Meet Zari, Sesame Street’s First Female Afghan Muppet
[Photo: Sesame Workshop]
Can you tell me how to get to a kids TV show promoting female empowerment in Afghanistan? Yes, actually.
Sesame Street has unveiled it’s first Afghan Muppet, 6-year-old Zari.
The “curious and eager” little girl joins the fifth season of Afghanistan’s version of Sesame Street, Baghch-e Simsim (Sesame Garden).
Zari, whose name means “shimmering” will feature in segments focusing on girls’ empowerment, national identity, physical health and social and emotional wellbeing.
A majority of women in Afghanistan have no formal education with female literacy rates some of the lowest in the world. The decision to place a girl as the first Afghan Muppet on the most watched children’s TV show in the country is a huge deal.
[Photo: Sesame Workshop]
Sherrie Westin, Executive Vice President of Global Impact and Philanthropy at Sesame Workshop says trailblazing Zari is a “powerful role model, to the children of Afghanistan.”
Debuting a confident, inquisitive, and sweet Afghan girl character is a perfect opportunity to engage both boys and girls with lessons supporting girls’ empowerment and diversity appreciation as we aim to help all children in Afghanistan grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.”
[Photo: Sesame Workshop]
Zari’s wardrobe will feature a mix of casual and traditional clothes and she’ll wear her school uniform with a hijab or headscarf, as is the custom for all young female students.
Take a look at Zari doing her thing behind-the-scenes here.
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