Women of Steel facts for kids
The Women of Steel is a special bronze statue in Sheffield, England. It honors the brave women who worked in Sheffield's steel factories. These women played a vital role during the First World War and Second World War. The famous artist Martin Jennings created this statue. It was first shown to the public in June 2016. The Women of Steel statue has won important awards for its design and meaning.
What is the Women of Steel Statue?
The Women of Steel statue is made from bronze, a strong metal. It shows two women working together. This artwork remembers the thousands of women who stepped up. They worked in dangerous steel mills. They did this while men were away fighting in the wars. Their hard work was very important for the country.
Why Was This Statue Built?
The idea for the statue came from the people of Sheffield. They wanted to remember these amazing women. The Sheffield City Council asked for the statue to be made. It cost about £150,000 to create the whole project. Most of this money paid for the statue itself.
When the statue was first shown, many people came. About 100 women who had worked in the steel factories were there. It was a special day for them. It showed how much their city appreciated them.
Special Medals for Steelworkers
More money was raised than needed for the statue. This extra money was used to make special medals. These medals were given to the women who worked in the steel industry. They were also given to the families of women who had passed away. The Sheffield Assay Office made these beautiful medals. About 100 women applied for a medal. Also, 400 family members received medals for their loved ones.
