Managing women’s participation in Kazakhstan’s agricultural research sector: Determinants in the context of the 5MS framework

Type of the article: Research ArticleA balanced gender distribution is observed in agricultural sciences in Kazakhstan. This study aims to define and analyze the factors influencing women’s participation in the agricultural research sector in Kazakhstan using the 5Ms analytical framework (macro/meso environment, money, motherhood, management). The study applies quantitative statistical analysis of science development indicators from bulletins of the Bureau of National Statistics, extracts from the minutes of the National Scientific Council, and qualitative content analysis of regulatory legal acts from the “Adilet” system. The empirical analysis covers the period 2018–2025. In Kazakhstan, 1,185 women scientists are engaged in agricultural research, accounting for 9.2% of female scientists and 51.3% of researchers in agricultural science. Women’s participation is shaped by factors across all dimensions of the 5M framework. Key drivers include the public policies promoting equal opportunities, access to postgraduate education in agriculture (master’s programs: 11.1-66.7%; Ph.D. programs: 20-90.9% of students), and employment opportunities in the agricultural system (18,212 people, 30%). The barriers include stereotypes about the masculinity of the scientific profession and activities in the agricultural sector, as well as limited access to large research grants. One of the most significant barriers is the “glass ceiling”, reflected in the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions (3.2% female executives, 8.8-21% female rectors, etc.) and the presence of a gender pay gap (21.2% in salaries, 60.8% in grants), as well as the “motherhood penalty”. Strengthening women’s participation in agricultural sciences requires not only increasing their representation but also promoting their presence in leadership and decision-making positions.Acknowledgments This research has been funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (IRN AP19579256 “Mechanisms for empowering women in scientific activity in the interests of the development of the innovative economy of Kazakhstan”).