Women now dominate Bergisch Gladbach
Three Pioneering Zanders Women Honoured in Bergisch Gladbach
In a historic moment, three remarkable women from the Zanders family were honoured with a memorial plaque for their significant role in shaping the paper manufacturer Zanders for two centuries. The honouring took place at a reception in Villa Zanders on Friday, 12 September.
The Zanders women, Julie Zanders, Maria Zanders, and Olga Zanders, made their mark during a time when women were not equal. They led their company at a time when women were only allowed to study at universities from 1900, to vote from 1918, and to pursue a profession with their father or husband's consent until 1958 and 1977.
Julie Zanders (1804 - 1869) led the company Zanders from 1831 to her death, initially on her own and later with her son Carl Richard. She purchased the Gohrsmühle, which remained the company's main headquarters until its end. Olga Zanders (1872-1946) managed the company from 1915 to 1929 and ensured its survival during World War I and the depression of the 1920s. She also engaged in social work, founding a wedding gift for employees' children.
Maria Zanders (1839 - 1904) led the company alone from 1870, initiating the construction of Villa Zanders and modernizing the company through acquisitions. She was a patron of the arts and founded the Altenberger-Dom-Verein.
Tatjana Countess von Spee, born Zanders, as a representative of the family, 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.
The proposal to honour the three Zanders women was made by Dr. Ulrich Soénius, Director of the Stiftung Rheinisch-Westfälisches Wirtschaftsarchiv in Cologne. The Women's Sites NRW project, which aims to honour outstanding historical female personalities throughout the state, is honouring the Zanders women as part of their significant role in shaping the paper manufacturer Zanders.
The project "FrauenOrte NRW" aims to honour 57 women personalities from over ten centuries and from all regions of North Rhine-Westphalia at 52 locations. The project is funded by the Ministry for Children, Youth, Families, Equality, Flight and Integration of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Bergisch Gladbach now has a women's site thanks to Dr. Ulrich Soenius, who placed the project under the umbrella of the project of the Women's Council NRW. Jihane Qotit Zerhouni, board member of the Women's Council NRW e.V., explained 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, stated that the Zanders women were pioneers who took on the responsibility of leading the company Zanders at a time when this was not common. Mayor Frank Stein praised the life's work of the three women, stating that their actions secured many people's jobs and livelihoods for many years.
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 this heritage continues to shape the museum today.
The honoring of the Zanders women is a testament to their resilience, leadership, and contributions to the paper industry and the social and cultural life of the region. Their legacy continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations.
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