• by Tanya Gazdik , March 6, 2025

Mattel is releasing eight new one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls for International Women's Day, honoring female friendship.

“The new dolls represent four duos, including U.S. Olympic gymnastics gold medalists Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey, and British actors Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple,” according to USA Today. “The dolls are a part of Barbie's Role Model series, which celebrate remarkable women with the aim to inspire girls across the world. They are not for sale.”

In an exclusive interview with People, Chiles and Carey open up about the partnership while getting real about championing each other and the women in their lives. 

“Carey, 24, says she was ‘shocked’ when she found out she was going to be a part of the empowering collaboration,” according to People. 

“That's just a little kid's dream come true,” she says. “Jordan and I have definitely experienced what can come from our friendship and how much easier a journey can be together. So, I'm just really honored to be a part of this day with Barbie.” 

This isn’t Barbie’s first foray into women’s sports. 

“Past collections gave athletes like WNBA legend Sue Bird, Canadian soccer superstar Christine Sinclair, and tennis trailblazer Venus Williams the iconic doll's treatment,” according to Just Women’s Sports. “Barbie also released lines in connection with the 2011 Women's World Cup. Additionally, the toy brand spotlighted women's sports with its 2023 Career of the Year collection. And late last year, Barbie partnered with the PWHL to release branded accessories representing the pro hockey league's teams.”

As of today, there seems to be a lack of brands activating this year around International Women's Day, which honors women's accomplishments and advocates for gender equality worldwide.

“This internationally recognized day provides a forum for discussing issues that women confront and the uphill battles they fight daily and promoting their rights in a plethora of aspects, including political involvement, work, and education,” accord ing to The Economic Times. “The complex layers of discrimination woven into the social, political, and economic fabric of practically every society are also highlighted on this day.”

International Women's Day dates back to March 19, 1911, when it was celebrated for the first time in the USA and some European countries. 

“Each year, International Women's Day features a different theme that supports equal opportunities for women in all fields, inspires leadership, and encourages positive change,” according to The Economic Times. “'Accelerate Action' is the theme for 2025, a global call to recognize tactics, tools, and methods that support women's progress in various areas of life.”