Richest Women in the World and Their Net Worth

The distribution of wealth refers to how wealth is spread out among individuals or groups in a particular society or country. Unfortunately, wealth distribution is often unequal, with a small percentage of people holding most of the world’s wealth. This difference can have significant social and economic implications, including poverty, inequality, and limited access to resources and opportunities.

The world’s richest women play a crucial role in shaping the global economy and society. Their influence extends beyond their wealth, as many of them are also active philanthropists and entrepreneurs who create jobs and drive innovation. By studying the richest women in the world, we can gain valuable insights into the factors that contribute to their success, as well as the challenges they face in a male-dominated business world.

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers

A French billionaire and the richest woman in the world – Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, was born in 1953 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France and is the daughter of Liliane Bettencourt, the former heiress and owner of L’Oreal, the world’s largest cosmetics company. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers is also a writer and has authored several books on Jewish-Christian relations.

L’Oreal inheritance and ownership

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers and her family became the beneficiaries of a 33% ownership in L’Oreal in 2017, following the passing of her mother. She and her family have been actively involved in the company for many years, with her father serving as a board member and her husband as a member of the executive committee. As of 2023, the ownership of a 33% stake in L’Oreal lies with the Bettencourt Meyers family.

Net worth and ranking

According to Forbes, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers has a net worth of $84.9 billion (R1 569 495 360 000), making her the richest woman in the world and the 12th richest person overall. Her fortune has significantly increased in recent years due to the success of L’Oreal and her family’s stake in the company. In addition to her wealth, Bettencourt Meyers is also known for her philanthropic efforts, including the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, which supports scientific research, cultural institutions, and the arts.

Alice Walton

The daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, this American billionaire goes by the name of Alice Walton. She was born in 1949 in Newport, Arkansas, and is the youngest of the Walton siblings. Walton attended Trinity University and studied finance and economics. She has been an art collector for many years and opened the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, in 2011.

Walmart inheritance and ownership

Alice Walton inherited a significant portion of her wealth from her father’s stake in Walmart. She is also a board member of the Walmart Foundation, which supports initiatives in areas such as education, job training, and sustainability. In addition to Walmart, Walton has also invested in various other companies and ventures.

Net worth and ranking

As of 2023, Alice Walton has a net worth of $68.3 billion (R1 262 337 675 000), making her the second richest woman in the world and the 17th richest person overall. Her wealth has primarily come from her Walmart inheritance, as well as her art collection and other investments. Walton has used her wealth to support various philanthropic causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts.

Mackenzie Scott

American philanthropist and novelist: Mackenzie Scott. She was born in 1970 in San Francisco and attended Princeton University, where she graduated with a degree in English literature. Scott worked as a writer for several years before marrying Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 1993. The couple divorced in 2019, and Scott received a significant settlement as part of the divorce agreement.

Amazon divorce settlement

Due to her divorce settlement with Jeff Bezos, Mackenzie Scott received 25% of the their Amazon stock, valued at $36 billion (R664 997 400 000) at the time. This made her one of the richest women in the world overnight. Since then, she has become known for her philanthropic efforts and has donated billions of dollars to various causes.

Philanthropic efforts

Mackenzie Scott is committed to using her wealth to make a positive impact on society. In 2020 alone, she donated more than $6 billion (R110 832 900 000) to over 500 organisations working in areas such as racial equity, gender equality, public health, and environmental sustainability. Scott does not have a private foundation and has instead chosen to give directly to organisations she believes are doing important work.

Net worth and ranking

As of 2023, Mackenzie Scott’s net worth is estimated to be $57.6 billion (R1 064 076 480 000) making her the third richest woman in the world and the 22nd richest person overall, according to Forbes. While her wealth has given her a platform to make significant philanthropic contributions, Scott has also faced criticism for the vast amount of money she holds and the influence it gives her. She has acknowledged these criticisms and has committed to continuing her giving efforts.

Julia Koch

Julia Koch is an American billionaire and philanthropist. She was born in 1962 in Iowa and attended the University of Central Arkansas, where she earned a degree in education. Koch married David Koch, one of the co-owners of Koch Industries, in 1996. David Koch passed away in 2019, and Julia inherited a significant portion of his wealth.

Inheritance and ownership of Koch Industries

Koch Industries is one of the largest privately held companies in the world, with interests in areas such as energy, chemicals, and finance. Julia Koch inherited a 42% stake in the company after her husband’s death, making her one of the richest women in the world.

Philanthropic efforts

Julia Koch is committed to using her wealth to support various philanthropic causes. She serves as the president of the David H. Koch Foundation, which supports medical research, education, and the arts. Koch is also a member of the board of directors of several organizations, including the Lincoln Centre for the Performing Arts, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre.

Net worth and ranking

As of 2023, Julia Koch’s net worth is estimated to be $53.4 billion (R986 306 010 000), making her the fourth richest woman in the world and the 28th richest person overall, according to Forbes. While Koch has inherited her wealth from her late husband, she has demonstrated a commitment to using her resources to support philanthropic causes and make a positive impact on society.

