Where are All the Female Hams?
Cheryl Berthelsen (KD5YDY)
on
July 15, 2003
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I got my first ham license 10+ years ago when I was in graduate school. One of my best friends at the time was a ham that has been blind since birth. She held an extra class license and was so enthusiastic about the hobby and active in that local ham club, I couldn't resist getting involved. I left the hobby after graduation for lots of reasons (apartment living, career change, interstate moves, etc.) Sold what ham gear I had but did at least send updates on my address to FCC.
Recently, I began volunteer work for local chapter of the American Red Cross and they were thrilled to find out I held a ham license (I don't have any gear though). So the ham bug bit me again and I've been reading equipment reviews, learning code, and studying so I can upgrade from my no-code tech license.
I attended Field Day where the local ham club here was participating. I had fun and everybody was nice. BUT... There are NO local females hams. All the wives brought potluck lunch & dinner & breakfast for the men. Some stayed part of the day to watch the youngsters. NONE of the wives seemed to have the slightest interest in the radio activities. By sundown, I was the ONLY female left at the site so decided to go home too.
I met a lot of the local hams, a friendly lot to be sure. But I left feeling a bit different about my new enthusiasm about getting back into the ham radio. When I first became a ham (in another state 10 years ago), there were quite a few females that were very active in the local club and most of them were NOT wives of hams. They were hams that were female but just as knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the hobby as the men were.
What happened to all the females in this hobby? Are they active in just certain regions of the US? Has there been a decrease in the percentage of active female hams over the past 10 years? What's going on here?
73
KD5YDY
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by WW8MM on July 18, 2003
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what happened to all the comments on this article? were people getting too graphic blasting w1dg?
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KC0ATC on July 18, 2003
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There are quite a few female hams here along the northern front range in Colorado. But the percentage is still low compared to the general population.
One theory is that technical interests just don't attract many females. Fields like electrical engineering, computer programming, etc somehow appeal to males more directly.
Another theory is that the topics of conversation that hams usually follow are not always attractive to females.... not that they are rude or insulting, but just not very interesting.
Many of the female hams around here are wives of hams and they use radio for in-family communication. Some women seem disinclined to talk to men that they don't know. That is understandable I guess.
If there is a negative social implication for talking to strangers (specifically male strangers), then I think that becomes even a bigger barrier in the ham world... on local VHF in particular. And we have to face the fact that some folks with ham tickets are downright rude. It takes a certain selfconfidence to pick up a mic and speak to a total stranger. And some people probably don't think it is worth the risk.
So those are my ideas: 1)uninteresting to many/most females and 2) social barriers.
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KE1MB on July 18, 2003
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This is very basic. For the same reason why a Barbie is called a "doll" and a GI Joe is called a "action figure". Ham radio is mostly a "guy thing". It's that simple.
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KC0ODY on July 18, 2003
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I would not mind seeing the whole blasted thread go away, personally.
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by W1DG on July 18, 2003
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This is the real W1DG. I never posted the comments that appeared here using my callsign and was unaware until a friend told me this morning. How the post appeared under my call is a mystery to myself and the webmaster@eham. I have however logged in and found a different call on the welcome screen which is the only explanation I can think of. Just to set the record straight those were not my comments and I do not agree with the content.
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by W8LM on July 18, 2003
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Gee- I've heard that at the fishing tournament, at the gun club, antique car shows, ultra-light plane fly-ins and such.
You want women?!?!? my I suggest-
Cat shows (stories I could tell!!!)
Antique shops
Flower shows
Quilting bees
Baptist bible study classes- ask the ministers wife.
I have a sister-in-law and her 5-8 buddies that can't find a man...some are scary but "good" women. (better than being homeless)
Ever hear of a singles dance?!?!?
Mind you stay away from those in New England... I've met 4 married women at them so far..I don't attend any more.
I've found plenty at camp grounds, they usually will feed you and have rug rats ...but food is good and the rats go to sleep about 10pm..beware some are men haters.
Do not attend any NOW (National Organization of Women) meetings.
The biggest problem with field days is-
WE SCARE NORMAL PEOPLE AWAY!
Unshaven, fly down, belly hanging out, dirty baseball hat wearing, loud mouthed, stinking know it alls.
Field days equals $25,000 of equipment and not a single tooth brush... Think about it..
Larry W8LM
ARRL Life Member
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by N4DFP on July 18, 2003
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I am appalled at the majority of comments on this thread. I know several female Hams, not personally, I met them on the air. They are nice folks. Most also have an OM who is a Ham. Ham radio is a "guy thing"? Nursing is a "gal thing"... funny last time I was in the hospital most of my nurses were guys. From the tenor of these comments, should I stop teaching my 9YO grand-daughter Ham Radio? I don't think so! Guys get a clue! This is the 21st century. Women have had the vote for nearly a century.
