I’m sure Barbie needs no introduction to you. But the doll that you probably haven’t met, is Hijarbie – the hijab-wearing Barbie. Hijarbie is the creation of a young 24 year-old Nigerian Muslim woman, Haneefah Adam.
Haneefah, who has a Masters degree in Pharmacology, got the idea of creating a hijab-wearing Barbie because of her desire to see Barbie dressed in something that she – Haneefah – would actually wear – as a Muslim girl/woman. She wanted to see young girls grow up knowing that they could still look good and stunning while covered up. Modesty in dolls, was her aim. In addition, Haneefah wanted people, and especially young girls, to grow appreciating diversity.
Haneefah makes the dresses and hijabs herself, with some of her inspiration drawn from the style of popular Muslim fashion bloggers like Habiba Da Silva and Leena Asad. When she began making Hijarbies early this year, there were no dark-skinned Hijarbies. But it’s now good to see that she’s managed to overcome this barrier.
I’m not sure if they are available in Kenya yet, but if they are, I would sure love to get one for myself! I think black Hijarbie looks so adorable, plus Haneefah’s message of diversity is absolutely clear. Which we need in Kenya, to be very honest. We need to accept our own diversity: religion, tribe, skin color, political affiliation, TRIBE, and all those other things that divide us. May God intervene for Kenya.
See some photos of Hijarbie, courtesy of Hijarbie on Instagram.
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Omg! How can I get one?! Beautiful and awesome idea. I actually have a collection of Barbies. A Maasai one, an Indian, a Peruvian, A Zulu, A Native American and a Chinese. My girls know they are mummy’s and don’t mess with them. Lol. I totally agree we need to appreciate diversity and teach our kids the same.
This is quite an amazing idea.
Surely creativity has no limit.
Thanks Maryanne for the piece .