#648 High Heels vs Hard Hats: Are We Really Equal?

Today, Niall opens the phones to discuss a debate sparked by a recent discrimination case involving a firefighter fitness test and the wider question of gender equality in demanding jobs. After an email from a listener raised concerns that telling girls they can do anything men can do might sometimes set unrealistic expectations, the conversation turns to whether standards should always be identical — or whether some roles naturally favour physical differences.

Listeners share their views on equality, fairness, workplace standards, and whether adjusting entry requirements helps opportunity or risks lowering expectations. Are we encouraging ambition, or creating pressures that don’t reflect real-world demands?

Niall asks: are we empowering women — or are we setting some up to struggle by insisting there are no meaningful differences? Join the conversation.