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Barbie is launching 17 new badass dolls modelled on historical and modern-day heroines

Barbie has introduced 17 historical and modern-day role models [Photo: Barbie/Mattel]
Barbie has introduced 17 historical and modern-day role models [Photo: Barbie/Mattel]

To celebrate International Women’s Day (which is on 8 March if you were wondering), Barbie is honouring accomplished female role models with their very own dolls.

From British Boxing Champion Nicola Adams to US film maker Patty Jenkins and prima ballerina Yuan Yuan Tan, the new dolls are all inspired by brilliant women from diverse backgrounds and careers.

“As a brand that inspires the limitless potential in girls, Barbie will be honouring its largest line up of role models timed to International Women’s Day because we know that you can’t be what you can’t see,” Lisa McKnight, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Barbie said.

“Girls have always been able to play out different roles and careers with Barbie and we are thrilled to shine a light on real life role models to remind them that they can be anything.”

The collection of dolls includes 14 modern-day women and three historical figures.

The historical dolls include Amelia Earhart, the first female aviator to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, Frida Kahlo, the artist recognised for her unique style and perspective and Katherine Johnson, a maths pioneer who was joined a pool of women hired by NASA to work as ‘human computers.’

Pretty inspirational!

Barbie has introduced 17 historical and modern-day role models [Photo: Barbie/Mattel]
Barbie has introduced 17 historical and modern-day role models [Photo: Barbie/Mattel]

In addition to Nicola Adams, the modern-day dolls include wildlife conservationist Bindi Irwin, volleyball champion Hui Ruoqi, and designer and entrepreneur Leyla Piedayesh.

Professional golfer Lorena Ochoa, journalist Martyna Wojciechowska, football player Sara Gama, actress and philanthropist Xiaotong Guan, and fashion designer and entrepreneur Vicky Martin have also had dolls created in their honour.

“With 86% of US moms worried about the type of role models their daughters are exposed to, we are committed to shining a light on empowering female role models in an effort to inspire more girls,” a tweet about the introduction of the new dolls reads.

The effort to inspire the next generation of women with modern-day and historical wonder women is all part of Barbie’s Shero program, which began in 2015.

The programme was designed to recognise women from a range of backgrounds and occupational fields by making one-of-a-kind dolls to inspire young girls around the world.

Nicola Adams is the first woman from the UK to be honoured with a Shero doll, with previous dolls made to replicate model Ashley Graham and Eva Chen, Instagram’s head of fashion partnerships.

“I was completely blown away when I saw my Barbie for the first time, there’s so much detail – it even has my haircut!” Nicola Adams told Independent, before adding that she was “really honoured” to be chosen as one of the brand’s iconic dolls.

“Barbie is such a huge household name, so to think that they picked me, a British athlete, to represent International Women’s Day, it’s a huge honour.”

To help encourage others to inspire women around the world, Barbie is also encouraging fans to share women who inspire them on social media using the hashtag #MoreRoleModels.

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