Fearless Girl, a bronze statue of a young girl with hands on her hips and a determined stance, took the world by storm on International Women’s Day in 2017. Located just opposite Wall Street’s Charging Bull, the sculpture has become a symbol of women’s empowerment and resilience. As educators, it is crucial to teach students about the significance of this artistic representation, which can serve as a springboard for engaging conversations and lessons on gender equality.

A Brief History of Fearless Girl

Fearless Girl was created by artist Kristen Visbal and commissioned by State Street Global Advisors to advocate for more women in leadership positions within corporate America. The statue is accompanied by a plaque inscribed with “Know the power of women in leadership. SHE makes a difference.” With its display next to the Charging Bull, Fearless Girl has created a powerful image showcasing the potential of women standing strong in traditionally male-dominated settings.

Incorporating Fearless Girl into Lesson Plans

For teachers, there are multiple ways they can integrate Fearless Girl into their curriculum:

1. Art Education: Have students explore the history and process behind creating Fearless Girl. This exercise fosters both critical thinking skills and an appreciation for art as social commentary.

2. Women’s History: Using Fearless Girl as a starting point, discuss significant women throughout history who broke barriers in various fields such as politics, literature, science, and sports.

3. Creative Writing: Assign students to write essays or stories inspired by the determination and courage exhibited by Fearless Girl.

4. Debate Topics: Present different perspectives on the presence of public art like Fearless Girl – some may argue it promotes gender equality while others express concerns about commercialization or potential political implications.

5. Social Studies: Examine past and present cultural norms regarding gender roles and how society has evolved to offer more opportunities for women, touching upon subjects such as suffrage movements, civil rights activism, and workplace policies.

Field Trips, Virtual Tours, and Online Resources

Wherever possible, organize field trips for students to see Fearless Girl in person and engage with its embodiment of courage and resilience. For schools located far from the statue, virtual tours and online resources can offer valuable insight into the artwork’s importance. Teachers can utilize the numerous Fearless Girl-inspired videos or interviews with the artist to enrich their lessons further.

Conclusion

Teaching students about Fearless Girl not only introduces them to a striking piece of public art but also opens their minds to essential topics such as gender equality, female empowerment, and resilience. By incorporating this symbol into your curriculum through various lessons and activities, you can inspire the next generation to be fearless in their pursuit of goals and promote a more inclusive society.