Barbie Is Among Forbes’ ‘World’s Most Powerful Women’ Of 2023

Photo 294244890 © Dmitrii Melnikov | Dreamstime.com

Barbieland has converged with this world again as Forbes has included the iconic Barbie doll in its 2023 list of the World’s Most Powerful Women, ranking her at the 100th position. This decision marks Barbie as the first fictional character to ever grace the prestigious list, placing her among influential women like Tarciana Medeiros, advocate for environmental policy and head of Brazil’s Banco de Brasil; CVS leader Karen Lynch; and celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift.

“It’s an unconventional choice, we know, and could be especially controversial in a year of wars, environmental challenges, creeping threats to democracy and the continuing rollback of women’s rights,” ForbesWomen editor Maggie McGrath acknowledges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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However, Forbes believes that Barbie’s inclusion reflects her evolving role as a symbol of female empowerment and a beacon for reclaiming lost power. 

“The very real difficulties in conquering those obstacles are exactly why we chose her for the list,” McGrath elaborates. “Barbie may be a doll, but in 2023 she became much more.”

 

The Barbie Eco-Leadership Team set. Image via Mattel

The doll, propelled by her cinematic spotlight in Greta Gerwig’s wildly successful Warner Bros movie, has transcended her role as a mere toy to become an emblem for fighting power disparities, especially in a year riddled with global challenges.

Since its inception in 2004, Forbes’ annual list has highlighted influential women worldwide, evaluating their impact based on visibility, economic influence, and other criteria. 

Underlining the doll’s significant cultural impact, Barbie was also a candidate for TIME’s 2023 Person of the Year. The title was ultimately awarded to Taylor Swift. 

The doll, created by Ruth Handler, was designed to show her daughter the multitude of possibilities beyond traditional roles. Over the years, Barbie has held over 250 different jobs, ranging from astronaut and president to sports manager, firefighter, and computer engineer, reflecting the evolving aspirations and roles of women in society.

 

Barbie Career Of the Year Dolls. Image via Mattel

Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s chief brand officer and global head of Barbie, hails this as a defining moment. 

“She’s a force to be reckoned with,” McKnight proclaims. “She galvanized a movement. Barbie is absolutely hitting her stride right now.”

 

 

[via Forbes, images via various sources]