Kazakhstan’s Efforts to Combat Violence Against Women Highly Praised in New York

At the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, a high-level meeting on “Violence against Women and Girls” served as a platform to present Kazakhstan’s progress in this area. The speech by Aiman Umarova, Deputy Chairperson of the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, received strong attention and recognition from participants.

Aiman Umarova emphasized that Kazakhstan has criminalized battery and minor bodily harm, significantly strengthening sanctions for such offenses. Criminal liability has also been introduced for stalking, sexual harassment of minors, bride kidnapping, and forced marriage, while penalties for bullying and cyberbullying against children have been reinforced. These legislative measures were noted during the discussion as timely and effective.

As highlighted by Aiman Umarova, specialized female investigative units have now been established within the police structure in all regions of Kazakhstan to handle cases of gender-based violence. A National Risk Assessment Standard has been developed and implemented in this area. The support infrastructure includes 121 Family Support Centers, more than 2,000 mobile response teams, 50 crisis centers, and 10 child adaptation centers. Round-the-clock assistance is available via the unified hotline 111.

This systematic approach has produced measurable results: the number of domestic violence crimes has decreased by 20 percent, reaching the lowest level in the past seven years.

Kazakhstan also presented its achievements in advancing women’s empowerment. Today, women make up nearly half of the employed population, lead more than half of small and medium-sized enterprises, hold over 56 percent of administrative civil service positions, and constitute the majority within the judiciary.

In concluding her remarks, Aiman Umarova reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in protecting the rights of women and children. The experience presented at the Commission generated strong interest and reinforced the country’s position as a reliable partner in advancing gender equality and zero tolerance for violence.