Top 10 Richest Women In The World

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Jun 12, 2024

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While men frequently headline the lists of the world's wealthiest, a formidable group of women are proving they're just as financially powerful. From heiresses who've multiplied their inheritances to self-made moguls, these women have carved out their own empires. Despite societal challenges, they've climbed to the top, showing that in the realm of big bucks, gender is no barrier to success.

Alice Walton

Alice Walton, an heiress with a heart for more than just wealth, controls a $45 billion fortune from Walmart. Yet, her true passion lies beyond the family business. With a degree in Economics and Finance from Trinity University, Alice spends her days raising horses and amassing a notable collection of artwork. Her crowning achievement? The founding of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas, which showcases her dedication to cultural enrichment and community development.

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Maria Franca Fissolo

Widow of Michele Ferrero, Maria Franca Fissolo, continues to taste the sweetness of success with a net worth estimated at $25.2 billion. Her husband left behind a legacy filled with delightful treats like Nutella. Today, Maria, alongside her son Giovanni who leads Ferrero, holds a significant fortune and a penchant for private life, maintaining the family’s standard of quiet luxury and confectionary dominance.

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Françoise Bettencourt Meyers

As the wealthiest woman at the helm of the L’Oréal fortune, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers isn't just sitting on a goldmine, she's digging deeper into philanthropy. With a net worth of $49.3 billion and controlling 33% of L’Oréal’s stock, Françoise is an active benefactor in the arts and education through the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation. Her recent commitment of $226 million to Notre Dame’s restoration post-fire is a testament to her dedication to preserving heritage and fostering philanthropic excellence.

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Laurene Powell Jobs

Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Steve Jobs, has parlayed her inheritance into a vast influence in both the tech and media landscapes. With a net worth of approximately $21.3 billion, she maneuvers her wealth through Emerson Collective, a hybrid philanthropic and investing entity. Her initiatives focus heavily on education reform, immigration reform, and social justice—underscoring her commitment to using wealth as a tool for public benefit. A Stanford graduate, Laurene's strategic investments include stakes in media outlets that shape global dialogue, proving her dedication goes beyond mere capital growth.

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Abigail Johnson

Abigail Johnson, CEO of Fidelity Investments, is a titan in the financial services industry, overseeing a firm managing over $4.2 trillion in assets. Her net worth hovers around $15 billion, making her one of the most powerful women in finance. Unlike many heirs, Abigail has worked her way up from an analyst to the top position, emphasizing her deep understanding and innovative approach to financial management. Her leadership has been pivotal in Fidelity's growth, demonstrating a keen insight into market trends and investor needs.

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Gina Rinehart

Australia's richest person, Gina Rinehart, has weathered intense family legal battles to steward her father’s mining legacy. With a net worth estimated at $13.1 billion, she has expanded Hancock Prospecting into a powerhouse, particularly in iron ore and coal production. Her aggressive expansion strategies have significantly increased her wealth, showing that she's not just maintaining an empire, but actively enlarging it. Rinehart's influence in the mining sector underscores her capacity to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

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Susanne Klatten

Susanne Klatten, the wealthiest woman in Germany, commands a fortune largely thanks to her stakes in BMW and pharmaceutical company Altana. Her net worth is approximately $24.3 billion. A trained economist, Susanne has diligently worked to diversify her investments, significantly boosting Altana’s market position to a global scale and ensuring BMW's continued innovation and success. Her strategic decisions reflect a commitment to sustainable growth and technological advancement in her industries.

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Zhong Huijuan

Chairwoman of Hansoh Pharmaceutical, Zhong Huijuan, a former chemistry teacher, has become one of China's richest self-made women with a net worth of around $14.6 billion. Under her leadership, Hansoh Pharmaceutical has developed into one of the leading Chinese companies in the biopharmaceutical sector, specializing in treatments for oncology, psychoactive conditions, and diabetes. Her story is particularly inspiring, highlighting a remarkable transition from educator to industry leader, driven by a deep passion for science and innovation.

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Yang Huiyan

Yang Huiyan, a dynamo in China's real estate scene, is the primary shareholder of Country Garden Holdings, a company pulling in an impressive $33.8 billion in annual revenue. At just 37, Yang's fortune, primarily inherited from her father, clocks in at an astounding $25 billion. She's not just resting on her laurels, though, Yang also plays a pivotal role in Bright Scholar Education Holdings. A proud alumna of the University of Ohio, she continues to make her mark on Forbes lists alongside her enterprising aunt.

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MacKenzie Scott

MacKenzie Scott, formerly Bezos, didn’t just walk away from her marriage with a personal fortune, she emerged as a philanthropic force. Post-divorce, her bank balance stands at a cool $35.6 billion, thanks in part to her substantial Amazon stock holdings. Though Jeff retains voting control, MacKenzie's influence isn’t dimmed. A Princeton-educated novelist, she's penned works like "The Testing of Luther Albright" and "Traps," and has pledged to donate a significant portion of her wealth to charity, demonstrating her commitment to turning personal gains into public good.

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