The Queen's Gambit for Equality: Mitra Hejazipour’s Chess Career and Women's Rights Advocacy

Join us for a conversation with chess Grandmaster Mitra Hejazipour as she takes us through her life, which seamlessly weaves her chess career with her unwavering dedication to the cause of gender equality. She shares her experience as a rising chess star in Iran, her transition to representing France, and her triumphs and challenges along the way. The lecture will delve into the pivotal moment when she took a stand against oppressive norms, defying the compulsory headscarf regulation in international chess tournaments, and the subsequent impact on her life and career. Her perspective as both a chess champion and a women's rights advocate offers valuable insights into the power of sport to transcend boundaries and advocate for social change. Ms. Hejazipour hopes to inspire and inform, shedding light on the intersection of sports, gender equality, and personal resilience.

Mitra Hejazipour's life story is a compelling narrative that encapsulates her chess career and her journey as an advocate for women's rights, particularly in the context of Iran. Born in 1993, she is a prominent figure in the world of chess and a passionate advocate for women's rights. Her journey is defined by her exceptional achievements in chess and her courageous stance against societal norms in Iran. At a young age, Ms. Hejazipour stood out as a remarkable chess talent when she won the silver medal at the World-Under-10 Girls Championship in 2003. In 2015, she achieved a major milestone by winning the Asian Continental Women's Championship in Al Ain. This victory not only conferred upon her the title of Woman Grandmaster but also secured her a place in the Women's World Chess Championship. However, her journey took a significant turn in 2020 when she was removed from the Iranian national team for defying the mandatory headscarf (hijab) regulation during the World Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship in Moscow. Ms. Hejazipour courageously voiced her belief that the hijab was a limitation, not protection, in opposition to the official Islamic Republic’s regime's propaganda. In 2021, Ms. Hejazipour transitioned to represent France, where she had been residing, and in March 2023, she obtained French citizenship. This transition marked a pivotal moment in her life, both professionally and personally. Notably, in 2023, she became the French National Women's Chess Champion, and shortly thereafter, she secured the third place in the World Team Chess Championship. Ms. Hejazipour’s life journey epitomizes her commitment to chess, her advocacy for gender equality, and her unwavering determination to challenge oppressive norms.

If you need a disability-related accommodation for this event, please contact us at iranianstudies [at] stanford.edu (iranianstudies[at]stanford[dot]edu).  Requests should be made by May 15, 2024.