At IGN, we're thrilled to celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped our history and industry. These trailblazers inspire, empower, and drive positive change not only during Women's History Month but every day. Join us in learning about their achievements, celebrating their contributions, and amplifying their 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. Its goal was to celebrate the invaluable contributions women have made to the United States and recognize their specific achievements across various fields throughout American history.
Did you know that Women’s History Month initially started as "Women’s History Week" in 1982, during the week of March 7? 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.
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 stories in history available across the web. From inventors to leaders, you can start your journey at museums and their online archives like the Smithsonian, women-run organizations such as StoryCorps, and reputable 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
There are countless ways to support women in business, from artists to streamers. You can shop from the comfort of your home on sites like Etsy, and explore Women Owned Business Directories such as WBD or FoundedByHer. Amazon even offers a filter to shop women-owned retailers across various categories.
Supporting women's career growth is equally important. Organizations like SoundGirls provide women in the audio industry with networking opportunities and a robust support network. By sharing success stories and spreading the word about these organizations, we can help 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 offers a collection of shows and movies with Black female leads, while Showtime's SHOWTIME WOMEN® network celebrates women both in front of and behind the camera.
Following the 2025 Oscars, don't miss out on the acclaimed film Anora, featuring the Oscar-winning performance by Mikey Madison.
How to Watch Anora
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 Hulu
Here are more ways to watch Anora.
Discover Women Directors
Celebrate films directed by women, including iconic movies like Barbie, American Psycho, and The Hurt Locker. Streaming platforms like Netflix make it easy to find movies directed by women.
Watch Women's Sports
Where to Buy Play It Forward
Don't overlook women's sports. ESPNW covers major sports events from NWSL, WNBA, NCAAW, and more. Justwomenssports.com is dedicated solely to women's sports. We're also proud to have partnered with and interviewed Women of Wrestling (WOW) at events like SDCC. You can find out where to stream WOW here.
Women's sports are gaining popularity across soccer, basketball, wrestling, and more. You can 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 array of books written by women across all genres. According to BookRiot, women have published more than 50% of all books since 2020, contributing to a 12.3% increase in the book industry in 2021, which generated $29.3 billion. Diversifying the publishing industry is not only ethically sound but also immensely popular.
For a powerful educational experience, consider adding 10 books by Black women 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 numerous exceptional games are women creators, developers, directors, designers, writers, and more. From Portal to Celeste, the Uncharted series, and the classic arcade game Centipede, women have crafted brilliant experiences. Games like Celeste have made a significant cultural impact, such as its journey to becoming one of the most important trans games ever. (If you haven't played this charming, adventure-filled game yet, you can get it or download it here on Nintendo.com for $19.99).Despite women making up only about 22% of the video game industry, their impact is undeniable. Discover what 55 female and non-binary game development professionals had to say in a Snapshot of Women in Video Game Development in 2017, which remains relevant today.
You can browse curated game lists featuring women creators, such as G2A’s list, and Microsoft's featured and curated games by women lists.
6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women
Whether your interest lies in news, history, comedy, pop culture, or criminal storytelling, there's a comprehensive list of women-hosted podcasts available. NY Public Radio has compiled a list of over 100 women-hosted podcasts, which you can explore on platforms like Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or your preferred listening service. Here are some recommendations from IGN's podcast enthusiasts:
1. You're Wrong About
In You're Wrong About, journalist Sarah delves into the past, re-examining people or events misconstrued in the public imagination. Listen on Apple.
2. Ladies & Tangents
For those who enjoy staying in but want to feel connected, Jeri and Ciara, best friends and cousins, host Ladies & Tangents, discussing companionship, human rights, and more. Listen on Apple.
3. Scam Goddess
Laci Mosley hosts Scam Goddess, keeping you informed on the latest scams and historic hoodwinks, all while injecting humor into true crime. Listen on Apple.
4. Axe of the Blood God
RPG enthusiasts can join Kat Bailey, Nadia Oxford, and Eric Van Allen on Axe of the Blood God as they explore Final Fantasy, Skyrim, and other role-playing game classics. Listen on Apple.
5. What's Good Games
Gaming fans should check out What's Good Games, where Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Riana Manuel-Peña analyze the latest video game news and provide hands-on impressions of upcoming titles. Listen on Apple.
6. My Favorite Murder
The original hit true crime comedy podcast, My Favorite Murder, hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, has a growing fan club of "Murderinos." Listen on Apple.
7. This Ends At Prom
This Ends at Prom offers a weekly analysis of womanhood in coming-of-age and teen girl movies from queer, feminist cisgender, and trans perspectives, hosted by wives BJ Colangelo and Harmony Colangelo. Listen on Apple.
8. Girlfriend Material
Rosie Turner hosts Girlfriend Material, a "Gay-Z" podcast featuring funny stories, cheeky chats, and moving moments. It's perfect for anyone on their LGBTQ+ journey. Listen on Apple.
9. A Little Queer
Dive into queer culture, advice, and media with your new BFFs, Capri and Ashley, on A Little Queer. Listen on Apple.
10. The Artist In Me Is Dead
Explore creativity with host Rhonda Willers on The Artist In Me Is Dead, where she discusses nurturing creativity and what inspires it. Listen on Apple.
11. Conversations With Moon Body Soul
Kaitee Tyner, host and owner of Moon Body Soul, shares insights on holistic wellness in Conversations With Moon Body Soul, perfect for those delving into self-care. Listen on Apple.
