Women have now predominantly taken over Bergisch Gladbach
Three Pioneering Women Honoured in North Rhine-Westphalia
In a significant move to recognise the contributions of women in history, the Women's Council NRW e.V. has included the Zanders women - Julie, Maria, and Olga - in their project 'FrauenOrte NRW'. This initiative aims to honour outstanding historical female personalities across North Rhine-Westphalia.
The Zanders women, who were pioneers in taking on the responsibility of leading the Zanders paper company, made a profound impact on the region. Their actions secured many people's jobs and livelihoods for many years.
Julie Zanders (1804-1869) was the first of the Zanders women to lead the company, from 1831 to 1836 and again from 1857 until her death. During her tenure, she purchased the Gohrsmühle, which remained the company's main headquarters until its end.
Maria Zanders (1839-1904) took over the company after the early death of her husband and led it alone from 1870. She is particularly remembered for her patronage of the arts and the construction of Villa Zanders in 1873-1874. Villa Zanders continues to shape the Kunstmuseum Villa Zanders today.
Olga Zanders (1872-1946) managed the Zanders company from 1915 to 1929 and ensured its survival during World War I and the depression of the 1920s. She employed around 1500 people and is also known for establishing the wedding grant in 1918, whereby daughters and sons of Zanders employees received 200 marks upon marriage.
The project 'FrauenOrte NRW' is funded by the Ministry for Children, Youth, Families, Equality, Flight and Integration of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and has Josefine Paul as its patron. The Women's Council NRW e.V. aims to correct the public space's distorted perception that women have not made significant contributions to history with this project.
The Zanders women's achievements were highlighted at the inauguration of the memorial plaque. Jihane Qotit Zerhouni, board member of the Women's Council NRW e.V., stated that the goal of the project is to honour these women for their significant contributions to the paper manufacturer Zanders.
Dr. Ulrich Soenius, director of the Foundation for the Rhineland-Westphalian Economic Archive in Cologne, proposed the inclusion of the Zanders women in the project. Judith Klaßen, the city of Bergisch Gladbach's equal opportunities officer, emphasised the significance of the Zanders women's actions at the plaque's inauguration.
The Zanders women achieved independence for the Zanders company at a time when this was neither common nor encouraged for women. Their determination and leadership secured many people's jobs and livelihoods for many years, making them true pioneers in their field.
The project 'FrauenOrte NRW' will commemorate the Zanders women with informational plaques at meaningful locations. By the end of 2025, the Women's Council NRW e.V. will have honoured 57 women personalities from over ten centuries and all regions of North Rhine-Westphalia at 52 locations.
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