Gender Equality Index 2025: Is Kazakhstan Leading in the Region?

Ahead of International Women’s Day, analysts examined the state of women’s rights in countries around the world. According to international studies, humanity may have to wait about 123 more years for full gender equality, Orda.kz reports.

According to World Bank research, women in many countries still do not have the same legal rights as men. On average, the level of women’s legal protection worldwide stands at 77% of men’s rights. State policy and legislation also affect women’s economic opportunities, from employment and entrepreneurship to pensions.

Experts estimate that 2.4 billion working-age women live in countries where legislation does not provide equal economic rights. At the same time, they note that reforms in the field of gender equality have slowed in recent years.

The highest level of equality is observed in Australia, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada. These countries score an average of 95.3 out of 100 on the gender equality index. The lowest indicators are recorded in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa, where the index stands at about 53.2 points.

At the same time, only 14 countries in the world have so far achieved full legal equality between women and men, including Iceland, France, Germany, Spain, Canada and Sweden.

The situation in Kazakhstan

In this study, Kazakhstan received 75.6 points out of 100 on the Women’s Rights Index. This is slightly lower than the average for developed countries, but higher than in a number of states in the region. For comparison, Kyrgyzstan scored 76.9 points, Russia 73.1, and Uzbekistan 70.6. The highest rates are recorded in high-income countries, where the gender equality index reaches 95 points or above.

Between 2013 and 2025, Kazakhstan fell by 60 positions in the global ranking, which reflects, on the one hand, a widening gender gap within the country and, on the other, faster progress in other economies. analysts noted. 

Experts believe the situation is gradually changing. Laws expanding women’s economic opportunities are being adopted in different countries. However, estimates suggest that it will take more than a century for the world to achieve full gender equality.

Earlier, we wrote that more women in the military and security forces are seeking gender equality in the field of defence.

Original author: Alina Elgeldina

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