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by AC0X on July 18, 2003
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In response to "Where are all the female hams?" or even "where are all the male hams?" or "Where are all the left handed hams?" or "Where are all the right handed hams?" or "Where are all the gay hams?" "Or where are all the straight hams?" or "where are all the slightly-bent hams?" or "where are all the black/white/red/orange/yellow/green/blue/indigo/violet hams?" or "where are all the smoked/cured/baked hams", there is only ONE answer...
They're all out there, waiting for someone to go elmer them to help them get their license. So do it.
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KA0ZJO on July 19, 2003
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I remember a while back on a forty meter nightly net, once in a while a female ham would join in. All the male voices would deepen and all of a sudden the men would attempt to sound intelligent. It was a real laugh to see the change. I have found many women over the years running CW as they can then be “one of the guys” there. And one thing I have noticed that women send really nice CW too.
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KE0SM on July 19, 2003
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I agree with KC0ACT. The social conditioning against communicating with men they don't know is very real for women. If you are a man and you have never noticed, the next time you walk down the street watch how many women that you pass actually look at you. Oh yes, they see you, they don't run into you do they? But they have been conditioned since puberty not to make eye contact with men. If they do, we may take it as sexual interest. Only women involved in set roles, such as a salesperson, are permitted to interact directly with a strange man. Even then, if they are "too" friendly we may take it as an opening. (Of course they don't realize that many hams are so socially inept they wouldn't do anything anyway.)
We are kidding ourselves if we expect women in general to risk initiating contact with men who are absolute strangers and then to talk about their personal lives. Why would they? Most hams simply aren't that interesting, at least not on the air.
Flame away, but these are the facts as I see them.
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by N9CYS on July 19, 2003
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Larry,
Thanks for the good laugh!!! You're absolutely right. No offense guys and gals, but gun clubs, car clubs and ham radio are homo clubs - remember, no offense intended! Heck, golf was that way for years and still is down in Augusta.
Just have fun - and don't forget to brush!
73,
Jim
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by K6ZL on July 19, 2003
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There are few female amateur radio operators because it just does not particularly interest them. And that's all.
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KI4BCL on July 19, 2003
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I was reading this with my wife who is a Marine Corps Major (former CommO and ground radio tech). We were chuckling about the comments, etc. The comments regarding social conditioning, eye contact, etc are right on the money.
Kim (to be licensed) says she'd be glad to come up on the net and talk with younz and she's happy to make eye contact with younz - LOL.
Remember folks - we represent this community - first impressions are lasting impressions.
Take care out there.
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by K3DLB on July 19, 2003
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I agree with KE1MB. Ham radio is mostly a "guy thing." Women would rather be shopping !!!
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by RADIOWAVES on July 19, 2003
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Maybe most of the women hams have been to one to many ham-fests and the B.O. forced them into a new hobby...
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KD5DFM on July 19, 2003
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you hit it right in the nose my friend , they are there if you elcome them and accept them and say hihi ;-)
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by WB8WSF on July 20, 2003
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Ham Radio is mostly a "guy thing" because not very many women get exposed to it as something they might want to do. There is no reason why women can't get into the hobby. They might need encouragement, but then again I can think of a lot of males who never got licences because they too lacked encouragement.
In my case, both my wife Glenda (n8kpl) and daughter Staci (kc8wya) are licensed. My daughter grew up around radios and finally got her license at the age of 15.
There have never been many women in radio and I have seen this question raised in print as far back as the 30's. We males send signals out about things, and one of them I'm sad to say is "go away" to women who might be interested. Ham Radio is just one example of this; the larger issue here is what our society tends to tell women what they can, and can not do.
My daughter had a blast on 6m and 2m ssb at Field Day and just might be a budding weak signal person. All it took was a willingness to show her stuff, and let her run with it. It can be done.
--STeve Andre' (wb8wsf)
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by WOMAN on July 20, 2003
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Get some clues guys. Many women like tech; note the higher numbers of female EE, ME, CE, and CS grads along with the very high numbers of biologists and MDs. Many of us even like to *talk* about tech stuff. Also, note that few hams discuss much in the way of personal issues on the air.
More likely, the reasons you don't hear many women on the air, especially on HF outside some relatively "safe" places like County Hunters and ISSB, have to do with the behavior of the "men" on the air. There are plenty of nice guys in the hobby, but there are enough nasties willing to make rude comments that they can quickly ruin a good experience. In addition, as some of the comments here has demonstrated, quite a few folks can't wait to try and demean women either directly or implicitly. You don't see so much of this at the local level because there, usually on VHF, everbody know who everybody else is, and poor behavior is not tolerated. On HF, these non-gentlemanly cowards cannot be identified as easily, so they get away with their mischief, as some even garner a bit of "respect" from others of their ilk. Finally, when just about any reasonable person (male or female) hears some guys talking as if they know all the answers, are always right, and have the egos to prove it, that person is most likely to conclude that they don't need to be around those jerks. OTOH, once in a while you actually hear some folks *discussing* issues, even technical topics. These are the folks who are bright enough to know that *no one* has it all figured out, and they are the true gems worth chatting with, IMO.
