WHAT IS THE DREAM GAP? 

Research shows starting at age 5, many girls begin to develop limiting self-beliefs. They stop believing their gender can do or be anything. Representation in the media, cultural stereotypes and implicit biases that suggest women aren’t as smart as men, deepen this issue. 

Andrei Cimpian, Associate Professor of Psychology at New York University conducted a study with 400 children ages 5-7, and identified that by age 6, girls were significantly less likely to associate brilliance with their own gender, when compared to boys of the same age. The full study was published in the Journal of Science and was covered by the New York Times. 

This critical time in girls’ development when they begin losing confidence, is called the Dream Gap. The Dream Gap creates barriers for girls to reach their full potential, which can negatively affect and inhibit their future trajectory or career choices. 

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO BARBIE?  

The Barbie brand purpose is to inspire the limitless potential in every girl. The Dream Gap is completely antithetical to what we believe. Therefore, we want to use our platform and resources to reach girls at this pivotal age and impact them in a positive way, to combat the Dream Gap.  

As the original girl empowerment brand, we’re proud to be championing change with the Dream Gap Project, an ongoing global initiative that aims to give girls the resources and support they need to believe that they can be anything.  

TOGETHER WE CAN CLOSE THE DREAM GAP 

We believe we can help close the Dream Gap for future generations, but we can’t do it alone. Everyone can help make a difference in their own way. By better understanding the Dream Gap, parents, teachers, and adults can work together to effect change. Whether it’s through the way we communicate with girls or by acknowledging the actions and mindsets that can perpetuate the Dream Gap.  

Barbie established the Dream Gap Project with $250K in March 2019 to fuel efforts to close the Dream Gap. Since then, Barbie has funded $250,000 each consecutive year which has been granted to charities working directly with girls and enabling them to reach their full potential.

Barbie is teaming up with GoFundMe to invite everyone to help close the Dream Gap. No matter how big or small a donation, every bit counts. Your support will go towards leveling the playing field for girls, by providing tools, resources, and support to organizations on the ground working to change the lives of girls around the world. Join us in creating a world where girls believe in endless possibilities. 

HOW WILL YOUR DONATION BE USED? 

Funds generated by the Barbie Dream Gap Project campaign will be distributed to likeminded charitable organizations that are helping close the Dream Gap.

View the organizations we've supported through the Barbie Dream Gap Project and the progress we’re making to #CloseTheDreamGap  

To learn more about the Barbie Dream Gap Project, visit https://shop.mattel.com/pages/barbie-dream-gap

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