The NextWomen was approached with a rather peculiar press release about a speaking Barbie...

In anticipation of her arrival to the UK in 2011, new Computer Engineer Barbie has spoken exclusively to the UKRC, the government’s lead organisation for the advancement of gender equality in science, engineering and technology. In a candid, online interview set to go live on 26th May, Barbie talks about her new career and why she feels other girls should consider a career in computing.

Computer Engineer Barbie is part of the Barbie I Can Be range, which features a collection of aspirational digital career dolls that come with a unique code that allows girls to try out different careers online. The new role was decided by a public vote on the Barbie.com website, which went viral amongst female engineers and other women in the tech industry, and saw Computer Engineer Barbie winning the popular vote.

Barbie designers then worked closely with the Society of Women Engineers and The National Academy of Engineering in the US to ensure that Computer Engineer Barbie met the standards of her title.

Barbie and her dual monitor set-up with laptop (pink) running Linux, geeky binary t-shirt, smartphone, Bluetooth headset and of course, glasses, will be on sale in the US end 2010 and in the UK in 2011.

Interview: Inspiration to Girls
Joining a long line of high profile scientists, engineers and technologists who have already shared their experiences and advice on the UKRC’s blog, Barbie - who has undertaken over 125 careers over the past 50 years – has taken part in a one-off interview where she reflects on her careers to date. She also reveals how she hopes to inspire a new generation of girls to consider a career in computing – a sector in which females currently make up only 14% of the workforce.

Reflecting on her new career, Barbie comments: “By becoming a computer engineer, I hope to inspire a new generation of girls to explore this exciting industry, where you can play your part in solving some of the world’s most important challenges. With support from organisations such as the UKRC, I truly believe that we can inspire more girls to consider computing as a career choice.”
Annette Williams, Director of the UKRC, comments: "We are thrilled to have such an iconic figure join us. The lack of women working in computing in the UK is a major issue. The industry needs diverse and talented women and men in order to thrive.

We are currently working with women, employers and educators to ensure more women enjoy fulfilling careers in computing and information technology. The commitment of Barbie to encourage girls to consider training and working in computing is enormously positive.”

Rebecca George (i.a.Forum of Women at The Chartered Institute for IT, IBM). She comments: “The IT workforce in the UK is set to grow at four times the rate of other professions, yet already 43 per cent of employers report a lack of candidates. We know that many girls lose interest in technology: Barbie’s entry to the world of computer engineering is to be welcomed as one way of inspiring girls to consider this important and fulfilling career.”

To read Barbie’s interview and find out more about careers in IT, visit the UKRC’s new website: www.theukrc.org from 26 May 2010. (Prior to 26 May see previous website for general information: www.ukrc4setwomen.org)