At IGN, we're thrilled to celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped history and our industry. These trailblazers create, inspire, empower, and drive positive change not only during Women's History Month but every month. We invite you to join us in learning about, celebrating, and amplifying women's voices. Here's a comprehensive guide to Women's History Month and exciting ways to honor it this March.
The History Behind Women's History Month
Women's History Month originated from a petition by the National Women’s History Project in 1987, aiming to "celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields."
Did you know that Women’s History Month started as "Women’s History Week" during the week of March 7, 1982? It was not until 1987 that this cultural event expanded to a month-long, national celebration. Persistent efforts ensured its recognition, and every President since 1995 has issued annual proclamations designating March as Women’s History Month.
TL;DR - 8 Ways to Celebrate Women's History Month
- Learn About Women in History and Share Their Stories
- Support Women-Owned Businesses and Professionals
- Watch Movies or Shows Directed by Women
- Read Books Written by Women Authors
- Play Games Created by Women
- Listen to Podcasts Featuring Women
- Volunteer at Women-Based Organizations
- Donate to Programs and Organizations Uplifting Women
1. Learn About Women in History and Share Their Stories
Dive into the rich tapestry of women's contributions throughout history. Explore resources from museums like the Smithsonian, women-led organizations such as StoryCorps, and history-based publishers like The History Channel.
More suggested reads:
- How Women Taught Me to Love and Build Games
- Read Yoko Shimomura's Story: The Composer of Kingdom Hearts, Super Mario RPG, and More Wins Game Developers Choice Award for Lifetime Achievement
- Twelve Black Women You Should Know
- 10 Women Inventors You Should Know
2. Support Women-Owned Businesses and Professionals
Empower women in business by shopping from women-owned businesses on platforms like Etsy, or browsing directories such as WBD and FoundedByHer. Amazon also offers a filter to shop from women-owned retailers across various categories.
Supporting women's career growth is equally important. Organizations like SoundGirls provide networking opportunities for women in the audio industry, fostering a strong support network. Share success stories and engage with organizations offering workshops and resources to uplift women in business.
Also see: 14 Great Women Comic Book Writers.
3. Watch Movies or Shows Featuring Women or Directed by Women
Explore content featuring strong female leads or directed by women. Hulu offers a collection of shows and movies with Black female leads, while Showtime's SHOWTIME WOMEN® network showcases films, documentaries, and shorts by female talents.
Following the 2025 Oscars, don't miss out on acclaimed films like Anora, which won accolades for lead actress Mikey Madison.
What We Said in Our Anora Review
Writer Lex Briscuso praised, "Sean Baker’s hysterical and moving Anora serves up its lead character’s purity of heart on a silver platter, showing us what it means to be let down just when the world seems so full of possibility. In this frank exploration of sex work, class, and the promises we make and break, the director reaches our souls and reminds us life isn’t all it seems to be through a story of outcasts and outsiders."
7 Days Free### Hulu Free Trial
67See it at HuluHere are more ways to watch Anora.
Discover Women Directors
Celebrate films directed by women, including hits like Barbie, American Psycho, and The Hurt Locker. Streaming services like Netflix offer curated lists of movies directed by women to help you find your next watch.
Watch Women's Sports
Don't overlook women's sports. ESPNW covers major sports from NWSL, WNBA, NCAAW, and more. Justwomenssports.com is dedicated to women's sports, and we've partnered with WOW (Women of Wrestling) for exclusive interviews at events like SDCC. Stream most major events on:
### ESPN+
10Sign up for a standalone ESPN+ subscription or as part of the Disney Bundle that includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. See it at ESPN+
4. Read Books Written by Women
With women publishing over 50% of all books since 2020, there's no shortage of incredible reads. BookRiot highlights that this increase has boosted the book industry, which saw a 12.3% year-on-year increase in 2021, reaching $29.3 billion. Dive into diverse genres and add to your reading list with titles like these:
- 10 books by Black women
Here are some top-rated books by women authors to get you started via Amazon.
### Best-Selling Books by Women Authors
0Browse Amazon's most popular best sellers based on sales and updated frequently. From Kindle Editions to paperback.See it at Amazon
5. Play and Discover Women-Led Games
Discover games crafted by women, from Portal and Celeste to the Uncharted series and classics like Centipede. Celebrate games like Celeste, which has become a significant cultural touchstone for trans representation. Available on Nintendo.com for $19.99, it's a must-play.Despite women making up only about 22% of the video game industry, their impact is undeniable. Learn more from a 2017 snapshot of women and non-binary professionals in game development.
Explore lists featuring women creators on platforms like G2A, Microsoft's curated lists of games created and curated by women.
6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women
Explore a wide range of podcasts hosted by women, covering news, history, comedy, pop culture, and more. NY Public Radio offers a list of over 100 women-hosted podcasts available on platforms like Spotify, Apple, and Amazon. Here are some recommendations from IGN's podcast enthusiasts:
1. You're Wrong About
In You're Wrong About, Sarah reconsiders historical figures and events often misconstrued in the public eye. Listen on Apple.
2. Ladies & Tangents
For relatable conversations on companionship and human rights, tune into Ladies & Tangents with Jeri and Ciara. Listen on Apple.
3. Scam Goddess
Laci Mosley's Scam Goddess dives into the latest scams with a humorous twist, offering "true fun crime." Listen on Apple.
4. Axe of the Blood God
RPG enthusiasts can enjoy Axe of the Blood God, hosted by Kat Bailey, Nadia Oxford, and Eric Van Allen, as they delve into the best in role-playing games. Listen on Apple.
5. What's Good Games
For gaming news and hands-on impressions, check out What's Good Games with Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Riana Manuel-Peña. Listen on Apple.
6. My Favorite Murder
Join the "Murderinos" fan club with My Favorite Murder, the hit true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Listen on Apple.
7. This Ends At Prom
This Ends at Prom offers a unique perspective on teen girl movies, exploring womanhood from queer, feminist, cisgender, and trans viewpoints, hosted by BJ Colangelo and Harmony Colangelo. Listen on Apple.
8. Girlfriend Material
For a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, listen to Girlfriend Material, hosted by comedy creator and TikToker Rosie Turner, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Listen on Apple.
9. A Little Queer
Explore queer culture, advice, and media with Capri and Ashley on A Little Queer. Listen on Apple.
10. The Artist In Me Is Dead
Revive your creativity with The Artist In Me Is Dead, where host Rhonda Willers and guests explore the creative process. Listen on Apple.
11. Conversations With Moon Body Soul
For holistic wellness and self-care inspiration, tune into Conversations With Moon Body Soul, hosted by Kaitee Tyner. Listen on Apple.
