By Marina Charalambous
Mattel presents the first Barbie with type 1 diabetes, sending an important message to inclusion. The new Barbie carries a glucose meter on its arm, insulin pump, a mobile phone with a special fit and a bag with the essentials, just as thousands of children with type 1 diabetes do daily.
The doll was designed in collaboration with Breakthrough T1D, with the aim of providing realistic standards and “normalizing” children’s daily lives with that disease.
“Barbie helps children understand the world. By representing situations such as type 1 diabetes, we enhance empathy and recognition, “said Krista Berger, Vice President of Mattel.
For her part, Karen Addington, CEO of Breakthrough T1D in the United Kingdom, described the new Barbie “powerful model” that brings joy and empowerment to children who rarely see themselves represented in the game.
Mattel has taken steady steps towards the inclusion after creating the first black Barbie in the 1960s to the latest Down syndrome, hearing aids and wheelchairs.
Today, the fashionistas range includes over 175 different barbie with a variety of skin, hair, body types and disabilities. “Representation is important, especially in childhood,” said Arjun Panesar, founder of Diabetes.co.uk. “Barbie with type 1 diabetes helps accept and reduces the stigma around the condition.”
Source :Skai
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