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 in recognizing and amplifying 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 from a 1987 petition by the National Women’s History Project, aiming to honor women's contributions to the United States and their achievements across various fields. 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.
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's 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 across various fields. Shop online at Etsy, browse directories like WBD and FoundedByHer, or use Amazon's filter to find women-owned retailers. Beyond purchasing, 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, while Showtime's SHOWTIME WOMEN® showcases female talent. Catch up on award-winning films like Anora, starring Mikey Madison.
Our Anora Review:
Lex Briscuso wrote, "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]
[See it at Hulu]
[Here are more ways to watch Anora.]
Discover Women Directors:
Enjoy classic and contemporary films directed by women, such as Barbie, American Psycho, and The Hurt Locker. Streaming services like Netflix offer curated selections.
Watch Women's Sports:
Support women's sports! ESPNW covers major leagues (NWSL, WNBA, NCAAW), and justwomenssports.com is dedicated to women's athletics. Don't forget WOW (Women of Wrestling)!
[Sign up for a standalone ESPN+ subscription or as part of the Disney Bundle.]
[See it at ESPN+]
4. Read Books Written by Women
Explore the vast and diverse world of literature by women authors. According to BookRiot, women now publish over 50% of all books. Discover new favorites! Here's a list of 10 books by Black women to get you started.
[Browse Amazon's most popular best sellers.]
[See it at Amazon]
5. Play and Discover Women-Led Games
Many fantastic games are created by women. From Portal and Celeste to Uncharted and Centipede, celebrate their contributions. Explore game lists featuring women creators on sites like G2A and Microsoft.
6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women
Discover podcasts hosted by women across various genres. NY Public Radio offers a list of over 100. IGN recommends:
- You're Wrong About: Sarah investigates misrepresented historical figures and events.
- Ladies & Tangents: Jeri and Ciara discuss companionship, human rights, and more.
- 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 review video games.
- My Favorite Murder: Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark explore true crime.
- This Ends At Prom: BJ and Harmony Colangelo analyze coming-of-age films.
- Girlfriend Material: Rosie Turner shares funny stories and chats.
- A Little Queer: Capri and Ashley discuss LGBTQ+ culture.
- The Artist In Me Is Dead: Rhonda Willers explores creativity.
- Conversations With Moon Body Soul: Kaitee Tyner discusses holistic wellness.
