8 Ways to Honor Women's History Month Now

At IGN, we're thrilled to celebrate the incredible women who shape our history and industry, inspiring and empowering positive change every day, not just during Women's History Month. We invite you to join us in continuously learning, celebrating, and amplifying women's voices. Here's a comprehensive guide to Women's History Month and exciting ways to honor it 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, aimed at celebrating the significant contributions women have made to the United States and acknowledging their specific achievements across various fields throughout American history.

Did you know that Women’s History Month started as "Women’s History Week" in 1982, specifically during the week of March 7? It was not until 1987 that it expanded into a month-long celebration. Since 1995, every U.S. President has issued annual proclamations designating March as Women’s History Month, ensuring its continued recognition.

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 fascinating stories of women throughout history, from inventors to leaders. Start your journey at reputable sources like the Smithsonian's website archives, StoryCorps, and The History Channel.

More 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 Women-Owned Business Directories such as WBD or FoundedByHer. Amazon also allows you to filter and shop from women-owned retailers across various categories.

Supporting women's career growth is equally important. Organizations like SoundGirls provide networking and support for women in the audio industry, helping to elevate their careers.

Also see: 14 Great Women Comic Book Writers.

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

Explore Hulu's featured collection of shows and movies with Black female leads, or dive into SHOWTIME WOMEN®, which showcases films and documentaries by female talents.

Following the 2025 Oscars, catch up on award-winning films like Anora, starring Mikey Madison, who took home an Oscar for her performance.

How to Watch AnoraWhat 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. Netflix offers an easy way to browse and discover movies directed by women.

Watch Women's Sports

Where to Buy Play It ForwardDon't miss out on women's sports, covered by ESPNW and dedicated sites like justwomenssports.com. IGN has also partnered with Women of Wrestling (WOW) and covered events like SDCC.

With the rise in popularity of women's sports across soccer, basketball, and wrestling, you can 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 over 50% of all books since 2020, there's an incredible range of genres to explore. According to BookRiot, the increase in books by women has boosted the publishing industry, which saw a 12.3% rise in 2021, generating $29.3 billion.

For a diverse reading list, consider these top-rated books by women authors available on Amazon:

### Best-Selling Books by Women Authors

0Browse Amazon's most popular best sellers, updated frequently, and available in Kindle Editions and paperback formats. See it at Amazon5. Play and Discover Women-Led Games

Despite women constituting only about 22% of the video game industry, their contributions are invaluable. Explore lists of games created by women on platforms like G2A and Microsoft's curated lists.

6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women

From news to comedy, there's a vast selection of podcasts hosted by women. NY Public Radio has compiled 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

In You're Wrong About, Sarah, a journalist, reconsiders historical figures and events often misrepresented in the public eye. Listen on Apple.

2. Ladies & Tangents

Jeri and Ciara, best friends and cousins, discuss relatable topics around companionship and human rights in Ladies & Tangents. Listen on Apple.

3. Scam Goddess

Laci Mosley's Scam Goddess delves into the latest scams and historical hoodwinks, offering true fun crime without the death. Listen on Apple.

4. Axe of the Blood God

RPG fans can enjoy Axe of the Blood God, hosted by Kat Bailey, Nadia Oxford, and Eric Van Allen, exploring Final Fantasy, Skyrim, and more. Listen on Apple.

5. What's Good Games

Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Riana Manuel-Peña analyze video game news and offer hands-on impressions of upcoming titles in What's Good Games. Listen on Apple.

6. My Favorite Murder

Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark host the original hit true crime comedy podcast, My Favorite Murder, attracting a dedicated fan base known as "Murderinos." Listen on Apple.

7. This Ends At Prom

This Ends at Prom, hosted by BJ Colangelo and Harmony Colangelo, examines the portrayal of womanhood in coming-of-age and teen girl movies from queer, feminist, and trans perspectives. Listen on Apple.

8. Girlfriend Material

Rosie Turner's Girlfriend Material offers funny stories, cheeky chats, and moving moments, appealing to everyone on their LGBTQ+ journey. Listen on Apple.

9. A Little Queer

Capri and Ashley explore queer culture, advice, and media in A Little Queer, making you feel like you're hanging out with your best friends. Listen on Apple.

10. The Artist In Me Is Dead

Rhonda Willers and her guests explore creativity and how to nurture it back to life in The Artist In Me Is Dead. Listen on Apple.

11. Conversations With Moon Body Soul

Kaitee Tyner hosts Conversations With Moon Body Soul, discussing holistic wellness and self-care, providing inspiration for those looking to enhance their well-being. Listen on Apple.