At IGN, we're thrilled to honor the remarkable women who shape our history and industry through their creativity, inspiration, and efforts to empower and bring about positive change. We believe in celebrating these women not just during Women's History Month, but all year round. Join us as we continue to learn, celebrate, and amplify women's voices. Here's everything you need to know about Women's History Month and some exciting 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 contributions of women to the United States and recognizing their specific achievements across various fields throughout American history.
It's fascinating to note that Women’s History Month evolved from "Women’s History Week," which was first celebrated during the week of March 7 in 1982. By 1987, it expanded into a month-long, national event. Since 1995, every President has issued annual proclamations designating March as Women’s History Month, ensuring its continued recognition.
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 stories across history on various online platforms. From inventors to leaders, you can find inspiration in resources like the Smithsonian's archives, StoryCorps, and 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 to streamers. Platforms like Etsy, Women Business Directory (WBD), FoundedByHer, and Amazon's filters for women-owned retailers offer great opportunities to discover and support female entrepreneurs. Additionally, organizations like SoundGirls provide networking and support for women in the audio industry, helping to elevate their careers.
Also see: 14 Great Women Comic Book Writers.
3. Watch Movies or Shows Featuring Women or Directed by Women
Explore Hulu's collection of shows and movies with Black female leads, or dive into Showtime's SHOWTIME WOMEN® network, which celebrates women in front of and behind the camera. Following the 2025 Oscars, don't miss out on the acclaimed film Anora, starring Mikey Madison.
What We Said in Our Anora Review
Writer Lex Briscuso praised Sean Baker’s Anora, saying, "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."
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67 See it at Hulu Here are more ways to watch Anora.
Discover Women Directors
Celebrate women-led roles and actresses by watching iconic films like Barbie, American Psycho, and The Hurt Locker, all directed by women. Netflix makes it easy to find these movies through their curated lists.
Watch Women's Sports
Don't overlook women's sports, with ESPNW covering major events from NWSL, WNBA, NCAAW, and more. Justwomenssports.com is dedicated solely to women's sports, and WOW (Women of Wrestling) offers streaming options for wrestling enthusiasts.
Across soccer, basketball, wrestling, and beyond, women's sports are gaining popularity. Stream most major events on:
ESPN+
10 Sign 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 diverse world of books written by women across all genres. Women have been publishing more than 50% of all books since 2020, contributing to a 12.3% increase in the book industry's revenue in 2021. For an educational journey, check out 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
0 Browse 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
Celebrate the contributions of women in the gaming industry, from creators and developers to directors and designers. Iconic games like Portal, Celeste, Uncharted, and Centipede have been influenced by women. Celeste, in particular, made a significant cultural impact as a trans-inclusive game. You can purchase or download Celeste on Nintendo.com for $19.99.Despite women making up only about 22% of the video game industry, their impact is profound. Explore lists of games created by women on platforms like G2A and Microsoft.
6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women
Whether you're interested in news, history, comedy, pop culture, or true crime, there's a podcast for you. NY Public Radio has compiled a list of over 100 women-hosted podcasts. Here are some recommendations from IGN's podcast enthusiasts:
1. You're Wrong About
In You're Wrong About, Sarah, a journalist, reconsiders people or events that have been misrepresented in the public eye. Listen on Apple.
2. Ladies & Tangents
Jeri and Ciara, best friends and cousins, share relatable conversations about companionship and human rights on Ladies & Tangents. Listen on Apple.
3. Scam Goddess
Laci Mosley's Scam Goddess keeps you updated on the latest scams and explores historic hoodwinks with comedians. It's true crime without the death – true fun crime! Listen on Apple.
4. Axe of the Blood God
RPG fans can enjoy Axe of the Blood God, hosted by 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
What's Good Games, hosted by Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Riana Manuel-Peña, offers in-depth analysis of video game news and hands-on impressions of upcoming titles. Listen on Apple.
6. My Favorite Murder
My Favorite Murder, hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, is the original hit true crime comedy podcast. Join the "Murderinos" fan club. Listen on Apple.
7. This Ends At Prom
This Ends at Prom, hosted by BJ Colangelo and Harmony Colangelo, analyzes the staying power of womanhood in coming-of-age and teen girl movies from queer, feminist, cisgender, and trans perspectives. Listen on Apple.
8. Girlfriend Material
Rosie Turner's Girlfriend Material offers funny stories, cheeky chats, and moving moments for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Listen on Apple.
9. A Little Queer
Capri and Ashley explore queer culture, advice, and media on A Little Queer, making them your new BFFs. Listen on Apple.
10. The Artist In Me Is Dead
Rhonda Willers hosts The Artist In Me Is Dead, exploring creativity and how people tap into it. Listen on Apple.
11. Conversations With Moon Body Soul
Kaitee Tyner, host of Conversations With Moon Body Soul, delves into holistic wellness and self-care. Listen on Apple.
