At IGN, we proudly celebrate the women who shape our history and industry—creators, inspirers, empowerers, and agents of positive change. This isn't just a March thing; it's an ongoing commitment. Join us as we continue to learn from, celebrate, and amplify women's voices. Here’s your guide to Women's History Month and ways to celebrate this March.
The History of Women's History Month
Women's History Month originated with a 1987 petition from the National Women’s History Project, aiming to celebrate women's contributions to the United States and recognize their achievements throughout American history across various fields.
Interestingly, it began as “Women’s History Week” in 1982, observed during the week of March 7th. It wasn't until 1987 that it expanded to a month-long national celebration. Thanks to continued advocacy, every President since 1995 has issued 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 incredible stories of women throughout history—inventors, leaders, and more. Start with online resources like the Smithsonian's website archives, organizations like StoryCorps, and reputable historical publishers such as The History Channel.
Suggested 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—artists, streamers, and entrepreneurs. Shop online at sites like Etsy, browse Women Owned Business Directories such as WBD and FoundedByHer, or use Amazon's filter to find women-owned retailers. Beyond purchases, support their career growth. Organizations like SoundGirls provide networking and support for women in audio. Share success stories and promote organizations offering workshops and resources.
Also see: 14 Great Women Comic Book Writers.
3. Watch Movies or Shows Featuring Women or Directed by Women
Explore diverse content. Hulu features shows and movies with Black female leads, and Showtime's SHOWTIME WOMEN® showcases female talent.
Following the 2025 Oscars, catch up on hits like Anora, starring Oscar winner Mikey Madison.
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Our Anora Review:
Writer Lex Briscuso stated, "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."
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Beyond individual films, celebrate women directors with classics like Barbie, American Psycho, and The Hurt Locker. Streaming services like Netflix offer curated selections.
Don't forget women's sports! ESPNW covers major leagues (NWSL, WNBA, NCAAW, etc.), and justwomenssports.com is dedicated entirely to women's athletics. We also highlight WOW (Women of Wrestling). Stream events on:
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4. Read Books Written by Women
Dive into the vast world of literature by women authors. According to BookRiot, women now publish over 50% of all books. Explore diverse voices; here's a list of 10 books by Black women.
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5. Play and Discover Women-Led Games
Many incredible games are created by women—from Portal to Celeste, Uncharted, and even Centipede. Explore game lists featuring women creators from sources like G2A and Microsoft. Consider Celeste's impactful journey.
6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women
Discover a wealth of podcasts hosted by women across various genres. NY Public Radio has a list of over 100. Here are some IGN recommendations:
- You're Wrong About
- Ladies & Tangents
- Scam Goddess
- Axe of the Blood God
- What's Good Games
- My Favorite Murder
- This Ends At Prom
- Girlfriend Material
- A Little Queer
- The Artist In Me Is Dead
- Conversations With Moon Body Soul
