The World Championship cycle is open to women. Hou Yifan partook in the Grand Prix. I believe Judith Polgar partook in a Candidates Tournament about a decade ag

The World Championship cycle is open to women. Hou Yifan partook in the Grand Prix. I believe Judith Polgar partook in a Candidates Tournament about a decade ago. It isn't segregated. Nothing prevents a woman from becoming the World Champion. But, on the other hand, men are barred from the Women's World Championship.