Cities across Kazakhstan lit orange to raise awareness of violence against women

Each year, the 16 Days of Activism campaign runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.

In 2025, the UN's global campaign focuses on ending digital violence against all women and girls.

Kazakhstan supports the UN's 16 Days to End Gender-Based Violence. The country emphasises the importance of upholding human rights and encouraging open discussions about violence.

Across Kazakhstan, landmarks in Astana and Almaty were lit in orange to show solidarity throughout the campaign. The color serves as a visible reminder of support for victims and the importance of protecting human rights, reinforcing zero tolerance for all forms of violence.

Protecting women in the digital age

According to the UN agency for women's rights, less than 40% of countries have laws protecting women from online harassment and stalking, leaving some 1.8 billion women and girls without legal safeguards. This year, Kazakhstan moved to address the gap by introducing a law criminalising stalking, with penalties of up to 50 days in detention.

At the same time, the Kazakhstan Institute for Public Development presented a National Report on Domestic Violence. The report found that 82% of domestic violence cases are directed at women, over a third involve children, and nearly 13.5% affect older adults.

In 2024, Kazakhstan strengthened legal protections for women and children, introducing criminal liability for all forms of assault, from minor to grievous bodily harm. The law also removes the possibility of reconciliation in cases involving minors, signaling a tougher stance on violence against the most vulnerable.

Raising awareness nationwide

The campaign spans the entire country, reaching universities, schools and public spaces.

On 25 November, Astana hosted the opening of the End Violence Film Festival, which runs for four days in both Astana and Shymkent.

The programme features films from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Nepal, all highlighting the urgent need to end gender-based violence.

Kazakhstan takes part in the campaign each year and continues to strengthen its legal framework to protect women, children and vulnerable groups from violence.