Women now dominate Bergisch Gladbach

, and Administrator

2025 September 24 . 7:22 AM

2 min read

Women now dominate the scene in Bergisch Gladbach

Women now dominate Bergisch Gladbach

In the historic city of Bergisch Gladbach, a significant milestone has been reached as three remarkable women from the Zanders paper manufacturing family have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the industry and the community. The Women's Council NRW e.V., an organisation dedicated to promoting gender equality and acknowledging historical female personalities, has honoured Julie, Maria, and Olga Zanders with a memorial plaque.

The project, known as FrauenOrte NRW, was initiated by Dr. Ulrich Soenius, the director of the Foundation for the Rhineland-Westphalian Economic Archives in Cologne. The aim of the project is to correct the distorted perception that women have not made significant contributions to history, especially in the realm of business and industry.

Olga Zanders, who managed the company from 1915 to 1929, is one such example. Despite facing challenges such as World War I and the 1920s depression, she employed around 1500 people and survived the economic hardships. Moreover, she established the wedding grant in 1918, a testament to her compassion and commitment to her employees.

Julie Zanders, who led the company from 1831 to 1836 and from 1857 until her death, was another trailblazer. She purchased the Gohrsmühle, which remained the company's headquarters until its end. Maria Zanders, who led the company alone from 1870, initiated the construction of Villa Zanders and was a patron of the arts, establishing the Altenberger-Dom Association.

The heritage of Maria Zanders continues to shape the Kunstmuseum Villa Zanders, with a collection focus on 'Art from Paper' and a mandate to make contemporary art visible. Villa Zanders, a place where art, music, and civic engagement came together, is a testament to Maria's cultural influence.

The three Zanders women were pioneers, taking over the management of the company at a time when this was not common. Their determined action secured many people's jobs and livelihoods for many years. Without their contributions, there would be neither the Zanders area, which shapes the cityscape, nor the long tradition of the paper city of Bergisch Gladbach.

The FrauenOrte NRW project will honour 57 women personalities from over ten centuries and all regions of North Rhine-Westphalia at 52 locations by the end of 2025. This project is funded by the Ministry for Children, Youth, Families, Equality, Refugees and Integration of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and is under the umbrella of the Women's Council NRW project.

The memorial plaque was inaugurated at a reception in Villa Zanders on Friday, 12 September. This recognition not only celebrates the Zanders women's achievements but also serves as a reminder of the significant contributions women have made throughout history.

Bergisch Gladbach now has a "FrauenOrt", a place that honours the legacy of these remarkable women and inspires future generations. The Zanders Paper Historical Collection Foundation, along with Dr. Ulrich Soenius and Judith Klaßen, played a crucial role in making this possible. The FrauenOrte NRW project is a step towards correcting the imbalance in historical narratives and promoting gender equality.