Portia Woodman-Wickliffe honoured with Barbie ahead of International Day of the Girl
Black Ferns winger Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has been immortalised in the form of her very own Barbie.
Mattel, Inc. announced today the two-time Olympic and world champion was made into a doll dressed in her No. 11 Black Ferns uniform and sporting a rainbow scrunchie.
The Kiwi rugby star joins a global lineup of women’s rugby greats, who have been honoured with one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls made in their likeness.
Dolls were also made of Ilona Maher (US), Ellie Kildunne (UK), and Narissa Konde (France) to celebrate International Day of the Girl.
Woodman-Wickliffe said the doll was almost an identical replica, from her curly hair to her tā moko.
“Oh my gosh, the details ... Her hair is so cool. She’s got calves and quads,” she said.
Woodman-Wickliffe said seeing her “twin” with muscles and pink nail polish was emotional.
“Having grown up loving Barbie, it was surreal and special to see myself and all the things that make me who I am,” Portia Woodman-Wickliffe said.
“I know the importance of visibility, and now young girls can see themselves represented and know what’s possible.”
The details
The scrunchie in the doll’s hair represents the rainbow LGBTQ+ community.
“I’m proud to be married to my wife, and that is who I am, and I’m proud of that,” Woodman-Wickliffe said.
She said the most important detail included in her doll was her tā moko.
“My tattoo that I have on my leg that represents myself, my family, my community – being Māori is really important to who I am,” she said.
Barbie said it was dedicated to encouraging young girls to believe in their abilities, even when competing in a sport often regarded as a male-dominated field.
“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,” Woodman-Wickliffe said.
New research across the country found that one in three girls disengages from sports by age 14.
This was found to be primarily because of body confidence concerns, self-doubt, and a lack of visible female role models.
It was found that only 53% of girls aged 6 to 14 felt confident while playing sports.
“Sport has given me the belief to embrace who I am.
“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,” Portia Woodman-Wickliffe said.
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