8 Great Ways to Celebrate Women's History Month Right Now

At IGN, we're thrilled to honor the remarkable women who have shaped our history and industry. These women inspire, empower, and drive positive change not only 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 everything you need to know about Women's History Month and some fantastic ways to celebrate in 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 celebrate women's contributions to the United States and acknowledge their specific achievements across various fields. Initially launched as "Women’s History Week" in 1982, it evolved into a month-long national celebration in 1987. Since 1995, every U.S. President has issued annual proclamations recognizing 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

Delve into the rich tapestry of women's contributions through history by exploring online resources. Start with museum archives like the Smithsonian, organizations such as StoryCorps, and history-based publishers like The History Channel. For more inspiration, consider these 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

Supporting women entrepreneurs is easier than ever. Shop online from sites like Etsy, and use directories like WBD or FoundedByHer to discover amazing women-led businesses. Amazon also offers a way to filter and shop from women-owned retailers across various categories. Beyond purchasing, uplift women's careers by supporting organizations like SoundGirls, which facilitates networking and growth for women in the audio industry. Also, check out 14 Great Women Comic Book Writers.

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

Start your cinematic journey with Hulu's collection of shows and movies featuring Black female leads, or explore SHOWTIME WOMEN®, which highlights female talent both in front of and behind the camera. Post-2025 Oscars, don't miss out on Anora, a major winner featuring Mikey Madison.

How to Watch Anora

What We Said in Our Anora Review

Writer Lex Briscuso praised Anora, saying, "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 movies directed by women.

Watch Women's Sports

Where to Buy Play It Forward

Don't overlook women's sports. From ESPNW's coverage of NWSL, WNBA, NCAAW, to dedicated sites like justwomenssports.com, there's plenty to watch. We also highlight WOW (Women of Wrestling), with whom we've partnered and interviewed at events like SDCC. 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 the diverse world of books written by women, across all genres. Since 2020, women have published over 50% of all books, boosting the industry with a 12.3% increase in 2021, generating $29.3 billion. Explore these top-rated books by women authors on 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

Discover the brilliance of games created by women, from Portal and Celeste to the Uncharted series and Centipede. Celebrate games like Celeste, which made a significant cultural impact as one of the most important trans games. Currently, women make up about 22% of the video game industry. For more inspiration, check out lists from G2A and Microsoft featuring games created and curated by women.

6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women

Explore a vast array of podcasts hosted by women, covering news, history, comedy, pop culture, and crime. NY Public Radio offers a list of over 100 women-hosted podcasts. Here are some recommendations from IGN's podcast enthusiasts (in no particular order):

1. You're Wrong About

Sarah, a journalist obsessed with the past, reconsiders people or events that have been misrepresented in the public imagination. Listen on Apple.

2. Ladies & Tangents

Jeri and Ciara, besties and cousins, share relatable conversations about companionship and human rights. Perfect for those who want to feel seen without leaving home. Listen on Apple.

3. Scam Goddess

Laci Mosley keeps you updated on the latest scams and breaks down historic hoodwinks with comedians. It's true crime without the death—true fun crime! Listen on Apple.

4. Axe of the Blood God

Join Kat Bailey, Nadia Oxford, and Eric Van Allen as they explore RPGs like Final Fantasy and Skyrim. Listen on Apple.

5. What's Good Games

Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Riana Manuel-Peña analyze video game news and provide hands-on impressions of upcoming titles. Listen on Apple.

6. My Favorite Murder

Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark host this original true crime comedy podcast, attracting a growing fanbase of "Murderinos." Listen on Apple.

7. This Ends At Prom

BJ Colangelo and Harmony Colangelo analyze the staying power of womanhood in teen girl movies from queer, feminist, and trans perspectives. Listen on Apple.

8. Girlfriend Material

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