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K A Z A K H S T A N

Kazakhstan is the northernmost and largest of the new Central Asian Republics, occupying 2,717,300 square kilometers. It extends from the Volga river to Altai mountains, and from the plains in western Siberia to oasis and desert in Central Asia.

Kazakhstan possesses enormous untapped fossil-fuel reserves, and plentiful supplies of other minerals and metals. It also has considerable agricultural potential in its vast steppe lands. In the past, the country relied on processing of its natural resources, and on production of construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and some defense items. The economy has been hit hard since 1991 with the collapse of the demand for its heavy industry products from the USSR. Since becoming independent, the government has pursued a moderate program of economic reform, gradually lifting state controls over economic activity. Nevertheless, government control over key sectors of the economy remains strong.

Government: There are 19 oblasts in Kazakhstan, and the capital is Almaty. Its current president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, was elected in April 1990. Legislative branch is unicameral.

Population: 17, 376,615 (July 1995 est.)

Population growth rate: 0.62%

Birth rate: 19.26 births/1,000 population

Infant mortality rate: 40 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

general 68.37 years

female 73.13 years

male 63.61 years

Fertility rate: 2.43 children born/woman

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write

male: 99%

female: 96%

Ethnic divisions: Kazakh 41.9%; Russian 37%; Ukrainian 5.2%; German 4.7%, Uzbek 2.1%, Tatar 2%, other 7.1%

Religions: Muslim 47%, Russian Orthodox 44%, Protestant 2%, other 7%

Directory of Women's Organizations in Kazakhstan

Name of organization:

ALMATY CITY WOMEN'S COMMITTEE

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Address:

Abdylay-Khana Prospect 74-a,

Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan

Tel: 7(3272) 62-70-03

7(3272) 62-59-59

Status:

Non-governmental organization (NGO)

Nameand position

of the person to contact:

Tamara Klimova, Chairperson

Year of establishment:

1991

Membership:

Individual members - adult women of different social strata irrespective of their age, education, nationality.

Collective members - women councils of city organization enterprises.

Geographical coverage:

Local

Sources of financing:

Staff works for free, projects are financed from the local budget

Aims and objectives:

* Protection of women's rights and interests, developing of their participation in political, economic and cultural life of society.

* Active involvement of women in social and state administration, improving their status in society, achieving full rights for women in social and political life.

* Promoting realization of international acts against all forms of women's discrimination

* Assisting in achieving of inter-ethnic peace and cooperation.

* Working out programs of protection of women's social and economic rights.

* Representation and protection of legal rights and interests of women in political and public bodies.

* Solving problems of social protection and realization of right to work.

Fields of activity:

* Family planning/population control

* AIDS

* Employment

Gender projects andprograms:

* Preventive measures against AIDS among women of Almaty.

* Program of family planning in Almaty

Publications:

"AIDS " - express newspaper

Staff:

total 20

managerial

professional

clerical support

men

Budget:

n.a.

Plans and main projects:

* Program of women's employment for Almaty in 1996

Name of organization:

ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS OF KAZAKHSTAN

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Address:

P.O.Box.349, 480091,

Republic of Kazakhstan

Tel: 7(3272) 54-14-39

7(3272) 64-73-24

Status:

Non-governmental organization (NGO)

Nameand position

of the person to contact:

Dina Igsatova, President

Year of establishment:

1995

Membership:

40 total members

Geographical coverage:

Regional

Sources of financing:

From economic activities

Aims and objectives:

* Consolidation of women's efforts in realization of economic initiatives

* Women's employment

* Women's education

* Women's health care

* Women's rights protection

* Women's studies

Fields of activity:

* Education/literacy/training in technical skills

* Agriculture

* Employment

* Human rights

* Health care/food

* Social welfare

* Credits/savings systems

* Science and technology

Gender projects andprograms:

* "Participation in Beijing conference "Project (financed by HIVOS)

* "Information Network - Women's Initiatives in Kazakhstan" Project (financed by Eurasia Foundation)

Publications:

n.a.

Staff:

total 5

managerial

professional

clerical support

men

Budget:

n.a.

Plan and main projects:

n.a.

Name of organization:

FEMINIST LEAGUE

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Address:

5- 46 Maulekova St.,

Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan

Tel: 7(3272) 32-25-46

Status:

Non-governmental organization (NGO)

Nameand position

of the person to contact:

S.Shakilova, President

Year of establishment:

1994

Membership:

20 total members

Geographical coverage:

Local

Sources of financing:

Grants from international organizations, profits from economic and publishing activities, membership dues

Aims and objectives:

* Gender expertise of Republic's of Kazakhstan legislation.

