In today’s world, women have made tremendous strides in various fields, breaking barriers and making their mark in previously male-dominated industries. These women have not only achieved great success in their respective careers but have also inspired and paved the way for the next generation of women. This article aims to highlight and celebrate the achievements of the ten most powerful women in the world,
Ranking criteria for the most powerful women in the world
The ranking of the 10 most powerful women in the world considers criteria such as position of power, societal impact, financial standing, global influence, leadership, and media presence. These factors contribute to assessing their overall influence and contributions to society.
List of the 10 most powerful women in the world
The ten most powerful women in the world are Jina Mahsa Amini, Ursula von der Leyen, Kamala Harris, Kristalina Georgieva, Giorgia Meloni, Melinda French Gates, Mary Barra, Greta Thunberg, Christine Lagarde, and Abigail Johnson.
1. Jina Mahsa Amini (1999- 2022), the most powerful woman in the world
Jina Mahsa Amini, also known as Mahsa, has become a symbol of freedom. Her death in police custody (September 16, 2022) after being arrested for wearing her hijab improperly, sparked protests across the country and a rallying cry for women’s life and freedom. Her death and the widespread demonstrations it inspired highlights the ongoing struggles for women’s rights in Iran and around the world. Amini’s courage and determination in the face of oppression have made her a symbol of hope for those fighting for equality and justice, earning her a place as one of the most influential women in the world.
Key information
Education: In 2018, she completed her education at Taleghani Girls’ High School in Saqqez.
Marital status: Unmarried
2. Ursula von der Leyen (b. 1958)
Ursula von der Leyen is a German politician and the first female President of the European Commission. She previously served as the Minister of Defence in Germany and was the first woman to hold this position. As the head of the European Commission, she is responsible for formulating policy on behalf of 450 million people and has been a strong advocate for a unified and sustainable Europe.
She rose to prominence in the face of Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, announcing economic sanctions against Russia in response to the war. Von der Leyen’s leadership and commitment to protecting freedom and democracy earned her recognition as the world’s most powerful woman in 2022, according to Forbes.
Von der Leyen’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic further highlights her leadership skills and her dedication to improving the lives of Europeans.
Key information
Education: University of Göttingen ; University of Münster; London School of Economics; Hannover Medical School (MD, MPH)
Marital status: Married, spouse: Heiko von der Leyen; 7 Children
3. Kamala Harris (b. 1964)
Kamala Harris is an American politician and the first female Vice President of the United States. Prior to becoming Vice President, she served as a Senator from California and was the first South Asian and African American woman to hold this position.
Harris is known for her experience as a prosecutor and her advocacy for criminal justice reform, and has used her platform to address a range of social and political issues affecting the country. She is a strong advocate for women’s rights, immigrant rights, and equality for all. Her historic election as Vice President has been a catalyst for change and a symbol of hope for millions of people, particularly women and people of color. Her leadership and commitment to making a positive impact on the world have earned her a place as one of the most influential women in the world.
Key information
Education: Howard University (BA); University of California, Hastings (JD)
Marital status: Married, spouse: Doug Emhoff
4. Kristalina Georgieva (b. 1953)
Kristalina Georgieva is the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund and one of the world’s most powerful women. She previously served as CEO of the World Bank and European Commission Vice President for Budget and Human Resources.
She serves on international panels, co-chairs the Global Commission on Adaptation and the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Humanitarian Financing, and has authored numerous publications on environmental and economic policy.
Kristalina Georgieva received numerous awards for her leadership in addressing humanitarian crises.
Key information
Education: Ph.D. in Economics and an MA in Political Economy and Sociology from the Karl Marx Higher Institute of Economics (now called the University of National and World Economy) in Bulgaria
Marital status: Married, spouse: Kino Kinov, 1 Child.
5. Giorgia Meloni (b. 1977)
Giorgia Meloni is the current Prime Minister of Italy. She took office on October 22, 2022, making her the first woman to hold this office in the history of Italy.
In the Forbes 2022 list of the most powerful women in the world, Giorgia Meloni held the 7th position, highlighting her significant influence and impact on the global stage.
Known for her straightforward and assertive communication style, Prime Minister Meloni has been vocal about her vision for Italy. She emphasizes the importance of safeguarding national interests, promoting traditional values, and addressing the concerns of ordinary citizens. Her policies focus on boosting the Italian economy, reducing bureaucracy, and enhancing security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the nation.
