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AlmaU, a leading entrepreneurial University in Kazakhstan has recently developed its third mission, adding up to the first two that include entrepreneurship and social responsibility. Third mission aims at the social orientation, service learning, contribution to the development of regions, cities, communities, the formation of civic activism and responsibility among students. Enhancing women’s rights is among the top priorities of the University’s contribution to the development of society.

In December, AlmaU together with the “Alliance of Women's Forces of Kazakhstan” organized a roundtable within the walls of the University which has been attended by members of National Commission for Women and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Alliance of Women’s Forces of Kazakhstan ALE, the Commission for Women and Family and Demographic Policies of Almaty city Akim, representatives of the expert community, professors, staff and students of AlmaU.

The roundtable adressed the results of a sociological study on the situation of women in Kazakhstan where University’s staff, as well as representatives of women and men from various financial, racial and social backgrounds actively participated. Sociologists interviewed 1,000 working, self-employed, unemployed women and entrepreneurs. The categories of social vulnerability of women were also taken into account by health status, by the health status of their children, by family circumstances (single, large), by age, by condition as a result of unforeseen disasters (fires, floods, etc.).The presentation of the sociological research reflected the results of an expert survey conducted among leaders of NGOs, deputies, leaders and heads of various organizations. The study involved men of various social statuses and age categories, with whom an in-depth interview was conducted.

This study was aimed at identification of problems in respecting the rights of women in all spheres of activity, analysis of the presence of women at the decision-making level in politics and economics, analysis of discrimination against women and the causes of violence (all forms), against women and children, identification of the reasons for the deterioration of the reproductive health of women, as well as ways to maintain it as well identification of ways to improve the social status of women and their status in Kazakhstan. This study that AlmaU supported determined the status of women in such areas as political activity, women's representation at the decision-making level, employment and career growth, economic productivity, discrimination against women and children, and the preservation of reproductive health and moral education of young people.

Kaltaeva Lyazzat Moldabekovna, Chairman of NGO “Association of Women with Disabilities “Shyrak”, member of ALE “Alliance of Women’s Forces of Kazakhstan” : “Talking about the issue of women with disabilities, it’s not enough to include their questions. In fact, girls, women with disabilities are indeed subject to multiple discrimination and are a particularly vulnerable group for the population. Unfortunately, nowhere, in any laws, acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan it is mentioned. Women with disabilities experience even more violence: domestic, hidden (they cannot report facts of violence). Such women are even subjected to minor daily psychological violence. Many people believe that it should be so, that it is compensation for the damage that they bring to the family (guilt). It is also worth considering cases with girls with mental disorders. They don’t understand what is being done to them, don’t understand that they are being abused. They will not be able to tell about it until a specific system appears. No trainings, no materials, no information needed. We really want to adress the autonomy of women in decision-making, both in social life and in economic life. ”

At the conclusion of the meeting, experts and participants of the round table launched the development of practical recommendations for improving the quality of life of women, economic support and stimulating their productive employment in Kazakhstan. It was decided that a special public reception room for women will be opened on the basis of Almaty University Management, where lawyers, psychologists, human rights activists and other specialists will render advice. The university leadership supports such projects and is open to new collaborations.