List of the world’s richest self-made women highlights rich gender gap

Just 14 of the world’s billionaires are self-made women who earned their fortunes through entrepreneurship or other endeavours, the latest Forbes magazine has claimed in its list of the world’s richest self-made woman.

Among the list are talk-show star Oprah Winfrey, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling and former eBay head and candidate for the post of California governor, Meg Whitman. There were no Australians mentioned on the list.

The low number of self-made billionaires is another indication of gender inequality among wealthy entrepreneurs, given the fact that over 600 men have been listed by Forbes as “self-made”.

The richest on the list was Chinese real estate billionaire Wu Yajun, whose fortune is worth $US3.9 billion. She currently serves as chief executive of Hong-Kong listed Longfor Properties, and was also ranked 23rd in the 2010 Forbes Billionaire’s list.

Perhaps the most well-known name on the list was talk-show host Oprah Winfrey, who’s managed to gain her $US2.4 billion fortune by expanding her brand into publications and various other broadcast endeavours. Winfrey’s show has become an extremely popular slot for aspiring politicians and celebrities on the marketing trail.

Other famous names included J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series. Living on welfare before the first book was published, Rowling has expanded her $1 billion fortune through an entire series of seven publications, allowing with a film franchise and other merchandise.

Others on the list included Rosalia Meria, who produced much of her $US3.5 billion fortune by founding the apparel manufacturer Inditex with her then-husband, Amancio Ortega. She still holds a 7% stake in the business, and has invested in a number of different companies including a Spanish film production studio and a pharmaceutical research group.

Also in the fashion industry, Gap founder Doris Fisher was listed with a $US2.4 billion fortune. Fisher, along with late husband Donald, started the denim-focused chain in 1969 which has since expanded to over 3,000 locations worldwide.

Gap, which is also set to open an Australian store, also operates the Banana Republic, Gap Kids and Old Navy, but Fisher has also expanded her fortune through an art collection. She handed control of the business to her sons in 2004.

Giuliana Benetton was listed with a net worth of $2.1 billion, as she founded the clothing company Benetton Group in 1965. The name includes brands such as United Colors of Benetton and Sisley.

Meg Whitman, former head of eBay and current Republican candidate for the California governorship, was listed with a $US1.3 billion fortune, while wife of Moscow Mayor Elena Baturina was listed worth $US2.9 billion due to her involvement in manufacturer Inteko.

A number of the fortunes were located in Asia, with Hong Kong citizen Chu Lam Yiu listed worth $US2.1 billion, while Beijing property developer Zhang Kin was listed worth $US2 billion.

Yan Cheung, who made her $US1.7 billion fortune through the paper business in China, was also listed, along with real estate investor Chan Laiwa and pharmaceutical investor Lei Jufang, with fortunes of $US1.1 billion each.

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