The manufacturer of the Barbie doll has finally revealed its latest figurine which is inspired by Ibtihaj Muhammad, an American fencer who competed in last year’s Olympics while wearing a hijab.
The doll will be available online next Autumn.
The doll is part of the Barbie “Shero” line that honors women who break boundaries.
“I am proud to know that little girls everywhere can now play with a Barbie who chooses to wear hijab! This is a childhood dream come true,” the Olympian posted on Twitter on Monday.
The hijab is one of the most visible signs of Islamic culture, and is becoming increasingly popular with Western businesses from hijab-wearing models in top fashion magazines to Apple’s recently launched ‘emoji’ character in a hijab.
“Ibtihaj is an inspiration to countless girls who never saw themselves represented,” Barbie’s marketing vice president Sejal Shah Miller said in a statement.
“By honoring her story, we hope this doll reminds them that they can be and do anything.”
Past dolls have included gymnast Gabby Douglas and Selma director Ava DuVernay.
