Barbie has unveiled a new line of dolls to inspire girls to dream beyond limitations of the patriarchy.
The Barbie Shero dolls are replicas of 20 women who are changing the world. The brand created the line to acknowledge International Women's Day and the 60th anniversary of the Barbie brand on March 8.
Model and philanthropist Adwoa Aboah, actress Yara Shahidi and tennis star Naomi Osaka are among the sheroes, reports British Vogue.
The mini Aboah is adorned in a sequin dress, head wrap and platform Louboutin wedges, a replica of an outfit she wore to the 2017 Fashion Awards where she won model of the year. Another version shows the doll in a “Gurl Talk” shirt and cheetah print pencil skirt. Gurl Talk is an online forum founded by Aboah which operates a safe space for girls to discuss matters of mental health, educations, relationships and sexuality.
Aboah is very excited about her likeness being used by the iconic brand.
“I love that Barbie offers so much choice now, but to see my own doll that has my freckled skin, skin color, shaved head and my tattoos is so meaningful to me,” Aboah said.
The Shero line is dedicated to closing the “Dream Gap,” a name for the time when girls start limiting themselves because of their gender. It can start as early as 5 years old.
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“I want to help close the Dream Gap, so that girls don’t have to question if they are smart or brave, and have no limits placed on their capabilities by society,” Aboah said.
She hopes this collaboration will inspire girls to follow her example.
“I’m passionate about encouraging girls to be anything they want to be, and I’m honoured to be a Barbie Shero,” said Aboah. “I believe by working together we can encourage girls to find their authentic voices and that we can have an impact on the world for the next generation of girls. Through my work with Gurls Talk and partnership with Barbie, I hope we can inspire girls to try to change the world around them, through acts big or small.”
Yara Shahidi and tennis champ Naomi Osaka also have their own mini-me, according to a press release from Mattel.
Shahidi celebrated her doll on Instagram.
“I’m honored to be repping all the young ones as a Barbie Role Model,” Shahidi wrote. “Let’s continue to inspire the next generation and each other. We need your voices and are watching you all Blossom and shine!”
Osaka is also excited to be associated with the brand.
“It’s a really big honor,” she told People magazine. “I’ve played with Barbies when I was a kid, and I think it’s a bit of a surreal experience to have the opportunity to have a Barbie that looks like me.”
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