At IGN, we're thrilled to celebrate the remarkable women who shape our history and industry. These women create, inspire, empower, and drive positive change not only during Women's History Month but every day. We invite you to join us in learning, celebrating, and amplifying women's voices. Here's your guide to 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. Its goal was 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." Initially, it started as "Women’s History Week" in 1982, which ran during the week of March 7. It evolved into a month-long celebration in 1987. Since 1995, every President has issued annual proclamations designating March as Women’s History Month.

8 Ways to Celebrate Women's History Month

1. Learn About Women in History and Share Their Stories

   Dive into the fascinating stories of women across history, from inventors to leaders. Start your journey at museums and their online archives like the Smithsonian, organizations such as StoryCorps, and reliable history-based publishers like The History Channel. Here are some 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

   Show your support for women in business by shopping from women-owned businesses on platforms like Etsy, or using directories such as WBD and FoundedByHer. Amazon also allows you to filter for women-owned retailers across various categories. Additionally, supporting women's career growth is crucial. Organizations like SoundGirls provide networking and support for women in the audio industry. Sharing success stories and promoting organizations that offer workshops and resources can significantly uplift women in business.

   • Also see: 14 Great Women Comic Book Writers.

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

   Explore films and shows with strong female leads or directed by women. Hulu offers a collection of shows and movies with Black female leads, while Showtime's SHOWTIME WOMEN® network celebrates women in front of and behind the camera. Following the 2025 Oscars, catch up on hits like "Anora," featuring lead actress and Oscar winner Mikey Madison.

   How to Watch Anora

   What We Said in Our Anora Review

   Writer Lex Briscuso praised "Anora" as "Sean Baker’s hysterical and moving film that 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 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

   Don't miss out on women's sports. ESPNW covers major sports like NWSL, WNBA, and NCAAW, while justwomenssports.com is dedicated solely to women's sports. We also highlight WOW (Women of Wrestling), which we've partnered with and interviewed at events like SDCC. Stream WOW here.

   Where to Buy Play It Forward

   Women's sports are gaining popularity across soccer, basketball, wrestling, and more. 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

   With women now publishing more than 50% of all books since 2020, there's a wealth of literature to explore. According to BookRiot, the increase in books by women has boosted the book industry, which saw a 12.3% year-on-year increase in 2021, generating $29.3 billion. Dive into diverse genres with these top-rated books by women authors available 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

   For an educational read, consider these 10 books by Black women.

5. Play and Discover Women-Led Games

   Women have been behind many incredible games, from Portal to Celeste, the Uncharted series, and classic arcade games like Centipede. Games like Celeste have made significant cultural impacts, such as its journey to becoming one of the most important trans games ever. You can get Celeste for $19.99 on Nintendo.com.

   Despite women making up only about 22% of the video game industry, their contributions are invaluable. Learn more from a 2017 snapshot of women in video game development. Explore game lists featuring women creators on platforms like G2A and Microsoft.

6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women

   There's a podcast for every interest, from news and history to comedy and true crime, hosted by women. NY Public Radio has compiled a list of over 100 women-hosted podcasts. 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 miscast in the public imagination. Listen on Apple.

   2. Ladies & Tangents

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

   3. Scam Goddess

   Laci Mosley breaks down historic hoodwinks and the latest scams with comedians, offering true fun crime. Listen on Apple.

   4. Axe of the Blood God

   Kat Bailey, Nadia Oxford, and Eric Van Allen explore the world of role-playing games, including 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, welcoming you to the "Murderinos" fan club. Listen on Apple.

   7. This Ends At Prom

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

   8. Girlfriend Material

   Rosie Turner shares funny stories, cheeky chats, and moving moments in this "Gay-Z" podcast, welcoming everyone on their LGBTQ+ journey. Listen on Apple.

   9. A Little Queer

   Capri and Ashley dive into queer culture, advice, and media, becoming your new BFFs. Listen on Apple.

   10. The Artist In Me Is Dead

   Rhonda Willers explores creativity and how to nurture it back to life, discussing when people feel most creative. Listen on Apple.

   11. Conversations With Moon Body Soul

   Kaitee Tyner shares topics across holistic wellness, perfect for those getting into self-care. Listen on Apple.