Motherhood, Part-Time Work, and Gender Pay Gap in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Gender inequality in the labour market remains a persistent issue in Kazakhstan despite legislative progress and improved educational attainment among women. This study aims to assess the impact of motherhood, part-time employment, and access to preschool education on women’s economic participation and the gender pay gap. The research applies a quantitative methodology based on official data from the Bureau of National Statistics of Kazakhstan for the period 2001–2023. Descriptive statistics, growth rate analysis, and Pearson’s correlation analysis were used to examine key structural, institutional, and demographic indicators. The analysis reveals a strong negative correlation between the share of children under age three enrolled in preschool and the gender pay gap (r = –0.878), as well as a strong positive correlation between part-time employment and the gender pay gap (r = 0.811). Over two decades, preschool coverage increased from 4.3% to 47.8%, while the share of women working part-time dropped from 41% to 6%. Additionally, a negative correlation was found between the number of women applying to employment services and the gender pay gap (r = –0.769), indicating the importance of active labour market policies. The findings confirm that expanding preschool infrastructure, promoting formal employment, and supporting women’s return to work can reduce gender disparities. Policy recommendations are proposed to strengthen gender equity and female economic empowerment in alignment with SDG 5.