Mattel has launched eight exclusive Barbie dolls to celebrate the value of friendship among women, just in time for International Women’s Day. These new dolls represent four pairs of women who have excelled in various fields.
The so-called Barbie Friendship Doll Collection honors U.S. Olympic gold medalist gymnasts Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey, British actresses Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple, tennis champions Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Ash Barty, and Brazilian advocates Paola Antonini and Kelen Ferreira.
The dolls are part of Barbie’s Role Model collection, aimed at inspiring girls worldwide to be whatever they want to be. Here’s more about the women Mattel is honoring.
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Who are Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey?
Jordan Chiles, 23, and Jade Carey, 24, are U.S. Olympic gymnasts who have won gold medals. Both were part of the gymnastics team that won the gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
Chiles’ gold medal in 2024 was her first career victory. At the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, she contributed to the U.S. team’s silver medal win.
Who are Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple?
British actresses Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple have gained recognition for their roles in the hit Apple TV series Ted Lasso. Waddingham, 50, is also known for playing Septa Unella in Game of Thrones and as Mother Witch in Hocus Pocus 2.
Meanwhile, 35-year-old Juno Temple has made a name for herself as Dot Lyon in the series Fargo and as Thistlewit in Disney’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, released in 2019.
Who are Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Ash Barty?
Evonne Goolagong Cawley, 73, and Ashleigh “Ash” Barty, 28, are two outstanding former Australian professional tennis players. Goolagong Cawley’s career began in 1965, during which she won an impressive total of 120 titles. Among her victories are four Australian Open titles, one French Open, and two Wimbledon wins. She was also a four-time U.S. Open finalist and reached number one in the Women’s Tennis Association singles rankings in 1976. She retired from the sport in 1983.
Barty began her tennis career in 2010 and accumulated several titles throughout her career, including three Grand Slam singles championships. In 2019, she became the second Australian to reach number one in the Women’s Tennis Association singles rankings. Barty retired in 2022.
Who are Paola Antonini and Kelen Ferreira?
Paola Antonini and Kelen Ferreira are two courageous Brazilian activists who fight for the rights of people with disabilities. In 2014, Paola suffered a tragic accident caused by drunk driving, resulting in the amputation of her left leg. Motivated by the desire to inspire others, she founded the Paola Antonini Institute in 2020, a charitable organization dedicated to offering rehabilitation to people with physical disabilities, providing prosthetics, orthotics, wheelchairs, and other necessary items through donations.
Kelen Ferreira was one of the many victims trapped in the devastating fire at the Kiss nightclub in Brazil in January 2013, which claimed 240 lives. Due to third-degree burns over more than 20% of her body, she underwent the amputation of her right leg.
Where can the Barbie dolls for International Women’s Day be purchased?
Unfortunately, none of the eight dolls in this special edition will be available for sale, as they are one-of-a-kind pieces created for each of the women they represent.
When is International Women’s Day?
This date is celebrated on March 8th every year.
Why is International Women’s Day celebrated?
This date is observed worldwide to raise awareness about the importance of empowering women in all areas, protecting their rights, and ensuring they can reach their full potential.
Additionally, it serves as an opportunity to highlight the inequality and discrimination that women still face in various parts of the world, as well as to ensure the effectiveness of their rights. This includes closing the gender pay gap, ensuring that women receive equal pay for equal work, promoting their presence in leadership positions, and eliminating the burden of the double workday.
