At IGN, we're thrilled to honor the incredible women who shape our history and industry, not just during Women's History Month but all year round. These women inspire, empower, and drive positive change. We invite you to join us in learning, celebrating, and amplifying their voices. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Women's History Month and some inspiring ways to celebrate in March.
The History Behind Women's History Month
Women's History Month traces its roots to a petition by the National Women’s History Project in 1987. This initiative aimed to celebrate the myriad contributions of women to the United States and acknowledge their specific achievements across various fields throughout American history.
Interestingly, Women’s History Month started as "Women’s History Week" in 1982, observed during the week of March 7. It wasn't until 1987 that it expanded into a month-long celebration. Since then, efforts have continued to ensure its recognition, 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
Delving into the stories of historical women is easier than ever, thanks to the wealth of online resources. Start your journey at institutions like the Smithsonian, whose archives are treasure troves of information. Organizations like StoryCorps, led by women, and trusted sources such as The History Channel offer invaluable insights.
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
Supporting women in business is crucial, from artists to streamers. Explore platforms like Etsy, and utilize directories such as WBD or FoundedByHer to find inspiring entrepreneurs. Amazon also allows you to filter for women-owned businesses across various categories.
Beyond purchasing, helping women advance in their careers is equally important. Organizations like SoundGirls, dedicated to networking and supporting women in audio, exemplify this commitment. Sharing success stories, contributing to, and promoting organizations that offer workshops and resources can make a significant impact.
Also see: 14 Great Women Comic Book Writers.
3. Watch Movies or Shows Featuring Women or Directed by Women
Not sure where to start? Hulu offers a collection of shows and movies featuring Black female leads, and Showtime's SHOWTIME WOMEN® celebrates women in front of and behind the camera.
Following the 2025 Oscars, catch up on hits like Anora, which won accolades and featured lead actress Mikey Madison.
Writer Lex Briscuso praised Anora, noting, "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 classics like Barbie, American Psycho, and The Hurt Locker. Streaming platforms like Netflix make it simple to find these cinematic gems.
Watch Women's Sports
### 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
Dive into the vast array of books authored by women across all genres. BookRiot reports that women have been publishing over 50% of all books since 2020, contributing to a 12.3% industry growth in 2021, reaching $29.3 billion. This underscores the importance and popularity of diversity in publishing.
For a focused reading list, consider 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 Amazon5. Play and Discover Women-Led Games
Women are behind many remarkable games, serving as creators, developers, directors, designers, and writers. Enjoy classics like Portal, Celeste, Uncharted, and Centipede. Celeste, in particular, has made a significant cultural impact as one of the most important trans games.Women currently make up about 22% of the video game industry. Learn more about their experiences in the Snapshot of Women in Video Game Development from 2017.
Explore curated lists of games by women on platforms like G2A, Microsoft, and others to discover new favorites.
6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women
There's a podcast for every interest, from news to comedy and beyond, hosted by women. NY Public Radio's list of over 100 women-hosted podcasts is a great starting point, available on platforms like Spotify, Apple, and Amazon.
Some recommendations from IGN's podcast enthusiasts include:
1. You're Wrong About
Sarah, a journalist with a passion for the past, reconsiders public perceptions of historical events and figures. Listen on Apple.
2. Ladies & Tangents
Jeri and Ciara, best friends and cousins, bring relatable discussions on companionship and human rights to your ears. Listen on Apple.
3. Scam Goddess
Laci Mosley delves into the world of scams, historic and current, with a humorous twist. Listen on Apple.
4. Axe of the Blood God
Join Kat Bailey, Nadia Oxford, and Eric Van Allen as they explore the world of role-playing games. Listen on Apple.
5. What's Good Games
Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Riana Manuel-Peña analyze video game news and provide hands-on impressions. Listen on Apple.
6. My Favorite Murder
Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark host this true crime comedy podcast, beloved by "Murderinos." Listen on Apple.
7. This Ends At Prom
BJ and Harmony Colangelo analyze teen girl movies from queer and feminist perspectives. Listen on Apple.
8. Girlfriend Material
Rosie Turner brings humor and heart to discussions on the LGBTQ+ experience. Listen on Apple.
9. A Little Queer
Capri and Ashley dive into queer culture, advice, and media. Listen on Apple.
10. The Artist In Me Is Dead
Rhonda Willers explores creativity and how to nurture it back to life. Listen on Apple.
11. Conversations With Moon Body Soul
Kaitee Tyner shares insights on holistic wellness and self-care. Listen on Apple.
