Analysis of experience of female-leaders in civil service of Kazakhstan: trapped between traditional society expectations and Western values

Abstract

Women constitute the majority of employees in civil service of Kazakhstan (56%), however, they still remain underrepresented at the leadership positions. This research examined the experiences of women holding managerial posts in administrative civil service of Kazakhstan. The research explored what type of challenges and opportunities were faced by females in performing managerial functions; which mechanisms prevented or promoted female career development; which strategies women used for achieving success at the leadership posts. The woman in Kazakhstan is facing with competitive expectations of the traditional society of her role as a mother/spouse, as well as neoliberal Western views of her role as a leader and equal economic player.