According to her, working topless shouldn’t be “distracting” as it’s a “natural thing” – more photos and her story in the comments
Gender inequalities in the workplace remain a hot topic, and a recent viral moment from Australia has reignited the conversation. Shianne Fox, a female landscaper known as “The Bikini Tradie” on social media, sparked debate after challenging what she sees as a double standard: why can men work shirtless in scorching heat, but women cannot?
On a sweltering 104°F (40°C) day in Sydney, Fox took to TikTok to vent her frustration. “It’s a f—ing 40-degree day today, and I’m the one who has to wear my shirt, while all the boys on-site don’t have to wear theirs,” she said. “It’s sexist. I just want to be topless like the boys—but no, I will ‘distract them.’”
Fox, who has worked in male-dominated trades for over four years, often wears a bikini top while on the job due to the intense heat. She insists her request is about fairness, not shock value. “Working topless shouldn’t be considered ‘distracting,’” she argued. “It’s natural. We all have breasts. If people feel distracted, they should just grow up.”
Her stance has received mixed reactions. Many men supported her call for equality, while some women in trades criticized her approach, claiming it undermines the credibility of female workers. Comments like, “She does not speak for us female tradies,” reflect the tension between personal freedom and professional standards. Critics also point out that workplace norms exist for safety and professionalism, not just comfort.
Beyond the bikini debate, Fox’s viral moment highlights the broader issue: women remain vastly underrepresented in blue-collar industries. A 2023 Deloitte survey found a 12:1 ratio of men to women in trade work. Fox says she enjoys working in male-dominated fields and encourages other women to join, emphasizing confidence and perseverance: “If you go in there with your head held high and stand your ground, they won’t do anything,” she explained.
Whether one agrees with her approach or not, Fox’s video has sparked a conversation about workplace fairness, societal norms, and the ongoing challenges women face in male-dominated industries. Her bold stance raises an important question: should women fight for topless equality, or is the real challenge gaining recognition and respect in the trades in the first place?
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