Celebrating Women in Chess on International Women’s Day! Why do we still have separate women chess titles?

Details: Published: Saturday, 08 March 2025 01:55; Written by Openingmaster; Hits: 26

Today, on International Women’s Day, we honor the incredible women who have shaped the world of chess—past, present, and future. Chess has long been a game of strategy and intellect, but for decades, women had to fight for their place at the board.

Pioneers Who Broke Barriers

Women’s chess has been shaped by extraordinary pioneers.

Vera Menchik – The first Women’s World Chess Champion (1927), proving that women could compete at a high level.
Nona Gaprindashvili – The first woman to earn the GM title in 1978, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for future generations.
Judit Polgár – The greatest female player of all time, showing that women can not only compete with men but dominate them. Ranked #8 in the world, she refused to play in women’s tournaments, proving that talent knows no gender.

Yet, we still have separate women's titles (WGM, WIM, etc.). While these titles were created to encourage participation, the long-term goal should be full equality on the chessboard. The best way forward? Investing in opportunities, training, and visibility for young female players.

Inspiring the Next Generation

One of the brightest young stars making an impact is Ivie Urieto, a 9-year-old Gift of Chess Ambassador from Nigeria. Not only is she excelling in chess, but she’s also teaching other children the game, proving that leadership has no age. Her work embodies what the future of women’s chess should look like: empowering, inclusive, and full of opportunity.

Ivie Urieto Chess in Slums

Photo credit: Chess in Slums Hub, Deborah Quickpen , Ivie Urieto , Mary Zira, and Vivian Ibrahim —all trailblazers in their own right. Ivie, Mary and Deborah are participants in Chess in Slums Ubuntu Exchange Program in collaboration with CHESS & COMMUNITY CONFERENCE INC , which fosters learning, leadership, and global collaboration through chess.

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How to Encourage More Girls to Play Chess

Early Exposure – Introduce chess in schools, community centers, and homes.
Role Models – Highlight successful female players and their achievements.
Supportive Chess Academies – Create safe, inclusive spaces where girls can train and compete without bias.
Scholarships & Tournaments – Provide financial support and mentorship programs to nurture young talents.
Representation Matters – Media, federations, and chess platforms must actively promote women’s chess to change perceptions.

The future of chess belongs to everyone. Let’s work together to ensure every girl who dreams of becoming a Grandmaster has the chance to do so.

Who is the most inspiring female chess player to you? Let’s celebrate their achievements today!

Cooperation with International Chess Federation Education Commission (FIDE EDU)

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