Hire Now
Message Thessa
See how it works
Book Thessa with Paydesk
Make your booking securely through paydesk for these benefits:
1
Preferred Booking Channel
Thessa is more likely to commit to assignments booked through paydesk, as it is a trusted platform that validates the seriousness and legitimacy of each engagement.2
Insured Bookings for Peace of Mind
We provide basic insurance coverage with each booking on paydesk, giving both you and the media professional confidence and protection while they work for you.3
Effortless Online Payment
Paydesk offers a payment protection system to ensure payments are only finalized when you are satisfied with the job completion. Freelancers trusts our process that guarantees their efforts are rewarded upon successful delivery of servicesStill have questions?
Check FAQAbout Thessa
Looking for an experienced freelance journalist, content marketing writer or copywriter? Do you need good articles, content marketing stories, blogs or advertorials for your magazine or other publication? Or would you like newsletters, press releases, white papers, case studies or other content to be written for your business or organisation? I can do this for you. I write in English and Dutch and also take photos. Or do you need a researcher or fixer in The Hague or elsewhere in The Netherlands? I have experience working for international media en NGOs, such as Al Jazeera, NTR (a Dutch public-service broadcaster), Education Above All (Qatar) and The New York Times. Why work with me? Because I.... - deliver content that has a good structure and is well written. - have over ten years of experience. - am trained as a journalist (post-Master at Erasmus University Rotterdam). - make sure to target the right audience. - always explore the topic thoroughly. - come up with refreshing topics and angles. - ask the right questions during interviews and can make the interviewees feel at ease. - write in both Dutch and English. - take photos too. - love my work and deliver quality. - am easy to work with, I follow briefings closely, but also contribute ideas, I'm flexible, reliable and, of course, never miss a deadline. Inquiries? Please contact me by email: ******.
Portfolio
Tunisian LGBT community making strides
The Tunisian LGBT community is making significant progress, as evidenced by various public displays of support and activism. Anti-homophobia graffiti and messages advocating for LGBT rights are visible in Tunis and its suburbs. Events like the feminist art festival in Carthage highlight the community's efforts to combat homophobia and promote acceptance.
This woman messaged me on Facebook to help flee a life of abuse
Eline, a domestic worker from Madagascar, reached out to journalist Thessa Lageman via Facebook for help escaping abuse in Kuwait. Kuwait's wealth contrasts with the plight of migrant workers like Eline, who are often subjected to the kafala system, long hours, and abuse. Despite laws to protect them, enforcement is weak and societal contempt is high. Eline's escape to a shelter was fraught with challenges, including being taken to another house by a taxi driver and having her phone confiscated. The Public Authority for Manpower's shelter was overcrowded and offered little respite. After a public plea on Facebook, the Malagasy president intervened, and Eline eventually returned home, advising others against seeking work in the Gulf.
Nostalgia for Ben Ali and hopes for new revolution in riot-stricken Tunis suburb
Residents of Ettadhamen, a suburb of Tunis, are dealing with the aftermath of recent riots and looting, with many expressing nostalgia for the stability under former president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The unrest has led to significant damage to local businesses and homes, with over 300 arrests and numerous injuries reported. Locals attribute the violence to socio-economic issues and political manipulation, with some suggesting that opposition parties may have incited the unrest. The area is also known for its residents' attempts to migrate to Europe or join conflicts in Syria. Despite the current curfew and increased police presence, many residents remain hopeful for peaceful protests and significant political change.
Nostalgia for Ben Ali and hopes for new revolution in riot-stricken Tunis suburb
Residents of Ettadhamen, a suburb of Tunis, are dealing with the aftermath of recent riots and looting, with many expressing nostalgia for the stability under former president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The unrest has led to significant damage to local businesses and a heavy police presence. Some locals believe opposition parties may be inciting the unrest to topple the government. The area is also known for its residents' attempts to migrate to Europe or join conflicts in Syria. Economic hardship and safety concerns are prevalent, with many hoping for significant political change.
