At IGN, we're thrilled to celebrate the incredible women who have shaped our history and industry. These trailblazers inspire, empower, and drive positive change, and we honor them not just during Women's History Month, but throughout the year. 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 how you can celebrate it 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, aimed at celebrating the vast contributions of women to the United States and acknowledging their specific achievements across various fields. Initially launched as "Women’s History Week" in 1982, it was 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 celebration.
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 history by exploring stories of inventors, leaders, and more. Start with resources like the Smithsonian archives, StoryCorps for personal narratives, and The History Channel for in-depth historical accounts. For further inspiration, consider reading about how women have influenced the gaming industry or delve into the lives of notable women like Yoko Shimomura, a celebrated composer, and discover Twelve Black Women You Should Know or 10 Women Inventors You Should Know.
2. Support Women-Owned Businesses and Professionals
Supporting women in business is crucial. Shop from women-owned businesses on platforms like Etsy, and explore directories such as WBD or FoundedByHer to discover inspiring entrepreneurs. Amazon also allows you to filter for women-owned retailers. Additionally, empowering women in their careers, like through organizations such as SoundGirls in the audio industry, is vital for their growth and success. Don't miss out on recognizing the talents of women comic book writers as well.
3. Watch Movies or Shows Featuring Women or Directed by Women
Immerse yourself in films and shows directed by or starring women. Platforms like Hulu offer collections featuring Black female leads, while SHOWTIME WOMEN® showcases groundbreaking works by female talents. Following the 2025 Oscars, catch up on acclaimed films like "Anora," starring the award-winning Mikey Madison. Explore legendary films directed by women, such as "Barbie," "American Psycho," and "The Hurt Locker," available on Netflix. Don't overlook the excitement of women's sports, covered extensively by ESPNW and justwomenssports.com, and keep an eye on Women of Wrestling (WOW) events.
In our review of "Anora," writer Lex Briscuso praised the film for its heartfelt portrayal of its lead character and its poignant exploration of themes like sex work and class.
4. Read Books Written by Women
Dive into the world of literature with books authored by women, spanning all genres. According to BookRiot, women have been publishing over 50% of all books since 2020, contributing significantly to the industry's growth. Explore a curated list of 10 books by Black women and browse top-rated books by women authors on Amazon to start your reading journey.
5. Play and Discover Women-Led Games
Celebrate the contributions of women in gaming by playing titles like "Portal," "Celeste," "Uncharted," and "Centipede," all crafted by talented women. "Celeste" stands out for its cultural impact, particularly within the trans community. Despite women making up only about 22% of the video game industry, their influence is profound. Explore lists of games created by women on G2A and curated by Microsoft to discover more.
6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women
Tune into a variety of podcasts hosted by women covering topics from news and history to comedy and true crime. NY Public Radio offers a list of over 100 women-hosted podcasts. Some recommendations from IGN's podcast enthusiasts include "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," and "Conversations With Moon Body Soul." Each podcast offers unique insights and entertaining content, available on platforms like Apple Podcasts.
