Mattel, Inc. has announced that Barbie, the iconic doll, is honoring International Women's Day by recognizing over half a dozen women from across the globe as role models in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) with unique dolls made in their likeness. As part of its ongoing effort to help girls recognize their unlimited potential, Barbie understands that access to female role models in STEM is crucial for children to maintain an interest in the field. Studies show that girls are frequently diverted from STEM throughout their education, and women account for less than one-third of the STEM workforce.
Barbie remains committed to celebrating female role models and promoting careers that are traditionally underrepresented by women. Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie & Dolls, said, "Barbie is devoted to presenting female role models from various backgrounds, professions, and nationalities so that girls worldwide can envision themselves in fields that might not otherwise seem within reach." With STEM being a sector in which women are significantly underrepresented, recognizing the seven exceptional women in science and technology can encourage young girls to pursue their passions in this field.
The list of global female role models recognized by Barbie includes three exceptional sisters from the United States, Susan, Anne, and Janet Wojcicki, who can serve as inspiration in various STEM fields for the next generation of women leaders. The full list of honorees includes Susan Wojcicki (United States): Longtime YouTube CEO; Anne Wojcicki (United States): Co-Founder and CEO of 23andME; Janet Wojcicki (United States): Professor of Pediatrics and Epidemiology at the University of California, San Francisco; Katya Echazarreta (Mexico): Electrical Engineer and Science Show Host; Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock (United Kingdom): Space Scientist and Science Educator; Prof. Dr. Antje Boetius (Germany): Marine Researcher and Microbiologist; Yinuo Li (China): Co-Founder of ETU Education.
As part of the International Women's Day celebrations, Barbie has produced a special episode of the Barbie You Can Be Anything Series, an inspiring digital series featuring conversations with female role models. In addition, Barbie has teamed up with Susan Wojcicki on a YouTube-produced custom "Short" content. Susan answers questions on empowerment and shares the lessons she's learned along the way to becoming a top tech CEO.
Barbie has also established the Barbie Dream Gap Project, a multi-year global initiative to raise awareness of limiting factors that prevent girls from achieving their full potential. Since launching in 2018, the brand has committed over 1.5 million dollars through the Barbie Dream Gap Project to non-profit partners focused on achieving equality by promoting education, leadership skills, and mentorship opportunities for girls.
