On November 10, 2022, AMFOK completed the first phase of a study on compliance with gender diversity principles in the microfinance sector of Kazakhstan.
The study was conducted by the Applied Economics Research Centre (AERC), commissioned by AMFOK, through the analysis of statistical data and an online survey of company staff. A total of 200 respondents participated in the study.
The MFO sector is characterized by gender diversity not only among company staff but also in leadership positions. Analysis of publicly available statistical data showed that women head every third MFO that is a member of AMFOK (23 out of 71 companies). According to the results of the online survey, the situation in the MFO sector is generally favorable in terms of ensuring equal rights and opportunities for men and women. The vast majority of respondents (90%) noted that both men and women have equal opportunities to build a career in MFIs.
At the same time, 23% of respondents believe that women face certain difficulties in advancing to leadership positions in MFIs. This view is more commonly expressed by women (29%) than by men (8%). Among the main reasons complicating women’s career advancement are, first and foremost, the need to fulfill responsibilities outside of work (family, personal, etc.) — 47%, as well as outdated societal attitudes — 29%.
“This project was initiated by the AMFOK Sustainable Development Committee as part of its objective to promote socially responsible business practices and ESG principles, including gender equality and the empowerment of women in the workplace, in the market, and in society,” said Yerbol Omarkhanov, Director of AMFOK. He emphasized that AMFOK intends to continue its efforts in sustainable development and enhancing the social impact of the MFO sector.
The full research report is available at the following link https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_0gozKDRM9Ia1jnkFlz_LKFD8uS1Xi3_?hl=ru
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