Gender Equality Debate Ignites After Female Tradeswoman Highlights Workplace Double Standard
For centuries, discussions surrounding gender disparities have remained at the forefront of societal discourse, and the topic continues to be highly relevant today.
Recently, a female landscaper in Sydney, Australia, has sparked widespread discussion on social media by addressing what she perceives as a significant workplace inequity—why are men allowed to work shirtless in extreme heat while women are not?
Calling Out a Workplace Double Standard
Shianne Fox, an Australian tradeswoman known as “The Bikini Tradie” on social media, took to TikTok to express her frustration after being prohibited from removing her shirt while working outdoors on an intensely hot day, with temperatures reaching 104°F (40°C).
“It’s an extremely hot day, and yet I am required to wear my shirt while my male colleagues are permitted to work without theirs,” she stated in her video. her argument.
Fox criticized the rule as a double standard, calling it sexist and outdated. She argued that she simply wanted to have the same rights as her male counterparts but was instead told that removing her shirt would be “distracting” to others on site.
A seasoned worker in male-dominated trades for over four years, Fox frequently wears a bikini top while working due to the sweltering heat. She emphasized that her request was solely about fairness and equal treatment within the industry.
A Debate Over Workplace Norms and Professionalism
Fox contended that working topless should not be deemed inappropriate or distracting, as the human body is a natural phenomenon. However, her viewpoint has been met with divided opinions.
Critics argue that workplace attire policies exist to maintain professionalism and that disregarding these norms could undermine the credibility of women in trades.
“It was an incredibly hot day, and since many of the men I work with were shirtless, I believed it was only fair that I should have the same option,” Fox explained. “I have no issue with my body, and I don’t believe it should be considered a distraction. At the end of the day, we all have the same anatomy. If someone finds it inappropriate, they need to mature and move past it.”
Despite the controversy surrounding her stance, Fox maintains that speaking out could encourage more women to consider careers in trade industries.
“If putting myself in the spotlight makes other women feel empowered to enter this field, then I see that as a positive outcome,” she stated.
Mixed Reactions From Women in the Industry
Fox’s outspoken position has not been universally supported, particularly among other female tradeswomen. Some have voiced concerns that her social media presence, which includes videos of her working in a bikini top, might negatively impact the perception of women in trades.
One female worker remarked, “She does not represent us as female tradies.”
Another added, “Her approach makes it harder for women who want to be taken seriously in the industry.”
Fox’s viral video amassed thousands of comments, with many men expressing support for
One user wrote, “Completely agree—equality means the same rules for everyone.”
However, others dismissed her perspective, with one commenter sarcastically stating, “Surely there’s air conditioning in the kitchen.”
While Fox’s discussion about workplace attire has captured public attention, the broader issue remains: women continue to be significantly underrepresented in trade professions.
A 2023 Deloitte report revealed a stark gender gap, with men outnumbering women in trade jobs by a ratio of 12:1. With such a disparity, some argue that the focus should be on increasing female participation in the industry rather than advocating for changes to dress codes.
Despite the challenges women face in this field, Fox insists she enjoys working in male-dominated spaces and has not experienced the kind of workplace harassment some might expect.
“People often assume women in trades get catcalled frequently, but in my experience, that’s not the case,” she explained. “If you enter with confidence and assert yourself, men will respect you.”
As the debate continues, Fox’s story raises a compelling question: Should the focus be on advocating for equal dress code policies, or should efforts be directed toward achieving greater gender inclusion in traditionally male-dominated industries?