* Lobbying for women's interests

* Fighting sexism in mass-media

* Support to creative women

Fields of activity:

* Human Rights

* Science and Education

Gender projects andprograms:

* "Gender Expertise of Republic of Kazakhstan's Legislation" Project (grant from MSAID)

* "Gender - Invisible Factor" - Seminar for people from mass-media and advertising (grant "Eurasia")

* Feminist Library Project (grant HIVOS)

Publications:

n.a.

Staff:

total 20

managerial

professional

clerical support

Budget:

n.a

Plan and main projects:

n.a.

Name of organization:

"JANAR" WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS SUPPORT FOUNDATION

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Address:

2 -138 Tulebaeva St.,

Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan

Tel: 7(3272) 63-12-47

Status:

Non-governmental organization (NGO)

Nameand position

of the person to contact:

Mara Seitova, Director of the Board

Year of establishment:

1993

Membership:

42 total members

Geographical coverage:

Regional

Sources of financing:

Membership dues, sponsor aid, grants

Aims and objectives:

* Active involvement of women in social and economic life of the country

* Support of women-entrepreneurs in improving their skills and obtaining new professions

* Aid in seeking new work

* Women-entrepreneurs' rights protection

Fields of activity:

* Employment

* Human rights

* Social welfare

* Credit/ savings system

* Women-entrepreneurs' rights protection

Gender projects andprograms:

* Project of Women's Bank (program of credits to women)

* Organization of groups for social and psychological aid to women during the economic transition period.

* Realization of pilot project: monitoring of unemployed women able to start own business, their training, and support on the first steps.

Publications:

n.a.

Staff:

total 17

managerial

professional

clerical support

men

Budget:

1995

1996

$ allocated for staff

500

100

$ total

2,500

300

Plan and main projects:

n.a.

Name of organization:

LEAGUE OF MUSLIM WOMEN OF KAZAKHSTAN

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Address:

118 Jeltoksan St., Apt.7, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan

Tel: 7(3272) 62-31-36,

7(3272) 33-66-68

Status:

Non-governmental organization (NGO)

Nameand position

of the person to contact:

Amina Nugmanova, Chairperson

Year of establishment:

1990

Membership:

Only women professing Islam can be accepted to the League. Membership is individual.

15,000 total members

Geographical coverage:

National

Sources of financing:

Donations from Islamic countries, entrance and membership dues, assignments from the economic branches of the League, and other non-restricted by law sources.

Aims and objectives:

* Revival and education in national culture, language, traditions and rituals of all Muslim women joined with common confession.

* Presentation of legal interests of women and children suffering from economic, ecological, social and spiritual hardships.

* Broad involvement of Muslim women in League's work.

* Organizing conferences and symposiums, including international.

* Working out proposals or alternative programs for social protection of women and children from families who have migrated to their original motherland - Kazakhstan.

Fields of activity:

* AIDS

* Health care/ nutrition

* Family planning/ population control

* Social welfare

* Environment

* Migration

* Agriculture

* Human rights

* Education/ literacy/ technical skills training

* Science and technology

Gender projects andprograms:

* "Acquaintance on the Spiritual Base" Program - helps in family relations

* "Moral Education" Program - provides upbringing of children, women's rights protection, family protection.

Publications:

"Ak-Bosaga" Newspaper

Staff:

total 6

managerial

professional

clerical support

men

Budget:

n.a.

Plans and main projects:

* Opening Medrese (Islamic spiritual school) and mosque.

* Assistance to the state in moral education of children, overcoming immorality.

Name of organization:

REPUBLICAN WOMEN'S COUNCIL

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Address:

125 Dostyk St.,

Almaty, 480020,

Republic of Kazakhstan

Tel: 7(3272) 64-46-34

Fax: 7(3272) 64-56-91

Status:

Non-governmental organization (NGO)

Nameand position

of the person to contact:

Nina Kayupova, Chairperson

Year of establishment:

1991

Membership:

Collective membership

19 oblast women councils

Geographical coverage:

National

Sources of financing:

none

Aims and objectives:

* Solidarity and cooperation of women to increase their status in society.

* Assistance in realization of international acts prohibiting all forms of discrimination against women.

* Assistance and help in women's social adaptation and protection.

* Working out programs of social and economic protection of women on national and local levels.

* Promoting the development of women's entrepreneurship.

* Assistance in achieving inter-ethnic peace and civil concord.

* Establishing and development of national and international relations.

Fields of activity:

* Family planning/ population control

* Migration

* Agriculture

* Employment

* Health care/ nutrition

* Social welfare

* Environment

* Education/ literacy/ technical skills training

* Human rights

* Technologies/ micro-enterprises

* Science and technology

* Charity

* Culture

Gender projects andprograms:

n.a.

Publications:

n.a.

