Thought of the Day - August 20 2021 - COVID Barbie

Not wanting to miss an opportunity Mattel has now produced "COVID Vaccine Developer" Barbie.

British vaccinologist Dame Sarah Gilbert (Oxford Project Leader for ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 aka AstraZeneca)) now has a new accolade: It's a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll made in her image.

Gilbert first found Mattel's recognition "very strange" but hopes it inspires other young women around the world to work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers (STEM).

"I am passionate about inspiring the next generation of girls into STEM careers and hope that children who see my Barbie will realize how vital careers in science are to help the world around us," she said. "My wish is that my doll will show children careers they may not be aware of, like a vaccinologist."

The new Barbies honour six women in health care. A Canadian psychiatry resident at the UoT, and advocate for diversity in , Chicka Stacy Oriuwa, is also part of the collection.

"Barbie [Mattel] recognizes that all frontline workers have made tremendous sacrifices when confronting the pandemic and the challenges it heightened," said Lisa McKnight, senior vice president and global head of Barbie and Dolls at Mattel. "To shine a light on their efforts, we are sharing their stories."

Cheers

Cliff