DOWN SYNDROME BARBIE DOLL LAUNCHED IN SA

After the international launch of the new Barbie doll with Down Syndrome in April, the new doll is now available in South Africa.

Selected retailers are selling it for R279.

The aim of the doll with Down Syndrome is to push for representation and to eradicate stigma about the condition and other disabilities in the country.

Ancella Ramjas, the national executive director of Down Syndrome South Africa, has applauded Mattel for launching the special doll.

She said that the launch of the doll by Mattel accurately represents the world they live in and provides representation for children living with the genetic disorder caused by abnormal cell division.

The cell division results in chromosome 21 producing extra genetic material.

The help of the National Down Syndrome Society was called in to assist Mattel to ensure the doll accurately represents a person with Down Syndrome.

News24 reports the organisation provided valuable insights that informed the design process, covering the doll’s sculpt, clothing, accessories and packaging. This collaboration was aimed at creating a doll that resonated with the community it represented.

Image credit: YouTube