"We want to change the misconception that boys don't want to play with female action figures or that girls only want dolls."
A couple of weeks ago, a friend shared a story with me about a
pair of sisters who decided to make a line of female warrior action figures. Their goal, they said, was to create a set of figures that exploded the myth long held by manufacturers that boys and girls want different types of toys. After extensive interviews with kids about what they want, and parents who were fed up with the limited selection of toys, they decided to create their own line:
Velara Warriors
"The Velara warriors are strong and heroic but they are also feminine. We want to show children that women can be heroes,"
Of course, I was immediately intrigued and sent off a note to these amazing young women to learn more about their project and its inspiration. Roobini and Trisshala Sittampalam were kind enough to answer a few of my questions, and chat with me about the importance of representation in the toy aisle.
