A noteworthy trend is evident among women who are making significant strides on Forbes’ World Billionaires list, with their representation steadily increasing.
In the year 2024, there are 369 female billionaires out of 2,781 individuals, accounting for 13.3% of the total list.
This indicates a rise from the previous year, 2023, where women comprised 12.8% of the list, amounting to 337 billionaires.
Collectively, these women possess a combined net worth of nearly $1.8 trillion, representing a growth of approximately $240 billion compared to the previous year.
Continuing her streak for the fourth consecutive year, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, heiress to the L’Oréal fortune, retains her position as the world’s richest woman.
Meyers experienced a significant surge in her wealth over the past 12 months, with her net worth climbing to $99.5 billion, marking the most substantial gain among women on the 2024 list.
However, she falls just short of joining the esteemed $100 billion club.
Meanwhile, Alice Walton, daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, previously claimed the top spot in 2018 and 2020.
Among the top 10 wealthiest women, nine have inherited their fortunes, predominantly from fathers, husbands, or in one instance, a mother.
The exception is MacKenzie Scott, who acquired her wealth through divorce from Jeff Bezos. Despite her philanthropic endeavors, Scott’s net worth increased significantly, reaching $35.6 billion.
Related News: Otedola Extols Dangote Refinery as Key to Nigeria’s Energy Security and Prosperity
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, co-founder of a prominent shipping company, stands out as the wealthiest self-made woman on the list.
Among the female billionaires, 100 are self-made, while 200 have inherited their fortunes. Additionally, 69 women are actively expanding the successful businesses they inherited.
Abigail Johnson, CEO of Fidelity Investments, ranks as the tenth richest woman, having played a pivotal role in growing the company since taking over from her father in 2014.
A notable addition to the list is pop star Taylor Swift, whose Eras Tour contributed to her billionaire status.
Swift’s success in the music industry, driven by performances, recordings, and a lucrative music catalog, marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first billionaire musician to achieve this solely through her musical endeavors.
Here are the top ten richest women in the world:
- Françoise Bettencourt Meyers & family
Net Worth: $99.5 Billion | Age: 70 | Source of Wealth: L’Oréal | Citizenship: France - Alice Walton
Net Worth: $72.3 Billion | Age: 74 | Source of Wealth: Walmart | Citizenship: U.S. - Julia Koch & family
Net Worth: $64.3 Billion | Age: 61 | Source of Wealth: Koch Industries | Citizenship: U.S. - Jacqueline Mars
Net Worth: $38.5 Billion | Age: 84 | Source of Wealth: Candy, pet food | Citizenship: U.S. - MacKenzie Scott
Net Worth: $35.6 Billion | Age: 53 | Source of Wealth: Amazon | Citizenship: U.S. - Savitri Jindal & family
Net worth: $33.5 Billion | Age: 74 | Source of Wealth: Steel | Citizenship: India - Rafaela Aponte-Diamant
Net Worth: $33.1 Billion | Age: 79 | Source of Wealth: Shipping | Citizenship: Switzerland and Italy - Miriam Adelson & family
Net Worth: $32 Billion | Age: 78 | Source of Wealth: Casinos | Citizenship: U.S. - Gina Rinehart
Net Worth: $30.8 Billion | Age: 70 | Source of Wealth: Mining | Citizenship: Australia - Abigail Johnson
Net Worth: $29 Billion | Age: 62 | Source of Wealth: Fidelity Investments | Citizenship: U.S.
You can also read: Diesel Prices Plummet in Ogun as Dangote Refinery Spurs Market Shift