As part of FIDE’s 2025 Year of Social Chess, each month is dedicated to showcasing how chess can contribute to a more inclusive and positive society. This August, the spotlight turns to Women in Chess – a global celebration of the achievements and contributions of women and girls in the chess community.
The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess (WOM) is proud to lead this initiative through the Women’s Chess Marathon, a series of flagship events and activities across all continents. With the support of WOM, eight core events are taking place in:
- Americas: Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic
- Africa: South Africa and Zambia
- Asia & Oceania: Nepal and Australia
- Europe: Portugal and Italy
These eight main events form the heart of the Women’s Chess Marathon, but the movement is open to all. We warmly invite organisers around the world to take part by hosting their own events – tournaments, simuls, lectures, or exhibitions – and to tag us and reach out to join the celebration.
Spotlight on the Americas: Connecting and Empowering Women in Chess
In the Americas, the Women’s Chess Marathon will be marked by a series of impactful initiatives taking place between August 1 and 10, with the strong support of the Confederation of Chess for the Americas (CCA) and its Diversity Commission, as well as the FIDE Women’s Commission. These events reflect a broad and inclusive vision of women in chess -not only players, but also arbiters, trainers, mothers, and community leaders.
1. Online Seminar on the Laws of Chess – August 2
The month begins with a free online seminar in Spanish, focused on updates to the Laws of Chess, specially designed for women across Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas. The course will be conducted by IA Bárbara López Chávez Mariño, and has already attracted over 100 registered participants.
This seminar provides valuable knowledge and support to women in arbiting and chess leadership, making chess spaces more inclusive and professionally accessible.
2. “Chess for Girls in a Safe Environment” – Dominican Republic, August 9
On August 9, a women’s tournament will take place in the Dominican Republic as part of the ongoing initiative “Chess for Girls in a Safe Environment.” This program is led by WFM Yurima López-Samón, a FIDE Instructor from Cuba, and is a collaboration supported by the CCA Diversity Commission and FIDE WOM.
Running from July to September, the program focuses on creating safe, supportive spaces for girls in chess – and this August tournament marks a major milestone in the project’s progress.
3. Puerto Rico Women’s Chess Summer Closing Event – August 10
On August 10, Puerto Rico will host a vibrant closing event for Women’s Chess Month, led by WFM Rinelli M. Comas Colón and WCM Keishla M. Vega Jiménez.
The day will include a simultaneous exhibition by members of the Puerto Rican Women’s Olympiad Team, as well as a talk by WIM Danitza Vázquez Macarini, who will share her personal journey in chess – from early childhood to adult competition, and her experience balancing motherhood with her career in the game.
Yanira Rivera, the current Puerto Rico Women’s Chess Champion, will also participate, and the event will offer opportunities for connection, fellowship, and inspiration for women and girls in the Puerto Rican chess community.
Power of collaboration
These initiatives highlight the dedication and collaboration across the Americas to create more inclusive, empowering spaces in chess. With the support of FIDE WOM, CCA, the Diversity Commission, and local federations in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba, this regional celebration is a powerful example of how chess can connect, uplift, and support women across all roles and regions.
As FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, we are truly grateful to all the local organisers and women chess champions for all the efforts they keep putting into promoting chess among girls&women!
Stay tuned for more stories from around the world as the Women’s Chess Marathon continues throughout August.
