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Abstract From the first days of the Independence of Kazakhstan, the state committed and ratified various acts and conventions regarding gender equality in employment to ensure women's participation in economic, social and political life. Yet, high politics is not within the grasp of female representatives, and this article focuses on the roots of women’s underrepresentation in the political life of Kazakhstan. The discussion is organised around the historical domains, societal processes, and recent research in this area. The article discusses how the state’s historical background and religion affect the current situation concerning the underrepresented female representatives in decision-making bodies.