It isn't as simple as sex-role stereotyping any more, and anyone who believes that it is mostly likely is way behind the power curve, living in the distant past, or is just plain ignorant and misogynistic.
Many of us operate mostly CW not to "be one of the boys" but rather to avoid drawing the cowards who like to harrass us.
Since one guys clearly didn't get it, this thread wasn't about meeting single women. Geez, pay attention.
You want more women on the air? Make it a safer place. Make it a place safe for your mother, or sister, or daughter.
Many of us don't cook worth a toot, but we can run some pretty high rates in contests.
Based on 40+ years as a ham (Extra for over 20), I'll refrain from giving my true call since some here are incapable of thoughtful discussion and feel compelled to show their "manhood." Too bad they don't realize what that behavior *really* tells the world about them.
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KE1MB on July 20, 2003
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The "Guy thing" Girl thing" has nothing to do with the hobby being ONLY for one sex or the other or why one has more right to a hobby than another. Try walking thru a toy store. Ever realize they have all the toys for girls in one section and all the toys for boys in another? Sure I would expect a girl to want to walk thu the boy's section as i am sure that a boy might find the girl's toys interesting also. Deciding if you think this is right or not for either child to play with the toys not assigned their gender is anoher matter and has nothing to do with the "Guy thing, Girl thing" comment.
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KE1MB on July 20, 2003
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Ham radio for the most part is a social hobby for men. Go thru your log book and count the ratio of men to women. Again women like to convers with each other and on the air you mostly find men. Now turn to your computer and tell me that YOUR wife does not have a social life going on thru some chat room or web site. Is the only difference here the eqpt. and way the information is passed about. There are more women to be found online than on the air. But we already knew that, right?
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KK7UE on July 20, 2003
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My guess is they are all hiding from the immature ops we all hear on the air. Who could blame them? BTW, anyone attempting to use amateur radio to 'pick up chicks' is in serious need of a 'check-up from the neck up'.
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by M3DMV on July 20, 2003
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Here in the UK, we've recently introduced the 'Foundation' licence. It's an easier route into the hobby. On passing, we get 10Watts, HF, 6, 2, and 70. This is an opportunity to get youngsters into the hobby, the younger they are, the less gender has to do with it. However, to contradict myself, my 14 year-old daughter now thinks she's better than the boys in her class because she's licenced. But the bottom line is that there are a lot of 'Foundation' call females, and a lot more youngsters generally. I think this is a good thing. Maybe (A) starting them young, and (B)opening the hobby to a wider membership by making exams a little easier (though with operating restrictions)is the way to get more females on the air. I accept that there are a lot of men who actively dislike females on the air, and some who dislike youngsters too, but with patience and tollerance, we can all get along. There's enough room on the bands for everybody
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KC9ENK on July 20, 2003
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Have you seen our community lately? We need a facelift and a shower! Seriously, we are very helpful and kind individuals, but consider this: at the last local hamfest I attended, I had to leave one of the buildings because the body odor was so incredibly pungeant. Ham radio is a tremendous service and hobby, but it will not survive the modern digital revolution if we do not market ourselves well and are not good ambassadors to the general public. It is a beauty and the beast scenario that is unfortunate, but a reality nonetheless. We present so well on the air, but there's something about our visual presence that repels the general public. I'm not naive enough to say that they just shouldn't be shallow (nor should I, for that matter), but I do think that it wouldn't hurt us to "clean up our act a bit."
73s - in the most sincere sense,
Chris KC9ENK
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KG4YJQ on July 20, 2003
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Yawn...Will this discussion still be going next week? Or will it be a code vs. no code argument again?
Elaine
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by WP3YU on July 21, 2003
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If what you are saying is true then why are lots of women chatting on internet making contacts with men and talking about their personal lives???
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KC9BNY on July 21, 2003
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I know that if there were a LOT of very beautiful female amateur radio operators showing up in advertisements and gracing our airwaves with the sirens song then the thralls of wanna-be 'hams' would flock to exam sites. Hey for all you CW lovers just put lots of 'hot' women in your contests and on QSL cards and again in ads and let them be heard on your HF bands and CW will never die. LOL
There are very obvious and simple reasons beautiful women enjoy most other hobbies not ours! Do you know why?
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by W3RAZ on July 21, 2003
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First I want to say....ARE YOU GUYS THAT ARE REPLYING MEN OR NOT? I have NEVER seen a group of people whine and complain like the folks do on eHam about B.O.! GET A LIFE and take out the garbage once in a while. Men don't smell like females, so get OVER IT! GEESH!
