Women have taken over Bergisch Gladbach
Zanders Women Honoured for Their Pivotal Role in Regional History
The Zanders women, Julie, Maria, and Olga, are being recognised for their significant contributions to the paper manufacturer Zanders and the social and cultural life of the region. This honour comes as part of the "FrauenOrte NRW" project, which aims to recognise historically outstanding women in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Julie Zanders (1804 - 1869) led the company from 1831 to 1836 and later resumed leadership with her son Carl Richard until her death. She acquired the Gohrsmühle, which remains the company's headquarters until its end. Maria Zanders (1839 - 1904) led the company alone from 1870, initiating its expansion through acquisitions and modernization. Olga Zanders (1872-1946) managed the company from 1915 to 1929 and ensured its survival during World War I and the depression of the 1920s.
The Zanders women's actions secured many jobs and livelihoods for a significant number of people. Julie Zanders was first active in her function from 1870 after the early death of her husband Carl Richard. Maria Zanders took over management between 1915 and 1929, while Olga Zanders contributed significantly during and after World War I, notably founding the wedding donation in 1918.
The Zanders area at the Gohrsmühle, which shapes the cityscape and is currently changing, exists due to the Zanders women. 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, Equality, Flight and Integration of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Dr. Ulrich Soenius, director of the Rheinisch-Westfälisches Wirtschaftsarchiv zu Köln foundation, initiated the inclusion of the Zanders women in the "FrauenOrte NRW" project. He proposed their honours, working with the city's women's officer, Judith Klaßen, and the Zanders Paper Historical Collection Foundation. The Zanders women have been honoured with a memorial plaque by the Women's Council NRW e.V. for their significant impact on the paper manufacturer Zanders.
The Zanders women were pioneers who took responsibility for leading the Zanders company at a time when it was not common. They faced significant restrictions in their roles and opportunities, leading companies at a time when women were only allowed to study at universities from 1900 and only allowed to vote from 1918. They required the consent of their father or husband to pursue a profession, but this was possible without consent from 1958 and 1977.
Tatjana Countess von Spee, a direct descendant of the Zanders family, paid tribute to the extraordinary merits of the three entrepreneurs for the paper factory and the social and cultural life of the region. Jihane Qotit Zerhouni, board member of Women's Council NRW e.V., aims to correct the skewed perception that women have not made significant contributions to history with the project.
The Zanders women played a crucial role in the history of the Rhineland's economy, their contributions previously overlooked. Their honours in the "FrauenOrte NRW" project serve to acknowledge and celebrate their significant impact on the region's social and cultural life, as well as its economic history.
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