On July 15, 2026, Atyrau University of Oil and Gas named after S. Utebayev hosted the republican forum "Family and Gender: Values and Current Trends. The forum was organized by the Akimat of Atyrau region under the auspices of the National Commission for Women's Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Deputy Chairman of the National Commission Lyazzat Suleimen and Deputy Akim of the region Daryn Shamuratov delivered welcoming remarks at the forum's opening.
Strengthening the institution of the family and improving citizens' welfare remain a constant focus of the Head of State's attention. For the first time, the Constitution has established the legal status of marriage and family in Kazakhstan. Amid the broader transformation of social policy, greater attention is now being paid to the family as the foundation for raising responsible, independent citizens.
Kazakhstan has built a solid legislative and strategic framework for implementing family policy, one that aligns with international best practices while remaining responsive to the demands of a rapidly digitalizing society. At the same time, continued work is needed to improve the effectiveness of state family and gender policy and to respond proactively to emerging trends in family life — issues that were discussed extensively at the forum.
According to calculations by the Bureau of National Statistics under the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 2024 marked the first year in five in which Kazakhstan achieved both a stabilization in marriage rates and a steady decline in divorce rates (37.3% in 2020, 34–35% in 2021–2022, and 32.8% in 2024) — a sign of the positive impact of state family policy and the gradual strengthening of the family as an institution. Data from the World Values Survey (2025) also show that Kazakhstan ranks among the countries with the highest family values in the world, at over 93%.
Secretary of the National Commission Gaukhar Nurakhmetova led a panel session presenting the achievements and challenges of Kazakhstan's state family and gender policy. She elaborated on the concept of a shift "from a policy of assistance to a policy of opportunity," a thesis first outlined by the Chairman of the National Commission, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva, in an interview with Zakon.kz.
The session was moderated by Gulzada Shakulikova, Rector of Atyrau University of Oil and Gas. Panelists sharing best practices in strengthening family values included Saule Rakhmetullina, Rector of East Kazakhstan Technical University; Bekdayyr Kuzembai, Chairman of the Atyrau branch of the Republican NGO "Union of Fathers"; Sabyrzhan Tembayev, Chairman of the Public Council of Zhezkazgan; Altynai Molzhanova, Director of the "Anaga Tagzym" Center in Kyzylorda; and Yerzhan Myrzabai, a well-known family psychologist.
According to a survey by the Kazakhstan Institute of Public Development, the majority of Kazakhstanis (82.7%) support equal participation by both parents in raising children. Speakers noted that older generations remain a vital source of life experience and moral guidance, and that respect for elders continues to be one of the core values of Kazakhstani families.
Positive trends were also noted in the quality of marriages, with modern couples taking a more responsible approach to starting a family. Kazakhstanis rank mutual care, respect and support as the most important values in marriage (62.7%), followed by love (43.2%) and children (38.7%).
More than 200 people took part in the forum's discussion sessions in person, the majority representing civil society — public associations and foundations, trade unions, experts and analysts, public figures, youth organizations, and activists engaged in family policy and education. Over 100 more registered to participate online, reflecting strong public interest in the future of the Kazakhstani family.
The experience of Atyrau region's regional commission on women's affairs and family and demographic policy, operating under the region's Akim, drew particular attention. It was presented by Fatima Tuleeva, Deputy Chairman of the regional commission and President of the Alliance of Civil Forces of Atyrau region, and Shota Kanatov, Chairman of the Council of Fathers of Atyrau region and author of the "Urpagynmen Myn Zhasa" project.
The following day, the forum continued with a seminar titled "Women's Economic and Social Activism as the Basis of Family Well-Being."
The National Commission continues to work on expanding economic opportunities for Kazakhstani women. Today, women head nearly half (49.2%) of Kazakhstan's small and medium-sized enterprises, and 58.6% of individual entrepreneurs are women. In Atyrau region specifically, women lead nearly 45% of SMEs — underscoring their central role in securing family incomes, creating jobs, and improving quality of life.
