eHam.net News

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YL 33: The First Female Ham Radio Operators, and Their Awesome Legacy:

Posted: 14 Dec 2014 04:02 PM PST
http://www.eham.net/articles/33693


Love, sealed with friendship: Historically, literacy -- in its many forms
-- has given the marginalized a way to speak and participate in a system
that previously prevented them from doing so. And while the printing press
revolutionized the way writing was exchanged and shared with the world, the
invention of radio as entertainment, emergency, and communication
technology had a similar effect on oral storytelling. From this, ham radio,
also known as amateur radio, was born as a subset of commercial radio. The
appeal of communicating independently to others across the globe struck a
chord with many people in the early 20th century -- including women looking
for ways to participate in war efforts, and connect with other women around
the world. Although enthusiasm for ham radio as the medium of choice for
hobbyists, veterans, and emergency responders hasn't waned much over the
last fifty or so years, the hobby is making a strong resurgence as aspiring
makers acknowledge radio's contribution to the movement. Many hams consider
amateur radio to be the original maker skill, requiring knowledge of
electricity, geography and communication. And it's one of many mediums that
gave women the chance to have a global voice -- and they took it.