Queen of Katwe: The Next Move Can Change Everything
- Priscila Z Vendramini Mezzena
- May 5
- 2 min read
Published on 05/05/2026 na Empowered Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/empowered-vol-472026-may-2026-women-powerup-network-admin-wigsf
Katwe is a slum in Kampala, the capital of Uganda - a place marked by extreme poverty, where families struggle daily to meet their most basic needs. In such a context, breaking the cycle of deprivation is statistically unlikely.
It was in this environment that an extraordinary talent emerged: a young girl who found in chess her passport to the world.
The film Queen of Katwe tells the true story of Phiona Mutesi. After losing her father at a young age, Phiona helped her mother and siblings sell vegetables to ensure the family’s survival. Her journey began to change at the age of 9, through an unexpected encounter with chess coach Robert Katende.
At first, what drew her to the chess program was something simple and urgent: the promise of a meal.
Although illiterate at the time, her strategic intelligence quickly stood out. Katende not only recognized her potential but also committed himself to developing the skills of the entire group - known as the Pioneers - challenging a society that expected very little from those young people.
Phiona’s rise was remarkable. Overcoming prejudice and limited resources, she won her first tournament at one of Uganda’s most prestigious schools. At 13, she won a major international competition in Sudan. Alongside her progress in chess, she dedicated herself to learning how to read, understanding that education was essential to sustain her growth.
Today, Phiona is a Woman Candidate Master (WCM), has studied in the United States, and inspires people around the world — turning the “improbable” into reality.
Lessons from Queen of Katwe
Talent has no address – Potential is widely distributed, but opportunities are not. Leadership includes seeing value where others do not.
The power of someone who believes – Robert Katende was more than a teacher; he was a mentor who opened doors and believed before results appeared. His leadership created an environment where others could grow.
Learning builds strength – Phiona learned to read and play chess almost simultaneously. The ability to continuously learn, even under pressure, is one of the greatest strengths we can develop.
Focus on the next move – In chess and in life, we cannot change how the game started, but we can choose each next move with intention.
Strength with purpose – Phiona’s motivation went beyond herself. Her growth was deeply connected to her desire to transform her family’s reality.
Conclusion
Phiona’s strength was born of necessity, but built through discipline, learning, and vision.
Building strength goes beyond resilience — it is about continuously investing in our capabilities, making conscious choices, and moving forward, even when our starting point seems to limit our path.
Her story also invites a broader reflection: how many talents remain unseen simply because they lack access to the basics? If fundamental rights such as housing, food, and education were guaranteed to all, how many more stories like Phiona’s could emerge? How much stronger — and more just — would our world be?
A line that stayed with me
"How can I plan when there is no roof… when there are no walls?”
"Losses happen for all of us. What matters is when you reset the pieces and play again.”
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