World's most powerful women
In honor of International Women's Day, here's a look at the world's most powerful women.
Each year, Forbes ranks the most powerful women in the world based on both the traditional classifications of power (political and economic might) and those who have risen to the top of the social and cultural landscape.
Each year, Forbes ranks the most powerful women in the world based on both the traditional classifications of power (political and economic might) and those who have risen to the top of the social and cultural landscape.
In honor of International Women's Day, find out who was No. 1 at the end of 2012.
15. Virginia Rometty. President and CEO, IBM.
14. Lady Gaga. Musician, Philanthropist.
13. Irene Rosenfeld. Chairman and CEO, Kraft Foods.
12. Indra Nooyi. Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo.
11. Oprah Winfrey. Entrepreneur, Personality.
10. Sheryl Sandberg. COO, Facebook.
9. Janet Napolitano. Secretary, Department of Homeland Security, United States.
8. Christine Lagarde. Managing Director, International Monetary Fund.
7. Michelle Obama. First Lady, United States.
6. Sonia Gandhi. President, Indian National Congress, India.
5. Jill Abramson. Executive Editor, New York Times Co.
4. Melinda Gates. Co-Chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
3. Dilma Rousseff. President, Brazil.
2. Hillary Clinton. Secretary of State, United States.
1. Angela Merkel. Chancellor, Germany. The world's No. 1 Most Powerful Woman for the second year in a row, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is the "Iron Lady" of Europe and the lead player in the eurozone economic drama that continues to threaten global markets.
