On this special occasion of International Women’s Day, the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess extends our warmest wishes to all the girls and women!
This month, we celebrate not only the players but everyone who dedicate their time and effort to making chess more welcoming for everyone. Thanks to their work, more women and girls can take part in the game, compete, and grow as players and individuals. It is not just about winning—it’s about belonging, improving, and making sure every girl with a love for the game has the chance to follow her dreams.
Chess is a game of strategy, creativity, and confidence—qualities that make it a perfect space for women and girls to thrive. The chess community continues to grow stronger, more diverse, and more inspiring thanks to the dedication and passion of those who play, teach, and support the game.
Collaborating for Impact
Across the world, remarkable initiatives are held this month to celebrate Women’s Day through chess. The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess is proud to support and collaborate with events that highlight the strength, resilience, and talent of women in chess. Our key partnerships this year include:
- Queens of the Board: Celebrating Women in Chess, showcasing inspiring stories and achievements of women in the game.
- FIDE Women’s Commission Partners with the Prague Chess Festival – A Milestone for Girls in Chess, a significant step towards greater visibility and opportunities for girls in chess.
- Empowering Girls Through Chess: 3rd Queens Rapid Chess Tournament, Nairobi, reinforcing the importance of competition and community in developing talent.
- Saint-Tropez Event for All Women and Girls – Rights, Equality, and Empowerment, promoting chess as a tool for equality and empowerment.
- Queens of Black and White: A Chess Festival on the Eve of International Women’s Day, celebrating the diversity and talent within the chess community.
- Partnership with One of the World’s Strongest Women’s Chess Festivals, reinforcing FIDE’s commitment to supporting women&girls in chess.
A Global Movement
This year, we introduced the Global Celebration of Women and Girls in Chess, an initiative that has sparked engagement from federations, clubs, and individuals across the world. From Uruguay, Panama, and Mexico to Spain, Portugal, Latvia, Sudan, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, and more, chess events dedicated to women and girls are taking place throughout March. Thanks to this we can all see a collective effort to ensure that chess continues to be an inclusive space for all.
We are currently gathering stories from these celebrations and will soon share an overview of the incredible impact this initiative has had worldwide. Each tournament, workshop, and event represents not just a game played but simple yet powerful statement made: chess is a game for all.
Thank You
Progress is only possible through the dedication of countless individuals who work tirelessly to promote chess for women and girls. To the organizers who bring these events to life, the coaches who mentor and inspire, the sponsors who provide resources, and the players who compete with passion and determination—thank you. Your efforts make a difference, shaping a brighter future for the chess community.
Once again, Happy International Women’s Day.
Today, we celebrate how far we’ve come, but we don’t want to stop there. One day, we want to see every girl with a passion for chess able to follow her dreams, and we will keep working toward that goal.
