There are around 2,668 billionaires in the world, but just 327 people in this select economic club women - worth a total of $1.56 trillion.
While some of these women are heiresses to fortunes, others are self-made as they founded or co-founded profitable businesses that lead to their wealth.
These are the mega-rich tycoons whose vast wealth means they are able to influence the world in a multitude of ways - from the economy, to politics, our media and much more.
Here are the 10 richest women in the world, how they earned their wealth - and what their net worth is according to Forbes.
5. Jacqueline Mars
Jacqueline Mars inherited roughly 33% of Mars Inc, the candy and pet food conglomerate behind brands like IAMS and M&M’s, her net worth is $31.7 billion. Photo: YouTube Screengrab via The Top 10 Luxury Lifestyle
6. Gina Rinehart
Gina Rinehart chairs the mining and agriculture company Hancock Prospecting Group (founded by her father Lang Hancock), her net worth stands at $30.2 billion. Photo: via WikiCommons
7. Miriam Adelson
Miriam Adelson is the widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, her net worth stands at $27.5 billion according to Forbes. Photo: via WikiCommons
8. Susanne Klatten
Susanne Klatten owns chemicals company Altana, she also owns roughly 19% of BMW which she inherited from her parents, her net worth is $24.3 billion. Photo: via WikiCommons