Forbes unveils 50 richest self-made women of 2025: China and Hong Kong lead, US follows, tech dominates
has released its landmark 2025 ranking of the world's 50 richest self-made women, revealing a striking global trend: China and Hong Kong together account for 18 of the 50 women on the list—the highest representation by any region. The United States is the second-highest, with 16 women featured, reflecting both regions' deep-rooted entrepreneurial cultures and global influence.
This elite group, spanning 13 countries and four continents, collectively holds approximately $276 billion in wealth, with an average
net worth
of $5.5 billion. The minimum net worth to make the list is $2.1 billion. Their fortunes cover 14 different industries, with technology standing out as the most dominant sector. Retail, real estate, and manufacturing also feature prominently.
'Self-made women now constitute 3.5% of all billionaires—a modest figure, but about 50% higher than in 2017,' Forbes notes, highlighting both progress and the persistent
gender wealth gap
.
Meet the top 5
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant
leads the list, having co-founded the Mediterranean Shipping Company, now the world's largest shipping line with over 136,000 employees and 900 vessels. She started with a $200,000 loan and remains active at age 80, overseeing ship interiors and serving on the MSC Foundation board.
Diane Hendricks is the wealthiest American, co-founding ABC Supply, a giant in roofing and siding distribution.
Zhong Huijuan is China's richest self-made woman, having built Hansoh Pharmaceuticals into a $1.7 billion revenue powerhouse, focusing on oncology and autoimmune treatments.
Zhou Qunfei is the world's richest self-made woman in tech, running Lens Technology, a key supplier for Apple,
Samsung
, and Tesla.
Melanie Perkins, at 38, is the youngest, having co-founded Canva, the design software sensation.
Technology leads the way
Among the 50 richest self-made women, technology is the leading sector, with 14 women generating their fortunes in this field. Notably, Zhou Qunfei of Hong Kong, valued at approximately $10 billion, heads Hunan-based Lens Technology, a major supplier of touch screens to global giants like Apple, Samsung, and Tesla. The tech sector's dominance is further underscored by the presence of several founders and executives in software, IT, and electronics manufacturing, reflecting the transformative impact of technology on global wealth creation for women.
The gender wealth gap
Despite the increasing number of women entering
entrepreneurship
and achieving billionaire status, a significant disparity persists between men and women at the top. The 50 richest self-made men globally are collectively worth $3.8 trillion—14 times greater than the combined wealth of the 50 wealthiest women. Furthermore, men control 96% of the world's self-made billionaire wealth, with women holding just 4%. There are 1,920 male self-made billionaires worldwide, compared to a much smaller number of women, underscoring the ongoing challenges to gender parity in global wealth.
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The 50 richest self-made women of 2025
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant (Switzerland) – Shipping
Diane Hendricks (United States) – Building supplies
Zhong Huijuan (China) – Pharmaceuticals
Zhou Qunfei (Hong Kong) – Smartphone screens
Denise Coates (United Kingdom) – Online gambling
Judy Faulkner (United States) – Healthcare software
Wang Laichun (Hong Kong) – Electronics components
Marian Ilitch & family (United States) – Little Caesars Pizza
Ling Tang (Canada) – Marketing software, mobile games
Lynda Resnick (United States) – Agriculture
Wu Yajun (China) – Real estate
Thai Lee (United States) – IT provider
Melanie Perkins (Australia) – Software
Elizabeth Uihlein (United States) – Packaging materials
Zhou Chaonan (China) – Manufacturing
Marina Budiman (Indonesia) – Data centers
Dewi Kam (Indonesia) – Coal
Tatyana Kim (Russia) – E-commerce
Gail Miller & family (United States) – Car dealerships
Fan Daidi (China) – Skincare
Fan Hongwei (China) – Petrochemicals
Jayshree Ullal (United States) – Computer networking
Eren Ozmen (United States) – Aerospace
Johnelle Hunt (United States) – Trucking
Chan Laiwa & family (China) – Real estate
Meg Whitman (United States) – eBay / Tech
Maggie Gu (China) – Shein (fast fashion)
Molly Miao (China) – Shein (fast fashion)
Giuliana Benetton (Italy) – Fashion retail, investments
Peggy Cherng (United States) – Fast food (Panda Express)
Falguni Nayar (India) – Retailing (Nykaa)
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (India) – Biopharmaceuticals
Maritsa Lazari & family (United Kingdom) – Real estate
Weili Dai (United States) – Semiconductors
Jian Jun (China) – Biomedical products
Lam Wai-ying (Hong Kong) – Smartphone screens
Oprah Winfrey (United States) – TV shows / Media
Cheng Xue (China) – Soy sauce
Zhao Yan (China) – Biotech
Safra Catz (United States) – Software
Pan Dong (Canada) – Consumer goods
Anna Angelicoussis & family (Greece) – Shipping
Barbara Banke & family (United States) – Wine
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao (Vietnam) – Airlines
Solina Chau (Hong Kong) – Investments
Sheryl Sandberg (United States) – Facebook / Tech
Rita Tong Liu (Hong Kong) – Real estate
Ye Qiongjiu (China) – Software
Susan Ocampo & family (United States) – Semiconductors
Chu Lam Yiu (Hong Kong) – Flavorings
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