Women dominate the scene in Bergisch Gladbach
In the heart of Bergisch Gladbach, a town in North Rhine-Westphalia, three remarkable women from the Zanders paper manufacturing family have been brought back into the limelight. Julie Zanders, Maria Zanders, and Olga Zanders, who led the company during challenging times, have been honoured with a memorial plaque as part of the Women's Sites NRW project.
Born in 1804, Julie Zanders took over the reins of the company in 1831 and led it until her death in 1869. She was followed by her son, Carl Richard, but resumed sole leadership in 1857. Julie's tenure saw the purchase of the Gohrsmühle, which served as the company's main headquarters until its closure.
Maria Zanders, born in 1839, took over the company after her husband's early death in 1870. Known for her expansion and modernisation efforts, Maria led the company until her death in 1904. Between 1873 and 1874, she initiated the construction of Villa Zanders, a testament to her patronage of the arts.
Olga Zanders, born in 1872 and passed away in 1946, took over the management of the company from 1915 to 1929. During her tenure, she ensured the survival of the company through both World War I and the depression of the 1920s. She also established a marriage grant in 1918, offering 200 Marks to the daughters and sons of Zanders employees upon marriage.
Their contributions to the paper manufacturer Zanders, made during a time when women faced significant limitations, have been recognised by the Women's Council NRW e.V. and the city of Bergisch Gladbach. Jihane Qotit Zerhouni, board member of the Women's Council NRW e.V., explained that the project aims to correct the skewed perception of women's historical contributions.
Judith Klaßen, the equal opportunities officer of the city of Bergisch Gladbach, emphasised the pioneering roles of the three women. She highlighted that their determined action secured many people's jobs and livelihoods for many years.
The project, which is funded by the Ministry for Children, Youth, Families, Equality, Flight and Integration of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, is part of a larger initiative to recognise outstanding historical female personalities throughout the state. By the end of 2025, 57 women personalities from over ten centuries and all regions of North Rhine-Westphalia will be honoured at 52 locations.
The fact that Bergisch Gladbach now has a Women's Site is thanks to Dr. Ulrich Soénius, director of the Rheinisch-Westfälisches Wirtschaftsarchiv zu Köln foundation. Together with the municipal women's officer Judith Klaßen and the Zanders-Papiergeschichtliche Sammlung foundation, he placed the project under the umbrella of the Women's Council NRW project.
The three Zanders women are part of the FrauenOrte NRW project, which aims to highlight the role of companies in history and bring these Bergisch Gladbach entrepreneurs back into public awareness. Their story serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of women in the face of adversity and a reminder of the significant contributions women have made in shaping our history.
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