The number of women in the Forbes’ World Billionaires list has grown to 369 out of 2,781 billionaires, or 13.3%, up from 337 in 2023, when women accounted for 12.8% of the list.
According to the latest Forbes World Billionaires list, 46 new women have joined the ranks in 2024, with their wealth primarily acquired through stock market gains or inheritance.
A standout among the newcomers is pop icon Taylor Swift, who amassed an estimated $190 million after taxes from her Eras Tour, although she did not make it into the top 10.
The list reveals that nine out of the ten wealthiest women inherited their fortunes from family members, whether fathers, husbands, or, in one case, a mother.
The only exception in the top 10 is MacKenzie Scott, an American author and philanthropist, who gained her wealth through her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
These are the ten richest women in the world based on the recent Forbes’ World Billionaires list.
Abigail, 62, succeeded her father, Edward “Ned” Johnson III, in 2022, leading the company to unprecedented success.
Her grandpa founded Fidelity Investments in 1946, which manages $4.9 trillion. She owns 28.5% of the company, making her one of the wealthiest and most influential women in finance. She is worth $29 billion.
Mining and agricultural company Hancock Prospecting Group is chaired by $30.8 billion Gina Rinehart, 70.
She bought the company from her father, Lang Hancock, in 1992. After a 14% increase from March 2023, she is Australia’s wealthiest.
Her leadership has helped the company flourish, particularly in the iron ore industry, which has increased her wealth.
Miriam Adelson, 78, has $32 billion. After her husband, Sheldon Adelson, died in 2021, she bought over 50% of Las Vegas Sands.
Miriam, a talented doctor, has donated over $1 billion to medical research and drug development, showing her commitment to charity and medical science.
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, 79, is a maritime industry leader with dual citizenship in Switzerland and Italy. She has a $33.1 billion net worth. She started MSC in 1970 with her spouse, Gianluigi Aponte.
Each owns 50% of MSC, the world’s largest shipping line. In addition to her executive function, Aponte-Diamant designs the interiors of MSC Cruises’ ships, demonstrating her engagement in the firm.
The pair borrowed a $200,000 loan to buy their first ship, starting their massive business empire.
The richest woman in India is 74-year-old Savitri Jindal, valued at $33.5 billion. She chairs the Jindal Group, which operates in steel, power, cement, and infrastructure.
Jindal inherited her money and position after her husband, Om Prakash Jindal, died in a 2005 helicopter mishap.
Savitri Jindal rose from the 12th richest lady in 2023 to her current level because of soaring share values.
