As part of FIDE’s 2025 Year of Social Chess, each month is dedicated to exploring how chess can make a positive impact on society. This August, the focus turns to Women in Chess – a month-long celebration recognizing the achievements, voices, and leadership 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 global series of events promoting empowerment and inclusion across all continents. With the support of WOM, eight flagship 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
While these eight serve as the cornerstone of the Women’s Chess Marathon, we invite organisers everywhere to join the movement by hosting events throughout August, tagging us online, and becoming part of this shared celebration of women in chess.
Spotlight on Portugal: Celebrating Women, Stories, and Social Impact
In Portugal, the Women’s Chess Marathon culminates in a vibrant day of chess, conversation, and community on August 31, organised by the Portuguese Chess Federation. The event takes place at the Centro de Comércio e Exposições de Matosinhos, immediately following the National Women’s Chess Championships – offering a powerful finale to a month of recognition and engagement.
Program – August 31, 2025
10:00–19:00 – National Women’s Blitz Tournament
The day begins with a full schedule of rapid and semi-rapid games featuring top female players from across the country, shining a spotlight on competitive excellence in women’s chess.
19:00–19:40 – Women’s Talks
This special session, titled “Women’s Talks”, will feature invited speakers from Portugal’s chess community – including women international arbiters, titled players, and leaders – sharing their personal stories, experiences, and reflections. It will be a space for dialogue, inspiration, and celebration of the strength, diversity, and visibility of women in chess.
19:40–20:00 – Awards Ceremony
The day concludes with the official Awards Ceremony for the National Women’s Championships, honouring outstanding performances and recognizing the collective achievements of women in Portuguese chess.
The entire event is free and open to the public, with a focus on welcoming women and girls while remaining inclusive for all who support a more equitable and connected chess community.
We are especially happy that Susana Gonçalves – President of Chess2All and a dedicated member of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess – is one of the important contributors of this event.
Ongoing Initiative: Free Online Lessons for Women
In addition to the August 31 event, the Portuguese Chess Federation is also offering free online beginner lessons for women of all ages, held on Thursdays throughout August. This initiative invites women who are new to the game to explore chess in a supportive and accessible environment, and encourages broader participation at every level.
Thank You to Our Partners in Portugal
Together, these initiatives reflect a strong and growing movement in Portugal to promote gender inclusion in chess and to highlight the power of personal stories, community building, and social impact through the game.
We thank the Portuguese Chess Federation for their leadership and collaboration, and for being a vital part of the global Women’s Chess Marathon.
