The Case for Investing in Women’s Chess: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

Photo coursey of Tima Miroshnichenko.

At Queenside Ventures, we believe in the transformative power of chess, not just as a game but as a tool for developing strategic leadership and fostering equity. Our latest publication, The Case for Investing in Women’s Chess, delves deep into the intersection of chess, leadership, and gender equality, making a compelling argument for why now is the time to invest in this overlooked arena.

The Untapped Potential of Women in Chess

Women in chess face challenges that parallel those encountered by women in traditional sports: gender bias, lack of funding, and limited opportunities for growth. Out of over 1,700 chess grandmasters worldwide, only about 40 are women. Despite these odds, women in chess continue to break barriers, offering undeniable proof of their resilience and potential.

Our publication highlights historical pioneers like Vera Menchik and Judit Polgar while addressing the systemic challenges that persist today. From cultural biases to the lack of sponsorships, The Case for Investing in Women’s Chess outlines the obstacles that prevent women from reaching their full potential and how we can work collectively to dismantle them.

Why Chess?

Chess is more than just a game; it’s a framework for critical thinking, decision-making, and resilience. Recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee, chess offers the same rigorous training, mental endurance, and structured competition as other recognized sports. Yet, it remains underfunded and underrepresented, especially for women.

Investing in women’s chess means investing in a platform that equips women with essential skills to lead, innovate, and thrive in any arena—whether it's the boardroom, the playing field, or the chessboard.

Project d4: Leading the Charge

Queenside Ventures has launched Project d4, an ambitious initiative aiming to teach 1 million women how to play chess. Named after the strategic chess move that unleashes the potential of the queen’s pawn, Project d4 symbolizes empowerment, leadership, and strategic thinking. Through workshops and leadership development programs, Project d4 integrates chess principles with actionable skills, inspiring women to say, "Queen me!" in every aspect of their lives.

How You Can Make a Difference

Whether you're an individual advocate or a corporate sponsor, there are countless ways to support the movement:

• Join Project d4: Participate in workshops or sponsor sessions for your organization.

• Collaborate with Us: Partner with Queenside Ventures to amplify the visibility of women’s chess through media, sponsorships, and branding opportunities.

• Pledge Your Support: Advocate for gender equality in chess and sports by supporting our initiatives.

Join us in rewriting the narrative of women in chess. Together, let’s make every move count.

Explore our initiatives at Queenside Ventures and pledge your support today.