To mark International Women's Day on March 8, the focus in Kevelaer was on women who have shaped the town - past and present. 31 participants, fortunately including some men, accompanied the city guides Mechtild Jansen and Margret Meurs on a special tour.
Start at Kapellenplatz
The tour started in glorious weather at Kapellenplatz. There, the story of the "candle women" was told, who used to sell candles for just 24 pfennigs an hour. A lively introduction to the role of women in Kevelaer's past.
Sustainability & social commitment
Another stop led to examples of modern sustainability: Mechel-Moden and the children's store KuK (Kind und Kegel) from the SkF show how voluntary work still enriches city life today. KuK was awarded 2nd place in the 2025 Volunteering Prize of the Diocese of Münster.
Women in hospitals & social services
In the area of Marienhospital and Caritas, Sister Hermenegildis and Änne Kasper were honored. They initiated the widespread Meals on Wheels program, which continues to benefit elderly and sick people to this day.
Women entrepreneurs & personalities
On Bahnstraße, the focus was on successful female entrepreneurs: Mrs. Grootens from the Grootens men's fashion store, which was once known for its precision tailoring, and Ursula Gerats-Geenen's gift shop on the market, which many Kevelaerer* women still remember fondly. The tour was rounded off with a visit to Marie-Therese Konculic's Kevelaerer Kaffeehaus.
A cozy finale
The tour ended with coffee and cake in the public meeting place. The participants shared new insights and memories of their own experiences from times gone by.
An impressive tour that showed how much women have shaped the life and history of Kevelaer - then and now.