Staff:

46

Plans and main projects:

* Family policy and culture

* Maternity and childhood protection

* Women's labor in national economy

* Women in politics and official authorities

Name of organization:

"ROZA MIRA IN KAZAKHSTAN" ASSOCIATION

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Address:

50-20 Kyrmangazy St.,

Almaty, 480021,

Republic of Kazakhstan

Tel: 7(3272) 63-50-80

Status:

Non-governmental organization (NGO)

Nameand position

of the person to contact:

Natalia Dubuk, President

Year of establishment:

1992

Membership:

No limitations on membership

23 total members

Geographical coverage:

Regional

Sources of financing:

Members' contributions, sponsors' donations

Aims and objectives:

* Spiritual revival and unity of people on the basis of common values

* Development of highly-spiritual national culture

* Support of disadvantaged and vulnerable strata of population

Fields of activity:

* Urbanization process

* Employment

* Human rights

* Health care/food

* Social welfare

* Environment

Gender projects andprograms:

* "Healthy Women - Healthy Children" - Project promotes the involvement of women in demanding a healthier mode of life; strengthening women's physical and psychic health; protection of women's rights for health care in their professional activities.

* Forming of social and psychological demand for healthy urban and natural environment through women and family.

* Employment and Social Support Center (employment, charitable aid to single mothers, poor families and families having many children).

Publications:

n.a.

Staff:

total 23

managerial

professional

clerical support

men

8

Budget:

1995

1996

$ allocated for staff

2,400

5,400

$ total

2,400

18,400

Plans and main projects:

* Social aid and support to invalids.

* Organization of centers for professional training for invalid children.

* Establishment of intellectual center for cultural and moral development of people, ecological education and propaganda.

Name of organization:

WOMEN AND LAW

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Address:

70 Aymanova St., Apt.104,

Almaty, 480009,

Republic of Kazakhstan

Tel: 7(3272) 42-87-68,

7(3272) 46-02-90

Status:

Non-governmental organization (NGO)

Nameand position

of the person to contact:

Gulsara Tlenchieva, Chairperson

Year of establishment:

1995

Membership:

50 fixed membership

Geographical coverage:

Regional

Sources of financing:

Members' internal funds

Aims and objectives:

* Support to government and society in realizing women's legal rights

* Support in establishing national mechanism of women's rights protection

* Participation in women's rights lawmaking

Fields of activity:

* Family planing/population

* AIDS

* Education/ literacy/ technical skills training

* Employment

* Human rights

* Health care/ nutrition

* Science

* Women's rights legislation

Gender projects andprograms:

* Collection and analysis of information on women's situation in Kazakhstan

* Establishing contacts with international women's organizations (women's camps, conferences and seminars, information exchange)

* Publishing women's magazine "Information List of Almaty "

* Holding seminars for women

* Legal advice for women

Publications:

n.a.

Staff:

total 3

managerial

professional

clerical support

men

Budget:

n.a.

Plans and main projects:

* Research of problems of violence against women with consequent coverage of results in mass media

* Submitting proposals on amendments in women's rights legislation to parliament

* Holding juridical seminars for women

* Supporting creation of new women's organizations through consultations and help during registration

Name of organization:

WOMEN'S CREATIVE INITIATIVE LEAGUE

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Address:

59-a Kurmangazy St., Apt.37,

85 Kazbek-Bi St., Apt.26,

Almaty , 480091,

Republic of Kazakhstan

Tel: 7(3272) 53-02-82

7(3272) 32-05-28

Status:

Non-governmental organization (NGO)

Nameand position

of the person to contact:

Asia Hayrullina, President

Year of establishment:

1994

Membership:

59 total members

Geographical coverage:

Regional

Sources of financing:

Grants, sponsors' aid

Aims and objectives:

* Involvement of women in social life, increasing women's prestige and professionalism.

* Cultural programs (exhibitions, seminars, creative labs).

* Educational programs (language and computer courses).

* Aid to artisans in marketing and management.

* Ecological programs

* Program of work with teenagers (education, publishing "Botanical Boulevard" newspaper)

Fields of activity:

* AIDS

* Migration

* Employment

* Environment

* Education/literacy/training in professional skills

* Charity

Gender projects andprograms:

* Holding art exhibitions and seminars, publishing women-artists' catalogs.

* Aid to women-artisans

* English classes for women

* "Women and Ecology" program

Publications:

"Botanical Boulevard" Newspaper

Staff:

total 5

managerial

professional

clerical support

women

4

1

men

Budget:

1995

$ allocated for staff

$ allocated for projects

9,756

$ total

9,756

Plans and main projects:

* Publishing women's art catalog

* "Botanical Boulevard" - Educational Program for work with teenagers

* "Anti-AIDS" Program

* Traveling ecological seminar and "Women and Ecology" report art exhibition

* English language training program

* Organization of women's informational group

* Training program for the leaders of NGOs

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