In a bold move thatâs drawing both support and controversy, Shianne Fox, a female tradeswoman based in Sydney, has made headlines after asking her supervisor if she could work toplessâjust like many of her male colleagues often doâwhile on-site during a scorching 40°C day.
Fox, known for her confidence and unique work style, often wears a bikini on the job to beat the heat. But this time, she wanted to push boundaries further, questioning why toplessness is normalized for men in manual labor industries, but not for women.
âItâs not meant to be distracting,â said Fox. âItâs a natural thing. If men can take their shirts off when it’s hot, why canât I?â
Her request wasnât just about comfortâit was a statement about gender equality, body autonomy, and the double standards that still persist in male-dominated industries like construction and trades. Shianne argued that her choice wouldnât compromise safety or professionalism and that the issue lies in societal perception, not her actions.
The response from the public has been split. Some applaud her bravery and stand for equality, pointing out that dress codes often disproportionately affect women. Others argue that professional standards must be upheld on all job sites, regardless of gender.
This isnât the first time Shianne Fox has challenged industry norms. She’s been a vocal advocate for female representation in trade jobs, regularly sharing her experiences on social media, where sheâs built a loyal following.
Her supporters see her not just as a worker, but as a symbol of resistance in a culture that still struggles to embrace gender inclusivity. Critics, however, say the job site isnât the place for such statements.
Regardless of where the debate goes next, one thing is clear: Shianne Fox is helping to redefine what it means to be a woman in the trades. And sheâs not afraid to get a little uncomfortable to do it.
