At IGN, we're thrilled to celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped our history and industry. These women create, inspire, empower, and drive positive change not just during Women's History Month, but every day. We invite you to join us in learning, celebrating, and amplifying women's voices year-round. Here’s everything you need to know about Women's History Month and how 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. Its purpose was 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." Initially starting as "Women’s History Week" during the week of March 7 in 1982, it evolved into a month-long national celebration in 1987. Since 1995, every President has issued annual proclamations designating March as Women’s History Month, ensuring continued recognition of women's contributions.
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
Explore the rich tapestry of women's contributions across various fields by visiting museum websites like the Smithsonian, organizations such as StoryCorps, and trusted resources like The History Channel. Dive deeper into their stories with these 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
Show your support for women entrepreneurs by shopping 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. Additionally, supporting women's career growth is vital. Organizations like SoundGirls provide networking and support for women in the audio industry. Sharing success stories and promoting organizations that offer 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
Begin your journey with Hulu's featured collection of shows and movies with Black female leads or explore Showtime's SHOWTIME WOMEN® network, which showcases unique and groundbreaking works by female talents. Following the 2025 Oscars, catch up on acclaimed films like "Anora," where lead actress Mikey Madison won an Oscar.
How to Watch Anora
What We Said in Our Anora Review
Writer Lex Briscuso praised "Anora" as a "hysterical and moving" film that delves into sex work, class, and broken promises through the lens of outcasts and outsiders.
7 Days Free### Hulu Free Trial
67See it at Hulu
For more ways to watch "Anora," check out additional viewing options.
Discover Women Directors
Celebrate films directed by women, such as "Barbie," "American Psycho," and "The Hurt Locker." Streaming platforms like Netflix make it easy to find and enjoy these films.
Watch Women's Sports
Where to Buy Play It Forward
Don't overlook women's sports. Platforms like ESPNW cover major sports leagues including NWSL, WNBA, and NCAAW. Justwomenssports.com is dedicated solely to women's sports, and WOW (Women of Wrestling) offers exciting content that you can stream online.
Across various sports, women's athletics are gaining popularity. Stream most major events on:
### ESPN+
10Sign up for a standalone ESPN+ subscription or as part of the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. See it at ESPN+
4. Read Books Written by Women
Dive into the vast world of literature by women authors across all genres. According to BookRiot, women now publish more than 50% of all books, contributing significantly to the industry's growth. Here’s a list to get you started:
- 10 Books by Black Women to Add to Your Reading List
Explore top-rated books by women authors available on Amazon:
### Best-Selling Books by Women Authors
0Browse Amazon's most popular best sellers, updated frequently, across various formats. See it at Amazon
5. Play and Discover Women-Led Games
Women have been instrumental in creating iconic games like Portal, Celeste, Uncharted, and Centipede. Games like Celeste have had a profound cultural impact, such as its recognition as one of the most important trans games. Get Celeste for $19.99 on Nintendo.com.Despite women making up only about 22% of the video game industry, their contributions are invaluable. Explore lists of games created by women on platforms like G2A and Microsoft's curated lists.
6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women
Discover a wide range of podcasts hosted by women covering news, history, comedy, pop culture, and more. NY Public Radio lists over 100 women-hosted podcasts. Here are some recommendations from IGN's podcast enthusiasts:
1. You're Wrong About
Sarah, a journalist passionate about the past, reconsiders events and people often misrepresented in the public eye. Listen on Apple.
2. Ladies & Tangents
Jeri and Ciara, best friends and cousins, share relatable conversations on companionship and human rights. Listen on Apple.
3. Scam Goddess
Laci Mosley explores the latest scams and historic hoodwinks with comedians, offering true fun crime. Listen on Apple.
4. Axe of the Blood God
Kat Bailey, Nadia Oxford, and Eric Van Allen delve into the world of RPGs, discussing Final Fantasy, Skyrim, and more. Listen on Apple.
5. What's Good Games
Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Riana Manuel-Peña discuss the latest video game news and offer hands-on impressions of upcoming titles. Listen on Apple.
6. My Favorite Murder
Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark host this original true crime comedy podcast, attracting a dedicated fan base of "Murderinos." Listen on Apple.
7. This Ends At Prom
BJ and Harmony Colangelo analyze the portrayal of womanhood in teen movies from queer, feminist, and trans perspectives. Listen on Apple.
8. Girlfriend Material
Rosie Turner's "Gay-Z" podcast features funny stories, cheeky chats, and moving moments for everyone on their LGBTQ+ journey. Listen on Apple.
9. A Little Queer
Capri and Ashley explore queer culture, advice, and media, becoming your new BFFs. Listen on Apple.
10. The Artist In Me Is Dead
Rhonda Willers explores creativity and how to nurture it back to life with guests every Thursday. Listen on Apple.
11. Conversations With Moon Body Soul
Kaitee Tyner shares insights on holistic wellness, perfect for those diving into self-care. Listen on Apple.
