8 Ways to Honor Women's History Month Now

At IGN, we are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped history and our industry. Their contributions in creating, inspiring, empowering, and driving positive change are not just noteworthy during Women's History Month but throughout the year. Join us in our ongoing journey to learn, celebrate, and amplify 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 honor the significant contributions women have made to the United States and acknowledge their specific achievements across various fields throughout American history.

Did you know that Women’s History Month started as "Women’s History Week" in 1982, during the week of March 7? It wasn't until 1987 that it expanded into a month-long national celebration. Since 1995, every President has issued annual proclamations designating March as Women’s History Month, ensuring its continued recognition.

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 stories in history available online, from inventors to leaders. Start your journey at museums and their digital archives like the Smithsonian, organizations like StoryCorps, and reputable history-based publishers such as 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

Show your support for women in business by shopping from artists, streamers, and more. Explore online platforms like Etsy, and utilize Women Owned Business Directories such as WBD or FoundedByHer to discover inspiring entrepreneurs. Amazon also offers a filter to shop women-owned retailers across various categories.

Supporting women's career growth is equally important. Organizations like SoundGirls provide networking opportunities for women in the audio industry, fostering a supportive community. Sharing success stories and promoting organizations that offer workshops and resources can significantly uplift women in business.

Also see: 14 Great Women Comic Book Writers.

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

Not sure where to start? Hulu features a collection of shows and movies with Black female leads, while Showtime's SHOWTIME WOMEN® network celebrates women in front of and behind the camera, showcasing unique and groundbreaking content.

Following the 2025 Oscars, catch up on hit films like Anora, which won big and featured lead actress Mikey Madison.

What We Said in Our Anora Review

Writer Lex Briscuso praised, "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 HuluHere are more ways to watch Anora.

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

Don't miss out on women's sports, covered extensively by ESPNW across NWSL, WNBA, NCAAW, and more. Justwomenssports.com is dedicated solely to women's sports, and WOW (Women of Wrestling) offers exciting events you can stream. Women's sports are gaining popularity, and you can 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

Explore the vast array of books written by women across all genres. According to BookRiot, women have published over 50% of all books since 2020, contributing to a 12.3% increase in the book industry's revenue in 2021, reaching $29.3 billion. This highlights the positive impact of diversifying the publishing industry.

For an educational read, consider adding 10 books by Black women to your list.

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

Behind many beloved games are women creators, developers, directors, designers, writers, and more. From Portal to Celeste, Uncharted to Centipede, women have brought us brilliant games. Celeste, in particular, has made a significant cultural impact as one of the most important trans games ever. You can purchase or download it on Nintendo.com for $19.99.

Despite women making up only about 22% of the video game industry, their impact is undeniable. Learn more from the insights of 55 female and non-binary game development professionals in a 2017 snapshot that remains relevant today.

Explore game lists featuring women creators on platforms like G2A, and check out Microsoft's curated lists of games created and curated by women.

6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women

Whether you're interested in news, history, comedy, pop culture, or criminal storytelling, there's a wealth of podcasts hosted by women. NY Public Radio has compiled a list of over 100 women-hosted podcasts available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and other platforms. Here are some recommendations from IGN's podcast enthusiasts (in no particular order):

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 on companionship, human rights, and more. 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, offering true fun crime without the death. 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

Gaming fans can tune into What's Good Games with Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Riana Manuel-Peña for the latest video game news and hands-on impressions. 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

The "Gay-Z" podcast, Girlfriend Material, features funny stories, cheeky chats, and moving moments with comedy creator and TikToker Rosie Turner, welcoming everyone on their LGBTQ+ journey. Listen on Apple.

9. A Little Queer

Dive into queer culture, advice, and media with your new BFFs, Capri and Ashley, on A Little Queer. Listen on Apple.

10. The Artist In Me Is Dead

Explore creativity with host Rhonda Willers on The Artist In Me Is Dead, where she discusses nurturing dormant creativity and what inspires people to tap into their creative side. Listen on Apple.

11. Conversations With Moon Body Soul

Join host and owner of Moon Body Soul, Kaitee Tyner, as she delves into holistic wellness topics, perfect for those seeking inspiration in self-care. Listen on Apple.