Toymaking giant Mattel, Inc. has announced the launch of 'Barbie Music Producer,' a new line of dolls that aims to introduce young girls to music production as a career path -- a professional area where women are vastly underrepresented.
The new dolls are being released as part of the 'Barbie Dream Gap Project,' which has now produced dolls covering over 200 dynamic careers. Currently, less than 3% of the world's music producers are women, which is why the company wanted to show girls more role models in this space, encouraging "purposeful play through careers they may not be familiar with."
As part of the initiative, Barbie has teamed up with Grammy Award-nominated music producer, singer, and actress Ester Dean and Girls Make Beats to host a live webinar for girls aged between 5-17. In addition, Barbie will fund Girls Make Beats scholarships for girls enrolled in the program.
Girl-Empowering Music Dolls
The 'Barbie Music Producer' Doll Highlights Gender Gap in the Industry
Trend Themes
1. Music Production Education - The 'Barbie Music Producer' Doll highlights a need for greater education for girls and young women in the field of music production.
2. Representation in Music Production - Barbie's initiative to promote more role models in music production highlights an opportunity to disrupt this male-dominated industry and promote greater representation for women.
3. Empowerment Toys - Mattel's release of 'Barbie Music Producer' and other dolls as part of the 'Barbie Dream Gap Project' indicates a trend towards toys empowering young girls to pursue various careers and interests.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing Industry - Companies in the toy manufacturing industry can take inspiration from Mattel's 'Barbie Dream Gap Project' and produce toys that encourage and empower young girls to pursue underrepresented careers and interests.
2. Music Education Industry - The low representation of women in music production indicates an opportunity for companies in the music education industry to focus on outreach and education for girls and young women interested in pursuing music production careers.
3. Music Production Industry - The dearth of women in music production highlighted by the 'Barbie Music Producer' Doll highlights a need for change and innovation within the industry to promote greater representation and diversity.