Rising Like Queens: A Powerful Day for Girls in Kakuma Refugee Camp
On Saturday, June 28th, something truly extraordinary happened in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. Over 330 girls gathered for a special on-site chess event! It was a special day – featuring motivational talks and friendly chess matches – transforming what is usually a virtual connection into a vibrant, in-person celebration of empowerment through chess. The […]
Queen’s Gambit Challenge: 1st stage
Our project – the Queen’s Gambit Challenge launched on April 5, 2025, as a global initiative designed to reduce the barriers women face in learning and advancing in chess. With the slogan of empowerment and inclusivity, the project offered free, high-quality training by licensed coaches, accessible to women and girls from diverse backgrounds. Over 480 […]
Empowering Through Chess: Celebrating Refugee Awareness Month in Kakuma
In 2025, FIDE has dedicated the year to Social Chess, recognizing the power of the game to connect communities, build valuable skills and create meaningful change. Each month, new social projects are highlighted and supported, expanding the reach and impact of what chess can achieve. With June designated as Refugee Awareness Month, culminating in World […]
The 2025 Cairns Cup Has Kicked Off with a Bang!
The fifth edition of the Cairns Cup is officially underway at the Saint Louis Chess Club, running from June 8–21. One of the strongest women’s tournaments in the world, the Cairns Cup brings together ten top players from around the globe to battle it out in a classical round-robin for event’s record $250,000 prize fund. […]
Norway Chess 2025: High Stakes, Legendary Moments, and Equal Pay
What a ride! The 2025 edition of Norway Chess was packed with drama, excitement, and some truly unforgettable (& very meme-worthy) moments – yes, we know exactly what Gukesh meant when asked about his most memorable moment. But beyond the laughs and the thrill, Norway Chess once again proved that it’s one of the most […]
A Grandmaster Park: David Smerdon Honoured in His Hometown
There’s a brand-new reason for the chess world to smile – and it comes with swings, greenery, and a very special name. We’re thrilled to share that a park in Robertson, Australia, has officially been renamed David Smerdon Park, in honour of Grandmaster David Smerdon. This is no ordinary tribute – after all, it’s not […]
Queens Weekend: A Royal Gathering for Women and Girls Sparks Inspiration at Norway Chess
The vibrant chess scene in Norway witnessed an inspiring gathering of 30 women and girls for the “Dronningsamling” or “Queens Weekend”. Organised by the Norwegiajn Chess Federation during the prestigious Norway Chess tournament, this important initiative, aimed to empower and encourage female participation in the chess world. Our Commission is a proud partner of this […]
Special Edition of the IA Seminar for WOMEN only
Dear FA women arbiters, According to the FIDE Regulations for the training of chess arbiters, starting from January 1st 2024, each application for IA arbiter requires one norm from IA Seminar. The duration of the IA Seminar shall be a minimum of sixteen (16) hours. Considering the great interest in IA Certification Seminars, we are pleased […]
Balancing moves and motherhood: ChessMom initiative continues
On the occasion of Mother’s Day, FIDE and the Women’s Commission express appreciation for the many women who contribute to the chess world while also raising families. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood with a professional chess career is no easy task, and we acknowledge the dedication, strength, and perseverance of these remarkable players. In this […]
FIDE Women’s Grand Prix series will reach its final in Austria!
The FIDE Women’s Grand Prix (WGP) 2024–2025 is reaching its thrilling conclusion, with the final leg set to commence in Grosslobming, Austria, from May 5 to 16. This prestigious series has showcased the pinnacle of women’s chess, featuring six tournaments across the globe and offering a substantial prize fund of €600,000. More importantly, it serves […]