August 9 we get to celebrate National Women’s Day.
According to research, this South African holiday is celebrated every year on a weekday because women have had a long history of oppression.
Annie Steijn (72) has been a Rynfield resident for the past 52 years, making her name known through events such as joining the Benoni Rotary Club in 2004 as one of the first women to be admitted into the club.
She is the vice-president of the club, former district governor after governing in 2014/15 and the first woman in her district (9400) to govern.
But this is not all, Annie has done plenty for and with the community of Benoni in not only being the first woman in many organisations and levels of her life but also winning cases as a lawyer, having her own law firm and being the first women president for the Benoni Rotary Club.
“When I was admitted, it was a male-dominated occupation, referring to law,” she explained.
“There was only one other female attorney in town who just did conveyancing, while I had a general practice.
Criminal matters, conveyancing, divorces, domestic violence, you name it.
“Some of the men predicted I wouldn’t last a year. Some of those firms are no more. I, however, have been practising as a sole practitioner for 32 years.
“I had to stand my ground to prove them wrong, so after studying through Unisa when my daughters were small, I was admitted just before I turned 40.
“Opportunities for men and women should be the same.
“If you are, as a woman, qualified to do the same work as men, you should be treated accordingly.”
From being in the paper for winning a case to donating a vehicle with the Rotary club, to be the first woman to join an all dominated men’s club, Annie has never given up and will continue showing just how powerful a woman can be if they put their mind to it.
“My advice to the young women is to live your dreams and do what you are passionate about. Being an attorney is a tough occupation for a woman and not an 08:00 to 17:00 job, especially when you want to get married and have children. Clients rule your life and you must have support from your family.”
Annie has featured in the City Times for many years, racking up achievements and making a difference.
“I hold close to my heart my memories and achievements,” she said.
“Firstly, when my daughters were born, secondly all my firsts as a woman. First lady in Benoni with my own practice, one of the first women admitted into the Benoni Commando, one of the first women inducted into the Benoni Rotary Club, first lady president of the club, first lady inducted as preceding officer of the Benoni Small Claims Court, first lady governor of rotary district 9400.
“And then definitely being happily married for 52 years to my amazing husband, Hennie.
“Happy Birthday to the City Times and a huge thank you for all the coverage over the years.”
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