Second, it's not a male/female hobby thing. Several of our net controls on our local traffic net are FEMALE! We have a new woman ham who has started to check in to the nets at night and she's already passed traffic! A local woman ham was a ARES lead at some point. Women WILL get involved if the hams in your area are not prejudiced against it. My best ham friend is a female and I really love talking with her and she likes talking with us guys. If your local repeater sounds like a OM channel then no wonder they females don't talk! When you hear a female call listening/monitoring on a repeater talk to her like you would anyone else. Encourage them! We need hams of all sexes to be on the air. There are lady hams out there. Try looking for YLRL (Young Ladies Radio League) chapters (http://www.ylrl.org). Also if your in OH, look up the Buckeye Belles (and a few Beaus who help) a very active group consisting of almost all YL's. If you get active enough, try to start your own YLRL group. Have a YL net on your local machine. YL's will get involved and get interested if they are treated like anyone else. If the sexist attitude that has purveyed this thread is the atmosphere on the local repeater, can you blame them??
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by RADIOWAVES on July 21, 2003
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Naw, I think you’re all wrong. I still say it’s the body odder from the typical "take a bath once a week, need it or not hams." PU, you stink...
If you don't notice the smell at the next ham fest, maybe it because your on of the stinky ones... Please clean up before you plan on spending the day around others. Women don't like smelly, rude, think they know it all men...
We like kind, clean, willing to listen men.
Now shut-up, stop pretending you know it all and go take a bath...
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by BREAK19 on July 21, 2003
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I am guessing by his comment, w3ra? is on of the hygienically challenged.
And besides… I wouldn’t get too worked up about the lack of women in the hobby. PLC is going to kill ham radio anyway …
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KC0ODY on July 22, 2003
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The ill will created over the endless code/no code debate, combined with the inevitability of BPL, will ensure that ham radio is a term that will be relegated to the past by the time many of our grandkids are grown. They'll come across the term on some e-cyclopedia and ask, "grandpa/ma, what was 'ham radio' all about?", with the same level of curiosity they would have when asking about such other passe' things like Model Ts, iceboxes, 8 track tapes and Betamax.
When I first got interested in ham radio and obtained a license, I had NO idea that there was so much ill will between hams over a few key topics like the code test, incentive licensing, and the "dumbing down" of amateur radio. I didn't really have any preset expectations, but I'm utterly disheartened that hams cannot seem to stick together in the face of the ultimate theft of our privileges due to the coming interference that BPL will create on most of the ham bands.
I read the discussions on boards like these, and I see discussion about the BPL threat, but I see a LOT more discussions (and I'm being generous when I call them "discussions"-- they are more like kindergarten-level name calling sessions) about that BAD CODE TEST or about that BAD NO-CODE TECH LICENSEE. Yada, yada yada. Not to mention some of the garbage that I've seen posted on this particular thread, about women hams and why there aren't more of us. Many of us are mothers, and everyday we hear a lot of whining and demands from our kids. What makes you think we like to get embroiled in an online or on-air version of the same?
Where I once thought that the incessant bickering between amateurs was confined to Internet forums, since the IARU did away with the code requirement for HF recently, now I'm starting to hear bickering on the airwaves too. It's really very disappointing that people cannot just get past this issue.
This will be the last post I make to eham.net. I'll be moving soon and no longer have access to HF with my rig packed away. Given that I'm moving to an antenna-restricted location, I may just leave the HF rig in its box and find something else to do for awhile.
I have had many hobbies. In none of them did I experience the infighting and bickering that ham radio has; not even close. And I've only been involved in amateur radio for about 8 months. What an indictment. You can't make a comment anywhere without some numbskull turning it into a no code/know code debate. You can't say one blasted thing on the forums without someone criticizing you for being a product of a 'dumbed-down' licensure system. The name calling that occurs on these boards is just endless.
When hobbies cease to be fun, they just cease to be, and people will find other things to do.
I hope that amateur radio's participants will eventually find a way to put the code issue behind them and find a way to save the HF bands from tremendous interference. Good luck to all of you and 73.
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by W3RAZ on July 22, 2003
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I have never met a ham that was stinky. Seriously! I am also not stinky. Shower once a day at least and I wear antiperspirant. I have seen stinky ones but usually there was a reason that they coud not help. Getting rained on at Dayton makes everyone smell like a wet dog!
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KE1MB on July 22, 2003
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SOme of you guys just don't get it. I guess it is hard for some guys to understand that there are differences between men and women. That their interest may slightly differ. Not saying that ham radio could not be of interest to a woman, or that some guy might enjoy sewing little outfits for dolls. But enought said, this is not getting thru. Too much QRM, you'll have to come back with that one.
