Gertie Steukers is a social and political scientist, educator and education expert, historian and international development professional specialized in education, social inclusion and governance, with strong functional skills in research, advocacy, report and proposal writing, programme management, resource mobilization, and partnership building. She has over 13 years professional experience of which 11 acquired at the international level, in a variety of settings and contexts. Gertie worked and lived in over 10 different countries in Africa and Asia. She is Belgian and holds two master's degrees, a teacher training degree, and a programme management certificate.