Watoto Arts blog

It has been a very interesting experience that has given me a lot of experience of what it is like to run a family business. It is a freer work environment where you can try different things. I have seen how collaborations are done between Watoto and other companies. In these collaborations, I have seen the entire process from start to finish in product development.

Giving children the opportunity to play with dolls of different skin colors is more than just a matter of toys – it’s about building a world where differences are valued, understanding is fostered, and empathy is strengthened. Here are three crucial reasons why this is so important

Out of 258 applications, we made it all the way to the finals and won the people's prize!

I hope more people choose wool in their lives. It really is a fantastic material that is durable, warm and beautiful.

During my wonderful internship weeks at Watoto Arts, I have witnessed fulfilled promises and constant work towards sustainable development.

The work here has varied from sewing the dolls, to designing clothes and discussions about product development. I have been able to participate and contribute to the business and it has been a great opportunity for a young intern like me.

"For me, entrepreneurship is about totality and inclusion. I want to show that mothers with small children can start and run successful companies"

"You can buy a mass-produced doll, but you can also think: what does this mass-produced doll lead to?

Play is a crucial part of a child's development, helping to shape their emotional, social, and cognitive skills. Historically, dolls have often been associated with girls, but it's time to break those norms. Here are five important reasons why boys should be encouraged to play with dolls .

Did you know that our dolls are available as drawings that you can fill in with color?

Watoto Arts grows by employing newly arrived women. Together they create dolls with different skin and hair colours, different functional variations and different family constellations. In this way, an understanding is created that everyone is unique and equally valuable

"Fatma Guettou is the entrepreneur and biochemist who creates dolls in different skin colors with a focus on diversity, inclusion and sustainability. Fatma was born in Sweden while her Algerian parents studied here. When she was two years old, the family moved back to Algeria, but when the civil war broke out there the family was forced to move to Sweden again. Fatma works with cancer research and together with her family runs the award-winning business Watoto Arts."

We are proud of the membership and look forward to contributing to strengthening integration in Stockholm.