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by W3RAZ on July 22, 2003
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KC0ODY I agree with you, but try to keep with it. We are not all bickering numbskulls! Thankfully, in my area they are in the minority. You can always finda nice ham to tak to on Echolink and thankfully there are alot of repeaters. If the numbskulls take over one machine, I just move. If you want to find a good set of hams, find a local ARES(Saw you are involved there!) group and get involved. Also, check in to your local traffic net. I find traffic handlers to be among the best hams I have seen. At least they have the right mindset anyway! Also, I have not heard a code/no-code battle on air in quite sometime (at least in my area). The Columbus area generally has some of the most professional Amateur Radio operators I have ever met/seen. We are helpful and welcome all ladies on to the nets. I do not have HF totally setup yet (only 10 m right now and it's not completely setup....going to try to do a HF Pack setup). I check in regularly to COTN (Central Ohio Traffic Net) and also the discussion nets (which I may add have been a lack of code debates). I just put my name on the ARES list and will be doing mostly portable work as I have the same problem you do Jackie! I hope your read this because we're not all this way. Far from it. Don't let the trolls on eHam or QRZ get the best of ya! 73 W3RAZ
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by W3RAZ on July 22, 2003
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KE1MB Thanks for the insight....I needed you to tell me this?? YES they are different. Men and Women generally do like different things and this is the exact reason we should treat our female hams on the air and on the net with just as much respect as we would in person. This attitude that men and women are different get over it thing is getting old. Amateur Radio does not a sport make. A female can put up an antenna and work the world just as well as a male. I could understand if this was a dicussion about football, but it is not. Personally, female voices can break thru the din alot easier than male voices can sometimes as well. I would also like someone to talk to that is not a cranky CW operator! Remember, this is the 21st century. Hams should be at the forefront as much as possible. Let's get going and get digital voice working and put up some repeaters!
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KE1MB on July 22, 2003
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Well you know from reading the responces here it really makes me wonder. I think we are talking about two different things. Correct me if i am wrong here, but is the first one about ham radio being fit for either sex? Just because men and women like different things does not mean that either cannot enjoy what the majority of that gender enjoys. The other is I believe a simple one, where are all the female hams. So we proceed to figure it out, as most men do, and point our fingers at body odor, odd looks, and rude comments on the air, none of which I think we have all agreed on to be the sole reason why women are not knocking down the door of the local ham radio store grabing up all blowout sales. So why is this question still unanswered? Well I simply state that the differences between the genders and their tendencys to enjoy certian things geared towards them as a possable answer, as some seem to agree on while others get this confused with it being a right to enjoy something, rather a tendency to do something.
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by W3RAZ on July 22, 2003
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Yes but I just don't think Ham Radio is any more geared towards males then it is females. There is a place for everyone in ham radio be it rag chewing on a repeater or working DX or working ARES events. The ATTITUDE that females will never be interested or never should get interested because it's not geared for them is what I fight. I contend that Ham Radio is fun NOT just for us male hams, but also the females. What we need to show the females is something that does appeal to them. Packet QSO's hooked a friend of mine and once she was on packet, she'd chat away with other hams. Then it moved to phone. All it takes is one little item. But the ATTITUDE as well as the chuvanism attitude that they will never be interested would scare away many a woman. So, I never say that Ham Radio is geared more towards males or females. I say it's geared towards PEOPLE! Anyone can have fun. I am not trying to ram it down anyone's throat, but I would like to project a image of ham radio that makes it fun for everyone as well as show how we can help the public. Alot of time, that aspect is not pushed enough. We should all want to volunteer with ARES if we can. We are more then ragchewing on local repeaters or on HF. We should be the service to the public that we were meant to be.
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by W3DCG on July 22, 2003
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Seems many of the hot babe female could be hams are, well... pragmatic. Efficient. Smart.
Oh and for sure, in my life's observations, women sure DO like to talk. Generally of course.
My guess is, you can find these potential gals, on cell phones, telephones, and I.M./Email!!! Constantly gabbing via links that work regardless of propagation, en rte to Day Care, the market, Home Depot/Lowes, Target, and the Shoe Department. Their lives are busy, they tolerate the man hams in their lives with patience that deserves at least a trophy, from time to time.
And then, well, the YLs are certainly out there! We must be careful not to generalize, although statistics speak for themselves.
My wife is too busy dealing with kids for now. She's really smart, but I think not very interested in any of it except for CW. She likes that idea. I've seen this happen with hams of all types who use their voices in a professional capacity. Gravitating towards ham radio because of CW.
But the YLs are out there. At least four come to mind, and all on CW to boot! Of course on phone you wonderful young ladies stand out like beacons, as luminescence cutting through dense fog, near a coast line on a moonless night.
Always great to run into you any mode, any time.
Well, maybe actually, only 3 come to mind. Come to think of it, yeah, I think one was Carol...
yeah, nothing like sending 88 to the guy named Carol! One draw-back to CW if you have a unisex name. Then again, perhaps a genderless mode as such is a good thing.
I did rather enjoy the short history lesson I earned, on the origins of the name Carol, hi.
Wellness to all you humans out here.
