Gender inequality has long been a topic of discussion around the world, and despite progress, many women still find themselves confronting double standards in their professional lives. One female worker from Sydney, Australia, has recently gone viral for challenging a workplace policy she believes is sexist — and it’s sparked a heated debate across social media.

Shianne Fox, better known online as “The Bikini Tradie,” works in landscaping and other trades — industries traditionally dominated by men. After being told she couldn’t remove her shirt on a blistering 104°F (40°C) day, Fox took to TikTok to express her frustration. What’s the issue? Men on the jobsite are allowed to work shirtless in the heat, but she isn’t.

“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 said in the viral clip. “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’ll ‘distract them.’”

Fox, who often wears a bikini top while working in extreme heat, argues that she isn’t trying to provoke anyone — she just wants to be treated equally. Her point is simple: if men can take off their shirts without issue, why can’t women do the same without being labeled a “distraction”?

“I don’t think it should be ‘distracting’ because at the end of the day, they’re just a natural thing,” she told News.au.com. “We all have breasts. It’s just a part of the body. If you’re going to be childish and act like they’re going to be a problem, then maybe you need to grow up.”

Having spent over four years in blue-collar work, Fox says she’s proud of what she does and feels confident in her own skin. Her bold stance, however, has drawn mixed reactions.

While many men on social media applauded her honesty — with one saying, “Yep, totally agree — spread the t-ts and f—k the boys,” and another writing, “I don’t think anyone would complain, miss” — not everyone is on board.

Other female tradies, especially, were quick to distance themselves from Fox’s message. Many women in the trades feel her approach is undermining the credibility they’ve worked hard to build in a male-dominated field.

“She does not speak for us female tradies,” one commenter wrote. Another woman added, “She makes real female tradies look bad.”

The conversation has sparked a deeper discussion about the line between self-expression and professionalism — and whether advocating for topless equality in the trades is helpful or harmful to the broader movement for gender equity in the workforce.

Critics argue that certain workplace dress codes exist to maintain professionalism, and removing those standards may not be the best path toward equality. Others believe Fox is taking a bold stand and opening doors for more women to consider blue-collar careers.

In response to the backlash, Fox has stood firm. She even revealed that she shares content on adult platforms and sees her outspokenness as an opportunity to break down stigmas and inspire women who may be intimidated by entering the trades.

“I thought if I put myself out there, maybe other women will want to join the industry,” she said. Despite her controversial style, she believes her visibility might encourage more women to give these jobs a shot — especially if they see someone thriving in an environment typically reserved for men.

Still, the numbers paint a clear picture of the gender imbalance Fox and others are pushing against. A 2023 report from Deloitte revealed a massive 12:1 ratio of men to women in trade professions — a statistic that shows how far the industry still has to go in terms of inclusion.

Fox acknowledges the challenges but says her personal experience in trades has been largely positive.

“A lot of people say you get catcalled, but it’s nothing like that at all,” she shared. “From my experience, if you go in with your head held high and don’t let men walk all over you, you’ll be fine. Stand your ground, and they won’t do anything.”

In the end, the controversy over whether women should be allowed to work shirtless like men might miss the broader point: women still face significant barriers in industries like construction, landscaping, and plumbing — and debates like this only highlight how much work remains to be done.

Whether you see Fox’s topless stance as empowerment or a step too far, there’s no denying she’s bringing attention to issues that matter. And in an industry with so few female voices, that alone is worth a conversation.