Venus Williams Gets Her Own Barbie Doll – And Here’s Why It Matters
From court to toy aisle, Bazaar Arabia explores how these new dolls are inspiring the next generation of girls to dream big…
In an era where representation in media is more crucial than ever, Mattel has made a bold statement by immortalising tennis legend Venus Williams as a Barbie doll. This announcement highlights the company’s ongoing efforts to honour female sports stars.
The Venus Williams Barbie is a true a celebration of her legacy. Equipped with a miniature racket, a ball, gold-coloured earrings, and dressed in tennis whites, this doll is a testament to her iconic status and her impact both on and off court.
In a recent Instagram post, Mattel celebrated this milestone: “For over 65 years, Barbie has championed more stories and more opportunities for girls by spotlighting the successes of women who inspire us. Today we honour tennis champion and icon, Venus Williams, with her very own one-of-a-kind Barbie doll, celebrating her excellence in sport and our belief that when girls keep playing, they have the power to be world-class competitors.”
Venus joins a distinguished lineup of athletes, including Australian soccer Mary Fowler, Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, Mexican gymnast Alexa Moreno, Canadian footballer Christine Sinclair, French boxer Estelle Mossely, Italian swimmer Federica Pellegrini, Spanish paratriathlete and Doctor Susana Rodriguez, and Polish track and field sprinter Ewa Swoboda. Each of these women has made significant strides in their respective sports, and their Barbie dolls serve as symbols of that.
Mattel’s decision to honour these athletes comes at a time when the importance of role models in sports cannot be overstated. By showcasing women who have excelled in their fields, Mattel aims to inspire young girls to pursue their own dreams with the same tenacity and confidence.
This initiative follows the company’s ground-breaking release of the first Barbie doll with Down syndrome in 2023, signifying their commitment to inclusivity. Each doll in this new collection, then, serves as a reminder that greatness can come in many forms, and that every girl deserves to see herself in the toys she plays with.
By immortalising Venus Williams and other female athletes in doll form, Mattel has set a powerful precedent. They are empowering young girls, breaking down stereotypes, and inspiring future generations to dream bigger and bolder. This is why it matters.
Lead image courtesy of Instagram/@barbiestyle