I am an independent feminist gender consultant with 15+ years of experience in gender analysis and research. My focus areas have included gender-based violence, women’s care responsibilities, gender and climate change, LGBTQI+ political inclusion, and women’s representation. I am also a writer, editor, author, and writing coach through monthly writing workshops. I work with clients across NGOs, government, and international bodies to translate research into policy and practice.

Jennifer Smout

I am an independent feminist gender consultant with 15+ years of experience in gender analysis and research. My focus areas have included gender-based violence, women’s care responsibilities, gender and climate change, LGBTQI+ political inclusion, and women’s representation. I am also a writer, editor, author, and writing coach through monthly writing workshops. I work with clients across NGOs, government, and international bodies to translate research into policy and practice.

Available to hire

I am an independent feminist gender consultant with 15+ years of experience in gender analysis and research. My focus areas have included gender-based violence, women’s care responsibilities, gender and climate change, LGBTQI+ political inclusion, and women’s representation.

I am also a writer, editor, author, and writing coach through monthly writing workshops. I work with clients across NGOs, government, and international bodies to translate research into policy and practice.

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Language

English
Fluent
Afrikaans
Advanced
French
Advanced

Work Experience

Writer and author at Self-employed
January 1, 2009 - Present
Wrote and published fiction and non-fiction; writing coach through monthly workshops; contributor to various journals and books.
Independent gender analyst, researcher, writer and editor at Independent consultant
January 1, 2017 - Present
Independent gender analyst, researcher, writer and editor. Providing consulting services to organizations including Natroceutics, Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust, World Bank, and others.
Researcher on women and gender at South African Parliament
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2017
Researched and produced policy analysis on women's rights and gender; supported parliamentary committees and processes.
Independent gender analyst, researcher, writer and editor at Self-employed
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2013
Independent gender analyst, researcher, writer and editor; clients included Greenpeace Africa, Women’s Legal Centre, Amanitare Sexual Rights Network, and others.
Research coordinator at Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2012
Coordinated research projects; data collection, analysis, and reporting; contributed to policy and program development.
Research intern and parliamentary monitor at Treatment Action Campaign; Impact Consulting; Parliamentary Monitoring Group
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2010
Research intern and parliamentary monitoring role; supported campaigns and policy monitoring.
Writer and author at Self-employed / Independent writer and author
January 1, 2009 - Present
Independent writer and author engaged in research, writing, and publication activities for various clients and projects since 2009.
Independent gender analyst, researcher, writer and editor at Self-employed / Independent consultant
January 1, 2017 - Present
Provide gender analysis, research, writing, and editing services to multiple clients since 2017, including organizations in gender, development, and policy spaces.
Independent gender analyst, researcher, writer and editor at Independent consultant (clients listed)
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2013
Delivered research and editorial services for Greenpeace Africa, Women’s Legal Centre, Amanitare Sexual Rights Network, Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust, and other partners.
Research intern and parliamentary monitor at Treatment Action Campaign, Impact Consulting, Parliamentary monitoring group
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2010
Assisted with research tasks and parliamentary monitoring related to health advocacy and policy.

Education

Certificate in Digital Marketing at UCT and Get Smarter
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2022
Certificate in Practical Copywriting and Proofreading at SA Writers College
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2017
Master of Arts in Creative Writing at UCT
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2014
Certificate in Features Writing at UCT and Get Smarter
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2012
Master of Arts in Political Studies (Gender) with Distinction at Rhodes University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2009
Bachelor of Arts Honours with Distinction, Political Studies at Rhodes University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2008
Bachelor of Arts, Politics and Philosophy at Rhodes University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2006
Certificate in Digital Marketing at UCT and Get Smarter
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
Certificate in Practical Copywriting and Proofreading at SA Writers College
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2017
Master of Arts in Creative Writing at UCT
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2014
Certificate in Features Writing at UCT and Get Smarter
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2012
Master of Arts in Political Studies (Gender) with Distinction at Rhodes University
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2009
Bachelor of Arts Honours with Distinction, Political Studies at Rhodes University
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2008
Bachelor of Arts, Politics and Philosophy at Rhodes University
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2006

Qualifications

Certificate in Digital Marketing
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2022
Certificate in Practical Copywriting and Proofreading
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2017
Certificate in Features Writing
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2012
Certificate in Digital Marketing
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
Certificate in Practical Copywriting and Proofreading
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2017
Certificate in Features Writing
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2012

Industry Experience

Non-Profit Organization, Government, Education, Healthcare, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Other