Women dominate in Bergisch Gladbach now
In the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, the city of Bergisch Gladbach is set to commemorate three remarkable women from the Zanders family who shaped the fate of the Zanders paper manufacturer over two centuries. This tribute is part of the "FrauenOrte NRW" project, a state-funded initiative aimed at honouring 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, proposed by Dr. Ulrich Soenius, director of the Rheinisch-Westfälisches Wirtschaftsarchiv zu Köln foundation, includes information panels that make the history of these women visible and honour their achievements. The inauguration of the memorial plaque for these three Zanders women will take place at Villa Zanders on September 12.
Julie Zanders, the first of the trio, led the company from 1831 until her death in 1869, with a break for child-rearing. She purchased the Gohrsmühle, which remained the company's main headquarters until its end. Her resolute action secured many people's jobs and livelihoods for many years.
Maria Zanders, who led the company alone after her husband's early death, was responsible for the expansion and modernization of the company. She initiated the construction of Villa Zanders, a place where art, music, and civic engagement came together, a legacy that still shapes the museum today.
Olga Zanders managed the company from 1915 to 1929, while raising six children. She ensured the survival of the company during World War I and the depression of the 1920s, and founded a wedding grant for employees' children.
The three women have been selected for a special tribute by the Women's Council NRW e.V. Tatjana Countess 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 immense and extraordinary merits of the three entrepreneurs for the paper factory and thus for the social and cultural life of the region.
Mayor Frank Stein also paid tribute to the life's work of the three women, while Judith Klaßen, the equal opportunities officer of the city of Bergisch Gladbach, emphasized that the women were pioneers who took responsibility for leading the company Zanders at a time when this was not common.
The project "FrauenOrte NRW" is a collaboration between the Women's Council NRW e.V., the municipal women's officer Judith Klaßen, and the Zanders Paper Historical Collection Foundation. Jihane Qotit Zerhouni, board member of the Women's Council NRW e.V., explained the goal of the project: to contribute to equality by correcting the distorted perception that women have not made significant contributions to history.
Dr. Ina Dinter, director of the Kunstmuseum Villa Zanders, emphasized the lasting significance of Maria Zanders' work, stating that with Villa Zanders, she created a place where art, music, and civic engagement came together, a legacy that still shapes the museum today.
The project "FrauenOrte NRW" is led by the Minister of Equality, Josefine Paul, as its patron. The inauguration of the memorial plaque on September 12 promises to be a significant event in the city's history, honouring the extraordinary achievements of these three women and their impact on the paper manufacturer Zanders and the region as a whole.
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