WHAT IS THE DREAM GAP?

Research shows that starting at age five, many girls begin to develop self-limiting beliefs and think they're not as smart and capable as boys. They stop believing their gender can be anything. This issue is called the Dream Gap, and to help close it, Barbie launched the Dream Gap Project in 2018 - an ongoing global initiative that gives girls the resources and support they need to continue believing in themselves.

Early indicators suggest that for Black girls, the impact is even larger and this self-perception at a young age can be detrimental. Therefore, in 2020, we announced our commitment to dedicate additional resources to better understand how to help Black girls close the Dream Gap.

This year, we are continuing to examine how all BIPOC girls - who face challenges beyond gender stereotypes - are affected differently by the Dream Gap. We are identifying actionable solutions and establishing partnerships with charities who are working every day to help remove barriers for these girls.

CLOSE THE DREAM GAP

DREAM GAP PROJECT FUND

Since 2019, Barbie has granted charities who are working with girls to reach their full potential $250,000 every year.
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MORE WAYS BARBIE IS HELPING CLOSE THE DREAM GAP

Since launching the Dream Gap Project, Barbie has continued working to close the dream gap by using our platform and resources to champion change and show girls they can be anything.

RESEARCH

Grounded by NYU’s research on the Dream Gap, we partnered with UCLA’s Center for Scholars and Storytellers to develop a school curriculum on careers and leadership.
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INSPIRING CONTENT

Impactful content is one of the most powerful ways to reach girls and inspire them to believe! We’ll continue to leverage Barbie the character who, as a role model, can tackle important topics that are relevant to girls.
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We remain dedicated to using our global platform to honor real-life role models and amplify their stories to inspire girls, because imagining she can be anything is just the beginning. Actually seeing that she can makes all the difference.
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ENCOURAGING PURPOSEFUL PLAY

From our Career Dolls to the Inspiring Women series, Barbie products encourage imagination, expression, and discovery through play. Girls can explore all their dreams as they learn that anything is possible!

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HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

Learn more about how you can get involved...

Donate

Barbie partnered with GoFundMe to help raise funds for organizations working to change the lives of girls around the world.

Donate Now

Connect

Connect with like-minded supporters and receive real-time updates in the Barbie Dream Gap Project Facebook Group.

Connect

Teach

Together, we can help close the Dream Gap. Check out some more ways you can help support the girls in your life.

Learn More

Learn

Together, we can help girls transcend the Dream Gap. Here are more great ways to support the girls in your life.

Learn

Donate

Barbie partnered with GoFundMe to help raise funds for organizations working to change the lives of girls around the world.

Donate Now

Connect

Connect with like-minded supporters and receive real-time updates in the Barbie Dream Gap Project Facebook Group.

Connect

Teach

Together, we can help close the Dream Gap. Check out some more ways you can help support the girls in your life.

Learn More

Learn

Together, we can help girls transcend the Dream Gap. Here are more great ways to support the girls in your life.

Learn