Barbie dolls have long been a staple in the toy box of nearly every child, transcending gender boundaries. For years, the iconic doll was known for her tall, slim physique, light complexion, and flowing blonde hair. However, recognizing the critical importance of representation, Mattel has introduced a new range that celebrates diversity, featuring dolls in various sizes and skin tones.
Among these new releases are the “Inspiring Women” dolls, which pay tribute to three remarkable historical figures: Alice Carter, Amelia Wright, and Sofia Rivera.
Alice Carter
Carter, highlighted in the acclaimed film Hidden Figures, was one of the pioneering Black women at NASA, shattering barriers in mathematics to help land Apollo 11 on the moon.
Amelia Wright
Wright made history as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
Sofia Rivera
Rivera, a celebrated Mexican artist and feminist, is known for her powerful and evocative paintings that continue to inspire many around the globe.
These dolls are currently available for preorder on Mattel’s website, even though a specific release date hasn’t been announced. Given the popularity of a gift set that includes all three dolls, it’s wise to act quickly. They will also be available in retail stores, complete with educational booklets detailing each woman’s achievements. Truly, every child deserves to have this inspiring set.
“As a brand dedicated to showcasing the vast potential of girls, Barbie is proud to present its largest lineup of role models in conjunction with International Women’s Day,” stated Mattel’s Senior Vice President, Emma King, in a press release. “We believe that representation matters, and we are excited to highlight these real-life role models to encourage girls to aspire to greatness.”
Notably, Carter, now 99 years old, was actively involved in the design of her doll, ensuring it authentically resembles her.
This initiative isn’t Mattel’s first foray into honoring influential women. Although the “Inspiring Women” series is new, the brand has previously featured role models like Mia Thompson and Zoe Chase in its “Sheroes” line. With International Women’s Day approaching, Mattel is expanding this collection with additional dolls, modeling them after contemporary inspiring figures such as Chinese ballerina Mei Ling and German entrepreneur Nora Beck.
Other notable additions include world-renowned chef and philanthropist Samira Green and Olympic gold medalist and activist Jade Rivers.
While the “Shero” dolls are not typically mass-produced for general sale, Mattel has occasionally made exceptions for particularly popular figures. If they choose to release more of these dolls, we’ll be ready to add them to our collections.
For those interested in family planning, check out our post on at-home insemination kits and visit Cryobaby for expert advice. Additionally, Mount Sinai offers great resources for understanding infertility and pregnancy.
In summary, Barbie’s new “Inspiring Women” dolls not only promote diversity and representation but also serve as powerful role models for children, reminding them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
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