On October 14, 2024, in New York, Muslim Khasenov, a member of the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, delivered a speech at a side-event organized during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The event focused on critical issues related to strengthening the capacity of social services to protect women and children, as well as the pivotal role of social work in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In his speech, Muslim Khasenov noted that the key efforts of the National Commission are focused on supporting legislative initiatives aimed at protecting the rights of women and children, as well as developing professional social work in Kazakhstan. The speaker emphasized the importance of adopting a law on social work, which will strengthen the infrastructure of social services, elevate the status of social workers, and improve the quality of services provided. It was also highlighted that the creation of national associations of social workers is a crucial step in consolidating efforts in the field of social protection, which will significantly enhance the effectiveness of programs aimed at protecting women and children.
Key topics in the speech addressed issues such as gender pay inequality among social workers, the insufficient participation of women in economic and political life, and the need to improve the qualifications of specialists working with vulnerable populations. Khasenov also emphasized the importance of supporting women leaders in the social sector, as their role is crucial in advancing the rights of women and children at all levels.
In conclusion of his speech, Muslim Khasenov recommended that the UN develop and adopt a Model Law on Social Work. Such a law could serve as a guideline for states when enhancing the legal status of social workers, providing clear recommendations for improving their legal standing, working conditions, and professional support.
International experts, including Professor Michael Sherraden from Washington University (St. Louis, USA), shared their experiences, noting Kazakhstan’s success in implementing the National Children’s Fund program, based on the concept of Child Development Accounts (CDA). This program plays a vital role in ensuring social stability and financial support for families with children in the country.
In closing the side-event, Dinara Yesimova, Executive Director of the National Alliance of Professional Social Workers (NAPSW) and moderator of the event, emphasized that collaboration with international organizations and leading schools of social work remains a priority for Kazakhstan. The event’s recommendations will be submitted to national and international institutions for further implementation.
The event gathered representatives from the UN, international organizations, and the academic community, all of whom expressed their readiness to continue working with Kazakhstan to strengthen social protection for women and children.
In his speech, Muslim Khasenov noted that the key efforts of the National Commission are focused on supporting legislative initiatives aimed at protecting the rights of women and children, as well as developing professional social work in Kazakhstan. The speaker emphasized the importance of adopting a law on social work, which will strengthen the infrastructure of social services, elevate the status of social workers, and improve the quality of services provided. It was also highlighted that the creation of national associations of social workers is a crucial step in consolidating efforts in the field of social protection, which will significantly enhance the effectiveness of programs aimed at protecting women and children.
Key topics in the speech addressed issues such as gender pay inequality among social workers, the insufficient participation of women in economic and political life, and the need to improve the qualifications of specialists working with vulnerable populations. Khasenov also emphasized the importance of supporting women leaders in the social sector, as their role is crucial in advancing the rights of women and children at all levels.
In conclusion of his speech, Muslim Khasenov recommended that the UN develop and adopt a Model Law on Social Work. Such a law could serve as a guideline for states when enhancing the legal status of social workers, providing clear recommendations for improving their legal standing, working conditions, and professional support.
International experts, including Professor Michael Sherraden from Washington University (St. Louis, USA), shared their experiences, noting Kazakhstan’s success in implementing the National Children’s Fund program, based on the concept of Child Development Accounts (CDA). This program plays a vital role in ensuring social stability and financial support for families with children in the country.
In closing the side-event, Dinara Yesimova, Executive Director of the National Alliance of Professional Social Workers (NAPSW) and moderator of the event, emphasized that collaboration with international organizations and leading schools of social work remains a priority for Kazakhstan. The event’s recommendations will be submitted to national and international institutions for further implementation.
The event gathered representatives from the UN, international organizations, and the academic community, all of whom expressed their readiness to continue working with Kazakhstan to strengthen social protection for women and children.