Mattel launched the first hijab-wearing Barbie, which was modeled after Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad (AP)
Barbie has just rolled out a new hijab-wearing doll as the latest addition to Mattel’s “Shero” program.”
The doll is modeled after American-Muslim Olympic fencer, Ibtihaj Muhammad, who made history as the first American athlete to compete in the Olympics wearing a head scarf.
“The Barbie Shero Program recognizes women who break boundaries to inspire the next generation of girls and I am so excited to join this incredible group of women,” Muhammad wrote on Instagram. “I’m proud to know that little girls everywhere can now play with a Barbie who chooses to wear hijab! This is a childhood dream come true.”
Glamour magazine presented the doll at Monday’s Women of the Year summit in New York City.
“Ibtihaj Muhammad has challenged every stereotype — which to me is the definition of a modern American woman,” Glamour’s Editor-in-Chief, Cindi Leive, said in a statement.
Last year, the “Sheroes” line presented plus-size model Ashley Graham with her very own doll-ppelgänger, in recognition of her body-positive activism.
Matell also took Barbie World by storm in 2016 with a new line of dolls that come in all shapes and sizes.
“Barbie is celebrating Ibtihaj not only for her accolades as an Olympian, but for embracing what makes her stand out,” Barbie’s vice-president of marketing, Sejal Shah Miller, said in a statement. “Ibtihaj is an inspiration to countless girls who never saw themselves represented. By honoring her story, we hope this doll reminds them that they can be and do anything.”
Fun stories about food, relationships, the great outdoors and more.