Archive photo: akorda.kz
The press service of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has clarified his remarks about women who create public disturbances and use obscene language, which he said causes harm to the country. The comments, made during his state-of-the-nation address, sparked wide debate.
According to a statement published by Tengrinews.kz, the president was calling for “zero tolerance” toward all violations of public order.
“At the same time, the head of state noted that, unfortunately, among those who disrupt public order there are also women. Some interpreted this as a reproach, but the meaning is quite different. If even women — traditionally embodying beauty, fragility, and harmony — are being drawn into scandals, it shows that the crisis of social behavior has reached a truly serious level,” the Akorda statement explained.
The press service stressed that this was not a reproach but a call for everyone, regardless of gender, age, or background, to restore a culture of respectful communication and reject rudeness and aggression.
“Incidents of disrespect toward one another, which we increasingly witness on roads, in queues, at train stations and airports, and in other public places, must not become part of our mentality. The essence of the president’s words lies in fostering ethics, respectful interaction, tact, and mutual respect. And this responsibility by no means falls solely on women — it is the task of our entire society,” the statement said, adding that insults and provocations against women by men are “unacceptable by default.”
The Akorda also emphasized that President Tokayev consistently pays attention to protecting the rights of women and children. Initiatives under his leadership have included introducing a women’s quota in party lists and parliamentary mandates, eliminating gender-based labor restrictions, extending childcare benefits to 18 months, tightening penalties for domestic violence, and criminalizing stalking and forced marriage.
