History was made on the 13th of November 2017 as Mattel, makers of Barbie dolls released a set of Barbie dolls wearing hijab in honor of American Olym
History was made on the 13th of November 2017 as Mattel, makers of Barbie dolls released a set of Barbie dolls wearing hijab in honor of American Olympian fencer, Ibtihaj Muhammad as the traditional Islamic headscarf goes mainstream through catwalks, magazine covers and ‘emoji’ smartphone symbols. Ibtihaj Muhammad made history in Rio last year as the first U.S. Olympian to represent her country wearing a hijab, after earlier winning a gold medal in 2014 at the world fencing championships in Russia.
The hijab-wearing Barbie, produced by company Mattel, is part of Barbie’s ‘Shero’ line which recognizes women who break boundaries to inspire the next generation of girls, and will go on sale in 2018, the company said. The hijab, one of the most visible signs of Islamic culture, is becoming increasingly popular with Western businesses; from hijab-wearing models in top fashion magazines to Apple’s recently launched ‘emoji’ character in a hijab. Many Muslim women cover their heads in public with the hijab as a sign of modesty, although some critics see it as a sign of female oppression.
“Ibtihaj Muhammad is an inspiration to countless girls who never saw themselves represented,” Barbie’s marketing vice president Sejal Shah Miller said in a statement. By honoring her story, we hope this doll reminds them that they can be and do anything.”
