Barbie Just Released Its First Hijab-Wearing Doll In Honor of Olympic Fencer
Barbie released the new doll as part of its Shero Collection honoring groundbreaking women.
Barbie has unveiled its latest doll today, in honor of U.S. fencing Olympian, Ibtihaj Muhammad, who became the first athlete from the country to compete while wearing hijab at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The new doll is part of Barbie's "shero" collection, inspired by trailblazing women "who break boundaries to inspire the next generation of girls," says production company Mattel.
"Ibtihaj is an inspiration to countless girls who never saw themselves represented," said Sejal Shah Miller, Barbie's vice marketing representativein a statement. "By honouring her story, we hope this doll reminds them that they can be and do anything." Matel joins other major brands like Nike, which announced the launch of the sportswear "Pro Hijab" back in March.
Muhammad took to Twitter to share her excitement about the release of the doll, and explained why the creation of a hijab-wearing Barbie, is a major milestone for her and the young girls who will be inspired by it.
Other dolls in the Shero line include one of award-winning director Ava Duvernay, and celebrated ballet dancer Misty Copeland.
Muslim women who choose to wear hijab are making major strides in a number of industries, in June, Halima Aiden became the first women to wear hijab on the cover of Vogue.
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