The number of women on the Forbes World Billionaires list continues to grow. In 2024, women represent 13.3%, up from 12.8% in 2023. There are 46 new wealthiest women on the list this year, some due to inheritance and others due to stock market success.
The world’s wealthiest women are making headlines again this year as their fortunes soar higher than ever before. In 2024, women hold just over 13% of the world’s billionaire status, showcasing a remarkable rise in their wealth and influence.
According to the latest data from Forbes, there are 369 women among the 2,781 billionaires worldwide, collectively worth nearly $1.8 trillion. This marks an increase from the previous year, with women now holding about $240 billion more in wealth.
Leading the Pack
For the fourth consecutive year, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, heiress to the L’Oréal empire, claims the title of the world’s richest woman. Her fortune has surged by $19 billion in the past year alone, bringing her net worth to a staggering $99.5 billion. While she narrowly missed joining the exclusive $100 billion club, her consistent dominance in wealth remains unparalleled.
Other Queens
This year’s list welcomes 46 new female entries. Some new faces rose due to inheritance, such as the Schörling sisters from Sweden who inherited their fortune after their father’s passing. Others, like Fidelity Investments CEO Abigail Johnson, grew their inherited companies to new heights, solidifying their places among the elite.
However, MacKenzie Scott stands out as the only self-made woman in the top ranks. Despite her divorce from Jeff Bezos, Scott’s philanthropic efforts have propelled her wealth to $35.6 billion, making her a significant player in the billionaire arena.
The 2024 list also welcomes several newcomers, including tech innovators Michelle Zatlyn and Lisa Su, alongside unexpected entries like pop sensation Taylor Swift, whose music empire has catapulted her into billionaire status. Additionally, a rising number of self-made women are making their mark, indicating a shift towards entrepreneurship and independent wealth creation.
From established titans like Julia Koch and Alice Walton to emerging figures like Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, the world’s richest women continue to shape industries and redefine success. The 2024 Forbes list paints a picture of a growing role for women in the world of billionaires. While Bettencourt Meyers retains the top spot, the increasing number of female billionaires and their rising net worth suggest a future with more women at the financial forefront.
