The gender gap and workplace double standards between men and women remain a hot topic—and one Australian tradie is turning up the heat.
Shianne Fox, a landscaper in Sydney known online as “The Bikini Tradie,” has sparked viral debate after calling out what she sees as blatant sexism on job sites: why can men work shirtless in scorching heat, but women can’t?
In a passionate TikTok video filmed on a blistering 40°C (104°F) day, Fox said, “I’m the one who has to wear my shirt, while all the boys on-site don’t have to wear theirs… It’s sexist, and I’m over it.” Fox, who often works in a bikini top due to the intense temperatures, believes she should have the same rights as her male colleagues, arguing, “Breasts are natural—it shouldn’t be distracting.”
While many online supported her demand for equality, others pushed back. Critics argue workplace standards and professionalism should be upheld, regardless of gender. Some female tradies even distanced themselves from Fox’s approach, claiming it undermines the credibility of women in trades.
Still, Fox stands by her message, saying she hopes her visibility encourages more women to enter male-dominated fields. With women making up only a small fraction of the trades workforce, her message touches on a bigger issue: gender representation.
Whether you see it as a bold call for equality or a step too far, one thing is clear—Fox has reignited a conversation that’s far from over.
