Akiki Doll Aims to Help Create a Positive Self-Image for African Girls

Most little girls remember their first ‘best friend’ as a beautiful baby doll and while these little bundles of joy in toy form are still popular with young girls today, sadly there still isn’t much diversity in the doll industry. Which is why one parent decided to do something about it. Born out of a quest to empower her young daughter and other African girls, Fatuma Abdullah’s Akiki doll aims to create a positive self-image that’s inclusive of all bodies and skin colours.

After much frustration trying to find her daughter a doll that looked remotely like her, Abdullah decided to launch the Akiki doll and Akiki’s short stories (her first book) in 2016. Both the doll and her story books aim to teach self-love, appreciation and self-worth to young girls. Akiki also addresses the gap in the celebration of African children in children’s play and literature as readily available toys and books are typically Eurocentric. Akiki gives kids an African context with which to identify and connect.

The beautiful dolls were created out of a passion to raise a generation of proud African children. Abdullah believes that Akiki should be an established reader for foundation-phase learners in schools across Africa to reinforce its messages from a young age.

Adullah’s venture represents a step towards inclusivity in the toy industry and we’re all for it!