The month of August was designated by the FIDE as Women’s Chess Month, part of the FIDE Social Year. As part of this global celebration, the Americas Region organized a series of activities between August 1 and 10, in collaboration with the FIDE Women’s Commission and the FIDE America Diversity Commission. These events aimed to highlight the role of women in chess, inspire new generations, and promote equal opportunities across the continent.
1. Arbiter’s Seminar – August 2 (Online)
The first event was a free arbiters seminar conducted in Spanish by the FIDE America Arbiters Commission, primarily aimed at female arbiters and leaders from Spanish-speaking countries. The training was led by IA Bárbara López Chávez Mariño (Cuba) and IA Cristóbal Vega Adorno (Puerto Rico).
The seminar covered the latest updates to the Laws of Chess and offered a valuable platform to share experiences and strengthen female participation in technical and leadership roles. Participants showed great enthusiasm, engaging in active discussions and building connections with arbiters from across Latin America. Many expressed their eagerness to put their new knowledge into practice within their federations and tournaments.
2. Women’s Chess Tournament of Santiago – August 9 (Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic)
The second event took place in the Dominican Republic, organized by FM Leonardo Estévez, President of the Santiago Chess Association, in collaboration with the Dominican Chess Federation and the FIDE America Diversity Commission.
This women’s tournament formed part of the Chess for Girls in a Safe Environment initiative, creating a motivating and empowering space for female players of all ages. The event brought together a diverse group of local players, fostering camaraderie and healthy competition. Participants shared how meaningful it was to have an event dedicated to them, further reinforcing the commitment to strengthening women’s chess in the region.
3. Closing Activity – August 10 (Casa del Ajedrez, Caguas, Puerto Rico)
The regional closing event was hosted at the Casa del Ajedrez in Caguas, Puerto Rico, under the leadership of WCM Coralys M. Alvarado Pérez, Director of Women’s Affairs of the Puerto Rico Chess Federation, and Francisco Cruz, Vice President of the Chess Confederation for the Americas and a member of our Commission, with support from the FIDE Women’s Commission, the FIDE America Diversity Commission, and the City of Caguas.
The highlight was a simultaneous exhibition with members of the Puerto Rico Women’s Olympic Team – WIM Danitza Vázquez Maccarini, WCM Yanira Rivera Negrón, WCM Coralys M. Alvarado Pérez, WCM Gabriela Vera, and guest master WFM Rinelly Comas Colón. A total of 31 female participants took part, joined by supportive families and visitors.
Talks given by team members inspired and motivated the younger generation present, with many attendees expressing their admiration and a renewed commitment to continue developing their chess skills with passion and dedication.
4. Women’s Chess Festival – Venezuela
In Venezuela, the National Women’s Chess Commission and the School Chess Commission, in collaboration with the FIDE Women’s Commission, hosted a Women’s Chess Festival that brought together 20 female players for a rapid chess tournament. The event also featured engaging talks and discussions, attracting around 40 additional attendees, including parents and community members.
Among the guest speakers were NM Dr. Edelmira La Rosa, author of 41 books (several focused on chess and its benefits for children), FA Vanessa Patiño, who spoke on the role of women in chess arbitration, and NM Beatriz Noguera, who addressed equity in chess and the evolution of women’s participation globally. WGM Sarai Sánchez shared her perspective on the power of women across different areas of chess and the importance of their active presence for the sport’s worldwide growth.
The festival created a warm and inspiring environment for learning, sharing experiences, and envisioning new projects to promote women’s chess in Venezuela and beyond.
A Strong Start to the Women’s Chess Marathon
The Americas events marked an inspiring first chapter of the Women’s Chess Marathon, demonstrating the power of collective effort to create positive, inclusive spaces for women and girls in chess. From technical training to competitive play and motivational talks, each activity highlighted the passion, skill, and determination of female players, arbiters, and leaders across the continent.
We warmly thank the local organizers for their dedication – not only in creating these special events for girls and women, but also for their everyday work, often unseen, that truly shapes a better chess community for us all. A special thank you goes to Chess Confederation for the Americas and to the members of our Commission in the continent – Sarai Sánchez and Francisco Cruz – whose contributions were a significant part of these events.
We are encouraged to see more girls and women joining our initiatives – and while these numbers continue to grow, our goal is to ensure they rise even higher. The Women’s Chess Marathon now continues to Africa, then Asia & Australia, before concluding in Europe at the end of the month.
Together, we are not only celebrating women in chess, but also building a stronger, more equitable chess community for generations to come.
You can find more information about the Women’s Chess Marathon and a schedule here.
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