The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess is set to hold its highly anticipated 2026 commission meeting on 22 September during the FIDE Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan. This important event will take place from 15:00 to 18:00 (UTC+5) and will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person attendance and a live stream on FIDE’s official YouTube channel. This innovative approach ensures that chess enthusiasts and stakeholders from around the world can participate in the discussions.
Empowering Women in Chess
This year’s program is centered around creating opportunities for women in chess beyond the competitive arena, focusing specifically on innovation and the business side of the game. During the meeting, commission members, guest speakers, and participants from across the chess community will review the past year’s accomplishments and outline new initiatives aimed at expanding career paths for women in the broader chess industry.
The meeting will kick off with opening remarks from FIDE interim President GM Viswanathan Anand and FIDE Management Acting Chair Dana Reizniece. They will set the tone for discussions that will include recent impacts and priorities, along with updates on significant projects such as the Queens Gambit Challenge and various ongoing WOM initiatives.
Notable speakers scheduled for the event include WIM Fiona Antoni, who will discuss transitioning from player to entrepreneur and building opportunities both on and off the chessboard. Additionally, ChessBase India co-founder Sagar Shah will share insights on the business of chess, investment opportunities, and the industry’s outlook. Christina Aziz will also present on women’s pathways, influence, and potential in the sport, highlighting the importance of representation in chess.
Another significant presentation will delve into careers and business opportunities related to digital content, streaming, and personal branding, reflecting the evolving landscape of the chess industry. Commission members will report on various projects including the Queens and Princesses Festival, Chess Mom, Chess for Protection, Chess Marathon, and Chess4All, demonstrating the commission’s commitment to inclusivity and outreach.
The agenda will also feature an update on the 2026 global survey and the Women in Chess Index, part of ongoing efforts to better understand the position of women in chess worldwide. Conclusively, the program will wrap up with the WOM Commission Member Recognition Awards, Special Awards, and the Queens Festival Winners Awards, followed by an open discussion inviting participant feedback. Pre-registration is available for those planning to attend in person or online, ensuring that voices from all corners of the chess community are heard.