Kazakhstan Strengthens Leadership Skills of Women Officers in Defence Sector

Astana, Kazakhstan. A four‑day Leadership Training for Female Officers in the Defence Sector was held from 19-22 January 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan to strengthen leadership competencies and advance gender equality within the defence institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan and brought together 23 officers of the Ministry of Defence, ranging in rank from major to colonel, reflecting strong institutional commitment to developing women’s leadership in the sector.

The training was organized by the UK Ministry of Defence in partnership with UN Women Kazakhstan, with support of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the National Commission for Women, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The programme convened female officers from Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom to exchange best practices in leadership, strategic planning, and crisis management.

The training was delivered by British female officers from UK defence sector, who served as expert trainers and mentors. Drawing on their professional and operational experience, they shared practical tools to strengthen leadership and management skills in high pressure environments, integrate gender-responsive and inclusive approaches into defence institutions, and support women’s advancement to senior and strategic positions. The programme aligned with the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda and UN Security Council resolution 1325.

Drawing on their extensive operational experience, participants identified a series of persistent institutional barriers affecting women’s career progression within the defence sector. These discussions took place in the context of Kazakhstan’s ongoing efforts to expand the role of women in the security sector. As of March 2025, approximately 9,000 women serve in the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan 1,000 more than in 2024 and more than 60 servicewomen have received state honours for their contributions to national defence. 

Kazakhstan is also strengthening its engagement in UN peacekeeping operations. According to World Population Review, the country currently contributes 155 peacekeepers. Since 2014, 15 female service members of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan have participated in UN peacekeeping missions in Western Sahara, Lebanon, and the Golan Heights. In line with UN targets, the share of women in peacekeeping units is expected to reach 15 per cent and 25 per cent among UN military observers by 2028.

UK female officers commended Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Defence for advancing family‑oriented policies, including facilities and services designed to support servicewomen with children. 

The outcomes of the training are expected to inform the development of Kazakhstan’s next National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP 1325).

UN Women plays a leading role in advancing the WPS Agenda in Central Asia by supporting governments to increase women’s participation in the security sector, strengthen women’s leadership, and promote inclusive institutional practices.

“Empowering women in defense is essential for inclusive security and sustainable peace across Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region. This initiative marks an important step forward in advancing gender equality in the defense sector and demonstrates Kazakhstan’s continued commitment to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, offering practices that can be replicated across neighboring countries,” said Dr. Ceren Güven Gures, Head of the UN Women Central Asia Liaison Office and Representative in Kazakhstan.

Participants completed the training with enhanced practical skills in leadership, emotional intelligence, and strategic planning, as well as concrete recommendations for institutional reforms to strengthen women’s meaningful participation in the WPS Agenda. The panel discussions on structural barriers will further contribute to shaping Kazakhstan’s forthcoming NAP 1325.

For more information please contact: Meiramgul Beisenova, Communications and Advocacy Specialist, UN Women Kazakhstan [ Click to reveal ]