8 Ways to Honor Women's History Month Now

At IGN, we're thrilled to honor the incredible women who have shaped our history and continue to drive innovation and empowerment across industries. Women's History Month is a time to celebrate and uplift these voices, and we invite you to join us in this ongoing journey of recognition and learning. Here's a comprehensive guide on Women's History Month and inspiring ways to celebrate it this March.

The History Behind Women's History Month

Women's History Month traces its origins back to a petition by the National Women’s History Project in 1987. The initiative aimed to "celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields." Interestingly, it began as "Women’s History Week" during the week of March 7 in 1982, before expanding into a month-long celebration in 1987. Since 1995, every President has issued annual proclamations officially 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 contributions through history by exploring online resources, museum archives, and dedicated websites. Start your journey at places like the Smithsonian, StoryCorps, and The History Channel to discover the stories of remarkable women across various fields. Enhance your knowledge with these 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

Show your support for women entrepreneurs by shopping on platforms like Etsy or exploring directories such as WBD and FoundedByHer. Amazon also allows you to filter for women-owned retailers in various categories. Additionally, supporting women in their professional growth is crucial. Organizations like SoundGirls offer networking and mentorship opportunities, helping women in the audio industry thrive. Don't miss out on stories of successful women and the resources available to empower them further.

• Also see: 14 Great Women Comic Book Writers.

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

Dive into the world of cinema and television with content led by or directed by women. Platforms like Hulu feature collections with Black female leads, while SHOWTIME WOMEN® highlights unique and groundbreaking works by female talents. Following the 2025 Oscars, don't miss out on the acclaimed film "Anora," which won big, featuring lead actress Mikey Madison.

How to Watch Anora

Our reviewer, Lex Briscuso, praised "Anora" for its heartfelt storytelling and poignant exploration of themes like sex work, class, and broken promises. "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."

7 Days Free### Hulu Free Trial

For more ways to watch "Anora," consider a Hulu Free Trial. Additionally, celebrate women directors by watching iconic films like "Barbie," "American Psycho," and "The Hurt Locker," all available on streaming platforms like Netflix.

Watch Women's Sports

Where to Buy Play It Forward

Don't overlook the exciting world of women's sports. From ESPNW covering major leagues like NWSL, WNBA, and NCAAW, to dedicated platforms like justwomenssports.com, there's no shortage of action. We also highlight our partnership with WOW (Women of Wrestling) and how you can stream their events. Women's sports are on the rise, and you can catch most major events on:

### ESPN+

Sign up for a standalone ESPN+ subscription or as part of the Disney Bundle that includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu.

4. Read Books Written by Women

Immerse yourself in literature crafted by women authors, who now publish over 50% of all books, a trend that has boosted the industry since 2020. According to BookRiot, this surge contributed to a 12.3% year-on-year increase in publishing revenue, reaching $29.3 billion in 2021. Explore powerful narratives with this list of 10 books by Black women, and get started with some top-rated books by women authors available on Amazon.

### Best-Selling Books by Women Authors

Browse Amazon's frequently updated best-sellers list, available in Kindle Editions and paperback formats.

5. Play and Discover Women-Led Games

Celebrate the women behind some of the most beloved video games. From "Portal" to "Celeste," and the "Uncharted" series to the classic "Centipede," women have made significant contributions to gaming. Notably, "Celeste" has been recognized for its cultural impact as one of the most important trans games. Available for $19.99 on Nintendo.com, it's a must-play. Despite women making up only about 22% of the video game industry, their influence is undeniable. Explore curated lists from G2A, Microsoft, and other platforms to discover more games created by women.

6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women

Tune into podcasts hosted by women across various genres, from news and history to comedy and true crime. NY Public Radio offers a list of over 100 women-hosted podcasts available on platforms like Spotify, Apple, and Amazon. Here are some top picks from IGN's podcast enthusiasts:

1. You're Wrong About

Sarah, a journalist with a passion for the past, reconsiders events and figures misconstrued in the public eye. Listen on Apple.

2. Ladies & Tangents

Jeri and Ciara, cousins and best friends, share relatable conversations about companionship and human rights. Perfect for those who enjoy staying in but want to feel connected. Listen on Apple.

3. Scam Goddess

Laci Mosley explores the world of scams with humor and insight, joined by comedians in this "true fun crime" podcast. Listen on Apple.

4. Axe of the Blood God

Kat Bailey, Nadia Oxford, and Eric Van Allen delve into the world of RPGs, covering classics 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 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, inviting listeners to join their "Murderinos" fan club. Listen on Apple.

7. This Ends At Prom

BJ Colangelo and Harmony Colangelo explore the impact of coming-of-age and teen girl movies from queer, feminist, cisgender, and trans perspectives. Listen on Apple.

8. Girlfriend Material

Rosie Turner brings humor and heart to this "Gay-Z" podcast, sharing stories and insights relevant to the LGBTQ+ community. Listen on Apple.

9. A Little Queer

Capri and Ashley dive into queer culture, offering advice and media recommendations in a friendly, engaging format. Listen on Apple.

10. The Artist In Me Is Dead

Rhonda Willers explores creativity and how to revive it, discussing what sparks creativity in people. Listen on Apple.

11. Conversations With Moon Body Soul

Kaitee Tyner, host and owner of Moon Body Soul, shares insights on holistic wellness and self-care. Listen on Apple.