Thanks to Australian landscaper Shianne Fox, also known on social media as “The Bikini Tradie,” the discussion surrounding gender equality in the workplace has taken an unexpected turn. Fox recently provoked a contentious discussion by asking why women cannot work naked in intense temperatures yet men can. Her audacious position has sparked conversations about gender equality, dress requirements for the workplace, and double standards.
Having spent more than four years in male-dominated occupations, Fox frequently wears a bikini top at work to beat the heat. However, on a recent day with temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), she was instructed to wear a shirt while her male coworkers worked without one. Exasperated, she expressed her worries on TikTok.
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In her video, Fox declared, “I’m really over it. It’s sexist and it’s a double standard.” “I’ll ‘distract them,’ but all I want is to be topless like the boys.”
Given that men are permitted to work shirtless in similar circumstances, Fox contends that her topless appearance shouldn’t be viewed as improper or disturbing because the human body is natural. She thinks that in order to represent actual gender equality, society beliefs must change.
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Reactions to her position have been conflicting. She has received a lot of support, particularly from guys, who think that everyone should be treated equally when it comes to clothing restrictions at work. Critics counter that social standards about public toplessness are different for men and women, and that clothing regulations are in place to preserve professionalism.
Several female tradeswomen have also voiced their concern, arguing that Fox’s frequent postings in bikini tops on social media damage the reputation of women in the field. One person said, “She doesn’t speak for us female tradies.”
Fox is unwavering in her stance in spite of the criticism. As a supporter of women in trades, she hopes that by being vocal, she can inspire other women to pursue careers in trades and contribute to the closing of the gender gap. A 2023 Deloitte poll found that there are 12 times as many men as women working in trade occupations.
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Important concerns are brought up by Fox’s viral moment: Is breaking into male-dominated sectors the true obstacle, or should the emphasis be on topless equality? According to Fox, maintaining her position is crucial to promoting diversity and altering attitudes.
Though perspectives on the topic are still divided, one thing is certain: it draws attention to the larger difficulties in attaining gender equality in the workplace as well as the continuous debates concerning professionalism, individual rights, and society standards.