Women's Domination Now Marks Bergisch Gladbach
In a historic moment, the three extraordinary Zanders women - Julie, Maria, and Olga - have been honoured with a memorial plaque as part of the Women's Places NRW project. This initiative aims to bring historically significant female personalities into public awareness, correcting the distorted perception of women's contributions to history.
The Zanders women's achievements are nothing short of remarkable. They kept the company afloat and made it independent, expanded it through acquisitions and modernisation, and ensured its survival during World War I and the depression of the 1920s. Their impact on the region extends beyond the paper manufacturer Zanders, as they also secured many people's jobs and livelihoods for many years.
Maria Zanders, who led the company from 1870 to 1902, was a patron of the arts and founded the Altenberger-Dom-Verein in 1894. She initiated the construction of Villa Zanders in 1873-1874, which today serves as a museum that continues to embody her legacy.
Olga Zanders, who managed the company from 1915 to 1929, oversaw a workforce of around 1500 employees. She also founded a marriage grant in 1918 for Zanders employees' children.
Julie Zanders, who led the company from 1831 to 1869, initially alone and later with her son Carl Richard, purchased the Gohrsmühle, which remained the company's main headquarters until its end.
The Zanders women were pioneers who took responsibility for leading the Zanders company at a time when the role of women was defined as a man's companion and mother, and they were not equal. They were only allowed to study at universities from 1900, vote from 1918, and pursue a profession with consent until 1958 and 1977.
Dr. Ina Dinter, director of the Kunstmuseum Villa Zanders, emphasised Maria Zanders' lasting impact, stating that she created a place where art, music, and civic engagement came together, and this heritage continues to shape the museum today. Tatjana Countess von Spee, a direct descendant of the Zanders family, paid tribute to the immense and extraordinary merits of the three entrepreneurs for the paper factory and the social and cultural life of the region.
Mayor Frank Stein, in his speech at the inauguration ceremony of the memorial plaque on September 12, highlighted the impact of the Zanders women's actions, stating that they secured many people's jobs and livelihoods for many years. Jihane Qotit Zerhouni, board member of Women's Council NRW e.V., explained that the goal of the project is to correct the public space's distorted perception of women's contributions to history.
The project 'FrauenOrte NRW' aims to honour 57 women personalities from over ten centuries and all regions of North Rhine-Westphalia by the end of 2025 at 52 locations. The project is funded by the Ministry for Children, Youth, Families, Equality, Refugees and Integration of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The Zanders women's memorial plaque was inaugurated at a reception in Villa Zanders on September 12, marking a significant step forward in recognising the contributions of these remarkable women. Their story serves as an inspiration for future generations, demonstrating that with determination and courage, anyone can make a difference, regardless of the challenges they face.
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