Prime Minister Meloni has also been actively involved in international affairs, representing Italy on the global stage. She has participated in numerous diplomatic discussions and engagements, aiming to strengthen Italy’s position in the European Union and maintain cooperative relationships with other nations.
Under her leadership, the Italian government has implemented reforms in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and immigration policies. Prime Minister Meloni has pursued initiatives to revitalize the economy, attract foreign investments, and create job opportunities for Italian citizens.
Key information
Education: l’Istituto tecnico professionale di Stato Amerigo Vespucci
Domestic partner Andrea Giambruno. 1 Child.
6. Melinda French Gates (b. 1964)
Melinda Gates is a philanthropist and the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in the world.
Melinda is a passionate advocate for global health and development, and works to improve the lives of millions of people around the world through the foundation’s initiatives. Her philanthropic efforts focus on reducing poverty and improving access to healthcare, particularly in developing countries.
She is also a strong advocate for women’s rights and gender equality, and has used her platform to raise awareness about these critical issues. Melinda Gates’ leadership and commitment to making a positive impact on the world have made her one of the 10 most powerful women in the world.
Key information
Education: Duke University (BA, MBA)
Marital status: From 1994 to 2021, Melinda Gates was in a marital union with Bill Gates. The couple was blessed with three children.
7. Mary Barra ( b. 1961)
Mary Barra is an American business executive who serves as the CEO of General Motors (GM). She took the helm of the company in January 2014, becoming the first female CEO of a major global automaker. Under her leadership, GM has undergone significant transformation, including the introduction of electric and self-driving vehicles, and a renewed focus on sustainability.
Barra has also been an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She has worked to modernize GM’s manufacturing processes and operations. With her combination of business acumen and visionary leadership, Barra has become a highly respected figure in the automotive industry and a role model for women in business. She has been named to Fortune’s list of the World’s Most Powerful Women multiple times. She has also received numerous awards for her leadership and contributions to the industry.
Key information
Education: Kettering University (BS); Stanford University (MBA)
Marital status: Married, spouse: Anthony Barra, 2 Children.
8. Greta Thunberg (b. 2003)
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish environmental activist who rose to prominence in 2018 with her school strike for climate action. At the age of 15, she started skipping school to protest outside the Swedish parliament. Her actions inspired students around the world to join her cause.
Thunberg is widely recognized as one of the most powerful women in the world for her inspiring leadership and impactful activism. She has been named as one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people. She has received numerous awards for her efforts in raising global awareness about the urgent need to address the climate crisis. Through her speeches, activism, and leadership, Thunberg has become an influential voice in the global movement to tackle the climate crisis.
Key information
Education: High School Education. In 2023, the Faculty of Theology at the University of Helsinki awarded Greta Thunberg an honorary doctorate.
Marital status: Unmarried.
Books: No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference (2019); The Climate Book: The Facts and the Solutions (2023).
9. Christine Lagarde (b. 1956)
Christine Lagarde is a French lawyer and politician who has served as the President of the European Central Bank since 2011. Prior to her role at the European Central Bank, Lagarde served as the two times Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). She was also the first woman to hold the position of Managing Director of this important financial organization.
Lagarde’s impressive background in law and finance, combined with her leadership skills and ability to navigate complex international economic issues, have earned her a reputation as one of the world’s most powerful women. She has been consistently named on Forbes’ list of the 100 Most Powerful Women. Consequently, she has been recognized for her efforts to promote gender equality and inclusive economic growth.
Key information
Education: Paris Nanterre University; Sciences Po Aix
Marital status: Married, spouses: Wilfred Lagarde and Eachran Gilmour, 2 Children.
10. Abigail Johnson (b. 1961), the 10th most powerful woman in the world
Last but not least, Abigail Johnson. She is an American businesswoman and investor. She serves as the CEO of Fidelity Investments one of the largest investment management companies in the world. Johnson, who is a granddaughter of the company’s founder, has been with Fidelity for over 30 years. She has held several senior leadership positions within the company.
Under her leadership, Fidelity has expanded into new areas such as cryptocurrency and robo-advisory services. The company has also consistently delivered strong financial performance. Johnson is widely recognized as a visionary leader in the financial services industry. She has been named one of the most powerful women in the world by Forbes and Fortune. Her combination of business acumen, leadership skills, and dedication to innovation make her a significant figure in the world of finance and investment.
Key information
Education: William Smith College (BA); Harvard University (MBA)
Marital status: Married, spouse: Christopher McKown. 2 Children.
