Growing up, I often heard people say that a woman’s place is in the kitchen. But as I got older, I realized something, “they are wrong”. Women aren’t just cooking meals; they’re cooking up billion-dollar businesses, leading industries, and shaping the global economy.
Wealth isn’t about gender; it’s about vision, strategy, and the courage to seize opportunities. And the richest women in the world have done exactly that.
If you still think wealth and power are a man’s game, this list will definitely change your mind. One thing will be crystal clear: women aren’t just changing the game; they’re owning it. They belong at the helm of billion-dollar industries, shaping economies, and redefining power.
In this blog post, I will tell you about the top 10 richest women in the world, exploring their backgrounds that fueled their fortunes, the bold moves that set them apart, and the legacies they are building.
Who Are The Top 10 Richest Women In The World?
1. Alice Walton
- Net Worth: $112.5 billion
- Source of Wealth: Walmart
- Background: Alice Walton is the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton. Her substantial wealth stems from her significant stake in the retail giant, which has seen considerable growth in recent years. She has ensured the effective management of the company, which has greatly contributed to Walmart’s success.
2. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers
- Net Worth: $74.4 billion
- Source of Wealth: L’Oréal
- Background: As the granddaughter of L’Oréal’s founder, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers and her family own a substantial portion of the cosmetics giant. Under her leadership, L’Oréal has achieved record sales, solidifying its position in the global beauty industry. She has a track record of creating excellent strategies that helped push the company forward.
3. Julia Koch
- Net Worth: $74.2 billion
- Source of Wealth: Koch Industries
- Background: Julia Koch inherited her wealth following the passing of her husband, David Koch, who co-owned Koch Industries, one of the largest privately-owned companies in the United States. She managed the company and was able to sustain it even after her husband’s death.
4. Jacqueline Mars
- Net Worth: $42.5 billion
- Source of Wealth: Mars Inc.
- Background: Jacqueline Mars owns an estimated one-third of Mars Inc., the world’s largest candy maker, known for brands like M&M’s and Snickers. She is known for her hardwork and innovative approach to building wealth.
5. Abigail Johnson
- Net Worth: $38.0 billion
- Source of Wealth: Fidelity Investments
- Background: Abigail Johnson is the CEO of Fidelity Investments, a leading financial services company founded by her grandfather.
6. Savitri Jindal
- Net Worth: $34.3 billion
- Source of Wealth: JSW Group
- Background: Savitri Jindal chairs the Jindal Group, a conglomerate with interests in steel, power, cement, building and infrastructure.
7. Miriam Adelson
- Net worth: $33.2 billion
- Source of Wealth: Casino (Las Vegas Sands)
- Background: Miriam Adelson’s wealth comes from working hard in the casino industry, particularly through her late husband’s company named Las Vegas Sand. She is also known for her philanthropic efforts and charity work.
8. MacKenzie Scott
- Net Worth: $33.1billion
- Source of Wealth: Amazon
- Background: MacKenzie Scott, formerly married to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, received a significant portion of Amazon stock in their divorce settlement. She is also known for her philanthropic efforts, donating substantial sums to various causes and continuous service to humanity.
9. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant
- Net Worth: 31.5 billion
- Source of Wealth: Shipping (Mediterranean Shipping company)
- Background: Rafaela Aponte- Diamant the co-founder of the Mediterranean Shipping Company, which is one of the largest shipping firms globally. Her success story highlights the importance and benefits of running a modern business that is always in high demand.
10. Marilyn Simons
- Net Worth: $31.0 billion
- Source of Wealth: Hedge Funds
- Background: Marilyn Simons and her family have built their fortune through hedge funds, showcasing the lucrative potential of the financial sector.
Conclusion
For too long, the world tried to define where women belonged, limiting their ambitions, their opportunities, and their potential. But the top 10 Richest Women in the world didn’t ask for permission to succeed.
Some expanded family fortunes into global empires. Others disrupted industries and created wealth on their own terms. But none of them played by the old rules. Their success is a testament to the real force behind wealth building, no matter who you are.
So, if anyone still questions whether women belong in business, in leadership, or at the top of the financial world, the answer is right here. These women are no exceptions, because there’s no dream too big and no space where women do not belong.
