Top 10 richest women in the world in 2024, their ages, sources of wealth

The number of women in the Forbes’ World Billionaires list has grown to 369 out of 2,781 billionaires, or 13.3%, up from 337 in 2023, when women accounted for 12.8% of the list.

According to the latest Forbes World Billionaires list, 46 new women have joined the ranks in 2024, with their wealth primarily acquired through stock market gains or inheritance.

A standout among the newcomers is pop icon Taylor Swift, who amassed an estimated $190 million after taxes from her Eras Tour, although she did not make it into the top 10.

The list reveals that nine out of the ten wealthiest women inherited their fortunes from family members, whether fathers, husbands, or in one case, a mother.

The only exception in the top 10 is MacKenzie Scott, an American author and philanthropist, who gained her wealth through her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Top 10 richest women in the world

These are the 10 richest women in the world based on the recent Forbes World Billionaires list.

10. Abigail Johnson

Abigail, 62, succeeded her father, Edward “Ned” Johnson III, in 2022 and led the company to unprecedented success.

Her grandpa founded Fidelity Investments in 1946, which manages $4.9 trillion. She owns 28.5% of the company, making her one of the wealthiest and most influential women in finance. She is worth $29 billion.

9. Gina Rinehart

Mining and agricultural company Hancock Prospecting Group is chaired by $30.8 billion Gina Rinehart, 70. She bought the company from her father, Lang Hancock, in 1992. After a 14% increase from March 2023, she is Australia's wealthiest.

Her leadership has helped the company flourish, particularly in the iron ore industry, which has increased her wealth.

8. Miriam Adelson & family

Miriam Adelson, 78, has $32 billion. After her husband, Sheldon Adelson, died in 2021, she bought over 50% of Las Vegas Sands.

Miriam, a talented doctor, has donated over $1 billion to medical research and drug development, showing her commitment to charity and medical science.

7. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant

Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, 79, a maritime industry leader with dual citizenship in Switzerland and Italy, has a $33.1 billion net worth. She started MSC in 1970 with her spouse Gianluigi Aponte.

Each owns 50% of MSC, the world's largest shipping line. In addition to her executive function, Aponte-Diamant designs the interiors of MSC Cruises' ships, demonstrating her engagement in the firm.

The pair borrowed a $200,000 loan to buy their first ship, starting their massive business empire.

6. Savitri Jindal Family

The richest woman in India is 74-year-old Savitri Jindal, valued at $33.5 billion. She chairs the Jindal Group, which operates in steel, power, cement, and infrastructure.

Jindal inherited her money and position after her husband, Om Prakash Jindal, died in a 2005 helicopter mishap. Savitri Jindal rose from the 12th richest lady in 2023 to her current level because of soaring share values.

5. MacKenzie Scott

At 53, MacKenzie Scott is a wealthy philanthropist worth $35.6 billion. After her 2019 divorce from Jeff Bezos, she gained 4% of Amazon's shares and pledged to donate most of her wealth.

In March, Scott gave $640 million to 361 organisations after a competitive funding application procedure.

Her charitable contributions totalled $17.3 billion, including several no-strings-attached gifts that surprise beneficiaries.

4. Jacqueline Mars

Jacqueline Mars, worth $38.5 billion, is a confectionary and pet food industry leader. She co-owns Mars Inc. with her brother John Mars and the daughters of her late brother Forrest Jr. at 84.

Famous brands include M&Ms, Snickers, Ben’s Original, and Pedigree dog food from the global leader.

Frank C. Mars, Jacqueline's grandfather, started Mars Inc. in 1911 by selling buttercream sweets from his kitchen.

3. Julia Koch and family

The 61-year-old American Julia Koch has a $64.3 billion net worth. Her husband, David Koch, died in 2019.

Julia moved from second to third place among the world's richest women this year. She and her three children received 42% of Koch Industries.

The conglomerate's businesses include oil refining, medical technology, and paper.

2. Alice Walton

Alice Walton, the richest woman in America, has a net worth of $72.3 billion. She has gained an additional $15.6 billion this year thanks to a remarkable 34% surge in Walmart's share price over the past 12 months.

As the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, who passed away in 1992, Alice has taken a different path from her brothers.

She has never served on Walmart's board, choosing instead to dedicate herself to the arts industry.

1. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers & family

For the fourth year in a row, 70-year-old Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is the world's richest woman with $99.5 billion.

The granddaughter of L'Oréal's founder and heir to the family's great fortune, her approximately 35% stake in the cosmetics business makes up most of her riches.

Bettencourt Meyers acquired her vast fortune from her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, who died in 2017. In 2018, she joined Forbes' billionaires list with $42.2 billion.