In the age of the reality TV star, our young girls deserve better role models, and who better than the sports heroes who can unite nations?
Last week toy maker Mattel revealed they had made a Barbie doll of boxer Nicola Adams.
It was one of a series of “role model” dolls created to celebrate International Women’s Day.
It was a brilliant idea – I loved it. What I found most interesting was that when Mattel spoke to mums about their daughters role models, a whopping 86% said they were not happy with their kids choices.
In a world of reality TV stars that’s not exactly surprising, is it? But it shows women are concerned about who their daughters look up to.
I don’t blame them. Parents want their children to have inspirational people as role models, those who are brave, clever, successful, athletic, artistic, musical, caring, creative.
I love the idea of girls being able to collect dolls based on what they do, not what they look like. There’s far too much emphasis on what women in the public eye look like. There’s more to us than that.
When I was younger I loved collecting Barbies and Sindys. But it was always about how they looked and what they wore. Then I moved on to Trolls and that was more about what they did – explorer or doctor – or what country they came from.
Mattel has often been criticised for making Barbie a skinny, glamorous and unrealistic role model. Far too many of our girls are preoccupied with weight and their looks. There have been reports that girls as young as seven are so image conscious they worry about their weight and their looks. They’re growing up too quickly, let them be kids as long as they can.
Mattel has designed two new ranges – Inspiring Women, a collection of historical figures, and Shero, contemporary role models.
Incredibly, though, the new additions to the Shero range aren’t available to buy. Come on, Mattel, get them on sale! Kids can learn while they’re collecting. What’s not to love about that?
There are lots of sports stars in the Shero range. Obviously that appeals to me big time. I truly believe sport changes lives, even nations.
One of the most poignant moments from the Winter Olympics was seeing the unified Korean team take part in the opening ceremony under a common flag. It was fantastic.
Last week, North Korea announced it is willing to talk to the USA about giving up its nuclear weapons. It is also in dialogue with South Korea.
A few months ago, that was unthinkable. Did sport and the unified team play even a small part in bringing the nations together? I think so.
Let’s show our girls it can change their lives, too.
Too many girls are preoccupied by their weight and their looks