For Women's Day, 17 New Barbies To Honour Modern-Day 'Sheroes'

On the occasion of International Women's Day, celebrated each year on March 8, American company Mattel is honouring 17 female global role models with their own one-of-a-kind commemorative Barbies. These incredible and accomplished women include artists, aviators, athletes and filmmakers among others. The launch of the Barbie dolls, the company says, is to show girls that they can grow up to be anything. "Girls have always been able to play out different roles and careers with Barbie and we are thrilled to shine a light on real life role models to remind them that they can be anything," Lisa McKnight, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Barbie said in a press statement.
 

With 86% of US moms worried about the type of role models their daughters are exposed to, we are committed to shining a light on empowering female role models in an effort to inspire more girls.

Join us by sharing your role models using #MoreRoleModels. #IWD2018 pic.twitter.com/FnEuBsDh23

— Barbie (@Barbie) March 6, 2018

The line up, part of Mattel's 'Shero' programme, includes dolls of 14 modern-day role models and three historical role models from diverse professional and ethnic backgrounds.

"These women come from diverse backgrounds and fields and are breaking boundaries to inspire the next generation of girls." the company said.

The special International Women's Day line-up includes director of Wonder Woman Patty Jenkins, youngest snowboarding gold medallist Chloe Kim, Australian conservationist Bindi Irwin and Italian soccer player Sara Gama.

Many of those featured in the new line-up of inspirational dolls took to Twitter to express their joy.
 

Can't express how totally mind blowing and delightful it is to have your childhood favorite resemble you!! Thank you @Barbie, for this incredible honor, and for celebrating all kinds of women, everywhere. What a great way to inspire the girls of tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/X5FteJQltn

— Patty Jenkins (@PattyJenks) March 6, 2018

Ahh! Im so happy to be honored as a @Barbie Shero alongside these incredible women! #InternationalWomensDay #Barbie pic.twitter.com/U0J7ajM0Sd

— Chloe Kim (@chloekimsnow) March 6, 2018

Proud to partner with @Barbie this #InternationalWomensDay to show girls - YOU CAN BE ANYTHING!#Ad pic.twitter.com/nMdT7jMK8L

— Nicola Adams (@NicolaAdamsOBE) March 6, 2018

The three historical dolls include Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, American aviator Amelia Earhart and mathematician Katherine Johnson. The figurines will come with information about the personality and their contribution to the society.

The company also called on people to share some of the women they look up to using the hashtag "more role models".
 

In honor of #InternationalWomensDay, we are committed to shining a light on empowering female role models past and present in an effort to inspire more girls.

Join the conversation by sharing your role models using #MoreRoleModels. pic.twitter.com/5oJnZywk7s

— Barbie (@Barbie) March 6, 2018

The tall, skinny and blue-eyed blonde Barbie has had quite a makeover in recent years. Mattel, as part of their "Shero" programme that began in 2015, has previously released Barbies inspired by achievers like US Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad - the first US Olympian to compete while wearing a hijab - as well as model and body activist Ashley Graham.
 
"Sheroes are given the Barbie brand's highest honor, a one-of-a-kind doll made in their likeness, in celebration of their roles in expanding the possibilities for girls everywhere," the company said.

Who's your shero? Let us know in the comments below.

If you want some more inspiration, here are 15 quotes by women for International Women's Day