The most famous doll in the world is now supposed to make girls interested in science. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Barbie manufacturer Mattel is honoring seven top career women with their own doll. Among them is the German marine biologist Prof. Dr. Antje Boetius (56).
According to the company, women are still underrepresented in the so-called MINT professions (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, technology). Their share in Germany would only be around 15.5 percent. “That’s why Barbie has made it her mission to give girls role models – in the truest sense of the word.”
The dolls are modeled after seven women from around the world who have made careers in the STEM fields. In addition to Boetius, these are Google special adviser Susan Wojcicki (54), her two sisters, 23andME CEO Anne Wojcicki (49) and pediatrics professor Janet Wojcicki (53), also electrical engineer Kat Echazarreta (27), space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock (54 ) and science educator Li Yinuo (44).
“I feel honored to be a Barbie role model for polar and marine research and to get children excited about these areas,” says Antje Boetius. “Barbies should reflect the diversity of different professions.”
