8 Ways to Honor Women's History Month Now

At IGN, we're thrilled to celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped our history and industry. These women create, inspire, empower, and drive positive change not just during Women's History Month, but every month. 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 aim was to honor the significant contributions women have made to the United States and acknowledge their achievements across various fields throughout American history.

Originally starting as "Women’s History Week" in 1982, it expanded to 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 importance.

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

Delve into the rich tapestry of women's history by exploring stories of inventors, leaders, and more. Start with resources like the Smithsonian museum archives, StoryCorps led by women, and The History Channel for in-depth narratives.

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

Boost women in business by shopping from women-owned enterprises on platforms like Etsy or using directories such as WBD, FoundedByHer, and Amazon's filter for women-owned retailers.

Moreover, support women's career growth by engaging with organizations like SoundGirls, which fosters networking and professional development in the audio industry. Sharing success stories and promoting resources for workshops and networking 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

Start with curated collections on Hulu featuring Black female leads or SHOWTIME WOMEN®, showcasing groundbreaking films and documentaries by women.

Following the 2025 Oscars, don't miss out on hits like "Anora," featuring Oscar-winning actress Mikey Madison.

How to Watch AnoraWhat We Said in Our Anora Review

Writer Lex Briscuso praised "Anora," saying, "Sean Baker’s hysterical and moving film 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 HuluDiscover more ways to watch Anora.

Discover Women Directors

Celebrate women-led roles and actresses, as well as films directed by women such as "Barbie," "American Psycho," and "The Hurt Locker." Platforms like Netflix make it easy to find these films.

Watch Women's Sports

Where to Buy Play It ForwardDon't overlook women's sports. From ESPNW covering major leagues like NWSL, WNBA, and NCAAW, to justwomenssports.com, there's ample coverage. IGN has also partnered with WOW (Women of Wrestling), and you can find streaming options 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

Dive into books by women authors across various genres. According to BookRiot, "Women now publish more than 50% of all books, and have since 2020. This surge has boosted the book industry, which saw a 12.3% increase in 2021, generating $29.3 billion." This highlights the importance and popularity of diversity in publishing.

Explore educational lists like 10 books by Black women to enrich your reading experience.

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 Amazon5. Play and Discover Women-Led Games

Despite women constituting only about 22% of the video game industry, their influence is undeniable. Learn more from the 2017 Snapshot of Women in Video Game Development, which remains relevant today.

Browse curated lists of games created by women on platforms like G2A and Microsoft to start your journey.

6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women

Whether you're interested in news, history, comedy, pop culture, or crime, 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, journalist Sarah reconsiders a person or event that's been misjudged by the public. Listen on Apple.

2. Ladies & Tangents

For those who prefer staying in, Ladies & Tangents offers relatable conversations on companionship and human rights. Hosted by besties and cousins Jeri and Ciara. Listen on Apple.

3. Scam Goddess

Laci Mosley's Scam Goddess keeps you informed on the latest scams and historic hoodwinks, delivering true fun crime without the death. Listen on Apple.

4. Axe of the Blood God

RPG gaming fans can explore Final Fantasy, Skyrim, and more with Kat Bailey, Nadia Oxford, and Eric Van Allen on Axe of the Blood God. Listen on Apple.

5. What's Good Games

Join Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Riana Manuel-Peña on What's Good Games as they delve into the latest video game news and provide hands-on impressions of upcoming titles. 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 fanbase of "Murderinos." Listen on Apple.

7. This Ends At Prom

This Ends at Prom examines the portrayal 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

Rosie Turner's "Gay-Z" podcast, Girlfriend Material, offers funny stories, cheeky chats, and moving moments, perfect for anyone on their LGBTQ+ journey. Listen on Apple.

9. A Little Queer

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

10. The Artist In Me Is Dead

Explore creativity with Rhonda Willers on The Artist In Me Is Dead, where she discusses how to nurture dormant artistic talents back to life. Listen on Apple.

11. Conversations With Moon Body Soul

Kaitee Tyner hosts Conversations With Moon Body Soul, covering holistic wellness and self-care inspiration. Listen on Apple.