From CEOs and heads of state to entrepreneurs, celebrity role models, billionaire activists and philanthropists hold the top ranks in the recent Forbes' list of 'Most Powerful Women'. (Photo credit: AP/Reuters)
1. Angela Merkel: Chancellor of Germany and Chairwoman of the Christian Democratic Union.
2. Hillary Clinton: United States Secretary of State.
3. Dilma Rousseff: President of Brazil
4. Melinda Gates: Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
5. Jill Abramson: Executive editor of The New York Times.
6. Sonia Gandhi: UPA Chairperson.
7. Michelle Obama: First African-American First Lady of the United States.
8. Christine Lagarde: Managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
9. Janet Napolitano: US Homeland Security Secretary.
10. Sheryl Sandberg: Facebook's chief operating officer.
11. Oprah Winfrey: An American media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist.
12. Indra Nooyi: Chief executive officer of PepsiCo.