emphasized the relevance of the topic in the context of implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering women. It was noted that sustainable development is impossible without equal participation of women in science, innovation, and strategic decision-making. In the context of digital transformation, gender balance in science becomes especially significant.

The plenary session featured presentations by first-year PhD students in Ecology from both Russian and Kazakh groups: Diana Akhmetzhanova, AsselKoblanova, Arman Zhumazhanov, AsemShaimakhanova, Elnur Arifzade, and ErlanSadvakassov. Each speaker addressed a specific aspect of the overall theme.

The presentations examined gender equality as a driver of scientific and sustainable development, highlighted international and national trends, and analyzed the state of gender balance in Kazakhstan’s scientific community. Special attention was paid to barriers faced by women in academic careers, the “glass ceiling” phenomenon, access to funding and grants, and the influence of gender stereotypes.

Particular interest was generated by reports on the contribution of women scientists to environmental research and sustainable development. Examples of scientific projects in ecology, environmental protection, and climate research demonstrated the important role of women in shaping sustainable solutions for regional development.

Another key focus was digitalization and the new opportunities it creates for women in science. Speakers emphasized the importance of IT platforms, digital tools, remote work, and international online collaborations. The development of STEM fields and digital competencies was identified as a critical factor for professional growth in the modern scientific environment.

The final part of the plenary session addressed institutional mechanisms supporting women in science, the role of universities and NGOs, and the importance of implementing gender-oriented scientific policies.  

Among the participants were Professor T.A. Bazarbayeva, Head of the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Development, faculty members, researchers, and students of the faculty. As a result of the conducted teaching practice, this event received positive feedback and a high evaluation from the department’s faculty members.

During the general discussion, participants explored ways to expand women’s participation in STEM fields, develop digital skills, and strengthen institutional support mechanisms.

Summarizing the first part of the seminar, participants emphasized that gender equality in science is not only a social priority but also a strategic condition for sustainable and innovative development. The event made a significant contribution to academic dialogue and reaffirmed Al-Farabi Kazakh National University’s commitment to promoting the principles of equality, sustainability, and scientific progress.