Canadian doctor Chika Stacy Oriuwa among 'role models' celebrated in new Barbie line

Toronto–Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa remembers dressing up her Barbies as doctors, poets and performers when she was a young girl, but none of the dolls looked quite like the woman she aspired to be.

Now, the Canadian physician, spoken word poet and advocate is not only living out her childhood dreams, but has a Barbie made in her image to show for it.

Oriuwa says she hopes the launch of a doll celebrating her success as a Black female doctor will show kids there aren't any limits on their play or their potential.

The University of Toronto psychiatry resident is one of six women serving as inspiration for Mattel's new line of Barbies honouring health workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis.

The toymaker says Oriuwa is being recognized as a "role model'' for her advocacy against systemic racism in health care.

Oriuwa says she worked with the Barbie team to design a doll with her skin tone, Afro-textured hair, a white coat and a stethoscope.

The 27-year-old says these authentic features help change "the narrative of what a doctor looks like.''