Round table on gender equality

On 3 March 2026, the School of Pharmacy hosted a round table on the topic: ‘Gender equality in the 21st century: myths and reality.’

The event was held as part of the implementation of the principles of gender policy, social equality and Sustainable Development Goals — ‘Gender Equality’ (SDG5) and aimed to provide students of the “Pharmacy” and ‘Pharmaceutical Production Technology’ educational programmes with a comprehensive understanding of current trends in gender equality.

The round table was attended by students, master’s students, doctoral students, teachers of the School of Pharmacy, and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry.The Dean of the School of Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor Sakipova Z.B., welcomed the participants of the round table.

The following speakers made presentations at the round table:

1. Saule Zholmukhanovna Turkpenova, Director of the Human Resources Department at Medservice Plus LLP, and Marzhan Kalmurzaeva, ESG Manager at Medservice Plus LLP, on ‘Gender Equality and Inclusion in Business’;
2. Balzhan Galymzhanqyzy Makhatova, Acting Scientific Secretary of the Life and Health Sciences Division of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan – ‘Women in Science: Barriers, Opportunities, New Leadership Models’;
3. Omarov Zhanbolat Erkinuly, Head of the Microbiology Laboratory

NUR-MAI PHARMACY LLP — ‘Gender Policy in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing’;

4. Suleimenov Marat Kamytbekovich, Associate Professor without academic title, Department of Biotechnology and General Chemical Technology — ‘Assessment of the level of gender equality in the educational process at the KazNMU School of Pharmacy’.

The participants discussed the reports and the following issues related to gender equality:

— implementation of state gender policy in the field of healthcare and pharmacy;

— gender equality in business;

— the role of women in science and modern leadership models;

— features of gender policy in pharmaceutical production;

— assessment of the level of gender equality in the educational environment.

Following the round table, the participants adopted a resolution recommending the following:

1. Continue to hold scientific and practical events aimed at raising awareness of the principles of gender equality and equal opportunities.
2. Develop and implement elements that foster a culture of inclusion, mutual respect and professional ethics in the educational process.
3. Intensify cooperation with representatives of the pharmaceutical business and scientific community on issues related to the advancement of women in science and management.
4. Conduct regular analysis of the state of gender equality in the educational and professional environment, followed by discussion of the results in open forums.
5. Create a professional environment based on the principles of fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all students and employees.

The round table participants confirmed their readiness for further constructive cooperation in order to strengthen the principles of gender equality and sustainable development of the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare system in the Republic of Kazakhstan.