At IGN, we're excited to not only celebrate the talented women who work here this Women's History Month, but also celebrate the women in our history and industry who create, inspire, empower and make positive change in this world; not just this month, but every month. We hope you'll join us in continued learning, celebrating and elevating women’s voices. Here's everything to know about Women's History Month and some great ways to celebrate this March.
The History Behind Women's History Month
Women's History Month began as a petition by the National Women’s History Project in 1987, with a purpose 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."
Did you know Women’s History Month actually began as “Women’s History Week" during the week of March 7 in 1982? It wasn't until 1987 that this cultural event would become a month-long, national celebration. Efforts continued in order to keep Women's History Month recognized, and every President since 1995 "have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as Women’s History Month.”
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
You can explore women's stories in history all across the web, from inventors to leaders and beyond. Great places to start include museums and their website archives like Smithsonian, organizations run by women such as StoryCorps, and trusted history-based publishers such as The History Channel.
If you live near Washington D.C., we'd recommend visiting the National Women's History Museum which hosts several exhibitions, events and programs throughout the year. Otherwise, know there are plenty more exhibits and museums highlighting women in history across the country to check out.
Good reads:
- Twelve Black Women to Know
- What we can learn from Women’s history: 10 inspiring career stories
- 10 Women Inventors you should know
- NASA’s Women's History Month 2023: Celebrating Women Astronauts
2. Support Women-Owned Businesses and Professionals
From small, local shops to artists to streamers and beyond, there are so many wonderful ways to support women in business. You can shop online from the comfort of your home on sites like Etsy, and browse Women Owned Business Directories like WBD, or FoundedByHer as go-to resources for discovering awesome female entrepreneurs. There’s even a way to filter on Amazon to shop women-owned retailers in a variety of categories.
In addition to buying from women business owners, supporting women in their career growth is another integral part of the journey to uplift women. SoundGirls is a perfect example of an organization that exists to provide women in the specific industry (audio) an opportunity to "meet and network with industry professionals, creating a strong support network.”
Anything we can do to share women's success stories, contribute, and spread the word around organizations that exist to offer workshops, networking resources, and beyond, can all help support women in business.
3. Watch Movies or Shows Directed by Women and Featuring Women
From the biggest 2023 hits like Barbie, to cult favorites like American Psycho; to action films like The Hurt Locker, there's no better time to watch or rewatch some legendary films directed by women. If you don't know where to start, streaming sites like Netflix make it easy to browse movies directed by women. And, if you're looking for a Disney+ specific list, Mashable has you covered there!
In addition to women directors, Hulu has a featured collection of shows and movies with Black female leads to check out, and Showtime has a network called SHOWTIME WOMEN® which "Celebrates women in front of and behind the camera, bringing you the most unique, daring and groundbreaking films, documentaries and shorts from aspiring and established female talents."
Let's not forget women's sports either. From ESPNW covering major sports, from NWSL, WNBA, NCAAW and beyond, to a whole site dedicated to only women's sports (fittingly, justwomenssports.com), you can't miss it. Women's sports are becoming more popular and we love to see it.
4. Read Books Written by Women Authors
There are so many books written by women to dive into, no matter what your favorite genre is. In fact, according to BookRiot, “Women now publish more than 50% of all books, and have since 2020. The increase in published books by women has also come with a boost for the book industry overall, which boasted a year-on-year increase of 12.3% in 2021 (if you're curious, publishing made $29.3 billion in 2021). With these stats we see what we've already known, really, which is that diversifying the publishing industry is not only the right thing to do, but people also just really like it.”
That said, women authors are everywhere, so it's time to get your reading on! For a powerfully educational list, here's 10 books by Black women to add to your reading list, too.
Here are some top-rated books by female authors to get you started via Amazon.
