Nandi Madida celebrates her daughter’s role in the launch of the first autistic Barbie
Nandi Madida celebrates her daughter’s role in the launch of the first autistic Barbie.
Image: Supplied
Mattel has launched its first-ever autistic Barbie doll, created with guidance from the autistic community to reflect common ways autistic people may experience, process, and communicate with the world around them.
Barbie has partnered with South African actress, singer, autism advocate, and founder of Africa’s leading parenting and family podcast, "The Motherhood Network", Nandi Madida, alongside her six-year-old daughter, Nefertiti Madida.
Nandi has previously spoken openly about her journey in raising a neurodivergent child. Taking to Instagram, the actress shared how proud she was to see Nefertiti being part of the historic launch.
“So emotional and proud seeing my daughter, Nefertiti Madida, be part of the launch of the first-ever autistic Barbie doll @barbie. A powerful milestone in inclusive representation and a moment I will hold forever,” she wrote.
In the press announcement, the Creative Councillor at the Gates Foundation reflected on Barbie’s evolving role, noting that while the doll has long represented imagination and comfort, becoming a mother to an autistic child has reshaped what representation truly means.
“This autistic Barbie is deeply meaningful because it reflects children who are so often excluded. For autistic children, seeing themselves in a doll like this affirms that they are seen, valued, and understood exactly as they are.”
She added that for non-autistic children, the autistic Barbie serves as a gentle yet powerful tool for learning empathy, curiosity, and respect.
“Play is one of the earliest ways children make sense of the world. When that world includes neurodiversity, it helps build a future that is more compassionate, informed, and inclusive for everyone,” said Nandi.
Nandi shares two children, Shaka and Nefertiti, with Grammy Award-winning musician and producer Zakes Bantwini. Last year, their son Shaka celebrated his ninth birthday with his first solo art exhibition.
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