Television producer Shonda Rhimes received her own Barbie replica on Tuesday as a part of Barbie’s International Women’s Day celebration this year.
As part of the Women’s Day celebration this year, the brand also honoured 12 female role models around the world with dolls in their likeness. These women hail from a range of industries including entertainment, STEM Education, and more.
In addition to Rhimes, Barbie’s 12 role model lineups include Ari Hori, Pat McGrath, Melissa Sariffodeen, Adriana Azuara, Doani Emanuela Bertain, Jane Martino, Lan yu, Bulet Manurung, Sonia Peronaci, Tijen Onaran and Lena Mahouf.
Rhimes also commented on the significance of young children having role models dolls that look like them and also expressed thanks to the organization for making a doll in her likeness.
“I have my own Barbie! Proud to be among the 12 amazing women, all of which are breaking barriers in their respective careers,” Rhimes wrote on Instagram.

“The idea that there are adults out there that can look like you and feel like you and give you the ability to imagine yourself in a different way, in a way that maybe you only secretly dreamed or thought of was impossible in real life, I think that is incredibly important,” Rhimes added.
Meanwhile, the most recent lineup follows Barbie’s 2018 launch of the Dream Gap project, stemming from Mattel-funded New York University research, which found that young girls were less likely to raise their hand for leadership positions.
However, after being exposed to female role models, both girls and boys were more likely to volunteer to lead group activities.
“We know that children are inspired by what they see around them, which is why it’s important for young girls to see themselves reflected in both role models who’ve daringly pushed back roadblocks and overcome the dream gap to become the brave women they are today,” Lisa McKnight, Senior vice president and global head of the Barbie dolls at Mattel, stated in a release.