Results on the Training «Respectful Environment: Preventing Harassment and Discrimination»

On March 19, 2025, the Department of Sociology and Social Work at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University organized a training on the topic «Respectful Environment: Preventing Harassment and Discrimination» as part of the implementation of the roadmap for advancing in the QS Sustainability Rankings.

The training aimed to create a safe atmosphere in the academic and working environment, clarify the boundaries of acceptable behavior, and promote a culture of equality among the university's students and faculty. Participants of the training studied different types of harassment and discrimination, as well as methods for preventing them and correctly responding to incidents.

Brief Overview: 

The training was conducted in the Kazakh language and was attended by students, master's students, doctoral students and faculty members of the faculty.

During the training, participants learned:

- The main types of harassment and discrimination, their signs and consequences;

- Methods for recognizing and preventing undesirable behavior;

- How to respond correctly to incidents and support victims;

- Legal aspects related to discrimination and the zero-tolerance policy.

The training was conducted by Nazira Ospanbek, a Master of Social Work, with 10 years of experience as a social worker. She has worked with families in difficult life situations, foster families, and children’s institution graduates. Nazira Ospanbek is a national trainer for UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), a member of the Kazakhstan Association for Sexual and Reproductive Health, and a trainer for the "Foster Parents School" in both Kazakh and Russian languages.

Key Highlights:

- Participants actively engaged in discussions, asked questions, and shared their experiences.

- Practical tasks, role-playing games, and case studies were conducted, allowing participants to consolidate the knowledge gained.

- Special attention was given to methods of combating discrimination and legal aspects related to this issue.

The training was an important step in raising awareness among students and faculty at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University regarding issues of harassment and discrimination. Participants gained not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills to help create a safe and respectful atmosphere in the academic environment. The implementation of such training sessions within the university contributes to the development of a culture of equality and inclusivity, which is an important aspect of advancing the university in the QS Sustainability Rankings.

The training was successful, and the participants expressed their gratitude to the organizers and the speaker for the valuable information and practical advice provided.

Organizer: Aryn D. A.