Kazakhstan's Gulzhanat Gafu redefines success beyond work-life balance

Gulzhanat Gafu, a researcher and educator at Nazarbayev University, grew up in the Markakol District of East Kazakhstan. Her academic journey took her to the UK, where she completed both her master’s and PhD under the Bolashak scholarship programme. Now, she balances a demanding career with family life—though she admits the idea of perfect balance is unrealistic. Gafu’s early education began at a gifted students’ boarding school in Ust-Kamenogorsk. Later, she earned advanced degrees abroad before returning to Kazakhstan. Today, she teaches and studies modern educational processes at one of the country’s leading universities.

She views her role at Nazarbayev University as both a privilege and a heavy responsibility. But becoming a mother changed how she sees her professional work. Like many women in Kazakhstan, she faces pressure to succeed as a researcher, homemaker, and parent. Gafu often feels guilt when choosing between work and family. Instead of chasing balance, she focuses on constant adjustment and reassessing priorities. For her, managing different life phases means flexibility rather than perfection.

Gafu’s experience reflects the challenges faced by many Kazakhstani women today. She navigates high expectations in both career and family life without relying on the idea of a perfect equilibrium. Her approach centres on adaptability and setting new priorities as circumstances change.