The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess has launched its 2026 Chess Women’s Day Celebration under the theme “Visible, Connected, Worldwide,” aiming to boost visibility and equity for women and girls in chess. Events throughout March include tournaments, exhibitions, and workshops across multiple continents. The initiative builds on last year’s success by fostering international connections and inspiring new players.
The Chess Women’s Day Celebration, organized by the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, runs throughout March 2026 and invites federations, clubs, and academies worldwide to participate. The theme emphasizes increasing the visibility of women and girls in chess, strengthening global connections, and showcasing equity-promoting initiatives.
Events kicked off before March with the XV Radzikowska Memorial in Poland, featuring a Team Poland vs Team World match and a rapid tournament for girls and women. FIDE supported top performers with prizes and training sessions from Polish grandmasters.
In Prague, the Chess Festival's Futures Tournament for young girls ran alongside masters' sections, with participants sharing the stage with players like Gukesh Dommaraju, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and Divya Deshmukh. Pia Cramling served as ambassador, meeting participants and giving a simultaneous exhibition. Divya Deshmukh taught basics to actress Aňa Geislerová. Kaja Rzadkowska of Poland won, followed by Christina Jordan of Switzerland and Zuzana Stará of Czech Republic.
On March 6, Kazakhstan hosted the Qazaq Queens Chess Fest, organized by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, with Gulmira Dauletova playing a key role in women’s chess development.
The Queens’ Online Chess Festival, from March 1 to 29, offers free entry for two tournaments: Queens’ Women’s Open and Unrated Princesses’. It saw 114 African registrations, a record, hosted on Lichess.
Other highlights include waived entry fees for women at Budapest Spring Festival and a Women’s Chess Roundtable on March 4 with Anastasia Sorokina. A Storytelling & Impact Content Masterclass by Maxim Kolyshev supports social initiatives.
International Women’s Day features Alexandra Kosteniuk's exhibition in Saint-Tropez. African events span Malawi, Congo, and Zimbabwe; Asia includes Hong Kong's Chess Queens Festival and Nepal's Himalayan Queen’s Gambit. Adly Chess Academy's program provides free training to 20 girls aged 6-10. A free Arbiter’s Seminar runs March 27-29.
Additional events are planned in Africa and South America, contributing to a global effort for inclusive chess.