Forbes has once again shone a light on female empowerment and leadership in its 2023 edition of the World’s Most Powerful Women, with two Barbadians, Prime Minister Mia Mottley, and music icon Rihanna, featuring prominently on the list. The list, which was made public on Tuesday, December 5, serves as a benchmark for assessing the global impact of women leaders across various domains.
Rihanna, a global superstar, has added a new feather to her cap by ranking 74th, thanks to her successful crossover from music to business with her Fenty brand. Her inclusion underlines the burgeoning role of entertainers who are not just content creators but also savvy entrepreneurs shaping the media and entertainment landscape.
Mia Mottley, the head of state for Barbados, has been featured at the 99th spot, a nod to her influential voice in international politics. Mottley has been at the forefront of advocating for the interests of small island nations, particularly in the fight against climate change and for sustainable economic policies.
The Forbes list is graced by a cadre of influential women, with Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission topping the ranking. She is followed by other powerhouses such as Christine Lagarde, Kamala Harris, Giorgia Meloni, and the cultural phenomenon Taylor Swift, all of whom have leveraged their positions to initiate and influence change within and beyond their industries.
Other notable personalities include Oprah Winfrey, who clinched the 31st position, and Beyonce Knowles at 36th, both of whom have combined their celebrity status with activism and business acumen to become leading figures in their right.
In an interesting twist, the iconic doll Barbie occupies 100th place, reflecting the unconventional yet influential forms of soft power and the impact of cultural icons.
Forbes’ approach in compiling this list incorporates a comprehensive analysis involving financial heft, media metrics, overall impact, and the extent of each candidate’s influence. The methodology is nuanced to factor in the specific contexts of political and corporate leadership as well as media and cultural presence.
This year’s list is not only a celebration of the successes achieved by these esteemed women but also a reflection on the dynamic nature of power and leadership in today’s interconnected world.