FEMALE LEADERSHIP IN KAZAKHSTAN’S ENERGY INDUSTRY
Women❜s Leadership: A Paradigm Shift
Aizhan Khamitova, Director of Business Development at the ESGQ Rating Agency, a practicing coach, business trainer, and facilitator in an exclusive interview with Petroleum on women's leadership, social responsibility, and the rejection of gender stereotypes by the Zoomer generation.

Director of Business Development at ESGQ Rating Agency
Leader of the professional community GR HUB
Practicing coach, business trainer, facilitator
Creator and curator of the Mini MBA in GR Program
– The whole world, and Kazakhstan is no exception, has long been discussing that promoting women's role in the economy, politics, and public life, in general, is not just a matter of social justice but has become a strategic necessity. In your opinion, how can women's leadership influence the formation of a more sustainable and equitable society overall?
– Two years ago, I surveyed men about their thoughts on women's leadership in Kazakhstan. The respondents were divided into three almost equal groups: the first actively supports the idea of women's leadership, the second is categorically against it, and the third has doubts. I would interpret it this way: it expresses the assumption that a woman leader is unlikely to be able to "arrange her fate" or doubts that she will have enough time for a family.
One response I remember verbatim as I like it. The author is unknown, as the survey was anonymous: "The women of Kazakhstan are our 'secret weapon' and one of the untapped potentials of society that we must inevitably make use of as soon as possible. Great changes are coming!"
This response has everything: it's about us still not realizing how powerful the energy hidden in women's leadership is, this potential is underutilized, and everything is changing. I am convinced that women's leadership can be the key to the sustainable development of society.
What does the concept of a sustainable and just society mean? If put simply and briefly, it's about our shared aspiration to create a balanced and egalitarian community that can ensure well-being and equal opportunities for all its members, without exception.
Women's leadership is associated with a high degree of social responsibility. Women genuinely support family values, equality, and the rule of law. This contributes to the creation of precisely those conditions in a society where the needs of all its members are considered.
When I speak of society, I mean the population, non-governmental organizations, government bodies, and businesses. And business, fortunately, is beginning to change, which I am sure is largely thanks to women. Companies are taking into account not only financial and production indicators in their activities but are paying more and more attention to environmental and social responsibility: diversity and inclusivity, support for educational projects, the well-being not only of employees but also their families, care for the health of the population, which is highly dependent on the state of the environment, and so on.
– What steps can be taken to create a more inclusive environment to support women's leadership?
– Such measures are enshrined in many international protocols, in our national documents, which speak of women's entrepreneurship, financial support, and activating women in politics. But I would like to highlight this issue from another angle – propaganda of women's roles.
Yes, precisely propaganda.
This is an informational strategy and our efforts to change the perception of women's roles in the information space. The goal is to show society and women themselves, among others, that they can successfully handle various tasks and play important roles in different areas of life, from business and science to politics and art.
What is important here? The conscious formation of images and stories that reflect and support women's leadership and the active role of women in society. I came to this conclusion as a result of my sociological research on the peculiarities of women's career development in Kazakhstan.
Firstly, when asked about women leaders they know and could look up to, 50% named Kazakhstani figures, 38% mentioned women from other countries, and 12% could not name or remember anyone.
Secondly, 17% said they do not know any women's unions and associations (of which we have a great many).
Thirdly, almost 25% of women reported being offered a promotion, a leadership position, or an invitation to a board of directors or trustees but declined.
Why? Here are some of the responses:

Long ago, I turned down a very prestigious leadership position "because I am a woman."
You asked me what needs to be done.
Active promotion of women's roles is necessary, including creating positive media images. This could be television programs, films, advertisements, and online content depicting women in diverse, strong, and successful roles.
Support and public recognition of female leaders and showcasing successful cases in various fields.
This message should also be conveyed through educational programs aimed at changing opinions and perceptions about the potential and capabilities of women. Notably, in all the ESG courses I have taught (note – environmental and social responsibility, corporate governance), the issue of gender equality provokes very lively and ambiguous discussions. This topic is perceived as "women's encroachment on male territory." Here, it is important to carefully and wisely alleviate tension and resistance by properly explaining the concept of "gender equality."
Sports. We do not sufficiently utilize the topic of women's sports achievements. Creating positive images in sports also helps to change stereotypes.
Women's entrepreneurship. This is also a quite successful direction. But it's a special "women's realm," and these are often events of women for women. I would like to see school students, university students (both boys and girls), and men as guests. Women have a lot to share.
What else needs to be done? Ask the women themselves. For instance, here is what they answered to my question: "What or who can support and motivate you?".
