Challenges of empowering gender equality in the small and medium enterprises of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Abstract

This article explores the multifaceted challenges of fostering gender equality within Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kazakhstan, with a detailed examination across the insurance, IT, marketing, and automotive sectors. Employing regression analysis, the study meticulously investigates the influence of gender on several professional dimensions: leadership roles, salary disparities, and marital status. The findings reveal distinct patterns of gender inequality across the industries. In the insurance sector, female leaders are notably compensated less than their male counterparts, highlighting a direct salary gap influenced by gender. The IT industry is characterized by a pronounced shortage of female professionals, attributed to prevailing stereotypes regarding gender suitability for technical roles. Although the marketing industry exhibits a comparatively smaller wage gap, it still struggles with underrepresentation of women in leadership positions. The most stark inequality is observed in the automotive industry, where women not only receive lower salaries but are also subjected to diminished professional privileges, underpinned by perceptions questioning their capabilities. The study underscores the critical need for targeted interventions by both the government and corporate sectors to mitigate these disparities. It advocates for the implementation of comprehensive measures, including specialized training programs for female leaders, alongside policies that ensure equitable pay and opportunities. This research contributes to the broader discourse on gender equality, urging for a strategic and collaborative approach to dismantle the systemic barriers that women face in Kazakhstan's SME landscape.