Women's Domination Takes Over Bergisch Gladbach
In the heart of Bergisch Gladbach, three remarkable women from the Zanders family have been commemorated for their significant contributions to the city and the paper manufacturing industry. Julia, Maria, and Olga Zanders, who shaped the fate of the paper manufacturer Zanders over two centuries, are now being honoured as part of the FrauenOrte NRW project.
Maria Zanders (1839 - 1904), a visionary leader, expanded the company through acquisitions and modernization. She led the company alone from 1870 until 1902, during which she initiated the construction of Villa Zanders in 1873-1874. Villa Zanders, a place where art, music, and civic engagement came together, stands today as a testament to Maria's patronage of the arts.
Maria's work at the paper factory had lasting significance, shaping the Kunstmuseum Villa Zanders today with its collection focus 'Art from Paper' and its mission to make contemporary art visible.
Julie Zanders (1804 - 1869), the first of the Zanders women to lead the company, took charge from 1831 to 1836, 1857 to her death, and co-led with her son Carl Richard in between. During her tenure, she acquired the Gohrsmühle, which remained the company's headquarters until its end.
Olga Zanders (1872-1946), who led the company from 1915 to 1929, navigated the company through World War I and the 1920s depression while raising six children. Olga established the wedding grant in 1918, providing 200 marks to daughters and sons of Zanders employees upon their marriage. Her determined action secured many people's jobs and livelihoods for many years.
The Zanders women's achievements are being used to correct the skewed perception that women have not made significant contributions to history. The project 'FrauenOrte NRW' by the Women's Council NRW e.V. will honor 57 women personalities from over ten centuries and all regions of the current federal state at 52 locations by the end of 2025.
The city of Bergisch Gladbach is now a FrauenOrt, due to the efforts of Dr. Ulrich Soenius, Judith Klaßen, and the Zanders Paper Historical Collection Foundation. The project is funded by the Ministry for Children, Youth, Families, Equality, Refugees and Integration of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and has Josefine Paul as its patron.
The Zanders women, pioneers who took responsibility for leading the company Zanders at a time when this was not common, played a significant role in the history of the Rhine's economy, but their role has been overlooked in the past. Their commemorative plaque serves as a reminder of their enduring impact and inspires future generations to continue breaking barriers and making history.
