Women now predominantly inhabit the city of Bergisch Gladbach
In a historic event held at Villa Zanders on Friday, 12 September, a memorial plaque was inaugurated to honour the Zanders women, pioneers who played a crucial role in leading the paper manufacturing company, Zanders, during a time when such leadership was uncommon for women. The project, placed under the umbrella of the FrauenRates NRW project, was proposed by Dr. Ulrich Soenius, the director of the Rheinisch-Westfälisches Wirtschaftsarchiv zu Köln foundation. The initiative aims to correct the distorted perception that women have not made significant contributions to history and seeks to contribute to equality. The Zanders women, including Julie Zanders, Maria Zanders, and Olga Zanders, led the company from 1831 to 1929. Julie Zanders, who led the company initially alone and later with her son Carl Richard, purchased the Gohrsmühle, which remained the main headquarters until the company's end. Maria Zanders expanded the company through acquisitions and modernization, and she was responsible for the construction of Villa Zanders, a place where art, music, and civic engagement came together. Olga Zanders ensured the company's survival during World War I and the depression of the 1920s. Maria Zanders' work continues to shape the Kunstmuseum Villa Zanders today. The Zanders women's decisive actions secured many people's jobs and livelihoods for many years. Without their leadership, there would be neither the Zanders area, which shapes the cityscape and is currently changing, nor the long tradition of the paper city of Bergisch Gladbach. The memorial plaque inaugurated at the reception is part of the FrauenOrte NRW project, which aims to honour 57 women personalities from over ten centuries and all regions of North Rhine-Westphalia at 52 locations by the end of 2025. The project is funded by the Ministry for Children, Youth, Families, Equality, Refugees and Integration of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The three Zanders women have been honoured with a memorial plaque by the Women's Council NRW e.V. The goal of the project is to make the history of these women visible and honour their achievements through information panels at the locations where they made their mark. The project is a testament to the significant contributions of the Zanders women and serves as an inspiration for future generations.
