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Constitutionalization of the Principle of Gender Equality in the Legislation of Different Countries

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 November 2025

Yermek Abdrasulov*
Affiliation:
Department of the Constitutional and Civil Law, L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan
Ramazan Sarpekov
Affiliation:
Institute of Legislation and Legal Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan
Saltanat Tursynbekova
Affiliation:
National Centre for Human Rights of the Republic of Kazakhstan, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan
Abai Rahmetulin
Affiliation:
School of Business, Law and Education, Kazakh–American Free University, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Republic of Kazakhstan
Fryderyk Zoll
Affiliation:
Faculty of Law and Administration, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
*
Corresponding author: Yermek Abdrasulov; Email: yermekabdrasulov@gmail.com

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify promising areas for improving the constitutionalization of the principle of gender equality in Kazakhstan, drawing on the practices of European countries. Using formal-logical, system-structural, comparative-legal and modelling methods, it analyses legal development, regulatory interaction and future directions. The study identified the specific features of constitutional regulation of equality of rights and freedoms of men and women in Kazakhstan and European countries, emphasizing that eliminating discrimination is a core value of democratic systems. Embedding such principles in constitutional law promotes progressive social change. The study highlights that achieving true gender equality requires transforming traditional views of men’s and women’s roles in society. Without this shift, imbalances and unclear expectations persist. Examining successful practices in the Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Portugal and Lithuania, the study suggests practical ways to adapt these approaches to Kazakhstan’s legal framework. It recommends establishing a dedicated coordinating body to oversee gender equality and implementing targeted programmes with clear priorities and strategies to support gender mainstreaming.

Abstracto

Abstracto

El propósito de este estudio fue identificar áreas prometedoras para mejorar la constitucionalización del principio de igualdad de género en Kazajistán, basándose en las prácticas de los países europeos. Utilizando métodos lógico-formales, sistémico-estructurales, jurídico-comparativos y de modelización, se analiza el desarrollo jurídico, la interacción regulatoria y las futuras orientaciones. El estudio identificó las características específicas de la regulación constitucional de la igualdad de derechos y libertades entre hombres y mujeres en Kazajistán y los países europeos, destacando que la eliminación de la discriminación es un valor fundamental de los sistemas democráticos. La incorporación de estos principios en el derecho constitucional promueve un cambio social progresivo. El estudio destaca que lograr una verdadera igualdad de género requiere transformar las visiones tradicionales sobre los roles de hombres y mujeres en la sociedad. Sin este cambio, persisten los desequilibrios y las expectativas poco claras. Al examinar prácticas exitosas en la República Checa, Italia, Suiza, Austria, Portugal y Lituania, el estudio sugiere formas prácticas de adaptar estos enfoques al marco jurídico de Kazajistán. Recomienda establecer un organismo de coordinación específico para supervisar la igualdad de género e implementar programas específicos con prioridades y estrategias claras para apoyar la integración de la perspectiva de género.

Abstrait

Abstrait

L’objectif de cette étude était d’identifier les pistes prometteuses pour améliorer la constitutionnalisation du principe d’égalité des sexes au Kazakhstan, en s’inspirant des pratiques des pays européens. À l’aide de méthodes formelles-logiques, systémiques-structurelles, de droit comparatif et de modélisation, elle analyse l’évolution du droit, l’interaction réglementaire et les orientations futures. L’étude a identifié les spécificités de la réglementation constitutionnelle de l’égalité des droits et des libertés entre les hommes et les femmes au Kazakhstan et dans les pays européens, soulignant que l’élimination de la discrimination est une valeur fondamentale des systèmes démocratiques. L’intégration de ces principes dans le droit constitutionnel favorise un changement social progressif. L’étude souligne que la réalisation d’une véritable égalité des sexes nécessite une transformation des conceptions traditionnelles des rôles des hommes et des femmes dans la société. Sans cette évolution, des déséquilibres et des attentes floues persistent. En examinant les pratiques réussies en République tchèque, en Italie, en Suisse, en Autriche, au Portugal et en Lituanie, l’étude propose des pistes concrètes pour adapter ces approches au cadre juridique kazakh. Elle recommande la création d’un organisme de coordination dédié à la supervision de l’égalité des sexes et la mise en oeuvre de programmes ciblés, assortis de priorités et de stratégies claires, pour soutenir l’intégration de la dimension de genre.

摘要

摘要

本研究旨在借鉴欧洲国家的实践,探寻哈萨克斯坦在完善性别平等原则宪法化方面有潜力的领域。本研究运用形式逻辑、系统结构、比较法律和建模方法,分析法律发展、监管互动和未来发展方向。研究明确了哈萨克斯坦和欧洲国家宪法中关于男女权利和自由平等的规定的具体特征,强调消除歧视是民主制度的核心价值。将这些原则纳入宪法有助于促进社会进步。研究强调,实现真正的性别平等需要转变人们对男女社会角色的传统观念。如果不进行这种转变,不平衡和不明确的预期将持续存在。通过考察捷克共和国、意大利、瑞士、奥地利、葡萄牙和立陶宛的成功实践,本研究提出了将这些方法应用于哈萨克斯坦法律框架的切实可行的方法。研究建议设立专门的协调机构来监督性别平等,并实施有针对性的项目,制定明确的优先事项和战略,以支持性别主流化。

ملخص

ملخص

هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى تحديد المجالات الواعدة لتحسين دستورية مبدأ المساواة بين الجنسين في كازاخستان، بالاستفادة من ممارسات الدول الأوروبية. وباستخدام مناهج رسمية منطقية، ومنهجية هيكلية، ومنهجية مقارنة قانونية، ومنهجية نمذجة، تُحلل الدراسة التطور القانوني، والتفاعل التنظيمي، والتوجهات المستقبلية. وحددت الدراسة السمات الخاصة للتنظيم الدستوري للمساواة في الحقوق والحريات بين الرجل والمرأة في كازاخستان والدول الأوروبية، مؤكدةً على أن القضاء على التمييز قيمة جوهرية في الأنظمة الديمقراطية. ويعزز إدماج هذه المبادئ في القانون الدستوري التغيير الاجتماعي التقدمي. وتُبرز الدراسة أن تحقيق المساواة الحقيقية بين الجنسين يتطلب تغيير النظرة التقليدية لأدوار الرجل والمرأة في المجتمع. وبدون هذا التغيير، ستظل الاختلالات والتوقعات غير الواضحة قائمة. وبدراسة الممارسات الناجحة في جمهورية التشيك، وإيطاليا، وسويسرا، والنمسا، والبرتغال، وليتوانيا، تقترح الدراسة سبلاً عملية لتكييف هذه النهج مع الإطار القانوني لكازاخستان. وتوصي بإنشاء هيئة تنسيقية مُخصصة للإشراف على المساواة بين الجنسين، وتنفيذ برامج مُستهدفة ذات أولويات واستراتيجيات واضحة لدعم تعميم مراعاة المنظور الجنساني.

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© International Society of Criminology, 2025

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