Top Wealthiest Women In The World

As recently as 2001, the number of women on the top ten list of the most wealthiest people in the world was zero. But then, American Alice Walton became the first woman to hit the top ten list of the world�s wealthiest people in 2001. The only daughter of Sam Walton (Wal-Mart founder) inherited stock holdings upon her father�s demise in 1992. Her estimated net worth was at 18.5 billion. She is joined by her mother, Helen (tied for 7th place � and the only two women on the top 10 list). The Walton family (including Alice�s brothers John, Jim and Robson still control 38% of Wal-Mart and are all among the top 10 richest people in the world).

By 2003, six women were among the top 20 richest people in the world: including Alice and Helen Walton
Lillian Bettencourt (net work $14.5 billion inherited from her father�s company L�Oreal � making her the richest person in France.

Next on the list is Birgit Rausing of Sweden with an estimated $12.9 billion inherited from her late husband, Gad Rausing, who made his fortune in packaging with Tetra Laval, one of the largest packaging companies in Europe.

Last two women in the top 20 are American sisters Barbara Cox Anthony and Anne Cox Chambers (each estimated at $10.3 billion inherited from their late father, James Cox, media mogul.

Originally posted by Mila Interesting. It strikes me they one and all inherited their money from men and were not wholy responsible for it themselves.

True, but they are still the wealthiest women in the world, even if inherited.

Originally posted by Constantine XI I think you will find that among the mega wealthy, inheritance is the rule rather than the exception.

You're right! Not everyone can make billions (like Bill Gates) in one lifetime without inheriting it.

Originally posted by Balaam Don't forget about J.K.Rowling, last I heard she was one of the wealthiest around.

You are right, Balaam! According to Forbes, she (along with Oprah Winfrey of the US) are BILLIONAIRESSES!!! They both grew up with nothing and made it to the top! Congrats to both of them.    Two very powerful women!

Ah the joys of a vast unearned fortune.

Originally posted by Paul Do you think she's turning in her grave?

I certainly hope so! Anything to stir up the dead!

True, I have deep respect for people like Oprah. But how much money do you need? Enough to live comfortably, and the rest is just bonus.

Originally posted by Aelfgifu True, I have deep respect for people like Oprah. But how much money do you need? Enough to live comfortably, and the rest is just bonus.

Oprah has been very generous with her money. She's given thousands of cars away, she's always giving free things to her studio audiences, and she just recently spent 50 million US dollars in constructing a school in Africa. I just recently read an article about that and it stated that when asked why she constructed a school in Africa rather than in the U.S., she replied that the children in Africa asked for uniforms and books -- but the US kids asked for iPods and computers and Nike sneakers (rather spoiled)! She opted for the kids who were most needy and humble.



Edited by morticia - 31-Jan-2007 at 15:44

Please don't misunderstand me. I did not mean that I think people like Oprah shouldn't have so much money. They earned it, it't theirs to do with as they want, and if they give it to charity, so much the better!