“Why Can’t I Work Shirtless Too?” — The Female Tradie Sparking a Gender Equality Firestorm in Australia
In the blazing heat of Sydney, where summer temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), it’s not uncommon to see male tradesmen working shirtless under the sun. But for one woman, being forced to keep her shirt on in the same sweltering conditions has sparked a fiery debate on workplace double standards, gender norms, and what it really means to be treated equally on the job.
Shianne Fox, better known online as The Bikini Tradie, has lit up social media after posting a TikTok video that challenges a long-standing rule in her industry: men can take their shirts off on-site — but women cannot.
“It’s a f—ing 40-degree day…”
In the now-viral video, Fox vents her frustration. “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 says. “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’.”
Fox, who often works in a bikini top during Australia’s hotter months, says she’s not trying to provoke anyone. Her message is simple: if men are allowed to take their shirts off for comfort in the heat, why can’t women?
Sexism or Safety?
Fox’s post has stirred a heated debate that goes beyond the construction site. For some, her callout is a bold stand for equality in male-dominated workplaces. For others, it’s a distraction that undermines professionalism.
Critics argue that workplace safety and uniform regulations — which often require upper-body coverage — apply for a reason, and removing a shirt isn’t about freedom but about staying within policy. Fox, however, disagrees.
“It was such a hot day,” she told News.au.com. “Lots of the boys had their tops off. I thought it was only fair if I could get mine off too. I have no shame in getting my b–bs out.”
She added, “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.”
Support and Criticism — from Both Genders
Fox’s video attracted thousands of comments, with many male followers supporting her point of view — albeit sometimes in inappropriate or objectifying ways.
“Yep, totally agree — spread the t-ts and f—k the boys,” one man commented.
“I don’t think anyone would complain, miss,” added another.
But not everyone was on board. Female tradeswomen in particular voiced concerns that Fox’s social media image — which includes provocative photos and content shared on adult platforms — risks damaging the credibility of women in the trades.
“She does not speak for us female tradies,” one woman commented.
Another added, “She makes real female tradies look bad.”
It’s a polarizing issue: is Fox fighting for equality or pushing boundaries too far? For her part, she believes it’s the former — and says she hopes her visibility will encourage more women to break into trades.
“I thought if I put myself out there, maybe other women will want to join the industry,” she said.
The Bigger Battle: Representation in Trades
Beneath the surface of the shirtless debate is a more pressing issue — the gender imbalance in trade work. A 2023 Deloitte survey revealed that for every one woman in trades, there are 12 men. Despite slow progress in recent years, the industry remains overwhelmingly male-dominated.
Fox acknowledges this, but says her experience as a woman in the field has been largely positive.
“A lot of people say you get catcalled, but it’s nothing like that at all,” she said. “From my experience, if you go in there with your head held high and you don’t let men have it over you… stand your ground. They won’t do anything.”
Challenging Norms or Crossing the Line?
The debate surrounding Fox’s topless protest touches on deeper cultural questions: Where do we draw the line between professionalism and comfort? Should gender equality in the workplace extend to dress codes? And are outdated norms still influencing how we police women’s bodies in professional settings?
Fox’s critics argue that professionalism should come first — that the workplace isn’t the place to make such statements. But supporters say her actions shine a light on hypocrisy and challenge a system that still treats men and women differently.
At the heart of the debate is a simple question: should a woman be allowed to do what a man does — even when it comes to something as basic as taking off her shirt in the heat?
For now, the answer remains as divided as the internet that made Shianne Fox a viral figure. But whether you agree or disagree, one thing is certain — she’s not backing down anytime soon.