8 Ways to Honor Women's History Month Now

At IGN, we're thrilled to celebrate the incredible women who have shaped our history and industry. These women inspire, empower, and drive positive change not only during Women's History Month but every day. We invite you to join us in continuously learning, celebrating, and amplifying women's voices. Here’s everything you need to know about 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, aiming to celebrate the contributions of women to the United States and recognize their specific achievements across various fields. Initially starting as "Women’s History Week" in 1982, it expanded to a month-long celebration in 1987. Since 1995, every President has issued annual proclamations designating March as Women’s History Month, ensuring its continued recognition.

8 Ways to Celebrate Women's History Month

1. Learn About Women in History and Share Their Stories You can delve into women's stories across the web, from inventors to leaders. Start your journey with museums like the Smithsonian, organizations like StoryCorps, and trusted sources such as The History Channel.

   More 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 From artists to streamers, supporting women in business is crucial. Shop from women-owned businesses on platforms like Etsy, use directories like WBD and FoundedByHer, or filter for women-owned retailers on Amazon. Additionally, supporting organizations like SoundGirls, which provides networking and support for women in audio, helps elevate women's careers.

   Also see: 14 Great Women Comic Book Writers.

3. Watch Movies or Shows Featuring Women or Directed by Women Hulu offers a collection of shows and movies with Black female leads, and SHOWTIME WOMEN® celebrates women in front of and behind the camera. After the 2025 Oscars, catch up on hits like Anora, where lead actress Mikey Madison won an Oscar. Our review praised Anora for its heartfelt storytelling and exploration of sex work and class.

   How to Watch 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."

   7 Days Free### Hulu Free Trial

   67See it at Hulu

   Here are more ways to watch Anora.

   Discover Women Directors: Celebrate women-led films like Barbie, American Psycho, and The Hurt Locker, all directed by women. Streaming sites like Netflix make it easy to find these films.

   Watch Women's Sports: Don't miss out on women's sports. ESPNW covers major sports including NWSL, WNBA, NCAAW, and more. Justwomenssports.com is dedicated solely to women's sports. We also spotlight WOW (Women of Wrestling), with whom we've partnered and interviewed at events like SDCC. Stream WOW here.

   Where to Buy Play It Forward

   Across soccer, basketball, wrestling, and beyond, women's sports are gaining popularity. 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 across all genres. According to BookRiot, women have published over 50% of all books since 2020, boosting the industry by 12.3% in 2021. Here are 10 books by Black women to add to your reading 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

   Many wonderful games have been created by women, from Portal to Celeste, Uncharted, and Centipede. Celeste's Five-Year Journey to Becoming One of the Most Important Trans Games Ever is a testament to their cultural impact. You can purchase or download Celeste here on Nintendo.com for $19.99.

   Despite women making up only about 22% of the video game industry, their contributions are invaluable. Explore lists of games by women creators on platforms like G2A and Microsoft.

6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women Whether you're into news, history, comedy, or true crime, there are numerous podcasts hosted by women. NY Public Radio has a list of over 100 women-hosted podcasts available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and more. Here are some recommendations from IGN's podcast enthusiasts:

   1. You're Wrong About

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

   2. Ladies & Tangents

   Jeri and Ciara, besties and cousins, share relatable conversations on companionship and human rights. Listen on Apple.

   3. Scam Goddess

   Laci Mosley explores the latest scams and 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 the latest video game news and upcoming titles. Listen on Apple.

   6. My Favorite Murder

   Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark host this original true crime comedy podcast. Join the "Murderinos" fan club. Listen on Apple.

   7. This Ends At Prom

   BJ Colangelo and Harmony Colangelo analyze teen girl movies from queer, feminist, cisgender, and trans perspectives. Listen on Apple.

   8. Girlfriend Material

   Rosie Turner shares funny stories and moving moments in this "Gay-Z" podcast. It's for everyone on their LGBTQ+ journey. Listen on Apple.

   9. A Little Queer

   Capri and Ashley dive into queer culture, advice, and media. Listen on Apple.

   10. The Artist In Me Is Dead

   Rhonda Willers explores creativity and how people tap into it. Listen on Apple.

   11. Conversations With Moon Body Soul

   Kaitee Tyner shares topics on holistic wellness and self-care. Listen on Apple.