Resumé

Last update: August 2012

Femke van Zeijl, born September 22nd 1971, Berkel-Enschot, The Netherlands

Journalistic work

2012
Based in Lagos, Nigeria

2011 - now
Writing third book, which will be a novel.

2010
Second book publication, Gin-tonic & Cholera, on everyday urban life in Africa (nonfiction).

2007
First book publication, Een nacht in een vijzel (A Night in a Mortar) on women in Africa (non-fiction).

2005 - now
Teacher in journalism (guest lectures, workshops and student counselling):
- Fontys Hogeschool Journalistiek in Tilburg,
- School voor Journalistiek in Utrecht.
- Utrecht University.

2004 - 2005
Political and socio-economic editor at opinion magazine for women Opzij.

2002 - now
Debate moderator and presenter.

2002 - now
Freelance feature writer, photographer, radio- and video maker in Sub-Saharan Africa (16 countries a.o. Mozambique, Angola, D.R. Congo, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Nigeria).

2000
Visiting contributing editor at German national newspaper Die Frankfurter Rundschau as part of a German-Dutch journalist exchange.

1999 - now
Freelance journalist for Dutch and international media, a.o.:
- National newspaper NRC Handelsblad (Netherlands),
- Opinion magazine Vrij Nederland (Netherlands),
- News radiostation BNR (Netherlands),
- Foreign affairs journal Courrier International (France),
- Feminist monthly Ms Magazine (U.S.A.).

1996 - 1998
Contributing editor local newspaper Dagblad De Gelderlander.

Other journalistic activities

2008 - now
Member of the board of ZAM-net, publisher of ZAM Africa Magazine.

2006
Belgian Filip Decock Award for journalism in developing countries.

2003 - 2008
Member of the board and eventually chairwoman of Stichting Vrouw & Media (national foundation for the advancement of women in journalism).

Education

1994 - 1998
Academie voor Journalistiek in Tilburg, four year Journalism course.

1989-1993
University of Utrecht, History Department, Contemporary History.

1983 - 1989
Cobbenhagencollege secondary school in Tilburg, vwo final school exams passed, roughly equivalent to GCSE A-levels.

Other activities

2007
Private Portuguese language course in Maputo, Mozambique.

2003
Portuguese language course at Kosmus Language School in Lisbon, Portugal.

1999 - 2005
Organised Thomas Jazzdansdagen, yearly week long jazz dance course with 150 participants and 5 international dance teachers.

1987 - 1990
KNGB Course Jazz Dance Teacher, obtained second degree teaching qualification.

Other skills

Languages
Dutch, English, French, German and Portuguese.

Computers
Knowledge of html, building websites, experience with Linux, Mac and Windows platforms, Final Cut Pro, Reaper and other video and radio editing programs.