Kazakhstan: University Issues Statement Concerning “Behavior Lessons” for Female Students

At the Kazakh National Pedagogical University named after Abay, first-year female students were gathered for a closed meeting. They were shown a video with “behavior lessons," Orda.kz reports.

According to complaints published by Qumash, around 40–50 first-year female students were invited to an auditorium. Posters calling for modesty were displayed, and a video was shown in which men of various ages explained how girls should behave.

The main instructions included avoiding revealing clothing, speaking quietly, and bowing when greeting men.

One senior lecturer also claimed that the LGBT community in Europe was growing due to “excessive female freedom.” 

Attendees said no one was allowed to leave the auditorium before the meeting ended.

The university later commented, stating the meeting was part of an educational program to promote “national values and the educational philosophy of Abay Kunanbayev.” 

In its official response, the administration noted:

The video footage shown during the meeting received mixed reactions from students, which caused controversy among the participants. The university administration understands this situation and states that in the future it will exercise maximum care when selecting materials of similar content.

KazNPU emphasized that it remains a secular institution that respects freedom, personal choice, and diversity of student opinions.

Original Author: Alina Pak