On April 15, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan enacted legislation aimed at safeguarding the rights of women and enhancing children’s safety, introducing stricter penalties for violence against them. This legislative action marks a significant advancement in human rights and underscores Kazakhstan’s leadership in fostering a secure and fair society. Beyond mere rhetoric, this represents a substantial legal and punitive reform, signifying a genuine transformation.

Fundamentally, Kazakhstan’s legislators have diligently pursued avenues to ensure that victims of gender-based and domestic violence feel secure, supported, and validated. As a public servant, I commend and deeply respect this initiative and Kazakhstan’s dedication to listening to and shielding survivors.

The new law addresses a range of pressing issues including domestic violence, sexual violence, bullying, and harassment, imposing criminal liability for any deliberate harm inflicted on others.

This development holds profound implications for Kazakhstan, symbolizing a pivotal moment for the nation and its governance. Going forward, the government will launch a comprehensive initiative aimed at challenging societal norms that perpetuate violence against women and children, and promoting gender equality, healthy relationships, and a steadfast stance against family violence.

The legislation not only protects the rights and safety of women and children, but also modernizes the treatment of offenders. By criminalizing domestic violence and demonstrating a resolute commitment to combat all forms of cruelty, it takes a critical step toward ensuring accountability for perpetrators.

Its approach is multifaceted, promoting cultural respect for women’s rights and human dignity while empowering victims of violence with newfound legal rights to seek protection and support.

This legislation underscores Kazakhstan’s commitment, supported by its government, to combat bias, evident through its standing as the region’s leader according to the UNDP Gender Social Norms Index. The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023 highlighted Kazakhstan’s remarkable progress in women’s empowerment, with a significant jump of 18 places to 62nd globally in the past year. This advancement is particularly notable in closing educational gender gaps and enhancing women’s political and economic participation. President Tokayev’s endorsement of these efforts is further evidenced by the establishment of the Central Asian Regional Knowledge Platform, aimed at sharing expertise on gender empowerment, violence prevention, and response.

This reform operates on multiple fronts: legal, political, and cultural. While punitive measures are a crucial aspect of the law, they are complemented by cultural reforms promoting inclusivity, gender equality, and vibrant democratic participation. Cultivating greater respect and sensitivity towards women and children serves as a proactive measure for the future.

The law demonstrates our steadfast dedication to democratic principles, advancing gender equality, and fortifying family structures. By addressing the root causes of violence and providing comprehensive support to those affected, government agencies are actively strengthening our nation’s foundation.