In her frustration to find a modestly-dressed doll in toy stores, Indonesian Muslim mother Sukmawati Suryaman began designing a Barbie-like doll. Suryaman dressed the dolls conservatively; she didn't want her own daughter to play with a traditional Barbie doll as she feared she might imitate the doll's immodest way of dressing.
That's how she came up with the concept of the Salma dool, the latest must-have toy for Indonesian girls.
"Salma" is coined from the Arabic word "Salamah", which means peace. The Muslim dolls are available in stores throughout Indonesia and are expected to be sold in neighboring Muslim countries by the end of this year.
Here's another alternative:
Muslim Barbie Alternative
Salma Dolls
Trend Themes
1. Modest Fashion Dolls - Creating dolls with modest fashion styles opens up a new market for parents wanting more culturally appropriate toys for their children.
2. Religious Representation in Toys - Developing dolls that represent specific religious identities addresses the need for inclusive and diverse toy options in the market.
3. Cultural Empowerment in Toys - Designing dolls that promote cultural empowerment provides children with a sense of pride and identity in their heritage.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing - The toy manufacturing industry can explore the production of modest dolls as a way to tap into a new market segment and meet the demand for culturally appropriate toys.
2. Modest Fashion Industry - The modest fashion industry can collaborate with doll manufacturers to create doll clothing lines that reflect modest fashion trends, offering additional revenue streams and exposure for both industries.
3. Educational Toys and Games - The educational toy and game industry can incorporate religious and cultural themes into their products, providing parents and educators with tools to teach children about diverse cultural practices and traditions.