Top 10 Most Powerful Women In The World In 2025: Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni Is Also In The List

From leading powerful nations and global organisations to running multi-billion-dollar companies, these women have demonstrated that gender is no barrier to success. They serve as role models for young girls and women who aspire to make a difference. Their impact goes beyond their careers, as they also support social causes, sustainability, and empowerment.

Top 10 Most Powerful Women In The World in 2025

The top 10 most powerful women in 2025 comprise political leaders, business tycoons, financial experts, and philanthropists who have had a significant impact worldwide. Each of them has a story of resilience, commitment and success. Their journeys show us that real power comes from using leadership to create positive change. Let’s look at who these women are and why they are recognised as the most powerful in 2025.

Rank	Name	Location	Category
1.	Ursula von der Leyen	Belgium	Politics & Policy
2.	Christine Lagarde	Germany	Politics & Policy
3.	Giorgia Meloni	Italy	Politics & Policy
4.	Claudia Sheinbaum	Mexico	Politics & Policy
5.	Mary Barra	United States	Business
6.	Abigail Johnson	United States	Finance
7.	Julie Sweet	United States	Business
8.	Melinda French Gates	United States	Philanthropy
9.	MacKenzie Scott	United States	Philanthropy
10.	Jane Fraser	United States	Finance

Source: Forbes List 2024

1. Ursula von der Leyen – Belgium

Most powerful women in the world (Image: European Parliament)

Ursula von der Leyen is the President of the European Commission. This position makes her one of the most powerful women in global politics. She shapes important policies for the European Union, covering areas like climate action and digital change. Known for her strong leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, she has also worked to support Ukraine against Russian aggression. Ursula has shown that she is a decisive and forward-thinking leader. Her role allows her to have a significant impact on the future of Europe.

2. Christine Lagarde – Germany 

Most powerful women in the world (Image: Instagram)

One of the most admired women in global politics and finance is Christine Lagarde, who serves as president of the European Central Bank (ECB). She has also held the position of International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director. Lagarde has a significant influence on how Europe's monetary policies are shaped at the ECB. She steers the economy through difficulties like energy crises and international instability while trying to control inflation.

3. Giorgia Meloni – Italy 

Most powerful women in the world (Image: IMDb)

Giorgia Meloni is the Prime Minister of Italy and the first woman to hold this position. She leads the political party Brothers of Italy. Meloni is known for her strong conservative views and policies that focus on national identity, family values, and economic growth. Her rise to power has made her one of the most influential female leaders in Europe, shaping Italy's role in the European Union and global politics.

 

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4. Claudia Sheinbaum – Mexico 

Most powerful women in the world (Image: Instagram)

Claudia Sheinbaum made history by becoming the first female President of Mexico in 2024. She is a climate scientist and has been involved in environmental policies and sustainable development. Before her presidency, she was the Head of Government of Mexico City. There, she introduced progressive social programs. Her election is a significant milestone in Latin American politics, inspiring women around the globe..

5. Mary Barra – United States 

Most powerful women in the world (Image: Instagram)

Mary Barra is the CEO of General Motors (GM), one of the largest car companies in the world. She is the first woman to lead a major global automaker. Barra has been changing the company to focus on electric and sustainable vehicles. Under her leadership, GM has invested a lot in new technology and clean energy, which makes her a strong figure in the global car industry.

6. Abigail Johnson – United States 

Most powerful women in the world (Image: Instagram)

One of the biggest asset management firms in the world, Fidelity Investments, is led by CEO Abigail Johnson. After taking over the family business, she turned it into a financial powerhouse that managed trillions of dollars. One of the most powerful women in finance, Johnson is credited with modernising Fidelity through the use of digital tools and cryptocurrency.

7. Julie Sweet – United States 

Most powerful women in the world (Image: Instagram)

Julie Sweet is the CEO of Accenture, a global consulting and professional services firm. She has been instrumental in positioning Accenture as a leader in digital, cloud, and cybersecurity services. Recognised for her fresh strategies and focus on workplace equality, Sweet has established herself as one of the most respected CEOs in the business world.

8. Melinda French Gates – United States

Most powerful women in the world (Image: Instagram)

Melinda French Gates is a well-known philanthropist and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Through her work with the foundation, she focuses on improving healthcare, education, and opportunities for women and girls around the world. She also founded Pivotal Ventures, an investment company that aims to promote social progress. Her efforts in women's empowerment and global health have established her as a prominent humanitarian.

 

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9. MacKenzie Scott – United States 

Most powerful women in the world (Image: Instagram)

MacKenzie Scott is an author and philanthropist known for donating billions of dollars to charities and organisations that support education, equality and social justice. After her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, she promised to give away most of her wealth to important causes. Her generosity has affected many communities, making her one of the most influential women in philanthropy.

10. Jane Fraser – United States

 Most powerful women in the world (Image: Instagram)

Jane Fraser is the CEO of Citigroup, making her the first woman to lead a major Wall Street bank. Her leadership includes strategic reforms that strengthen Citi and focus more on customers. Fraser is admired for breaking barriers in finance and inspiring women to pursue leadership roles in banking and beyond.