Women in Chess Speak Out Against Sexism

Over the past few months, reports of sexual harassment and even violence have shaken the seemingly tranquil world of chess. Women are now speaking out and demanding change, as reported by DW.

In early August, as part of the #MeToo campaign, female victims from the world of chess came together to write an open letter demanding reforms.

"We, female chess players, coaches, referees, and managers, have experienced sexism or sexual violence from male chess players, coaches, referees, or managers," the letter stated, and it was signed by over 100 women from around the world.

One of the signatories was German national team player Annmarie Muetsch. She recently told the German magazine "Der Spiegel" that she cancelled her participation in important tournaments to avoid certain individuals she did not want to encounter.

"I can assure you that there is no woman who would say she has never heard an offensive comment," said Ingrid Lauterbach to DW. The President of the German Chess Federation (DSB) herself has faced situations where someone wanted to hug her, kiss her on the cheek, or even worse, without her consent.

Grandmaster and DSB press secretary Josephine Heinemann believes that such situations are not unique to the chess community, but are part of everyday life. It is a problem that society as a whole grapples with.

In chess, young women often compete face-to-face against older men, which can lead to frustration and inappropriate comments if a woman wins.

American-Canadian chess player and influencer Alexandra Valeria Botez initiated the creation of an anonymous international database to collect cases of sexual harassment and violence in chess worldwide.

According to her, the World Chess Federation (FIDE) has taken no significant steps and, apart from the Ethics Commission, has no contact point for those who have suffered sexual harassment.

Women are a significant minority in chess, comprising only 10% of all players. While there are tournaments exclusively for women, those who want to test themselves at the highest level must participate in mixed tournaments to advance their careers.