Gender equality has been a hot topic for centuries, and it’s still very much in the spotlight. A female landscaper from Sydney, Australia, recently went viral after questioning a workplace double standard: why are men allowed to remove their shirts while working in the heat, but women cannot?
Shianne Fox, who posts as “The Bikini Tradie” on social media, shared a TikTok video during a sweltering 40°C (104°F) day explaining she was told to keep her shirt on, while the men on site worked without one. “It’s a f—ing 40-degree day, and I’m the one wearing a shirt,” she said, calling this unfair and sexist. She wants the freedom to work topless like the men, but was told she’d “distract” them.
Shianne wears a bikini top while working and feels confident and comfortable doing so. She argues breasts are natural and shouldn’t be viewed as inappropriate or distracting.
Her stance has caused debate. Some believe workplace rules and standards exist for professionalism and safety and should apply to everyone. Other women in trades feel Shianne’s bikini posts hurt the reputation of female workers. Comments like “She doesn’t speak for all women in trades” and “She makes us look bad” have surfaced.
Still, many have supported her message. Several men agreed with her request for equal treatment, while others joked about better cooling solutions instead of dress code changes.
The wider picture shows that women are still far less represented in trades, with men outnumbering women 12 to 1 according to a 2023 study. Shianne’s story highlights the ongoing challenges women face and questions what the real fights for equality should be about.
View this post on Instagram
She admits that while some claim women get treated badly on sites, in her experience, confidence and standing firm earns respect.
This discussion asks important questions about fairness, comfort, and professionalism. Should women have the same right as men to remove shirts on hot days? What do you think?
