MANHATTAN — Fearless Girl is refusing to budge.
The popular bronze statue depicting a young girl staring down the iconic Charging Bull in the Financial District will remain in place through February 2018, officials said.
“In her short time, the Fearless Girl has fueled powerful conversations about women in leadership and inspired so many,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement.
“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.”
Public Advocate Letitia James has pushed for the 4-foot statue, which has been in place since March 7, to be permanently installed.
But de Blasio said at a news conference last week that may not be feasible.
“I understand for a lot of people it’s a fantastically powerful symbol, certainly for a lot of young women, a lot of girls as well,” the mayor said. “We’re going to see what we can do to prolong the presence.”
James applauded the decision, but maintained that the statue needs to stay in place permanently.
“Fearless Girl stands as a symbol to women young and old, and I’m pleased that the Mayor is extending her permit," she said in a statement Monday.
"However, the importance of empowering women is not temporary, and Fearless Girl must become a permanent fixture in our City as a reminder to all women that no dream is too big and no ceiling is too high.”