In July 2021, Norwegian women’s beach handball players were fined after they protested at one of their games for wanting a uniform change. The uniforms that the women wore before the protest consisted of a sports bra and bikini bottoms.  

The Norwegian female beach handball team wore shorts in a bronze medal match instead of bikini bottoms to protest. Unfortunately, their team was fined 1500 Euros for completing this act, and the Norwegian federation president said it was “embarrassing” during his interview on NBC News. It has always been the case that women’s sports teams wear more revealing uniforms than men. The women protested against this uniform rule in hopes of challenging gender bias and inequality. 

The International Handball Federation created a new uniform regulation for women’s handball. Starting in January 2022, women will now be required to wear tight short pants with a close fit and a fitting tank top while competing. The men’s and women’s handball uniforms still differ, but the women’s new uniform regulation allows for women’s bodies to be more covered up. The women are pleased with this change, allowing them to feel more comfortable and confident while playing.  

Overall, this uniform rule change for women’s handball is a step in the right direction. If the sports federations keep improving and changing rules around women’s sports and uniforms, there will be less gender inequality and more gender equality in sport.

KarlyNF 

Featured image: Norwegian Beach Handball Team which protested for a uniform change by wearing shorts instead of required bikini bottoms (Source: Jenny Gross-The New York Times)