The article examines the socio-political changes that took place in the first quarter of the 20th century in Southern Kazakhstan and their impact on the fate of Kazakh women. The Soviet authorities sought to transform women’s political and legal status through the adoption of various laws and regulations, organizing meetings, conferences, congresses, and even individual conversations. However, most of these measures were formal and eventually turned into a campaign of repression. The population of the region suffered greatly from famine and political persecution. Collectivization, colonial policies, and economic decline created additional difficulties for women. Despite slogans about “equal rights,” Soviet policy severely undermined traditional family structures and national values. Many women, labeled as “wives of enemies of the people,” were imprisoned in labor camps. Nevertheless, women of Southern Kazakhstan preserved spiritual and cultural values and continued to play a central role in family upbringing. Studying their lives helps to better understand the complex nature of social changes during the Soviet era and the mechanisms of women’s resistance. The article also discusses effective methods of teaching the history of women who suffered from repression in Southern Kazakhstan.