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KE1MB on July 23, 2003
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I have tried several times to express an observation. And everytime i try it gets taken out of contex. So this is one last attempt. My post have not been about attitude, what is meant for or not meant for, or that the hobby in general has a man's name stamped on it. It does not say not to encourage one because of their gender, it doesnot say that women are not willing, or that they may not find it a worth while way to spend their time. As you all now must think I am a backwoods ingrate unable to exclude gender from certian stereo types. I simply stated an observation and that is all. What bothers me? Seeing a mother in a toy store scold her son for picking up a toy intended for a girl, he is told," That is for a girl, your not supposed to play with that, that is wrong!". This bothers me and all the talk in the world about what is or is not will stop this from going on, this is simply how it is. maby not for YOU, but for many it is.
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by WS4V on July 23, 2003
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Well..it's kind of like asking, "Why aren't there more men at craft shows and tupperware parties?"
Science shows that man are attracted to and interested in gadgets, remote controls, anything with lots of buttons and gizmos or things that go 'beep' on command.
Car manufacturers know this. That's why there are DVD players, GPS receivers and XM radio options available in the newer cars.
This is why I must drool every time I watch TechTV.. I'm a guy.
Women, generally being more sensitive and creative tend to gravitate towards "artsey" things.
All you have to do is take a gander at one of my daily stacks of delivered US mail. The catalogs for Crutchfield, AES and Sharper Image are addressed to me. The catalogs for Pottery Barn and Southern living go to my wife.
Or, take a look at our TV viewing. I watch COPS; my wife likes Lifetime Television or the Home and Garden TV channel.
(my apologies to non-US ham for listing lots of products and services probably only found in US. Just trying to make a point via commercialism)
The summary of all this: Men are from Mars; Women are from Venus...Or, so I've heard...
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KI4BAS on July 23, 2003
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Many think ham radio is "boring" or are scared that some "psycho" will come after you. I am a female ham that was introduced to the grand hobby by my best friend, Aaron (KI4BAU). We took our exams together and talk to each other all the time. Field day rolled around and I was one of about 2 or 3 female hams(that I knew of) that were there. The guys are very nice and have been helping me out since I got my tech's license in June. I think very rewarding friendships can come with opposite gender friends. I find that I fit in easily with the hams at the Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio Club. I am only 15 and am one of 2 females at the club. Ham Radio is the best! I think it is especially neat to hear husband/wife hams talk. It is very sweet to hear somebody sign off with "88" rather than "73". -Naomi Musselman
KI4BAS
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KG4PTZ on July 23, 2003
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Naomi, I have to agree with you. There are quite a few folks (and not just females) who think that some psycho will come after them just because they talked to that person on the air (Joyride has, in a little over an hour, successfully destroyed years of public relations that most ham radio operators and some, gasp, CB operators, have tried to spread.) At Virginia Tech, I know quite a few YL's who are not licensed and have often expressed such concerns, and at this point I have had to explain the situation to them. Ok, so none of them have gotten a license yet, but they now know how grossly mis-portrayed things can be. As most hams have seen, John and Jane Q Public don't know the difference between CB and ham radio, and that can be lethal when it comes to encouraging female hams. In my time as a ham, I have only worked five or six female hams (including you) and about 200 males. As some have pointed out, ham radio is mostly a guy hobby, as are my other hobbies, of foxhunting (release the hounds, then find the hidden transmitters on their collars) and fishing. As for chat rooms, little technical knowledge is needed, outside of typing. I also agree that ham radio is not the place to meet single females. I have no advice for those who are trying to do so, as I haven't had any success in that department recently. Anyway, off that soapbox, back on frequency, yes taking a shower does improve ham radio's image and no, our field day wasn't as horrid as some have described theirs. At our field day (K4NRW atop Big Walker Mountain) there was nary a drop of alcohol, and all of us were clean and not smelly, and we welcomed everyone ranging from a couple from Ontario to a semi-local family to a [female] forest service agent to the sheriff of Wythe County. When one of us greeted these folks, we made it a point to show them the station site and explain what was going on. They usually had questions about it and it may have sparked some interest in them. This is one of many ways we can make this hobby more female-friendly, and more friendly in general.
73,
Kenny Lewis, Jr.
Concord, VA
KG4PTZ
Treasurer, Virginia Tech Amateur Radio Association
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by W5WVO on July 24, 2003
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I find this thread interesting, so I'm going to try to contribute something to it.
There has been a lot of talk about men and women being perfectly capable of enjoying the same things. True! But I feel the primary confusion here has to do with the *actual* social orientations of most men and most women, and how those orientations really differ. Of course there are some great women in ham radio, but the percentage has always been small. In general, most women seem to be simply not interested, based on my personal experiences trying to get numerous women interested in it. Why so? I have a few ideas.
