Barbie, the iconic doll that first graced the toy shelves in 1959, has been much more than just a plaything. She has become a symbol of empowerment and a trailblazer for women, breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes since her debut. Created by Ruth Handler, Barbie was unlike any other doll of her time – she represented a grown-up woman, challenging the traditional norms of toys. But it wasn't just her appearance that set her apart; it was the diverse range of careers she pursued that truly made her a pioneer.

Throughout her storied history, Barbie has held over 250 jobs, many of which were once considered unconventional for women. From an astronaut exploring the cosmos to a doctor saving lives in the operating room, Barbie paved the way for young girls to dream big and imagine themselves in any profession they desired. In a world where women were fighting for their place in the workforce, Barbie served as a symbol of hope and possibility. 

In 1965, just three years after the first American man went to space, Barbie donned her own space suit as "Miss Astronaut." This was a time when NASA had no plans to send women to space, but Barbie dared to reach for the stars long before real-life female astronauts took flight. Her foray into space exploration inspired young girls like Linda Halpern, who dreamed of becoming an astronaut herself. Barbie's galactic journey predated the inclusion of women in NASA's astronaut corps by 13 years, and it was 18 years before Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, made history in 1983.

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Anna Cruz Kayne as Supreme Court Justice Barbie in Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” (2023)

As women fought for their rightful place in the medical field, Barbie stepped into the role of "Doctor Barbie" in 1973. In a time when female physicians were still a minority, Barbie became a symbol of female achievement in medicine. She sported a lab coat, stethoscope, and medical accessories, inspiring young girls to envision themselves as doctors, too. Although it took real women many years of perseverance to increase their numbers in the medical workforce, Barbie was already making strides for gender equality in her own way. 

In the corporate world, Barbie showed her prowess as a businesswoman with "Day-to-Night Barbie" in 1985. As CEO Barbie, she led advertising campaigns, donning a hot pink blazer by day and transforming into an elegant cocktail dress for after-work events. She symbolized the rising number of women entering the white-collar workforce and encouraged young girls to aspire to leadership roles in the business world.

Even in traditionally male-dominated arenas like the military and sports, Barbie made her mark. In 1989, "Army Barbie" stepped onto the scene, dressed in an Army officer's evening uniform. She celebrated the increasing presence of women in the military, attending embassy parties and formal affairs alongside her male counterparts. The same year, Barbie joined the WNBA, inspiring young girls to believe they could excel in sports just like their male counterparts.​

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Barbie didn't stop at being a presidential candidate in 1992 – she ran for president almost every election year since. In a time when women were still striving for political representation at the highest levels, Barbie was campaigning for the Oval Office. With her pink ballgown and sash identifying her as Barbie Land's commander in chief, Barbie showed girls that they too could aspire to lead their nations.

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Issa Rae as President Barbie in Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” (2023)

Barbie's remarkable career trajectory showcases a history of breaking down barriers and inspiring young girls to dream beyond the limitations society placed on them. From exploring space to excelling in the medical field, she demonstrated that women could achieve anything they set their minds to. As we look back on Barbie's bright history, we are reminded of the impact she had on empowering women to pursue their dreams, regardless of societal norms or gender expectations. Barbie has truly become more than just a doll; she is a symbol of limitless possibilities and a reminder that we can all break through the glass ceiling and be whatever we want to be.