Gender Equality is A Key Component of Sustainable Development

On April 2, 2025, a round table discussion on the topic: “Gender Equality in the World: Goals and Objectives” was held at the Higher School of Economics and Business of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The event was part of a series aimed at introducing students to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and discussing ways to implement them both nationally and globally.
The organizers opened the session by presenting the agenda and emphasizing the importance of SDG 5 — “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls” as a cornerstone of sustainable development.

Student Baktiyarova S. delivered a report on the global gender equality landscape. According to the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report, the top-ranking countries in terms of gender equality are Iceland, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, and Sweden. Among CIS countries, Belarus, Armenia, and Ukraine ranked highest. Kazakhstan placed 62nd out of 146 countries, improving its position compared to 2022.

The Gender Equality Index is calculated based on four main dimensions: economic participation and career opportunities, education, health and survival, and political empowerment. However, the speaker noted that countries like Algeria, Chad, and Afghanistan continue to show the most concerning conditions for women.

Senior lecturer Abdullina A.B. spoke about the progress made in Kazakhstan. Since the adoption of the 2009 law “On State Guarantees of Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities for Men and Women,” the country's gender policy has gained momentum in recent years. Notable measures include:  
- the elimination of the list of professions prohibited for women,  
- the introduction of a 30% quota in Parliament for women, youth, and persons with disabilities,  
- the strengthening of measures against domestic violence,  
- flexible work arrangements for single fathers,  
- and the development of a comprehensive national gender policy strategy.

Student Rozmetov R. highlighted the situation in Turkmenistan, where traditional stereotypes about women's roles in society remain the main obstacle to achieving gender equality across all spheres of life.

The session concluded with a broader discussion of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with particular focus on gender equality. Participants emphasized that building a fair, inclusive, and sustainable society requires continued youth engagement, awareness, and efforts to create equal opportunities for all.