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The ‘Fearless Girl’ Statue Is Staying on Wall Street

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U.S.-NEW YORK-WALL STREET-"FEARLESS GIRL" STATUE
NEW YORK, March 9, 2017: Photo taken on March 9, 2017 shows the "fearless girl" statue facing the bronze bull statue near the Wall Street in New York, the United States. The "fearless girl" was put there by an investment firm which said the idea was to call attention to the lack of gender diversity in management of companies as well as how few women work in financial services, and the fact that they get paid less than men. (Xinhua/Wang Ying via Getty Images)Xinhua News Agency—Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images
By Maya Rhodan / Fortune

The statue of a brave young woman staring down the famous bronze “Charging Bull” sculpture will stay on Wall Street — for at least another year.

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday that the “Fearless Girl” statue, whichsparked conversation about female leadership, to stay on New York Department of Transportation property through Feb. 2018.

“Now, she’ll be asserting herself and affirming her strength even after her temporary permit expires — a fitting path for a girl who refuses to quit,” de Blasio told the New York Daily News.

The “Fearless Girl” became an internet and social-media sensation after it was installed in Bowling Green Park at the beginning of Women’s History Month. It was originally slated to only stay for one week, and the permit was initially only extended until April 2.

Advocates and fans of the defiant statue, sculpted by Kristen Visbal, have been pushing for it to remain in place permanently. Others have blasted it, including the Bull’s sculptor who called it an “advertising trick.”

This article originally appeared on Fortune.com

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