For hundreds of years, the disparities and inequities between men and women have been a major topic of discussion in society, and the issue is still pertinent today.
After pointing out what she believes to be a significant double standard in the workplace—why can males work shirtless in the heat yet women cannot—a female gardener in Sydney, Australia, has now taken to social media to vent her frustrations.
“Today is a f—ing 40-degree day.”
We are all aware of how difficult it can be to work outside in the constant heat and scorching sun. You understand exactly what I mean if you’ve ever had to endure a sweltering day at a construction site or while driving.
It was common to see construction workers or road workers without shirts on hot days when I was growing up. I still occasionally see men working with burnt shoulders and nothing on top, though it may not be as usual these days.
After being informed she couldn’t take off her shirt while working outside on a sweltering 104°F (40°C) day, Shianne Fox, an Australian tradeswoman who goes by the handle “The Bikini Tradie” on social media, resorted to TikTok to express her annoyance.
She swore and went on, “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.”
“I’m genuinely over it; it’s sexist and a double standard. All I want to do is go topless like the males, but I’ll “distract them.”
Fox claimed that she was merely demanding the same treatment as her male “tradies,” who are competent workers in professions like carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. Fox frequently works in a bikini top because of the extreme heat.
Is this a fight for gender equality or is it going too far?
Fox, who has over four years of experience in male-dominated occupations and usually works in a bikini, said she feels confident in her own flesh and that her request is not wrong.
Foxx maintained that since working topless is a “natural thing,” it shouldn’t be viewed as “distracting.” Critics countered that professionalism should take precedence above personal comfort and that job standards and societal norms exist for a purpose.
The day was really hot. Of course, many of the boys have their tops off while you work in the sector. I reasoned that I should be able to get mine off as well. I don’t feel guilty about letting my b-bs out.
Since they are ultimately just a natural phenomenon, I don’t think it should be “distracting.” We all have breasts at the end of the day. It just happens naturally. “You should just mature if you’re going to act like a child and think they’ll be annoying,” she told News.au.com.
Fox, who also posts on an adult website, acknowledges that her position is divisive but says she thinks speaking up could inspire other women to pursue careers in the trades.
“I hoped that by putting myself out there, other women might want to work in this field,” she said.
Reactions from other females
Not every female tradie is supporting her. Her social media presence, which includes footage of her working in a bikini top, is damaging the reputation of many women in the field.
One tradeswoman, who is female, said:
“We female tradies are not represented by her.”
Another was added:
“She denigrates real female tradies.”
One man commented, “Yep, absolutely agree—spread the t-ts and f—k the boys.”
Another said, “I doubt anyone would be upset, miss.”
Others, however, weren’t persuaded:
One critic joked, “There must be air conditioning in the kitchen.”
The larger picture
In spite of Fox’s ongoing controversy, women are still disproportionately underrepresented in blue-collar occupations.
A startling 12:1 male to female ratio in trade labor was found in a 2023 Deloitte survey. Given the stark gender disparity, Fox’s viral moment poses a crucial query: Should women fight for topless equality, or is the true struggle to enter into male-dominated industries more pressing?
Ms. Foxx stated that she likes working in industries that are controlled by men, even though there is a gender imbalance in her profession.
She clarified, “A lot of people say you get catcalled, but it’s nothing like that at all.”
“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.
“Remain firm. They won’t take any action.
🔥 What are your thoughts? Is it too much to expect women to have the same topless privileges as men? Leave a comment below!
