Forbes proudly presents the 2025 edition of its first 50 Over 50 Global list, celebrating women who have not only achieved remarkable success after 50 but are reshaping industries and inspiring generations. Spanning 32 countries and territories, these women prove that age is no barrier to innovation, leadership, or influence.
From transforming global shipping networks to leading breakthroughs in biotech, these trailblazers are crafting legacies that challenge conventional norms. Whether it’s creating solutions in traffic safety, excelling in venture capital, or breaking records in media, the women on this year’s list are showing the world that success is not bound by age but by vision, persistence, and impact.
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Building A Legacy: Women Changing The World
A lifetime of experience can often become the foundation for extraordinary accomplishments. The women in this category have used decades of expertise to tackle global challenges and create lasting change:
- Quarraisha Abdool Karim (South Africa): As an epidemiologist and cofounder of CAPRISA, Karim is one of the world’s foremost HIV/AIDS researchers. Her groundbreaking work in HIV prevention has trained over 600 scientists since 1998.
- Rafaela Aponte-Diamant (Switzerland): Co-owner of Mediterranean Shipping Company, Aponte-Diamant has turned the company into the largest shipping line globally, amassing a net worth of $31.3 billion.
- Margaret Atwood (Canada): The prolific author, now 85, continues to make waves with her iconic works, including The Handmaid’s Tale. In October 2024, she released Paper Boat, a collection of poems spanning six decades.
Driving Innovation Across Sectors
These women are not just leaders—they’re changemakers, introducing groundbreaking solutions in industries often dominated by men. Their work is shaping the future:
- Astrid Linder (Sweden): Engineer and researcher behind the first female crash test dummy, Linder is revolutionizing traffic safety by addressing the specific needs of women in vehicle design.
- Ana Cabral (Brazil): CEO of Sigma Lithium, Cabral has led the company’s efforts to produce sustainable lithium, a critical resource for renewable energy, without hazardous chemicals.
- Ilya Espino de Marotta (Panama): Deputy Administrator of the Panama Canal, Marotta has been instrumental in overseeing the expansion of one of the world’s most vital trade routes.
Breaking Barriers And Inspiring Generations
The stories behind these extraordinary women prove that it’s never too late to redefine what leadership looks like. For example:
- Melly Barajas (Mexico): Known as the “Queen of Tequila,” Barajas founded Leyenda de Mexico, one of the first female-owned tequila companies, employing an all-women team in a male-dominated industry.
- Han Kang (South Korea): The Nobel Prize-winning author for 2024, Kang’s poetic prose has given voice to historical traumas and the fragility of human life.
- Lucy Goff (United Kingdom): Founder of LYMA, Goff has revolutionized beauty technology with products like her low-laser device, achieving 40% revenue growth YoY and capturing a $180M valuation.
To see the complete list and learn more about all 50 remarkable women, click the link.
Methodology
The 50 Over 50 Global list was compiled through a rigorous selection process, focusing on:
- Impact: Demonstrated contributions to their industries and communities.
- Global Reach: Influence beyond their home countries, shaping policies, economies, or cultural narratives on an international level.
- Longevity: A proven track record of success and innovation after the age of 50.
- Diversity: Representation from a wide array of industries, including science, technology, arts, and public service.
- Trailblazing Leadership: Breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes within male-dominated fields.
The 50 Over 50 Global list is not just a celebration of individual achievements—it’s a testament to the power of perseverance, experience, and vision. These women are proof that age is not a limitation but a source of strength and wisdom. From creating jobs and driving innovation to inspiring the next generation, they are shaping a world where leadership knows no bounds.
Their stories remind us that the best chapters are often written later in life, and their successes pave the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future. As these women continue to break barriers, they challenge us all to redefine what’s possible—at any age.
