ACF and its competitor Arnur sponsored a study on gender diversity in MFIs in Kazakhstan conducted by the Association of Microfinance Institutions of Kazakhstan.
In general, a favorable gender situation has been developed in the MFI sector of Kazakhstan in the context of maintaining equal rights and opportunities for men and women. The MFI sector is characterized by gender diversity, not only in company personnel, but also in leadership positions. An analysis of open statistical data showed that women head every third MFI that is part of AMFOK (23 companies out of 71). The vast majority of respondents (90%) note that both men and women have equal chances to make a career in MFIs.
At the same time, 23% of respondents believe that women have certain difficulties in getting into leadership positions in MFIs. This is noted much more often by women (29%) than men (8%). Among the main reasons that complicate the process of promoting women to leadership positions, the following were noted in the first place: the need to fulfill obligations outside of work (family, personal, etc.) – 47%, as well as outdated mental attitudes of society – 29%.