Barbie celebrates International Women's Day with doll to honour model Adwoa Aboah

Today (8th March) is International Women's Day, a day to celebrate women from all around the world. To coincide with this special day, Barbie, known for their childhood toys, have announced a new doll to honour the British model and activist Adwoa Aboah.

Adwoa is the founder of Gurls Talk, an online community for young women, where they can discuss issues such as mental health, education, selfcare and relationships. Gurls Talk hosts free events all over the world to bring together girls to share, talk and listen about issues. And Barbie is honouring Adwoa for her vocal and passionate support of girls.

The new doll design has two looks to represent the two 'worlds' that Adwoa is involved in, fashion and activism. The first look unveiled is based on her outfit when she accepted an award from the British Fashion Council Model of the Year 2017.

At the event Adwoa wore a Michael Halpern dress, a Stephen Jones Millinery for Halpern turban, and Christian Louboutin shoes - and the doll's clothes represent that.

The doll's second outfit is a more casual look, with a Gurls Talk t-shirt and leopard print skirt.

Barbies were first manufactured back in 1959 and have continued to be a popular toy throughout the years. In 2019, Barbie has been drawing attention to relevant female role models who are breaking boundaries. They have honoured 20 women across multiple countries and continents ranging from 19 to 85 years old, speaking 14 languages.

Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.

• Barbie