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W.I.C. Focus
Our foundation has a central focus on bringing more females to chess. There are several gaps that females specifically face in playing chess:
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Underrepresentation: Historically, there has been a significant underrepresentation of female players in chess tournaments and competitions. This lack of representation can deter young girls from pursuing chess seriously.
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Stereotypes and Social Norms: Chess has been traditionally perceived as a male-dominated intellectual pursuit. Gender stereotypes may lead to the belief that men are naturally better at chess than women, discouraging female participation and reinforcing societal norms that steer women away from competitive activities.
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Limited Role Models: The scarcity of female chess role models at the highest levels can be discouraging for aspiring female players. Role models play a crucial role in inspiring and motivating individuals to pursue their passions.
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Unequal Opportunities: Female players might have fewer opportunities to compete in high-level tournaments, receive sponsorship, or access resources compared to their male counterparts. This disparity in opportunities can hinder the development of female players' skills and careers.
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Gender Discrimination: In some cases, female players have reported experiencing harassment or discrimination based on their gender, both online and in-person. This toxic environment can negatively affect the participation and retention of female players.
Overall, there are countless reasons that shape the inequality that is seen in chess today. Our foundation hopes to dismantle these barriers, by increasing access and interest in the game. Our focus on WIC (Women in Chess) is an initiative where we work with different groups to empower females in chess.
This initiative is possible with the generous support of our community donors:
Calgary Women's Centre
The chess workshops at the Calgary Women's Centre are providing a nurturing and empowering space for young beginners to learn, connect, and grow. By offering opportunities for skill development, socialization, and empowerment, the foundation is contributing to their holistic development and fostering a sense of community among the participants. The workshops also become a supportive and inclusive environment where they can engage with one another.
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CIWA (Calgary Immigrant Women's Association)
The chess workshops at CIWA are specifically providing chess to immigrant women and their children. These are often filled with fun and exciting games. Chess at CIWA is always an enjoyable time for many participants. For many, chess has been a game that they have never played before, for others it can be of cultural significance.
