Haneefa Adam has created a new style for Barbie. It caters to young children in the Muslim community, by dressing barbie in a hijab.

Haneefa came up with this idea after seeing the Barbie Style Instagram Page. She wanted to see a Barbie that resembled her.

Haneefa lives in the UK and recently finished her Masters in Pharmacology. The Barbie she created represents her religious and cultural identity.

She showcases her stylish garb for Barbie on an instagram account, Hijarbie. Barbie poses in traditional clothing that anyone within Haneefa’s community could be seen wearing.

Yes! You can mix prints! Check x Polka dot. #Hijarbie #hijarbiestyle #hijabfashion #workstyle.

A photo posted by Mini Hijab Fashion! (@hijarbie) on

Traditionally, Barbie is decked out in bikinis, mini skirts, and skinny jeans. Haneefa noted that, “The way Barbie dresses is very skimpy and different and there's nothing wrong with it. I just wanted to give another option for Muslim girls like me.”

Overall, she has received outstanding positive feedback and has been receiving requests to purchase the dolls from all over the world. Hijarbie now has 19,400 followers on the social network and she plans to expand her collection by including dolls of color. Many people have asked her why her instagram doesn't include Barbies of color and her response was quite simple

She wrote on her instagam account, "The simple truth is, I couldn't find the different types in Nigeria (no Amazon or eBay or anything, Lol), I'd have loved to dress up a black doll myself too. I've ordered some internationally and they'll soon be here 😅 I basically started with what I had."

Snuggling up in this cold weather. #burgundy 😍 #instafashion #hijabfashion #hijarbiestyle #Hijarbie

A photo posted by Mini Hijab Fashion! (@hijarbie) on

And even though Haneefa has received support from around the world, she told CNN that many people have criticized the traditional Muslim garb saying that “when Muslim women cover up they are forced to.” Critics are saying the hijab represents a form of oppression.

The lovely @withloveleena !! #hijarbie #LadyInRed #hijarbiestyle #hijabfashion

A photo posted by Mini Hijab Fashion! (@hijarbie) on

Haneefa says just the opposite.

"We want to cover up and express our religion. But a lot of Muslims don't cover their hair and it doesn't make them any less of a Muslim. I think this is a great platform to try and get the Muslim identity to the world and correct some misconceptions."

Well, I can tell you I absolutely love the new makeover for Barbie! Take it from a girl with Irish, Jamaican, and Puerto Rican heritage it was a real struggle to find a Barbie doll that looked like me growing up. 

Barbie should represent all shapes, sizes, skin color, and religion. And while this version of Barbie is targeting Muslims, it also exposes other children around the world to a different religion and culture in a fun and beautiful way. 

Editorial

Demand Equity

Barbie gets another makeover and this time she’s wearing a Hijab

By Miquel-Caitlyn Gabbidon