Practical Experience in the Formation of Gender Culture of Social Specialists in Non-formal Adult Education

The article reveals experience of non-formal gender education of social workers in terms of introduction of a gender-sensitive approach. We have analyzed scientific works in relation to the concept of gender culture, and have given the author’s definition of «gender culture of social specialists» as a special system of professional skills realization, which is actualized through the complex of formed appropriate intellectual, value-based, motivational and behavioral characteristics. They are based on the knowledge of gender theory, the development of mental needs, learned values and rules of gender-based behavior in line with the gender parity and democracy. The experience of implementing an innovative pilot partnership project «Gender Open University» has been described. We have analyzed the experience of the Center for Gender Education, which is a research department of an academy that provides scientific and practical assistance to social workers, social pedagogues, schoolteachers and students of higher educational institutions in the introduction of ideas of gender equality in professional activities. It has been determined that such a department provides a wide range of opportunities for educational professionals who work in different social areas.