Barbie Featuring In Forbes' 2023 Powerful Women List Is Refreshing

Barbie days are back! One of a kind, the film making it to Forbes' 2023 Powerful Women List sets a whole new trend altogether, showing how a fictional character can be a powerful change, too. It's been years since Barbie was introduced to us. But today, she has gained a whole new recognition for being a forerunner of women's empowerment, blazing the trail as the first fictional character to achieve this feat.

I don't remember the last time I didn't see a child drooling over Barbie. This feat reminds me of my childhood when I fought with my parents to buy a Barbie. She was an important part of my life- her dressing style and lifestyle everything inspired me. I used to live vicariously through her. I used to set up her home, bedroom and daily routine. Important to mention, my Barbie was a working woman. Even before I understood many things in life, I knew that women should earn money and fame. (P.S. My Barbie was a journalist- my dream that has come true.)

Why Barbie's Recognition Sounds Refreshing?

In the days of dolls being married to each other, Barbie brought a new trend of a doll that was not all about marriage. She represented a single woman who had her own style statement. Before there was not much diversity in the dolls that were sold out in the market. But today Barbie represents every kind of woman- across race, culture, occupation and impairment. 

After the release of the movie Barbie, the days of the doll have come back. People loved the movie and how it escalated the activism regarding women's empowerment. Subsequently, the movie brought $1.4 billion to the box office. Director Greta Gerwig became the first woman director in history with a billion-dollar film. The sales of the doll also jumped by 16 per cent. Barbie's shade of pink was even declared the colour of the year by Pantone 

Another relevant aspect that needs to be discussed is the importance of raising a fictional character to power. Many people live vicariously through the fictional characters they love. They find freedom and respite from societal boundations in those fictional characters. So, making one such fictional character one of the most powerful personalities of the year is impressive. It will inspire all those who connect with the character and will help them aim for the same height in their respective lives. 

So all those Barbie lovers out there, high five! 

Views expressed are the author's own.