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Zanders Sisters Honored as Pioneering Women in NRW's 'FrauenOrte' Project

Meet the Zanders sisters, who broke gender barriers to lead a historic company. Their legacy inspires the 'FrauenOrte NRW' project to honor remarkable women and correct historical oversights.

This is a picture of a collage. The picture consists of various images of women in different...
This is a picture of a collage. The picture consists of various images of women in different costumes, in each image there is text and dollars.

Zanders Sisters Honored as Pioneering Women in NRW's 'FrauenOrte' Project

The 'FrauenOrte NRW' project is set to honor 57 remarkable women from North Rhine-Westphalia's history at 52 locations by the end of 2025. Among these is a trio of sisters from Bergisch Gladbach, Julie, Maria, and Olga Zanders, who have been recognized for their pivotal role in shaping the paper manufacturer Zanders over two centuries.

The Zanders sisters, now part of the 'FrauenOrte NRW' project, took the helm of the company at a time when it was rare for women to do so. Judith Klaßen, Bergisch Gladbach's equal opportunities officer, praised them as pioneers who stepped up to lead the company. Their impact was significant; Mayor Frank Stein highlighted their role in securing jobs and shaping the city's landscape.

The sisters' legacy was celebrated at a reception in Villa Zanders, where a commemorative plaque was inaugurated. Tatjana Gräfin von Spee, a descendant of the family, paid tribute to their merits, while Dr. Ina Dinter emphasized Maria's lasting impact on the region's cultural life. Dr. Ulrich Soénius proposed their inclusion in the project, which aims to correct the historical perception that women's contributions have been overlooked. Jihane Qotit Zerhouni, board member of the Women's Council NRW e.V., echoed this sentiment.

The FrauenOrte NRW project continues until the end of 2025, with the last of the 57 awards to be presented. By honoring these women, the project seeks to acknowledge their significant historical contributions and inspire future generations.

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