Education

There's a new range of Barbie dolls that celebrate female icons

Mattel's newly-introduced News Anchor Barbie (L) and Computer Engineer Barbie are shown in front of a display of career-doll Barbies at the Toy Fair in New York February 12, 2010. REUTERS/Jeff Zelevansky (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT SOCIETY BUSINESS IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Amelia Earhart, Frida Kahlo and Bindi Irwin are just some of Barbie's new range. Image: REUTERS/Jeff Zelevansky

Daniel Boan
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Ahead of International Women's Day on Thursday, Mattel has unveiled two new lines of Barbie dolls based on modern-day role models and inspirational women from history.

The first is called the "Global Shero" line, which honors women who have broken boundaries and serve as positive influences for their young fan-base. These dolls are all currently one-of-a-kinds and won't be on sale.

These dolls are not available for sale but instead are part of the Image: BI
A diverse range of women are represented, from chefs to directors. Image: BI

Though these dolls aren't available for sale, the brand is hoping to shed light on these women's achievements by making them "honorees" of the Shero line.

"Girls have always been able to play out different roles and careers with Barbie and we are thrilled to shine a light on real life role models to remind them that they can be anything," the brand's Senior Vice President and General Manager Lisa McKnight said in a statement provided to INSIDER.

The 14 dolls include women in the arts, the culinary industry, and sports. The doll for Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim comes complete with a snowboard.

Kim became the youngest woman to win an Olympic snowboarding medal at age 17. Image: BI

Steve Irwin's daughter Bindi Irwin is also part of the line for her dedication to wildlife conservation.

Bindi Irwin has dedicated her life to Australia Zoo Image: BI

While Gal Gadot has already received the doll treatment as Wonder Woman, it's now time for director Patty Jenkins to join the ranks as well — especially since "Wonder Woman" is now the biggest grossing live-action film directed by a woman.

Image: BI

The doll stirring up the most buzz is one you can actually buy: legendary artist and activist Frida Kahlo. She is part of the brand new "Inspiring Women" line alongside famous aviator Amelia Earhart and NASA icon Katherine Johnson, which will all be for sale.

Historical women are also a part of the new range. Image: BI

The internet seems to be most excited about the prospect of finally owning a Kahlo doll.

Have you read?

The "Inspiring Women" Barbies will be released throughout the year, starting with the Frida Kahlo doll on Thursday. The Ameila Earhart doll will be released on April 8, with the Katherine Johnson doll following on May 10.

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EducationGender InequalityMedia, Entertainment and Sport
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