At IGN, we're thrilled to celebrate the remarkable women in our history and industry who inspire, empower, and drive positive change not just during Women's History Month, but every month. We invite you to join us in our ongoing commitment to learning, celebrating, and amplifying women's voices. Here's everything you need to know about Women's History Month and some fantastic ways to celebrate 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, aimed at celebrating the invaluable contributions women have made to the United States and recognizing their specific achievements across various fields throughout American history.
Did you know that Women’s History Month started as "Women’s History Week" during the week of March 7, 1982? It wasn't until 1987 that this cultural event expanded into a month-long, national celebration. Efforts to maintain its recognition have been ongoing, with every President since 1995 issuing 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
Delve into the rich tapestry of women's stories in history available online, from inventors to leaders. Start your journey at museums and their website archives like the Smithsonian, women-run organizations such as StoryCorps, and trusted 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
Support women in business by shopping from artists, streamers, and more. Utilize online platforms like Etsy and directories such as WBD or FoundedByHer to discover women-led enterprises. Amazon also offers a filter to shop from women-owned retailers across various categories.
Supporting career growth is crucial too. Organizations like SoundGirls provide networking opportunities for women in the audio industry, helping to build a strong support network. Sharing success stories and contributing to organizations offering workshops and resources can significantly uplift women in business.
Also see: 14 Great Women Comic Book Writers.
3. Watch Movies or Shows Featuring Women or Directed by Women
If you're unsure where to start, Hulu features a collection of shows and movies with Black female leads, while Showtime's SHOWTIME WOMEN® network celebrates women in front of and behind the camera.
Following the 2025 Oscars, catch up on hit films like Anora, which earned lead actress Mikey Madison an Oscar.
How to Watch AnoraWhat We Said in Our Anora Review
Writer Lex Briscuso praised Anora, stating, "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 platforms like Netflix make it easy to find these movies.
Watch Women's Sports
Where to Buy Play It ForwardDon't overlook women's sports. From ESPNW covering major events in NWSL, WNBA, NCAAW, and more, to dedicated sites like justwomenssports.com, there's no shortage of action. IGN has also partnered with Women of Wrestling (WOW), and you can find out where to stream WOW here.
Women's sports are gaining popularity across soccer, basketball, wrestling, and more. 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
Explore the vast world of literature written by women, spanning all genres. According to BookRiot, women have published more than 50% of all books since 2020, boosting the book industry with a 12.3% year-on-year increase in 2021. This not only diversifies the industry but also resonates well with readers.
Here's a powerful list of 10 books by Black women to add to your reading list.
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
Behind many beloved games are women creators, developers, directors, designers, and writers. From Portal to Celeste, Uncharted, and classics like Centipede, women have left an indelible mark on the gaming world. Celeste, for instance, made a significant cultural impact with its Five-Year Journey to Becoming One of the Most Important Trans Games Ever. (Available for $19.99 on Nintendo.com).Despite women constituting only about 22% of the video game industry, their contributions are vital. Learn more from a 2017 snapshot of women and non-binary professionals in game development, which remains relevant today.
Explore game lists featuring women creators on sites like G2A, Microsoft, and others to get started.
6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women
Whether your interests lie in news, history, comedy, pop culture, or crime, there are numerous podcasts hosted by women. 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 (in no particular order):
1. You're Wrong About
In You're Wrong About, journalist Sarah reconsiders a person or event that's been miscast in the public imagination. Listen on Apple.
2. Ladies & Tangents
If you enjoy staying in but want to feel connected, Jeri and Ciara's Ladies & Tangents podcast offers relatable conversations on companionship and human rights. Listen on Apple.
3. Scam Goddess
Laci Mosley's Scam Goddess keeps you updated on the latest scams and historic hoodwinks with humor, offering true fun crime. Listen on Apple.
4. Axe of the Blood God
RPG gaming fans can join Kat Bailey, Nadia Oxford, and Eric Van Allen as they explore the best in role-playing games. Listen on Apple.
5. What's Good Games
For gaming enthusiasts, Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Riana Manuel-Peña analyze the latest video game news and offer hands-on impressions. Listen on Apple.
6. My Favorite Murder
Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark host the original hit true crime comedy podcast, My Favorite Murder. Join the "Murderinos" fan club. Listen on Apple.
7. This Ends At Prom
This Ends at Prom examines the staying power of womanhood in teen girl movies from queer, feminist cisgender, and trans perspectives, hosted by BJ Colangelo and Harmony Colangelo. Listen on Apple.
8. Girlfriend Material
Rosie Turner's "Gay-Z" podcast, Girlfriend Material, offers funny stories and moving moments, catering to everyone on their LGBTQ+ journey. Listen on Apple.
9. A Little Queer
Dive into queer culture, advice, and media with Capri and Ashley on A Little Queer. Listen on Apple.
10. The Artist In Me Is Dead
Rhonda Willers explores creativity and how people tap into it on The Artist In Me Is Dead. Listen on Apple.
11. Conversations With Moon Body Soul
Kaitee Tyner shares insights on holistic wellness and self-care on Conversations With Moon Body Soul. Listen on Apple.