My own fascination with ham radio -- I expect this is true of most male hams -- always stemmed from the fact that I could communicate over LONG DISTANCES using a TECHNOLOGY (tool) that I could PROVIDE FOR MYSELF and OWN (either by building or purchasing), and CONTROL, without having to be DEPENDENT on any existing infrastructure (the phone company, the post office, physical proximity, etc). What is actually communicated by means of this technology is very secondary. The main thing is, I CAN DO IT ON MY OWN with MY radio, MY antenna, MY call sign. (On MY frequency... <LOL>) This is a fundamentally male paradigm rooted in male physiology, male social evolution, and the male struggle for survival and dominance in a theatening, dangerous world. (Think HUNTING, for example.)
Yes, women love to talk. (So do I.) But ham radio is not fundamentally about talking with people. If it were, we would just use our flat-rate, free-long-distance cell phones, or our Internet connections -- or, in an earlier time, correspond by post. (As many people did.) No, it's fundamentally about the technology, and more specifically about OWNING and CONTROLLING the technology. Most women are simply not interested in technology IN THAT WAY. To them, it's a possible means to a desired end, IF it works seamlessly and transparently to accomplish that end, and doesn't get in the way of it. We guys LIKE the fact that ham radio is neither seamless nor transparent, that it's HARD, because it makes us feel much more successful when we can make it work. (Again, think of the classical post-hunt stories of hardship, persistance, cunning, and finally success over a formidable foe. This is quintessential male paradigm stuff.)
The inception of repeaters and digital modes has changed this paradigm on VHF/UHF -- and it's there, not surprisingly, that you actually find the majority of the newer fenale hams, using ham radio, as another poster pointed out, primarily to keep in touch with family and friends.
Most women I know, and have spoken with about it, also feel that talking with a bunch of people you don't know (as in HF hamming), and who in all likelihood share few if any of your interests, is boring and a waste of time. Why would anyone want to do that? Where's the intimacy, the interpersonal chemistry? The involvement? The sharing? Yes, of course these things do happen in ham radio, but again, it's not a primary characteristic of the hobby. It's a side benefit for those who choose to make it happen that way.
Now, somebody is going to point out that women flock to Internet chat rooms in large numbers, and talk for hours with people they don't know. Very true -- but there is one key difference: Chat rooms (and even e-mail, if you want it that way) are ANONYMOUS, and therefore more or less safe. And, the technology has evolved to the point where it is almost seamless and transparent.
A corollary data point: How many women did you find on the Internet in 1993 (outside of Academe, where the infrastructure was set up for you)? As a private Internet user a decade ago, you pretty much had to have a background in UNIX, computer hardware, operating systems, and TCP/IP just to get it to work at all. I was on the Internet by 1993, and I know. Damned few women. Not because women weren't intrinsically capable of doing all those things -- they just had (and have) different priorities. "Let me know when it actually works" was a rejoinder I often heard from women in those days.
That's my take on it. Yes, it's a male-female thing, and that's fine, because there will always be plenty of room for people who are out on the edge of the normal distribution, who are going against the "norm" a little bit. And yes, we should grant these women the utmost in respect and courtesy and friendliness for being here in a basically alien social landscape. More power to them.
Bill / W5WVO
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KE4ARH on July 24, 2003
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"Get some clues guys. Many women like tech; note the higher numbers of female EE, ME, CE, and CS grads along with the very high numbers of biologists and MDs. "
Oh please get your facts correct prior to speaking with supposed authority.
There is not a "higher" number of female EE, etc. unless you are comparing now with 1890.
The fact is that for whatever reasons, females continue to be underrepresented in the fields you mention....and it's decreasing.
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by AB8PX on July 25, 2003
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I don't know who 'WOMAN' is - but she said something about some guys not being nice. I haven't seen it in ham radio. I am a 52 year old guy. I have listened to ham radio since I was a kid. I had & lost a novice license as a kid, got back into the hobby about 15 years ago. I must say that I have never heard a female ham being harassed - not once. I have asked several female hams if they had ever been mistreated on the bands. Not one said they had been mistreated - though some said they were teased - but not in bad taste. My wife now has her tech ticket - and ham radio is a wonderful addition to our lives.
There may be one other deterrent in the minds of some women. With just a call sign, someone can find their mailing address. This may disturb some women, so I would suggest a PO Box, or friend's address - where she could get any mail - if she didn't want her street address to be out on the web.
We live in a world which seems to be sinking into paranoia, and I can understand why some women would be nervous to go out on the air. I can say this much. Some of the finest, most solid women I've ever met - are hams. I'm very thankful to be married to one of them. Jim - AB8PX
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KB2LUV on July 25, 2003
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If you conduct yourselves in a professional and courteous manner, in public or on the air, people will want to be part of your group, whether they are male or female. Does the good ol boy attitude drive the ladies away from your group?
The membership of the Skyline Amateur Radio Club in Central New York is approximately 1/4 female, and the same proportion of female members are active on the air as the males. Some are married to hams and some are not, and they participate in the same activities.
