A significant move towards improving representation for the disabled community is the debut of a Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome, which aims to inspire children to convey more stories through play.
This diversity and inclusion initiative is celebrated by Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA), which is committed to empowering and finding ways to improve the quality of life of all persons with Down syndrome.
Down Syndrome South Africa's National Executive Director, Elaine Passmoor, lauds this significant milestone as an essential step towards a more inclusive world celebrating everyone's uniqueness.
“As an organisation working with persons with Down syndrome and their families, DSSA is excited to hear of the launch of a second Barbie doll with Down syndrome. The Barbie Fashionista range continues to show inclusivity and representation of persons with disabilities. The inclusion of a Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome is empowering and a significant step towards a more inclusive world where everyone’s uniqueness is celebrated,” said Passmoor.
Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, acknowledges that Barbie represents self-expression and fosters a sense of belonging.
“We proudly introduce a Black doll with Down syndrome to our Barbie Fashionistas line, reinforcing our commitment to creating products that represent global belonging and inclusivity in the doll aisle.”
Last year, Barbie introduced the first-ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome, which won the Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year award presented by the Toy Association.
This year, Barbie and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) teamed up yet again to launch the newest doll in the Barbie Fashionistas 2024 range that has Down syndrome.
It is reported that throughout all stages of the design process, Barbie and the NDSS worked together to ensure the Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome accurately reflected and resonated with members of the Down syndrome community.
It is explained that NDSS connected Barbie with a focus group of Black individuals from the Down syndrome community, including a young Black woman with Down syndrome, to review the doll’s sculpt, hair, fashion, and glasses.
In partnership with the NDSS, Barbie was able to faithfully depict the physical traits of individuals with Down syndrome, such as their shorter stature, longer torsos, and low muscular tone.
In addition, the doll has a single line on her palms, a feature that is frequently connected to people with Down syndrome. With its rounder shape, smaller ears, and flat nasal bridge, the face sculpt was carefully designed. The iris contains white specks, and the eyes have a small almond shape with a slight slant.
Saturday Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za