*Nurafiq Inani Man, Nul Widaya Mohamed Nawi

Abstract:

The 2023 Barbie movie has sparked widespread discussion on feminism and empowerment, challenging traditional gender roles and promoting modern ideals. This research examines how the female empowerment narrative and themes in the 2023 Barbie movie impact young Malaysian women’s perceptions of empowerment. Expanding on Ahmad’s (2020) analysis of positive Barbie portrayals, this study addresses the gap in research concerning the film’s impact on Malaysian audiences. It also investigates how cultural and societal factors affect the reception of the movie’s feminist messages. Using a qualitative approach, 15 young Malaysian women participated in focus group discussions to explore their lived experiences. Findings reveal that the movie reinforced feminist ideals by challenging stereotypes, though its impact was facilitated by cultural context. Participants appreciated its diverse representation but critiqued its limited inclusivity (e.g., body diversity).

Keywords: Female empowerment, feminist perceptions, young women, gender norms, stereotypes