Supporting Multi-Year Commitment to Close the
"Dream Gap," Barbie® Announces New Lineup of Global Role Models,
Latest Research on the "Dream Gap" and More
TORONTO, March 2, 2022 /CNW/ - Today, Mattel, Inc.
(NASDAQ: MAT) announced Barbie is partnering with entrepreneurs and
role models to inspire the next generation of leaders and dreamers
this International Women's Day. Through a multi-faceted campaign to
increase access to female role models and support female
entrepreneurs, Barbie is committed to help build the confidence and
reinforce the limitless potential of girls everywhere.
In Canada, Barbie recognizes Melissa
Sariffodeen, a tech entrepreneur, leader, and big thinker,
with a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll in her likeness. Melissa is best
known as the CEO and Co-Founder of Canada Learning Code, a
nation-wide program that ensures women and youth receive the
critical skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to become
passionate builders of technology.
"I have been a fan of Barbie since I was a child, playing with
the dolls and making clothes for them. It was an important
outlet for imagination and creativity - a chance to be anyone and
anything," commended Melissa
Sariffodeen. "I still play with Barbie dolls today and see
them as an opportunity to share positive messages about technology
and computer science. I am truly honoured to be a Barbie Role Model
and I hope that I can inspire girls, especially those interested in
technology, to have big dreams, work hard and never stop reaching
for their limitless potential."
Throughout the world, women continue to be underrepresented in
leadership roles.* In fact, NYU's
Cognitive Development Lab research** led by Professor of
Psychology, Dr. Andrei
Cimpian, and Assistant Professor of Psychology, Dr.
Andrea Vial, whose post-doctoral
fellowship was funded by Mattel, uncovered that girls aged
5-10 are less likely to raise their hand for leadership positions,
such as stepping up to be in charge of a group activity, and also
perceive social backlash from volunteering to take on more
responsibility. However, in the final stage of the study,
researchers found that when exposed to female role models, girls –
and boys – are more likely to volunteer to lead a group activity.
This latest finding expands on "Dream Gap" research that has shown
that starting at age five, girls start doubting their potential and
lose confidence in their own competence.
To help close the "Dream Gap," Barbie is working on an exciting
partnership to introduce more girls to technology. Visit the Barbie
Canada Facebook page in the coming days for more information.
"We know that children are inspired by what they see around
them, which is why it's so important for young girls to see
themselves reflected in role models who've daringly pushed past
roadblocks and overcome the "Dream Gap" to become the brave women
they are today," said Lisa McKnight,
Senior Vice President and Global Head of Barbie and Dolls, Mattel.
"This International Women's Day, we're proud to honor 12 global
trailblazing women to help empower the next generation of female
leaders by sharing their stories."
Barbie is marking International Women's Day and inspiring girls
to dream big around the world by:
- HONORING 12 GLOBAL FEMALE ROLE MODELS TO REMIND GIRLS THEY
CAN BE ANYTHING by shining a light on women who are
leaders in their respective industries of tech, wellness, STEM,
education and more with one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls in their
likeness. The global lineup of role models includes:
-
- Melissa Sariffodeen (Canada) –
CEO and Co-Founder of Canada Learning Code and Ladies Learning
Code
- Shonda Rhimes (United States)
- Founder of American Television Production Company Shondaland
- Ari Horie (United States/Japan) - Founder & CEO, Women's
Startup Lab and Women's Startup Lab Impact Foundation
- Pat McGrath (United Kingdom) - Makeup Artist and Founder of
Pat McGrath Labs
- Adriana Azuara (Mexico) - Founder of All4Spas
- Doani Emanuela Bertain (Brazil) - Teacher and Founder of Sala
8
- Jane Martino (Newton)
(Australia) - Chair and Co-Founder
of Smiling Mind
- Lan Yu (China) - Fashion Designer
- Butet Manurung (Indonesia) – Founder and Director of
SOKOLA
- Sonia Peronaci (Italy) -
Founder of Italian food website, 'GialloZafferano'
- Tijen Onaran (Germany) - CEO and Founder of Global Digital
Women and Co-Founder of ACI Diversity Consulting
- Lena Mahfouf (France) –
Digital Creator, Videographer and Author of 'Always More'
- CELEBRATING BARBIE IN NFT ART COLLECTION in
partnership with Boss Beauties, a female-led
global initiative that creates opportunities for girls and
women through cutting-edge collaborations
-
- Barbie NFT featuring a diverse assortment of Barbie careers
will be part of the Boss Beauties Role Models NFT
collection, designed to empower women and girls at the
forefront of technology and creativity, alongside other
trailblazing figures.
- The Barbie NFT will be auctioned by Boss Beauties between
March 9-12th via OpenSea,
with proceeds benefiting the Barbie Dream Gap Project.
*According to 2020/21 Women's Entrepreneurship Report:
Thriving through Crisis.
** This work was
funded by Mattel, Inc.'s Dream Gap Postdoctoral Fellowship in Child
Development granted to Vial.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the
strongest catalogs of children's and family entertainment
franchises in the world. We create innovative products and
experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through
play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands,
including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®,
Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, Masters of the Universe™, Monster
High™ and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties
that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment
companies. Our offerings include film and television content,
gaming and digital experiences, music, and live events. We operate
in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150
countries in collaboration with the world's leading retail and
ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to
be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder
of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at
mattel.com.
About Boss Beauties
A woman-led global initiative,
Boss Beauties creates opportunities for women and girls
through mentorship programs and scholarships powered
by collaborations that empower those at the forefront of
technology, leadership, and creativity. Boss Beauties was
founded by Lisa Mayer, who for ten
years through My Social Canvas has made it her mission to equip the
next generation of women to design the life and career of their
dreams. They have built a global community of Gen Z women in the US
and 15 countries worldwide. Their work has had involvement from
Apple and Verizon, as well as inspiring women mentors ranging from
Olympians to leaders in fashion and entertainment
including collaborations with Rolling Stone, Hugo Boss, Mattel and more.
SOURCE Mattel Canada, Inc.