GENDER EQUALITY POLICIES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND KAZAKHSTAN: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Kazakhstan has made significant progress in institutionalizing gender equality. However, there are still existing challenges, including the gender pay gap, women’s underrepresentation in leadership positions, and gender-based violence. This study aims to compare selected gender equality policy documents of the European Union and Kazakhstan to identify patterns, similarities, and differences. The study applied thematic analysis across three predefined categories: terminology and definitions, quotas and support measures, and conflict resolution mechanisms in the labor sector. The findings showed that the EU policy has comprehensive gender-related definitions, a legally binding framework for gender equality advancement, and a high level of interdepartmental cooperation. At the same time, the analysis of Kazakhstani documents revealed significant gaps in terminology, the absence of gender-specific quotas for women, and the conflation of gender equality policy and family and demographic issues. Based on the study’s findings, key recommendations for improving gender equality policy in Kazakhstan were developed, including the introduction of precise and legally binding definitions related to gender equality, the establishment of a separate institution responsible for gender equality, and the implementation of quotas for women to strengthen their representation in leadership positions. The results contribute to the development of comparative research in Central Asia and provide practical recommendations for policymakers.