Also space scientist and educator Maggie Aderin-Pocock (UK); microbiologist and marine researcher antje boetius (Germany) and the co-founder of the science education program Etu Yinuo Li (China).
This series of dolls aims to show girls that they have “unlimited potential” and to interest them in educational and professional fields where women are a minority.
Women make up less than a third of the science and technology (STEM) workforce.argues Mattel in the statement released on the occasion of Women’s Day.
“Barbie is dedicated to showing women role models of all backgrounds, professions and nationalities so that girls everywhere can see themselves in careers that don’t always seem accessible,” said Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head from Barbie & Dolls by Mattel.
“STEM is a field where women are not proportionally represented and our hope is that honoring these seven leaders in science and technology will encourage girls to follow their passion in this field,” she added.
Anne Wojcicki, co-founder and CEO of 23andMe, said she is honored to celebrate International Women’s Day this year “with Barbie alongside my family and these other powerful women in STEM leadership roles.”
“I hope that sharing our stories encourages young women to try something new, face something that may scare them, and see challenges as exciting opportunities,” she said.
Her sister Janet said she knows from experience that “role models are essential for young women to see what is possible.” “When I was starting my career, I struggled to find inspiring stories from other women who are excelling in STEM, and especially epidemiology,” she added.
“Growing up, I didn’t imagine I would have a career in technology,” said Susan Wojcicki, the CEO of Youtube.
“My sisters and I find jobs we love and discover how creative and fulfilling careers in STEM can be for women,” she added.
In addition to the dolls, Mattel created a short with Susan Wojcicki for Youtube in which the board answers questions about empowerment and shares the lessons it has learned.