At IGN, we celebrate the incredible women who shape our industry and world—creators, innovators, 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 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 recognize women's contributions to the United States throughout history. Interestingly, it began as “Women’s History Week” in 1982, expanding to a month-long national celebration in 1987. Since 1995, every U.S. 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

Discover inspiring women throughout history—inventors, leaders, and more. Explore resources like the Smithsonian website archives, StoryCorps, and 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 entrepreneurs! Shop online at Etsy, browse directories like WBD and FoundedByHer, or use Amazon's filter to find women-owned retailers. Also, actively support women's 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. Catch up on award-winning films like Anora, starring Mikey Madison.

[](link to Anora)

What We Said in 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) [](Hulu Free Trial Link) [](Hulu Link for Anora) [](link to Anora)

Beyond individual films, celebrate women directors with classics like Barbie, American Psycho, and The Hurt Locker. Streaming services like Netflix offer curated collections.

Don't forget women's sports! ESPNW covers major leagues (NWSL, WNBA, NCAAW), and justwomenssports.com is dedicated to women's athletics. We also highlight WOW (Women of Wrestling).

[](link to Play it Forward)

[](ESPN+ Link)

4. Read Books Written by Women

Women authors are prolific! According to BookRiot, women published over 50% of all books since 2020. Explore diverse genres and authors. Here's a list of 10 books by Black women to get you started.

[](Amazon Best Sellers Link)

5. Play and Discover Women-Led Games

Many incredible games are created by women! From Portal and Celeste to Uncharted and Centipede, women have significantly contributed to the gaming world. Explore game lists featuring women creators from sources like G2A and Microsoft.

6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women

Discover podcasts hosted by women across various genres. NY Public Radio compiled a list of over 100. Here are a few recommendations:

• You're Wrong About: Sarah dives into historical misinterpretations.
• Ladies & Tangents: Jeri and Ciara discuss relatable topics.
• Scam Goddess: Laci Mosley explores scams and cons.
• 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 discuss video games.
• My Favorite Murder: Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark discuss true crime.
• This Ends At Prom: BJ Colangelo and Harmony Colangelo analyze coming-of-age films.
• Girlfriend Material: Rosie Turner discusses LGBTQ+ topics.
• 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: Links to podcast platforms should be added here for each podcast.)