Gender Equality as a Legal Category and Its Conceptualization in the Context of Kazakhstan

On October 9, 2024, a scientific seminar titled "Gender Equality as a Value of Law" was held at the Faculty of Law of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Organized by the Department of Customs, Financial, and Environmental Law, the event was part of the university’s efforts to implement SDG No. 5. The seminar featured participation from key faculty members, including Dean of the Faculty of Law, Associate Professor, Ph.D. U.A. Akhatov, Head of the Department, Professor G.A. Kuanalieva, PhD holder G.K. Rasheva, and Senior Lecturer E.S. Kuandykova, as well as distinguished guests. Among the invited speakers were Lyazzat Rakisheva, President of the Human Rights Lawyers organization and coordinator of the Bir Kadam One-Stop Service Center, and Zhenisgul Khabayeva, a member of the Union of Psychologists of Kazakhstan and a practicing psychologist at the Center. First-year law students also took an active part in the event.
In his opening remarks, Dean U.A. Akhatov emphasized the core objectives of the United Nations' gender policy, underscoring the importance of safeguarding women's rights and promoting respect for women in society. Professor G.A. Kuanalieva, in her address, highlighted key reforms aimed at achieving gender equality in Kazakhstan and emphasized the central role of women's rights in the development of a civilized society.
Gender equality remains a priority for the United Nations, which acknowledges the necessity of removing legal, social, and economic barriers to empower women. This is seen as crucial for attaining full gender justice and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Guest speakers Lyazzat Rakisheva and Zhenisgul Khabayeva presented the work of the Bir Kadam Center, focusing on promoting gender equality, addressing domestic violence, and its prevention. They also discussed recent legislative changes in Kazakhstan concerning these issues, sharing insights from real-life practice. Senior Lecturer E.S. Kuandykova stressed the value of such seminars for students, as they help integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
Throughout the seminar, students engaged actively, posing questions and demonstrating keen interest in the topics discussed. Participants underscored the significance of gender equality in the development of a rule-of-law state, noting that respect for women plays a pivotal role in fostering young people's confidence in the nation's future.
At the end of the scientific seminar, Lyazzat Rakisheva thanked the department and presented her book (60 copies) "Lyazzat towards fate" to the library fund of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and students.