In a remarkable nod to gender equality and strategic prowess, the Queens of Chess Rapid Tournament is poised to make a triumphant return on Women’s Day (Friday, 8th March) 2024, promising an exhilarating display of checkmates and empowering moves.
This year’s event which marks the tournament’s third staging was launched on Monday at Kiboko Enterprises Limited in Industrial Area, Kampala by its organizers and sponsor representatives. The event will be held at Gloria Gardens in Namugongo, Kampala. Trophies, medals and cash are at stake.
The tournament’s anticipated comeback marks a symbolic gesture toward promoting equality in the realm of competitive chess. The tournament not only showcases the exceptional skills of female chess players but also serves as a powerful statement that women deserve a prominent place in the chess community.
The Friday showdown is not just a competition; it’s a strategic move by Women in Chess to empower and inspire. By creating this inclusive space, they aim to showcase the incredible talents of female chess players, demonstrating that skill knows no gender. The optimism resonating from the organizers is a beacon for change, signaling a shift towards a more equitable and diverse landscape within the chess community.
“Our goal is to try and see that we give a platform to ladies and girls to grow in chess. At the moment, the men are thriving very much in chess and it’s just a little bit of platform for the girls to also come and showcase what they can do because in chess we believe that what boys can do the girls also do…we believe that with the sponsors coming on board we can do so much more,” Ivy Amoko, President Women in Chess said.
Finance Trust Bank, renowned for prioritizing the empowerment of women, continues its unwavering commitment by participating in the tournament for the second consecutive year. With a track record of putting women first, it comes as no surprise that the bank is actively contributing resources to support the event, expressing their satisfaction and enthusiasm at being part of this initiative once again.
“Last year was an interesting experience for us because we saw the spirit of thinking, strategy and commitment of players and the competition that was there, it showed that the competitors were taking the event very seriously,” Percy Paul Lubega, Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Finance Trust Bank said.
“We believe in the significance of nurturing individuals from the early stages, witnessing their growth within the game. Participating in such games has the potential to mitigate negative behaviors among children and contribute to their positive development in the future,” he added.
Africa Study Centre is also on board and their involvement underscores the recognition of chess as a valuable tool for cognitive development and critical thinking. By supporting the Queens in Chess tournament, the center aligns itself with a movement that goes beyond the chessboard, advocating for the importance of empowering women in intellectual pursuits.
Kenneth Kiyaga who is the General Secretary at Africa Study Centre noted that; “we recognize the importance of fostering women’s strategic action and leadership skills. By supporting Queens of Chess tournament, we aim to promote gender equality and inclusivity in intellectual pursuits by diluting and removing established stereotypes.”
As the queens prepare to resume their battles on the board, the event aims to highlight the significance of gender inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated arena. The tournament becomes a metaphorical chessboard where each move represents a step towards dismantling gender stereotypes and fostering an environment of equal opportunity.
In the previous edition engendered fierce competition, and the winners were Namaganda Christine (third place), Nansubuga Gloria (second place), and Mugidde Safinah (first place). These exceptional players not only received cash prizes but also earned the honor of winning the tournament’s trophies.
