For centuries, debates around gender differences and inequalities have shaped societal discussions, and the issue remains highly relevant today. A recent incident in Sydney, Australia, has reignited a conversation about gender standards in the workplace. The controversy centers on Shianne Fox, a female landscaper, who called attention to a double standard in outdoor work environments: why is it acceptable for men to work shirtless in the heat, but women are expected to keep their tops on?

Fox, who is known as “The Bikini Tradie” on social media, took to TikTok to express her frustration over being told she couldn’t remove her shirt while working on a blistering 104°F (40°C) day. She pointed out that male workers around her on the site were allowed to work without shirts, yet she was expected to keep hers on. “It’s a f—ing 40-degree day today,” she vented. “I’m the one who has to wear my shirt, while all the boys on-site don’t have to wear theirs. It’s a double standard, it’s sexist, and I’m actually really over it. I just want to be topless like the boys—but no, I will ‘distract them’.”

Fox, who often works in a bikini top to handle the extreme heat, argued that her request for equal treatment was nothing more than a desire to be treated the same as her male counterparts. She feels there’s nothing inappropriate about her choice, especially when the men around her are given the same freedom. “I don’t think it should be ‘distracting,’ because at the end of the day, they’re just a natural thing. We all have breasts. It’s just a natural thing,” she said in a video. Fox’s stance on topless equality, although controversial, was framed by her desire to challenge the entrenched gender norms she faces while working in a male-dominated industry.

Fox’s main argument is that societal norms shouldn’t prevent her from working topless on hot days just as men do. She believes that the sexualization of women’s bodies is a societal problem that needs to be addressed. According to her, working topless in such conditions should be viewed as a basic necessity rather than a distraction. “If you’re going to be childish and feel like they’re going to be distracting, then you should just grow up,” she added. Despite the controversy, Fox believes her actions might inspire more women to enter the trades.

However, not all women in the trade industry support Fox’s approach. Some female tradeswomen argue that her social media presence, which often features her in a bikini top, undermines their credibility and professionalism in the field. One female commenter pointed out, “She does not speak for us female tradies,” while another said, “She makes real female tradies look bad.”

On the other hand, many men voiced their support for Fox’s position, agreeing with her stance on gender equality in the workplace. Some of them expressed admiration for her defiance of societal expectations and encouraged her to continue challenging gender roles. “Yep, totally agree—spread the t-ts and f—k the boys,” one man wrote in support, while another added, “I don’t think anyone would complain, miss.” While her supporters praised her for speaking out, there were also critics who found humor in the situation, with one quipping, “Surely there’s an aircon in the kitchen.”

Fox’s viral video has sparked much discussion, but it also highlights a larger issue: women remain vastly underrepresented in blue-collar professions. A 2023 Deloitte survey revealed a striking 12:1 ratio of men to women in trade jobs, underscoring the significant gender gap that still exists in this field. In this context, Fox’s actions raise an important question: Should women focus on fighting for topless equality, or should the real battle be about overcoming the barriers to entry for women in traditionally male-dominated industries?

Despite the challenges and the gender imbalance, Fox has expressed her enjoyment of working in a male-dominated environment. She revealed that, contrary to some common misconceptions, she doesn’t experience the same negative treatment that others might expect. “A lot of people say you get catcalled, but it’s nothing like that at all,” she explained. “From my experience, if you just go in there with your head held high and if you don’t let men have it over you, stand your ground. They won’t do anything.”

Fox’s stance may not align with every woman in the industry, but it has undoubtedly ignited an important conversation about gender equality in the workplace. Whether her actions encourage more women to join the trades or spark further debates on what constitutes professionalism, her message is clear: it’s time for gender roles in the workplace to evolve.