International Women’s Day 2024: Women being empowered through chess – GCF

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) has taken time out to acknowledge the female players, organizers and delegates of the ongoing Caricom Classic Chess Tournament in observance of International Women’s Day, March 8th.
This is a day that celebrates women across the globe: showcasing their social, economic, political, and cultural achievements, and raising awareness about gender equality amid calls for action to accelerate progress.
Chess is a challenging sport that requires intense focus, strategic thinking, and precise implementation. Each chess piece, though confined to its unique movement, holds the potential for immense power on the board.

The leading Caribbean women and girls in chess

Chess was once a male-dominated game, but over the years, barriers were broken and women have successfully made their mark in the chess world. Vera Menchik became the first FIDE Women’s World Champion in 1927, and she paved the way, five decades later, for first Woman Grandmaster Nona Gaprindashvili, and youngest female Grandmaster Judit Polgar, who is referred to as the Queen of Chess.
Adorned and poised with a beautiful crown, the Queen represents power. Her versatility allows her to move like a Bishop and a Rook while valuing the most points.
Women today are empowered to compete on an equal footing with men, their passion and skill being on par with what their male counterparts possess. However, the full range of their abilities remains untapped in competitive chess.
On International Women’s Day, the Guyana Chess Federation proudly recognizes all women, particularly the talented women who contribute to our chess community.