Did you see the news about Norway’s female handball players taking a stand against the sexualization of women? In a bold attempt to dress in uniforms far more appropriate for competition, these outstanding athletes refused to wear the bikini bottoms dictated by the International Handball Federation. At the risk of the bronze medal.

Since my first Caribbean cruise as a young woman, Norway’s been a country that fascinates me. That’s why I chose to go there when I was able to take a once in a lifetime cruise. Not only are the country’s fjords incredibly beautiful but in the Caribbean I also discovered their sea-faring men to be kind, honest, and brave. I even watched a Norwegian officer perform an incredible rescue at sea. (That’s in my book The Windblown Girl.) This week I realized the Norwegian women, at least those on the Olympic handball team, deserve that same recognition.

Sexist Demands

Along with many others, I find the blatant sexist requirements from the International Handball Federation appalling. On page 90 of their handbook, under “Athlete Uniform Regulation,” the IHF regulations state:

Team members must wear identical shorts/bikini bottoms. Male athletes
must wear shorts as per the enclosed graph. The players’ shorts, if not too
baggy, can be longer but must remain 10 centimetres above the
kneecap. Female athletes must wear bikini bottoms that are in accordance
with the enclosed graph, with a close fit and cut on an upward angle toward
the top of the leg. The side width must be of a maximum of 10
centimetres. [Emphasis mine]

Can you imagine how challenging it must be to keep those bikini bottoms  in place during competition. For female athletes to be forced to compete in tiny garments that expose near nakedness must be distracting and uncomfortable. And, it seems reasonable that some would refuse to play the sport at all rather than wear them. What’s the purpose of that regulation other than sexual exploitation? Men don’t have to play in speedos. Until such double standards become unthinkable, they will subject women to the kind of objectification that denies their dignity. Seeing significant encouragement for the Norway team’s determination to wear shorts made me super proud of the country I’ve found so intriguing.

Strategic Support

Although the team petitioned the IHF ahead of time for a change in regulation wear, they were threatened with disqualification or fines. However, in an NBC news article, Norwegian Handball Federation President Kåre Geir Lio backed the athletes:

“It’s not [appropriate clothing for] the activity when they are playing in the sand.”

Lio stood firm even when he received a message ten minutes before the team played for bronze, that they’d be wearing the shorts they train in. Lio said: “They got our full support.”

Not so with the IHF. They fined the Norwegian team  €1,500, for what they deemed “improper clothing.”

Hooray for Hollywood!

As a result, an American singer, with a star on the Hollywood walk of fame, expressed her admiration. Pink had the courage to bring attention to this ridiculous objectification of women. Pink tweeted:

I’m very proud of the Norwegian female beach handball team for protesting the very sexist rules about their ‘uniform.’ The European handball federation should be fined for sexism.

She even offered to pay the fines levered against Norway’s players. If more people in Hollywood would take up this cause, we’d start to see significant changes in the way women are far too often treated as objects for consumption. As Pink discovered, they may not even have to contribute financially. Despite her offer, in support of their players, the Norwegian Handball Federation is going to cover the costs of the fine. 

Respect for women starts with them refusing to be bullied into undignified behavior. Women everywhere can celebrate the Norwegian team’s real victory. By standing up for themselves, in my opinion, they won the gold.

What can be done to build upon their example? Any ideas? Please list them in the comments. Also if you want the inside scoop on The Windblown Girl, please get onboard by signing up for the free e-newsletter below.