Future social workers in Kazakhstan will receive dedicated training on preventing and responding to gender-based and domestic violence, following the approval of a new educational module developed with support from UNFPA.

The module, “Prevention and Response to Gender-Based and Domestic Violence: An Interagency Approach,” was developed in 2026 following a review of social work curricula across Kazakhstan. It addresses the knowledge and skills future social workers need to provide survivor-centred and inclusive support, including to persons with disabilities.

The module was presented to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and academic institutions and subsequently approved by the Educational and Methodological Association. Starting from the 2027–2028 academic year, it will be integrated into bachelor’s and master’s programmes in Social Work at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Karaganda Buketov University, Esil University and Toraighyrov University.

The initiative marks an important step towards strengthening Kazakhstan’s social service workforce and making GBV competencies part of pre-service education. By equipping future professionals before they enter the workforce, the approach supports more sustainable and consistent quality of services for survivors of violence.

The work was implemented with the Association of Women with Disabilities “Shyrak”, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and participating universities, with support from the UK International Support Fund project “Strengthening Prevention and Response to Violence Against Women and Girls in Central Asia.” 

Prepared for the website: Zhamilya Kussainova