Why this female worker wants to ditch her shirt

Joey King

Joey King is an immensely talented American actor who has garnered widespread acclaim in the entertainment industry. While she is known and celebrated for her incredible performances on screen, there are other aspects of her life that deserve recognition as well. Joey King’s interests in cars and real estate showcase her diverse passions beyond her artistic endeavors. Firstly, let’s delve into Joey King’s love for cars. As a young woman with a successful career, she has developed a fascination for luxurious and high-performance vehicles. Like many individuals who appreciate the fine craftsmanship and engineering that goes into creating automobiles, King has shown a particular fondness for a few impressive cars. One of her favorite cars is the iconic Porsche 911. Known for its sleek design and...

A Debate on Gender Equality in the Workplace: Should Women Be Allowed to Work Shirtless Like Men?

The long-standing conversation about gender inequality continues to spark debate, and recently, one Australian landscaper has ignited a fierce discussion on social media. Shianne Fox, a female tradie (short for tradeswoman) from Sydney, Australia, raised a controversial point: Why can men work shirtless on hot days, but women can’t?

 

The Context: A Scorching 40-Degree Day

Anyone who has worked outside in blistering heat knows how challenging it can be. On particularly hot days, especially on construction sites or in outdoor jobs, the heat can be unbearable. Growing up, it wasn’t unusual to see male workers, especially those in construction or on the road, shedding their shirts to keep cool. While it may not be as common today, it’s still not rare to see men working with sunburned shoulders, shirtless under the scorching sun.

 

However, Shianne Fox, who often works in a bikini top to stay cool, took to TikTok to voice her frustration after being told she couldn’t remove her shirt during a scorching 104°F (40°C) day. Fox, who goes by the name “The Bikini Tradie” on social media, blasted the double standard that allowed men to work topless while she wasn’t allowed to do the same.

“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 ranted. “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.’”

 
 

A Call for Equal Treatment

Fox, who has worked in male-dominated trades for over four years, explained that she’s comfortable in her own skin and believes there’s nothing inappropriate about her desire for equal treatment. She questioned why her bare chest should be seen as distracting when men do the same thing without issue.

 

“It was such a hot day. Obviously, when you work in the industry, lots of the boys have 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,” Fox shared. She continued, “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. It’s just a natural thing. If you’re going to be childish and think they’re distracting, then you should just grow up.”

Fox, who also shares content on an adult website, acknowledged that her stance may be controversial but believes it could spark change and inspire more women to join the trades. “I thought if I put myself out there, maybe other women will want to join the industry,” she said.

 

Backlash from Other Women in the Industry

Despite Fox’s viral video gaining traction, not all female tradies are in her corner. Several women in the industry have expressed concerns that her social media presence, particularly her bikini-clad work videos, could undermine the credibility of women in trade work.

 

One female tradeswoman commented, “She does not speak for us female tradies,” while another added, “She makes real female tradies look bad.”

Fox’s video received a flood of responses from both men and women. Many men sided with her, agreeing that there shouldn’t be any issue with women working topless if men can. Some wrote, “Yep, totally agree—spread the t-ts and f—k the boys” and “I don’t think anyone would complain, miss.”

 

However, some critics weren’t convinced, questioning her request with comments like, “Surely there’s an aircon in the kitchen?”

The Bigger Picture: Gender Disparity in the Trades

 

Fox’s argument raises an important issue—while her debate focuses on topless equality, there’s a much broader issue at play: gender inequality in blue-collar trades. A 2023 Deloitte survey found a staggering 12:1 ratio of men to women in trade work, highlighting the significant underrepresentation of women in the industry.

Fox herself has pointed out that despite the gender imbalance, she enjoys working in a male-dominated environment. “A lot of people say you get catcalled, but it’s nothing like that at all,” she said. “If you just go in there with your head held high and if you don’t let men have it over you, stand your ground. They won’t do anything.”

 

The question, then, is whether Fox’s fight for topless equality is the right battle to focus on, or if the real issue lies in encouraging more women to break into the trade industries in the first place.

Conclusion: Should Women Have the Same Topless Rights as Men?

The debate raised by Shianne Fox is both a conversation about equality and the complexities of gender in the workplace. While some agree that women should be allowed to work shirtless if men can, others point to professionalism, workplace standards, and societal norms as reasons to maintain distinctions. Ultimately, the question may not only be about topless equality but also about fostering a more inclusive environment for women in traditionally male-dominated fields.

 

What do you think? Should women have the same topless rights as men in the workplace, or is this a step too far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.