How would it feel to have a Barbie doll carved to yourself? Pretty great right?
On March 9, which is Barbie’s 60th anniversary Mattel decided to honor global female role models, who are breaking boundaries in a variety of diverse career fields. Barbie gifted them a one-of-a-kind doll made in their likeness. These women come from multiple countries and continents ranging between 19 to 85 years old.
Here’s a quick glance at the women who inspired Barbie dolls in their honor.
Dipa Karmakar
Among the other illustrious women on the list is our very own gymnast Dipa Karmakar. She is the first Indian female gymnast to ever compete in the Olympic Games and the first Indian female artistic gymnast to win a gold medal at a global event.
Yara Shahidi, United States
Yara is an actress and an activist for education for girls. She founded the Yara’s Club, an initiative aimed at bringing girls together to discuss social issue and learn how to take action.
Naomi Osaka, United States
Like Dipa, Naomi Osaka is also a sportswoman. She is a professional tennis player who is currently ranked No. 1 in the Women's Tennis Association rankings. She became the first Japanese player in history to win a Grand Slam, defeating her childhood idol, Serena Williams, to capture victory at the 2018 U.S. Open
Kelsea Ballerini, United States
This 25-year-old country pop singer, songwriter is the only female country artist to have three consecutive #1 songs from debut. Ballerini is a true example of women in a male dominated genre.
Adwoa Aboah, United Kingdom
Aboah is a 26-year-old model, activist and founder of Gurls Talk -- an online community where young women are free to discuss issues such as mental health, education, self-care, and relationships.
Kristina Vogel, Germany
On her way to becoming the best female track cyclist of all time, Kristina suffered an injury when she collided with a Dutch junior cyclist and broke several of her bones as a result. It resulted in paralysis, leading to life in a wheelchair. Kristina continues to persevere and is a model for several you work through difficulties to achieve more.
Melodie Robinson, New Zealand
As a sports journalist and presenter, and former international rugby union player for the New Zealand women's national rugby union team, Melodie Robinson formed The Wonderful Group to encourage more diverse, more empowered women in sport media.
Mariana Costa, Peru
Women have had a tough time in executive roles, especially in a field like technology. But Mariana Costa from Peru is challenging this status quo. She has co-founded Laboratoria: a social impact startup that is transforming Latin America’s tech sector into an example of diversity and inclusion by preparing thousands of women to launch careers in the tech sector.
Ita Buttrose, Australia
Newly appointed Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, legendary media trail blazer, Ita Buttrose is the first ever woman to edit a major metropolitan newspaper in Australia and youngest person to be appointed editor of the Weekly, which was then, the largest-selling magazine in the world per capita.
Lisa Azuleos, France
Cinema has had an important role in influencing society at large and French director, writer, and producer Lisa Azuleos understands that very well. She empowers women through her films and role as president of Together Against Gynophobia.
Apart from these wonderful women, chef Rosanna Marziale from Italy, Japanese talk show host Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, surfer Maya Gabiera from Italy are also among Barbie’s list of powerhouse women who are truly a role model for the girls of these generation.
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