Bergisch Gladbach has transformed into a female-dominated territory
The Rhine's economic history is set to be rewritten, as a new project aims to honour the often-overlooked contributions of the Zanders women. The initiative, known as "FrauenOrte NRW", has selected these three Bergisch Gladbach entrepreneurs for recognition, bringing them back into the public consciousness.
The project, under the umbrella of the FrauenRat NRW, has been proposed by Dr. Ulrich Soenius, the director of the Foundation for the Rhineland-Westphalian Economic Archive in Cologne. The Zanders women – Julie, Maria, and Olga – played a significant role in the history of the Rhine's economy, with their determined action securing many people's jobs and livelihoods for many years.
Julie Zanders led the company from 1831 to 1869, initially on her own and later with her son Carl Richard, until her death. She purchased the Gohrsmühle, which remained the company's main headquarters until its end. Maria Zanders took over the company alone from 1870, expanding it through acquisitions and modernising it. She was not just an entrepreneur but also a patron of the arts, initiating the construction of Villa Zanders and creating a place where art, music, and civic engagement came together.
Maria's legacy can still be seen today in the Kunstmuseum Villa Zanders, with a collection focus on 'Art from Paper' and a mission to make contemporary art visible. Olga Zanders managed the company from 1915 to 1929, employing around 1500 people. She established a wedding grant for Zanders employees' children upon marriage.
The Women's Council NRW e.V. project, which aims to draw attention to these trailblazing women, has selected the Zanders women as part of their initiative to honour outstanding historical female personalities. As part of the project, information boards will be placed at selected locations to make the history of these women visible and honour their achievements.
The public space is predominantly male, and with their project, Women's Council NRW e.V. aims to correct the distorted perception that women have not made significant 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, Equal Opportunities, Refugees and Integration of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The honours for the Zanders women don't stop there. They have been honoured with a memorial plaque by the Women's Council NRW e.V. for their significant contributions to the paper manufacturer Zanders. The city's women's officer Judith Klaßen and the Zanders Foundation for Paper History have also shown their support for the project.
With the "FrauenOrte NRW" project, the achievements of these pioneering women are finally being recognised and celebrated, ensuring their legacy lives on for generations to come.
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