Mattel Is Releasing the First Barbie Doll to Wear a Hijab, in Honor of Ibtihaj Muhammad
Hijab Barbie is no longer just a fan Instagram account! Mattel has made many inclusive additions to its lineup in recent years, such as body-positive Barbie and Ken dolls and the aptly named “Shero” dolls, which pay homage to some amazing RL women including Gabby Douglas, Trisha Yearwood, and Ava DuVernay. Now, the brand is taking another step forward with a new doll that honors Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, complete with a standout accessory: her hijab.
The bronze medalist, who will receive a doll in her likeness as early as 2018, issued a statement on the importance of the gesture, announced at Glamour’s Women of the Year LIVE summit (check out our live coverage by senior writer Cortney Clift!). “Through playing with Barbie, I was able to imagine and dream about who I would become,” she said. “I love that my relationship with Barbie has come full circle, and I now have my own doll wearing a hijab that the next generation of girls can use to play out their own dreams.”
Shejah Shal Miller, the vice-president of global marketing for Barbie, spoke about the company’s decision to honor Muhammad. “Barbie is celebrating Ibtihaj not only for her accolades as an Olympian, but for embracing what makes her stand out. Ibtihaj is such an inspiration to countless girls who never saw themselves represented, and by honoring her story, we hope this doll reminds them that they can do anything.”
Hear, hear!
Congratulations, Ibtihaj!
Are you pumped to see hijab Barbie become a reality? Let us know over @BritandCo.
(Photos via Ilya S. Savenok/Getty)
