South Africans are urged to pay attention to this column as we have an important update for them. Mattel’s iconic Barbie doll with Down Syndrome which was launched in April 2023 is now also available in South Africa. Yes, you heard it right, the iconic Barbie doll with Down Syndrome has hit the shelves of retail stores in South Africa. Earlier when the iconic doll was launched in April 2023, it was not available in South Africa at that time but now South African retail stores have been featured with Barbie dolls with Down Syndrome. Since it was announced, people have been taking over the internet to unfold more details. If you are also scrambling regarding the Barbie doll with Down Syndrome, the following sections are waiting for you. Swipe down the page.
Down Syndrome Barbie Doll Available In South Africa
Mattel launched the special doll in South Africa after launching it for the other regions in April this year. Not to mention, the launch of the Down Syndrome Barbie doll mainly targets South African children. It is an effort to push for representation and to eliminate stigma about the condition and disabilities in South Africa. Children of the country with the condition will see themselves in Barbie dolls. It will prompt understanding through play and empathy among them.
Ancella Ramjas who is the national executive director of Down Syndrome South Africa, lauded Mattel for bringing the iconic Barbie doll in South Africa with Down Syndrome. He said it accurately represents the universe they live in and children living with the genetic disorder due to abnormal cell division will get representation from Barbie Dolls. The genetic disorder in the children causes extra genetic material from chromosome 21. Shift to the next section and read more details.
Ramjas said, “This is a monumental step, and we congratulate Mattel for introducing the Barbie doll with Down Syndrome and other dolls with disabilities. If you look at [it in the context of South Africa], you find that there is a lot of stigma around having a disability. You still have situations [where families are hiding] their children for fear of being judged and for fear of being stigmatized. It’s important to [understand] that there are different people in this world with unique disabilities and talents, and we need to embrace that,” Barbie joined hands with the National Down Syndrome Society to ensure the accuracy of representing a person with Down Syndrome.
