Kazakhstan's Divorce Crisis: Young Couples Struggle, Experts Seek Solutions

Rising Divorce Rates in Kazakhstan: A Roundtable Discussion Explores the Root Causes Petropavlovsk, Kazakhstan – A recent roundtable discussion in Petropavlovsk highlighted a concerning trend: the rising number of divorces in Kazakhstan, particularly among young couples. The event, held at the regional Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, brought together public figures, psychologists, and young people to discuss the issue. The discussion revealed several contributing factors. One participant, Gulbakhsha Musabayeva, Chairperson of the Kazakh Cultural and Educational Center "Uraf," noted that while some ethnic groups show significantly lower divorce rates, others are experiencing a sharp increase. She emphasized the need for improved education on family responsibilities and the legal consequences of divorce. Asel Khamzina, Head of the City Department for RAGS Branch of the NAO "Government for Citizens" in the North Kazakhstan region, provided alarming statistics. She stated, "Since July 1st, 2023, we've seen 1318 divorces. In the first half of 2023, there were 354, and in 2024, there were 707." This indicates a rapid escalation of marital breakdowns. Irina Yakimova, a psychologist from the Center for Mental Health, offered a psychological perspective. She emphasized that divorce is not a single event but a process, suggesting that early intervention and counseling can be crucial. She said, "From a psychological point of view, it's important to understand that divorce is not an event but a process that unfolds over time." The roundtable concluded with a call for increased educational efforts in schools and other institutions to promote stronger family values and communication skills.