Women from Kazakhstan in the IT industry rarely reach the top management level.

Wonder Women published the first large-scale study on gender balance in Kazakhstan's IT industry. The analytical report covers data from 32 companies, interviews with female executives, and focus groups. The study reveals that while women are nearly equally represented in IT at the employee and middle management levels, a significant gender gap persists at senior leadership positions.

According to the data, women make up 43% of employees in IT companies and 48% of line managers, but only 22% of C-level positions are held by women. Of all women who began their careers in the industry, only 1.4% reach top management levels.

The study pays particular attention to the representation index, which is the ratio of the share of women in management positions to their share in the company. A value below 100% indicates underrepresentation. At the C-level, this indicator stands at:

— 69% in small companies
— 32% in medium-sized companies
— 82% in large companies.

The authors note that the gender gap is most pronounced when moving from middle to senior management, which aligns with global trends and is linked to a lack of mentorship, closed informal networks, and corporate culture.

Among the barriers identified by study participants are the fear of losing work-life balance, the absence of role models, opaque career paths, gender stereotypes, and distrust in women's leadership.

To overcome these limitations, the following measures are proposed:
— Implementation of mentoring and leadership programs
— Development of mechanisms for adaptation after maternity leave
— Oversight by top management to ensure balance at the C-level
— Setting a target goal: 50% women in senior positions by 2035.

The study also presents examples of international practices from Australia, Finland, Sweden, and India, where state and corporate initiatives are being implemented to expand women's participation in the technology sector.

The study records positive dynamics at the middle management level, where women hold nearly half of the leadership positions. However, at the top management level, systemic underrepresentation persists. The presented data and recommendations can be used by companies, government bodies, and the expert community to develop sustainable solutions for gender equality in the IT sector.