Singer, songwriter, and performer extraordinaire, Pink, has just taken a stand against sexism against women in athletic sports, and she wasn't afraid to open her pocketbook to emphasize her support. This all began after it was reported that the Norwegian women's beach handball team was being met with fines after refusing to compete in bikini bottoms, opting instead to adorn the same beach shorts that were deemed to be both acceptable and appropriate for their male counterparts. As reported by CNN, Pink reacted by not only showing online support, but by demonstrating her willingness to pay the $1765 fine on behalf of the team, then went on to encourage them to keep on protesting, adding that she would continue to cover any financial penalties they may face in the process.
The female athletes on the Norwegian women's beach handball team felt overtly sexualized by their uniforms, and after discussions among the team, they planned to take a stand by adorning the same beach bottoms that were deemed to be acceptable by male athletes.
It soon became apparent that the European Handball Federation wasn't going to let this slide, and in one swift swoop that has been seen to be a clearly sexist action, the team proceeded to fine the team a total of €1,500 which rounds out to roughly $1,765, claiming that the women were being penalized for competed in “improper clothing" in the 2021 European Beach Handball Championships.
To highlight the differences between male and female uniforms, CNN reports that; "according to International Handball Federation regulations, female players are required to wear bikini bottoms with a side width of a maximum of 10 centimeters (3.9 inches), with a “close fit” and “cut on an upward angle toward the top of the leg.Their male counterparts must wear shorts that are “not too baggy” and 10 centimeters above the knee."
As Pink tuned in and watched this unfold, she felt compelled to take to Twitter in defense of women's rights, and indicated that she felt the European Handball Federation should be the ones being fined, and went on to suggest that they be fined for their display of 'sexism.'
Taking matters into her own hands, Pink then revealed that she would be happy to take on the cost of the team's protest, and any other future fines they may face while they fight for their right to compete in sports without being objectified.
She tweeted; “I’m very proud of the Norwegian female beach handball team for protesting sexist rules about their ‘uniform.' The European handball federation SHOULD BE FINED FOR SEXISM. Good on ya, ladies. I’ll be happy to pay your fines for you. Keep it up.”
The team gleefully responded with sheer appreciation of her kind offer, and plans to continue to fight for their rights.