From South Africa to Zambia, the second week of the Women’s Chess Marathon has highlighted the passion and progress of women in chess across Africa.
As part of FIDE’s Social Year of Chess, August is dedicated to Women in Chess – a global celebration of achievements and an inspiration for the next generation. The centerpiece of this month is the Women’s Chess Marathon, a worldwide initiative of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess (WOM), with activities held across all continents.
During the second week of the Marathon, the spotlight turned to Africa, where vibrant events in South Africa and Zambia showcased the power of chess to connect, empower, and uplift women and girls. A special guest at both events was WGM Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, who brought her experience, warmth, and encouragement to participants.
South Africa: Queen’s Chess Training Workshop & Community Activities
In South Africa, the Queen’s Chess Training Workshop was hosted at Club Mykonos Resort in Langebaan, organised in partnership with the South African Chess Federation under the leadership of its President, Andre Lewaks.
The workshop brought together talented women players for two days of intensive training. Participants explored strategies for defeating stronger opponents, deepened their understanding of middlegame planning, sharpened tactical calculation, and honed practical tournament skills, while also recognizing the importance of mental and physical stamina.
The training was led by FT Eric Takawira, FI Reuben Salimu, and Nadzeya Krauchuk, and of course by WGM Dana Reizniece, whose opening talk “Making it in Chess” set the tone for the event. “They have learned that studying chess is super good, but not enough. Physical fitness, healthy food and good sleep – it all counts,” Dana later wrote, after sharing a morning run before chess classes with the girls.
Beyond the workshop, activities extended to the community. Dana led a simultaneous exhibition at Louwville High School, describing the children as “eager for every little tip they can get.”
The program also featured a Women’s Month Blitz Tournament, blending passion, competition, and camaraderie.
Notably, three women players recently earned new national titles—a milestone celebrated as proof of the growing strength of women’s chess in South Africa.
Chess Trainings with Salome Melia
Alongside the Queen’s Chess Training Workshop, South Africa has also been benefiting from a longer-term initiative led by IM/WGM Salome Melia, organised in partnership with the South African Chess Federation.
Over 35 girls are taking part in weekly online training sessions, complemented by offline events, a special visit, and a dedicated safeguard seminar. The programme provides consistent, high-level guidance while ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all participants.
This sustained training ensures that the impact of Women’s Chess Month extends well beyond August, creating lasting opportunities for young talents in South Africa.
Zambia: Rapid Women’s Chess Championship
Just days later, the focus shifted to Zambia, where the Zambia Rapid Women’s Chess Championship attracted 88 female players – the largest number ever to compete in a women’s chess championship in the country.
“For the first time, Zambia gathered so many women players in a chess event,” Dana Reizniece shared on her social media.
The championship, organised by the Chess Federation of Zambia in collaboration with WOM, was not only a competition but also a celebration of community. Participants had the chance to hear directly from Dana, who encouraged them to aim higher in chess and in life. Her motivational talk, combined with the energy of the event, left a lasting impression on the players.
Why these events matter
The Women’s Chess Marathon is more than a series of tournaments and workshops. It creates safe, inspiring spaces where girls and women can:
- Build confidence by gaining practical chess knowledge and skills
- Feel supported as part of a global community of women in chess
- Find role models who show that success in chess and beyond is possible
- Celebrate together, strengthening the bond between competitive drive and shared experience
Such initiatives encourage girls to dream bigger, work harder, and recognize that chess can open doors not only to competitive success but also to personal growth.
Looking ahead
With the Women’s Chess Marathon continuing through August – reaching Asia, Australia, and Europe in the weeks ahead – the message is clear: women belong in chess, and their potential is limitless.
The events in South Africa and Zambia stand as powerful examples of how targeted initiatives, strong partnerships, and inspiring role models can change lives – even in just a couple of days. They embody the mission of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess: to grow participation, create opportunities, and ensure that every girl with a love for the game knows she has a place at the board.
FIDE and WOM thank the South African Chess Federation, the Chess Federation of Zambia, and all organisers, coaches, and participants for their dedication to making these events a success. The #WomensChessMarathon continues.