At IGN, we're thrilled to honor the incredible women who have shaped history and our industry. Their roles in creating, inspiring, empowering, and driving positive change are invaluable, and we celebrate them not just during Women's History Month, but every day. 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 some fantastic ways to celebrate in March.
The History Behind Women's History Month
The roots of Women's History Month trace back to 1987, when the National Women’s History Project petitioned for a national celebration to honor the contributions of women to the United States. This initiative evolved from "Women’s History Week," which was first observed during the week of March 7 in 1982. The expansion to a month-long celebration in 1987 marked a significant milestone, and 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 contributions across history. Websites like the Smithsonian, StoryCorps, and The History Channel offer a wealth of information. For those looking to deepen their knowledge, consider reading about how women have influenced the gaming industry, or explore the inspiring story of Yoko Shimomura, the acclaimed composer behind Kingdom Hearts and Super Mario RPG. Don't miss out on recognizing the achievements of Black women inventors and leaders.
2. Support Women-Owned Businesses and Professionals
Make a difference by supporting women in business. Platforms like Etsy and directories such as WBD and FoundedByHer are great places to start. Amazon also offers a filter to shop from women-owned retailers. Beyond shopping, consider supporting women's career growth through organizations like SoundGirls, which fosters networking and support in the audio industry. Sharing success stories and supporting initiatives that provide workshops and resources can make a significant impact.
3. Watch Movies or Shows Featuring Women or Directed by Women
Discover the cinematic brilliance of women-led projects. Hulu features a collection of shows and movies with Black female leads, while Showtime's SHOWTIME WOMEN® network showcases films and documentaries by female talents. After the 2025 Oscars, don't miss out on watching "Anora," a standout film featuring Mikey Madison, whose performance captured hearts and awards. Additionally, celebrate films directed by women, including hits like "Barbie," "American Psycho," and "The Hurt Locker," available on streaming platforms like Netflix.
Our review of "Anora" praised its exploration of themes like sex work, class, and broken promises, offering a poignant look at life's complexities through the eyes of its characters.
For more ways to watch "Anora," check out the available options. And don't forget to tune into women's sports, which are gaining popularity. From ESPNW covering major leagues like the NWSL and WNBA to dedicated sites like justwomenssports.com, there's plenty to cheer for. We also highlight Women of Wrestling (WOW), a partner we've interviewed at events like SDCC.
4. Read Books Written by Women
With women now publishing over 50% of all books since 2020, the literary world is thriving with their contributions. Dive into a variety of genres and discover the top-rated books by women authors on Amazon. For a more focused reading list, explore 10 books by Black women to broaden your perspective and enrich your understanding.
Best-Selling Books by Women Authors
5. Play and Discover Women-Led Games
Celebrate the creativity and innovation of women in the gaming industry. From classics like Portal and Celeste to cultural milestones like Uncharted and Centipede, women have left an indelible mark on gaming. Discover games created by women on platforms like G2A and Microsoft, and don't miss out on the impactful narrative of Celeste, available for $19.99 on Nintendo.com.
6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women
Explore a world of podcasts hosted by women, covering everything from news and history to comedy and true crime. NY Public Radio offers a list of over 100 women-hosted podcasts on platforms like Spotify, Apple, and Amazon. Here are some recommendations from IGN's podcast enthusiasts:
- You're Wrong About - Sarah delves into misunderstood historical figures and events.
- Ladies & Tangents - Jeri and Ciara share relatable conversations on companionship and human rights.
- Scam Goddess - Laci Mosley breaks down historic scams with comedians, offering a fun twist on true crime.
- Axe of the Blood God - Dive into the world of RPGs with Kat Bailey, Nadia Oxford, and Eric Van Allen.
- What's Good Games - Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Riana Manuel-Peña discuss the latest in video game news and hands-on impressions.
- My Favorite Murder - Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark bring humor to true crime.
- This Ends at Prom - BJ and Harmony Colangelo analyze teen girl movies from queer and feminist perspectives.
- Girlfriend Material - Rosie Turner shares funny stories and moving moments from the LGBTQ+ community.
- A Little Queer - Capri and Ashley explore queer culture, advice, and media.
- The Artist In Me Is Dead - Rhonda Willers discusses creativity and how to nurture it back to life.
- Conversations With Moon Body Soul - Kaitee Tyner shares insights on holistic wellness and self-care.
