Woman Post Statement
We Stand with Manizha Talash and Her Courageous Message We are deeply concerned that breakdancer Manizha Talash was disqualified for supporting women's rights message.
"Free Afghan Women" is not a political slogan—it is a universal call for basic human rights and the freedom every woman deserves.
Manizha Talash represents a country where sports are banned for women.
WomanPost, 100 public figures for gender equality, believes that "Free Afghan Women" written in Manizha's Cape is more a Historical Humanitarian note than a political slogan.
We believe the world must recognize the significance of this message and support those who bravely voice it. We call on the World DanceSport Federation and Paris 2024 to reconsider their decision regarding Manizha Talash.
It's important to note that both the head of Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee, recognized by the IOC and its Secretary General are currently in exile. That underscores the ongoing situation of Afghanistan women and the broader community.
We believe that Paris 2024, the World DanceSport Federation, international events, and global summits must recognize the significance of the messages delivered by women of Afghanistan in this situation and support those who bravely voice them.
"Free Afghan Women" is not a political slogan—it is a universal call for basic human rights and the freedom every woman deserves.
Manizha Talash represents a country where sports are banned for women.
WomanPost, 100 public figures for gender equality, believes that "Free Afghan Women" written in Manizha's Cape is more a Historical Humanitarian note than a political slogan.
We believe the world must recognize the significance of this message and support those who bravely voice it. We call on the World DanceSport Federation and Paris 2024 to reconsider their decision regarding Manizha Talash.
It's important to note that both the head of Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee, recognized by the IOC and its Secretary General are currently in exile. That underscores the ongoing situation of Afghanistan women and the broader community.
We believe that Paris 2024, the World DanceSport Federation, international events, and global summits must recognize the significance of the messages delivered by women of Afghanistan in this situation and support those who bravely voice them.
The Report
Afghan refugee breaker disqualified for wearing ‘Free Afghan Women’ cape at Paris Olympics
PARIS (AP) — Refugee breaker Manizha Talash, or “b-girl Talash,” was disqualified from the first ever Olympic breaking competition on Friday after she wore a cape that said “Free Afghan Women” during her pre-qualifier battle against India Sardjoe — known as “b-girl India.”
The 21-year-old, originally from Afghanistan and representing the Olympic Refugee Team, lost in the pre-qualifier battle against Sardjoe and would not have advanced even if she hadn’t been disqualified.
Political statements and slogans are banned on the field of play and on podiums at the Olympics. World DanceSport Federation, the governing body for breaking at the Olympics, issued a statement afterward that said she “was disqualified for displaying a political slogan on her attire during the Pre-Qualifier battle.”
Talash sought asylum in Spain after fleeing Taliban rule in her home country in 2021.
“I’m here because I want to reach my dream. Not because I’m scared,” she told The Associated Press before the Olympics from Spain, where she was granted asylum.
The one-off pre-qualifier battle between Talash and Sardjoe was added in May, when Talash was included in the Olympic roster after the b-girl from Afghanistan missed registration for qualifying events. The International Olympic Committee’s executive board invited her to participate after learning of her efforts to defy the strict rule of the Taliban in her home country.
PARIS (AP) — Refugee breaker Manizha Talash, or “b-girl Talash,” was disqualified from the first ever Olympic breaking competition on Friday after she wore a cape that said “Free Afghan Women” during her pre-qualifier battle against India Sardjoe — known as “b-girl India.”
The 21-year-old, originally from Afghanistan and representing the Olympic Refugee Team, lost in the pre-qualifier battle against Sardjoe and would not have advanced even if she hadn’t been disqualified.
Political statements and slogans are banned on the field of play and on podiums at the Olympics. World DanceSport Federation, the governing body for breaking at the Olympics, issued a statement afterward that said she “was disqualified for displaying a political slogan on her attire during the Pre-Qualifier battle.”
Talash sought asylum in Spain after fleeing Taliban rule in her home country in 2021.
“I’m here because I want to reach my dream. Not because I’m scared,” she told The Associated Press before the Olympics from Spain, where she was granted asylum.
The one-off pre-qualifier battle between Talash and Sardjoe was added in May, when Talash was included in the Olympic roster after the b-girl from Afghanistan missed registration for qualifying events. The International Olympic Committee’s executive board invited her to participate after learning of her efforts to defy the strict rule of the Taliban in her home country.
