Around the world, women are using chess not only to teach the game, but also to help young people develop confidence, creativity, critical thinking and the skills they need beyond the chessboard.
As part of FIDE’s Year of Chess and Education, the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess launched the Women in Chess Education Spotlight Initiative to celebrate the remarkable women who are making a difference through chess education.
With this series, we are sharing inspiring stories from around the world and highlighting women who are using chess as a powerful educational tool to make a lasting difference in their communities.
We are delighted to introduce the first woman featured in our series: Soumia Oukid from Algeria. 🇩🇿
Meet Soumia Oukid
Soumia’s work in chess is a wonderful example of the many different ways women can contribute to the chess community. She is a FIDE School Instructor, International Arbiter, National Instructor, educator, chess coach and President of a chess association – combining roles in education, competition, leadership and community development.
Her own chess journey began at an early age. She became the National Under-12 Vice Champion and later a University Chess Champion. These experiences helped inspire her to dedicate her career to promoting chess not only as a competitive sport, but also as a powerful educational tool.
Today, Soumia wears many hats within the chess world. Alongside her work as an International Arbiter and educator, she coaches and mentors young players, creates opportunities for children and young people to learn through chess, and takes on a leadership role as President of the Ayjal chess association.
And judging by the atmosphere in the classroom, learning chess is clearly about much more than sitting quietly behind a board. Soumia’s video shows children engaged, smiling and learning together – a wonderful reflection of the positive environment she strives to create.
As Soumia explains:
“Through fun and interactive lessons, students learn chess, but also how to think, concentrate and respect others.”
Through her educational activities, Soumia aims to help young people develop critical thinking, creativity, confidence and leadership skills – qualities that can stay with them long after they leave the chessboard.
But her work does not stop with chess. Soumia is also actively involved in volunteer and youth initiatives, driven by her belief that education, service and collaboration can create lasting positive change.
Her story is a powerful reminder that there is no single way to make an impact in chess. Women can be educators, coaches, arbiters, organizers and leaders – and, like Soumia, they can successfully combine many of these roles to strengthen their communities and help shape the future of the game.
At the end of her video, Soumia leaves us with a message that perfectly captures the spirit of this initiative:
“Chess is for everyone, and women have an important role in education and leadership. Together, we can make chess more inclusive for every child.”
🎥 Watch Soumia share her story and learn more about her work, on our Facebook page.
More stories to come
Soumia is the first woman featured in our Women in Chess Education series, and we look forward to introducing more remarkable women from around the world in the weeks ahead.
Each of their stories offers a different perspective on the role chess can play in education – and on the women who are working every day to make those opportunities possible.
Do you have a story to share?
We want to hear from you!
If you are a woman involved in chess education – or know a woman whose work deserves to be highlighted – we invite you to take part in the Women in Chess Education Spotlight Initiative.
Submit a short 1–3 minute video telling us about yourself, your work and the impact chess is having on the children, students or communities you serve. More information regarding the requirements can be found here.
📩 Send your video and details to: anna.kantane@gmail.com
Let’s continue to celebrate the women who are educating, inspiring, leading and helping to build the future of chess.
