US Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad has rejoiced that children around the world can now play with a Barbie doll who chooses to wear a hijab.
This week Mattel revealed a new addition to the Barbie family: a doll wearing a hijab, based on the Olympic fencer, as part of the “Sheroes” collection.
31-year-old Muhammad was the first American to compete in the world games while wearing a hijab.
Sharing her excitement on social media, Muhammad tweeted: “I’m 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,” she added.
On its website, Mattel explains that the new Barbie is “inspiration for countless little girls who never saw themselves represented in sports and culture,” The Telegraph reports.
The Barbie “Shero” line includes dolls inspired by director Ava DuVernay, actress Zendaya and gymnast Gabby Douglas.
