Jacinda Ardern named among world's most powerful women

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has made Forbes' list of 100 most powerful women for 2018. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been named the 29th most powerful women in the world by Forbes magazine.

"New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern continues to be a fresh voice, advocating for families and normalising working parenthood by bringing her daughter and stay-at-home partner to the UN General Assembly," Forbes said in the release of its annual list.

Ardern is one spot higher than Australia's richest citizen Gina Rinehart, and above some big names such as Beyonce, at number 50, and Taylor Swift, at number 68. Queen Elizabeth is just spots above her at number 23.

Also featured on the list at number 91 is Ana Brnabic, the first female and first openly gay Prime Minister of Serbia, and Zewde Sahle-Work at number 97, the first female president of Ethiopia.

Last year Forbes named Ardern the 13th most powerful woman in global politics.

Ardern said at the time that she was "flattered" to be included on the list, which was released a week after she became Prime Minister.

"I definitely don't think it's going to change the expectation that I still unload the dishwasher at home," she said at the time.

"It does reflect there is a need for us to have more women in politics and positions of influence and power globally. I'm certainly flattered at being included in the list, but I'd like to see a lot more women in contention."

In releasing this year's list of 100 most powerful women, Forbes said: "At no time has more light been shone on women leaders and the need for more diversity. From #MeToo to #TimesUp to 'We Too', a term most recently used to describe the rise of women's voices in the United Nations this year, women are mobilising for change.

"The women on Forbes 15th annual Most Powerful Women list are among the toughest, smartest leaders the world has today. They are creating solutions for some of the world's biggest problems and making their mark."

The top 10

1: Angela Merkel, Politics
2: Theresa May, Politics
3: Christine Lagarde, Economy
4: Mary Barra, Automotive
5: Abigail Johnson, Finance and Investments
6: Melinda Gates, Philanthropy/NGO
7: Susan Wojcicki, Technology
8: Ana Patricia Botín, Finance and Investments
9: Marillyn Hewson, Manufacturing
10: Ginni Rometty, Enterprise Technology