"It is literally impossible to be a woman...
You are very beautiful and very smart... and it breaks my soul that you think you're not good enough...We have to be skinny, but not too much ...You must never grow old..."
America Ferrera as Gloria
Barbie (2023)
The above quote cleverly illustrates how we are pulled in so many different ways as women.
I saw the Barbie movie last weekend and I was blown away by the subtle messages of how far we have come as women but most importantly how much more work there is to do.
Although I did not expect to like the movie and went along more for something to do on a Sunday afternoon - I LOVED it!!! I also believe that the movie successfully reminded me of all the reasons why this plastic fake woman was ahead of her time in many ways.
Barbie has long been a subject of debate when it comes to feminism. While some argue that Barbie perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards and reinforces gender stereotypes, others see her as a feminist icon for various reasons.
Here are a few reasons why I agree that Barbie is in fact a feminist icon:
Career Representation: Barbie has had over 200 careers since her creation in 1959. She has been a doctor, astronaut, engineer, CEO, and more. By showcasing a wide range of professions, Barbie encourages girls to dream big and pursue their ambitions.
Empowerment and Independence: Barbie has often been portrayed as a strong, independent woman who can take charge of her own life. She has been depicted as a problem-solver, a leader, and a go-getter, inspiring girls to be confident and assertive.
Diversity and Inclusivity: In recent years, Barbie has made efforts to become more diverse and inclusive. Mattel, the company behind Barbie, has introduced dolls with different body types, skin tones, and hairstyles. This move has been seen as a step towards representing a broader range of beauty and promoting inclusivity.
Social Impact: Barbie has been involved in various social initiatives, such as the "Barbie Dream Gap Project," which aims to empower girls and close the gender gap. Barbie has also collaborated with organisations like Girls Who Code to encourage girls' interest in STEM fields.
Despite the above, it is important to note that the perception of Barbie as a feminist icon is going to be subjective and controversial among women. Many will argue that despite these positive aspects, Barbie still represents an unrealistic beauty ideal, reinforces gender stereotypes, and continue to place unrealistic pressures on women.
Ultimately, whether Barbie is seen as a feminist icon or not depends on your interpretation and personal beliefs about feminism. It was after the creation of the first black Barbie in 1980 when I was 15 years old, that I became a fan. We cannot be what we cannot see.
Fighting for equal justice - Rabia Siddique
Women have been fighting for equality for far too long, and just when we thought we may have been making some headway, the story of Rabia Siddique hit the headlines. I was fortunate to be introduced to Rabia briefly at a charity luncheon last year, where she was the keynote speaker, and after hearing her story, she became someone I admire deeply. Rabia is a prominent lawyer, human rights advocate, motivational speaker, and author who was born Perth in 1971, the daughter of an Indian Muslim father and an Aussie mum. She moved to London after graduating Law School and worked as a Criminal Lawyer, but always had a deep interest in International Humanitarian Law. In 2001, Rabia applied to join the British Army Legal Services and a few short months later was offered a commission. She was deployed to Iraq in 2005 and became involved in a high-profile hostage situation in Basra. During the incident, she and a male officer were trying to negotiate the release of two kidnapped British SAS operatives. Despite facing grave danger, she demonstrated extraordinary resilience and courage, using her legal training, her knowledge of Islam and Arabic to negotiate her release and that of her fellow soldiers, while a violent mob tried to storm the compound where they were being held. After their release, not only was she was not recognised by the army as having served in Iraq, her male colleague received a Military Cross, the third highest honour awarded by the British Army, while Rabia was awarded nothing. Her subsequent sex and race discrimination case against the British Army, and her fight for the truth to be recognised, made headlines around the world. Rabia's experiences, both as a lawyer and in the military, have provided her with unique insights into the gender disparities prevalent in our society. She has been vocal about the need for gender inclusivity, not just within the legal and military fields, but in all aspects of society. Her advocacy emphasises the importance of creating spaces that foster equal opportunities and respect for everyone, regardless of gender. Now living back in Perth with her husband and triplet sons, Rabia, in addition to her legal work, has emerged as a prominent motivational speaker, using her platform to share her personal journey and empower women to embrace their inner strength and voice. She has delivered powerful talks on topics such as resilience, overcoming adversity, and the importance of breaking societal barriers to achieve gender equality. Rabia Siddique's journey as a feminist icon serves as a reminder that the fight for gender equality is an ongoing struggle. Her unwavering commitment to promoting women's rights, both within the legal realm and society at large, has earned her recognition as a true trailblazer. Her activism continues to inspire countless individuals, igniting conversations and actions that challenge the status quo and push for a more inclusive and just world. As her impact continues to resonate, it serves as a beacon of hope for future generations of women striving to create a world where they can thrive and reach their fullest potential. Jody Webster