Gender equality in the workplace is traditionally promoted by the world community as a socially significant element in strengthening social stability. This undoubtedly important institution is only entering the modern everyday life of Kazakhstan and is closely connected with the concept of sustainable development, it forces us to determine what underlies its international legal regulation. The purpose of the study is to determine the place and role of international legal instruments in the formation of national methods of gender equality and processes related to the improvement of mechanisms for protection against discrimination. Research question: what is the role of the ILO Conventions in stimulating genuine equality in the social and labor sphere of Kazakhstan at the present stage? The analysis is based on the assumption that international labor agreements have the necessary leverage to influence national legal systems, and that their effective implementation and application is in the public interest. The review is formed on the example of the Kazakh legal system in a comparative perspective. The results of the study develop the hypothesis that international agreements can influence national policy only if states are willing and able to implement international obligations into their national legislation, as well as ensure their application and enforcement. The results show the problems that accompany the reforms of the national social policy in the field of employment, promoted by international agreements in Kazakhstan.