Gender Double Standards Spark Debate After Female Landscaper Speaks Out
The conversation around gender differences and workplace inequality has been ongoing for centuries — and it’s far from over.
Now, a female landscaper from Sydney, Australia, is reigniting the debate after going viral on social media for challenging what she believes is a glaring double standard: why is it acceptable for men to work shirtless in the scorching heat, but not women?
Her bold stance has sparked widespread discussion, shining a spotlight on how deeply entrenched gender norms still shape our everyday experiences — especially on the job.
“It’s a f—ing 40-degree day today…”
If you’ve ever worked under the blistering sun, you know the grind — sweat pouring, heat radiating off the pavement, and the relentless burn of a summer scorcher. Whether you’ve been on the roads, in construction, or just out in the elements, the struggle is real.
Growing up, it wasn’t uncommon to see shirtless tradies toughing it out under the sun. Sure, it might not happen as often these days, but it’s still not unusual to spot men working with sun-scorched shoulders and no shirt in sight.
But what about women?
Shianne Fox — a bold Australian tradeswoman known online as The Bikini Tradie — isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions. She recently took to TikTok to vent her frustration after being told she couldn’t ditch her shirt on a searing 40°C (104°F) day. Her video has since lit up social media, igniting fresh debate over gender double standards on the job site.
“It’s a f—ing 40-degree day today, and I’m the one who has to wear a shirt — while all the boys on-site are walking around shirtless,” Shianne Fox ranted in a fiery TikTok video that’s now gone viral.
“It’s a double standard. It’s sexist. And honestly, I’m really over it,” she continued. “I just want to be topless like the boys — but no, apparently I’d ‘distract them.’”
Known online as The Bikini Tradie, Fox often works in a bikini top to cope with Australia’s blistering summer heat. But her message is about more than just comfort — it’s about fairness. She’s calling out what she sees as an outdated and sexist rule, simply asking for the same treatment as her male co-workers.
In Australia, the term “tradie” is everyday slang for tradespeople — skilled workers like carpenters, electricians, and plumbers. And for Fox, it’s time the job site caught up with the times.
A Fight for Gender Equality — or a Step Too Far?
With over four years of experience in male-dominated trades, Shianne Fox isn’t new to breaking stereotypes. Often seen tackling tough jobs in a bikini, she says it’s about staying cool and feeling confident in her own skin — not making a statement. But her latest call for equality has sparked fierce debate.
“I’m comfortable with my body, and there’s nothing inappropriate about what I’m asking,” Fox explained. To her, going topless on a sweltering job site isn’t about pushing boundaries — it’s about leveling the playing field. “It’s a natural thing,” she said, dismissing the idea that her body should be viewed as a distraction.
But not everyone agrees.
Critics argue that, while her frustration is understandable, workplace standards exist for a reason. They say professionalism, not personal comfort, should guide how workers present themselves — especially in public or mixed-gender environments. For them, the conversation isn’t just about fairness, but about maintaining a sense of decorum on the job.
“It was such a hot day,” Fox told news.com.au. “Obviously, when you work in the industry, lots of the boys have their tops off. I thought it was only fair if I could take mine off too. I have no shame in getting my b–bs out.”
For Fox, it’s not about shock value — it’s about normalizing what she sees as a natural part of the human body.
“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,” she said. “If you’re going to be childish and act like it’s some huge deal, maybe it’s time to grow up.”
Her take has definitely sparked controversy, especially since Fox also shares adult content online — something that, she acknowledges, only adds fuel to the fire.
Still, she believes using her platform to speak out could actually be a force for good.
“I thought if I put myself out there, maybe other women will want to join the industry,” she said, hoping to challenge outdated ideas of what a tradie should look like — and who the job is for.
Backlash from Fellow Female Tradies
While Shianne Fox has gained plenty of attention and support online, not everyone in the industry is cheering her on — especially other women working in the trades.
Some female tradies have spoken out, saying her social media presence, including videos of her working in a bikini top, is doing more harm than good. They argue that it undermines the professionalism they’ve worked hard to build in a traditionally male-dominated field.
“She does not speak for us female tradies,” one woman commented bluntly.
Another added, “She makes real female tradies look bad.”
For these critics, Fox’s approach blurs the line between empowerment and self-promotion, and they fear it may reinforce outdated stereotypes rather than challenge them.
Fox’s Video Sparks Mixed Reactions
Shianne Fox’s video quickly became a lightning rod for online debate, attracting thousands of comments — many from men who were in full support of her stance.
“Yep, totally agree — spread the t-ts and f—k the boys,” one man boldly wrote.
“I don’t think anyone would complain, miss,” another added, clearly backing her decision.
However, not all responses were as positive. One critic took a more sarcastic approach, commenting, “Surely there’s an aircon in the kitchen,” poking fun at the idea of gender equality in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
The Bigger Picture
While Fox’s viral moment has captured the attention of social media users everywhere, it highlights a deeper issue — women remain vastly underrepresented in blue-collar jobs. A 2023 Deloitte survey found that for every woman working in a trade, there are approximately 12 men in the same field.
With such a staggering gender gap, Fox’s topless equality debate begs the question: Should the focus be on advocating for topless rights on the job, or is the real fight about making a place for women in industries where they’re still in the minority?
Overcoming the Gender Imbalance: Fox’s Experience in a Male-Dominated Industry
Despite the significant gender imbalance in her field, Shianne Fox says she genuinely enjoys working in male-dominated industries. While some might expect her to face constant sexism or harassment, Fox paints a different picture of her experience.
“A lot of people say you get catcalled, but it’s nothing like that at all,” she explained, dismissing the common stereotype of women being treated as less than equal in the workplace.
“For me, it’s all about walking in with your head held high and not letting the guys get the better of you,” she said. “If you stand your ground and show them you’re just as capable, they won’t mess with you.”
Fox’s confidence and unapologetic approach to her work show that, for her, navigating a male-dominated trade isn’t about playing by the usual rules — it’s about asserting her space and demanding the respect she deserves.
