Since gaining independence in the early 1990s, Kazakhstan has strategically positioned itself as a key player in global diplomacy. Over the years, the country has demonstrated a strong commitment to gender inclusivity, ensuring that women play a meaningful role in shaping its foreign policy.
Kazakh women have assumed significant diplomatic responsibilities, holding high-profile positions and contributing to international peace, security, and cooperation. Their leadership in foreign affairs reflects both national progress and Kazakhstan’s alignment with global trends toward gender-balanced diplomacy.
One of the earliest figures in this movement was Balzhan Bultrikova, who in 1966 was appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of the Kazakh SSR and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
She became Kazakhstan’s first representative at the UN General Assembly, a position she held for five and a half years. Her tenure marked a significant milestone for Kazakh women in international diplomacy, paving the way for future generations of female diplomats.
Another groundbreaking diplomat, Ambassador Akmaral Arystanbekova, was Kazakhstan’s first Permanent Representative to the UN and one of only four female ambassadors among 176 UN member states at the time. She served in this position for over seven years, significantly influencing Kazakhstan’s role in global governance.
Prior to her UN appointment, she played a crucial role in the country’s diplomatic establishment, having been named Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kazakh SSR in 1989, where she managed external relations before Kazakhstan’s independence. Later, she served as Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Cuba (1996–1999) and France (1999–2003), while concurrently acting as Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO. Her contributions were instrumental in shaping Kazakhstan’s early diplomatic strategies, and she remains actively engaged in diplomatic service today.
The legacy of these pioneering women continued with Ambassador Madina Jarbussynova, who served as Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the UN from 1999 to 2003. She played a key role in strengthening Kazakhstan’s multilateral engagement and, in early 2003, was elected President of the UN General Assembly, further elevating Kazakhstan’s role in global governance.
Beyond the UN, she also served as Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Cuba, where she contributed to expanding bilateral relations. In 2024, she was appointed Chair of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), reinforcing her long-standing commitment to gender equality and international policymaking.
Several years later, Kazakhstan once again appointed a female diplomat to this prestigious position. Ambassador Byrganym Aitimova, who served as Permanent Representative to the UN from 2010 to 2013, reinforced Kazakhstan’s commitment to gender-balanced representation in global affairs. Throughout her tenure, she contributed to strengthening Kazakhstan’s position in international peace and security discussions.
Her diplomatic career also includes key roles such as Ambassador to Israel and Italy (1996), Deputy Prime Minister (2004–2005), Minister of Education and Science (2005–2007), and Ambassador to Cuba and the Solomon Islands (2007–2013). Later, she became a senator and Deputy Chairperson of the Council of Senators in the Parliament of Kazakhstan (2013–2019), demonstrating the growing intersection between diplomacy and governance for Kazakh women leaders.
Over the years, women have also played a leading role in Kazakhstan’s diplomatic missions worldwide. Aigul Kuspan was appointed Ambassador to Belgium in 2018, also heading Kazakhstan’s Mission to the EU and NATO and serving as Ambassador to Luxembourg.
In 2021, she transitioned into politics, taking on the role of Chair of the Committee on International Affairs, Defense, and Security in Kazakhstan’s Parliament, showcasing the evolving influence of women in both diplomacy and governance.
Another distinguished diplomat, Mainyura Murzamadieva, represented Kazakhstan as Ambassador to the Netherlands from 2007 to 2016, while also concurrently serving as Ambassador to Norway from March 2008 onward. Her tenure was particularly significant as she also acted as Permanent Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), reinforcing Kazakhstan’s commitment to non-proliferation and international security.
The presence of Kazakh female diplomats in Europe continued with Gulsara Arystankulova, who has been serving as Ambassador to France since 2022, while concurrently holding the positions of Ambassador to Monaco and Permanent Representative to UNESCO.
Similarly, Saulekul Sailaukyzy, appointed Ambassador to Morocco in 2021, recently expanded her responsibilities by becoming Ambassador to Togo in 2024, reflecting Kazakhstan’s increasing diplomatic engagement with Africa.
Kazakh women have also strengthened the country’s presence in Central and Eastern Europe. Zhanna Saginova was appointed Ambassador to Slovakia in 2024, marking another milestone in Kazakhstan’s efforts to integrate women into key foreign policy roles.
In addition to leading embassies, women have taken on high-level strategic responsibilities within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Zulfiya Amanzholova currently serves as Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. She has played a crucial role in negotiations on Kazakhstan’s state borders with neighboring countries, ensuring regional stability and diplomatic cooperation.
Kazakh female diplomats have also assumed leadership roles in consular services, representing the country in key global cities. Nazira Nurbayeva currently serves as Consul General of Kazakhstan in San Francisco, while Anel Bakytbekkyzy represents Kazakhstan as Consul General in Strasbourg.
Beyond diplomatic appointments, Kazakhstan actively contributes to international peacekeeping efforts, regularly deploying female peacekeepers and military observers to UN missions.
Recognizing the critical role of women in global security, Kazakhstan adopted a National Action Plan to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. This initiative prioritizes the inclusion of women in international peace negotiations and security dialogues, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s role as a regional leader in gender-responsive diplomacy.
Kazakh women have played an essential role in shaping the country’s diplomatic identity, contributing to international security, multilateral engagement, and human rights advocacy. Their leadership in high-profile diplomatic positions demonstrates Kazakhstan’s commitment to gender inclusivity in foreign affairs.
As the country continues to expand its global influence, ensuring equal opportunities for women in diplomatic leadership will be crucial for sustainable and balanced international engagement.
*Courtsey by Embassy of Kazakhstan to Pakistan
The Diplomatic Insight is a digital and print magazine focusing on diplomacy, defense, and development publishing since 2009.
