Online abuse and harassment were reported by 38 per cent of respondents, highlighting the challenges women face both within the sport and beyond the tournament hall.The findings were published by FIDE's Commission for Women's Chess following a survey conducted between August 3 and September 14, 2026. The respondents included players of different ages and competitive levels, as well as arbiters, coaches, organisers and federation officials.India was the largest contributor to the survey, with 69 respondents.
The sample also included 133 FIDE-titled players, among them 10 Women Grandmasters, 27 Women International Masters, 49 Women FIDE Masters and 43 Women Candidate Masters. The figures were more pronounced among adult respondents and women holding FIDE titles.
Among women aged 18 and above, 70 per cent reported gender bias and 46 per cent said they had experienced sexual harassment or inappropriate behaviour. Among respondents under 18, the corresponding figures were 47 per cent and 17 per cent.For women holding FIDE titles, 81 per cent reported gender bias and 55 per cent reported sexual harassment or inappropriate behaviour.
Tris-Ann Richards, chair of the FIDE Commission for Women's Chess, said the findings should be seen as an opportunity to address problems that extend beyond the sport.“The figures are concerning; however, it is important that we do not look at these findings solely as alarming statistics. They represent real experiences of women and girls who are part of our chess community,” Richards told The Indian Express.She added that the challenges identified in the survey reflected broader issues faced by women in other sports, workplaces and society.“The objective is not to portray chess negatively, but to acknowledge the reality of these challenges and work collectively to ensure that no woman or girl has to endure discrimination or harassment as the price of participating in our sport,” she said.MANY CONSIDERED QUITTING CHESSThe survey found that 44 per cent of respondents had considered stepping away from chess.
The proportion rose to 56 per cent among those who had experienced gender bias and 58 per cent among those who reported sexual harassment.An analysis accounting for other factors found that women who had experienced gender bias had three times the odds of considering leaving chess. Respondents aged 18 to 24 had more than twice the odds, while holding a FIDE title doubled the odds of considering stepping away.The report also highlighted a shortage of female role models.
Only 44 per cent of respondents said they had ever had a female role model or mentor in chess, while just 33 per cent felt adequately represented in their regional chess community.The survey found that barriers to participation were not limited to discrimination. Financial costs, including travel, coaching and entry fees, were identified by 66 per cent of respondents as a major obstacle to their development.
Time constraints arising from school, work or family commitments were cited by 48 per cent.Overall, 84 per cent described the barriers they faced as major or moderate, even as 72 per cent said chess remained extremely or very important to them.The findings also pointed to differences across regions. Reported gender bias was highest among respondents competing in North America, at 83 per cent, followed by South America at 78 per cent, Europe at 74 per cent and Central America at 73 per cent.
The figures were lower in Asia, at 53 per cent, and Africa, at 50 per cent.FIDE CALLS FOR STRONGER SAFEGUARDSThe survey comes amid previous allegations of sexual misconduct in the chess world. In 2023, former women's world champion Susan Polgar spoke about experiencing sexual harassment, attacks and abuse during her playing career.
The issue also came into focus after Woman Grandmaster Jennifer Shahade and other women accused American Grandmaster Alejandro Ramirez of sexual misconduct. Ramirez was subsequently banned by the US Chess Federation.The FIDE report recommends a clear code of conduct covering tournament venues, coaching relationships and online spaces.
It also calls for confidential reporting channels with independent handling of complaints, alongside training for arbiters and organisers to recognise and respond to harassment.Richards said reporting mechanisms already existed within the wider chess governance structure, including through national federations, tournament organisers, arbiters and FIDE's disciplinary and ethics procedures. However, their availability and effectiveness varied depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction.“We recognise that existing mechanisms need to be strengthened, and we are actively working towards meaningful improvements,” Richards said.She added that reporting channels needed to be clear, accessible, confidential and trusted by those using them.The report also cautioned against treating its findings as a definitive measure of the problem across the entire chess community.
The sample over-represented active players, titled competitors and federations that circulated the survey extensively, while excluding women who had already left the sport.Responses from girls under 18, who accounted for around 31 per cent of the sample, were collected with guardian consent. The report noted that some responses might reflect a parent's perspective rather than the girl's own experience, while the consent requirement may also have discouraged some young respondents from participating.Richards said the survey should be treated as a starting point for further research, including into why women and girls leave chess and how their experiences differ across age groups, regions and competitive levels.FIDE SURVEY: KEY FINDINGSChess starts early and at home: 55 per cent of respondents were introduced to chess before the age of 10, and an equal proportion entered the game through family or community.
Only 36 per cent had regular coaching while growing up. In Africa, 37 per cent reported having no coaching, compared with 24 per cent in Europe.Cost and time are the biggest barriers: Financial costs, including travel, coaching and entry fees, were cited by 66 per cent of respondents, while 48 per cent identified time constraints.
Overall, 84 per cent described the barriers they faced as major or moderate, although 72 per cent said chess remained extremely or very important to them.Discrimination and harassment are widespread: 63 per cent reported gender bias in chess settings and 38 per cent experienced sexual harassment or inappropriate behaviour. These figures rose to 70 per cent and 46 per cent among adults, and 81 per cent and 55 per cent among women holding FIDE titles.
Overall, 76 per cent reported at least one form of discrimination or harassment.Gender bias is linked to thoughts of leaving: 44 per cent had considered stepping away from chess. The figure rose to 56 per cent among respondents who experienced gender bias and 58 per cent among those who experienced sexual harassment.
Gender bias tripled the odds of considering leaving, while being aged 18 to 24 more than doubled them and holding a FIDE title doubled them.Female role models remain scarce: Only 44 per cent had ever had a female role model or mentor in chess, while 33 per cent felt adequately represented in their regional chess community.Women play multiple roles but want greater support: Nearly half of respondents, 47 per cent, worked as coaches, arbiters, organisers or administrators, while 51 per cent held more than one role. Their priorities included financial support (65 per cent), more local tournaments (60 per cent), better access to coaching (52 per cent) and greater female representation in leadership (46 per cent).- Ends