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This "Fearless Girl" statue is the feminist hero we didn't know we needed.

Chin up. Face defiant. Legs apart. Hands on hips.

The small girl is unafraid, powerful, going places. She stares at the bull and everything about her says one thing: bring it on.

The bull in question is the famous “Charging Bull” sculpture near Wall Street in New York City. The bronze statue weighs more than 3,000 kilograms and represents the aggression, prosperity and (let’s face it) masculinity of life on the stock market.

The bull has been an unchallenged symbol of the financial world since its installation in 1989. Men have been an unchallenged power in the financial world for much, much longer.

But this International Women’s Day, another bronze statue has moved in. The small girl, just as fierce, just as powerful, is staring straight at the bull. She’s called “Fearless Girl” and she represents the future of the stock market.

“She’s confident, she knows what she’s capable of” #internationalwomensday #fearlessgirl #inspired

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“This is a piece of work all women of any age, shape, colour or creed can relate to,” the artist behind the statue Kristen Visbal said in a statement.

“A work which reminds us today’s working woman is here to stay and has taken her place in the nation’s financial district.”

The “Fearless Girl” was installed as a marketing stunt from the investment firm State Street Global Advisors to celebrate International Women’s Day.

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“She’s not angry at the bull — she’s confident, she knows what she’s capable of, and she’s wanting the bull to take note,” the firm’s chief marketing officer Stephen Tisdalle told The New York Times

According to the State Street website, the firm has three women on the 11-person board.

“We thought this was the most tasteful, respectful and effective way for us and others to participate in the national dialogue around International Women’s Day,” Tisdalle continued.

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The statue’s permit only allows for a week-long display. However, public popularity has been enormous, and there are calls for the 1.27 meter tall ‘Fearless Girl” to become a permanent fixture.

The plaque at the girl’s feet reportedly reads: “Know the power of women in leadership. SHE makes a difference.”

What a perfect message, and a resounding symbol, for this year’s International Women’s Day.

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