Promoting Queens Empowers Girls Worldwide

Across Nigeria, Kenya, and beyond, a quiet revolution is unfolding on the chessboard. Promoting Queens is empowering girls to unlock their confidence, creativity, and inner strength through the game of chess.

Founded by Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Perpetual Ogbiyoyo, the Promoting Queens initiative is built on a powerful belief: every move in chess, and in life, can shape a girl's future. The mission is clear and compelling: to inspire girls to believe in themselves and to make bold, strategic choices on and off the chessboard.

Perpetual discovered chess at the age of 19, during a time when she felt uncertain about her path in life. But what began as curiosity quickly became a calling. Within a year, she had risen to become Nigeria’s top female player, earned the prestigious WFM title, and proudly represented her country at the 43rd Chess Olympiad in Georgia.

WFM Perpetual Ogbiyoyo. Photo: Perpetual Ogbiyoyo.

By 2022, she was a two-time national champion. But what meant the most to her were the lessons chess taught her like patience, planning, and perseverance. Perpetual started Promoting Queens so other girls could learn those same lessons and build their confidence.

Perpetual celebrates her 2nd national championship. Photo: Perpetual Ogbiyoyo.

Promoting Queens has grown into a network that reaches hundreds of girls in schools and communities across Africa. In Port Harcourt, Nigeria, more than 70 girls meet every Friday at the Elenlewo Girls Chess Project. What began as a single event for 200 students has become a weekly tradition filled with laughter, learning, and friendship. Girls who were once shy now lead games, share strategies, and celebrate their progress.

Girls prepare for a chess lesson in Nigeria. Photo: Promoting Queens.

In Mombasa, Kenya, the Kenya Chess Club led by Mr. Kosi Danford has grown from two girls to almost fifty. These young players now have access to online lessons, puzzles, and tools that help them study anytime. One standout player, Iwoku Vanessa, earned her first official FIDE rating after only a few months of learning.

Mr. Kosi Danford teaches at the Kenya Chess Club. Photo: Promoting Queens.

Online, the Promoting Queens Chess Club brings girls together from around the world. The organization raises funds to provide tablets, internet access, and tournament opportunities so more girls can continue learning. Members take part in lessons, tournaments, and workshops taught by inspiring coaches such as WCM Anika Rajaram of 64Squares.org.

“Chess helps us connect across continents,” says Perpetual. “Our players can learn safely, practice every day, and see how much they’ve improved.”

Through a growing partnership with ChessKid, Promoting Queens provides its students with access to engaging and educational online chess tools. With ChessKid’s Gold memberships, girls can take lessons, play safely online, and track their progress as they improve. This partnership has helped Promoting Queens reach more girls, especially in places where access to coaches or tournaments can be difficult. By combining community programs with ChessKid’s technology, the organization gives girls both opportunity and encouragement.

Kids gather together to watch a ChessKid video. Photo: Promoting Queens

As part of Chess.com’s “Chess is for Everyone” initiative, Promoting Queens shares the vision of a world where chess is welcoming and accessible to all. Together, these efforts are helping more people enjoy the game, connect with others, and feel accepted in the global chess community. By celebrating diversity and opportunity, Promoting Queens is showing that chess truly is for everyone.

Promoting Queens also supports projects like the Jedi Chess Kids program in Osun State, the Girl Child Educational Centre in Jos, and the Trans-Ekulu Girls School in Enugu. In each program, chess helps girls build leadership, focus, and confidence. No matter where they live, the message is the same: every girl is already a queen. Chess simply helps her realize it.

Proud players celebrate their chess progress. Photo: Promoting Queens.

The success of Promoting Queens shows how powerful chess can be. With support from ChessKid, girls are learning to think critically, solve problems, and believe in themselves. The same skills that help them win on the chessboard are helping them succeed in life.

Promoting Queens participants showing off their shirts. Photo: Promoting Queens.

As Promoting Queens continues to grow, resources are key to reaching more girls. The organization is working to raise funds to provide devices, internet access, and opportunities for travel to tournaments. Support from individuals and partners help keep programs free and open to girls who might not otherwise have the chance to play.

Players focus on their next move. Photo: Promoting Queens.

From one player’s dream to a growing community of girls around the world, Promoting Queens is proving that when girls learn to think strategically, they can shape their own future!