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Jacqueline Mars

Jacqueline Mars is an American billionaire and heiress to the Mars, Incorporated fortune. She was born in 1939 in New Jersey and is the daughter of Forrest Mars, Sr., one of the founders of the candy company. Mars attended Bryn Mawr College and has been involved in the family business for many years.

Inheritance and ownership of Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated is one of the largest privately held companies in the world, with interests in areas such as confectionery, pet food, and food products. Jacqueline Mars inherited a significant portion of the company from her father and has been involved in its management and operations for many years. As of 2023, Mars, Incorporated has an estimated annual revenue of $40 billion (R739 806 000 000).

Philanthropic efforts

Jacqueline Mars is committed to using her wealth to support various philanthropic causes. She is a member of the board of directors of several organizations, including the National Sporting Library and Museum, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, and the World Wildlife Fund. Mars has also donated millions of dollars to conservation efforts and is known for her support of sustainable agriculture.

Net worth and ranking

As of 2023, Jacqueline Mars’ net worth is estimated to be $44.6 billion (R824 099 622 000), making her the fifth richest woman in the world and the 34th richest person overall, according to Forbes. While Mars has inherited her wealth from her family’s company, she has demonstrated a commitment to using her resources to support philanthropic causes and make a positive impact on society.

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Yang Huiyan

Yang Huiyan is a Chinese billionaire and the largest shareholder of Country Garden Holdings, one of China’s largest property developers. She was born in 1981 in Guangdong, China, and is the daughter of Yeung Kwok Keung, the founder of Country Garden Holdings. Yang studied at Ohio State University and has been involved in the family business for many years.

Country Garden Holdings ownership

Yang Huiyan owns a 57% stake in Country Garden Holdings, making her one of the wealthiest women in China and the world. The company has experienced significant growth in recent years, with a focus on developing properties in major Chinese cities.

Net worth and ranking

As of 2023, Yang Huiyan’s net worth is estimated to be $27.5 billion (R508 133 175 000), making her the sixth richest woman in the world and the 51st richest person overall, according to Forbes. While Yang has inherited her wealth from her family’s company, she has also demonstrated a commitment to using her resources to support various philanthropic causes, including education and disaster relief efforts.

Gina Rinehart

Gina Rinehart is an Australian billionaire and the chairman of Hancock Prospecting, a mining and exploration company. She was born in 1954 in Perth, Australia, and is the daughter of Lang Hancock, a prominent mining magnate. Rinehart studied at the University of Sydney and has been involved in the family business for many years.

Hancock Prospecting ownership

Gina Rinehart inherited a significant portion of her wealth from her father’s company, Hancock Prospecting. She has since taken over the company and expanded its operations into areas such as iron ore, coal, and petroleum. Hancock Prospecting is one of the largest mining companies in Australia and has operations in several other countries.

Net worth and ranking

As of 2023, Gina Rinehart’s net worth is estimated to be $24.6 billion (R454 626 450 000), making her the seventh richest woman in the world and the 58th richest person overall, according to Forbes. While Rinehart has inherited her wealth from her family’s company, she has also demonstrated a commitment to using her resources to support various philanthropic causes, including medical research and education. Rinehart is also known for her advocacy of free-market policies and has been a vocal critic of government regulations in the mining industry.

Abigail Johnson

Abigail Johnson is an American billionaire and the CEO of Fidelity Investments, one of the largest investment management companies in the world. She was born in 1961 in Boston, Massachusetts, and is the daughter of Edward C. Johnson III, the former CEO of Fidelity. Johnson attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges and Harvard Business School before joining the family business.

Inheritance and ownership of Fidelity Investments

Abigail Johnson inherited a significant portion of her wealth from her family’s company, Fidelity Investments. She has been with the company for over 30 years and has held various leadership roles, including president and CEO. Fidelity Investments manages over $4.9 trillion (R90,6 trillion) in assets and has a strong presence in the mutual fund industry.

Philanthropic efforts

Abigail Johnson is committed to using her wealth to support various philanthropic causes. She is a member of the board of directors of several organizations, including the Boston Children’s Hospital, the American Ballet Theatre, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Johnson is also a founding member of the Boston-based charity, Boston Rising, which supports education and job training programs in underserved communities.

Net worth and ranking

As of 2023, Abigail Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be $21.5 billion (R397 531 775 000), making her the eighth richest woman in the world and the 72nd richest person overall, according to Forbes. While Johnson has inherited her wealth from her family’s company, she has also demonstrated a commitment to using her resources to support philanthropic causes and make a positive impact on society.

Conclusion

The number of women who are accumulating significant wealth is increasing, and we can expect this trend to continue in the future. As women continue to enter and succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries, they will have more opportunities to build wealth and influence society. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that women have equal access to resources and opportunities to achieve their full potential. It is essential to continue supporting and empowering women to break through gender barriers and achieve financial success.

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