Dutch banks’ customers ‘unknowingly’ profit from destructive palm oil companies
Dutch banks ABN AMRO, ING, and Rabobank are criticized for not informing customers that their investment funds include shares in environmentally damaging palm oil companies in Indonesia. Despite labeling some funds as 'sustainable,' these banks are linked to companies with poor environmental and human rights records. The report by Milieudefensie calls for banks to cease financial relationships with the palm oil sector. Activists highlight the severe environmental and social impacts on communities like Pungkat in Sumatra. The article also discusses the broader issue of greenwashing and the need for stricter sustainability criteria in investment portfolios.
Tunisia's educated youth go on hunger strike to demand jobs
In Tunis, a group of 17 highly educated individuals, including Omar El Touati, went on a hunger strike starting 16 March to protest against unemployment and the government's inaction. Despite their qualifications, they have been unable to find jobs for several years. The unemployment issue, especially among the youth, has worsened since the Jasmine Revolution of 2011. The strikers, many of whom are former activists blacklisted from public sector jobs, have not received government attention, except for a few opposition MPs. The Minister of Vocational Training and Employment, Zied Ladhari, expressed understanding but declined to make exceptions for them. The UGTT supports the strikers, who have faced health issues due to the strike. The government's offers of starting businesses or unrelated jobs were rejected by the strikers as unrealistic. Omar El Touati escalated his protest by also refusing water, demanding dignity through employment or death.
Unemployed Tunisians on hunger strike
Unemployed Tunisians, including highly educated youth, have been on a hunger strike since March 16, demanding jobs from the government. Despite the government's attempts to curb unemployment through various schemes, the strikers feel ignored and unsupported. The Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) and opposition MPs have shown support, but the government's offers have been deemed unrealistic. The hunger strike highlights the severe unemployment crisis in Tunisia, particularly among the youth, and the disillusionment with post-revolution promises.
Tunisian families seek answers on missing migrants
The article discusses the mysterious disappearance of at least 520 Tunisians who crossed to Italy after the 2011 Tunisian revolution. Om Elkhir Wertani's husband, Nabil Guizawi, is among the missing. Despite sightings of some migrants in Italy, their fates remain unknown. Organisations like Boats4People and the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights estimate that around 40,000 Tunisians attempted the crossing in 2011, with about 1,500 drowned or missing. The group Land for All, along with the Tunisian government, is pushing for investigations. The European Parliament has inquired, but the European Commission has not provided conclusive answers. The Tunisian government has established a commission to work with the Italian interior ministry to investigate, but the outcomes are uncertain. The article also touches on the ongoing issue of Tunisians risking dangerous sea crossings to Italy due to economic hardships at home.
Dutch fear election hacking, fake news
The article by Thessa Lageman discusses concerns by the Dutch government regarding potential Russian interference in the upcoming Dutch elections through hacking and fake news. Rob Bertholee, head of the AIVD, revealed attempts to hack Dutch government email accounts. The Ministry of General Affairs, including the Prime Minister's office, was a target. To counter threats, the Dutch will count ballots by hand, using election software only for calculations. Russian hacking groups APT28 and APT29, also known as Fancy Bear and Cozy Bear, are believed to be behind the attacks, with similar patterns observed in the US and other European countries. The article also touches on the significance of the Netherlands in the context of EU-Russia relations and the potential impact of leaked information. Cybersecurity experts from Northwave and Fox-IT provide insights into the methods used by Russian hackers and the challenges in tracing their activities. Despite Russian denials, experts believe the hacking is part of a broader strategy to destabilize the EU.
Remembering Mohamed Bouazizi: The man who sparked the Arab Spring
Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation on December 17, 2010, in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia, sparked the Arab Spring, leading to widespread protests and the eventual fall of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's regime. His cousin, Ali Bouazizi, played a crucial role in documenting and sharing the events, which were marked by police corruption and government oppression. Despite the revolution, many Tunisians remain disillusioned due to ongoing economic struggles and corruption. Ali continues to advocate for change through the newly established 'Haraka 17 décembre' movement, aiming to fight corruption and reform the political system.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium
doloremque laudantium,
totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur?
doloremque laudantium,
totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur?
Want to see more portfolio samples?
Sign up to paydesk, it’s free!
Log In
Sign Up
×
Thessa's
confirmed information
✓
Financial institution
Verified Dec 2015
✓
Phone number
Verified Dec 2016
✓
Joined
Dec 2015