Toymaker Mattel has introduced its first ever hijabi Barbie, part of the Shero range of dolls that are based on women with inspiring stories. The newest doll is modelled on fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first US Olympian to compete while wearing a hijab.

“Barbie is celebrating Ibtihaj not only for her accolades as an Olympian, but for embracing what makes her stand out,” said Sejal Shah Miller, Barbie’s vice-president of global marketing.

“Ibtihaj is an inspiration to countless girls who never saw themselves represented, and by honouring her story, we hope this doll reminds them that they can be and do anything.”

One of Time magazine’s ‘100 most influential people’ of 2016, Muhammad is also known for her ‘modest’ clothing line, Louella.

Mattel has diversified its Barbie products in recent years, adding dolls in petite, tall and curvy shapes. These included a doll based on plus-size fashion model Ashley Graham which, in line with Graham’s instructions, included belly fat, round arms and touching thighs.

Featured image: Mattel

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