Women now dominate Bergisch Gladbach
Zanders Women Honoured in Bergisch Gladbach
A memorial plaque has been inaugurated in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, to commemorate the significant contributions of the Zanders women to the paper manufacturer Zanders. The three women, Julie Zanders, Maria Zanders, and Olga Zanders, played pivotal roles in the company's expansion, modernization, and survival through challenging times.
The project, known as "FrauenOrte NRW," aims to bring these Bergisch Gladbach entrepreneurs back into the public consciousness and highlight the role of companies in history. Initiated by Dr. Ulrich Soenius, Judith Klaßen (equal opportunities officer of the city of Bergisch Gladbach), and the Zanders Paper Historical Collection Foundation, the project aims to honour 57 women personalities from various fields across North Rhine-Westphalia by 2025, with information boards at 52 locations.
Maria Zanders (1839 - 1904) led the company alone from 1870 and was responsible for its expansion through acquisitions and modernization. She initiated the construction of Villa Zanders in 1873-1874. Julie Zanders (1804 - 1869) led the company from 1831 to 1836 and again from 1857 until her death. She purchased the Gohrsmühle, serving as the company's main headquarters. Olga Zanders (1872-1946) managed the company from 1915 to 1929 and oversaw its survival through World War I and the depression of the 1920s. She also founded a marriage grant for employees' children.
Mayor Frank Stein praised the life's work of the three women, stating that their actions ensured many people's jobs and livelihoods for many years. Judith Klaßen, the equal opportunities officer of the city of Bergisch Gladbach, stated that the women were pioneers who decided to take responsibility for leading the firm Zanders at a time when this was far from common.
Tatjana Countess von Spee, born Zanders, as a representative of the family in the foundation's board and chairwoman of the Altenberger Dom Association founded by Maria Zanders, paid tribute to the extraordinary merits of the three entrepreneurs for the paper factory and the social and cultural life of the region. Dr. Ina Dinter, director of the Kunstmuseum Villa Zanders, emphasized the enduring significance of Maria Zanders' work, stating that she created a place where art, music, and civic engagement came together and that this heritage continues to shape the museum today.
Jihane Qotit Zerhouni, board member of Women's Council NRW e.V., explained the goal of the project: to contribute to equality by correcting the skewed perception that women have not made significant contributions to history. The memorial plaque was inaugurated at a reception in Villa Zanders on 12 September.
Besides Julie, Maria, and Olga Zanders, no other women from Bergisch Gladbach are mentioned to be honoured by the Projekt FrauenOrte NRW in the available sources; the three Zanders women are specifically noted and commemorated with a plaque as part of the project. Dr. Ulrich Soenius (Rheinisch-Westfälisches Wirtschaftsarchiv zu Köln Foundation) played a key role in placing the Zanders women under the auspices of the Women's Council NRW project.
The "FrauenOrte NRW" project in Bergisch Gladbach aims to honour outstanding historical female personalities throughout the state. By commemorating the Zanders women, the project seeks to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable entrepreneurs and inspire future generations of women to take on leadership roles in business and beyond.
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