Socio-Economic Gender Inequality in Kazakhstan: Analysis based on the Cluster Approach

Abstract

Gender-based public policy is crucial for ensuring equal opportunities for men and women across all spheres of life. The objective of this study is to analyze gender inequality trends in Kazakhstan from 2013 to 2023 by focusing on key social and economic indicators, such as political representation, educational attainment, labor force participation, and wage disparities. The study employs K-means clustering to group Kazakhstan's regions into clusters based on gender inequality indicators, such as the Gender Inequality Index (GII), wage gap, maternal mortality, and political representation. The data used in this study come from official statistics provided by the Bureau National of Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan and international organizations such as the United Nations from 2013 to 2023. The analysis revealed that Cluster 0 had the lowest gender inequality, with a Gender Inequality Index (GII) of 0.34 and a 27% wage gap. Cluster 1, with a GII of 0.37, exhibited higher disparities, particularly in adolescent birth rates and wage gaps (33%). Cluster 2, with the highest inequality (GII of 0.41), also showed a 32.73 maternal mortality rate and a 24% wage gap. These findings underscore the persistent challenges in gender equality, especially in the areas of economic and political participation, despite improvements in educational access. The study's implications are significant, highlighting the need for targeted policies to reduce wage disparities, improve political representation for women, and address maternal health. These insights can guide policymakers in prioritizing gender-focused interventions for sustainable development, thereby contributing to the broader goal of achieving long-term gender equality in Kazakhstan.