Gender inequality remains a hot topic, and a female landscaper in Sydney, Shianne Fox—known online as “The Bikini Tradie”—has sparked debate after calling out a workplace double standard: why can men work shirtless in extreme heat, but women can’t?
On a sweltering 40°C (104°F) day, Fox was told to keep her shirt on while male coworkers worked shirtless. Frustrated, she took to TikTok, calling it “sexist” and saying she’s tired of being told her body is a “distraction.”
Fox, who often works in a bikini top due to the heat, argued toplessness is natural and shouldn’t be seen as unprofessional. She says her goal is equal treatment and hopes her visibility encourages more women to join the trades.
However, not all female tradies agree. Some believe Fox’s content—especially her revealing workwear—hurts their credibility. Still, her video drew thousands of comments, many from men supporting her.
With women still vastly underrepresented in trades (just 1 woman to every 12 men, per Deloitte), Fox’s viral moment raises the question: is the fight about topless equality—or about making space for women in male-dominated industries?