New Zealand rugby star Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has been honoured with a Barbie doll in her likeness as part of a campaign to celebrate women in sport.
The two time Olympic and Rugby World Cup winning athlete was one of four professional rugby players featured in Mattel’s Team Barbie initiative, launched to mark the United Nations’ International Day of the Girl.
The campaign aimed to highlight female role models and encourage girls to stay engaged in sport.
Woodman-Wickliffe said it was “surreal and special” to see herself as a Barbie doll.
“Having grown up loving Barbie, it was surreal and special to see myself and all the things that make me who I am – from my curly hair to my Tā Moko – as Barbie. I know the importance of visibility and now young girls can see themselves represented and know what’s possible.”
The campaign came as new research found one in three girls disengaged with sport by age 14, primarily due to body confidence concerns, self-doubt, and a lack of visible female role models.
Woodman-Wickliffe hoped her Barbie would help to change that.
“I want girls to know that being involved in sport, and staying in sport, makes a real difference. Too often we start, but then we drop off. Staying in sport builds confidence. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do now without rugby.”
She said sport had given her the belief to embrace who she was.
“I am proud to be me, strong, funny, beautiful, Māori, all the things that make me who I am. And I want girls all around the world to feel that same pride. By staying in sport, you can create your own confidence, discover who you are, and grow alongside people who share your values and your drive.”
She joined three other rugby players from around the world, including America’s Ilona Maher, the UK’s Ellie Kildunne, and France’s Narissa Konde.
