As the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, we launched the Chess Women’s Day Celebrations – Visible, Connected, Worldwide initiative to celebrate girls and women in chess, while also connecting organizers and highlighting their inspiring efforts to make our game more accessible across the globe. We warmly invite everyone to join this movement – and today, we are proud to share a release prepared by one of our organizers all the way from the Brazilian Amazon, a beautiful reminder that chess truly knows no boundaries.
The release:
Amazon Region Joins Global Women in Chess Movement with “Primeiro as Damas” in Manaus, Brazil
Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil – February 25, 2026
As part of the worldwide celebrations of International Women’s Day and the global Women in Chess movement, Manaus, capital of the Brazilian Amazon, hosted the event “Primeiro as Damas – Chess Women’s Day Celebration 2026.”
The initiative reinforced a clear and powerful message: women belong in chess — as players, organizers, arbiters, educators, and leaders.
The event will be organized by FIDE School Instructor and FIDE National Arbiter Caroline Pinheiro, alongside chess coach Paulo Lima and his academy, Paulo Chess Coach, with the collaboration of the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) and its local members.
Hosted at Millennium Shopping in Manaus, the celebration will be open to the public and with a free registration to ensure accessibility and inclusion. The venue choice will contribute to high visibility and strong community engagement.
Program Highlights
- Women’s Rapid Chess Tournament
- Simultaneous Exhibitions
- Introductory Workshops for Girls and Beginners
- Educational activities on chess fundamentals
- Community recognition of titled and award-winning Amazonian female players
The event will have an estimated participation of up to 100 women and girls, including competitive players, beginners, mothers, and supporters of the sport.
In a region where female representation in chess is still developing, the initiative serves not only as a celebration, but also as a public statement promoting equal opportunity and respect within the chess community. Despite the absence of institutional support from local chess federation authorities, the organizers remaine committed to delivering a structured, high-quality event aligned with international standards.
“Primeiro as Damas” reflects the growing strength of women-led chess initiatives in the Amazon region and underscores Manaus’ connection to the global Women in Chess movement organised by FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess.
