Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 15-11-2017
The makers of Barbie has announced it will sell a doll modelled after Ibtihaj Muhammad, an American fencer who competed in last year’s Olympics while wearing a hijab.
Toy maker Mattel says the doll will be available online next fall.
Mattel director Ava DuVernay says the doll is part of the Barbie “Shero” line that honours women who break boundaries. Past dolls have included gymnast Gabby Douglas and “Selma”.
Muhammad meanwhile says as an athlete, there were moments where she felt excluded.
“I had so many moments as an athlete, where I didn’t feel included, where I was often in spaces where there was a lack of representation. So to be in this moment, as a U.S. Olympian, to have Mattel, such a global brand, diversify their toy line to include a Barbie doll that wears a hijab is very moving to me.”
Muhammad, the first American to compete at the Olympics while wearing a hijab, won a bronze medal in fencing at the 2016 Rio Games.
– AP
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