At IGN, we're thrilled to honor women who inspire, innovate, and drive positive change in our industry and beyond, not just during Women's History Month, but all year round. We invite you to join us in learning, celebrating, and amplifying women's voices. Here’s your comprehensive guide to Women's History Month and ways to celebrate in 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, aiming to celebrate women's contributions to the United States and acknowledge their achievements across various fields throughout American history.
Did you know that Women’s History Month started as "Women’s History Week" in 1982? It was later expanded to a month-long 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
Explore the rich tapestry of women's stories in history through various online resources. Start with museum archives like the Smithsonian, women-led organizations such as StoryCorps, and reputable history 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
Empower women in business by shopping from women-owned enterprises. Platforms like Etsy, directories such as WBD and FoundedByHer, and even Amazon's filters for women-owned retailers offer great starting points. Additionally, supporting women's career growth is crucial. Organizations like SoundGirls provide networking and support for women in the audio industry.
Also see: 14 Great Women Comic Book Writers.
3. Watch Movies or Shows Featuring Women or Directed by Women
Dive into entertainment created by women. Hulu offers a collection of shows and movies with Black female leads, while SHOWTIME WOMEN® highlights unique and groundbreaking works by female talents. Following the 2025 Oscars, don't miss out on watching Anora, where lead actress Mikey Madison won an Oscar.
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 women's contributions to film by watching legendary movies directed by women, such as Barbie, American Psycho, and The Hurt Locker. Streaming platforms like Netflix make it easy to find these films.
Watch Women's Sports
Where to Buy Play It Forward
Don't overlook women's sports. Platforms like ESPNW and justwomenssports.com cover everything from NWSL to WNBA and NCAAW. IGN has also partnered with WOW (Women of Wrestling), and you can find streaming options here.
Across soccer, basketball, wrestling, and more, women's sports are gaining popularity. 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
Immerse yourself in the diverse world of books by women authors. Since 2020, women have published over 50% of all books, contributing significantly to the industry's growth. Explore educational lists like 10 books by Black women to enrich your reading experience.
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
Discover the impact of women in gaming, from creators and devs to directors and designers. Enjoy games like Portal, Celeste, the Uncharted series, and Centipede, which have been influenced by women. Celeste, for example, has been recognized as a significant trans game.Why do women currently constitute only ~22% of the video game industry? Explore insights from 55 female and non-binary game development professionals in a 2017 snapshot that remains relevant today.
Browse game lists featuring women creators on sites like G2A, Microsoft's curated lists, and more to get started.
6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women
Tune into a wide array of podcasts hosted by women, covering topics from news to comedy and true crime. NY Public Radio offers a list of over 100 women-hosted podcasts. Here are some recommendations from IGN's own podcast enthusiasts:
1. You're Wrong About
In You're Wrong About, Sarah, a journalist obsessed with the past, reconsiders events and figures that have been misconstrued in the public imagination. Listen on Apple.
2. Ladies & Tangents
If you enjoy staying in but want to feel connected, the Ladies & Tangents podcast, hosted by best friends and cousins Jeri and Ciara, offers relatable discussions on companionship and human rights. Listen on Apple.
3. Scam Goddess
Laci Mosley hosts Scam Goddess, breaking down historic scams alongside comedians, offering a fun twist on true crime. Listen on Apple.
4. Axe of the Blood God
RPG enthusiasts can enjoy Axe of the Blood God with hosts Kat Bailey, Nadia Oxford, and Eric Van Allen, exploring the world of role-playing games. Listen on Apple.
5. What's Good Games
For gamers, What's Good Games hosted by Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Riana Manuel-Peña offers analysis of the latest video game news and impressions of upcoming titles. Listen on Apple.
6. My Favorite Murder
Join the "Murderinos" fan club with the original true crime comedy podcast, My Favorite Murder, hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Listen on Apple.
7. This Ends At Prom
This Ends at Prom provides a unique analysis of teen girl movies from queer, feminist, and trans perspectives, hosted by wives BJ Colangelo and Harmony Colangelo. Listen on Apple.
8. Girlfriend Material
Explore funny stories and moving moments with Rosie Turner on the "Gay-Z" podcast, Girlfriend Material, which welcomes everyone on their LGBTQ+ journey. Listen on Apple.
9. A Little Queer
Dive into queer culture, advice, and media with hosts Capri and Ashley on A Little Queer. Listen on Apple.
10. The Artist In Me Is Dead
Explore creativity and how to nurture it back to life with host Rhonda Willers on The Artist In Me Is Dead. Listen on Apple.
11. Conversations With Moon Body Soul
For holistic wellness and self-care inspiration, listen to Kaitee Tyner on Conversations With Moon Body Soul. Listen on Apple.
