CBeebies launches female-led cartoon Bitz to address ‘gender imbalance’ in kids’ shows
Old favourites like Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder will be axed to make way for the new cartoon
CBEEBIES latest children’s character aims to do much more than just entertain young minds.
The new cartoon, Bitz & Bob, will follow the adventures of Bitz, an eight-year-old female engineer and her little brother Bob.
It is hoped that the kid-friendly channel’s newest recruit will combat gender imbalances in the world of animation.
While the corporation has aimed to increase the profile of women across its operations, equality in children’s programming remains one of the most overlooked areas.
Kay Benbow, who steps down this month after seven years at the helm of CBeebies, acknowledged the disparity and praised the new girl character.
Speaking to , she said: “She's the problem solver. We've female engineering consultants on board.
“'We always aim to inspire on CBeebies and I hope that will encourage a new generation of engineer.”
She added: “Bitz is a wonderful female role model, she is full of creative ideas and energy that will take our viewers on adventures that we know will fire their imaginations.
“It's designed to show pre-school children that girls can do science and problem-solving.”
In keeping with the girl power theme, space has been cleared in the programming schedule for the new arrival by the axing of old favourites like Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder.
MOST READ IN NEWS
Launched in 2002, CBeebies targets the under-6 age group, and is watched by around 2.3million children each week.
The children’s channel has often come under fire from diversity campaigners for featuring too many male names in the titles of shows.
However, Ms Benbow has rejected these allegations, saying: “I have a view that it’s easier with men, because Mr sums up a man, while women are defined by their marital status.”