Girl Scout troop campaigning for female historical statue in Central Park

Lucy Yang Image
Monday, October 3, 2016
Girl Scout troop campaigning for female historical statue in Central Park
Lucy Yang talks with the young girl scouts in Central Park

UPPER WEST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) -- Feisty 10-year-old Girl Scouts from Troop 3484 are on a mission. They are raising awareness and funds for a new statue for Central Park - not just any sculpture, but this would be one of the first female historical figure to grace the city's crown jewel.

"More than half the population are women, and we need to be represented," says Samantha Gottlieb.

"Women do so much in the world, and none of them are represented. 22 statues, all of men - zero women, but there are so many great women," added Sophia Singh.

Indeed, there are 22 statues of men in the park. Historical, notable figures, but the only female characters are Mother Goose and Alice in Wonderland.

"We don't want to grow up to be Alice in Wonderland," says Stori Small.

If you would like to donate, you can find the Girl Scouts most Thursdays after school at 77th and Central Park West until the weather gets cold, or you can donate directly by clicking HERE.

Park officials have already approved plans to honor Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony in a dual statue on the corner of 77th and Central Park West. Those women were warriors in the suffrage movement - the right for women to vote. Now, these Girl Scouts are joining another fight to salute those pioneers.

"I hope they realize they can be whatever they want to be, and that with their voice they can make a change," says Small.

The next step to making this a reality is raising the funds for the monument and selecting an artist to design the statue.

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