Laura Toktarbekova

Laura Toktarbekova, Leading Researcher of the Institute for Philosophy, Political Science and Religion Studies at the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

2000–2005 - Researcher, Y. Altynsarin Academy of Education
2005–2009 - Senior Laboratory Assistant, Institute of Philosophy and Political Science MES RK
2009–2012 - Junior Researcher, Institute of Philosophy and Political Science MES RK
2016–2019 – Researcher, Institute of Philosophy, Political Science and Religion Studies SC MES RK.
2019-2021 - Scientific Secretary, Institute of Philosophy, Political Science and Religion Studies CS MES RK
2021 - to present time, Leading Researcher of the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science and Religion Studies
Project Manager "Gender Equality in Islam: Islamic Feminism and Traditionalism"
Scientific interests: Islamic tradition, religious tradition, Islamic philosophy, problems of Islam in the modern world, gender in Islam

EDUCATION

• PhD, Dept. of Religious and Cultural Studies, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan 2016-2019

• MA, Dept. Oriental Studies, Abay Kazakh National Pedagogical University 2013-2015

• BA, Kazakh language and literature, “Qainar” University 2000-2005

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Multidisciplinary, Arts and Humanities, Religious studies

FUTURE PROJECTS

Scopus Publications

Kazakh Women’s Visual Religious Identity and Islamic Agency on Instagram
Laura Toktarbekova, Sholpan Zhandossova, and Madina Bektenova
Africajournals
This research study analyzes the strategies and forms of religious agency exhibited by Kazakh Muslim women within the social networking platform Instagram. This analysis is situated within the broader context of the digital transformation of religious practices that is currently underway. The authors explore the intricate interplay between Islamic norms, traditional Kazakh cultural codes and the global digital media landscape through the lens of visual content, social media posts, narratives and account descriptions of Kazakh women. Utilizing content analysis and visual analysis techniques, they examine the dynamics between these cultural elements and the representation of women in the context of digital media. The results of the study demonstrate that the Instagram platform offers Muslim women novel opportunities to express their religious identity, visually demonstrate piety and consolidate their position in public space. The authors determine the changing nature of the Islamic Women's Agency in post-Soviet Kazakhstan by analyzing the manifestation of religious and gender identity in social networks based on visualization. The research findings offer a substantial contribution to the understanding of the digital transformation of Muslim women's self-expression practices in modern Kazakh society. This work demonstrates the evolution of religious practices in the digital age and the innovative ways in which Muslim women are establishing new forms of agency within the virtual realm. The findings of the study demonstrate that the Instagram platform can be regarded not only as a medium for self-expression, but also as a space for the emergence of novel forms of Islamic women's agency in post-Soviet Kazakhstan.


FORMATION OF ISLAMIC IDENTITY IN KAZAKHSTAN AND THE CENTRAL ASIAN REGION IN CONDITIONS OF RELIGIOUS REVIVAL




Contemporary strategies of women activists in the gender equality movement in Central Asia
Laura Toktarbekova, Natalya Seitakhmetova, Almasbek Shagyrbay, and Islambek Parkhatzhan
Frontiers Media SA
Introduction Movements for gender equality in Muslim countries represent a significant aspect of social progress. These movements not only strengthen women’s position in society but also foster a broader understanding of human rights within the context of cultural and religious traditions. Research on this topic reveals unique strategies and approaches that can be applied to achieve equality in other regions of the world. The present study aims to identify and analyze the novel strategies employed by women activists in the gender equality movement across Central Asian countries. Methods Data were collected through online surveys, content analysis, and ANOVA. Results The findings provide new insights into the contemporary approaches utilized by gender equality activists in Central Asia. Using Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as case studies, the study identified positive changes in gender relations. In Uzbekistan, the proportion of women in the local parliament increased to 30.8%. The figure was 18.8% in Kyrgyzstan, 12% in Tajikistan, and 9% in Kazakhstan. In Turkmenistan, the indicator has remained virtually unchanged, standing at 25.6% in 2024, which is 0.4% lower than in 2000. A comparison of women’s participation in the economy and politics of these countries revealed certain trends and disparities. The data demonstrate that the representation of women in local politics does not always correspond to their participation in leading economic positions. For instance, the highest numbers of women in business leadership roles are observed in Kazakhstan (31.1%) and Kyrgyzstan (21.7%). This contrasts with the regional average of 17.3% for Europe & Central Asia and 18.6% for OECD countries. Discussion These results show that contemporary women activists actively employ novel approaches, including social media engagement and cross-cultural alliance building, to promote their ideas and draw attention to issues of inequality. Their efforts and recommendations contribute to the formation of a more inclusive public discourse and a shift in the perception of gender roles within society. An important factor in overcoming gender inequality involves improving women’s access to education and enhancing their financial independence.


ISLAMIC DISCOURSE OF THE REASON AND FAITH IN POST-NORMAL TIMES: IS IT A RETURN TO TRADITION?




Foundations of inclusive kazakh religious identity

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS