Women's Dominion Shifts to Bergisch Gladbach
In the heart of Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, a commemorative plaque was unveiled on September 12, 2025, at Villa Zanders, honouring three remarkable women who significantly shaped the paper manufacturer Zanders over two centuries. Julie Zanders, Maria Zanders, and Olga Zanders, pioneers in their time, led the company at a period when such leadership was neither common nor encouraged for women.
Julie Zanders, the matriarch of the Zanders family, took the reins of the company in 1831, initially on her own and later jointly with her son Carl Richard, until her death in 1869. Her leadership was instrumental in purchasing the Gohrsmühle, which remained the company's headquarters until its conclusion.
Maria Zanders, who led the company alone after her husband's early demise in 1870, initiated the construction of Villa Zanders and was a patron of the arts. Her work, particularly the creation of Villa Zanders, continues to shape the Kunstmuseum Villa Zanders today, with a collection focus on 'Art from Paper' and a mission to make contemporary art visible.
Olga Zanders took over the management of the company from 1915 to 1929. Notably, she provided a marriage grant to the children of Zanders employees upon their marriage, securing many people's jobs and livelihoods for many years.
The proposal for the honours was made by Dr. Ulrich Soenius, director of the Rheinisch-Westfälisches Wirtschaftsarchiv zu Köln foundation. The Women's Council NRW e.V., which aims to contribute to equality by correcting the distorted perception that women have not made significant contributions to history, honoured the Zanders women with the memorial plaque.
The project 'FrauenOrte NRW' is part of the FrauenRat NRW's initiative, with key roles played by the city's women's officer Judith Klaßen, Dr. Ulrich Soenius, and the Stiftung Zanders-Papiergeschichtliche Sammlung. By the end of 2025, the project aims to honour 57 women personalities from over ten centuries and all regions of North Rhine-Westphalia at 52 locations. The project is funded by the Ministry for Children, Youth, Families, Equality, Flight and Integration of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Judith Klaßen, the equal opportunities officer of the city of Bergisch Gladbach, emphasised the Zanders women's pioneering role, stating, 'Their decisive action secured many people's jobs and livelihoods for many years.'
The 'FrauenOrte NRW' project also aims to honour outstanding historical female personalities throughout the state, as part of its goal to contribute to equality and celebrate the significant contributions of women to history. As Jihane Qotit Zerhouni, board member of the Women's Council NRW e.V., stated, 'We aim to correct the distorted perception that women have not made significant contributions to history.'
The Zanders women's legacy continues to inspire, as their leadership and dedication to their community serve as a testament to the power of women's contributions to society, even in the face of adversity.
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