At IGN, we're thrilled to honor the incredible women who have shaped our history and continue to drive positive change in our industry. Their contributions inspire us every day, not just during Women's History Month but throughout the year. We invite you to join us in learning about, celebrating, and amplifying women's 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, aiming to celebrate the vital contributions women have made 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, celebrated during the week of March 7. It expanded into a month-long national celebration in 1987. Since 1995, every U.S. 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
Discovering the stories of women in history is easier than ever with the wealth of resources available online. Start your journey with museum archives like those from the Smithsonian, women-led organizations such as StoryCorps, and trusted 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
Supporting women in business can take many forms, from shopping at women-owned businesses on platforms like Etsy, to using directories such as WBD or FoundedByHer to discover female entrepreneurs. Amazon even offers a filter to shop women-owned retailers across various categories.
Additionally, fostering the career growth of women is crucial. Organizations like SoundGirls provide networking opportunities and support for women in the audio industry, helping to build a strong community.
Also see: 14 Great Women Comic Book Writers.
3. Watch Movies or Shows Featuring Women or Directed by Women
For those looking to dive into films and shows led or directed by women, Hulu offers a collection featuring Black female leads, while SHOWTIME WOMEN® showcases unique, daring films and documentaries by female talents.
Following the 2025 Oscars, don't miss out on the acclaimed film Anora, with lead actress and Oscar winner Mikey Madison.
How to Watch Anora
What We Said in Our Anora Review
Writer Lex Briscuso praised 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."
7 Days Free### Hulu Free Trial
67See it at Hulu
For more ways to watch Anora, check out the following options.
Discover Women Directors
Celebrate films directed by women, including hits like Barbie, American Psycho, and The Hurt Locker. Streaming platforms like Netflix make it easy to find and enjoy these movies.
Watch Women's Sports
Where to Buy Play It Forward
Don't overlook women's sports. Platforms like ESPNW cover major events in the NWSL, WNBA, NCAAW, and more, while justwomenssports.com is dedicated solely to women's sports. IGN has also partnered with Women of Wrestling (WOW), which you can stream here.
Women's sports are gaining popularity across soccer, basketball, wrestling, and beyond. Catch 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
With women now publishing over 50% of all books since 2020, there's no shortage of great reads. According to BookRiot, this increase has boosted the overall book industry, which saw a 12.3% rise in 2021, generating $29.3 billion. Dive into the diverse world of books by women, including educational lists like 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 Amazon
5. Play and Discover Women-Led Games
Women have been behind some of the most beloved games, from Portal and Celeste to the Uncharted series and classic arcade game Centipede. Games like Celeste have made significant cultural impacts, such as its Five-Year Journey to Becoming One of the Most Important Trans Games Ever. You can get Celeste for $19.99 on Nintendo.com.Despite women making up only about 22% of the video game industry, their influence is undeniable. Explore lists of games created by women on sites like G2A and curated lists from Microsoft to discover more.
6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women
From news and history to comedy and true crime, there's a podcast for every interest hosted by women. NY Public Radio has compiled a list of over 100 women-hosted podcasts available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and more. Here are some recommendations from IGN's podcast enthusiasts:
1. You're Wrong About
In You're Wrong About, Sarah, a journalist obsessed with the past, reconsiders a person or event that's been miscast 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 besties and cousins Jeri and Ciara, offers relatable conversations about companionship and human rights. Listen on Apple.
3. Scam Goddess
Laci Mosley's Scam Goddess keeps you updated on the latest scams and breaks down historic hoodwinks with comedians. It's true crime without the death—true fun crime! Listen on Apple.
4. Axe of the Blood God
RPG gaming fans can join Kat Bailey, Nadia Oxford, and Eric Van Allen as they explore Final Fantasy, Skyrim, and more in Axe of the Blood God. Listen on Apple.
5. What's Good Games
For gaming news and hands-on impressions of upcoming titles, tune into What's Good Games with Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Riana Manuel-Peña. 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 analyzes the staying power 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's Gay-Z podcast, Girlfriend Material, features funny stories, cheeky chats, and moving moments. It's for everyone, no matter where you are on your LGBTQ+ journey. Listen on Apple.
9. A Little Queer
Dive into queer culture, advice, and media with Capri and Ashley on A Little Queer. Listen on Apple.
10. The Artist In Me Is Dead
Explore creativity with host Rhonda Willers and guests on The Artist In Me Is Dead, discussing how to nurture dormant creativity back to life. Listen on Apple.
11. Conversations With Moon Body Soul
Join host Kaitee Tyner on Conversations With Moon Body Soul for holistic wellness discussions. If you're into self-care, this podcast offers inspiration. Listen on Apple.
