The first-ever international chess federation (FIDE) survey about women in the sport has thrown up startling numbers about sexual harassment and gender bias that players, arbiters, coaches and federation officials said they experienced. According to the survey, 76% of respondents — three out of four — reported at least one form of discrimination or harassment, while 38% conveyed that they had experienced online abuse or harassment.

It also showed that 63% of women and girls experienced gender bias in chess settings, with 16% saying it happens often, and 38% reported sexual harassment or inappropriate behaviour.

“The figures are concerning; however, it is important that we do not look at these findings solely as alarming statistics. They represent real experiences of women and girls who are part of our chess community.…