The Labour Market Through the Prism of Gender: The Case of Kazakhstan

Abstract

This study examines the gender wage gap in Kazakhstan, highlighting persistent disparities despite some progress. In high-paying sectors, men earn up to 37% more than women. The objective is to identify key factors contributing to this gap from 2013 to 2023. Using official data from the Bureau of National Statistics of Kazakhstan, the research utilizes secondary data analysis, industry analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Factors analyzed include the ratio of female to male heads in higher education, the proportion of female research specialists, and the Gender Inequality Index. Results show that the proportion of female research specialists significantly reduces the gender wage gap, with a coefficient of -2.7286 and a p-value of 0.013. In contrast, the ratio of female heads and the Gender Inequality Index show no significant impact, with coefficients of 0.6690 (p-value: 0.160) and -0.2752 (p-value: 0.262), respectively. The wage gap, 27% in 2023, is most pronounced in high-paying sectors, influenced by differences in working hours and domestic responsibilities affecting women disproportionately. The study concludes that achieving sustainable gender equality in Kazakhstan requires targeted policies addressing economic and cultural barriers. Enhancing female participation in high-paying sectors and supporting their career advancement is crucial to reducing the gender wage gap and fostering a more equitable labor market.