Barbie has been an iconic toy for generations of young girls, representing beauty, fashion, and femininity. However, in recent years, Barbie has taken on a new role: that of a champion for female empowerment and gender equality.
This is particularly evident in the Barbie Inspiring Women series, which highlights the achievements and contributions of trailblazing women throughout history. From astronauts to artists, these women serve as role models for young girls, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and break down barriers.
Here are ten Barbie dolls from Barbie's Inspiring Women series that remembers these strong historic women. Unlike a traditional Barbie, these are made with more realistic body shapes, and come in beautiful collectors boxes too.
9 Barbie Dolls from their Inspirational Women Series that Remember Strong Historic Women
Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson was a brilliant mathematician who worked for NASA. She was born in West Virginia in 1918 and loved math from a young age. Katherine's job at NASA was to help calculate the trajectories for space missions, including the first manned mission to the moon. She was so good at her job that astronaut John Glenn refused to go into space until Katherine had double-checked the calculations. Katherine was also a trailblazer for women and people of color in STEM fields, breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations of scientists and mathematicians. Her story was told in the movie "Hidden Figures" which you might enjoy watching!
Helen Keller Doll
Helen Keller was a writer, disability rights activist and lecturer. Despite losing her sight and ability to speak at 18 months old, she went on to write 14 books and become a powerful political advocate.
Helen Keller was a brave and determined woman who became famous for overcoming her disabilities. She was born in Alabama in 1880 and lost her sight and hearing when she was a baby. With the help of an enslaved African-American girl, and then later on her teacher, Anne Sullivan, Helen learned to communicate through touch. She even went on to attend college and become a writer and activist. She inspired people all over the world to never give up and to work hard to achieve their dreams, no matter what obstacles they face.
Maya Angelou
Born in 1928, Dr Maya Angelou was a poet, memoirist and civil rights activist. This beautiful doll holds her most celebrated book in her hands and her outfit is a wonderful tribute to her West African ancestry.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945, but she was also a diplomat and political activist in her own right.This beautifully made doll is a tribute to the unwavering resilience of America's longest serving First Lady.
Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald was internationally renowned for her singing voice. Nicknamed the First Lady of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald overcame a tumultous childhood to bring joy to millions with the purity of her voice.
Florence Nightingale is traditionally seen as the founder of modern nursing, but she was also a statistician and social reformer. This elegant doll portrays her in uniform wearing a sash entitled Scutari Hospital where she was known as the Lady with the Lamp.
Ida B Wells
Born into slavery in 1831 Ida B Wells went on to become an investigative journalist, educator and leader in the early stages of the civil rights movement in America.
This doll portrays her in Victorian uniform, holding a copy of the Memphis Free Speech newspaper she co-owned.
Ida Walker was a brave and determined woman who fought for what she believed in. She was born in the 19th century in the United States and grew up during a time when many people faced discrimination because of their race.
Despite the challenges she faced, Ida became a teacher and journalist who spoke out against injustice. She wrote about the mistreatment of African Americans, and she refused to back down even when her life was in danger.
Ida's courage and perseverance inspired many people, and she is remembered today as a trailblazer for civil rights. Her legacy reminds us that even one person can make a difference in the world.
Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks was known as the "First Lady of the Civil Rights Movement" for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott which garnered international headlines.
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