#GiveToGain
This past weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to celebrate International Women’s Day through something I love deeply — chess.
I had been in Bangor from 5–7 March for a coaching residency, and since I was already in Northern Ireland, I thought it would be a great opportunity to organise something special for Women’s Day. As a result, I planned a chess event in Lisburn to celebrate the occasion.
The event brought together a group of girls who were curious about the game and interested in learning more about the world of chess. It was a very enjoyable and interactive session where we explored different aspects of the game together.
International Women’s Day is always a meaningful occasion, and within the chess community it is also a time to reflect on the growing presence and impact of women in the game.
Talking About the History of Women’s Chess
One highlight of the event was discussing the history of women’s chess. We also talked about remarkable players who helped shape the game.
We spoke about how women’s chess has evolved, the challenges that players have faced in the past, and how the landscape is slowly changing as more girls and women take up the game.
Many of the participants had recently watched the documentary about Judit Polgár, and it was wonderful to hear how much they enjoyed it. The film sparked a lot of interest and discussion, and it was inspiring to talk about her journey and the impact she has had on chess.
It was inspiring to see the curiosity from the girls as we talked about these stories and the progress that has been made in the chess world.
Analysing Games and Learning Together
During the session I shared some of my own games. We also discussed interesting positions and talked about how to make decisions in chess.
Moments like these are always enjoyable because chess becomes a shared learning experience rather than just a competition.
Playing a Simul
Another fun part of the event was playing a simultaneous exhibition (simul) where I played several games at once against the participants.
Simuls are always exciting because they allow many players to experience a competitive game while also learning from the experience. The games were full of enthusiasm and creativity, and it was great to see everyone fully engaged.
A Community Effort
Events like these are only possible thanks to the support of local chess organisations and clubs.
A special thank you goes to Ulster Chess Union and Lisburn Chess Club for helping organise and support the event. Their efforts play an important role in promoting chess and creating opportunities for young players to get involved.
Thanks also to Leah Worbey for helping me put the event together.
Women’s Day: Connected Worldwide Through Chess
This year’s theme highlighted by FIDE, the international chess federation, was “Visible, Connected Worldwide.”
Overall, chess truly reflects this idea. It is a game that connects people across cultures, countries, and generations. Events like this remind us how powerful chess can be in bringing people together and inspiring new players.
A Memorable Weekend
The weekend was also special for another reason — it was the same weekend that I was featured in The Irish Times, which made the occasion even more memorable.
The weekend ended on a very heartwarming note. After returning home from Lisburn following the two-and-a-half hour drive, my neighbours Cynthia and Mike surprised me with flowers, chocolates, and a thoughtful card congratulating me on the feature in The Irish Times. It was a very kind gesture and made the moment even more special.
Overall, it was a meaningful way to celebrate International Women’s Day: sharing chess, discussing its history, and encouraging the next generation of girls to enjoy the game.
Chess continues to grow as a global community, and it is always rewarding to see new players discovering the beauty and challenge of the game.