The latest edition to Barbie’s ‘Sheroes’ collection, which honors women who “inspire girls by breaking boundaries and expanding possibilities for women everywhere,” Barbie celebrates gold medal olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, with its first ever hijab wearing doll. Sporting two versatile outfits, a fencing uniform and a white flowered dress like Muhammad, the beautiful Barbie doll is the first of its kind, breaking history.
Muhammad expressed her excitement and gratitude on Instagram stating:
“Thank you @Mattel for announcing me as the newest member of the @Barbie Shero family! The Barbie Shero Program recognizes women who break boundaries to inspire the next generation of girls and I am so excited to join this incredible group of women. I’m proud to know that little girls everywhere can now play with a Barbie who chooses to wear hijab! This is a childhood dream come true ?? #shero”
The doll was revealed at Glamour’s 2017 Women of the Year ceremony in New York City on Monday, and it was announced that the doll will be available in 2018.
Barbie’s vice-president of marketing, Sejal Shah Miller, shared in a statement:“Barbie is celebrating Ibtihaj not only for her accolades as an Olympian, but for embracing what makes her stand out. Ibtihaj is an inspiration to countless girls who never saw themselves represented. By honoring her story, we hope this doll reminds them that they can be and do anything.”
Ibtihaj Muhammad joins the likes of director Ava Duvernay, model Ashley Graham, and gymnast Gabby Douglas, as Barbie’s exclusive line of ‘Sheroes’ making a difference worldwide.
