Jane Goodall and Barbie may not be an immediately obvious combination to the minds of those who associate Barbie dolls with high heels and handbags rather than khaki and binoculars. Nonetheless, in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, Mattel has announced the introduction of a ‘Dr Jane Goodall Inspiring Women Doll’, aimed, said the company, at providing kids with role models that provide perspective.
“Kids need more role models like Dr. Jane Goodall, because imagining they can be anything is just the beginning – seeing it makes all the difference,” said Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie and Dolls, Mattel.
Mattel is also launching a new career doll series called the 2022 Barbie Career of The Year Eco-Leadership Team, which includes a Chief Sustainability Officer, Conservation Scientist, Renewable Energy Engineer and Environmental Advocate. Both the Inspiring Women doll and career doll set are certified CarbonNeutral by Climate Impact Partners, specialists in carbon neutrality and climate finance. The dolls are and made from 90% recycled ocean-bound plastic sourced within 50 km of waterways in areas lacking formal waste collection systems.
“We hope that this collection and homage to a groundbreaking pioneer for women in science and conservation inspires kids to learn more about green careers, how they can protect the planet, and act out sustainable stories through doll play,” explained McKnight. The dolls have gone on sale in time for World Chimpanzee Day on 14 July.
The launch also coincides with the 62-year anniversary of the ethologist’s first journey to the forest of Gombe National Park in Tanzania.
The Inspiring Women Series of dolls pays tribute to a group of influential women that, next to Dr Jane Goodall, includes Ida B. Wells, Dr Maya Angelou, Billie Jean King and Eleanor Roosevelt among others.