DETERMINANTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF GENDER SEGREGATION IN THE LABOR MARKET: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF KAZAKHSTAN, KYRGYZSTAN, AND UZBEKISTAN
Mubarakov Y. Bordiyanu I. Seriktayeva A. Baikenov Z. Sarsembayeva G.
2025LLC CPC Business Perspectives
Problems and Perspectives in Management
2025#23Issue 3413 - 426 pp.
Gender segregation in the labor market remains a pressing socio-economic issue in Central Asian countries, where women still face challenges in accessing high-paying sectors and leadership positions. This study aims to uncover the structural and socioeconomic drivers of gender segregation in the labor markets of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, and their impact on employment equity and economic opportunity. The analysis covers the period from 2015 to 2024. The research uses national statistical data and applies the Index of Dissimilarity (Duncan index), the Gender Gini Index, and the Glass Ceiling Index (GCI). Kazakhstan’s Duncan index increased from 0.2965 to 0.32195, and Kyrgyzstan’s rose from 0.2859 to 0.3347, indicating rising occupational gender segregation. Uzbekistan, in contrast, showed a modest decrease from 0.3223 to 0.3104. Gini index values dropped most significantly in Kazakhstan (from 11.59 to 8.53), reflecting improved wage equality. Uzbekistan also saw a notable decline (from 24.41 to 19.12), while Kyrgyzstan’s progress was slower (from 9.02 to 8.33). GCI trends show persistent barriers: in Kyrgyzstan, the index rose from 0.84 to 1.24, while in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan it remained below 1.0, peaking at 0.91 and 0.74, respectively. A panel regression (R2 = 0.6647) identified significant predictors: GDP per capita (β = 16.225), women in leadership (β = –3.85), female unemployment (β = 2.98), and the male-to-female employment ratio (β = 0.68). The strongest factor in reducing the gender pay gap was women’s representation in leadership. The results highlight structural inequality and call for targeted policy to ensure inclusive labor market development.
development , economy , employment , gender , inequality , labor , leadership , segregation
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Department of Business, School of Business, Law and Education, Kazakh-American Free University, Kazakhstan
Department of Mathematics, International School of Engineering, D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University, Kazakhstan
Department of Business
Department of Mathematics
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