Times are changing at a fast pace. Women are actively participating in every field. Business is one of the fields in which women excel to reach heights. Many women worldwide have made their place on the rich people’s list in Forbes and Bloomberg. Let us introduce you to the richest women in the world with high net worth.

Here is the list of top 10 richest women in the world

10. Melinda French Gates

Age: 60 years
Net Worth: $30.4 billion
Source of Income: Microsoft, investments

Melinda French Gates saw her net worth rise by $19.3 billion this year after Forbes revised its estimate of her 2021 divorce settlement with Bill Gates to $25 billion. In June 2024, she stepped down from the Gates Foundation to dedicate her efforts to Pivotal Ventures, the investment and philanthropic organization she founded to support women-led startups and drive social progress for women worldwide. Alongside Bill Gates, she ranks among America’s most generous philanthropists, with their combined lifetime donations totaling $47.7 billion.

In recent years, Pivotal Ventures has significantly expanded its focus on gender equity in technology, politics, and caregiving. Melinda also continues to advocate for global access to reproductive health and education for women and girls.

9. Marilyn Simons & family

Age: 74 years
Net Worth:$31 billion
Source of Income: Hedge funds

The widow of legendary investor Jim Simons, who passed away in May 2024, now oversees the Simons Foundation, which the couple co-founded to advance science education and research. Throughout her career, she has been deeply involved in philanthropic leadership and currently serves on the boards of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the East Harlem Scholar Academies. She also leads Stony Brook University’s Women’s Leadership Council—a mentorship initiative she launched in 2014 at her alma mater.

Under her guidance, the Simons Foundation has increased its support for early-career scientists and interdisciplinary research. She continues to champion initiatives aimed at expanding STEM opportunities for underrepresented communities.

8. Miriam Adelson & family

Age: 79 years
Net Worth:$32.1 billion
Source of Income: Casinos

The Israeli-born billionaire and her family hold a majority stake in Las Vegas Sands, the casino giant known for landmark resorts like the Venetian Macao and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, founded the company in 1989 and led it to global prominence before his passing in 2021. Trained as a physician, she has channeled much of her expertise and philanthropy into fighting drug addiction. She is also known for her significant financial contributions to the Republican Party.

In recent years, she has expanded her philanthropic reach to support medical research and education initiatives. She continues to play a key role in shaping the future direction of Las Vegas Sands, particularly as the company explores new international markets.

7. Abigail Johnson

Age: 63 years
Net Worth: $32.7 billion
Source of Income:Fidelity

As chairman and CEO of Fidelity Investments, Johnson derives her fortune from an estimated 28.5% ownership in the Boston-based mutual fund firm established by her grandfather in 1946. She began her journey at Fidelity by working there during college summers and officially joined as a full-time analyst in 1988. In 2014, she took over as CEO following the retirement of her father, Edward “Ned” Johnson III, who passed away in 2022.

Under her leadership, Fidelity has expanded its digital investment platforms and embraced cryptocurrency services for retail and institutional clients. Johnson is also known for promoting workplace diversity and modernizing the company’s corporate culture.

6. Savitri Jindal & family

Age: 75 years
Net Worth:$35.5. billion
Source of Income: Steel

India’s wealthiest matriarch oversees the Jindal Group, a major conglomerate with operations across steel, power, cement, and infrastructure. The business was originally founded by her late husband, Om Prakash Jindal, who died in a helicopter accident in 2005. Today, four of her nine children play active roles in managing various divisions of the company.

Under her leadership, the Jindal Group has continued to expand both domestically and internationally, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. She is also involved in philanthropic initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and rural development across India.

5. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant

Age: 80 years
Net Worth: $37.7 billion
Source of Income: Las Vegas Sands

For the third consecutive year, Aponte-Diamant holds the title of the richest self-made woman on the Forbes list. The Swiss billionaire built her wealth through a 50% ownership in Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest shipping firm, which she co-founded with her husband in 1970 after they met during a boat trip to Capri, Italy. Today, MSC operates a massive fleet of 900 vessels, with her husband, Gianluigi, owning the remaining half of the company.

In recent years, MSC has expanded beyond cargo to become a global force in cruise tourism through MSC Cruises. Aponte-Diamant remains actively involved in the company’s philanthropic efforts, particularly those supporting maritime education and ocean conservation.

4. Jacqueline Mars

Age: 85 years
Net Worth: $38.1 Billion (as of November 2022)
Source of Income: Mars Inc, Candy, Pet food

An American businesswoman, Jacqueline Mars belongs to the renowned family of Mars, which is famously known as an American candy company. She is the daughter of Audrey Ruth and Forrest Mars. Founded by her grandfather, she owns one-third of Mars inc, shares.

The most famous brand of Mars is Milky Way, Musketeers, Twix, Snickers and Skittles. Jacqueline served on the company’s board until 2016. She is associated with United States Equestrian team as a trustee.

3. Julia Koch

Age: 62 years
Net Worth: $74.2 billion
Source of Income: Koch Foundation

A businesswoman and a known philanthropist, Julia Koch is a native of Iowa. She is the President of the Koch Foundation. She holds a 42% stake in the company along with her three children. Julia married the famous businessman and philanthropist David Koch. Julia and her husband have donated generously to social causes. After the demise of her husband in 2019, Julia continued her philanthropic work.

2. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers & Family

Age: 69 years
Net Worth: $81.6 billion
Source of Income: L’Oreal

The French L’Oréal heiress, who was the world’s richest woman last year, saw her fortune decline as weaker sales, particularly in China, drove shares down 20%. Bettencourt Meyers, who spent 28 years on the board, announced her retirement as vice chair in February; her son, Jean-Victor Meyers, is slated to fill the position at the end of the year.

Apart from being a businesswoman, Bettencourt Meyers is also a writer and philanthropist. She is the President of the philanthropic foundation run by her family.

1. Alice Walton

Age: 75 years
Net Worth: $101 billion
Source of Income: Walmart

Daughter of Walmart Founder Sam Walton, Alice Walton is listed among the richest women in the world. She is the American heiress to Walmart’s fortune. She founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art which was opened to the public in 2011. The museum features the works of some renowned artists like Mark Rothko, Norman Rockwell and Andy Warhol.

Her mother was the inspiration behind her choosing arts. She began taking interest in painting and fine arts. Afterwards, she studied and collected valuable artefacts.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Who is the richest woman in the world?
Alice Walton with $101 billion net worth.

2. Who is the youngest richest woman in the world?
livia Voigt de Assis is the youngest (20 years) richest woman with $1.2 billion net worth.

3. Who is India’s richest woman?
Savitri Jindal with $35.5. billion Billion net worth is India’s richest woman in 2022.

4. Who are the top 5 richest billionaire in the world?

Elon Musk: $342 Billion
Mark Zuckerber:$216 Billion
Jeff Bezos:$215.0 Billion
Larry Ellison: $192 Billion
Bernard Arnault & Family:$178 Billion

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