Where Are The Women Billionaires?

According to Forbes Magazine, only 14 women world-wide have generated wealth in the billions, accounting for 2 percent of all self-made billionaires. There are twice as many women starting businesses compared to men, but only 20 percent of businesses worth over $1 million are women-owned.

Consultant Sharon Hadary argues that women approach business in a fundamentally different way than men, which may explain the statistics. “Men tend to start businesses to grow them to be large and to be the boss while women start them to do something meaningful and to make a difference,” she explains. “Becoming a billionaire isn't their objective,” she adds, “As women, many are less likely to have a goal of generating personal wealth, though we are starting to see more and more of that motivation among the younger generation.”

Women now contribute half of the household income (compared to 20 percent in the 1950s) and they’ve made great strides in the workplace over the past several decades, but they are just beginning their journey in terms of entrepreneurship and amassing impressive wealth.

The list is bound to grow in the coming years, but here’s a list of the current women self-made billionaires…

Wu Yajun ($3.9 billion) – Real Estate Developer in China

Rosalia Mera ($3.5 billion) – Apparel Manufacturer from Spain

Elena Baturina ($2.9 billion) – Constructs Affordable Housing in Russia

Doris Fisher ($2.4 billion) – Founded the Gap Clothing Store in America

Xiu Li Hawken ($2.4 billion) – Runs Shopping Centers in the UK

Oprah Winfrey ($2.4 billion) – Broadcasting Mogul in America

Giuliana Benetton ($2.1 billion) – Clothing Company Owner in Italy

Chu Lam Yiu ($2.1 billion) – Makes Tobacco & Food Flavorings in China

Zhang Xin ($2 billion) – Property Developer in China

Yan Cheung ($1.7 billion) – Chairwoman of Nine Dragons Paper Packager in China

Meg Whitman ($1.3 billion) – Politician & Former Head of eBay in US

Chan Laiwa ($1.1 billion) – Real Estate Investor in China

Lei Jufang ( $1.1 billion) – Runs Medicine Manufacturing Company in China

J.K. Rowling ($1 billion) – Author of Harry Potter Book Series in UK