Forbes Unveils Its 100 Most Influential Women: Featuring Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Others
The latest list of the world’s most influential women has been unveiled by Forbes.
In their exclusive 2024 Power List specifically celebrating women, Forbes has identified 100 exceptional figures from around the globe.
This diverse group includes musicians, business tycoons, and political leaders, showcasing their significant influence as a vital lesson for future generations of women leaders. As a finance-oriented publication, Forbes highlights that their total combined worth stands at an impressive $33 trillion.
However, the magazine pointed out that this has not been a standout year for women’s representation in power. The departure of Vice President Kamala Harris and the continued absence of a female president in the U.S. are notable disappointments, and several women leaders worldwide have also left their positions.
“The advancement of female leadership won’t occur just because we have assumed history would create equity,” said Michelle Harrison, the founder of the index, to Forbes. “Women are currently facing various regressive challenges that complicate their pursuit and maintenance of power.”
This announcement follows the release of the 30 Under 30 List, another eagerly awaited compilation from the magazine spotlighting up-and-coming figures in music, film, and the rising realm of TikTok.
Noteworthy Names in the Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women: Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Oprah, and More
Beyoncé and Taylor Swift earned respective spots at 43 and 34 on the list.
The two also achieved top rankings on Billboard’s list of the best pop artists of the 21st century published this year. Their global tours revolutionized concert experiences, leveraging their powerful fanbases to drive significant sales in tickets and merchandise, which further contributes to their wealth.
Oprah and Rihanna are also included in the list, recognized more for their business endeavors than their initial fame. Oprah’s media and business empire, largely built on the success of her original talk show and films like “The Color Purple,” contributed to her recognition.
Rihanna’s mention is attributed to her successful ventures in the beauty and fashion industries through Fenty Beauty and Savage x Fenty, which have continued to thrive since she paused album releases in 2016.
WNBA star Caitlin Clark rounded out the list at position 100, recognized for her role in boosting the league’s popularity. At just 22 years old, she is the youngest member of this year’s list.
Who Are the Top Figures on This Year’s Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women List?
- Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission
- Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank
- Giorgia Meloni, prime minister of Italy
- Claudia Sheinbaum, president of Mexico
- Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors
- Abigail Johnson, CEO of Fidelity Investments
- Julie Sweet, chairwoman and CEO of Accenture
- Melinda French Gates, philanthropist
- Mackenzie Scott, philanthropist
- Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup
The Evaluation Process Behind the Forbes List
Forbes utilizes four key criteria to create its lists: financial strength, media presence, impact, and influence. In the case of political figures, factors like GDP and population are also assessed; for businesswomen, metrics such as revenue, valuation, and firm size play an important role.
The presence of women in both traditional and social media is another vital consideration.
