In honor of International Women's Day, Barbie Doll has launched two doll lines featuring real and inspiring women, CNN reported. This week Barbie introduced two doll series: 'Inspiring Women', based on historical women; and additions to its 'Shero' series, the line based on real, contemporary women.
'Inspiring Women' features Amelia Earhart, Frida Kahlo and Katherine Johnson--amazing women who made contributions in history--or her story, for that matter.
Lisa McKnight, senior VP and general manager of Barbie, said in a press release: "As a brand that inspires the limitless potential in girls, Barbie will be honoring its largest line up of role models timed to International Women’s Day."
Mattel has hoped to create lines that would serve as real-life role models to girls from around the world
“We are thrilled to shine a light on real-life role models to remind girls that they can be anything,” McKnight added. Amelia Earhart was an aviation pioneer and the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter known for her portrait and self-portrait masterpieces. Katherine Johnson is an African-American pioneer in mathematics who broke barriers of gender and race with immense contributions in the field of aeronautics and space.
The 'Inspiring Women' collection only has three dolls so far, but Mattel's Marissa Beck shares that they will grow the doll line with more dolls in the future.
This week, Barbie also announces the release of 14 new dolls in the Shero line
According to CNN, the new dolls in the 'Shero' line include Winter Games gold medalist Chloe Kim and 'Wonder Woman' film director Patty Jenkins.
The series also honored modern sheroes who are entrepreneurs, actresses, journalists and fashion designers.
Barbie has long been under criticism for perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards. The toy manufacturer's revenues have slipped the past few years because of this. In hopes of improving the brand's reputation and public perception, Mattel has since revamped its image by introducing more diverse offerings in color, race, body shapes, careers, etc.
Last year, for instance, Barbie launched its first ever hijab-wearing doll.
Even Ken is getting a reboot, too, as the toy manufacturer launches 'man bun' and 'dad bod' Kens.
The new doll lines hope to provide a more positive influence on body image, as well as inspiring children the value of brains and bravado. Both 'Amazing Women' line and new 'Shero' dolls will soon be available in stores nationwide and are currently up for pre-sale on the official Barbie website.
