Scrapped bikini rule sparks hope for 'end of sexism and objectification of women and girls in sport'

Overnight, Talitha Stone's #LetThemWearShorts petition victory attracted global media attention. Launched in July, the petition called on the International Handball Federation to dump its requirement for women beach handball players to compete in bikini bottoms and to allow them to wear shorts. Talitha announced a win last week after the IHF swapped bikinis for shorts in its updated Beach Handball Rules of the Game.  

Norwegian Handball Federation President Kåre Geir Lio has since told media that 'female players had told him they played better in the tight shorts, and were “very satisfied” with their new ability to choose the length'.

The International Handball Federation [IHF] has changed its rules governing women’s uniforms, now allowing tank tops and shorts instead of bikini bottoms and crop tops.

61k supporters called for change to sexist uniform regs

MTR interview with Talitha Stone

'Why does the International Handball Federation even have this rule?'

Talitha Stone's change.org petition

Sign and share the petition here!

As an Aussie sports-loving woman living in Norway, I am really disturbed to see the Norwegian women’s beach handball team fined for not playing in bikinis at the Euro 21 match with Spain.

Aussie woman living in Norway launches petition calling on handball heads to replace bikinis with shorts

Sexploitation 

As published by www.ausport.gov.au Reprinted with permission