It has been quite a year for Prof Sarah Gilbert. Co-creator of Oxford/AstraZeneca has been made a dame. She was also given an emotional standing ovation at Wimbledon. Now, a Barbie doll has been named in her honor.Gilbert, the Oxford University researcher who developed the Covid vaccine, stated that she initially found it very odd but wanted to inspire young girls (Stem).She said that she is passionate about encouraging the next generation of girls to pursue Stem careers. She hopes that the Barbies will inspire them to see the importance of science careers for the world. My dream is for my doll to show children careers that they might not know about, such as a vaccinologist.The toy company created models in honor of five women who work in Stem around world, in addition to Dame Sarah's likeness.These include Amy OSullivan, Dr Audrey Cruz, Canadian physician and campaigner Dr Chika STacy Oriuwa, Dr Jaqueline Goes De Jesus, a Brazilian biomedical researcher, and Dr Kirby White, an Australian doctor who created a reusable gown to aid frontline staff.Lisa McKnight is senior vice-president at Mattel and global head Barbie dolls and dolls. She said that Barbie recognizes the sacrifices made by all frontline workers in coping with the pandemic, and the increased challenges. We are sharing their stories in order to highlight their achievements and inspire future generations to follow their lead.Clara Amfo, BBC Radio 1 DJ, holding the Barbie doll she made in her image. Photograph: Michael Bowles/Mattel/PAMattel has created dolls in the image of celebrities over the years. A Barbie doll based on Naomi Osaka, tennis star, sold out in hours just hours after it was launched.Clara Amfo, a Radio 1 presenter, unveiled a Barbie doll in the same image earlier this year. Amfos Barbie, a well-known activist for racial equality and championing women's rights, was released before International Womens Day (March 2).Mattel recently released a Rosa Parks Barbie as part of its Inspiring Women series.After Mattel released a new line of gender-inclusive dolls, Barbie was accused by some of her friends of having a waka after they removed labels from their Barbie dolls.They are part of a growing number of inclusive Barbies, Kens. A Barbie with a wheelchair, a Barbie with natural hairstyle and a Ken with slightly higher BMI are now available.
