“The first 10 years of a girl’s life is spent playing with Barbies and the next 10 years are spent trying to look like one…”

                                   -Author Unknown

Let the above quote sink in for a bit…DEEP right?!

In recognition of  International Women’s Day 2022, Barbie honored Academy Hall of Fame Inductee Shonda Rhimes with a doll in her likeness. The doll was introduced as part of a global campaign focused on inspiring the next and future generations of girls by creating one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls in the likeness of women leaders in their respective fields. A total of 12 iconic women are being honored in this new initiative, with Shonda Rhimes and celebrity make-up artist Pat McGrath being the two Black women chosen to be a part of the line-up.

It is important to note that Mattel has been working steadily to raise awareness around the issues that prevent girls from thriving since the Barbie Dream Gap Project was launched in 2018. Through partnerships with various non-profits, over one million dollars has been committed to providing opportunities and equality for girls through education and mentoring.

Earlier this month, the brand collaborated with LiveTinted  Founder Deepica Mutyala to create another one-of-a-kind South Asian-inspired doll. Ms. Mutyala recalls how as a child, she and her friends “aspired to be like their Barbie dolls-blonde-haired, fair-skinned and a delicate 

darling.”  This doll however has tinted skin, bold brows and she wears jhumkas & bangles with her power suit.

In January, the brand collaborated with Balmain to create a line and three one-of-a-kind NFTs that featured a diverse group of models and dolls. One of the NFTs sported a short afro. Kudos to the Barbie brand for leading the way to a more diverse, inclusive, and inspirational selection of dolls that today’s girls can relate to, as well as imagine their future selves.