JAKARTA - British scientist, Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, received an award in the form of a Barbie doll that resembles her, to celebrate International Women's Day and British Science Week.
Mattel, the toy company that created the doll, has recognized Dr. Aderin-Pocock as the "Barbie Role Model" for her contribution to making space and science accessible to girls.
This doll, in a star dress and equipped with telescope accessories, paid tribute to Dr. Aderin-Pocock's work with the James Webb Space Telescope, according to The National News March 7. This doll will not be sold to the public.
Dr. Aderin-Pocock, known for her appearance on BBC One's 'The Sky At Night' show, said she hoped the doll would encourage girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as seeing that these lessons are equally important to everyone.
As a black woman in the field of science, Dr. Derin-Pocock said he wanted to break the stereotypes and inspire the next generation of scientists, especially girls.
Mattel also donated Dr. Aderin-Pocock's book, 'Am I Made Of Stardust?' to schools across the UK through charity partner Inspiring Girls.
Dr. Aderin-Pocock expressed his appreciation for this award, saying that as a child, he has played with Barbie who is not similar to him. He hopes his Barbie doll will inspire young girls, especially those from underrepresented groups, to pursue their dreams and fight for success.
"I want to inspire the next generation of scientists, and especially girls, to tell them that stem is for them," he said.
"This subject is too important to be left to men, because through science, you can really change the world. I hope my dolls will remind girls that, when you reach the star, anything is possible," he said.
"As a black woman, I found that I don't always suit some people's perceptions of a scientist. We often have a stereotypical picture of what people do, and I want to break the stereotypes whenever I get a chance," she explained.
Encouraging girls to consider Stem careers, the Barbie Career Mattel series will also include dolls of marine biologists later this year, joining STEM figures such as doctors, veterinarians, scientists and astronauts.
The company said it realized that globally, Stem fields are underrepresented by women, and hoped that its products would encourage girls to consider the career.
Mattel UK marketing director Kelly Philp said: "We know that, globally, Stem is a field that is widely recognized for not representing women, so, as a brand, Barbie is committed to showing girls Stem's careers more."
.@Mattel is honoring a British space scientist. Former @BritSciAssoc president Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock is best known for her research of space with the James Webb telescope. Her Role Model Barbie wears a starry dress and comes with a telescope. #BarbieDay pic.twitter.com/4QrrZ6dqxE
— Pattrn (@pattrn) March 9, 2023
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