The history of chess governance has often been characterized by stability—a polite term for stagnation. For decades, the executive corridors of national chess federations remained overwhelmingly male, even as women demonstrated competitive excellence on the chessboard. Today, that picture is slowly, perhaps inevitably, shifting. While the overall numbers still skew heavily toward tradition, the rising tide of female leadership in FIDE member nations signals a profound change: women are moving from demanding a seat at the table to occupying the head chair.
The Statistical Challenge: From 201 to 13
In 1971, when Helen Reddy`s powerful anthem “I Am Woman” hit the charts, the idea of a woman leading a major sports body was largely confined to optimistic speculation. Fast forward fifty years, and the progress, while real, remains measured. According to recent FIDE data, out of 201 national chess federations, only 13 currently have a female president. That’s a sobering reality, but also a stark metric showing how far the game has come since the era when Nona Gaprindashvili—the first woman Grandmaster—faced skepticism from the establishment.
This challenge is not unique to chess. Global reports, such as those from the World Economic Forum and Deloitte, consistently show that women, while forming a significant part of the workforce, hold less than a quarter of senior leadership positions worldwide. Chess federations are, after all, public-facing institutions and employers operating within this same global framework. When a woman takes the helm, she isn`t just a symbol; she is a decisive executive shaping how millions of young players encounter the game.
FIDE has recognized this bottleneck, elevating women`s chess to a top priority. Initiatives like the Commission for Women’s Chess and development projects such as the Queen’s Gambit Challenge are actively working to build talent not just for competition, but for administration, ensuring that leadership roles are filled by competent, seasoned professionals.
The Champion’s Blueprint: Xie Jun (China)
Few leaders exemplify the journey from competitive mastery to administrative leadership as clearly as Xie Jun, former Women’s World Champion and current President of the Chinese Chess Association. Her transition from the elite competitive environment to the boardroom was anything but accidental. While still playing, she pursued a doctorate in psychology—a rare and profoundly useful combination of competitive discipline and academic rigor.
Xie Jun views her promotions as logical “next moves” on a larger, political chessboard. Her philosophy is clear: if you wish to influence the rules, you must help write them. When addressing the timeless puzzle of work-life balance, her answer is pragmatic and refreshing:
“I treat life like a long game with two clocks: family and career. If you work hard enough and put your heart into it, you can definitely achieve a balance.”
Her advice to aspiring female leaders is a sharp rebuke to prejudice: “Competence silences prejudice.” She emphasizes building networks, seeking both female allies and male mentors, and recognizing that federations need educated professionals, not just famous former players. Her final, poignant metaphor? “Like chess, we turn an unstoppable passed pawn into a queen.”
Diverse Paths to Power: Global Perspectives
While Xie Jun’s path originated on the world championship stage, many leaders emerge from the trenches of grassroots development, proving that influence isn`t solely reserved for those with the highest Elo rating.
Bouchra Kadiri (Morocco): The Good News of Structure
In Morocco, Bouchra Kadiri, whose very name means “good news,” became the first woman president of the Royal Moroccan Chess Federation. Her connection to the game is deeply personal, stemming from her father`s championship victory on the day she was born. Kadiri sees chess as a mission, not just a passion. Under her leadership, the focus has been on formality and structure, resulting in a historic increase in registered clubs—from 12 to 39.
As an experienced executive balancing federation work, personal duties, and life, she relies on two things: strict organization and a strong team. She defines leadership not merely as a position, but as “a commitment to others, to encourage, support and inspire.”
Johanna Bjorg Johannsdottir (Iceland): Generational Governance
Johanna Bjorg Johannsdottir`s leadership in Iceland is rooted in family tradition—she was taught by her father and great-grandfather. Crucially, her mother served on the Icelandic Chess Federation board, providing Johanna with an early, concrete example of female administration. Starting with teaching and organizing junior tournaments, she focused relentlessly on creating supportive spaces for girls and women. Elected president in 2025, she summarizes her proudest achievement not in terms of titles, but in impact:
“Standing up for girls and women in chess and helping to create spaces where they feel supported and taken seriously.”
A practicing psychologist and federation president, Johanna’s advice is simple: “Be brave and trust that your voice matters.” The confidence required for leadership, she notes, grows directly through participation.
TrisAnn Richards (Saint Lucia): The Non-GM Impact
TrisAnn Richards of the Saint Lucia Chess Federation provides perhaps the most encouraging story for those who picked up the game later in life. She learned chess in high school and rose from volunteer to president, positioning St Lucia as a surprisingly active member within the Caribbean—a region often dominated by athletics and cricket.
Richards delivers a potent, essential message to the wider chess community: “You don’t have to be a Grandmaster to make an impact.” Her focus is on community building and practical competence. She urges women not to wait for an invitation, but to step forward, act like they belong (because they do), and learn the system from the ground up, whether through playing, arbitrating, or instruction.
From Representation to Systemic Power
The shared commitment among these leaders—from the celebrated World Champion to the dedicated dentist administrator—is their focus on the future. They are not merely filling vacant positions; they are actively mentoring, structuring, and improving the environment for the next generation. Xie Jun talks about pulling others up once you gain a seat; Kadiri stresses commitment to those around you; and Johannsdottir prioritizes creating supportive, serious spaces.
In 1972, the feminist anthem was a roaring challenge to a world that judged women based on stereotype, not skill. In 2025, with 13 national federations led by women, the challenge has evolved. It is no longer just about allowing women to participate, but about ensuring that this executive shift is not a temporary anomaly. It must become a permanent feature of governance, ensuring that the people who shape the game for the next fifty years are chosen based solely on their competence, commitment, and vision, regardless of gender.
Marcus Blakely 
Gilbert Pendleton