Forbes has released its annual list of the world’s most powerful women, recognizing 100 global leaders who wield significant influence across various sectors. The list includes notable figures from music, entertainment, politics, and business.
Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, both renowned musicians, have made it to the top 40, with Swift at number 34 and Beyoncé at number 43. Their immense popularity has driven ticket sales for their global tours, further boosting their wealth.
Oprah Winfrey and Rihanna, among others, are also featured on the list due to their successful media and business empires. Rihanna’s beauty and fashion lines have been a driving force in her career since transitioning from music.
Other notable names include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, General Motors CEO Mary Barra, Fidelity Investments CEO Abigail Johnson, Accenture CEO Julie Sweet, and philanthropists Melina French Gates and Mackenzie Scott.
Forbes’ list is compiled using a combination of four key metrics: money, media, impact, and spheres of influence. The magazine also considers GDP and population for political leaders and revenue, valuation, and firm size for businesswomen. A woman’s presence in the media, both traditional and social, plays a significant role in determining their ranking.
The release of this year’s list comes at a time when women’s representation in power has been lacking, with notable setbacks including Vice President Kamala Harris stepping down and America failing to elect a female president. Despite these challenges, Michelle Harrison, founder of the index, emphasized that the support for female leadership is not guaranteed simply because history suggests that it should lead to greater equality.
The list serves as an inspiration for future generations of women leaders, showcasing the diverse range of accomplished individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields and are shaping the world’s future.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/12/11/forbes-100-most-powerful-women-list-taylor-swift/76916194007