On 12 December 2025, a meeting of the National Commission on Women and Family and Demographic Policy was held. Chaired by the Head of the Commission and Deputy Prime Minister Aida Balaeva, the meeting focused on expanding women’s economic opportunities and advancing women’s entrepreneurship in the context of the digital economy and artificial intelligence. During the discussion, participants reviewed the progress of ongoing initiatives and assessed the performance of government agencies in creating a favorable entrepreneurial environment for women. Women’s economic activity in Kazakhstan remains relatively high: nearly half (49.2%) of small and medium-sized enterprises are headed by women, while among individual entrepreneurs this share reaches 58.6%. Opening the meeting, Aida Balaeva emphasized: “A high level of digitalization contributes to the growing entrepreneurial activity of Kazakhstani women. It is important not only to maintain current levels of women’s employment, but also to actively expand their access to higher incomes and new sectors of the economy. International experience and data from Kazakhstan clearly show that where women have access to work, resources, and development opportunities, order is established, a culture of equal and respectful partnership emerges, and the risk of violence is reduced.” Gulnar Bizhanova, Member of the Management Board and Deputy Chair of the Board of the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, noted that digital tools and the development of artificial intelligence open up new opportunities for women in business, particularly in high-tech sectors. She highlighted that systematic support through service provision, mentorship, and educational programs helps overcome barriers to entry into entrepreneurship. Despite ongoing efforts, several challenges remain. Many women — especially start-up entrepreneurs and those living in rural areas — face difficulties in accessing credit, guarantees, and investment support, which limits their business growth potential. Low levels of digital literacy continue to restrict the participation of rural women in e-commerce, online employment platforms, and modern forms of remote work. Gender-based sectoral segregation persists, as does the underrepresentation of women in high-paying and strategically important sectors of the economy, including IT, engineering, and digital services. Azamat Amrin, First Vice Minister of National Economy, reported that with the support of the Ministry of National Economy, 20 Entrepreneurship Service Centers are operating across regions, along with 88 regional centers in small towns and rural areas. In addition, the “Women in Business” program is being implemented jointly with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). By the end of the first half of the year, 102.2 billion tenge (USD 247 million) had been allocated to four banks and two microfinance organizations to support lending for women-led SMEs. Measures to support women entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan contribute directly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal on Gender Equality and the Empowerment of All Women and Girls. Following the meeting, Aida Balaeva issued specific instructions to central and local executive bodies to further strengthen support mechanisms for women’s entrepreneurship. The meeting was attended by heads of relevant ministries, representatives of local executive authorities, business organizations, and members of the expert and academic communities.