About SWRC

Founded in Shymkent in 1998, Shymkent Women’s Resource Center (SWRC) works to advance women’s rights and strengthen civil society through education, advocacy, direct services, and community organizing. SWRC addresses structural barriers to equality, including gender-based violence, economic exclusion, discriminatory laws, and limited opportunities for women’s civic participation across Kazakhstan. 

Grounded in human rights, civic engagement, and nonviolence, SWRC combines legal aid, survivor support, leadership training, economic participation, and regional coalition building to expand women’s participation in public life and decision-making. The organization works closely with local organizations, NGOs, civil servants, and local communities to strengthen democratic participation and support sustainable social change. 

Since joining Women’s Learning Partnership in 2005, SWRC has implemented dozens of trainings using WLP curricula on women’s leadership, human rights, political participation, and the prevention of gender-based violence. Its programs engage rural women, young activists, low-income communities, policymakers, and emerging civil society leaders throughout Kazakhstan. 

A major focus of SWRC’s work is combating human trafficking and violence against women. Through annual public awareness campaigns, educational outreach, hotlines, legal consultations, and survivor support services, the organization reaches thousands of people each year while promoting stronger protections and community-based prevention efforts. SWRC also conducts research, public opinion surveys, and media campaigns to increase awareness of gender equality, civic participation, health, and human rights issues. 

Today, SWRC continues to strengthen women’s leadership and civil society across Kazakhstan by equipping communities with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to advocate for equality, influence public policy, and build more inclusive and democratic institutions.

Key Accomplishments

• Led Central Asia regional training initiatives that strengthened grassroots leadership and increased women’s political participation and civic engagement. 
• Expanded the Central Asia regional training program to include the Caucuses, reaching hundreds of activists and CSO representatives in that region. 
• Contributed to amendments to Kazakhstan’s domestic violence legislation in 2024, strengthening penalties and expanding legal protections for survivors, including minors. 
• Documented measurable increases in participants’ knowledge of gender equality, climate justice, and digital skills following leadership institute trainings. 
• Supported community-based follow-up trainings that expanded women’s engagement in civic participation and national development strategies. 
• Contributed to the development and adoption of Kazakhstan’s “Concept of Family and Gender Policy to 2030,” advancing national commitments to gender equality and non-discrimination. 
• Delivered school-based education programs addressing gender stereotypes and promoting awareness of equality among students and educators. 
• Participated in curriculum development initiatives promoting gender inclusion in higher education across multiple academic disciplines. 
• Provided vocational training and career development support for women and girls from low-income households, expanding access to income-generating opportunities.

Organizational Programs and Activities

• Central Asia Regional Training Institutes: In collaboration with regional partners, hosts leadership and advocacy trainings for women’s rights activists across Central Asia and neighboring regions, strengthening cross-border feminist networks and skills in facilitation, advocacy, and organizing. 
• Women’s Protection and Support Services: Operates a shelter, hotline, and legal aid services for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Services include psychosocial support, legal counseling, and assistance with divorce, custody, and property-related legal issues. 
• Women's Economic Participation and Enterprise Development: Provides training and advisory support for rural and marginalized women to access microcredit, develop business plans, and establish income-generating activities and small enterprises. 
• Leadership and Thematic Training Programs: Conducts training on women’s rights, domestic violence prevention, human trafficking, leadership development, and career skills, supporting women’s economic and civic participation. 
• Government and Institutional Capacity Building: Delivers gender sensitivity and human rights trainings for municipal officials, civil servants, and public sector actors, focusing on gender equality, service delivery, and institutional reform.

About Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has experienced significant social and economic transformation in recent decades, alongside ongoing discussions about governance, reform, and public participation. While development has expanded opportunities for many, disparities between regions and communities, as well as barriers to meaningful civic engagement, continue to shape access to rights and inclusion. Women in particular tend to have relatively high educational attainment, yet gender inequality remains evident in political representation, labor markets, and protection from violence. 

Women and civil society organizations are increasingly contributing to conversations on accountability, social progress, and community leadership. Their efforts to expand participation and strengthen opportunities for women and marginalized groups continue to support the development of more inclusive, participatory, and responsive institutions. 

• Population: 20.5 million 
• Region: Central Asia 
• 'Government: Presidential Republic 
• Women in Parliament: 19.4% 
• Female Labor Force Participation: 63% 
• Key issues: Strengthening legal protections and expanding women’s participation in decision-making