14 of the world's most powerful mums: They rule the roost and the world!

They rule their homes and the world and seem to excel at both jobs. They have social and political clout. They are dignified, educated, powerful, talented and beautiful. Who are they? They are the world's most powerful mums and are certainly an inspiration to women and mothers all over the world.

14 of the world's most powerful mums: They rule the roost and the world!

Who are the world's most powerful mums? These power women rule at home & at work. Their work-life balance & rounded children are...

14. Kate Middleton

The soon-to-be mum of three is often credited with reviving the public image of the monarchy, but her influence goes beyond that!

Not only is she a classy, inspiring role model, she is a hands-on mum who makes it a point to devote her time and passion into causes she believes in---she has worked with Unicef and advocated for Mental Health awareness with the Heads Together campaignShe has also recently been named the first Royal patron of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).

13. Serena Williams

The new mum is one of the most celebrated athletes of our generation.

Recalling her early years, she says she truly intended to break down barriers. "Over time, I became much more conscious of the impact I had, and I became more conscious of what I had to do to make a difference," she said in a statement for her new sports brand advertisement.

But her influence extends beyond the realm of sports. Along with her sister Venus, Serena has shed light with her philanthropy work on education and supporting victims of violence.

12. Ivanka Trump

Named one of Forbes’ 2017’s 100 Most Powerful Women, the real estate developer/entrepreneur/mum of three made history as the first U.S. Presidential daughter to make it to the list---she ranked 19th.

"I design and build iconic properties all over the world; I have also created and am growing a business that seeks to inspire and empower women in all aspects of their lives," wrote Ivanka in her 2007 book, Women Who Work. "I’m busy teaching my children the value of hard work and the importance of family."

11. Melinda Gates

In 2017, Melinda Gates was named the third most powerful woman in the world. Not only is she a billionaire with a collective fortune with husband Bill Gates of $90 billion, she is one of the world’s most influential philanthropists. Last year, she was also given the number one spot on Forbes' top 10 powerful women in Philanthropy and NGOs.

As co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, she has spearheaded education and healthcare initiatives. Chief of the causes closest to her heart concerns women empowerment. In a recent op-ed she wrote for Quartz, the mum of three elaborated on her efforts to focus on Women economic empowerment. She also stressed the importance of valuing women and girls in order for a community to reach its full potential. She was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former US President Barack Obama in 2016.

10. Indra Nooyi

Mum to 2 daughters as well as the chairperson and CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi has consistently been ranked among the top mums globally. Besides being ranked as one of the most powerful women in the world, Nooyi is also on the list for Time magazine's 100 most influential people. Definitely a power mum!

9. Beyonce Knowles

There's no doubt that Beyonce is one of the most powerful women in the world. Having welcomed her daughter Blue Ivy Carter into the world in 2012 with husband Jay-Z, this show-stopping celebrity does not stop basking in the fame that her talent bestows her with. Having her own line of clothing also helps this lady stay on top of the fashion world - and we all know what a big achievement that is!

8. Sonia Gandhi

As the daughter-in-law of Indira Gandhi, the third prime minister of India, Sonia Gandhi has continued the family's power legacy as the president of the Indian National Congress. Mother of 2 children Sonia Gandhi shows that just because you're in politics and over 50, it doesn't mean you have to dress like a matron. She has also been ranked as one of the world's top 50 best dressed women over the age of 50!

7. Christine Lagarde

The managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the mum of 2 boys, French-born Christine Lagarde eases into the list of the world's most powerful mums. With previous positions in the French government as well as being the first female finance minister in France, this mum certainly belongs to one of the most powerful in the world.

6. Sheryl Sandberg

As the leader of one of the most influential businesses in the world, Facebook CEO and mother of 2 children Sheryl Sandberg has been named one of the top 10 most powerful women internationally. Having been the vice-president of Google's sales team as well as having served as the chief of staff in the US Treasury, this mum is definitely one who is staying on top.

5. Hilary Clinton

With a myriad of powerful positions in her portfolio, it's hard to begin describing why Hilary Clinton is one of the top mums on this list. As the former US Secretary of State and a previous candidate for the President of the United States, Hilary Clinton balances her political career with her role as a mum to Chelsea Clinton. As the wife of former US President Bill Clinton, this lady has considerable clout both in America and globally.

4. Michelle Obama

Besides being the wife of the 44th President of the USA Barack Obama, Michelle Obama is a notable social advocate, female role model and fashion icon around the world today (and let's not forget those great toned arms!). The mother of 2 daughters, Malia and Sasha, the First Lady has been constantly upheld as a champion for human rights. She sure is a power mum in our opinion!

3. Melinda Gates

Powering her way onto the list is businesswoman, philanthropist and co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and mum of 3 Melinda Gates. This power mum was part of the team that spearheaded many of Microsoft's early developments and technologies. As the wife of businessman Bill Gates, the family has been renowned for their generous contributions to charity.

2. Dilma Rousseff

As the 36th president of Brazil and the mother of her only child Paula, Dilma Rousseff holds considerable power in today's political sphere. As the previous chief of staff and head of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, this powerful mum has gone through agonising torture from the early military dictatorship in Brazil. But not even torture stops this lady from constantly trying to improve the socio-political system in her country.

1. Angela Merkel

Often referred to as the most powerful woman in the world, German Chancellor and head of the Christian Democratic Union Angela Merkel is the first woman to be elected to both offices. She is also stepmum to 2 adult sons. Having been described as the "de facto leader of the European Union", Merkel is constantly ranked among the world's most powerful people.

Written by

Roshni Mahtani

Working Motherswork-life balancepower mum