International Women's Day: the World's Most Powerful Women

On 8 March, International Women's Day marks a moment of reflection and progress. In 2026, the theme "Give To Gain" takes centre stage, calling for reciprocity and collaboration as a catalyst for gender equality. MASTERS examines the world's most powerful women: leaders who, according to the latest Forbes list, excel in money, media, impact, and […]

On March 8th, International Women's Day marks a time for reflection and progress. In 2026, the theme "Give To Gain" will be central, a call for reciprocity and collaboration as a catalyst for gender equality. MASTERS takes a look at the world's most powerful women: leaders who, according to the latest Forbes list, excel in money, media, impact, and influence. Who are they?

1. Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission)

Ursula von der Leyen has taken the top spot for the fourth consecutive year. As President of the European Commission, she leads the EU's executive body and is the first woman to guide legislation that affects more than 450 million Europeans.

2. Christine Lagarde (President of the European Central Bank)

As the first female president of the European Central Bank, she determines the eurozone's monetary policy. This makes her one of the most powerful economic voices in the world within the traditionally male-dominated financial sector. Moreover, she has advocated for greater gender diversity in the international financial landscape for years.

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3. Sanae Takaichi (Prime Minister of Japan)

Takaichi became Japan's first female prime minister in 2025, leading the world's fourth-largest economy with a GDP of approximately $4 trillion. She profiles herself as an outspoken conservative and frequently cites Margaret Thatcher as a political role model.

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4. Giorgia Meloni (Prime Minister of Italy)

Meloni is the chair of the right-wing conservative party Fratelli d'Italia, which she co-founded in 2012. Since taking office as Italy's first female prime minister in 2022, she has maintained a strong position at the top of the political spectrum. This marks a political turning point in Rome, but also within the European Union and on the international stage.

5. Claudia Sheinbaum (President of Mexico)

With her election in June 2024, she also made history as the first female president of Mexico. During her inauguration, she was greeted with a loud "Presidenta," a symbolic moment in a country where political power was dominated by men for decades. In 2007, she was a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for her contributions to the UN Climate Panel.