Over the past few years the iconic toy company Mattel has done its best to shake off the images of Caucasian perfection that their Barbie doll franchise has been built on since its creation.
We’ve seen Ava, Zendaya, and even Muslim American Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad get the Barbie treatment, but the brand took one step further in their mission to represent the modern woman. Kicking off Women’s Month, two-time Gold medalist and British knockout artist Nicola Adams was honored this week with her very own Barbie.
Nicola Adams on Twitter
Proud to partner with @Barbie this #InternationalWomensDay to show girls – YOU CAN BE ANYTHING! #Ad
It was only appropriate for the doll to debut before International Women’s day (March 8) and like her figurine, Adams is a trailblazer in her own right. Aside from knocking people out at a high rate, she’s openly bi and a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ community. Representation matters and Adams recently told BBC how she looks to be an example for young women and athletes just like her heroes prior were to her.
Nicola Adams: My Rio Highlights
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“Growing up, my biggest role models were my mum and Muhammad Ali — there were no female boxers in media when I was a kid, and I might have discovered my passion sooner if I’d seen other women boxing, Adams said.
That’s why empowering the next generation of kids is something Im passionate about and its great to work with Barbie to share my story.
