Region of Equal Opportunities: Pavlodar Region Sets an Example of Gender Progress

The Pavlodar Region continues to hold its position as one of Kazakhstan’s most active regions in promoting equal opportunities for women and men. This was confirmed during a working visit to the region by Lyazzat Suleimen, Deputy Chairperson of the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

During the visit, Lyazzat Suleimen met with Aigul Malikova, Chairperson of the Regional Commission for Women Affairs and Deputy Akim of Pavlodar Region. The discussion focused on the implementation of the national gender policy, the expansion of women’s participation in governance and the economy, support for families and motherhood, as well as women’s and children’s health.

Aigul Malikova highlighted that women in Pavlodar make a significant contribution to regional development and social stability. Today, around 24,000 enterprises of various ownership forms are led by women. Women make up 67% of employees in local self-government bodies, and 11 women currently serve as Deputy Akims of districts and cities.

At the regional level, a strong gender balance is also observed: two out of four Deputy Akims of Pavlodar Region are women. Among rural district akims, 15% are women, exceeding the national average.

Particular attention was given to women’s representation in elected bodies. In the Pavlodar Priirtysh area, 55 women deputies were elected to maslikhats (local representative bodies) of various levels — 40% of the total number of deputies.

A unique fact distinguishes the region: the Pavlodar City Maslikhat is the only one in Kazakhstan where women make up half of the deputies (12 out of 24), actively participating in public and civic life.

Women in the region also lead the way in civil society. Of the 832 registered non-governmental organizations, 581 are headed by women — nearly 70%. About 50 NGOs implement projects specifically in the field of family and gender policy.

Summing up the visit, Lyazzat Suleimen emphasized that Pavlodar’s gender policy demonstrates steady progress and serves as a model for other regions:

“The fact that two women hold the positions of Deputy Akim of the region, and that women make up 50% of the Pavlodar City Maslikhat, is a rare and exemplary case for Kazakhstan. This experience should be studied and shared.”

The National Commission underlined that the Pavlodar model of equal opportunities proves: the region’s development is directly linked to the active participation of women in all areas of life — from business and public service to community initiatives.