Gender equality in education is a key factor in sustainable societal development. Nazarbayev University implements a range of projects aimed at supporting women and girls by providing equal opportunities for education, career advancement, and personal development. These efforts include mentorship, educational programs, and psychological support.
Nazarbayev University is committed to the principles of gender equality and carries out various programs to support women in education, science, and professional development. A key component of this strategy is the Social Development Fund’s grant program, through which students and alumni annually submit and implement social impact projects that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, including gender equality. Driven by their commitment to gender equality, NU’s female students and alumni implement socially impactful projects supported by Fund grants.
These initiatives span a wide range of areas, such as mentoring, educational programming, financial assistance, and psychological aid.
Mentorship and Psychological Support
The project “Daughter’s Diary”, initiated by Nazarbayev University students under the leadership of Aida Iskakova, focuses on supporting the emotional well-being of girls aged 15–22. From December 2023 to November 2024, 25 participants, including girls from socially vulnerable backgrounds, received psychological and educational support designed to foster self-confidence and self-reflection skills.
The project included group trainings on stress management, self-esteem enhancement, and role-playing everyday scenarios, along with one-on-one consultations with psychologists and mentors. A total of 24 workshops were held, helping participants better understand and regulate their emotions and develop skills to protect themselves from violence.
The project demonstrated significant impact: 90% of participants reported improved emotional well-being. Daughter’s Diary was featured in the popular media outlet Manshuq Media, as well as on platforms such as the Association for Sexual and Reproductive Health and the Instagram account @dnevnik.docheri, increasing awareness of women’s mental health issues.
Organizers plan to expand the project, attract more participants, and develop new educational formats to help young women build emotional resilience and self-confidence.
Silver Age, New Beginnings
The project “Kumis zhasta zhana bastama” (Silver Age, New Beginnings) was implemented from January to November 2024 as a meaningful initiative supporting older women. The goal was to foster social engagement, professional development, and psychological well-being. The project was led by NU Graduate School of Business alumna T.K. Nurmangabetova.
The project targeted unemployed women over the age of 45 who faced age discrimination and challenges in the labor market. Entry questionnaires were used to select participants before each program cycle. A total of 103 women completed the training program, which included 24 workshops focused on emotional resilience, self-confidence, social adaptation, and self-actualization. Participants also received personalized coaching and psychological consultations, helping them overcome internal barriers, find motivation for new beginnings, and improve their quality of life.
As a result of the program, women not only gained new skills but also received practical tools for personal growth and social integration. Many reported increased self-confidence, improved emotional states, and new opportunities for active participation in society and employment. Media and social media coverage helped popularize the idea of supporting older women and drew public attention to their potential.
Organizers aim to expand the program, reach more participants, and develop new educational formats. The Silver Age, New Beginnings project has laid a strong foundation for a sustainable support and self-development platform for older women in Kazakhstan, highlighting the importance and relevance of such initiatives.
STEM and Digital Education Programs
The project “Empowering Girls and Women through STEMM Education in Kazakhstan and Central Asia” was implemented from January to November by a student club from the School of Sciences and Humanities at Nazarbayev University. Its goal was to inspire girls to pursue careers in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine). A summer camp was organized, bringing together girls from across Kazakhstan, including participants from SOS Children’s Village and low-income families. The 54 participants engaged in educational lectures, workshops, laboratory tours, and mentoring sessions with NU students and faculty.
The project demonstrated strong results: 80.3% of participants reported increased self-confidence, and 76.9% expressed an intention to apply for STEMM majors. One participant, Sofia Zaitseva, went on to participate in an international biology competition, which further motivated her to pursue her goals. She is now receiving support for admission to a specialized secondary school, demonstrating the project’s long-term impact.
The project received wide media coverage, including features on Nazarbayev University’s official platforms and El.kz, and was actively promoted on Instagram. Organizers plan to continue supporting girls in STEMM by expanding the camp’s reach and enhancing mentorship efforts.
Another initiative supporting women in STEM is the SheCodes project — a unique educational program aimed at empowering and developing the female tech community. It has been implemented at Nazarbayev University since 2022. In 2024, the SheCodes hackathon, supported by the Social Development Fund through a grant, brought together talented young women interested in the IT field, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their skills and solve real-life cases from partner organizations.
