New York City added a new piece of art to its collection, at least until February 2018.
A 4-foot tall statue of a girl with her hands on her hips and her head held high was placed in the financial district on the eve of International Women's Day. Originally, it was only permitted to stay put for a week. Mayor Bill de Blasio gave it an extension until April. On March 3rd, he announced that it would actually remain until February 2018.
The statue is in the heart of the Financial District, directly facing the famous Charging Bull statue. This is a great moment for women. Not only is it symbolic because it is facing a charging bull, but it is also located in a male-dominated business district.
Every day, thousands of men walk past this statue on their way to Wall Street. Hundreds of women walk past on their way to Wall Street. It is a reminder that no matter the obstacles, both men and women can overcome. Little girls are taught to face their fears and shoot for the stars. It is a reminder that nothing can get in their way of their dreams unless they let it.
Like the little girl, women are tired of being afraid to enter the male-dominated industries. International Women's Day was all about empowering women. This statue now remains in the city to remind us of this every time we walk through the Financial District.
