Women have now taken the reins in Bergisch Gladbach.
The "FrauenOrte NRW" project, a initiative funded by the Ministry for Children, Youth, Families, Equality, Flight and Integration of North Rhine-Westphalia, aims to honor 57 women personalities from over ten centuries and from all regions of North Rhine-Westphalia at 52 locations by the end of 2025. The project seeks to bring these historical women figures back into public consciousness and highlight the role of companies in history.
Three women from Bergisch Gladbach, Julie Zanders, Maria Zanders, and Olga Zanders, have been included in this project for their significant contributions to the paper manufacturer Zanders over two centuries. Dr. Ulrich Soenius, director of the Rheinisch-Westfälisches Wirtschaftsarchiv zu Köln foundation, played a key role in placing the Zanders women under the umbrella of the "FrauenOrte NRW" project.
Julie Zanders led the company from 1831 to 1836 and again from 1857 until her death in 1869. During her tenure, she purchased the Gohrsmühle, which remained the company's headquarters until its end. Maria Zanders, who led the company alone after her husband's early death in 1870, was responsible for the company's expansion and modernization, and initiated the construction of Villa Zanders in 1873-1874. Olga Zanders managed the company from 1915 to 1929, overseeing around 1500 employees and ensuring the company's survival during World War I and the depression of the 1920s. She also founded a wedding grant for employees' children.
The memorial plaque for the three women was inaugurated at a reception in Villa Zanders on Friday, 12 September. Jihane Qotit Zerhouni, board member of FrauenRat NRW e.V., stated that the project aims to contribute to equality by correcting the skewed perception that women have not made significant contributions to history. Judith Klaßen, the equal opportunities officer of the city of Bergisch Gladbach, emphasized that the three women were pioneers who decided to take on the responsibility of leading the company Zanders at a time when this was not common.
Mayor Frank Stein paid tribute to the life's work of the three women, stating that their actions secured many people's jobs and livelihoods for many years. Tatjana Gräfin von Spee, born Zanders, as a representative of the family in the Kuratorium of the Zanders - Paper Historical Collection foundation and chairwoman of the Altenberger Dom-Verein founded by Maria Zanders, paid tribute to the extraordinary merits of the three entrepreneurs for the paper factory and thus for the social and cultural life of the region.
Dr. Ina Dinter, director of the Kunstmuseum Villa Zanders, emphasized the lasting significance of Maria Zanders' work, stating that she created a place where art, music, and civic engagement came together and that this heritage continues to shape the museum today. The "FrauenOrte NRW" project includes information boards that make the (women's) history visible and honor their achievements.
The "FrauenOrte NRW" project also aims to contribute to equality by correcting the skewed perception that women have not made significant contributions to history. Judith Klaßen, the equal opportunities officer of the city of Bergisch Gladbach, emphasized that the three women were pioneers who decided to take on the responsibility of leading the company Zanders at a time when this was not common. The project will continue to honor more women personalities from North Rhine-Westphalia in the coming years.
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