8 Ways to Honor Women's History Month Now

At IGN, we're thrilled to celebrate the remarkable women who shape our history and industry. These women create, inspire, empower, and drive positive change not only during Women's History Month but throughout the year. We invite you to join us in learning, celebrating, and amplifying women's voices. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Women's History Month and 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. Its goal was to "celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields." Initially launched as "Women’s History Week" during the week of March 7 in 1982, it evolved into a month-long celebration in 1987. Since 1995, every U.S. President has issued annual proclamations designating March as Women’s History Month, ensuring its continued recognition and significance.

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 resources like the Smithsonian, StoryCorps, and The History Channel. Dive into the lives of inventors, leaders, and trailblazers. For inspiration, consider these reads:

• How Women Taught Me to Love and Build Games
• 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 on platforms like Etsy, or use directories like WBD and FoundedByHer to find women-owned businesses. Amazon also offers a way to shop women-owned retailers. Additionally, supporting women's career growth is crucial; organizations like SoundGirls provide networking and support for women in the audio industry. Share success stories and spread the word about workshops and resources that empower women in business.

• 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 tune into SHOWTIME WOMEN®, which highlights women's talents in front of and behind the camera. Following the 2025 Oscars, catch up on award-winning films like Anora, featuring 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, click here.

Discover Women Directors

Celebrate films directed by women, such as Barbie, American Psycho, and The Hurt Locker. Netflix offers an easy way to find movies directed by women.

Watch Women's Sports

Where to Buy Play It Forward

Don't miss out on women's sports. ESPNW covers major leagues like NWSL, WNBA, and NCAAW, while justwomenssports.com focuses solely on women's sports. We also highlight WOW (Women of Wrestling), our partners who we've interviewed at events like SDCC. Find out where to stream WOW here.

Women's sports are gaining popularity across soccer, basketball, wrestling, and more. 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

With women now publishing over 50% of all books since 2020, there's no shortage of great reads. According to BookRiot, the increase in books by women has boosted the industry, which saw a 12.3% year-on-year increase in 2021, contributing to $29.3 billion in revenue. Dive into any genre and check out these top-rated books by women authors on 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

For an educational reading list, here are 10 books by Black women to add to your reading list.

5. Play and Discover Women-Led Games

Many fantastic games have been created by women, from Portal and Celeste to the Uncharted series and Centipede. Celeste, in particular, has made a significant cultural impact as one of the most important trans games ever. 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 contributions are invaluable. Learn more about the experiences of female and non-binary game developers in a 2017 snapshot that remains relevant today. Browse curated lists of games created by women on G2A, Microsoft, and other platforms.

6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women

From news and history to comedy and true crime, there are numerous podcasts hosted by women. NY Public Radio's list of over 100 women-hosted podcasts is a great starting point. Here are some favorites recommended by IGN's podcast enthusiasts:

1. You're Wrong About

Sarah, a journalist obsessed with the past, reconsiders public perceptions of people and events. Listen on Apple.

2. Ladies & Tangents

Jeri and Ciara, best friends and cousins, discuss relatable topics around companionship and human rights. Listen on Apple.

3. Scam Goddess

Laci Mosley breaks down historic hoodwinks with comedians, offering true fun crime without the death. Listen on Apple.

4. Axe of the Blood God

Kat Bailey, Nadia Oxford, and Eric Van Allen explore the world of RPGs, from Final Fantasy to Skyrim. Listen on Apple.

5. What's Good Games

Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Riana Manuel-Peña analyze video game news and offer hands-on impressions of upcoming titles. Listen on Apple.

6. My Favorite Murder

Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark host this original true crime comedy podcast. Join the "Murderinos" fan club. Listen on Apple.

7. This Ends At Prom

BJ Colangelo and Harmony Colangelo analyze 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 shares funny stories, cheeky chats, and moving moments on this "Gay-Z" podcast. 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 people tap into it. Listen on Apple.

11. Conversations With Moon Body Soul

Kaitee Tyner discusses holistic wellness topics to inspire your self-care journey. Listen on Apple.