Category: Uncategorized

Equal Prize Money and Sporting Excellence at the 11th International Francophone Chess Meetings in Marrakech

The 11th Rencontres Internationales des Échecs Francophones (International Francophone Chess Meetings – RIDEF) took place in Marrakech, Morocco, bringing together more than 100 players from 14 countries for several days of high-level competition in classical, rapid and blitz chess. Organised by the International Association of Francophone Chess (AIDEF) in cooperation with the Royal Moroccan Chess […]

I am woman, I am president: Women at the helm of national federations

Out of 201 FIDE members, only 13 have women presidents. In a slow but steady shift, more women are taking executive roles in chess and business. FIDE spoke to four women who run national chess federations. Here is what they say about the role women can play in chess away from the board. In 1971 […]

“Checkmate Violence”: Himalayan Chess Academy Uses Chess to Support Survivors in Nepal

As part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Himalayan Chess Academy (HCA) has launched an inspiring empowerment initiative titled “Checkmate Violence: Women’s Empowerment through Chess.” This week, HCA conducted a special workshop at the Shanti Foundation Drop-In Center, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of trafficking, violence, and high-risk vulnerabilities. […]

Mystics vs The Mind: GM David Smerdon Meets the Aghori Babas in Nepal

Himalayan Chess Academy, one of our valued partners, recently hosted a unique cultural–chess experience in Nepal: “Mystics vs The Mind: A Showdown Between GM David Smerdon and Aghori Babas.” The Aghori Babas are an ascetic Shiva sect known for their fearless discipline and unconventional spiritual path. On Saturday, November 22, 2025, GM David Smerdon played […]

Internet Based FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar for women!

We are pleased to announce FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar for women as part of our ongoing commitment to support women in chess, strengthening female representation and opportunity throughout the international chess community. The 213th Internet-based FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar is going to be organized from 09–11 January 2026 by the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess and Norwegian […]

DGT Board Operator Seminar at the Rilton Cup!

The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess is pleased to share an exciting development opportunity for arbiters, organizers, and chess professionals: the DGT Board Operator Certification Seminar, taking place alongside the renowned Rilton Cup in Stockholm, Sweden. This seminar is organised by DGT in cooperation with the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, Stockholm Chess Federation, and […]

First-Ever Pia Cramling Cup: Inspiring the Next Generation of Chess Stars

The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess is delighted to announce the inaugural Pia Cramling Cup, a new tournament for girls and women established in collaboration with Pia Cramling, the Stockholm Chess Federation and held during the historic Rilton Cup. Taking place on January 2, 2026, at the Scandic Continental in Stockholm, the event marks a […]

FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess Meeting – FIDE Congress 2025

The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess (WOM) convened its official meeting during the FIDE Congress 2025, bringing together commission members, working group leaders, and guests for a comprehensive review of ongoing projects and upcoming priorities. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board Dana Reizniece, and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich joined […]