Proposals gathered from forum participants will be reviewed by the National Commission's expert group and forwarded as recommendations to relevant government agencies.
Deputy Chairman of the National Commission Lyazzat Suleimen and Deputy Akim of the region Daryn Shamuratov delivered welcoming remarks at the forum's opening.
Strengthening the institution of the family and improving citizens' welfare remain a constant focus of the Head of State's attention. For the first time, the Constitution has established the legal status of marriage and family in Kazakhstan. Amid the broader transformation of social policy, greater attention is now being paid to the family as the foundation for raising responsible, independent citizens.
Kazakhstan has built a solid legislative and strategic framework for implementing family policy, one that aligns with international best practices while remaining responsive to the demands of a rapidly digitalizing society. At the same time, continued work is needed to improve the effectiveness of state family and gender policy and to respond proactively to emerging trends in family life — issues that were discussed extensively at the forum.
According to calculations by the Bureau of National Statistics under the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 2024 marked the first year in five in which Kazakhstan achieved both a stabilization in marriage rates and a steady decline in divorce rates (37.3% in 2020, 34–35% in 2021–2022, and 32.8% in 2024) — a sign of the positive impact of state family policy and the gradual strengthening of the family as an institution. Data from the World Values Survey (2025) also show that Kazakhstan ranks among the countries with the highest family values in the world, at over 93%.
Secretary of the National Commission Gaukhar Nurakhmetova led a panel session presenting the achievements and challenges of Kazakhstan's state family and gender policy. She elaborated on the concept of a shift "from a policy of assistance to a policy of opportunity," a thesis first outlined by the Chairman of the National Commission, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva, in an interview with Zakon.kz.
The session was moderated by Gulzada Shakulikova, Rector of Atyrau University of Oil and Gas. Panelists sharing best practices in strengthening family values included Saule Rakhmetullina, Rector of East Kazakhstan Technical University; Bekdayyr Kuzembai, Chairman of the Atyrau branch of the Republican NGO "Union of Fathers"; Sabyrzhan Tembayev, Chairman of the Public Council of Zhezkazgan; Altynai Molzhanova, Director of the "Anaga Tagzym" Center in Kyzylorda; and Yerzhan Myrzabai, a well-known family psychologist.
According to a survey by the Kazakhstan Institute of Public Development, the majority of Kazakhstanis (82.7%) support equal participation by both parents in raising children. Speakers noted that older generations remain a vital source of life experience and moral guidance, and that respect for elders continues to be one of the core values of Kazakhstani families.
Positive trends were also noted in the quality of marriages, with modern couples taking a more responsible approach to starting a family. Kazakhstanis rank mutual care, respect and support as the most important values in marriage (62.7%), followed by love (43.2%) and children (38.7%).
More than 200 people took part in the forum's discussion sessions in person, the majority representing civil society — public associations and foundations, trade unions, experts and analysts, public figures, youth organizations, and activists engaged in family policy and education. Over 100 more registered to participate online, reflecting strong public interest in the future of the Kazakhstani family.
The experience of Atyrau region's regional commission on women's affairs and family and demographic policy, operating under the region's Akim, drew particular attention. It was presented by Fatima Tuleeva, Deputy Chairman of the regional commission and President of the Alliance of Civil Forces of Atyrau region, and Shota Kanatov, Chairman of the Council of Fathers of Atyrau region and author of the "Urpagynmen Myn Zhasa" project.
The following day, the forum continued with a seminar titled "Women's Economic and Social Activism as the Basis of Family Well-Being."
The National Commission continues to work on expanding economic opportunities for Kazakhstani women. Today, women head nearly half (49.2%) of Kazakhstan's small and medium-sized enterprises, and 58.6% of individual entrepreneurs are women. In Atyrau region specifically, women lead nearly 45% of SMEs — underscoring their central role in securing family incomes, creating jobs, and improving quality of life.
Proposals gathered from forum participants will be reviewed by the National Commission's expert group and forwarded as recommendations to relevant government agencies.