Gender Wage Gap Among Rural Residents in Kazakhstan

Today, the problem of gender asymmetry in pay within the labor market of Kazakhstan’s rural areas remains relevant. Objective – to analyze the current state of gender wage inequality in rural areas, diagnose risks, identify weaknesses, and develop measures to reduce the gender imbalance in this area. Methods – collection and comparative analysis of data based on the study of domestic and international practices regarding gender disparity. Results – it was established that the working-age population of the country’s rural areas is characterized by an outflow of residents to cities, low absolute incomes, a shortage of qualified personnel, a high share of informal employment, and a female labor activity index in agriculture equal to 9.09 %, which is far below the standard. The maximum gender gap in 2025 was identified in the Mangystau region, with the difference compared to the Zhetysu region reaching 40 percentage points. Indicators of gender asymmetry in monetary payments are significantly influenced by the structure of the gross regional product. Conclusions – the author proposes a series of mechanisms aimed at reducing gender inequality in the republic: legislative initiatives tightening state control and accountability for the infringement of women’s rights; improvement of state statistical accounting information systems; countering gender stereotypes through training and information campaigns; organization of labor mobility centers and implementation of regional targeted programs to increase female representation in leadership positions and agribusiness. Systemic changes and access to high-paying positions are required.

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