March is a time of reflection and celebration for women and girls worldwide. International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, achievements, and the ongoing pursuit of gender equality. This year, the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess (WOM) transformed this moment into a global movement—cooperating with organizers on 4 continents to host inspiring chess events that highlighted the role of women in the game and beyond.
We have officially collaborated with organizers located in 4 continents: Kazakhstan (Asia), Kenia (Africa), Poland, France (Europe) and St. Lucia (Americas), who have been doing a remarkable job in their countries and beyond for years now, to promote chess for girls and women. Beyond these flagship events, the Chess Women’s Day Celebration – Strength, Community, Empowerment initiative called on organizers worldwide to hold chess events throughout March in honor of women and girls. Over 40 events in around 30 countries joined the movement, making this a truly global celebration.
At the heart of our celebrations was the Qazaq Queens Chess Fest 2025.
Kazakhstan: A grand stage for Women’s Chess
The Qazaq Queens Chess Fest 2025, held in Almaty on March 7, was the largest of these events and had the special honor of being attended by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, who made the ceremonial first move.
Organized by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KazChess) with FIDE’s support, the blitz tournament brought together 95 participants of all ages. The competition followed a 9-round Swiss format with a 3+2 time control, and 13-year-old WFM Aiaru Altynbek triumphed with 8 points. The top three finishers, all recipients of the Young Talent Support Programme scholarships, shared in the event’s KZT 2 million ($4,000) prize fund.
The tournament also featured an art exhibition by Kazakh artist Aituar Amirkhanova, whose works explored themes of women’s experiences and self-expression. Special guest Inessa Nazarova, Mrs. Supermodel Worldwide 2019, inspired participants with a motivational speech, reinforcing the theme of empowerment.
Kazakhstan continues to shine as a hub for women’s chess, and the Qazaq Queens Chess Fest, reinforcing the role of the game in gender equality.
Kenya: A community-driven success
In Nairobi, Kenya, we proudly supported the Queen’s Tournament on March 8. The event attracted an impressive 43 female players, including a 7-year-old girl, the youngest participant, who was recognized with a medal. The event, played on DGT boards and FIDE-rated, awarded trophies to the top three players and medals to 11 others.
Notably, a group of chess moms stepped up to sponsor additional cash prizes, demonstrating how the chess community can empower and support one another. This grassroots initiative ensured a highly competitive and rewarding experience for the participants, embodying the spirit of unity and encouragement in women’s chess.
Poland: Nurturing future champions
The IV Memoriał Apolonii Litwińskiej, part of a big Women’s Chess Festival in Wrocław, Poland, was a key event celebrating Women’s Chess. The Festival had an honor of being attented by Łukasz Turlej, FIDE Secretary General, who opened the closing ceremony of the event and presented awards to the winners.
Supported by WOM, the tournament featured top Polish junior players, many of whom are national champions and world championship medalists.
The event allowed young talents to compete alongside women grandmasters like Alina Kashlinskaya, Teodora Injac, and Aleksandra Malcewska. The top 8 juniors advanced to the finals on March 9, where Varvara Matskevich emerged victorious, defeating Kaja Rządzkowska.
Beyond competition, organizers and WOM provided an enriching experience with a special workshop led by mental coach Hanna Rychlik, who works with top athletes, including Poland’s No. 2 female chess player, Klaudia Kulon. The interactive session focused on confidence, handling pressure, and overcoming challenges in professional sports.
Additionally, all participating girls took part in a chess-themed photo shoot, making them feel like stars both on and off the board.
France: A chess showcase in Saint-Tropez
The event in Saint-Tropez, France, was held under the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment”, organized by Club d’Échecs de Saint-Tropez in cooperation with WOM.
A unique simultaneous exhibition took place in the beautiful garden of the Annonciade Museum, featuring the Prochaieva sisters—Alina, Tina, Yelyzaveta, and Olha—quadruplet refugees from Kyiv, Ukraine.
Facing off against local players from Saint-Tropez and the Côte d’Azur region, the sisters’ participation was a poignant symbol of resilience and hope.
Every participant received a commemorative diploma, medal, flowers, and a participation gift, reinforcing the spirit of appreciation and inclusion in chess.
Americas: Honoring women’s contributions to chess
In the Americas, Tris-Ann Richards, President of the St. Lucia Chess Federation and a new national champion, hosted a special event that celebrated the achievements of women in chess. The session featured Francisco Cruz, Chair of the FIDE America Diversity Commission, and Sonja Johnson, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Federation, who shared insights on how women can access opportunities in the chess world.
A special award was presented to Vernessa James in recognition of her contributions to the St. Lucia Chess Federation, further emphasizing the importance of honoring women’s leadership and dedication to the game. The event was hosted online and locally, allowing everyone to join the lectures, and celebrations, via zoom.
A global celebration of Women’s Chess
This year’s Chess Women’s Day Celebration proved that chess can be a powerful force for empowerment, unity, and recognition of women’s achievements. FIDE WOM Chair Anastasia Sorokina reflected on the success of the global initiative:
“March is a time of celebrations of women, and this year we introduced a true chess Marathon to celebrate Women’s Chess. As Chair of WOM, I am extremely happy to see so many devoted, talented, and unique people have been involved in our initiative worldwide. Our mission is to attract as many women as possible to the incredibly diverse world of chess—not just as players, but also as arbiters, trainers, journalists, and organizers. Projects like Chess4All & All4Chess and the Queens’ Challenge show women how incredible they are and how many opportunities chess offers them.
With so many federations supporting us in this March in a global movement to celebrate Women’s Month, I am sure we are moving in the right direction, where every move matters. I wish all girls and women around the world to be safe and believe in themselves. Remember that everything is possible!”
This 1st edition of celebrations has already gathered over 40 events in 30 countries celebrating women and girls in chess. It is a truly promising step, and we hope it will grow each year— showing how chess is a powerful force for connection, confidence, and change. From local communities to the global stage, women and girls in chess are making their mark, inspiring the next generation, and shaping a more inclusive future.
The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess is proud to stand alongside them, championing opportunities and empowerment for all. Because in chess, as in life, every move matters—and together, we can make impact for the future generation.