At IGN, we're thrilled to celebrate the women who shape our industry and world—creators, inspirers, and changemakers. This isn't just for March; it's a year-round commitment. Join us as we learn, celebrate, and amplify women's voices. Here's your guide to Women's History Month and how to celebrate it this March.

The History of Women's History Month

Women's History Month began in 1987 with a 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.

Interestingly, it started as “Women’s History Week” in 1982, expanding to a month-long national celebration in 1987. Since 1995, every President has issued a proclamation 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 archives, organizations like StoryCorps, and reputable history publishers like 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 Etsy, browse directories like WBD and FoundedByHer, or use Amazon's filter to find women-owned retailers. Beyond shopping, support women's career growth. Organizations like SoundGirls provide networking and support for women in the audio industry. Sharing success stories and promoting organizations offering workshops and resources is crucial.

Also see: 14 Great Women Comic Book Writers.

3. Watch Movies or Shows Featuring Women or Directed by Women

Explore streaming services like Hulu (featuring shows and movies with Black female leads) and Showtime's SHOWTIME WOMEN®, showcasing films by female talents.

Following the 2025 Oscars, catch up on hits like Anora, starring Oscar winner Mikey Madison.

[](link to Anora)

Our Anora Review:

Writer Lex Briscuso said, "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."

[](link to Anora)

[](link to Hulu)

Here are more ways to watch Anora.

Discover Women Directors:

Beyond leading roles, celebrate legendary films directed by women, like Barbie, American Psycho, and The Hurt Locker. Streaming services like Netflix offer easy browsing.

Watch Women's Sports:

Support women's sports! ESPNW covers major leagues (NWSL, WNBA, NCAAW), and justwomenssports.com is dedicated entirely to women's athletics. We also highlight WOW (Women of Wrestling). Stream major events on:

[](link to ESPN+)

4. Read Books Written by Women

Dive into the vast world of books by women authors. According to BookRiot, women now publish over 50% of all books. Find diverse voices and perspectives! Here's a list of 10 books by Black women to get you started.

[](link to Amazon)

5. Play and Discover Women-Led Games

Many incredible games are created by women—from Portal and Celeste to Uncharted and Centipede. Explore game lists featuring women creators, such as G2A’s list and curated lists from Microsoft.

6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women

Discover a wide range of podcasts hosted by women, from news and history to comedy and true crime. NY Public Radio compiled a list of over 100. Here are some recommendations:

• You're Wrong About: Sarah reconsiders miscast people and events.
• Ladies & Tangents: Jeri and Ciara discuss companionship and human rights.
• Scam Goddess: Laci Mosley explores scams and "fun crime."
• Axe of the Blood God: Kat Bailey, Nadia Oxford, and Eric Van Allen discuss RPGs.
• What's Good Games: Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Riana Manuel-Peña analyze video game news.
• My Favorite Murder: Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark's true crime comedy.
• This Ends At Prom: BJ and Harmony Colangelo analyze teen girl movies.
• Girlfriend Material: Rosie Turner's LGBTQ+ focused podcast.
• A Little Queer: Capri and Ashley discuss queer culture.
• The Artist In Me Is Dead: Rhonda Willers explores creativity.
• Conversations With Moon Body Soul: Kaitee Tyner discusses holistic wellness.

(Note: All podcast links would go to Apple Podcasts, or a similar service as appropriate)