As part of the project, participants received mentorship support from EPAM professionals, worked on a case provided by TechnoWomen, and had a chance to go through the first stage of the NURIS acceleration program. The 24-hour offline format enabled the participants to fully immerse themselves in the solution development process.
The hackathon culminated in a pitch session before a jury, where the best teams were awarded cash prizes and gained opportunities for further professional development.
According to feedback, many participants reported improved understanding of information technologies and the chance to apply their knowledge in practice. The hackathon served as a platform to strengthen the professional competencies of the participants and provided valuable hands-on experience.
Beyond professional impact, the project also influenced personal development — participants noted increased self-confidence, belief in their abilities, and greater motivation for continued learning. These outcomes highlight the significance of SheCodes as an initiative that contributes to the growth of the women’s tech community.
Women’s Health and Well-Being
In 2024, the Breast Cancer Awareness student team actively worked to raise awareness about breast cancer and provide real support to those affected. Throughout the year, various events engaged students, faculty, healthcare professionals, and residents from different regions of Kazakhstan.
One of the most notable events was Pink Day, held at Nazarbayev University on February 23. Over 200 participants — students, faculty, and staff — joined the awareness campaign by wearing pink in solidarity. More than 200 informational flyers were distributed during the day, emphasizing the importance of early detection.
On March 7, a blood donation campaign was held in honor of International Women’s Day. A total of 117 people participated, resulting in 57 liters of blood collected for the National Blood Center. Participants also attended an information session about breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and early diagnosis methods.
In the summer and fall, the project team visited regions with high breast cancer incidence. Informational sessions were held in Ekibastuz and Temirtau, where residents received brochures on disease prevention.
In October and November, the project reached educational institutions in Astana. Campaigns were held at two schools and two universities, with lectures delivered by oncologists and professors from NU’s School of Medicine. Students and pupils learned the importance of regular checkups and early detection.
The team also provided support for women undergoing treatment. In September, 50 Hope Kits — filled with useful and comforting items — were delivered to the Oncology Center in Astana.
Through awareness campaigns, events, and charitable initiatives, thousands of people gained knowledge about breast cancer, and many received real help and support during a difficult time.
Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment
In addition to grant support for social initiatives at Nazarbayev University, the Fund supported anti-harassment training programs.
As part of an initiative to foster a safe and inclusive work environment, a series of trainings based on the Empowerment through Self-Defense (ESD) methodology was conducted. The aim was to build a culture of zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, and violence. From 2023 to 2024, 77 trainings were conducted with 845 participants, including NU students, staff, and members of affiliated organizations.
The ESD methodology, based on the internationally recognized El HaLev approach, enables individuals — regardless of age, gender, or physical ability — to use their inner resources to protect themselves from violence. The training provides tools ranging from verbal strategies to physical self-defense techniques, teaching participants to assess situations, set boundaries, and use de-escalation tactics. Unlike traditional methods, ESD focuses on prevention, helping to stop aggression before it starts.
These trainings were initiated in response to the urgent issue of violence in Kazakhstani society. Participants not only learned how to counter harassment and abuse but also how to respond appropriately and report such incidents. The program included students at all academic levels, including international students, as well as university staff and affiliates.
Feedback showed high levels of engagement and effectiveness. Most participants reported increased awareness and confidence in applying the skills learned. These trainings marked a significant step toward creating a safe educational environment where everyone feels protected and can grow freely, without fear of violence or discrimination.
Nazarbayev University’s initiatives to expand women’s access to education reflect a comprehensive and sustainable approach — from mentorship and educational programming to financial and psychological support. Special attention is given to creating an inclusive environment where women and girls — regardless of age, social status, or region — have the opportunity to learn, grow professionally, and develop personally.
It is important to note that the University and the Social Development Fund do not limit their efforts to internal promotion of gender-sensitive values. Thanks to the active civic engagement of NU’s female students and alumni, these values transcend the campus and enter society at large. Their projects reach women and girls across Kazakhstan — from young students to women in their silver age — promoting equality, inclusivity, and female leadership.
Thus, Nazarbayev University not only provides women’s access schemes within its academic community but also serves as a launchpad for broader social transformation, fostering a sustainable culture of gender equality and women’s empowerment on a national scale.