5. Play Games Made by Women
Behind several wonderful games are women creators, devs, directors, designers, writers and more. From Portal to Celeste; to the Uncharted series and the classic arcade game Centipede, there are so many brilliant games brought to you by women. Plus, it's even more impressive when a game makes a bigger cultural impact, such as Celeste's Five-Year Journey to Becoming One of the Most Important Trans Games Ever. (If you haven't played this charming, adventure-filled game yet, you can get it or download here on Nintendo.com for $19.99).
You can browse game lists across the web featuring women creators, such as G2A’s list and featured games created by women and games curated by women lists from Microsoft to get you started.
6. Listen to Podcasts Hosted by Women
Whether you're into news, history, comedy, pop culture or criminal storytelling, there is a comprehensive list of podcasts hosted by women out there. NY Public Radio compiled a list of over 100 women-hosted podcasts, so go check out what's there and may be new to you lately on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or wherever you like to listen! From some of IGN's own podcast-listening ladies, we recommend the following (in no particular order):
1. You're Wrong About
In You're Wrong About, Sarah is a journalist obsessed with the past. Every week she reconsiders a person or event that's been miscast in the public imagination. Listen on Apple.
2. Ladies & Tangents
If you hate leaving the house but also want to feel seen, the Ladies & Tangents podcast is for you. Jeri and Ciara are besties and cousins, ready to carry you through their relatable conversations around companionship, human rights and more. Listen on Apple.
3. Scam Goddess
In Scam Goddess, Laci Mosley keeps you up to date on the latest scams and "breaks down historic hoodwinks alongside some of your favorite comedians! It’s like true crime only without all the death! True fun crime!" Listen on Apple.
4. Axe of the Blood God
RPG gaming fans can join Kat Bailey, Nadia Oxford, and Eric Van Allen as they explore Final Fantasy, Skyrim, and all the best in the wonderful world of role-playing games in Axe of the Blood God. Listen on Apple
5. What's Good Games
Another great podcast for gaming fans, join What's Good Games' Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher and Riana Manuel-Peña as they analyze the latest video game news each week and give hands-on impressions of upcoming titles. Listen on Apple.
6. My Favorite Murder
My Favorite Murder is the original hit true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. You, too, can join the growing fan club of "Murderinos". Listen on Apple.
7. This Ends At Prom
This Ends at Prom is a weekly podcast analyzing the staying power of womanhood featured in coming-of-age and teen girl movies from the queer, feminist cisgender and trans perspectives. Hosted by wives BJ Colangelo and Harmony Colangelo. Listen on Apple.
8. Girlfriend Material
This fabulous "Gay-Z" podcast features funny stories, cheeky chats, and moving moments with comedy creator and TikToker Rosie Turner! It doesn't matter where you are on your own LGBTQ+ journey of discovery, this podcast is for everyone! Listen on Apple.
9. A Little Queer
Another LGBTQ+ focused podcast, dive into queer culture, advice, and media with your new BFFs, Capri and Ashley. Listen on Apple.
10. The Artist In Me Is Dead
"The artist in you is dead, but what if it’s actually only dormant and you only need to nurture it back to life?" Explore creativity with host Rhonda Willers and guests every Thursday. She also explores when people feel most creative: what are they doing? How do they tap into their creativity? Listen on Apple.
11. Conversations With Moon Body Soul
Listen to host and owner of Moon Body Soul, Kaitee Tyner as she shares in topics across holistic wellness. If you're getting into self-care and need some inspiration, this is for you. Listen on Apple.
7. Volunteer at Women-Based Organizations
Not sure where to start? https://www.volunteermatch.org has a great database to match you with volunteer opportunities. Visit the site, search by your city or zip code, and find volunteer opportunities. You can select "More" from the volunteer category menu to select "Women" for both virtual and in-person opportunities to help women-based organizations in your area.
8. Donate to Programs and Organizations Uplifting Women
If you're unable to volunteer your time, consider donating to an organization that means something to you and the women in your life.
Here are some great places to consider supporting:
Women's History Month is one of many US cultural events showcasing historically underrepresented voices. We look forward to highlighting more events like these, so stay tuned for more in 2024.
