Atlas of Gender and Development
How Social Norms Affect Gender Equality in non-OECD Countries
Illustrated with graphics and maps, the Atlas of Gender and Development gives readers a unique insight into the impact of social institutions − traditions, social norms and cultural practices − on gender equality in 124 non-OECD countries.
Gender inequality holds back not just women but the economic and social development of entire societies. Overcoming discrimination is important in the fight against poverty in developing countries and for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Tackling these inequalities is not easy: in many countries, discrimination against women is deeply rooted in social institutions such as the family and the law. These long-lasting codes of conduct, norms, traditions, and informal and formal laws determine gender outcomes in education, health, political representation and labour markets.
Kazakhstan
Centre de Développement de l’OCDE
Article 14 of the 1995 Constitution of Kazakhstan upholds the principle of legal equality for all citizens. Kazakh legislation does not yet refer specifically to gender-based discrimination, but the government plans to propose a bill addressing this issue. Article 4 of the Constitution gives force of law to all international treaties ratified by Kazakhstan. As a result, there are grounds to apply in every day law the definition of discrimination given in Article 1 of CEDAW. Kazakh women are not sufficiently aware of the Convention’s provisions, however, and a similar lack of awareness exists among the civil servants responsible for applying them. To date, no judicial rulings have been made referring to the Convention and acts of violence against women remain a fact of life in Kazakhstan.