For generations, the fight for gender equality in the workplace has been a hot topic. Despite the progress society has made in some areas, many believe there’s still a long road ahead. A recent debate lighting up social media captures this ongoing struggle. It centers on Shianne Fox, a female landscaper from Sydney, Australia. Known on TikTok as “The Bikini Tradie,” Shianne has sparked an intense conversation about double standards regarding workplace dress codes on job sites.

Shianne works in landscaping, a physically demanding trade often dominated by men. On a scorching day when the temperature climbed to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), she posted a video on TikTok voicing her frustration. In her post, she called out what she feels is a blatant example of sexism in her line of work. “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 ranted. The video quickly went viral, drawing strong reactions from both sides of the debate.

In the video, Shianne went on to say, “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’.” Her frustration resonates with many who argue that women should be treated equally in the workplace, especially when it comes to rules that seem to be based on outdated ideas about gender.

Having worked in trades for over four years, Shianne often chooses to wear a bikini top while working outdoors to stay cool. But she’s pushing for more than just casual comfort—she wants fairness. She insists that her desire to work without a shirt isn’t about seeking attention. Instead, it’s about being treated the same as her male coworkers, who are allowed to go shirtless in the heat without raising eyebrows.

In an interview with News.com.au, Shianne explained why she feels so strongly about the issue. “It was such a hot day. Obviously, when you work in the industry, lots of the boys have their tops off. I thought it was only fair if I could get mine off, too. I have no shame in getting my boobs out,” she said. For her, the idea of going topless isn’t shocking or inappropriate—it’s just natural. “At the end of the day, we all have breasts. It’s just a natural thing. If you’re going to be childish and feel like they’re going to be distracting, then you should just grow up,” she added.

While plenty of men in the comments on her TikTok videos cheered her on—some with tongue-in-cheek remarks like, “Spread the t-ts and f—k the boys”—not everyone is on board with her approach. Surprisingly, some of her harshest critics are women in the trades themselves. One female tradesperson commented, “She does not speak for us female tradies.” Another echoed the sentiment, saying, “She makes real female tradies look bad.”

These critics argue that women in trades have worked hard to earn respect in male-dominated industries, and they worry that Shianne’s topless campaign could undermine those efforts. To them, professionalism and the drive to change perceptions matter more than personal comfort.

But Shianne stands firm. Despite the backlash, she believes that standing up for herself might encourage other women to consider careers in the trades—fields still heavily skewed towards men. According to a 2023 Deloitte study, men outnumber women in trade jobs by a staggering 12 to 1. That statistic highlights how far the industry has to go in closing the gender gap. Shianne argues that challenging outdated ideas and double standards is part of the path forward.

Her stance raises a broader question that’s sparked plenty of debate: Where do we draw the line between gender equality and practicality? Should the fight be about winning the right for women to work topless if men can, or should the focus be on getting more women into these jobs in the first place? No matter how you answer that, the fact remains that women still face real barriers in blue-collar industries.

Despite all the controversy, Shianne says she loves her job. And while some might assume she deals with constant harassment, she claims that’s far from her experience. “A lot of people say you get catcalled, but it’s nothing like that at all,” she said. Shianne believes confidence plays a big role in how women are treated on job sites. “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.”

Her story highlights a bigger conversation about equality, professionalism, and social norms in industries traditionally run by men. Whether people agree with her or not, Shianne Fox is pushing the conversation forward, showing that many women in the workplace are determined to challenge the status quo.