The jury is no longer out on this; women don’t generate as much wealth as men do!
The ‘gender wealth gap’ is a reality even in today’s day and age with there being a stark difference between overall net worth between men and women across the world.
The phenomenon is caused owing to factors such as disparities in income, job opportunities, and societal norms. Studies say that women are more likely to work part-time or take career breaks owing to their family life. They earn comparatively much less than men. An amalgamation of these factors leads to the gender wealth gap.
A recent study has revealed that among major APAC countries, India has the widest gender wealth gap, standing at a daunting 64 percent.
Despite the many roadblocks faced by women the world over and in India, several women have proven themselves in the business world to have become ‘wealthy’. These women billionaires are role models for females around the world to aspire to greatness.
Forbes releases its list of "The World's Billionaires" every year which includes the world’s richest people. Forbes has released its list for 2023 as well. The list has seen a spike in comparison to the past year that is 169 people were included in the list. The list also comprises a historic high in the number of Indian Billionaires this year.
The Forbes list of India's billionaires includes 16 new people of which 3 are women. The list already had 2 women from previous years.
Let's have a look at the 5 wealthiest women of India who have made their place on the coveted Forbes list.
Savitri Jindal
Savitri Jindal is an Indian entrepreneur who is the former chairperson of the Jindal Group, one of India's largest steel, power, cement, and infrastructure producers. Savitri was born in Tinsukia, Assam, India. She is the widow of O.P. Jindal who established the Jindal Group in 1952. After his demise, Savitri took over the charges of the organization and subsequently increased its operations.
Savitri is a well-known face in both business and politics in India. She is a member of the Indian National Congress party. She has been recognized as the wealthiest female businesswoman in India who has a net worth of $17 Billion by the Forbes The Worlds Billionaires list.
Rohiqa Cyrus Mistry
Rohiqa Chagla is the wife of the late Cyrus Mistry. He was the younger son of the construction tycoon Pallonji Mistry. She comes from a legal background, as her grandfather, father, and brother all three work in the field of law.
At the age of 55, Rohiqa is considered the second richest female in India. She has a net worth of $7 billion. After her husband's demise, she took over the charges and lead the company fruitfully. She has also worked as a corporate leader and held leading positions at a variety of private and public firms.
Rekha Jhunjhunwala
Rekha Jhunjhunwala is an Indian investor and businesswoman who has made her name on the Forbes list. She is the wife of one of India's most successful and well-known stock market investors, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. Rekha is a charted accountant and has an extensive experience in the finance industry for several years. She serves as the director in a number of business firms such as Titan Company Limited, Prime Focus Limited, and Geometric Limited.
She is a 59 year old female business giant who has a net worth of $5.1 billion. Apart from their position in the Forbes list, she has also made her name on the 2023 Hurun Global Rich List as the top Indian entrant. Along with her holdings, she also acquired her husband's investments after his demise. Some of her top sticks include Metro Brands, Allied Insurance Company, Titan, and Star Health.
Vinod Rai Gupta
Vinod Rai Gupta is the fourth wealthiest Indian female personality who has made her name on the Forbes list. She is also the fourth richest lady in India and has a net worth of $4 billion. Vinod Rai Gupta along with her son Anil Rai Gupta owns the Havells India flagship.
Qimat Rai Gupta, Vinod's late husband established Havells India in 1958. After his demise, Vinod herself ran the company. Anil Rai Gupta is the current CEO of the company. Havells India is a giant in manufacturing fans, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and all-electric and lighting gadgets.
Saroj Rani Gupta
Saroj Rani Gupta is a self-made billionaire. She is 72 years old and made her name on the Forbes list. She is considered the fifth richest female in India having a net worth of $1.2 billion. She along with her husband founded APL Apollo Tubes in 1986 which is one of the top steel providers in India. Under Saroj's direction, this company which was initially named Bihar Tubes has grown significantly into a prosperous industry. Sanjay Gupta, the son of Saroj Rani Gupta is currently the company's managing director.
