At IGN, we're thrilled to celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped our history and industry. These trailblazers create, inspire, and empower, driving positive change not just during Women's History Month, but all year round. Join us in learning, celebrating, and amplifying women's voices. Here's all you need to know about Women's History Month and some fantastic 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, aiming to celebrate the contributions and specific achievements of women across various fields in American history. Initially starting as "Women’s History Week" in 1982, it evolved into 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.
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
Explore the incredible stories of women throughout history, from inventors to leaders. Start your journey with resources like the Smithsonian's website archives, StoryCorps, and The History Channel. Dive into inspiring narratives with:
- 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 on platforms like Etsy, or exploring directories like WBD and FoundedByHer. Amazon also allows you to filter for women-owned retailers across various categories. Beyond purchasing, uplift women's careers by supporting organizations like SoundGirls, which fosters networking and support for women in the audio industry.
- 14 Great Women Comic Book Writers
3. Watch Movies or Shows Featuring Women or Directed by Women
Discover compelling content directed by women or featuring strong female leads. Hulu offers a collection of shows and movies with Black female leads, while SHOWTIME WOMEN® showcases films and documentaries by female talents. Catch up on recent Oscar winners like "Anora," featuring lead actress Mikey Madison, praised for its heartfelt exploration of life's complexities.
What We Said in Our Anora Review
Writer Lex Briscuso noted, "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. Platforms like Netflix offer easy access to movies directed by women.
Watch Women's Sports
Stay updated with women's sports through ESPNW, covering major leagues like NWSL, WNBA, and NCAAW. Also, check out justwomenssports.com for exclusive coverage. IGN has partnered with WOW (Women of Wrestling), providing insights and interviews at events like SDCC. Stream major women's sports events on:
### ESPN+
10Sign up for a standalone ESPN+ subscription or as part of the Disney Bundle that includes the trio of Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. See it at ESPN+
4. Read Books Written by Women
Dive into a diverse array of books written by women, across genres. Since 2020, women have published over 50% of all books, contributing significantly to the industry's growth. Add these to your reading list:
- 10 books by Black women
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
Explore games created by women, from Portal to Celeste, Uncharted, and Centipede. Celebrate the cultural impact of games like Celeste, a significant trans narrative available for $19.99 on Nintendo.com. Despite women making up only about 22% of the video game industry, their contributions are invaluable. Discover more through lists on G2A and curated collections from Microsoft.6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women
Enjoy podcasts across genres, hosted by women. NY Public Radio's list of over 100 women-hosted podcasts offers a wealth of content. Here are some recommendations from IGN's podcast enthusiasts:
1. You're Wrong About
In You're Wrong About, Sarah, a journalist, reconsiders misunderstood historical figures and events. Listen on Apple.
2. Ladies & Tangents
Jeri and Ciara, best friends and cousins, delve into relatable conversations about companionship and human rights. Listen on Apple.
3. Scam Goddess
Laci Mosley explores historic scams with comedians, offering a fun take on true crime. Listen on Apple.
4. Axe of the Blood God
Kat Bailey, Nadia Oxford, and Eric Van Allen discuss RPGs like Final Fantasy and Skyrim. Listen on Apple.
5. What's Good Games
Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Riana Manuel-Peña provide insights into the latest video game news. Listen on Apple.
6. My Favorite Murder
Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark host this hit true crime comedy podcast. Listen on Apple.
7. This Ends At Prom
BJ Colangelo and Harmony Colangelo analyze teen girl movies from queer and feminist perspectives. Listen on Apple.
8. Girlfriend Material
Rosie Turner shares funny stories and moving moments on this "Gay-Z" podcast. Listen on Apple.
9. A Little Queer
Capri and Ashley explore queer culture and media. Listen on Apple.
10. The Artist In Me Is Dead
Rhonda Willers discusses creativity and how to nurture it back to life. Listen on Apple.
11. Conversations With Moon Body Soul
Kaitee Tyner discusses holistic wellness and self-care. Listen on Apple.
