'Fearless girl' stares down the iconic Wall Street bull

COINCIDING WITH INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day, a new statue of a resolute young girl was set up to face the iconic Charging Bull in New York’s Wall Street.

The idea behind the statue, created by artist Kristen Visbal, is to make the point that there is a real dearth of women on the boards of the largest US corporations.

It was commissioned by investment giant State Street Global Advisors, who call on companies to increase the number of women directors at their firms.

The status is called “Fearless Girl”, is sculpted in bronze, and appears to be staring down the bronze bull, her hands firmly planted on her waist.

Her head is held high, with a ponytail that looks like it’s swinging.

Source: Mark Lennihan/AP Photo

A plaque at her feet reads: “Know the power of women in leadership. SHE makes a difference”.

This week, McCann New York, a top advertising agency, dropped off the statue of the girl — with a city permit for at least a week.

Negotiations are underway for the piece to remain there longer, and the investment firm felt that the statue is a fitting accompaniment to the iconic bull.

“Well, we really wanted the bull to have a partner, and a partner that we thought was worthy of him,” said Lori Heinel, deputy chief investment officer at State Street.

And so we got a very determined young woman who is fearless and is willing to drive the change that we believe we need.

With reporting from the Associated Press

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