NEW: Fearless Girl Takes On Wall St, Stares Down The Bull (TWEETS)

Today is International Women’s Day. It is a global day of recognition of the many ways that women have contributed to culture, society, politics, business and economics. It is a day calling for gender equality around the world.

Today is also our Day Without A Woman, when women around the country are staying home from work, not shopping or spending money, and holding rallies for gender equality.

It’s a perfect day for a bronze statue of a feisty, strong female to appear on Wall Street.

State Street Global advisors, a branch of Boston’s State Street Bank, is responsible for the statue, which was put in place yesterday. The statue was created by Kristen Visbal, of Lewes, Delaware. She has created several works in bronze, including animals and other children.

State Street installed the image to encourage Wall Street’s firms to hire and promote more women to serve on corporate boards.

The bronze girl is standing facing the famous Wall St. bull, seeming to stare him right in the eye. Her attitude is one of defiance and determination. She has both hands on her hips, and her chin is lifted. Her back is slightly arched as she almost seems to lean toward the huge animal towering over her small figure.

At the feet of the statue is a plaque that reads:

‘Know the power of women in leadership. SHE makes a difference.’’

Reaction to the statue was very positive, especially appearing as it did so close to International Women’s Day and the Day Without A Woman. People on Twitter expressed hope that it would be permanent as well as appreciation for its appearance at all.

As women across the country stayed away from work, they are hoping that their absence will make their contributions more obvious and more valued. As women around the world celebrate International Women’s Day, we all hope that we will continue on our path toward more gender equality.

And one feisty, fearless little girl made of bronze is representing all of us as she refuses to back down from the huge monster in front of her. She is small, but she is strong. She will meet the charging animal head on.

You definitely get the impression that she is going to win the battle.

Featured image via Youtube screengrab.

Karen is a retired elementary school teacher with many years of progressive activism behind her. She is the proud mother of three young adults who were all arrested with Occupy Wall Street. To see what she writes about in her spare time, check out her blog at "Empty Nest, Full Life"