I hope W8LM's description of radio club appearances at field days or any other public activity isn't typical. If it is I can't see why anyone, female or not, would be attracted to the hobby. SARC has nice golf shirts with our club logo and names embroidered in the shirts, and these are worn by club members at hamfests, field days, and public service events. And we bring our combs, shavers and toothbrushes to field days, as it is an event that is open to the public, including county dignitaries. Again, operate and conduct yourself in a courteous manner and our hobby will become attractive to all!
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KC8WCW on July 26, 2003
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KB2LUV: Hey, I'm a guy, and the "good old boy" attitude has certainly turned me away. I have no problem understanding why it would be less than appealing to the average female.
KC8WCW
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KI4AZW on July 28, 2003
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I've heard that a Ham invented the toothbrush. Thus the name "toothbrush" as opposed to "teethbrush".
Hi hi, just kidding.... really!!!
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by N0TRK on August 4, 2003
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Well at field day, I saw one calling CQ on 40 meters, another working at the PR shack doing messages on packet and one staffing the cook shack. During an NDMS drill, there was one who was net control, another who was comm liasion with the Red Cross and another who had been responsible for scheduling those working. Others are out spotting during weather events. Female hams are active in our club, teaching classes, maintaining databases, creating the newsletter, serving as PR chairman, creating and maintaining web the web site. Acting as control op for repeaters. Responsible for the door prizes at meetings and flea markets. Another serves on the board of directors of the club. She likes to work DX from her car on her way to work. These and other females are heard on the radio all the time. Talking to each other, and <gasp> talking to men, other than their husbands.
If there aren't many women on the air in your area ask yourself why? When I got my license I was welcomed by the club, allowed to get involved in more than just serving refreshments. I am not intimidated by the "good old boy network" at work or on the radio, but talking to a bunch of men in intimidating to many women. If you find one who is not, welll..... get here on the air and you might be surprised how many other women show up.
I go to hamfests with my husband and our friends. Amazingly mostly couples where both are hams. Trips to Dayton are carpool affairs, we get together to work contests from someone's shack. We are in ARES and help with any aspect of the club that interests us. The real question for you all is to ask, what are you doing to encourage not only female, but new hams to get on the air?
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RE: Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KD5UOR on August 13, 2003
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Check out KQ6XA. Bonnie is a fun HAM and knows her stuff as well. She sent me perfect CW on 17 meters while she was riding a bicycle, and I was copying her from Mexico. Check out her profile on QRZ.COM.
XE2/KD5UOR
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Women dont like this stuff
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by WB4M on September 13, 2003
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I guess somewhere, a womens group on sewing and knitting is asking "where are all the male members"? Only 2 percent of our knitters are men! Well duh, wonder why? I've shown several females my hobby but most rolled their eyes and said "looks real interesting, now lets go to the movie". Most women are not drawn to activities like ham radio just as men dont like making dresses. Well, most don't....
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RE: Women dont like this stuff
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by WA4BWO on January 14, 2004
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Is this guy,girl thing just a disguise for the code,no-code thing? HUmMMMMMmmmmmmMMMM!
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RE: Women dont like this stuff
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by N6AYJ on September 9, 2004
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May I be permitted to be chauvinist? I think we need more women hams, too! I like to read QST's YL Activity column. Many of those YL's and XYL's are very attractive, much better looking and not generally as overweight as a lot of OM's, and I like to see attractive women! I think they look so nice because they are enjoying themselves. Happy people are always more attractive than unhappy ones. You go, 'YL's!
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RE: Women dont like this stuff
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by N2CTZ on November 4, 2004
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women like to shop and talk on cell phones and can be seen in their natural habitat the mall on weekends
sorry but its very rare to find female hams
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RE: Women dont like this stuff
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by KB7LYM on December 6, 2004
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You better start looking my boy ! Plenty of female Hamradio Operators around. Looks to me you have a little chip on your shoulder. Go to the Mall and find a pretty one. Who know she might be Hamradio Operator Extra Class who got a Handheld and a Cell Phone.
Take her out.... Buy Dinner. Go Horseback riding. Have a BBQ and smell the flowers. Oh Yes... Don't take her to McDonalds....It won't work !!
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RE: Women dont like this stuff
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by WA2DYA on December 15, 2004
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Does anyone know what the pecentage of 'girl' hams really is? I have never seen any statistics on that subject.
I would guess about 5%.
--- CHAS
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Where are All the Female Hams?
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by KF6CZG on February 6, 2006
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Our local club has a number of women members, though I'm not entirely sure "Y"L would describe most of them. (It's a rather grey-haired crowd.) The club I was last involved with was the same way. Unfortunately the male/female ratio isn't exactly the best, but I'd hope that that's improving.
I'm trying to do my part and get my XYL licensed, but she still hasn't passed her driver's test, so it might be a while.
I've spoken to a number of female amateurs over Echolink on the Missing Lynk conference server- one I know is a die-hard 220Mhz fan who runs her own link in Alabama.
They're out there, but if you can encourage more females to get licensed I won't be complaining. :)
73's, KF6CZG
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